AG-63PX-S-08-0001 Solicitation.doc

OMB APPROVAL NO. 2700-0042

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

1. SOLICITATION NO.

AG-63PX-S-08-0001

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

X SEALED BID (IFB)

FORMCHECKBOX

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

3. DATE ISSUED

04/22/2008

PAGE OF PAGES

IMPORTANT - The “offer” section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

4. CONTRACT NO.

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

155905

6. PROJECT NO.

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

USDA – FOREST SERVICE

Northern Research Station

1992 Folwell Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55108 Same as block #7

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL or EMAIL

A. NAME

Carol A. Hulstrom chulstrom@fs.fed.us B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS) 651-649-5201

SOLICITATION

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations “offer” and “offeror” mean “bid” and “bidder.”

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying no., date):

CONSTRUCTION OF HOUGHTON MESOCOSM (Underground Research Structure), USDA - FOREST SERVICE, NORTHERN RESEARCH STATION, FORESTRY SCIENCES LABORATORY, HOUGHTON, MICHIGAN

The Government's estimate is between: $500,000 and $1,000,000 Notice of Total HUBZone Set-Aside

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within 20 calendar days and complete it within 180 calendar days after receiving

FORMCHECKBOX

award, x notice to proceed. This performance period is x mandatory, FORMCHECKBOX negotiable. (See .)

12A. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If “YES,” indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

x YES

FORMCHECKBOX

NO

12B. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

A.

Sealed offers in original and 0 copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by 9:00 a.m. (CDT) local time 05/28/2008. If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror’s name and address, the solicitation number, and the date and time offers are due.

B.

An offer guarantee x is, FORMCHECKBOX is not required.

C.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

D.

Offers providing less than 90 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

NSN 7540-01-155-3212

1442-101

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 4-85)

Computer Generated

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.236-1(e)

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Include ZIP Code)

15. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17.

The offeror agrees to perform the work at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of this solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government within calendar days after the date offers are due. (Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13D. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13D.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each

20A. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print)

20B. SIGNATURE

20C. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

FORMCHECKBOX

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( )

FORMCHECKBOX

41 U.S.C. 253(c)( )

26. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

FORMCHECKBOX

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT (Contractor is required to sign this document and return ____ copies to issuing office.) Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work, requisitions identified on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration slated in this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications or incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

FORMCHECKBOX

29. AWARD (Contractor is not required to sign this document.) Your offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further contractual document is necessary.

30A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (Type or print) 31A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

30B. SIGNATURE

30C. DATE

31B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY

31C. AWARD DATE

Computer Generated

STANDARD FORM 1442 BACK (REV. 4-85)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page(s)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

1-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

N/A

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

N/A

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

N/A

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

12-27

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS

31-34

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

35-38

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

N/A

(Next Page 5)

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

BASE BID

ADDITIVE ALTERNATES

Government’s Right to Exercise Any Additive Alternates Expires 180 days After Date of Award.

(Next Page 7) AGAR 452.237-71 Pre-Bid/ Pre-Proposal Conference (FEB (1988)

(a) The Government is planning a pre-bid/pre-proposal conference, during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the work required.

(b) Offerors are encouraged to submit all questions in writing at least five (5) days prior to the conference. Questions will be considered at any time prior to or during the conference; however, offerors will be asked to confirm verbal questions in writing. Subsequent to the conference, an amendment to the solicitation containing an abstract of the questions and answers, and a list of attendees, will be disseminated.

(c) In order to facilitate conference preparations, it is requested that the person named on the Standard Form 1442 of this solicitation be contacted and advised of the number of persons who will attend.

(d) The Government assumes no responsibility for any expense incurred by an offeror prior to contract award.

(e) Offerors are cautioned that, notwithstanding any remarks or clarifications given at the conference, all terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged unless they are changed by amendment to the solicitation. If the answers to conference questions, or any solicitation amendment, create ambiguities, it is the responsibility of the offeror to seek clarification prior to submitting an offer.

(f) The conferences will be held at the following locations for the corresponding line items listed in the Schedule of Items:

Date:

May 13, 2008

Time:

11:00 a.m. EST Contact: Rick Sindt (651-649-5120) email: rsindt@fs.fed.us

Location:

Forestry Sciences Laboratory

410 MacInnes Drive

Houghton, MI 49931 Reference Section J - Specifications & Drawings (in full sets only) are available from:

Albinson Reprographics

1401 Glenwood Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55405-1295

Phone: 612-374-1120

Toll Free: 800-328-7154 Fax: 612-374-1129 Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (CDT) Request: US Forest Service, Houghton Mesocosm Project AG-63PX-S-08-0001 (Next Page 9)

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

Scope of Contract

The work shall include all labor, materials, and equipment required to complete new construction of a Mesocosm at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Houghton, Michigan, as indicated or reasonably inferable on the drawings and as specified herein. The intent of the contract is to provide a fully functional project with all systems fully operable and functioning as intended for a Houghton Mesocosm Research Underground Facility.

Project Location

Project is located at: Forest Scientists Laboratory, 410 MacInnes Drive, Houghton, Michigan.

AGAR 452.211-72 Statements Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988) The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

AGAR 452.211-73 Attachments To Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988) The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

FAR 52.211-10 Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work (APR 1984) The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than 180 days after the date the contractor receives the notice to proceed. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

FAR 52.236-4 Physical Data (APR 1984) Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the Contractor's information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor. (a) The indications of physical conditions on the drawings and in the specifications are the result of site investigations by: auger rock probes, test pits and penetration borings.

PART II--CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I--CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at these addresses: www.arnet.gov/far/ or www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.202-1 Definitions (JUL 2004)

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees (APR 1984)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006)

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (JUL 1995)

52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (SEP 2007)

52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double- Sided on Recycled Paper (AUG 2000)

52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (JUL 2006)

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (SEP 2007)

52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest when Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (SEP 2006)

52.211-18 Variation in Estimated Quantity (APR 1984)

52.214-26 Audit and Records – Sealed Bidding (OCT 1997) 52.219-3 Notice of Total HUBZone Set-Aside (JAN 1999)

52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (MAY 2004) 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontract Plan (SEP 2006) – Alt I (OCT 2001)

52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (DEC 1996)

52.219-16 Liquidated Damages --Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999) 52.219-25 Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program -- Disadvantaged Status and Reporting (OCT 1999)

52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003)

52.222-4 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act -- Overtime Compensation

(SEP 2000)

52.222-5 Davis-Bacon Act—Secondary Site of the Work (Jul 2005) 52.222-6 Davis-Bacon Act (FEB 1995)

52.222-7 Withholding of Funds (FEB 1988)

52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records (FEB 1988)

52.222-9 Apprentices and Trainees (FEB 1988)

52.222-10 Compliance with Copeland Act Requirements (FEB 1988)

52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) (FEB 1988) 52.222-12 Contract Termination - Debarment (FEB 1988)

52.222-13 Compliance with Davis-Bacon and Related Act Regulations (FEB 1988)

52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (FEB 1988)

52.222-15 Certification of Eligibility (FEB 1988)

52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999)

52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (APR 2002)

52.222-27 Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction (FEB 1999)

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and other Eligible Veterans (DEC 2001)

52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998)

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and other Eligible Veterans (DEC 2001) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons. Aug 2007) 52.223-5 Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (AUG 1996)

52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (MAY 2001) 52.223-14 Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (AUG 2003)

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (DEC 2003)

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (JUL 1995)

52.227-4 Patent Indemnity -- Construction Contracts (APR 1984)

52.228-2 Additional Bond Security (OCT 1997)

52.228-11 Pledges of Assets (FEB 1992)

52.228-12 Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds (OCT 1995)

52.228-14 Irrevocable Letter of Credit (DEC 1999)

52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction (JUL 2000)

52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes (APR 2003)

52.232-5 Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (SEP 2002)

52.232-17 Interest (JUN 1996)

52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986)

52.232-27 Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts (OCT 2003)

52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003)

52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996)

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)

52.236-5 Material and Workmanship (APR 1984)

52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities (NOV 1991)

52.236-8 Other Contracts (APR 1984) 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements (APR 1984)

52.236-10 Operations and Storage Areas (APR 1984)

52.236-11 Use and Possession Prior to Completion (APR 1984)

52.236-12 Cleaning Up (APR 1984)

52.236-13 Accident Prevention (NOV 1991)

52.236-14 Availability and Use of Utility Services (APR 1984) 52.236-16 Quantity Surveys Alt I (APR 1984)

52.236-17 Layout of Work (APR 1984)

52.236-26 Preconstruction Conference (FEB 1995)

52.242-13 Bankruptcy (JUL 1995)

52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Items (DEC 2004)

52.245-1 Property Records (APR 1984) 52.246-21 Warranty of Construction (MAR 1994) 52.248-3 Value Engineering -- Construction (FEB 2000)

52.249-2 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) (MAY 2004)

52.249-10 Default (Fixed-Price Construction) (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 4) CLAUSES

452.232-70 Reimbursement for Bond Premiums – Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (NOV 1996)

452.236-71 Prohibition Against the Use of Lead-Paint (NOV 1996)

452.236-72 Use of Premises (NOV 1996)

452.236-73 Archeological or Historic Sites (FEB 1988)

452.236-74 Control of Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution (NOV 1996)

452.236-76 Samples and Certificates (FEB 1988)

452.236-77 Emergency Response (NOV 1996)

52.223-13 Certification of Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (Aug 2003)

(a) Executive Order 13148, of April 21, 2000, Greening the Government through Leadership in Environmental Management, requires submission of this certification as a prerequisite for contract award.

(b) By signing this offer, the offeror certifies that—

(1) As the owner or operator of facilities that will be used in the performance of this contract that are subject to the filing and reporting requirements described in section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) (42 U.S.C. 11023) and section 6607 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) (42 U.S.C. 13106), the offeror will file and continue to file for such facilities for the life of the contract the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Form (Form R) as described in sections 313(a) and (g) of EPCRA and section 6607 of PPA; or

(2) None of its owned or operated facilities to be used in the performance of this contract is subject to the Form R filing and reporting requirements because each such facility is exempt for at least one of the following reasons: [Check each block that is applicable.]

[ ] (i) The facility does not manufacture, process, or otherwise use any toxic chemicals listed in 40 CFR 372.65;

[ ] (ii) The facility does not have 10 or more full-time employees as specified in section 313(b)(1)(A) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023(b)(1)(A);

[ ] (iii) The facility does not meet the reporting thresholds of toxic chemicals established under section 313(f) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023(f) (including the alternate thresholds at 40 CFR 372.27, provided an appropriate certification form has been filed with EPA);

[ ] (iv) The facility does not fall within the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes or their corresponding North American Industry Classification System sectors:

(A) Major group code 10 (except 1011, 1081, and 1094.

(B) Major group code 12 (except 1241).

(C) Major group codes 20 through 39.

(D) Industry code 4911, 4931, or 4939 (limited to facilities that combust coal and/or oil for the purpose of generating power for distribution in commerce).

(E) Industry code 4953 (limited to facilities regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Subtitle C (42 U.S.C. 6921, et seq.), or 5169, or 5171, or 7389 (limited to facilities primarily engaged in solvent recovery services on a contract or fee basis); or

[ ] (v) The facility is not located in the United States or its outlying areas..

52.222-39 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF UNION DUES OR FEES (DEC 2004)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause-

"United States" means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, during the term of this contract, the Contractor shall post a notice, in the form of a poster, informing employees of their rights concerning union membership and payment of union dues and fees, in conspicuous places in and about all its plants and offices, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted. The notice shall include the following information (except that the information pertaining to National Labor Relations Board shall not be included in notices posted in the plants or offices of carriers subject to the Railway Labor Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 151-188)).

