Attachment 1- Solicitation Terms and Conditions.docx

Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number:

Attachment 1- Solicitation Terms and Conditions 12639526Q0109

Statement of Requirement - See Attachment 3 – Statement of Work for a complete list of requirements.

Schedule of Items - See Attachment 2 – SF-1442

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

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

· Attachment 1 – Solicitation Terms and Conditions

· Attachment 2 – SF-1442

· Attachment 3 – Statement of Work

· Attachment 4 – DBA Wage Rates for Monterey County

Project Location USDA, Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) in Salinas, CA

Salinas Station 1636 E. Alisal Street Salinas, CA 93905

Other Notes to Quoters

1. Payment bonds will be required within 10 days of award.

2. The appropriate Department of Labor wage determination for construction applies to any resultant contract (See Attachment 4).

3. USDA is exempt from sales tax: tax ID no. 41‐0696271; tax exempt no. 471640000.

4. A site visit is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Quoters must take 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:

- conditions bearing upon transportation, disposal, handling, and storage of materials;

- the availability of labor, water, electric power, and roads;

- the conformation and conditions of the ground; and

- the character of equipment and facilities needed preliminary to and during work performance.

Quoters must also satisfy themselves 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 any 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. 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.

5. 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.

6. Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to Margaux.G.Nenichka@usda.gov and are due no later than April 28, 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.

7. Quotes are due on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Please forward your quote to Margaux.G.Nenichka@usda.gov.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Agriculture 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).

☐ 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

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

☐ 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 452.203-71 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)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order 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.

Period of Performance The Contractor is required to commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed and the entire work ready for use not later than 120 calendar days after NTP. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

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 representing the best value to the Government. . Quotes will be evaluated using the lowest price, technically acceptable approach. Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability. Should the lowest priced quote not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced quote until the lowest price, technically acceptable quote with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

This method is appropriate when it is in the Government’s best interest to award to the responsible quoter that submits a technically acceptable quote with the lowest evaluated price. This approach represents the best value to the Government.

A responsible quoter will:

Have the ability to comply with the required delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration other business commitments.

Have a satisfactory record of performance and integrity.

Have a satisfactory safety and environmental record.

Have satisfactory references (see Past Performance below).

Have the necessary facilities, equipment, materials, personnel, organization, experience, technical skills, and financial resources to fulfill the terms of the resultant contract.

For the past five years on any project the quoter was involved with, identify whether the quoter has had any of the following actions taken, and if so, explain the reasons for and the remedy/resolution of the action:

(Note: if the quoter did not have any of the following actions taken, include a statement to identify that fact in your quote.)

· Terminated for default

· Received cure notice

· Received show cause notice

· Assessed liquidated damages

· Had its performance and payment bond surety notified that the contractor was not fulfilling its contract obligations.

Had its performance and payment bond surety notified that the contractor was not fulfilling its contract obligations.

It is a quoter’s responsibility to submit a well-written quote, with adequately detailed information, which clearly demonstrates compliance with the solicitation requirements and allows for a meaningful review by the government. Quoters are advised that the USDA intends to award without negotiations so any omissions may cause the quote to be found technically unacceptable.

The following factors will be used to evaluate quotes and make an award decision:

Price Generally, price reasonableness may be determined based on adequate competition. However, in evaluating price reasonableness, the contracting officer may consider other information as necessary to establish a fair and reasonable price. Price evaluations will include price realism analysis for the purpose of measuring a contractor’s understanding of the contract requirements and/or assess the risk inherent in a contractor’s proposal. This evaluation technique determines if price submissions:

(1) Are realistic for the work to be performed

(2) Reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and

(3) Are consistent with the various elements of the offeror’s technical proposal. Contractor submissions that are either too low or too high will be deemed unreasonable or incorporating too much risk for the government to accept.

Technical Acceptability of meeting the Government requirement, i.e., relevant experience with required work of a similar size and scope. Technical acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the quoter’s ability to provide a sound approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quote clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements.

Past Performance

Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror has satisfied customers in the past, and complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The assessment of past performance will be subjective and based mainly on offeror reputations with customers and adherence to schedules. The Government may evaluate the performance data provided by quoters or obtained from other sources. Past performance assessments may be based on information such as the contracting officer’s and evaluator’s knowledge of previous experience with the supply or service being acquired, customer surveys, or other reasonable basis. The assessment will consider the contractor’s record of conforming to specifications, and to standards of good workmanship/customer service. In addition, adherence to contract schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance, will be taken into consideration. The currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in contractor’s performance shall be considered. References must include:

Contract number and price Project title or name Location Award and completion dates Name, phone, and email address of the contact person familiar with the project

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, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

Neutral: Quoter 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, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

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)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2025)

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.