Judicial and Non-Judicial Foreclosure Legal Services & Related Technical Support for the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arkansas

Solicitation No.12SAD226Q0003

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development mission area requires a Contractor to provide services under 42 U.S.C. 1480(d) for foreclosure and related default management legal matters. The Contractor shall provide legal foreclosure support, including foreclosure services (FCL), eviction services, and mediation services in the following states:

Arkansas, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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 2 – Performance Work Statement

• Attachment 3 – Invoice Template

• Attachment 4 – QASP

• Attachment 5 – Price Workbook

• Attachment 6 – Subcontracting Plan Template

• Exhibit A – Question and Answer Form

• Exhibit B – Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

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

As part of the 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) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☒ 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) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 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) 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) ☐ 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) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010)

☒ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☐ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☐ 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 ☒ 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) ☐ 52.240-92 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

The Contractor shall comply with the following RFO Clauses for Commercial Services.

☐ 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)

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (May 2026)

(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)

452.203-72 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (MAY 2026)

(a) Definitions.

Supplier terms mean provisions customarily drafted by vendors of supplies or services and intended to create a binding legal obligation on the end user. The term applies:

1. Regardless of the format or style of the document. For example, supplier terms may appear in standard terms of sale or lease, Terms of Service (TOS), End User License Agreement (EULA), or another similar legal instrument or agreement, and may be presented as part of a proposal or quotation responding to a solicitation for a contract or order or otherwise become effective after the contract date.

2.Regardless of the media or delivery mechanism used. For example, supplier terms may be presented as one or more paper documents or may appear on a computer or other electronic device screen during a purchase, software installation, other product delivery, registration for a service, or another transaction.

(b) Applicability. When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to supplier terms, the supplier terms are deemed part of the contract only to the extent they are consistent with this clause. Supplier terms that conflict with any part of this clause, the contract, or Federal law are void and will not be considered incorporated into a contract, even if they are physically present in a contract documentation or systems. In the event of any inconsistency between supplier terms and this contract, this clause and the terms of the Government contract must govern and supersede any supplier terms in all cases.

(c) Authorization Required. Notwithstanding any other provision, no supplier terms must be binding on the Government unless the term is expressly authorized on the USDA Supplier Terms Authorization Form signed by the Contracting Officer, and the completed Authorization Form has been incorporated into the contract.

(d) Unenforceable Terms. Any supplier terms that impose obligations or restrictions inconsistent with applicable Federal law are unenforceable against the Government and deemed stricken from the agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, any clause that:

1. Requires the Government to pay future fees, penalties, interest, legal costs, early‑termination fees, cancellation fees, minimum purchase commitments, true‑up payments, seat‑count minimums, usage minimums, continued‑use charges, or any other financial obligation not expressly authorized by the contract.

2. Requires the Government to indemnify the contractor or any other entity.

3. Restricts the Government’s ability to obtain similar supplies or services from another source.

4. Imposes any penalty, financial or otherwise, based on the Government’s decision not to exercise an option.

5. Subjects the United States Government to the laws of any U.S. state, territory, district, municipality, or foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly permits such application.

6. Requires dispute resolution in a forum or venue other than one prescribed by applicable Federal law.

7. Establishes a period of limitations for bringing an action that differs from that provided by applicable Federal law.

8. Grants the contractor rights to use, mine, access, aggregate, analyze, or otherwise exploit Government data, usage data, or metadata.

9. Deems the Government to have accepted initial or revised terms based on silence, continued performance, or failure to object.

10. Grants the supplier the right to audit Government facilities, systems, records, or use of the product or service, except as expressly authorized by the contract and applicable Federal law.

11. Requires the Government to accept supplier security requirements, network access requirements, monitoring, penetration testing, or other technical or security measures.

12. Permits the supplier to suspend, degrade, or terminate access to products or services based on alleged non‑payment, alleged breach, automated security triggers.

13. Limits the Government’s right to use, install, access, test, evaluate, or transfer the licensed product or service in any manner consistent with the contract and Federal law.

14. Requires the Government to store, process, maintain, or transmit data in a particular geographic location, or permits the supplier to transfer Government data outside the United States, except as expressly authorized by applicable Federal law.

15. Authorizes the supplier to use the Government’s name, seal, trademark, logo, or any reference to the Government as an end user or customer for marketing, publicity, promotional activities, press releases, or similar purposes.

16. Incorporates by reference, or requires the Government to accept, terms or conditions imposed by any third party, subcontractor, or upstream service provider, unless such terms are expressly incorporated into the contract by bilateral modification.

