Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions.pdf
PDF 354 KB Posted
- Attached to
- SCNF Culvert Supply Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 1240LR26Q0014
- Issued by
- Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for corrugated steel pipes (CSP) to support disaster recovery efforts for the Salmon-Challis National Forest following the Moose Creek Fire. Solicitation number 1240LR26Q0014 is issued as a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items under FAR Part 12. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside restricted to small business concerns, with the applicable NAICS code 332322 and a small business size standard of 500 employees. Quotations must be submitted via email to adam.koepke@usda.gov in PDF or Word format by 1500 hours on May 1, 2026, with prices held firm for 90 calendar days from the submission deadline. Questions must be submitted by 1500 hours on April 29, 2026. The Government intends to make one firm-fixed price award and requires pricing for all items on the attached SF-1449 Schedule of Items.
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government based on technical acceptability (Acceptable/Unacceptable), price evaluation per FAR 12.204, and past performance (Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable). The evaluation method prioritizes lowest-priced quotations that are technically acceptable with acceptable or neutral past performance. Delivery is required by June 30, 2026, with F.O.B. Destination as the delivery point. Items must be split equally between two locations: Challis Admin Yard (311 US-93, Challis, ID 83226) and Jesse Creek Admin Yard (62 Roosevelt RD, Salmon, ID 83467). Offerors must provide clear descriptions of items with manufacturer information, product literature, specifications, and technical documentation demonstrating conformance to SOW requirements. Applicable federal clauses include Buy American provisions, system for award management registration, child labor certifications, and anti-discrimination/DEI compliance certifications per AGAR 452.203-71.
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 1240LR26Q0014 SF 30 Amendment 0001.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 - SOW - Culverts (Revised).pdf | ||
| 1240LR26Q0014.pdf | ||
| Attachment 3- MAPS - Culverts Delivery.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 - SOW - Culverts.pdf |
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Text version
SCNF Culvert Supply
1240LR26Q0014
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. Quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.
Solicitation number 1240LR26Q0014 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Various Culvert Supplies.
This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 332322 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.
Statement of Requirement This project is to provide corrugated steel pipes (CSP) to the Salmon-Challis National Forest for its disaster recovery efforts from the effects of the Moose Creek Fire
See SF-1449 for Schedule of Items. Provide pricing on SF-1449.
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 2 – SOW – Culverts
• Attachment 3 – MAPS – Culverts Delivery
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
52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)
☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security 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:
☐ 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020) with Alternate I (Nov 2021) of 52.203-6 ☐ 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel Jan 2011 ☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.204-91 Contractor identification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☐ 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52
☒ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)
☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).
☐ 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025)
☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9.
☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9
☐ 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.219-16 Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-33 Nonmanufacturer Rule (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) ☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-35 Equal 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 ☐ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010 ☐ 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ☐ 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)
This Statement is for Information Only:
It is not a Wage Determination
Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits
☐ 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ☐ 52.222-44 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-51 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ☐ 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) ☐ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-9 Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008)
☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ☐ 52.223-11 Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.223-12 Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Nov 2025)
☐ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.224-3 Privacy 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
☐ 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) ☐ 52.225-19 Contractor Personnel in a Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomatic or Consular Mission outside the United States (May 2020) ☐ 52.225-26 Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) ☐ 52.226-4 Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ☐ 52.226-5 Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Aug 2025) ☐ 52.229-12 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements ☐ 52.232-29 Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ☐ 52.232-30 Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☐ 52.232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) ☐ 52.232-36 Payment by Third Party (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (Apr 1984) ☐ 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991) ☐ 52.240-92 Security Requirements (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025) ☐ 52.247-64 Preference 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
52.247-34 F.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:
(1) 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.
(2) 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 (Apr 2026)
(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) may issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but is not required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer will immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.
(b) For commercial contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition procedure threshold under FAR 12.001(c), if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification. Only the modification requires the contractor’s signature, though a Release of Claims may be requested. If the required documents are not returned within 60 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification and proceed with closeout once performance is complete, acceptance is confirmed, and final payment is made.
(c) For all other non-commercial or non–cost‑reimbursement contracts, if more than $1,000 in unliquidated funds remain at closeout, the Contracting Officer will issue a bilateral deobligation modification and a Release of Claims, both requiring contractor signature. If these documents are not returned within 120 days, the Contracting Officer will issue a unilateral modification u and proceed with closeout upon completion of performance, acceptance, and final payment.
