Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions- Davidson River Campground Brevard Sewer Project.docx

Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number:

Davidson River Campground Brevard Sewer 12445226Q0005 Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 12445226Q0005 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to replace the existing Schenck Job Corps pump station and existing force main to connect The Davidson River Campground and Pisgah Ranger District facilities north of US 276 to the City of Brevard Wastewater Collection System.

Performance & Payment Bonds (FAR 52.228-15) s: Both required 100% of original contract award price. Due 5 days after an award. Irrevocable letter or credit or Payment Bond form SF-25A & Performance Bond Form SF-25 are allowed per FAR 52.228-13.

Disclosure of the Magnitude of Construction Projects: The Magnitude of this project is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 237110. The small business size standard is $45 million. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

See “Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions- Davidson River Campground Brevard Sewer Project” for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

Statement of Requirement This project will replace the existing Schenck Job Corps pump station and existing force main to connect The Davidson River Campground and Pisgah Ranger District facilities north of US 276 to the City of Brevard Wastewater Collection System. This infrastructure is failing and incurring significant sewer surcharges to the Forest Service as well as contributing to Sanitary Sewer Overflows. Further details are located in the following attachments:

Attachment 2- 2025 DRCG Brevard Sewer Tech Specs Attachment 3- Supp Spec Station 01400 Measurement & Payment Attachment 4- 2025 DRCG Brevard Sewer_FinalPlans Signed Reduced Size.

Definitization of Equitable Adjustments for Change Orders - 436.101-4 Advance Notices and Solicitations

(b) Solicitation notices posted for construction contracts must include a statement that, “Pursuant to FAR 36.101-4(b), information regarding USDA’s definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found at FAR 36.211 | USDA. USDA’s procedures that apply to the definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found in 443.304 -70

Technical data and supporting documentation associated with this solicitation are available through the following sources:

Solicitation Attachments The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the SAM.gov posting.

· Attachment 2- DRCG Brevard Sewer Tech Specs

· Attachment 3- Supp Spec Station 01400 Measurement & Payment

· Attachment 4- DRCG Brevard Sewer_FinalPlans Signed Reduced Size

· Attachment 5- DRCG Brevard Sewer SOI

· Attachment 6- Davis Bacon Wage Determination

· Attachment 7- Site Visit Information- Davidson River

· Attachment 8- DRCG Brevard Sewer Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) Template

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation 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 the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

This is a commercial construction acquisition. FAR 52.212-4 is amended as follows:

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. Inspection and Acceptance will be conducted in accordance with FAR 52.246-12, Inspection of Construction (Aug 1996).

(o) FAR 52.246-21, Warranty of Construction is applicable to this contract.

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9.

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35 ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36

☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9

☐ Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3 ☐ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☐ 52.225-3 Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.240-92

☐ Alternate I (Apr 2023) of 52.247-64.

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64

The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction.

The following clauses are applicable when checked:

AGAR Clauses

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.232-71 Progress Payments for Commercial Construction Contracts (Dec 2025)

(a) Contractor entitlement to progress payments. The Contractor may request progress payments monthly as the work proceeds, or at more frequent intervals as determined by the Contracting Officer, on estimates of work accomplished that meets the standards of quality established under the contract, as approved by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Computation of amounts. Progress payments will be authorized when the payment requested is properly due in accordance with this contract; the work will be performed in accordance with the contract; and there has been no impairment or diminution of the Government’s security under this contract. The Contracting Officer may authorize consideration of:

Materials delivered on site and preparatory work;

Materials delivered to the Contractor at locations other than the site, if:

Specifically authorized by the contract; and The Contractor provides satisfactory evidence of title and intended use in the contract.

(c) Contractor request for progress payments. The Contractor’s request for progress payments shall include the following:

1. An itemization of the amounts requested, related to the various elements of work required by the contract;

A listing of the amount included for work performed by each subcontractor;

A listing of the total amount of each subcontract;

A listing of the amounts previously paid to each subcontractor; and Additional supporting data in a form and detail required by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Contractor Certification. Each request for progress payment shall be accompanied by the following certification:

I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that—

1. The amounts requested are only for performance in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract;

1. All payments due to subcontractors and suppliers from previous payments received under the contract have been made, and timely payments will be made from the proceeds of the payment covered by this certification, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of Chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code;

1. This request for progress payments does not include any amounts which the prime contractor intends to withhold or retain from a subcontractor or supplier in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcontract; and

1. This certification is not to be construed as final acceptance of a subcontractor’s performance.

________________________________________________(name) ________________________________________________(title) ________________________________________________(date)

(e) Access for verification of payment entitlement. To verify the Contractor’s entitlement to progress payments under this contract, the Contractor shall provide the Government, upon request and during normal business hours, access to the following:

1. Records and Documentation:

1. Certified progress payment requests and supporting documentation;

1. Subcontractor and supplier invoices, payment records, and lien waivers;

1. Updated schedule of values and progress schedules;

1. Quality assurance and inspection reports;

1. Payroll records, if applicable under labor provisions.

Facilities and Worksite Access:

1. Physical access to the construction site for inspection of work progress;

1. Access to off-site storage locations for materials billed but not yet incorporated into the work; or

1. Access to any fabrication facilities where contract-related work is being performed.

Access to electronic invoicing or project management systems used to track progress and payments, if such systems are used in contract performance.

(f) Dates for payment. A progress payment under this clause is a contract progress payment under the Prompt Payment clause of this contract, and except as provided in paragraph (g) of this clause, approved requests shall be paid within 30 days of submittal of a proper request for payment.

(g) Liquidation of progress payments. Progress payments shall be liquidated by deducting from the payment of each item the total unliquidated amount of progress payments made for that separately priced unit of that line item. The liquidation amounts for each line item shall be clearly delineated in each request for progress payment submitted by the Contractor.

(h) Security for progress payments. In the event the Contractor fails to provide adequate security as required in this contract, no progress payment shall be made under this contract. Upon receipt of adequate security, progress payments shall be made, including all previous payments to which the Contractor is entitled, in accordance with the terms of the contract. If at any time the Contracting Officer determines that the security provided by the Contractor is insufficient, the Contractor shall promptly provide such additional security as the Contracting Officer determines necessary. In the event the Contractor fails to provide such additional security, the Contracting Officer may collect or liquidate such security that has been provided, and suspend further payments to the Contractor; the Contractor shall repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments as the Contracting Officer at his sole discretion deems repayable.

(i) Special terms regarding termination for cause. If this contract is terminated for cause, the Contractor shall, on demand, repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments. The Government shall be liable for no payment except as provided by the Termination for Cause paragraph of the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(j) Reservation of rights.

1. No payment, vesting of title under this clause, or other action taken by the Government under this clause shall-

1. Excuse the Contractor from performance of obligations under this contract; or

1. Constitute a waiver of any of the rights or remedies of the parties under the contract.

The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

1. Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

1. Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(k) Refund of unearned amounts. If the Contractor, after making a certified request for progress payments, discovers that a portion or all of such request constitutes a payment for performance by the Contractor that fails to conform to the specifications, terms, and conditions of this contract (hereinafter referred to as the "unearned amount"), the Contractor shall-

1. Notify the Contracting Officer of such performance deficiency; and

1. Be obligated to pay the Government an amount (computed by the Contracting Officer in the manner provided in paragraph (j) of this clause) equal to interest on the unearned amount from the 8th day after the date of receipt of the unearned amount until-

1. The date the Contractor notifies the Contracting Officer that the performance deficiency has been corrected; or

1. The date the Contractor reduces the amount of any subsequent certified request for progress payments by an amount equal to the unearned amount.

(l) Retainage. If the Contracting Officer finds that satisfactory progress was achieved during any period for which a progress payment is to be made, the Contracting Officer shall authorize payment to be made in full. However, if satisfactory progress has not been made, the Contracting Officer may retain a maximum of 10 percent of the amount of the payment until satisfactory progress is achieved. When the work is substantially complete, the Contracting Officer may retain from previously withheld funds and future progress payments that amount the Contracting Officer considers adequate for protection of the Government and shall release to the Contractor all the remaining withheld funds. Also, on completion and acceptance of each separate building, public work, or other division of the contract, for which the price is stated separately in the contract, payment shall be made for the completed work without retention of a percentage.

(m) Title, liability, and reservation of rights. All material and work covered by progress payments made shall, at the time of payment, become the sole property of the Government, but this shall not be construed as-

1. Relieving the Contractor from the sole responsibility for all material and work upon which payments have been made or the restoration of any damaged work; or

1. Waiving the right of the Government to require the fulfillment of all the terms of the contract.

1. The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

(i) Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

(ii) Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(n) Reimbursement for bond premiums. In making these progress payments, the Government shall, upon request, reimburse the Contractor for the amount of premiums paid for performance and payment bonds (including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements, when applicable) after the Contractor has furnished evidence of full payment to the surety. The retainage provisions in paragraph (l) of this clause shall not apply to that portion of progress payments attributable to bond premiums.

(o) Final payment. The Government shall pay the amount due the Contractor under this contract after-

1. Completion and acceptance of all work;

1. Presentation of a properly executed voucher; and

1. Presentation of release of all claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically excepted from the operation of the release. A release may also be required of the assignee if the Contractor’s claim to amounts payable under this contract has been assigned under the Assignment of Claims Act of1940 ( 31 U.S.C.3727 and 41 U.S.C. 6305).

(p) Limitation because of undefinitized work. Notwithstanding any provision of this contract, progress payments shall not exceed 80 percent on work accomplished on undefinitized contract actions. A "contract action" is any action resulting in a contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, including contract modifications for additional supplies or services, but not including contract modifications that are within the scope and under the terms of the contract, such as contract modifications issued pursuant to the Changes clause, or funding and other administrative changes.

(End of clause)

Other Requirements

FAR 28.307-2 Liability.

(a) Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability. Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers’ compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they must be covered under the employer’s liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a contractor’s commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer’s liability coverage of at least $100,000 must be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers’ compensation to be written by private carriers. (See 28.305(c) for treatment of contracts subject to the Defense Base Act.)

(b) General liability.(1) The contracting officer must require bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on the comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(2) Property damage liability insurance must be required only in special circumstances as determined by the agency.

(c) Automobile liability. The contracting officer must require automobile liability insurance written on the comprehensive form of policy. The policy must provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States must provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage. The amount of liability coverage on other policies must be commensurate with any legal requirements of the locality and sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

(d) Aircraft public and passenger liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the contracting officer must require aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage must be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger liability, and $200,000 per occurrence for property damage. Coverage for passenger liability bodily injury must be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

(e) Vessel liability. When contract performance involves use of vessels, the contracting officer must require, as determined by the agency, vessel collision liability and protection and indemnity liability insurance.

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance.

Technical Approach:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound, compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements.

All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

1. Three (3) relevant construction projects in which the Offeror was the Prime Contractor that best demonstrates the Offeror’s experience on relevant projects that are similar in size, scope, and complexity to the Request for Quote (RFQ).

1. For the purposes of this evaluation, relevant projects will include projects valued at $250,000 or more and contain water or wastewater utility work, with additional consideration given to projects that include use of trenchless installation techniques and pump station construction. Projects must have been completed or must be substantially complete within the past seven (7) years of the proposal due date for this RFQ. Substantially complete is defined as 75% complete by the date that proposals are due.

A project is defined as work performed under a single task order or contract. For multiple/single award and IDIQ type contracts, the contract as a whole shall not be submitted as a project; rather Offerors shall submit the work performed under a task order as a project.

Offerors shall provide any information on problems encountered and the corrective actions taken on projects. Offerors shall also address any adverse past performance issues.

For all submitted projects, the description of the project shall clearly describe the scope of work performed and the relevancy to the project requirements of this RFQ.

2. A brief narrative describing the overall approach for meeting the requirements stated in the scope of work, to include:

1. Overall sequence of major tasks, including identification of critical path and milestones, and demonstrating how the scope will be completed within the Period of Performance.

A demonstrated understanding of the trades, construction techniques, and project management required to complete the scope of work.

An explanation of the contractor’s process and criteria for the selection and management of Subcontractors (if applicable).

Anticipated contingencies/challenges/risks and strategies for resolving them.

List of key personnel and their proposed roles and responsibilities on this project.

Price:

All Offerors shall submit Attachment 5-DRCG Brevard Sewer SOI

The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Offerors shall only provide past performance information related to the three (3) relevant construction projects submitted in the Technical Approach. Past performance information may be submitted in one of three ways.

1. A completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 6- Past Performance Questionnaire)

2. A completed Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) Evaluation Report or a Construction Contractor Appraisal Support System (CCASS) Evaluation Report

3. A completed Past Performance Questionnaire from a previous from a previous proposal that is substantially equivalent to Attachment 8 – DRCG Brevard Sewer PPQ Template.

The Government may utilize the references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated, provided that:

Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest-priced offeror. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

Other Information - Include any other information as needed for the solicitation.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

General Instructions. Quotes submitted in response to this solicitation shall be furnished as specified below:

The quotes must include the following:

1. Acknowledgement of solicitation amendments (if any). This can be accomplished by submitting the signed SF-30(s).

Scanned copy of fully executed Bid Guarantee (Standard Form 24 and Power of Attorney) Technical approach- Maximum size: Six 8 ½ x 11 pages; Format- Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.

Attachment 8- DRCG Brevard Sewer PPQ Template - Format- Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF Attachment 5- Schedule of Items- Format- Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel

Each of the parts shall be separate and complete so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. Quotes are due March 2, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to jalisa.sims@usda.gov and are due no later than February 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

Site Visit Offerors are highly encouraged to attend the site visit on February 5, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. ET. See Attachment 7- Site Visit Information- Davidson River for further information. Please submit your RSVP via email to Jalisa.sims@usda.gov.

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7

When checked, the Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction.

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

1. It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.