B08-140M0121Q0051_Combined_Synopsis-Solicitation.pdf

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 1 of 51

Online Environment and Energy News Subscription Services

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is being issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under Solicitation No.

140M0121Q0051 and incorporated clauses and provisions are those in effect through Federal

Acquisition Circular 2021-06.

In accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 in conjunction with FAR Part 13, this combined synopsis/solicitation is posted for the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of

Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), Acquisition Management Division, which is the contracting activity for this acquisition, submitted on behalf of the Bureau of Ocean Energy

Management (BOEM). BOEM has a requirement for online environment and energy news-specific subscription services for the Office of the Director and Deputy Director and keep personnel up to date with daily information on energy and environmental issues.

The Government anticipates awarding a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order, as a result of this solicitation. The anticipated period of performance for this requirement is October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 for the base period and four (4) subsequent 12-month option periods. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code is 519130, “Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals” with the small business size standard of 1,000 employees. This acquisition is being competed on an unrestricted basis.

Quotes must be received by the Point of Contract (POC) below at the time and place identified in

Section 4 of the RFQ.

POC: Jillian Gerna, DOI Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Acquisition

Management Division, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166. Questions must be emailed

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 2 of 51 to Ms. Gerna at Jillian.Gerna@bsee.gov with Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 in the subject line and in accordance with the due date and time for questions in Section 4 of the following

RFQ.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 3 of 51

SECTION 1

PRICING

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in conjunction with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Under this Request for Quote (RFQ), the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), on behalf of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order for online environment and energy news subscription services.

Except as stated in Section 2, the Contractor shall furnish all personnel, material, supplies and services necessary in performance of this purchase order.

1.2 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER/PRICING

The Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is described as follows:

[*Offeror shall fill in the proposed Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) amount below.]

CLIN# DESCRIPTION FIRM-FIXED-PRICE

00010 Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____ in accordance with Section 2 – SOW

BASE PERIOD: 10/01/2021 – 09/30/2022

CLIN 00010 is a fixed price line item for access granted to 14 users.

00011 Optional Task - Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

BASE PERIOD: 10/01/2021 – 09/30/2022

CLIN 00011 is an optional indefinite quantity fixed-price per unit line item for up to an estimated 5 users (exact amount to be determined when exercised). Option to be exercised anytime within the annual period of 12 months, at a pro-rated price, based on the date of option exercise.

00020 Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

OPTION PERIOD 1: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023

CLIN 00020 is a fixed price line item for access granted to 14 users.

00021 Optional Task - Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 4 of 51

OPTION PERIOD 1: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023

CLIN 00021 is an optional indefinite quantity fixed-price per unit line item for up to an estimated 5

00030 Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

OPTION PERIOD 2: 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024

CLIN 00030 is a fixed price line item for access granted to 14 users.

00031 Optional Task - Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

OPTION PERIOD 2: 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024

CLIN 00031 is an optional indefinite quantity fixed-price per unit line item for up to an estimated 5

00040 Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

14 users

OPTION PERIOD 3: 10/01/2024 – 09/30/2025

CLIN 00040 is a fixed price line item for access granted to 14 users.

00041 Optional Task - Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

OPTION PERIOD 3: 10/01/2024 – 09/30/2025

CLIN 00041 is an optional indefinite quantity fixed-price per unit line item for up to an estimated 5

00050 Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

OPTION PERIOD 4: 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026

CLIN 00050 is a fixed price line item for access granted to 14 users.

00051 Optional Task - Annual Subscription Services $_____*_____

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 5 of 51

OPTION PERIOD 4: 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026

CLIN 00051 is an optional indefinite quantity fixed-price per unit line item for up to an estimated 5

TOTAL PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT, if all options exercised $_____*______

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 6 of 51

SECTION 2

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the safe and environmentally responsible development of energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.

BOEM has a need for comprehensive and daily coverage of environmental and energy news, politics, and policy. This includes up-to-date reporting into the specific environmental and energy issues facing the White House, Congress, the courts, federal agencies and the states. It has to be a reliable, trusted, and independent source of energy news and environmental information that meets the needs of the office.

2.2 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide subscriptions to the direct staff within the Office of the Director and Deputy Director. There are currently 14 expected users but will need the flexibility to add more users, as necessary.

This energy and environment-focused news subscription shall provide access to content that includes, but not limited, to the following:

2.2.1 Federal legislation & policymakers

2.2.2 U.S. regulation & federal agencies

2.2.3 Legal cases & judicial decisions

2.2.4 International & U.S. climate policy

2.2.5 Energy resources & markets

2.2.6 State legislation & controversies

2.2.7 Oil, natural gas, coal & nuclear

2.2.8 Fracking & unconventional energy development

2.2.9 Electric utilities

2.2.10 Alternative energy

2.2.11 Air & water pollution

2.2.12 Public lands & mining

2.2.13 Endangered species

2.2.14 Technology & science

2.2.15 Climate change

2.3 ELECTRONIC DELIVERABLES

Access to the web-based subscription shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative identified in Section 3.3.2.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 7 of 51

SECTION 3

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1 TYPE OF ORDER

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order shall be issued under the authority of the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), on behalf of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the environment and energy news subscription services.