17. Limits, conditions, or negates the contractor’s performance obligations, service levels, or remedies through a supplier‑provided service level agreement (SLA).

18. Uses Government data, usage data, metadata, prompts, content, or interactions to train, fine‑tune, improve, or derive any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automated decision‑making model.

19. Subjects the Government to automated decision‑making, automated risk scoring, automated content moderation, or any algorithmic process that may affect access, performance, or rights under the contract.

20. Utilizes artificial intelligence or algorithmic tools that produce decisions, recommendations, or outputs affecting contract performance without providing transparency, explainability, auditability, and bias‑mitigation consistent with applicable Federal law and policy.

21. Profiles, tracks, or analyzes Government user behavior, preferences, communications, or interactions for personalization, marketing, or algorithmic optimization purposes.

(e) Non-binding Actions. Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user is deemed to have consented to any term, condition, or clause by virtue of its inclusion in the supplier agreement or through the use of clickwrap, browsewrap, “I agree” mechanisms, or similar means.

Execution of such mechanisms does not bind the Government or its authorized end users to any unenforceable terms.

(f) End user. The supplier agreement must bind the ordering activity as the end user to the extent it does not conflict with the terms of this clause, but it must not bind or impose personal liability on any Government employee or any person acting on behalf of the Government in their personal capacity.

(g) Law and disputes. The supplier agreement is governed by Federal law.

(h) Statutory exception. This clause does not apply to indemnification or any other payment by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(i) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor must not unilaterally revoke, terminate, or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by the contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the supplier agreement, it must pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while proceeding diligently with performance, pending final resolution of any dispute in accordance with the Disputes Clause at FAR 52.212‑4(d) or FAR 52.233‑1, as applicable.

(j) Arbitration. Binding arbitration must not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance.

(k) Equitable or injunctive relief. Equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs, or interest, may be awarded against the United States Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., the Prompt Payment Act or the Equal Access to Justice Act).

(l) Revisions to supplier agreements. Any revisions to the supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification. Unilateral revisions are not binding on the Government.

(m) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under the supplier agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service must not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express written consent from an authorized Government representative.

(n) Indemnification. Any clause of the supplier agreement requiring the supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is amended to provide that the U.S. Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.

(o) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the associated Government contract or order and must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed otherwise.

(p) Non‑assignment. The supplier agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government’s prior approval, except as expressly permitted by FAR 52.212-4(b) or FAR 52.232-23, as applicable.

(q) Confidential information. If the supplier agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, must be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in the supplier agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation, or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory, or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of the supplier agreement.

(r) Conflict with Federal law. If any other language, provision, or clause of the supplier agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with Federal law or the terms and conditions of this contract, such language, provisions, or clauses will be considered null and void and will not be binding on the United States Government.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2025)

(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)

452.20471 Personal Identity Verification and Workforce Integrity of Contractor Employees (Apr 2026)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price purchase order with time-and materials line items consisting of a one-year period of performance 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 Criteria The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror with the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance.

Technical Approach: The Government will evaluate how well the offeror’s technical approach demonstrates an understanding of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and its ability to meet the requirements. It is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• The offeror must demonstrate that they are a licensed law firm in good standing in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Arkansas jurisdictions. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the entire proposal being deemed ineligible for award and not evaluated further.

If the offeror is not licensed in all three state jurisdictions, it must identify the teaming arrangement that will be used to meet this requirement. If proposing a team arrangement, the offeror must describe the team structure, identify all subcontractors by name, and specify the functions each subcontractor will perform.

• The Government will assess the offerors’ proposed approach to performing all foreclosure work, including judicial and non-judicial processes in each required state.

The evaluation will consider whether the approach:

Clearly describes how foreclosure processes will be executed under applicable law.

Explains how contested cases, mediation, evictions and deficiency judgments will be handled.

Demonstrate the ability to report case status in real time Explains systems and methods to manage cases consistently and accurately.

General or vague statements, i.e., “well known/industry standard techniques will be used” will not be considered sufficient.

• The Government will evaluate offeror qualifications and experience with:

Federal loan foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, and mediation under state and federal law, Organizational structure and capacity to handle accounts in each state.

Staffing matrix that lists attorneys that are licensed and in good standing in NC, SC and AR.

• The offeror should propose a Program Management Plan (PMP) that meets the requirements outlined in the PWS. The PMP must include the loan-level information required from the Government and outline the state-specific documentation that the Offeror will complete.