Notice to Employees

Under Federal law, employees cannot be required to join a union or maintain membership in a union in order to retain their jobs. Under certain conditions, the law permits a union and an employer to enter into a union-security agreement requiring employees to pay uniform periodic dues and initiation fees. However, employees who are not union members can object to the use of their payments for certain purposes and can only be required to pay their share of union costs relating to collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment.

If you do not want to pay that portion of dues or fees used to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you are entitled to an appropriate reduction in your payment. If you believe that you have been required to pay dues or fees used in part to support activities not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment, you may be entitled to a refund and to an appropriate reduction in future payments.

For further information concerning your rights, you may wish to contact the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) either at one of its Regional offices or at the following address or toll free number:

National Labor Relations Board Division of Information 1099 14th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20570 1-866-667-6572

1-866-316-6572 (TTY)

To locate the nearest NLRB office, see NLRB's website at http://www.nlrb.gov.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13201 of February 17, 2001, and related implementing regulations at 29 CFR part 470, and orders of the Secretary of Labor.

(d) In the event that the Contractor does not comply with any of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), or (g), the Secretary may direct that this contract be cancelled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and declare the Contractor ineligible for further Government contracts in accordance with procedures at 29 CFR part 470, Subpart B-Compliance Evaluations, Complaint Investigations and Enforcement Procedures. Such other sanctions or remedies may be imposed as are provided by 29 CFR part 470, which implements Executive Order 13201, or as are otherwise provided by law.

(e) The requirement to post the employee notice in paragraph (b) does not apply to-

(1) Contractors and subcontractors that employ fewer than 15 persons;

(2) Contractor establishments or construction work sites where no union has been formally recognized by the Contractor or certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Contractor's employees;

(3) Contractor establishments or construction work sites located in a jurisdiction named in the definition of the United States in which the law of that jurisdiction forbids enforcement of union-security agreements;

(4) Contractor facilities where upon the written request of the Contractor, the Department of Labor Deputy Assistant Secretary for Labor-Management Programs has waived the posting requirements with respect to any of the Contractor's facilities if the Deputy Assistant Secretary finds that the Contractor has demonstrated that-

(i) The facility is in all respects separate and distinct from activities of the Contractor related to the performance of a contract; and

(ii) Such a waiver will not interfere with or impede the effectuation of the Executive order; or

(5) Work outside the United States that does not involve the recruitment or employment of workers within the United States.

(f) The Department of Labor publishes the official employee notice in two variations; one for contractors covered by the Railway Labor Act and a second for all other contractors. The Contractor shall-

(1) Obtain the required employee notice poster from the Division of Interpretations and Standards, Office of Labor-Management Standards, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-5605, Washington, DC 20210, or from any field office of the Department's Office of Labor-Management Standards or Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs;

(2) Download a copy of the poster from the Office of Labor-Management Standards website at http://www.olms.dol.gov; or

(3) Reproduce and use exact duplicate copies of the Department of Labor's official poster.

(g) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause in every subcontract or purchase order that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, entered into in connection with this contract, unless exempted by the Department of Labor Deputy Assistant Secretary for Labor-Management Programs on account of special circumstances in the national interest under authority of 29 CFR 470.3(c). For indefinite quantity subcontracts, the Contractor shall include the substance of this clause if the value of orders in any calendar year of the subcontract is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Pursuant to 29 CFR part 470, Subpart B-Compliance Evaluations, Complaint Investigations and Enforcement Procedures, the Secretary of Labor may direct the Contractor to take such action in the enforcement of these regulations, including the imposition of sanctions for noncompliance with respect to any such subcontract or purchase order. If the Contractor becomes involved in litigation with a subcontractor or vendor, or is threatened with such involvement, as a result of such direction, the Contractor may request the United States, through the Secretary of Labor, to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United States.

52.225-9 Buy American Act-Construction Materials (Jan 2005)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

"Component" means an article, material, or supply incorporated directly into a construction material.

"Construction material" means an article, material, or supply brought to the construction site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the building or work. The term also includes an item brought to the site preassembled from articles, materials, or supplies. However, emergency life safety systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarm, and audio evacuation systems, that are discrete systems incorporated into a public building or work and that are produced as complete systems, are evaluated as a single and distinct construction material regardless of when or how the individual parts or components of those systems are delivered to the construction site. Materials purchased directly by the Government are supplies, not construction material.

"Cost of components" means—

(1) For components purchased by the Contractor, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the construction material (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or

(2) For components manufactured by the Contractor, all costs associated with the manufacture of the component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (1) of this definition, plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the construction material.

"Domestic construction material" means—

(1) An unmanufactured construction material mined or produced in the United States; or

(2) A construction material manufactured in the United States, if the cost of its components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 50 percent of the cost of all its components. Components of foreign origin of the same class or kind for which nonavailability determinations have been made are treated as domestic.

"Foreign construction material" means a construction material other than a domestic construction material.

"United States" means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.

(b) Domestic preference.

(1) This clause implements the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d) by providing a preference for domestic construction material. The Contractor shall use only domestic construction material in performing this contract, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this clause.

(2) This requirement does not apply to the construction material or components listed by the Government as follows: None

(3) The Contracting Officer may add other foreign construction material to the list in paragraph (b)(2) of this clause if the Government determines that

(i) The cost of domestic construction material would be unreasonable. The cost of a particular domestic construction material subject to the requirements of the Buy American Act is unreasonable when the cost of such material exceeds the cost of foreign material by more than 6 percent;

(ii) The application of the restriction of the Buy American Act to a particular construction material would be impracticable or inconsistent with the public interest; or

(iii) The construction material is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality.

(a) Request for determination of inapplicability of the Buy American Act.

(1)

(i) Any Contractor request to use foreign construction material in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this clause shall include adequate information for Government evaluation of the request, including—

(A) A description of the foreign and domestic construction materials;

(B) Unit of measure;

(C) Quantity;

(D) Price;

(E) Time of delivery or availability;

(F) Location of the construction project;

(G) Name and address of the proposed supplier; and

(H) A detailed justification of the reason for use of foreign construction materials cited in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this clause.

(ii) A request based on unreasonable cost shall include a reasonable survey of the market and a completed price comparison table in the format in paragraph (d) of this clause.

(iii) The price of construction material shall include all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free certificate may be issued).

(iv) Any Contractor request for a determination submitted after contract award shall explain why the Contractor could not reasonably foresee the need for such determination and could not have requested the determination before contract award. If the Contractor does not submit a satisfactory explanation, the Contracting Officer need not make a determination.

(2) If the Government determines after contract award that an exception to the Buy American Act applies and the Contracting Officer and the Contractor negotiate adequate consideration, the Contracting Officer will modify the contract to allow use of the foreign construction material. However, when the basis for the exception is the unreasonable price of a domestic construction material, adequate consideration is not less than the differential established in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this clause.

(3) Unless the Government determines that an exception to the Buy American Act applies, use of foreign construction material is noncompliant with the Buy American Act.

(d) Data. To permit evaluation of requests under paragraph (c) of this clause based on unreasonable cost, the Contractor shall include the following information and any applicable supporting data based on the survey of suppliers:

Foreign and Domestic Construction Materials Price Comparison

Item 1

Foreign construction material

Domestic construction material

Item 2

Foreign construction material

Domestic construction material

[List name, address, telephone number, and contact for suppliers surveyed. Include other applicable supporting information, *and all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued).] 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee (SEP 1996)

(a) Failure to furnish a bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, may be cause for rejection of the bid.

(b) The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the form of a firm commitment, e.g., bid bond supported by good and sufficient surety or sureties acceptable to the Government, postal money order, certified check, cashier's check, irrevocable letter of credit, or, under Treasury Department regulations, certain bonds or notes of the United States. The Contracting Officer will return bid guarantees, other than bid bonds –

(1) To unsuccessful bidders as soon as practicable after the opening of bids, and (2) To the successful bidder upon execution of contractual documents and bonds (including any necessary coinsurance or reinsurance agreements), as required by the bid as accepted.