3.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This order includes a BASE plus FOUR (4) OPTION PERIODS.

Base Period: 10/01/2021 – 09/30/2022 Option Period 1: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023 Option Period 2: 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024 Option Period 3: 10/01/2024 – 09/30/2025 Option Period 4: 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026

3.3 ADMINISTRATION/GOVERNMENT POINTS OF CONTACT

3.3.1 Contracting Officer (CO)

Jillian Gerna Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 45600 Woodland Road, Mailstop VAE-AMD Sterling, VA 20166 Phone Number: 703-787-1348 Email: Jillian.Gerna@bsee.gov

3.3.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

*To be announced upon award Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 1849 C Street NW, Rm 5254 Washington, DC 20240 Email: TBD

Phone: TBD

3.4 DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS/LOCATION

The Contractor shall provide electronic notification to the designated COR in Section 3.3.2 that subscription has been renewed within three (3) days of award. All deliverables shall be coordinated to the address below:

Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Office of Budget Execution

Attn: *To be announced upon award

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 8 of 51

Email: TBD

3.5 DIAR 1452.201-70 AUTHORITIES AND DELEGATIONS (SEP 2011)

(a) The Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to enter into or terminate this contract, modify any term or condition of this contract, waive any requirement of this contract, or accept nonconforming work.

(b) The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award. The COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR will be appointed in writing, and a copy of the appointment will be furnished to the Contractor. Changes to this delegation will be made by written changes to the existing appointment or by issuance of a new appointment.

(c) The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the Contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government.

(d) The Contractor shall comply with the written or oral direction of the Contracting Officer or authorized representative(s) acting within the scope and authority of the appointment memorandum.

The Contractor need not proceed with direction that it considers to have been issued without proper authority. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, with as much detail as possible, when the COR has taken an action or has issued direction (written or oral) that the Contractor considers to exceed the COR's appointment, within 3 days of the occurrence. Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the Contractor assumes all costs, risks, liabilities, and consequences of performing any work it is directed to perform that falls within any of the categories defined in paragraph (c) prior to receipt of the Contracting Officer's response issued under paragraph

(e) of this clause.

(e) The Contracting Officer shall respond in writing within 30 days to any notice made under paragraph (d) of this clause. A failure of the parties to agree upon the nature of a direction, or upon the contract action to be taken with respect thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of the Disputes clause of this contract.

(f) The Contractor shall provide copies of all correspondence to the Contracting Officer and the

COR.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 9 of 51

(g) Any action(s) taken by the Contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the Government or any Government official other than the Contracting Officer or the COR acting within his or her appointment, shall be at the Contractor's risk.

3.6 INVOICING REQUIREMENT

Invoices shall be submitted, one time, after acceptance of deliverables by the Government under the base period CLIN and any option CLIN, if exercised, and in accordance with the instructions provided in Section 3.6.1 below.

3.6.1 DOI-AAAP-00028 ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

– INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP) (APR 2013)

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 contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice: Documentation required by FAR 32.905(b)

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) prior to the contract award date, but no more than 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 payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

3.7 AVAILABILITY OF CLAUSES

3.7.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This order incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The Contractor shall comply with these clauses unless the circumstances do not apply. The full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at the following addresses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

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

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 10 of 51

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (OCT 2018)

3.7.2 CLAUSES INCLUDED IN FULL TEXT

3.7.2.1 FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items (JUL 2021)

(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 items:

(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 (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115- 91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (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 items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUNE 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN

2020) (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.)

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 11 of 51

__ (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].

__ (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).

__ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (JUN 2020) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11)

(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

__ (12)

(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR

2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-4.

__ (13) [Reserved]

__ (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.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 12 of 51

__ (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 (JUN 2020) (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 (JUN 2020) 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.

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (JAN

1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set- Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (22)

(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (NOV

2020) (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 Concerns (MAR 2020) (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 (Mar2020) (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 (MAR 2020) (15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 13 of 51

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

__ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN2020) (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.

__ (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.

__ (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.

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

__ (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 (OCT 2020) (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).

__ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 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.)

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 14 of 51

__ (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 (Jun2014) 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 (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (47)

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

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

__ (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (JAN2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 15 of 51

__ (49)

(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (JAN 2021)(41 U.S.C.chapter83, 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).

__ (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. 2302Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (FEB 2021) .

__ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (FEB

2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

X (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (OCT2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (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).

