B08_140D0422Q0786_-_Request_for_Quotation_Tree_and_Debris_Removal.pdf

This is a COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this solicitation. This request for quotation (RFQ) 140D0422Q0786 announcement constitutes the only solicitation. FAR clauses and provisions enclosed within this RFQ are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2022-06 and are available in full text through Internet access at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.

The Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center, on behalf of the National Park Service contemplates award of a firm-fixed price contract as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation to the quoter whose offer provides the best value to the Government.

This acquisition is in support of George Washington Memorial Parkway for the purchase of tree and debris removal services in accordance with the terms herein. This is a 100% Total Small Business Set Aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561730, and the small business size standard is $8.5 million dollars.

POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS PROCUREMENT:

Contracting Officer: Jonathan Chisholm Email: jonathan_chisholm@ibc.doi.gov mailto:jonathan_chisholm@ibc.doi.gov

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

561730

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORD51

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

08/17/2022

0000000000Jonathan Chisholm (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

08/31/2022 1700 ES

b. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140D0422Q0786

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2 32 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Herndon VA 20170 381 Elden Street, Suite 4000

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$8.50

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

IBC,AQD,Dv5,Br1,VA

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The purpose of this procurement is to obtain tree and debris removal services in the Washington, DC Region.

See Section 1 for the Price Schedule.

See Section 2 for the request for quotation (RFQ) general terms and conditions .

See Section 2.4 for the list of Attachments to include the Statement of Work (SOW).

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Jonathan Chisholm

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

See Section 3 for the applicable clauses.

See Section 4 for the Instructions to Offers to include the due/date time for vendor questions and the due date/time for quotes.

See Section 4.5 for the Evaluation Factors

See Section 5 for the applicable provisions.

This RFQ is being solicited in accordance with the procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) Part 12 and Subpart 13.5.

Period of Performance: 09/26/2022 to 05/31/2023

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

52 2 of

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND PRICE SCHEDULE

1.1 GENERAL

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking quotes to obtain Hazardous Tree Removal services on grounds under the jurisdiction of George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) along with debris within the general area. This request for quotation (RFQ) is being solicited in accordance with the procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12 and Subpart 13.5.

1.2 ELIGIBILITY

This solicitation is open to small business concerns under North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code 561730 “Landscaping Services” with a Small Business Administration (SBA) Size Standard of $8.5 million. To be eligible for award any small business must be clearly certified as a small business within its System for Award Management (SAM) profile under the $8.5 million dollar size standard no later than the due date/time for quotes.

1.3 ANTICIPATED AWARD TYPE

The Government anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed Price type single award contract.

1.4 CONTRACT LINE ITEM/PRICING

The specific details and description of the Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) are described below (Vendor(s) shall provide information as part of the business/price quotation):

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT TOTAL PRICE

00010 Tree Removal Services 1 ea. $__________

00020 Debris Removal Services 1 ea. $___________

CLIN 00010 is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) line item with a period of performance of in accordance with Section XIV of the Statement of Work (SOW) – see RFQ Attachment A for all services associated with the tree removal tasks in the SOW. All tree removal services under this order shall be coordinated with Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) who will be delegated via an official letter after award.

CLIN 00020 is a FFP line item with a period of performance in accordance with Section XIV of the SOW for all services associated with the removal of debris in accordance with the SOW.

This line item should be priced based upon an anticipated quantity of approximately 30,000 yards of recyclable material and approximately 300 tons of non-recyclable material.

1.5 PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The contractor shall be paid after the completion of all work associated with a CLIN.

SECTION 2

GENERAL CALL/TASK ORDER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

See Section XIV of the SOW.

2.1 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance is within the general Washington, DC region largely in areas on or near the George Washington Memorial Parkway. See Attachment B for a list of the specific locations of the trees that need to be removed. Specific debris removal locations within the Washington, DC region shall be coordinated with the COR and Contracting Officer (CO) after award.

2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE POINTS OF CONTACT

2.2.1 Contracting Officer: CO for this effort is as follows:

U.S. Department of the Interior Interior Business Center Acquisition Services Directorate Attn: Jonathan Chisholm 381 Elden Street Ste 4000 Herndon, VA 20170 Email: Jonathan_Chisholm@ibc.doi.gov

2.2.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative: The Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) for this effort is as follows:

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 1849 C St NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Attn: To Be Announced (TBA) at the time of award Phone Number: TBA | Email: TBA

2.3 INVOICING REQUIREMENT

Payment will be made in the amounts shown in Section 1.5 of this call/task order upon completion of each of the specific tasks and the Government's acceptance of those tasks.

2.3.1 DIAPR 2011-4 ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

– INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP) (APR 2013)

mailto:Jonathan_Chisholm@ibc.doi.gov

DOI-AAAP-0028, Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013) V2

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this Call/Task Order the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice:

The Contractor shall submit invoices once per month for fixed price services or Time-and- Materials Line Items. Copies of the invoice with support documentation shall also be sent through electronic email to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO).

Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Line Items invoice shall be submitted in accordance with the partial delivery schedule that shall be incorporated at the Call Order level. The Contractor shall be allowed to invoice against the FFP CLINs after acceptance of the deliverables submitted to the Government for review and approval.

Additional supporting documentation MAY BE REQUESTED at the discretion of the COR.

Travel invoiced must include the name of the traveler, travel itinerary, purpose of travel (event, exercise, workshop, etc), and any other documentation requested by the COR/CO for Finance/Administration. The Contractor will be reimbursed for actual, allowable, allocable, and reasonable travel costs incurred during performance of this requirement in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations currently in effect on date of travel. A copy of the approved travel request form shall be attached for reference.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring invoices submitted are accurate and complete and are in accordance with federal guidelines, the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and other Government mandates and directives.

The Contractor agrees to include the following information on each invoice:

1. Name and address of the Contractor

2. Invoice number and date

3. Task Order number and date

4. Period of performance for the billing cycle

5. Payment terms

6. Name, title, phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address of person to be https://www.ipp.gov/ notified in the event of a defective invoice

7. Other substantiating documentation or information as required by the TO

8. Any Travel or Other Direct Costs (ODC’s) (including supporting documentation/receipts of all other charges) for the current billing period and cumulative to date. A copy of the approved Travel Authorization Form shall be attached for reference.

9. Firm Fixed Price (FFP) CLINS: Detailed pricing will be provided per deliverable.

Invoices will be submitted upon successful delivery and Government acceptance of each deliverable. The contractor shall develop a payment schedule based on deliverables which will be reviewed by both the COR and CO. If the Payment schedule is acceptable to the Government, the contractor shall bill based on the deliverable schedule accepted by the Government. Resulting task orders will indicate the payment schedule accepted by the Government. The invoice will contain the following:

a. CLIN/Item number of deliverable

b. Description of deliverable

c. Price of deliverable

d. Quantity of deliverable

e. Date deliverable was provided to the Government for Inspection

f. Serial number/part number if applicable

g. Cumulative CLINs delivered and cumulative paid on delivered CLINS

10. Firm Fixed Price Invoice Payment: Payments under this order will be due 30 calendar days after the date of actual receipt of proper invoice in the office designated to receive the original invoice or final acceptance of the goods or services, whichever is later. All payments will be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT).

FINAL INVOICE:

1. Within sixty calendar days of product acceptance and/or completion of services:

a. The Offeror shall submit a final invoice, designated as such by a clear statement of “FINAL INVOICE” on the face of the invoice document.

b. The Offeror shall provide a certificate of completion which certifies all goods and service have been provided as required by this Order.

c. The Offeror shall provide a release of claims against the government for any further payment under this Order.

The sixty-calendar day submission timeframe shall not be extended without written authorization from the contracting officer. In the event items a, b, or c above are not submitted within the authorized timeframe, the contracting officer may make final cost determinations in order to make final payment and close out the contract unilaterally.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) within 3 – 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for mailto:ippgroup@bos.frb.org payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

(End of Local Clause)

2.4 ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – Statement of Work

Attachment B – Tree Details with GPS

Attachment C – Copy of Provision 52.212-3

Attachment D – Wage Determination 2015-4281

SECTION 3

CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract 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 a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

Clause Title

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance. (AUG 2020)

52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal. (JAN 2017)

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations-

Representation. (NOV 2015)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and

Commercial Services. (NOV 2021)

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (MAY 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-

235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services

Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115- 232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations

(NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the

Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services: (Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[ ] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C.

3509).

[ ] (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) (Reserved)

[X] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111- 117, section 743 of Div. C).

[ ] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

(OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[ ] (10) (Reserved)

[ ] (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole Source Award (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C.

657a).

[ ] (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (SEP 2021) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[ ] (13) (Reserved)

[X] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[ ] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)).

[ ] (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (NOV 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2021) of 52.219-9.[ ] (18)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)). [ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[X] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[ ] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[ ] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22)(i) 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

[ ] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[ ] (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[ ] (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[ ] (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[X] (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[X] (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2022) (E.O.

13126).

[X] (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (30)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (31)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C.

793).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act

(DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (35)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[X] (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

[ ] (37)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA- Designated Items (MAY 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[ ] (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[ ] (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[ ] (40)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

[ ] (41)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[ ](ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[ ] (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C.

8259b).

[ ] (43)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

[X] (44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving

(JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

[ ] (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[ ] (46) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[ ] (47)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[ ] (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[ ] (49)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

[ ] (iii) Alternate II (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3. [ ] (iv) Alternate III (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

[ ] (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (OCT 2019) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C.

3301 note).

[X] (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions 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) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

[ ] (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (NOV 2007) (42 U.S.C.

5150).

[ ] (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (NOV 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[X] (55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (FEB 2021).

[ ] (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[ ] (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[ ] (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (OCT 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[X] (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Other than System for Award Management (JUL 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[ ] (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[ ] (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[ ] (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C.

637(d)(13)).

[ ] (63)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (APR 2003) of 52.247-64.

[ ] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services: (Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[X] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[ ] (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[ ] (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[ ] (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

[X] (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

[ ] (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records

- Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) of this paragraph in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115- 232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii) [X] (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[ ] (B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O.

13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022) (E. O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order

14026 (JAN 2022).

(xviii) 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O.

13706).

(xix)(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN

2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV

2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. (SEP 2013)

(a) In the performance of this contract, the contractor shall make maximum use of biobased products that are United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-designated items unless-

(1) The product cannot be acquired-

(i) Competitively within a time frame providing for compliance with the contract performance schedule;

(ii) Meeting contract performance requirements; or

(iii) At a reasonable price.

(2) The product is to be used in an application covered by a USDA categorical exemption (see 7 CFR 3201.3(e)). For example, all USDA-designated items are exempt from the preferred procurement requirement for the following:

(i) Spacecraft system and launch support equipment.

(ii) Military equipment, i.e., a product or system designed or procured for combat or combat-related missions.

(b) Information about this requirement and these products is available at http://www.biopreferred.gov.

(c) In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall-

(1) Report to http://www.sam.gov, with a copy to the Contracting Officer, on the product types and dollar value of any USDA-designated biobased products purchased by the Contractor during the previous Government fiscal year, between October 1 and September 30; and Submit this report no later than-

(1) October 31 of each year during contract performance; and (2) at the end of contract performance.

(End of clause)

52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.

ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(OCT 2021) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause – United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all guidance, including guidance conveyed through Frequently Asked Questions, as amended during the performance of this contract, for contractor or subcontractor workplace locations published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force Guidance) at https:/www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

(d) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in subcontracts at any tier that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in Federal http://www.biopreferred.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

Acquisition Regulation 2.101 on the date of subcontract award, and are for services, including construction, performed in whole or in part within the United States or its outlying areas.

(End of clause)

SECTION 4

QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS AND EVLAUATION OF OFFERORS

NOTICE: The failure to submit any of the information requested in this RFQ may lead to the rejection of your quotation without further consideration.

4.1 SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS

Any questions regarding this RFQ must be delivered Jonathan_Chisholm@ibc.doi.gov -no later than 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time on 22 August 2022. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit those questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective vendors. PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

4.2 QUOTATION DUE DATE AND DELIVERY

Quotations submitted in response to this RFQ shall be delivered via email to the Contracting Officer at Jonathan_Chisholm@ibc.doi.gov. Quotations shall be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on 31 August 2022 to be considered for award. Please be advised that it is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure the Government receives your submission on or before the specified due date. Any submissions received after the date and time specified herein will NOT be considered for award. PHONE CALLS ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.

4.3 QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

Quotes must be submitted in two separate volumes: 1) Price Volume and 2) Technical and Past Performance Volume in accordance with the instructions contained in this RFQ. Both Price and Technical/Past Performance Volumes must be submitted as separate attachments.

The failure to submit any of the information requested in this RFQ may lead to the rejection of a quotation without further communication. Any quotation that offers less than the total required effort will not be considered.

This RFQ in no way obligates the Government to issue or award orders. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this RFQ or subsequent orders.

Vendors may participate by submitting a response in accordance with the instructions contained herein.

To be eligible for award vendors must have a System for Award Management (SAM) profile completed prior to the receipt of quotes. Please see Attachment C for a copy of the representations and certifications that need to be completed as part of the SAM registration process. A copy of Attachment C does not need to be completed and submitted as part of a quote if a vendor already has a completed and current SAM profile.

4.3.1 PRICE VOLUME

4.3.1.1 General Requirements: The price portion shall be a separate volume from the written portion of the technical submission. The vendor shall quote a pricing structure in accordance with the proposed technical solution. Quotations shall include a statement that the vendors’ quotation is valid for a minimum of 90 calendar days from the date of submission.

If amendments are issued under this RFQ, the vendor must complete and sign the SF 30 document for each amendment and include it in the price volume. Only the SF 30 form must be returned; amendment continuation pages and attachments to the amendments need not be returned.

4.3.1.2 Subcontracting and Teaming Agreements

The Government permits the use of traditional prime/subcontracting relationships and/or Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs) to offer a total solution to meet the call/task order requirements, as long as majority of work is accomplished under the awardee in accordance with Clause 52.

All CTAs must be specifically identified and a copy of the CTA document between the team members must be included in the Price Volume. The CTA documentation must identify all team members and describe the tasks to be performed by each team member along with the associated proposed prices (e.g., unit prices, labor categories, and hourly rates). A team lead must also be identified, as must the individual team members responsible for delivery, warranty, and other issues. Only the CTA team lead may submit invoices directly to the Government; the Government will not make direct payments to each individual CTA member. The teaming arrangement agreement shall also acknowledge that any dispute involving the distribution of payment between the team lead and the team members will be resolved by the team members, without any involvement by the government.

4.3.2 TECHNICAL VOLUME

The Technical Volume must address topics and requirements specified in the Statement of Work (SOW) by outlining how the vendor intends to completed each task along with providing certification of any licenses/insurance requirements required in the SOW. Vendors are strongly encouraged to outline any experience completing any tasks as part of their technical volume.

The Technical volume is limited to 20 pages, not including the title pages, the table of contents, and resumes submitted of assigned personnel. Any pages in excess of those specified will not be evaluated. No material may be incorporated by reference to circumvent the page limitation.

Your submission must use 12-point font, single-spaced. Page margins must be one inch at the top, bottom, and each side. Headers, footers, and page numbering may be outside the 1-inch margin, but not less than a .5 inch margin. Headers, footers tables/figures and page numbering may be in 10-point or 12-point font.

In order for the submission to be evaluated strictly on the merit of the technical quotation, no cost or pricing information shall be included in the Technical Volume.

4.3.2.1 Technical Capabilities and Approach

Contractor shall fully describe and discuss in detail the understanding of the project, their respective capabilities in meeting the requirements, and technical approach to meet the full range of tasks identified in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Vendor shall detail how each of the tasks in the SOW will be performed and the appropriateness of all proposed methodologies and analyses implemented. The vendor shall fully describe and discuss understanding of the requirements, its purpose and scope, and the degree of difficulty in successfully accomplishing the effort.

Vendor shall describe their organizational experience in performing the requirements of the SOW to include managing similar projects. The vendor shall demonstrate their role in the work performed on the similar projects (management vs. implementation), the final output of the similar projects, and impact/outcomes of prior projects on the countries for which the work was performed (e.g., investment, regulation, procedures). Vendor shall distinguish output (e.g., number of individuals trained) from impact (e.g., documentable improvements in governance frameworks) on their previous project work.

In the event that the vendor identifies a potential conflict of interest a Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan shall be submitted as part of its Technical Volume. This plan shall outline the conflict of interest that has been identified and provide a detailed summary of how the vendor intends to prevent the work being completed under this contract from giving it an unfair advantage in future business opportunities.

4.3.2.2 Past Performance

Vendors shall provide no more than three (3) recent and relevant past performance references in as part of the Technical Volume. Recent is defined as work taking place within the last 5 years, and relevant is defined as work within the general scope of the tasks in the SOW. The references should include, at a minimum, the following information: the name of the customer/client, dates services were provided, general deliverables provided, dollar amount, whether services were provided as prime or subcontractor, and general scope of the services provided with a focus on the tasks actually performed by the contractor (i.e., was the contactor responsible for one task as a subcontractor, or did the contractor manage and perform the entire effort).

4.3.3 ASSUMPTION, CONDITIONS OR EXCEPTIONS

Vendors must submit, under separate cover, all (if any) assumptions, conditions, or exceptions with any of the terms and conditions, and/or price of this RFQ. If not noted in this section of a quote, it will be assumed that the vendor has no assumptions for award and agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein in this RFQ. It is not the responsibility of the Government to seek out and identify assumptions, conditions, or exceptions buried within a vendor’s quotation.

SECTION 4.5

EVALUATION OF QUOTATIONS

4.5.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Quotations shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the instructions contained in Section 4 of this RFQ. The technical submission will be evaluated separately from the price submission. Each submission will be evaluated against the evaluation factors listed below. The Government may select outside experts to aid in the review of the quotation.

4.5.2 BASIS FOR AWARD

Award shall be made to the responsible vendor whose quote, in conforming to RFQ, provides an overall best value to the Government; technical and all other evaluation factors, and price considered. The Government's objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable price. All technical factors are of equal importance and when combined are more important than price. However, between submissions that are evaluated as technically equal in quality, price will become a major consideration in selecting the successful vendor. Quotations will be evaluated based on information submitted in the Price and Technical quotations.

The Government reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this competition if, in the opinion of the Government, none of the submissions would provide satisfactory performance at a price that is considered fair and reasonable and/or economically feasible or if agreement between the Government and vendor on the terms and conditions cannot be reached within the timeframe established by the Contracting Officer. A vendor may be eliminated from consideration without further communication if its technical and/or pricing quotes are not among those vendors considered most advantageous to the Government based on a best value determination.

4.5.3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS

The following evaluation factors will be utilized in order to evaluate each technical quotation.

All technical factors (Factor A and B) are of equal importance and when combined are more important than price (Factor C).

Factor A: Technical Capabilities and Approach Factor B: Past Performance Factor C: Price (Non-technical factor)

4.5.3.1 FACTOR A – TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES AND APPROACH

This factor will be evaluated by rating the Vendor’s approach in accomplishing each of the tasks identified in the SOW. Specifically the vendor’s demonstrated understanding of the scope, goals, and objectives of the work required, the applicability and clarity of the overall technical capability for DOI’s needs, and ability to successfully perform on the effort will be evaluated.

Vendor’s plan and methodologies adopted in accomplish the SOW tasks will be evaluated under this factor.

The Vendor’s organizational experience will also be evaluated under this factor to ensure that vendor has requisite experience in managing similar projects as required by the SOW task areas.

Demonstrated experience and the outcomes of the prior projects and its impact to requiring activity will be assessed to ensure successful performance can be replicated by the vendor under this effort.

4.5.3.2 FACTOR B – PAST PERFORMANCE

This factor will be evaluated to ensure to determine if the vendor has experience completing recent and relevant work within the general scope of this procurement. As part of this evaluation the Government shall consider up three (3) past performance references submitted as part of the Technical Volume along with other sources of past performance information that may include Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports, Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) information, and any other information the Contracting Officer deems appropriate. Contractors that demonstrate recent and relevant past performance, especially past performance that has verifiable better than satisfactory overall performance, may result in a higher overall rating under this factor.

4.5.3.3 FACTOR C - PRICE EVALUATION

The Government will evaluate the quoted prices for reasonableness based upon a number of factors to include but not limited to, past prices paid, commercial list prices for similar services, and comparison of prices to those received Vendors are placed on notice that any quotation which is unrealistic in terms of supporting the technical approach, or unrealistically low in price may be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competency or indicative of failure to comprehend the complexity of the requirements and may be grounds for the rejection of the submission. The vendor is expected to quote a price that is both reasonable and realistic.

4.5.3.4 RIGHT TO COMMUNICATE WITH VENDORS

The Government intends to award a contract without further communicating with vendors.

Consequently, vendors are highly encouraged to quote their best technical and pricing quotations in their initial submissions. However, the Government reserves the right to communicate with any vendor submitting a technical and price quotation if it is determined advantageous to the Government to do so. This statement is not to be construed to mean that the Government is obligated to communicate with every vendor.

SECTION 5

RFQ PROVISIONS

5.1 FAR 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.