(c) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3 million, whichever is less.

(d) If the successful bidder, upon acceptance of its bid by the Government within the period specified for acceptance, fails to execute all contractual documents or furnish executed bond(s) within 10 days after receipt of the forms by the bidder, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract for default.

(e) In the event the contract is terminated for default, the bidder is liable for any cost of acquiring the work that exceeds the amount of its bid, and the bid guarantee is available to offset the difference.

52.233-1 Disputes. (Jul 2002)

(a) This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, as amended (41 U.S.C. 601-613).

(b) Except as provided in the Act, all disputes arising under or relating to this contract shall be resolved under this clause.

(c) “Claim,” as used in this clause, means a written demand or written assertion by one of the contracting parties seeking, as a matter of right, the payment of money in a sum certain, the adjustment or interpretation of contract terms, or other relief arising under or relating to this contract. However, a written demand or written assertion by the Contractor seeking the payment of money exceeding $100,000 is not a claim under the Act until certified. A voucher, invoice, or other routine request for payment that is not in dispute when submitted is not a claim under the Act. The submission may be converted to a claim under the Act, by complying with the submission and certification requirements of this clause, if it is disputed either as to liability or amount or is not acted upon in a reasonable time.

(d)(1) A claim by the Contractor shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated in this contract, submitted within 6 years after accrual of the claim to the Contracting Officer for a written decision. A claim by the Government against the Contractor shall be subject to a written decision by the Contracting Officer.

(2)(i) The Contractor shall provide the certification specified in paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this clause when submitting any claim exceeding $100,000.

(ii) The certification requirement does not apply to issues in controversy that have not been submitted as all or part of a claim.

(iii) The certification shall state as follows: “I certify that the claim is made in good faith; that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief; that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the Contractor believes the Government is liable; and that I am duly authorized to certify the claim on behalf of the Contractor.”

(3) The certification may be executed by any person duly authorized to bind the Contractor with respect to the claim.

(e) For Contractor claims of $100,000 or less, the Contracting Officer must, if requested in writing by the Contractor, render a decision within 60 days of the request. For Contractor-certified claims over $100,000, the Contracting Officer must, within 60 days, decide the claim or notify the Contractor of the date by which the decision will be made.

(f) The Contracting Officer’s decision shall be final unless the Contractor appeals or files a suit as provided in the Act.

(g) If the claim by the Contractor is submitted to the Contracting Officer or a claim by the Government is presented to the Contractor, the parties, by mutual consent, may agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If the Contractor refuses an offer for ADR, the Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer, in writing, of the Contractor’s specific reasons for rejecting the offer.

(h) The Government shall pay interest on the amount found due and unpaid from (1) the date that the Contracting Officer receives the claim (certified, if required); or (2) the date that payment otherwise would be due, if that date is later, until the date of payment. With regard to claims having defective certifications, as defined in FAR 33.201, interest shall be paid from the date that the Contracting Officer initially receives the claim. Simple interest on claims shall be paid at the rate, fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in the Act, which is applicable to the period during which the Contracting Officer receives the claim and then at the rate applicable for each 6-month period as fixed by the Treasury Secretary during the pendency of the claim.

(i) The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action arising under the contract, and comply with any decision of the Contracting Officer.

52.236-1 Performance of Work Clause (Apr 1984) The Contractor shall perform on the site, and with its own organization, work equivalent to at least 15 percent of the total amount of work to be performed under the contract. This percentage may be reduced by a supplemental agreement to this contract if, during performing the work, the Contractor requests a reduction and the Contracting Officer determines that the reduction would be to the advantage of the Government.

52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions. (APR 1984)

(a) The Contractor shall promptly, and before the conditions are disturbed, give a written notice to the Contracting Officer of—

(1) Subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site which differ materially from those indicated in this contract; or

(2) Unknown physical conditions at the site, of an unusual nature, which differ materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inhering in work of the character provided for in the contract.