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

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 16 of 51

__ (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 (FEB 2006) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

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

__ (iii) Alternate II (FEB 2006) 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 items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter67).

__ (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).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.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).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (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

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 17 of 51 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) in a subcontract for commercial items. 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 (JUN

2020) (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 (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (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

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 18 of 51 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 2015) (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)

(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020) (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 (May2014) (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 (OCT 2015) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (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.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 19 of 51

(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 (FEB

2006) ( 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 items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

3.7.2.2 FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity-Separately Priced Line Item (MAR 1989)

The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor anytime within the contract period.

Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

3.7.2.3 FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 1 day prior to the end of each contract period; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 5 days before the contract period expires.

The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

3.8 CONTRACTOR’S TECHNICAL QUOTE

The Contractor’s technical quote may be incorporated by reference into the awarded purchase order. Any inconsistencies or in the event of a discrepancy or conflict between the terms and conditions of the purchase order and the Contractor’s quote arise, the purchase order terms and conditions shall take precedence.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 20 of 51

SECTION 4

QUOTE PREPARATION AND EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 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. 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/

Provision Title

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreement or Statements – Representation (JAN 2017) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (JUL 2021) 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Sanctioned Activities Relating to Iran Representation and Certifications (JUN 2020)

4.2 SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS

Any questions regarding this RFQ must be delivered to Jillian.Gerna@bsee.gov no later than 2:00 pm, Eastern Time (ET), August 26, 2021. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit those questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective Offerors.

4.3 QUOTE DUE DATE AND METHOD OF DELIVERY

A quote must be submitted no later than 2:00 pm, U.S. Eastern Time (ET), August 31, 2021 via email to the Contracting Officer, Jillian Gerna at Jillian.Gerna@bsee.gov. Note the Solicitation No.

140M0121Q0051 in the subject line.

4.4 QUOTE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Quotes must be submitted in two separate volumes: 1) Price Volume and 2) Technical Volume in accordance with the instructions contained in this RFQ. Offerors must note the following:

Include offeror’s Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number in the price volume;

A statement that the offeror’s quote is valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days from the

RFQ closing date; and Offerors must have active System for Award Management (SAM) registration at time of quote submission per FAR 52.204-7.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 21 of 51

4.4.1 Volume 1 – Pricing

4.4.1.1 Pricing Tables

The Offeror shall complete and submit Section 1.2 of the RFQ AND the following with the price volume:

CLINs 00010 & 00011 [BASE PERIOD: 10/01/2021 – 09/30/2022] CLIN 00010 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Annual Environment & Energy News Subscription

CLIN 00011 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Optional Task: Annual Environment & Energy News Subscription

5 users

CLINs 00020 & 00021 [OPTION PERIOD 1: 10/01/2022 – 09/30/2023]

CLIN 00020 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price Annual Environment &

CLIN 00021 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Environment & Energy News

CLINs 00030 & 00031 [OPTION PERIOD 2: 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024]

CLIN 00030 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price Annual Environment &

CLIN 00031 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Environment & Energy News

CLINs 00040 & 00041 [OPTION PERIOD 3: 10/01/2024 – 09/30/2025]

CLIN 00040 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price Annual Environment &

CLIN 00041 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Environment & Energy News

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 22 of 51

CLINs 00050 & 00051 [OPTION PERIOD 4: 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026] CLIN 00050 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Annual Environment &

CLIN 00051 Number of Users Unit Price Total Price

Environment & Energy News

4.4.1.2 FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items

The Offeror shall complete Attachment 1 and submit the attachment as part of the Price Volume.

4.4.1.3 Market/Catalog Price List

The Offeror shall include an itemized price breakdown from the offeror’s commercial price list as part of the Price Volume. The price quote shall be based on commercial open market pricing, utilizing any and all available discounts.

4.4.2 Volume 2 – Technical

4.4.2.1 Technical Capability: Describe your proposed solution to meeting the requirements of Section 2.

4.4.2.2 Past Performance: Provide information on three (3) previous Government contracts it performed recently (in-progress or completed within the last three (3) years) that are relevant to the requirements of this solicitation using Attachment 2. Relevant past performance is performance, which is similar in terms of size, scope and complexity to the requirements of this solicitation.

Past performance reference forms shall be included as attachments to the Technical Volume.

4.5 ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS OR EXCEPTIONS

Contractor must submit all (if any) assumptions, conditions, or exceptions with any of the terms and conditions, and/or price of this solicitation under a separate cover. If none are submitted, it will be assumed that the contractor proposes no assumptions for award, agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein the solicitation. It is not the responsibility of the Government to seek out and identify assumptions, conditions, or exceptions buried within the Offeror’s quote.

Please note any assumptions, conditions, or exceptions that conflict with the terms and conditions of this RFQ may eliminate the offeror from consideration for award.