• The offeror should submit a comprehensive Quality Control Plan (QCP) that explains how it will monitor and ensure compliance with the PWS. The plan must describe the procedures the offeror will use to identify and prevent deficiencies, as well as the methods for correcting deficiencies and ensuring they do not recur. It should outline internal review processes, reporting mechanisms, and any tools or systems that will be employed to maintain consistent quality throughout contract performance. The QCP must demonstrate the offeror’s ability to meet performance standards, adhere to timelines, and comply with applicable federal and state laws while providing transparency to the Government regarding oversight and corrective actions.

The Government will evaluate the Program Management Plan (PMP) and Quality Control Plan (QCP) for clarity, completeness, realism (refers to whether the approach is practical, achievable and consistent with what is required based on the stated requirement and realties of execution) and risk. The evaluation will assess the degree to which the PMP and QCP demonstrate the offeror’s ability to manage and control performance in compliance with the PWS and applicable law.

• If other than a small business, the offeror must submit a subcontracting plan that meets USDA’s small business goals. The offeror may use the Attachment 6 – Subcontracting Plan Template or another model that is consistent with FAR 52.219-9. USDA Rural Development is strongly committed to ensuring maximum subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, veteran‑owned, service‑disabled veteran‑owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and women‑owned small businesses. The established subcontracting goal is up to 22 percent of total planned subcontracting dollars, and Offerors shall clearly describe how they will feasibly achieve this goal.

• The Government will evaluate the subcontracting plan to determine whether the Offeror demonstrates the ability to meet the USDA Rural Development small business goals.

Price: The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in Attachment 5 – Price Workbook by populating the yellow highlighted cells. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Past Performance:

The Government will consider up to five Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) (Exhibit B). The offeror shall ensure the PPQ is provided to the appropriate points of contact in support of the offeror’s past performance. The reference should submit the completed PPQ directly to the Contracting Officer at dominque.davis@usda.gov. PPQs submitted by the offeror or received after the quote due date and time will not be considered. The Government may utilize any references provided by the offeror, 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 offeror has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

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

Evaluation Method:

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

Factor 1: Technical Confidence Ratings

Adjectival Rating Description High Confidence The Government has high confidence that the quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with little or no Government intervention

Some Confidence The Government has some confidence that the quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with some Government intervention

Low Confidence The Government has low confidence that the quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the contract even with Government intervention.

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

• The proposed price is fair and reasonable, and

• Past performance is assessed as acceptable or neutral.

The Government reserves the right to communicate or request a revised quote from the highest technically rated quoter(s).

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

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV

2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Offerors are expected to review, understand, and comply with all aspects of this solicitation. The offeror’s ability to follow instructions contained herein is a demonstration of the offeror’s ability to follow instructions in general, which is paramount to acceptable performance. The offeror’s attention to detail is important to the Government as a significant amount of work under the attached PWS will require the Vendor to follow detailed instructions, including quality control. Prior to the Government’s evaluation of quotes, the Government will perform a compliance review on all quotations received by the closing date and time to determine whether the offeror’s quote is compliant with the solicitation instructions, terms, and conditions. Quotes that do not comply with the solicitation requirements, including errors attributed to not following instructions contained in the solicitation, may not be further evaluated, and may be ineligible for award.

Send your quote via email to Dominique Davis at dominique.davis@usda.gov. Submissions are due no later than August 10, 2026, at 4:30pm ET.

Quote Format The page size must be no greater than 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Page margins must be a minimum of one inch at the top, bottom, and each side. Text size must be 12-point or larger, using Times New Roman font. Quotes shall not use any smaller line spacing than single spacing. Tables and illustrations shall not use a reduced text size and shall use only Times New Roman font. Page numbers, headers, and footers may be within the page margins only and must use the same 12-point, Times New Roman, font requirement. Offerors that do not comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the quote will be considered ineligible for award.

Electronic quotation files shall be free of any restrictions which prevent or limit the Government’s ability to copy, print, comment, etc. within the electronic documents. Any proprietary information must be marked as such either in the page footer or header.

Table 1: Page Limitations- Pages exceeding the specified page limits will not be evaluated.

Technical Approach No More than 30 pages (excludes subcontracting plan) Price Attachment 5 - Price Workbook Past Performance No More than 2 pages

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 using the Exhibit A Questions and Answers Form via email to dominique.davis@usda.gov and are due no later than July 31,2026, at 12:00 PM ET. 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.

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

Other Applicable RFO 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.

(2) 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 RFO 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 RFO 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

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT