Attachment 9 SOFA Contract Clauses (1).docx

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HC108426R0004 Enterprise Storage Solutions IV Managed Storage Service Draft Request for Proposal
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HC108426R0004
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This document is an attachment to a federal contract opportunity (Solicitation Number HC108426R0004) containing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Contract Clauses for operations in the Republic of Korea and Japan. The clauses comprehensively outline the rights, obligations, and administrative requirements for contractors performing work in these countries, including provisions for contractor personnel status, jurisdictional matters, training requirements, medical support, evacuation procedures, and logistical privileges.

Key details include specific eligibility criteria for contractors and employees to receive SOFA Article l(b) status, which provides certain exemptions and benefits such as entry into the country, customs duty exemptions, tax considerations, and access to military facilities. The document mandates strict compliance with local laws, international agreements, and military regulations, and grants military authorities the right to remove or replace contractor personnel who fail to meet specified conduct and performance standards. The associated federal contract opportunity is issued by the Defense Information Systems Agency and seeks a managed storage service contract with flexible, scalable storage solutions for locations within and outside the continental United States.

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Status of Forces Agreement Contract Clauses

HC108426R0004

Attachment 9

INVITED CONTRACTOR OR TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE STATUS

UNDER U.S. - REPUBLIC OF KOREA (ROK)

Invited Contractor (IC) and Technical Representative (TR) status shall be governed by the U.S.-ROK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) as implemented by United States Forces Korea (USFK) Reg 700-19, which can be found under the -publications. tab on the US Forces Korea homepage http://www.usfk.mil

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

-U.S. – ROK Status of Forces Agreement. (SOFA) means the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. of America, Regarding Facilities and Areas and the Status of U.S. Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea, as amended

-Combatant Commander. means the commander of a unified or specified combatant command established in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 161. In Korea, the Combatant Commander is the Commander, United States Pacific Command.

-United States Forces Korea. (USFK) means the subordinate unified command through which US forces would be sent to the Combined Forces Command fighting components.

-Commander, United States Forces Korea. (COMUSK) means the commander of all U.S. forces present in Korea. In the Republic of Korea, COMUSK also serves as Commander, Combined Forces Command (CDR CFC) and Commander, United Nations Command (CDR UNC).

-USFK, Assistant Chief of Staff, Acquisition Management. (USFK/FKAQ) means the principal staff office to USFK for all acquisition matters and administrator of the U.S.-ROK SOFA as applied to US and Third Country contractors under the Invited Contractor (IC) and Technical Representative (TR) Program (USFK Reg 700-19).

-Responsible Officer (RO). means a senior DOD employee (such as a military E5 and above or civilian GS-7 and above), appointed by the USFK Sponsoring Agency (SA), who is directly responsible for determining and administering appropriate logistics support for IC/TRs during contract performance in the ROK.

(b) IC or TR status under the SOFA is subject to the written approval of USFK, Assistant Chief of Staff, Acquisition Management (FKAQ), Unit #15237, APO AP 96205-5237.

(c) The contracting officer will coordinate with HQ USFK/FKAQ, IAW FAR 25.8, and USFK Reg 700-19. FKAQ will determine the appropriate contractor status under the SOFA and notify the contracting officer of that determination.

(d) Subject to the above determination, the contractor, including its employees and lawful dependents, may be accorded such privileges and exemptions under conditions and limitations as specified in the SOFA and USFK Reg 700-19. These privileges and exemptions may be furnished during the performance period of the contract, subject to their availability and continued SOFA status. Logistics support privileges are provided on an as-available basis to properly authorized individuals. Some logistics support may be issued as Government Furnished Property or transferred on a reimbursable basis.

(e) The contractor warrants and shall ensure that collectively, and individually, its officials and employees performing under this contract will not perform any contract, service, or other business activity in the ROK, except under U.S. Government contracts and that performance is IAW the SOFA.

(f) The contractor’s direct employment of any Korean-National labor for performance of this contract shall be governed by ROK labor law and USFK regulation(s) pertaining to the direct employment and personnel administration of Korean National personnel.

(g) The authorities of the ROK have the right to exercise jurisdiction over invited contractors and technical representatives, including contractor officials, employees and their dependents, for offenses committed in the ROK and punishable by the laws of the ROK. In recognition of the role of such persons in the defense of the ROK, they will be subject to the provisions of Article XXII, SOFA, related Agreed Minutes and Understandings. In those cases in which the authorities of the ROK decide not to exercise jurisdiction, they shall notify the U.S. military authorities as soon as possible. Upon such notification, the military authorities will have the right to exercise jurisdiction as is conferred by the laws of the U.S.

(h) Invited contractors and technical representatives agree to cooperate fully with the USFK Sponsoring Agency (SA) and Responsible Officer (RO) on all matters pertaining to logistics support and theater training requirements. Contractors will provide the assigned SA prompt and accurate reports of changes in employee status as required by USFK Reg 700-19.

(i) Theater Specific Training. Training Requirements for IC/TR personnel shall be conducted in accordance with USFK Reg 350-2 Theater Specific Required Training for all Arriving Personnel and Units Assigned to, Rotating to, or in Temporary Duty Status to USFK. IC/TR personnel shall comply with requirements of USFK Reg 350-2.

(j) Except for contractor air crews flying Air Mobility Command missions, all U.S. contractors performing work on USAF classified contracts will report to the nearest Security Forces Information Security Section for the geographical area where the contract is to be performed to receive information concerning local security requirements.

(k) Invited Contractor and Technical Representative status may be withdrawn by USFK/FKAQ upon:

(1) Completion or termination of the contract.

(2) Determination that the contractor or its employees are engaged in business activities in the ROK other than those pertaining to U.S. armed forces.

(3) Determination that the contractor or its employees are engaged in practices in contravention to Korean law or USFK regulations.

(l) It is agreed that the withdrawal of invited contractor or technical representative status, or the withdrawal of, or failure to provide any of the privileges associated therewith by the U.S. and USFK, shall not constitute grounds for excusable delay by the contractor in the performance of the contract and will not justify or excuse the contractor defaulting in the performance of this contract. Furthermore, it is agreed that withdrawal of SOFA status for reasons outlined in USFK Reg 700-19, Chapter 2-6 shall not serve as a basis for the contractor filing any claims against the U.S. or USFK. Under no circumstance shall the withdrawal of SOFA Status or privileges be considered or construed as a breach of contract by the U.S. Government.

(m) Support.

(1) Unless the terms and conditions of this contract place the responsibility with another party, the COMUSK will develop a security plan to provide protection, through military means, of Contractor personnel engaged in the theater of operations when sufficient or legitimate civilian authority does not exist.

(2)(i) All Contractor personnel engaged in the theater of operations are authorized resuscitative care, stabilization, hospitalization at level III military treatment facilities, and assistance with patient movement in emergencies where loss of life, limb, or eyesight could occur. Hospitalization will be limited to stabilization and short-term medical treatment with an emphasis on return to duty or placement in the patient movement system.

(ii) When the Government provides medical or emergency dental treatment or transportation of Contractor personnel to a selected civilian facility, the Contractor shall ensure that the Government is reimbursed for any costs associated with such treatment or transportation.

(iii) Medical or dental care beyond this standard is not authorized unless specified elsewhere in this contract.

(3) Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor is responsible for all other support required for its personnel engaged in the theater of operations under this contract.

(n) Compliance with laws and regulations. The Contractor shall comply with, and shall ensure that its personnel supporting U.S Armed Forces in the Republic of Korea as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this clause are familiar with and comply with, all applicable—

(1) United States, host country, and third country national laws;

(2) Treaties and international agreements;

(3) United States regulations, directives, instructions, policies, and procedures; and

(4) Orders, directives, and instructions issued by the COMUSK relating to force protection, security, health, safety, or relations and interaction with local nationals. Included in this list are force protection advisories, health advisories, area (i.e. -off-limits.), prostitution and human trafficking and curfew restrictions.

(o) Vehicle or equipment licenses. IAW USFK Regulation 190-1, Contractor personnel shall possess the required licenses to operate all vehicles or equipment necessary to perform the contract in the theater of operations. All contractor employees/dependents must have either a Korean driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license to legally drive on Korean roads

(p) Evacuation.

(1) If the COMUSK orders a non-mandatory or mandatory evacuation of some or all personnel, the Government will provide assistance, to the extent available, to United States and third country national contractor personnel.

(2) Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO).

(i) The contractor shall designate a representative to provide contractor personnel and dependents information to the servicing NEO warden as required by direction of the Responsible Officer.

(ii) If contract period of performance in the Republic of Korea is greater than six months, non emergency essential contractor personnel and all IC/TR dependents shall participate in at least one USFK sponsored NEO exercise per year.

(q) Next of kin notification and personnel recovery.

(1) The Contractor shall be responsible for notification of the employee-designated next of kin in the event an employee dies, requires evacuation due to an injury, or is missing, captured, or abducted.

(2) In the case of missing, captured, or abducted contractor personnel, the Government will assist in personnel recovery actions in accordance with DOD Directive 2310.2, Personnel Recovery.

(3) IC/TR personnel shall accomplish Personnel Recovery/Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (PR/SERE) training in accordance with USFK Reg 525-40, Personnel Recovery Procedures and USFK Reg 350-2 Theater Specific Required Training for all Arriving Personnel and Units Assigned to, Rotating to, or in Temporary Duty Status to USFK.

(r) Mortuary affairs. Mortuary affairs for contractor personnel who die while providing support in the theater of operations to U.S. Armed Forces will be handled in accordance with DOD Directive 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy and Army Regulation 638-2, Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of Personal Effects.

(s) USFK Responsible Officer (RO). The USFK appointed RO will ensure all IC/TR personnel complete all applicable training as outlined in this clause.

(End of Clause)

Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Japan (SOFA) Local Contract Clause

1. Contract to be performed in Japan. The Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Japan (SOFA) governs the rights and obligations of the United States armed forces in Japan. Unless a contractor is present in Japan solely to perform under a contract with the United States for the sole benefit of the United States armed forces in Japan and is accorded privileges under SOFA Article XIV, it and its employees shall be subject to all the laws and regulations of Japan. Certain contractor employees and their dependents not accorded privileges under SOFA Article XIV may be accorded privileges under SOFA Article l(b).

2. The Contractor shall comply with the instruction of the Contracting Officer concerning the entry of its employees, equipment, and supplies into Japan, and shall comply with all applicable Japanese laws and regulations as well as United States Forces Japan (USFJ) and USFJ component policies and regulations during the performance of this contract.

3. SOFA Article l(b) Status

(A) SOFA Article l(b) status. Contractor employees performing under contracts with the United States for the provision of services in support of U.S. armed forces in Japan, and whose presence is required in Japan to provide such services, may be determined eligible to acquire SOFA status in Japan as part of the civilian component under Article l(b) of the SOFA. Article l(b) does not create a lawful status in Japan for any entity other than individuals (e.g., the company employing the individual does not acquire SOFA status under Article l(b)). To qualify for SOFA status under SOFA Article l(b), such individuals must be:

(i) United States nationals,

(ii) Not ordinarily resident in Japan,

(iii) Present in Japan at the invitation of, and solely for the purpose of executing contracts with, the United States for the benefit of the United States armed forces, and (iv) not contractors or employees of a contractor whose presence in Japan is solely for the purpose of executing contracts within the definition of SOFA Article XIV.

(B) The contracting officer may determine a proposed contractor employee's eligibility for recognition as a Member of the Civilian Component under Article l(b) of the SOFA by documenting on a Letter of Authorization (LOA) that the contractor employee is essential to the mission of the United States armed forces and has a high degree of skill of knowledge for the accomplishment of mission requirements by fulfilling one of the following:

(i) Acquiring the skill and knowledge through a process of higher education or specialized training and experience; or

(ii) Possessing a security clearance recognized by the United States to perform his or her duties; or

(iii) Possessing a license or certification issued by a U.S. Federal Department or Agency, U.S. State, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia to perform his or her duties; or

(iv) Identified by the United States armed forces as necessary in an emergent situation and will remain in Japan for less than 91 days to fulfill specialized duties; or

(v) Specifically authorized by the Joint Committee.

(C) Contractor employees shall present a valid LOA, signed by the Contracting Officer to Japanese immigration officials upon entry into Japan to receive GOJ recognition as a Member of the Civilian Component under Article l(b) of the SOFA.

(D) SOFA Article 1(b) privileges and benefits. Persons granted authority to enter Japan under SOFA Article l(b) and their dependents (defined as spouse, children under 21, and, if dependent for over half their support upon an individual having SOFA Article l(b) status, parents and children over 21) may be accorded the following benefits of the SOFA. These privileges are personal to the employee/dependent and do not inure to the employer.

(i) Access to and movement between facilities and areas in use by the United States armed forces and between such facilities and areas and the ports or airports of Japan as provided for in SOFA Article V, paragraph 2;

(ii) Entry into Japan and exemption from Japanese laws and regulations on the registration and control of aliens as provided for in SOFA Article IX;

(iii) Acceptance as valid by Japan, without a driving test or fee, a U.S. Forces, Japan Operator's Permit for Civilian Vehicle as provided for in SOFA Article X. Issuance of such permit shall be subject to applicable military regulation;

(iv) Exemption from customs duties and other such charges on materials, supplies, and equipment which are to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by the United States armed forces furniture, household goods for private use imported by person when they first arrive to work in Japan, vehicles and parts imported for private use, and reasonable quantities of clothing and household goods for everyday private use which are mailed into Japan through United States military post offices as provided for in SOFA Article XI, paragraphs 2 and 3;

(v) Exemption from the laws and regulations of Japan with respect to terms and conditions of employment as provided for in SOFA XII, paragraph 7, except that such exemption shall not apply to the employment of local nationals in Japan;

(vi) Exemption from Japanese taxes to the Government of Japan or to any other taxing agency in Japan on income received as a result of their service with the United States armed forces as provided for in SOFA Article XIII. The provisions of Article XIII do not exempt such persons from payment of Japanese taxes on income derived from Japanese sources;

(vii) If authorized by the installation commander or designee, the right to use exchanges, commissaries, messes, social clubs, theaters, newspapers and other non-appropriated fund organizations regulated by United States military authorities as provided for in SOFA Article XV;

(viii) The transmission into or outside of Japan of United States dollar or dollar instruments realized as a result of contract performance as provided for in SOFA Article XIX, paragraph 2;

(xi) The use of postal facilities as provided for in SOFA Article XXI;

(x) Exemption from taxation in Japan on the holding, use transfer by death, or transfer to person or agencies entitled to tax exemption under the SOFA, of movable property, tangible or intangible, the presence of which in Japan is due solely to the temporary presence of these persons in Japan, provided such exemption shall not apply to property held for the purpose of investment or the conduct of other business in Japan or to any intangible property registered in Japan.

(xi) Japan authorities have the right to exercise jurisdiction over SOFA personnel in relation to offenses committed in Japan and punishable by the law of Japan. In those cases in which the Japanese authorities have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction but decide not to do so, the United States shall have the right to exercise such jurisdiction as is conferred on it by the law of the United States.

(xii) Logistic Support. Contractor, contractor personnel, and in the case of personnel granted SOFA Article l(b) status, dependents, shall, subject to availability as determined by the installation commander or designee, be provided logistic support including, but not limited to, the items below.

(1) Base Exchange, including exchange service stations, theaters, and commissary (Article l.b personnel/dependents and Article XIV personnel only);

(2) Laundry and dry cleaning;

(3) Military banking facilities (Article l(b) personnel/dependents and Article XIV personnel only);

(4) Transient billeting facilities;

(5) Open mess (club) membership, as determined by each respective club;

(6) Casualty assistance (mortuary services) on a reimbursable basis;

(7) Routine medical care on a reimbursable basis for U.S. citizens and emergency medical care on a reimbursable basis for non-U.S. citizens;

(8) Dental care, limited to relief of emergencies on a reimbursable basis;

(9) Department of Defense Dependent Schools on a space-available and tuition-paying basis;

(10) Postal support, as authorized by military postal regulations;

(11) Local recreation services on a space-available basis;

(12) Issuance of U.S. Forces, Japan Operator's Permit;

(13) Issuance of vehicle license plates.

4. Conduct. Civilian personnel supporting the U.S. armed forces in Japan are guests in a foreign country and must at all times conduct themselves in an honorable and credible manner. Criminal conduct and dishonorable personal behavior committed either on or off duty adversely impacts U.S. and Japanese relations, tarnishes the image of the DoD and USFJ, and hampers the Force's military readiness.

(A) Compliance with laws and regulations. The Contractor shall comply with, and shall ensure that its personnel are familiar with, and comply with, all applicable-

(i) United States, host country, and third country national laws;

(ii) Treaties and international agreements;

(iii) United States regulations, United States Armed Forces directives, instructions, policies, and procedures; and

(iv) Orders, directives, and instructions issued by supported commanders, including those relating to force protection, security, health, safety, liberty policies, alcohol-related incidents, or relations and interaction with local nationals, should serve as guideposts in all on and off duty conduct and will be used as general principles in the application of the government's discretion with regard to paragraph f, below.

(B) Removal and replacement of Contractor personnel. The Contracting Officer may direct the Contractor, at its own expense, to remove and replace any Contractor personnel who fail to comply with or violate applicable requirements of this contract, including those stipulated in this section. Such action may be taken at the Government's discretion without prejudice to its rights under any other provision of this contract, including the termination for default or cause.

5. Contractors shall comply with the policies and procedures described in DFARS 225.370, DFARS PGI 225.370(c)(i), USFJI 64-100, "Contract Performance in Japan," and USFJI 36- 2811, "Indoctrination Training Programs."

Attachment 9, ESS IV SOFA Clauses Page 1 of 12 Pages

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