(End of Clause)
452.204-72 Use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or Other Automation Technologies (Apr 2026)
(a) In the event that Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functionality or other automation technologies such as Robotics Process Automation is utilized to facilitate electronic transactions between USDA and its contractors, it is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to ensure accuracy of the electronically transferred data. The Government’s electronic system shall serve as the system of record for all data exchanged or retrieved.
(b) The Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any delay or failure associated with EDI or other automation technologies. The Contractor’s use of this service is at the Contractor’s sole risk. For electronic or automated services provided by USDA to the contractor, the services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. For electronic or automated services provided by the contractor that interact with the USDA electronic systems, the USDA is not responsible for any costs incurred by the contractor related to the development, test, or support of the services. The Contractor shall be responsible for all fees associated with EDI. The Contractor is responsible for the confidentiality and security of its systems, interfaces, interconnections, and any documents that the customer receives from The Government pursuant to the contract.
(c) The Government reserves the right to restrict, refuse, or cancel any participation in EDI services.
(End of clause)
Solicitation Information
Award Type
It is anticipated that a Firm-fixed priced award 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.
Technical Acceptability Technical acceptability will be evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. The offeror must clearly demonstrate that the proposed supplies meet all specifications, characteristics, performance requirements, and standards listed in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Specification Document. At a minimum, offerors shall provide:
• A clear description of the item(s) offered, including manufacturer name, part number, model number, and any technical data necessary to verify conformance.
• Product literature, specifications, drawings, or other documentation showing the offered supplies meet or exceed all listed requirements.
• Identification and explanation of any specification that cannot be met. The Government intends to award without discussions, and exceptions may result in an Unacceptable rating.
Failure to submit sufficient technical documentation to verify compliance may result in a determination of Unacceptable.
Price Evaluation Offerors shall provide pricing as requested in the attached schedule of items listed above on page “1”, including any quantity discounts and prompt-payment discounts. Total evaluated price will include all listed line items.
Failure to submit pricing for all required line items may result in exclusion from further consideration.
Prices will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204 to determine if they are fair and reasonable.
Past Performance The Government may consider information from references provided by the offeror, USDA contract records, CPARS, and other reliable Federal sources. Past performance will be evaluated and assigned one of the following ratings:
• Acceptable: Demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements for similar supplies, including product quality, timeliness of delivery, customer service, and compliance with contractual terms.
• Neutral: No past performance record is available.
• Unacceptable: Documented history of issues such as defective items, late deliveries, nonconforming products, poor communication, or other significant concerns.
Evaluation Method The Government will first evaluate the Lowest-Priced quotation. If that quotation is rated Technically Acceptable with Acceptable past performance first, it will be selected for award. If not, the Government will evaluate the next lowest-priced quotation, continuing this process until the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.
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 by 30 June, 2026. Early deliveries will be accepted.
Shipping Instructions: Delivery will be split in half for each pay item to each location. Coordinate with Contract Officer’s Representative (COR).
Items shall be shipped to the following address:
Location 1: Location 2:
311 US-93 62 Roosevelt RD Challis, ID 83226 Salmon, ID 83467 ATTN: Challis Admin Yard ATTN: Jesse Creek Admin Yard
52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998
1240LR26Q0014
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)
Submission of quotes shall be sent via email to adam.koepke@usda.gov , document type required for submission shall be PDF, or word format only.
FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:
Period for acceptance of offers.
Offers shall be emailed to adam.koepke@usda.gov by 1500hrs NLT 1 May 2026. 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 adam.koepke@usda.gov and are due NLT 1500hrs on 29 April 2026.
Please include the solicitation name and number in the subject line of your email.
52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)
52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025)
52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025)
52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)
The following provisions are applicable if checked:
☐ 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2024)
☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7
☐ 52.204-90 Offeror Identification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.207-6 Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming
Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Aug 2024) ☐ 52.209-12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters (Oct 2025) ☐ 52.219-2 Equal Low Bids (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb
2021) ☐ 52.222-48 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for
Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment–Certification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for Certain
Services-Certification (Nov 2025) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 mailto:adam.koepke@usda.gov mailto:adam.koepke@usda.gov
☐ 52.222-56 Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan (Oct 2020) ☐ 52.223-4 Recovered Material Certification (May 2008) ☒ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022) ☒ 52.225-4 Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.225-6 Trade Agreements-Certificate (Feb 2021) ☐ 52.226-3 Disaster or Emergency Area Representation (Nov 2007) ☐ 52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation (Jul 2025)
Other Applicable FAR Provisions
52.225-18 Place of Manufacture (Aug 2018)
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:
(3) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.
(4) 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.
mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .