Attachment D - Continuation of 1449.docx

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Attached to
Midewin National Forest Seed Production Invasive Control
Solicitation number
12444526Q0009
Issued by

About this file

This is a continuation sheet for a Service Contract Labor Standards (SF-1449) document for the Midewin National Forest Tall Grass Prairie Seedbed Invasive Control solicitation. The contract covers a period of performance from May 11, 2026 through September 15, 2026. Contractors must submit invoices in arrears through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov, with mandatory vendor registration required. For performance periods exceeding 30 days, partial monthly payments are authorized upon work acceptance. Invoices for performance periods of 30 days or less require submission at the end of the period with no partial payments allowed.

This RFQ (Solicitation Number 12444526Q0009) is issued by the USDA Forest Service for small business concerns only, with a size standard of $9.5 million under NAICS code 115112. Award will be made on a firm-fixed-price basis to one contractor offering the lowest price that is technically acceptable. Quotations must include pricing for all base and option periods, technical proposals addressing ability to perform, past performance documentation, quality control and quality assurance plans, and safety plans. Responses are due by March 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov, with questions due by February 24, 2026. The government will evaluate offers using a lowest-price-technically-acceptable criterion, with past experience, past performance, and ability to perform combined as factors greater in weight than price. The work involves invasive species control at Midewin National Forest in Wilmington, Illinois, with deliveries to USDA Forest Service Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 30239 South State Route 53, Wilmington, IL 60481, Attn: Amy Martina.

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Solicitation Number: 12444526Q0009 Midewin National Forest Tall Grass Prairie Seedbed Invasive Control

Attachment A – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449 Period of Performance

11 May 2026 – 15 September 2026

Contractor Invoices Invoices shall be submitted in arrears; no advance payments will be authorized. Unless otherwise noted, contractors shall submit invoices for payment as follows:

A. If the work performance period cited in the individual contract is 30 days or less, the contractor shall submit an invoice to the government at the end of the performance period. No partial payments are authorized.

B. If the work performance period cited in the individual contract is greater than 30 days partial payments may be authorized on a monthly basis and upon acceptance of the work.

https://www.ipp.gov/

C. Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov. Your company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project.

Description – Midewin Tall Grass Prairie Seedbed Invasive Control

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 12444526Q0009 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Midewin Tall Grass Prairie Seedbed Invasive Control

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 115112 The small business size standard is $9.5 million This acquisition is an unrestricted requirement. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement SEE ATTACHMENT A – Schedule of Items

Schedule Notes:

a) Items labeled as optional are not required to be exercised by the government. If exercised, the contractor will be required to perform the optional work in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract.

b) One award will be made from this solicitation, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Technical Data -

Technical data and 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 section of the posting.

· Attachment A – Schedule of Items

· Attachment B – Statement of Work

· Attachment C – Wage Determination

· Exhibit A – Chicago Road Seed Production Area

· Exhibit B – River Road Wetland Seed Production Area

Delivery Information

USDA FOREST SERVICE

MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

30239 SOUTH STATE RT 53

WILMINGTON IL 60481

ATTN: AMY MARTINA

AMY.MARTINA@USDA.GOV

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

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price 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.

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable for a Service Contract

Evaluation-Commercial Items Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the attached spreadsheet titled “Attachment A -Schedule of Items”. Total price evaluation will be for the base period, all option periods and in accordance with FAR 52.217-8, up to a six-month extension period. Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all option periods on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

For purposes of evaluation, the potential need to exercise the option under FAR 52.217-8 to extend a period of performance for a maximum period of six (6) months beyond any period of performance will be considered the same for all offerors. The Government will consider that if the extension of service clause (FAR 52.217-8) is exercised, it will be on the exact same rates and terms, other than length of performance, as the period of performance being extended. For purposes of evaluation only, the Government will use the rates specified in the last option period and add the cost of six months to the prices proposed for the base period and all option periods to determine total evaluated price of the contract. The Government will determine whether the price, including the options available under FAR 52.217-8, is fair and reasonable.

Technical Acceptability:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide 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:

· Detailed explanation of the offeror’s ability to perform the required services. A simple statement of capabilities will not suffice. The offeror must address how they will accomplish the requirements of section 1and 2, of the Statement of Work.

· Detailed explanation of any requirement listed in the Statement of Work 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.

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

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

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

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50

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

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

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

☐ Alternate I (Mar 2020).

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

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

☐ Alternate IV (Nov 2025) of 52.219-9

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

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35 ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36

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

☐ Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9

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

☐ Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3 ☐ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1 ☐ 52.225-3 Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2025) ☐ Alternate II (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate III (Nov 2025) of 52.225-3.

☐ Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3

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

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

☐ Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64

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

☒ 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
Labor Rate
WG-2 / $23.56 w/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)

Other Applicable Clauses

52.204-27Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).
52.217-8Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)
30 calendar days prior to contract expiration
52.217-9Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)
(a) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days
(c) five years and 6 months.
52.225-13Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).
52.222-55Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

AGAR Clauses

452.222-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

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

(End of Clause)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) Addenda to Provision FAR 52.212-1 paragraph (b) Submission of Offers:

1) Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management to submit an offer. https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

2) Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall include a technical proposal, a price proposal, and contractor representations and certifications.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, other factors and price considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Past Experience (in similar work)

2. Past Performance

3. Ability to Perform

4. Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan

5. Safety Plan

6. Price

7. Representations and Certifications

**Past experience, Past Performance and Ability to Perform, when combined, are greater than price.**

Factor 1 Past Experience in similar work:

The Prime Contractor’s past experiences shall be shown in similar projects completed over the past five years. Experience is relevant when the offeror has been confronted with the kinds of work or challenges that will be present under the contract contemplated by this RFQ. The offeror will be assessed by the relevant experience on the basis of its breadth and its depth. For each relevant contract or reference, the offeror shall provide:

i. Name and location of the project.

ii. Contact name and phone number of customer or their agent.

iii. Whether offeror was the prime contractor or a subcontractor.

iv. List of subcontractors and suppliers used.

v. Brief description of project and work performed.

Factor 2 Past Performance:

The assessment of past performance will be subjective and based mainly on the offeror’s reputation with their customers and others. References provided for Factor 1. Past customers and others may be contacted for information regarding their opinion on the following:

i. That you were capable, efficient and effective.

ii. That your performance conformed to the terms and conditions of the contract.

iii. That you were reasonable and cooperative during performance.

iv. That you were committed to quality work and timely completion.

Information from sources other than the references provided may be used by the government to evaluate this factor. Contractors with no past performance will be rated as in this category will be rejected.

Factor 3 Ability to Perform:

Provide names and titles of key personnel to be assigned to the project, i.e. Principal project manager, project team members. The key personnel shall be described relative to each person’s role. Indicate the qualifications of key personnel listed, showing academic qualifications, experience relevant to assigned responsibilities; skilled in the identification of native and non-native plants and ecology of northern Illinois; and availability of equipment necessary for successful completion of work. Quotes shall reflect a technical understanding and approach to this project. An acceptable rating will be given to submissions where the contractor and all subcontractors have acceptable key personnel to be assigned to the project, skilled in the identification of native and non-native plants and ecology of northern Illinois and a sound technical approach indicating that they can perform this contract successfully and also the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

Factor 4 Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan:

Submit a proposed Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QA/QC) Plan for the project, which shall include at minimum all testing and inspections required in the contract.

Factor 5 Safety Plan:

Company’s organizational approach to safety, system of records, and communication samples to review.

Factor 6 Price:

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s firm fixed price quote for price reasonableness. Price reasonableness will be established by competition and determined primarily by comparison with other offers submitted. The proposed quote will also be compared with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE).

Factor 7 Representations and Certifications:

Fill in the check boxes for provisions FAR 52.204-26, FAR 52.204-24(if applicable), FAR 52.209-7,, FAR 52.212-3, and AGAR 452.211-71 found in Section x of this solicitation and include a copy with your offer.

3) Submit offer by email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov so that it is delivered into this inbox by 20 March 2026, 4:00pm eastern. Emails should contain 6 separate attachments (Price Proposal, Past Performance, Ability to Perform, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan, Safety Plan and Representations and Certifications) in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF format. Be aware that large attachments may increase the time required to deliver an email. It is the offerors responsibility to confirm receipt of the offer from lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

4) Address questions about this solicitation to Lawrence Jackson at lawrence.jackson@usda.gov and are due by 24 February 2026, 4:00pm eastern. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

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

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

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

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7

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

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

52.217-5Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025)
52.225-18Place of Manufacture (Aug 2018)
52.237-1Site Visits (Apr 1984)

52.237-1 Site Visit (APR 1984) Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

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.

REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

(CONTRACTOR TO COMPLETE AND RETURN WITH OFFER/QUOTE

VENDOR NAME:__________________________________________________

VENDOR UEI:___________________________________________________

COMPLETE THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTED INFORMATION AND SUBMIT A COPY WITH YOUR OFFER. SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN SECTION E, PROVISION 52.212-1.

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause FAR 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(c) (1) Representation. The Offeror represents that it □ does, □ does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(End of provision) FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021) (Provision) The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at FAR 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph

(c)(2) of the provision at FAR 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at FAR 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause FAR 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) ( https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It ☐ will, ☐ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that— It ☐ does, ☐ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision) FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (Provision)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— “Administrative proceeding” means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

“Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000” means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

“Principal” means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror ☐ has ☐ does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked “has” in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in—

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in (c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see FAR 52.204-7).

(End of provision) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (MAY 2024) (DEVIATION FEB 2025) [If Offeror Representations and Certifications are not complete in SAM the offeror shall submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, with your offer. The full provision is available from http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.

If Offeror Representations and Certifications are complete in SAM, the offeror shall complete the following:] (b)(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ______________.

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any. Write “None” if there are no changes needed to your online reps and certs.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.] (End of provision)

Employment of Eligible Workers - Workforce Certification Contractors are required to provide certification under this solicitation in compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MSPA) and Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) Certificate of Registration requirements describing the workforce they will utilize to fulfill the contract requirements under this solicitation and any resulting contract.

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