(b) The Contracting Officer shall investigate the site conditions promptly after receiving the notice. If the conditions do materially so differ and cause an increase or decrease in the Contractor’s cost of, or the time required for, performing any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed as a result of the conditions, an equitable adjustment shall be made under this clause and the contract modified in writing accordingly.

(c) No request by the Contractor for an equitable adjustment to the contract under this clause shall be allowed, unless the Contractor has given the written notice required; provided, that the time prescribed in paragraph (a) of this clause for giving written notice may be extended by the Contracting Officer.

(d) No request by the Contractor for an equitable adjustment to the contract for differing site conditions shall be allowed if made after final payment under this contract.

52.236-3 Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work. (APR 1984)

(a) The Contractor acknowledges that it has taken steps reasonably necessary to ascertain the nature and location of the work, and that it has investigated and satisfied itself as to the general and local conditions which can affect the work or its cost, including but not limited to (1) conditions bearing upon transportation, disposal, handling, and storage of materials; (2) the availability of labor, water, electric power, and roads; (3) uncertainties of weather, river stages, tides, or similar physical conditions at the site; (4) the conformation and conditions of the ground; and (5) the character of equipment and facilities needed preliminary to and during work performance. The Contractor also acknowledges that it has satisfied itself as to the character, quality, and quantity of surface and subsurface materials or obstacles to be encountered insofar as this information is reasonably ascertainable from an inspection of the site, including all exploratory work done by the Government, as well as from the drawings and specifications made a part of this contract. Any failure of the Contractor to take the actions described and acknowledged in this paragraph will not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty and cost of successfully performing the work, or for proceeding to successfully perform the work without additional expense to the Government.

(b) The Government assumes no responsibility for any conclusions or interpretations made by the Contractor based on the information made available by the Government. Nor does the Government assume responsibility for any understanding reached or representation made concerning conditions which can affect the work by any of its officers or agents before the execution of this contract, unless that understanding or representation is expressly stated in this contract.

52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor. (APR 1984) At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.

52.236-15 Schedules for Construction Contracts. (APR 1984)

(a) The Contractor shall, within five days after the work commences on the contract or another period of time determined by the Contracting Officer, prepare and submit to the Contracting Officer for approval three copies of a practicable schedule showing the order in which the Contractor proposes to perform the work, and the dates on which the Contractor contemplates starting and completing the several salient features of the work (including acquiring materials, plant, and equipment). The schedule shall be in the form of a progress chart of suitable scale to indicate appropriately the percentage of work scheduled for completion by any given date during the period. If the Contractor fails to submit a schedule within the time prescribed, the Contracting Officer may withhold approval of progress payments until the Contractor submits the required schedule.

(b) The Contractor shall enter the actual progress on the chart as directed by the Contracting Officer, and upon doing so shall immediately deliver three copies of the annotated schedule to the Contracting Officer. If, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor falls behind the approved schedule, the Contractor shall take steps necessary to improve its progress, including those that may be required by the Contracting Officer, without additional cost to the Government. In this circumstance, the Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to increase the number of shifts, overtime operations, days of work, and/or the amount of construction plant, and to submit for approval any supplementary schedule or schedules in chart form as the Contracting Officer deems necessary to demonstrate how the approved rate of progress will be regained.

(c) Failure of the Contractor to comply with the requirements of the Contracting Officer under this clause shall be grounds for a determination by the Contracting Officer that the Contractor is not prosecuting the work with sufficient diligence to ensure completion within the time specified in the contract. Upon making this determination, the Contracting Officer may terminate the Contractor’s right to proceed with the work, or any separable part of it, in accordance with the default terms of this contract.

52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction. (FEB 1997)

(a) The Contractor shall keep on the work site a copy of the drawings and specifications and shall at all times give the Contracting Officer access thereto. Anything mentioned in the specifications and not shown on the drawings, or shown on the drawings and not mentioned in the specifications, shall be of like effect as if shown or mentioned in both. In case of difference between drawings and specifications, the specifications shall govern. In case of discrepancy in the figures, in the drawings, or in the specifications, the matter shall be promptly submitted to the Contracting Officer, who shall promptly make a determination in writing. Any adjustment by the Contractor without such a determination shall be at its own risk and expense. The Contracting Officer shall furnish from time to time such detailed drawings and other information as considered necessary, unless otherwise provided.

(b) Wherever in the specifications or upon the drawings the words “directed,” “required,” “ordered,” “designated,” “prescribed,” or words of like import are used, it shall be understood that the “direction,” “requirement,” “order,” “designation,” or “prescription,” of the Contracting Officer is intended and similarly the words “approved,” “acceptable,” “satisfactory,” or words of like import shall mean “approved by,” or “acceptable to,” or “satisfactory to” the Contracting Officer, unless otherwise expressly stated.

(c) Where “as shown,” “as indicated,” “as detailed,” or words of similar import are used, it shall be understood that the reference is made to the drawings accompanying this contract unless stated otherwise. The word “provided” as used herein shall be understood to mean “provide complete in place,” that is “furnished and installed.”

(d) Shop drawings means drawings, submitted to the Government by the Contractor, subcontractor, or any lower tier subcontractor pursuant to a construction contract, showing in detail (1) the proposed fabrication and assembly of structural elements, and (2) the installation (i.e., fit, and attachment details) of materials or equipment. It includes drawings, diagrams, layouts, schematics, descriptive literature, illustrations, schedules, performance and test data, and similar materials furnished by the contractor to explain in detail specific portions of the work required by the contract. The Government may duplicate, use, and disclose in any manner and for any purpose shop drawings delivered under this contract.

(e) If this contract requires shop drawings, the Contractor shall coordinate all such drawings, and review them for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements and shall indicate its approval thereon as evidence of such coordination and review. Shop drawings submitted to the Contracting Officer without evidence of the Contractor’s approval may be returned for resubmission. The Contracting Officer will indicate an approval or disapproval of the shop drawings and if not approved as submitted shall indicate the Government’s reasons therefor. Any work done before such approval shall be at the Contractor’s risk. Approval by the Contracting Officer shall not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for any errors or omissions in such drawings, nor from responsibility for complying with the requirements of this contract, except with respect to variations described and approved in accordance with (f) of this clause.

(f) If shop drawings show variations from the contract requirements, the Contractor shall describe such variations in writing, separate from the drawings, at the time of submission. If the Contracting Officer approves any such variation, the Contracting Officer shall issue an appropriate contract modification, except that, if the variation is minor or does not involve a change in price or in time of performance, a modification need not be issued.

(g) The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer for approval four copies (unless otherwise indicated) of all shop drawings as called for under the various headings of these specifications. Three sets (unless otherwise indicated) of all shop drawings, will be retained by the Contracting Officer and one set will be returned to the Contractor.

52.243-4 Changes. (AUG 1987)

(a) The Contracting Officer may, at any time, without notice to the sureties, if any, by written order designated or indicated to be a change order, make changes in the work within the general scope of the contract, including changes—

(1) In the specifications (including drawings and designs);

(2) In the method or manner of performance of the work;

(3) In the Government-furnished facilities, equipment, materials, services, or site; or

(4) Directing acceleration in the performance of the work.

(b) Any other written or oral order (which, as used in this paragraph (b), includes direction, instruction, interpretation, or determination) from the Contracting Officer that causes a change shall be treated as a change order under this clause; Provided, that the Contractor gives the Contracting Officer written notice stating—

(1) The date, circumstances, and source of the order; and

(2) That the Contractor regards the order as a change order.

(c) Except as provided in this clause, no order, statement, or conduct of the Contracting Officer shall be treated as a change under this clause or entitle the Contractor to an equitable adjustment.

(d) If any change under this clause causes an increase or decrease in the Contractor’s cost of, or the time required for, the performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by any such order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment and modify the contract in writing. However, except for an adjustment based on defective specifications, no adjustment for any change under paragraph (b) of this clause shall be made for any costs incurred more than 20 days before the Contractor gives written notice as required.