4.6 DIAR 1452.215-71 USE AND DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL INFORMATION (APR

1984)

(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this provision and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

(1) "Trade Secret" means an unpatented, secret commercially valuable plan, appliance, Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 23 of 51 formula, or process which is used for the making, preparing, compounding, treating or processing of articles or materials which are trade commodities.

(2) "Confidential commercial or financial information" means any business information (other than trade secrets) which is exempt from the mandatory disclosure requirement of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Exemptions from mandatory disclosure that may be applicable to business information contained in proposals include exemption (4), which covers "commercial and financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential," and exemption (9), which covers "geological and geophysical information, including maps, concerning wells."

(b) If the offeror, or its subcontractor(s) believes that the proposal contains trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) the offeror shall identify such information as follows:

"The information specifically identified in pages (insert page nos.) of this proposal constitutes trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information, which the offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The offeror requests that this information not be disclosed to the public except as may be required by law. The offeror also requests that this information not be used in whole or part by the Government for any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal, except that if a contract is awarded to the offeror as a result of or in connection with the submission of the proposal, the Government shall have the right to use the information to the extent provided in the contract."

(c) The offeror shall also specifically identify trade secret information and confidential commercial and financial information on the pages of the proposal on which it appears and shall mark each such page with the following legend:

"This page contains trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information which the offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and which is subject to the legend contained on the cover page of this proposal."

(d) Information in a proposal identified by an offeror as trade secret information or confidential commercial and financial information shall be used by the Government only for the purpose of evaluating the proposal except that (i) if a contract is awarded to the offeror as a result of or in connection with submission of the proposal, the Government shall have the right to use the information as provided in the contract, (ii) and if the same information is obtained from another source without restriction it may be used without restriction.

(e) If a request under the Freedom of Information Act seeks access to information in a proposal identified as trade secret information or confidential commercial and financial information, full consideration will be given to the offeror's view that the information constitutes trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information. The offeror will also be promptly notified of the request and given an opportunity to provide additional evidence and argument in support of its position, unless administratively unfeasible to do so. If it is determined that information claimed by the offeror to be trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, the offeror will be notified of this determination prior to disclosure of the information.

(f) The Government assumes no liability for the disclosure or use of information contained in a proposal if not marked in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this provision. If a request under the Freedom of Information Act is made for information in a proposal not marked in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this provision, the offeror concerned shall be promptly notified of the request and given an opportunity to provide its position to the Government. However, failure of an offeror to mark information contained in a proposal as trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information will be treated by the Government as evidence that the

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 24 of 51 information is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, absent a showing that the failure to mark was due to unusual or extenuating circumstances, such as a showing that the offeror had intended to mark, but that markings were omitted from the offeror's proposal due to clerical error.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 25 of 51

SECTION 5

EVALUATION OF QUOTES

5.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

A quote shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with and comply with the instructions contained in Section 4 of this RFQ.

5.2 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(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, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers and are in descending order of importance:

Factor A: Technical Capability

Factor B: Past Performance

Factor C: Price

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option.

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

FACTOR A – Technical Capability:

Evaluation of the offeror’s ability to provide a comprehensive solution to the requirements detailed in Section 2.

FACTOR B – Past Performance The past performance evaluation will examine the extent to which the Offeror’s past performance demonstrates its capability and capacity to successfully perform the requirements of this solicitation. In assessing relevance of past performance, the Government will consider relevant contracts as those contracts that are ongoing or completed within the last three (3) years having comparable level of size, scope, and complexity to the requirements of the solicitation.

(a): Evaluation of the history of developing and delivering high quality services/products in the areas described in the RFQ (or areas similar to those described in the work statement) to largescale organizations, especially those primarily Governmental in nature (such as State, local, or Federal Government entities).

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 26 of 51

(b): Evaluation of fulfillment of contract requirements and technical excellence. This includes meeting or exceeding past contract requirements, use of appropriate personnel, timeliness of

Offeror against the schedule of deliverables, and demonstrated technical excellence.

(c): Evaluation of cost control, business relations, management of key personnel, utilization of small business and other areas as applicable.

The Government reserves the right to obtain and utilize information from sources other than those identified by the Contractor, such as but not limited to: Contractor past performance information that is collected and reported in the Government’s specified automated past performance information collection systems.

FACTOR C - PRICE EVALUATION

An evaluation of the price quotation will be made to determine if it is reasonable for the requirements detailed in Section 2.

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 27 of 51

SECTION 6

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT DESCRIPTION PAGES

1 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items 21

2 Past Performance Reference Form 2

Solicitation No. 140M0121Q0051 | Environment & Energy News Subscription Page 28 of 51

ATTACHMENT 1 – TO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE QUOTATION

Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (FEB 2021)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v)) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

"Covered telecommunications equipment or services" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns…