Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions.docx

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Potable Hot Water Repair Parts
Solicitation number
1232SA26Q0075
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This document is an Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions for a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service for Potable Hot Water Repair Parts. The solicitation seeks repair parts and materials for the water heater at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS, and is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of 500 employees. The acquisition is for commercial items under NAICS code 333414, with a requirement for vendors to provide pricing for all listed parts, with delivery requested within 45 days of order receipt.

The solicitation will be evaluated using lowest price technically acceptable criteria, with assessment based on three key factors: price, technical acceptability (matching part descriptions and models from Attachment 2), and past performance. Quotes must be submitted electronically to david.reynolds2@usda.gov by January 26, 2026, at 6:30 AM CST, with a 90-day price hold period. Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), complete the required submission documents including a transmittal summary letter, and submit fully priced Attachment 2. The government anticipates awarding a firm fixed-price contract to a single vendor representing the best value.

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Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number:

Attachment 1 – Solicitation Terms and Conditions

Potable Hot Water Repair Parts

1232SA26Q0075

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 1232SA26Q0075 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Potable Hot Water Repair Parts to repair and maintain the water heater for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) at Manhattan, KS.

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 333414, Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing. The small business size standard is 500 Employees. 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” for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

Statement of Requirement

Potable Hot Water Repair Parts consisting of parts and materials to repair and maintain the water heater for NBAF. See Attachment 2 for a listing of the parts and quantities required.

FAR 52.225-3 Buy American–Free Trade Agreements–Israeli Trade Act is included in this solicitation - One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to Free Trade Agreements.

Technical Data

Reserved

Delivery Information

F.o.b. destination, is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables.

All offers will be considered F.O.B. Destination unless F.O.B. origin is specified AND estimated shipping costs are included.

The USDA requires delivery of all items no later than 45 days after receipt of order. Early deliveries will be accepted.

Shipping Instructions:

Items shall be shipped to the following address:

PA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility 1980 Denison Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502

Invoices: To invoice, a vendor must first enroll in the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) by visiting https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/index.htm. Once enrolled, all invoices must be submitted electronically through IPP. The IPP is a government-wide secure web-based payment information service offered free of charge to government agencies and their suppliers by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Management Service (FMS).

One-time enrollment in IPP means that you will receive a series of e-mails from Treasury services. The first email will have the IPP Logon ID and link to the IPP application. A second e-mail, containing the password will be sent within 24 hours. Once you receive these emails, please login to the IPP application and complete the registration process.

Benefits of registering with IPP include the ability for your company to create invoices directly from a contract award and submit them electronically, as well as:

· E-mail notification when invoice(s) are paid

· Online payment history

· Remittance download

E-mail notifications of payments are sent when a payment is distributed to your bank account and will include all pertinent payment information. The IPP Customer Support Desk is available to assist users Monday through Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 8:00AM - 6:00PM ET, including answering any questions related to accessing IPP or completing the registration process. Their toll- free number is (866) 973-3131 or they can be reached at: IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov.

Service Contract Labor Standards

Reserved

Noncompetitive Contract Action

Reserved

Qualification Requirements

Reserved

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm fixed-priced 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 representing the best value to the Government.

Evaluation-Commercial Items The provision at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items 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.

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the attached spreadsheet titled “Attachment 2 – Parts Listing and Pricing.” Total price evaluation will be for all parts listed, including shipping. Failure to provide pricing for all items listed may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Technical:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide the parts matching the “Description” and “Model” listed on attachment 2. Failure to provide parts that match the “Description” and “Model” of the replacement parts listed on Attachment 2 may result in the quote being determined technically unacceptable, and therefore ineligible for award.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any 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:

The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

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

52.212-4Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)
☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4
52.203-17Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023)
52.203-19Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements(Jan 2017)
52.222-50Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50

52.226-8Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024)
52.232-40Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023)
52.233-3Protest After Award (Sep 2025)
52.233-4Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025)
52.240-91Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ 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:

☒ 52.203-6Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020) with Alternate I(Nov 2021) of 52.203-6
☐ 52.203-13Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021)
☐ 52.204-9Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel Jan 2011
☐ 52.204-13System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.204-91Contractor identification (Nov 2025)
☒ 52.209-6Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with
Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025)
☐ 52.209-9Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility
Matters (Sep 2025)
☐ 52.209-10Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025)
☐ 52.219-4Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov2025)
☒ 52.219-6Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

☒ 52.219-8Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.219-9Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025)

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

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

☐ 52.219-14Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.219-16Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan(Nov 2025)
☐ 52.219-33Nonmanufacturer Rule (Nov 2025)
☒ 52.222-3Convict Labor (June 2003)
☒ 52.222-19Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-35Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025)

☐ 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

☐ 52.222-37Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-40Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010)
☐ 52.222-54Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-62Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022)
☐ 52.223-9Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items(May 2008)

☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9

☐ 52.223-11Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming PotentialHydrofluorocarbons (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.223-12Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and AirConditioners (Nov 2025)
☒ 52.223-23Sustainable Products and Services
☐ 52.224-3Privacy Training (Jan 2017)

☐ 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

☐ 52.225-5Trade Agreements (Nov 2023)
☐ 52.225-19 Contractor Personnel in a Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomaticor Consular Mission outside the United States (May 2020)
☐ 52.225-26Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct2016)
☐ 52.226-4Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007)
☐ 52.226-5Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Aug 2025)
☐ 52.229-12Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements
☐ 52.232-29Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services
(Nov 2021)
☐ 52.232-30Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services
(Nov 2021)
☒ 52.232-33Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)
☐ 52.232-34Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management(Jul 2013)
☐ 52.232-36Payment by Third Party (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.240-92Security Requirements (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.240-93Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025)
☐ 52.247-64Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2025)

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

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64

Other Applicable Clauses

52.247-29F.O.B. Origin (Feb 2006)
52.247-34F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

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)

452.204–70 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)

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) Offerors shall provide all requested information referenced in this section. Failure to provide all requested information may result in the proposal not being considered for further evaluation.

Offers shall submit required documents via email ONLY to david.reynolds2@usda.gov. Quotes shall be submitted no later than 1/26/26 @06:30 AM CST.

OFFER SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS

1. Transmittal Summary Letter. A summary cover letter to the submission should provide at a minimum the following (i) Identification of the Point of Contact, current phone number, and email address. (ii) Sam UEI Number, CAGE Code, Tax Identification Number (iii) A list of the submission package contents.

2. Fully completed Attachment 2 – Parts List and Pricing information. Column “D” shall be priced for the individual repair part, and Column “F” shall be the total price. The contractor shall also sign and date Attachment 2.

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

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 david.reynolds2@usda.gov and are due no later than January 20, 2026, at 06:30 AM Central Standard 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.

52.203-18Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal ConfidentialityAgreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)
52.240-90Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☐ 52.203-11Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain FederalTransactions (Sep 2024)
☐ 52.204-7System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7

☐ 52.204-90Offeror Identification (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.207-6Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business TeamingArrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Aug 2024)
☐ 52.209-12Certification Regarding Tax Matters (Oct 2025)
☐ 52.219-2Equal Low Bids (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-18Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb2021)
☐ 52.222-48Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards forMaintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment–Certification (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-52Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for CertainServices-Certification (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.222-56Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan (Oct 2020)
☐ 52.223-4Recovered Material Certification (May 2008)
☐ 52.225-2Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022)
☐ 52.225-4Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.225-6Trade Agreements-Certificate (Feb 2021)
☐ 52.226-3Disaster or Emergency Area Representation (Nov 2007)
☐ 52.229-11Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation (Jul 2025)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

Reserved

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:

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.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .