Attachment 1 Terms and Conditions Solicitation 1232SA26Q0337.docx

DOCX document 69 KB Posted

Attached to
Radioactive Waste Disposal Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
1232SA26Q0337
Issued by
Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

About this file

This document contains the Terms and Conditions for Solicitation 1232SA26Q0337, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service for radioactive waste disposal services. The solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a small business size standard of $47.0 million, issued under FAR Part 12 for commercial items. The contract will be firm-fixed price with a single award anticipated. Quotations are due by March 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, submitted electronically to monte.jordan@usda.gov. All deliverables must be shipped F.O.B. Destination to USDA ARS Edward T. Schaefer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, North Dakota, with a delivery deadline of September 30, 2026. Offerors must provide pricing for all Contract Line-Item Numbers, past performance references for two similar or larger projects completed within the last three years, and technical documentation demonstrating capability to meet schedule requirements. The Government will evaluate quotations using lowest price technically acceptable criteria, evaluating only the lowest-priced offer initially for technical acceptability and past performance; if that offer is found unacceptable, evaluation will continue in order of lowest price until identifying the lowest-priced offer with acceptable or neutral past performance.

The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses addressing commercial products and services, labor standards, small business requirements, buy American provisions, security requirements, and equal employment opportunity. Notably, the AGAR clause 452.203-71 requires contractor certification of compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and prohibits participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that violate applicable laws. Offerors must hold their prices firm for 60 calendar days from the receipt deadline and submit quotations on company letterhead including SAM Unique Entity Identifier numbers. Questions must be submitted by March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. The document also outlines the USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, with formal protests to be resolved within 35 calendar days.

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Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Solicitation Number:

Radioactive Waste Disposal Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0337

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)
52.232-39Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013)
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
☒ 52.222-41Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018)
☒ 52.222-42Statement 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
☐ 52.222-43Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018)
☐ 52.222-44Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014)
☐ 52.222-51Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014)
☐ 52.222-53Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025)
☐ 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)
☐ 52.237-2Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (Apr 1984)
☐ 52.237-3Continuity of Services (Jan 1991)
☐ 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 52.247-34 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:

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 close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

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

(End of Clause)

452.204-71 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Employees (Nov 2025)

(a) The contractor shall comply with the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Directives 4620-002 series.

(b) Should the USDA Directives 4620-002 require the exclusion of a contractor's employee, the contracting officer will notify the contractor in writing. The contractor must appoint a representative to manage compliance with the PIV policies established by the USDA Directives 4620-002 and to maintain a list of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass required for performance of the work.

(c) The responsibility of maintaining a sufficient workforce remains with the contractor. Contractor employees may be barred by the Government from performance of work should they be found ineligible or to have lost eligibility for a USDA LincPass. Failure to maintain a sufficient workforce of employees eligible for a USDA LincPass may be grounds for termination of the contract.

(d) The contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor is required to have routine unaccompanied physical access to a Federally controlled facility and/or routine unaccompanied access to a Federally controlled information system.

(e) The PIV Sponsor for this contract is a designated program point of contact, which in most cases is the COR, unless otherwise specified in this contract. The PIV Sponsor will be available to receive contractor identity information from [hours and days to be added by CO] to [hours and days to be added by CO] at [office address for registration to be added by CO]. The Government will notify the contractor if there is a change in the PIV Sponsor, the office address, or the office hours for registration; however, it is the contractor's responsibility to meet all aspects of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e).

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

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

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

Evaluation and Basis for Award The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Price:

The offeror must provide pricing as requested for all Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINS) in the Schedule of Items on page two of this Request for Quotation. Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. 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.

Technical Acceptability:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

· Ability of the offeror to meet the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work (SOW). A simple statement of capabilities will not suffice. The offeror must address how they will accomplish the requirements of the SOW.

· Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished by the offeror. Offerors are advised that the USDA intends to award without discussions so any exceptions may cause the quotation to be found technically unacceptable.

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.

Delivery Information F.o.b. destination, is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables inclusive of all costs.

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 09/30/2026. Early deliveries will be accepted.

Shipping Instructions:

Items shall be shipped to the following address:

USDA, ARS, PA, Edward T. Schaefer Agricultural Research Center 1616 Albrecht Blvd N Fargo, ND 58102

Qualification Requirements Offerors, or the product or service, are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

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) In order to be considered for award Offerors must submit all of the following:

Firm-Fixed Price Quotation on company letterhead detailing the service description, total price, and valid for at least 60 days after receipt of quotation.

Provide SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number with quotation.

Past Performance References for two (2) projects describing past performance on the projects under contract vehicles similar (or larger) in size, scope, and complexity to those requirements outlined in this RFQ. Recent is defined as within the last three years. Relevant is defined as work similar in complexity and magnitude of the work described in this Statement of Work.

Past Performance Submissions must include the following information:

· Project Name

· Contract Number

· Agency/Customer Name

· Period of Performance

· Contract Type (Firm-Fixed Price, Time & Material, etc.)

· Contract Award Date:

· Contract Award Amount

· Contract Completion Date:

· Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) name, address, phone number, and email address

· Contracting Officer’s name, address, and email address

· Description of the services performed to determine similarity of scope

· A brief narrative of why the reference is relevant to this effort

Technical documentation showing technical capability to meet or exceed ALL the schedule requirements listed in the Statement of Work.

Quotation Submission Deadline:

Quotations are due Monday, March 30,2026 not later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Quotations must be submitted electronically by email only to Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan at monte.jordan@usda.gov. You must include Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0337 as the subject line of the email. NO late quotations will be accepted.

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions must be submitted via email to monte.jordan@usda.gov and are due no later than March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation number as the subject line of the email. NO phone calls will be accepted.

52.203-18Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal ConfidentialityAgreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)
52.209-2Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation(Sep 2025)
52.209-11Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a FelonyConviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025)
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)

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 .