C04_ATTACHMENT 1_Performance Work Statement_9.4.26.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR

BATTERY BACK-UP POWER SYSTEM

FOR COROZAL SERVICE CENTER

Revision 1

9/04/2026

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.2 Scope

2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Non-Personal Services

2.2 Contractor Personnel Qualifications

2.3 Key Personnel

2.4 Location and Hours of Work

2.5 Travel

2.6 Invoicing

2.7 Identification of Contractor Personnel

3 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

3.1 Performance Objectives/Tasks

3.2 Deliverables/Schedule

3.3 Performance Requirements Summary

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Security

4.2 Applicable Documents

4.3 Organizational Conflicts of Interest

4.4 Insurance

1 INTRODUCTION

The USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area requires design, sizing, procurement, and installation services for a battery backup power system to support uninterrupted operations at the Corozal Service Center. This requirement is essential to ensure continuity of mission‑critical activities, protect sensitive equipment, and maintain operational readiness during electrical outages or fluctuations common in the region.

This requisition outlines the technical specifications, performance standards, contractor qualifications, and compliance requirements necessary for the successful delivery of the system. The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, engineering expertise, and documentation required to design, install, and certify a fully functional battery backup solution in accordance with applicable federal, state, and Puerto Rico regulations.

1.1 Background

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) facilities at the Corozal Service Center – San Rafael Building experience frequent and extended facilities power outages. The NRCS facilities support critical program delivery, IT infrastructure, and workspaces essential to USDA mission activities. Power interruptions impact service delivery, network availability, and facility safety. A reliable commercial auto-switch battery back up solution to power the facility will reduce operational risk and maintain continuity across essential functions.

1.2 Scope

The objective of this requirement is to procure and install a complete, fully functional battery auto-switch back up power system in the Corozal Service Center that meet NRCS’s performance needs, complies with applicable regulations, and integrates seamlessly with existing facilities electrical infrastructure.

Per the approved proposal, the Contractor shall install a fully functional facility battery back-up power system for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) facility at the Corozal Service Center – San Rafael Building. The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and project management necessary to deliver a fully functional, highly reliable, easy-to-maintain/service battery back up power solution for the facility.

This includes system design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, training, documentation, and ongoing support for the location.

2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This section describes the general requirements for this effort.

2.1 Non-Personal Services

The Government shall neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees, except for the site lead. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services. If the Contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, immediately.

2.2 Contractor Personnel Qualifications

The Contractor shall designate a site manager (i.e. project manager, supervisor, foreman, team lead, etc.)

in writing to the government as a part of the project plan deliverable. The designated site manager who must always be present at the project location whenever Contractor personnel are performing work onsite.

The Contractor’s designated site manager shall provide oversight of the project and contract personnel to ensure timely and responsive performance of all PWS/contract requirements. The Contractor’s designated site manager shall be the primary interface for communicating with government project manager and USDA-NRCS PIA quality assurance personnel as throughout the execution of the contract.

The Contractor shall notify the government project manager or NRCS staff of any temporary or permanent change to the designated site manager.

The Contractor (Prime) shall be responsible for dedicating and maintaining licensed (if applicable), knowledgeable, proficient, skilled and professional personnel based on the level of service required to perform the PWS requirements, as commensurate with commercial practices or industry standards.

The contractor shall possess demonstrated knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and all permitting requirements applicable in Puerto Rico.

The contractor shall possess the ability to perform comprehensive electrical load assessments and accurately size the required system.

The design shall be prepared and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer, and all work shall be performed and certified by an electrician licensed to operate in Puerto Rico.

2.3 Key Personnel

During the performance period, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, as soon as possible after the occurrence of any of these events, and shall provide all required supporting information.

The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution, complete résumés for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes must have comparable qualifications to those of the individuals being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the decision on substitutions after reviewing all required information. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel if necessary.

The Contractor shall maintain a daily log of all related contract personnel business on the NRCS property.

This log may be inspected by the government on-demand.

2.4 Location and Hours of Work

All services identified on this PWS shall be performed by the Contractor at the following location:

USDA-NRCS

Corozal Service Center Edificio San Rafael #2 Calle San Manuel Corozal, Puerto Rico 00783 Coordinates: 18.34014410234095, -66.31745884469117 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfZRdcG7fZZvQbyNA)

For Corozal Service Center there is no dedicated parking. Parking is available on the street or in a Public Parking Garage managed by the Municipality (Estacionamiento Publico Corozal, minimal cost) around the corner on Calle Bou. Access to the building is on the ground floor. Arrangements can be made to park https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfZRdcG7fZZvQbyNA temporarily on the street to offload equipment, but vehicle cannot remain parked in front of the building.

Regarding access to the Corozal town center, some routes approaching the location have narrow streets. If a large truck is used to bring equipment, road access might be easier via PR 159, PR 891 and C. Bou, as named in Google Maps.

There is one Regular Elevator available in the building for use during business hours.

• Elevator Door Dimensions: Height: 84” / Width: 42”

• Elevator Dimensions: Height 87” / Width 52” / Length 80”

• Weight: 2500 Pounds

Work under this contract is performed at Government facilities. Normal agency workdays are Monday through Friday, except U.S. Federal Holidays. Agency employees typically work eight hours per day, 40 hours per week. Federal employee core hours of work are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

The Contractor shall be responsible for establishing their work hours under this contract, except when access to a Federal facility is required, in which case the Government may limit the Contractors access based availability of agency employees.

Weather and security closures by their nature usually arise without advance notice. As such, the Government will notify the Contractor as soon as possible once any closures have been announced.

2.5 Travel

This section if not applicable.

2.6 Invoicing

Invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) system and in accordance with the payment clause(s) in the contract.

2.7 Identification of Contractor Personnel

Contractor employees, including subcontractors, who attend meetings, send emails, answer Government telephones or place calls, or work in situations where their actions could be construed as acts of Government officials, must clearly identify themselves as Contractor employees.

3 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

This section describes the work that must be performed to achieve the required objectives, performance/delivery timing, and the associated performance standards (e.g., acceptable quality levels) that must be met in order for the service to be acceptable.

3.1 Performance Objectives/Tasks

The specific performance objectives required include the following:

3.1.1 Comprehensive Facility Assessment

Conduct a full facility assessment to confirm electrical load requirements, environmental conditions, electrical panel configurations, and installation constraints. Provide a written assessment summary for Government review and approval. A complete list of all equipment and devices currently in use at the Corozal Service Center, along with their estimated load consumption, is provided in Appendix 1 of this Performance Work Statement. In addition, a detailed description of the available office space and potential equipment locations is provided in Appendix 2 of this Performance Work Statement. However, a site visit is strongly recommended to ensure an accurate assessment of spatial constraints and installation requirements.

3.1.2 Develop and Submit System Design Package

Develop a complete system design—including equipment specifications, battery capacity, runtime, charging configuration, environmental controls, safety systems, and monitoring functionality—and submit all drawings and technical specifications for Government review and approval prior to installation.

System Design

• The Contractor shall effectively and efficiently install a fully functional battery back-up power system - easy to operate by NRCS staff, easy to maintain at organizational level with expert servicing as required – per the design specifications and equipment list provided in the Contractor’s proposal and approved by the Government at the location. All changes to the proposal’s design and equipment list shall be reviewed and approved by the Government before proceeding.

• The systems design, installation, and operations shall be supported by the Contractor’s comprehensive facility assessment to confirm load requirements, environmental conditions, electrical panel configurations, and installation constraints. The Contractor shall provide a written assessment summary for Government review and approval.

• A complete set of drawings and technical specifications for the work to be performed must be submitted to USDA–NRCS for review and approval prior to installation.

• The system shall support 150% of average load experienced on an average workday for at least 24 hours of operations on 8hrs intervals.

• The back-up power system shall support the uninterrupted electrical power requirements for a server bank, 13 personnel with laptops with 2 extra monitors each one, 2 printer/copiers systems, a breakroom refrigerator, microwave oven, overhead lights, security system, peripheral devices such as fans, etc., server and server room AC, and conference room TV. A complete list of all equipment and devices currently in use at the Corozal Service Center, along with their estimated load consumption, is provided in Appendix 1 of this Performance Work Statement.

• The Government’s approved Contractor design proposal shall be based a system design that specifies equipment and critical components, battery capacity, runtime, charging configuration, environmental controls, safety systems, and monitoring functionality.

• The contractor’s design proposal shall take into consideration the limited available space designated for the battery backup system. A detailed description of the available office space and potential equipment locations is provided in Appendix 2 of this Performance Work Statement. However, a site visit is strongly recommended to ensure an accurate assessment of spatial constraints and installation requirements.

• The Contractor’s proposal design shall comply with federal, state, and local electrical regulations, NRCS facility standards, and NEC/NFPA requirements.

3.1.3 Procure Approved Materials and Equipment

Procure all materials, components, and equipment identified in the Government‑approved design proposal, ensuring compliance with UL standards, NEC/NFPA codes, manufacturer recommendations, and applicable building regulations.

3.1.4 Install Battery Back-Up Power System

Install the complete battery back‑up system—including auto‑switching transfer mechanisms, wiring, protective devices, monitoring equipment, and integration with existing power distribution—without impeding other facility operations. Label all components per NRCS facility standards.

The Contractor shall install new materials and components to the systems from the power source ensuring that all fixtures are installed in accordance with applicable UL standards, building codes, electrical safety standards, commercial standards, manufacturer recommendations, and other recognized industry standards. In doing so, the Contractor shall implement the safest and most cost-effective methods which are compatible with the existing Government infrastructure.

Installation of New System The Contractor shall:

• Procure all necessary materials and equipment identified in the approved design.

• Install the battery back-up system with auto-switching (smart transfer switch), wiring, electrical components, protective devices, and monitoring equipment.

• Integrate the system with existing power distribution and facility management systems.

• The installed system must not interfere with or impede any other operations.

• Label all components in accordance with NRCS facility standards.

• The Contractor shall provide all new systems and component materials.

• Contractor shall demonstrate and validate through one calendar week (seven calendar days) operational testing that the battery back-up power systems are operational, properly calibrated, and functionally suitable and operationally effective at acceptance by the government.

• Contractor shall provide knowledge transfer and unit-level operational training to at least two NRCS team members at the location to functionally operate the systems and provide basic unit-level maintenance procedures.

• Contractor shall organize and present to the government all relevant documentation and manuals that are delivered with the new systems.

• The contractor shall ensure the work area is clean by the end of each business day, and restored all damages incurred during installation to original condition by end of project.

• Acceptance Testing – After installation, the Contractor shall conduct a complete end-to-end systems inspection by a certified expert, operationally test and demonstrate all primary functions of the installed system for a period of no less than one calendar week (seven calendar days) of operations with frequent condition measurements and testing parameters to demonstrate operational suitability and effectiveness of the system as installed. The Contractor shall be responsible for any repairs or changes required due to negative findings during the acceptance test. Follow-on testing shall be initiated if changes are made to permanently fix issues found during the acceptance test.

• Contractor shall identify the make, model, manufacturer and part number for the back-up battery power system and all accessory components. Any deviation from the proposed systems or components shall be identified to the Government for consideration and approval as warranted.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for all site cleanup which leaves the work location secure and free from all debris, materials, tools, equipment and obstructions at the end of each day and at the completion of all contract requirements.

• Government waste removal containers shall not be available. Therefore, the Contractor shall be responsible for arranging any necessary logistics to completely remove all waste, materials, unwanted debris, packaging, boxes, and those items which were removed from each Government facility because of performing the PWS requirements expressed herein.

Permits and Damage Mitigation

• The Contractor will be responsible for attaining all applicable permits and all work must be done in accordance with all applicable building codes. The Contractor shall furnish all goods and perform all services expressed which includes removal of existing infrastructure, site preparation, installation of new items and site cleanup. The Contractor shall prepare all work locations, accordingly, as identified by the Government, by performing any necessary tasks to mitigate incurrence of the following: damages to walls, floors and ceilings; damages to property; theft of Government-owned property; accidents; and hazards.

3.1.5 Perform Acceptance Testing and Validation

Perform end‑to‑end operational testing for no fewer than seven calendar days under normal and simulated outage conditions. Document all test procedures and results, resolve deficiencies at no additional cost, and demonstrate operational suitability and effectiveness of the installed system.

Testing and Commissioning

• Perform functional testing under normal and simulated outage conditions.

• Document all test procedures and results.

• Resolve all deficiencies identified during testing at no additional cost.

• Provide a commissioning report summarizing performance validation.

The Government will monitor performance through inspections, progress reviews, and deliverable verification. Non compliant work shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost.

Performance Standards

• The installed system must meet the following performance requirements:

o Support critical loads for the Government-defined minimum runtime. A complete list of all equipment and devices currently in use at the Corozal Service Center, along with their estimated load consumption, is provided in Appendix 1 of this Performance Work Statement.

o Maintain stable, uninterrupted power during outages and fluctuations.

o Demonstrate compliance with all codes and standards during inspection.

o Successfully pass final acceptance testing before Government acceptance.

Warranty

• The Contractor shall provide a minimum one year warranty on workmanship and shall pass through all manufacturer warranties to USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area. Warranty support must include response times, replacement procedures, and points of contact. Warranty should be available in Puerto Rico.

3.1.6 Provide Training to Government Personnel

Conduct training for designated NRCS personnel covering system operation, safety procedures, monitoring software, and basic troubleshooting. Provide written training materials and quick‑reference guides.

Training

• Conduct training for designated Government personnel on system operation, safety procedures, monitoring software, and basic troubleshooting.

• Provide written training materials and quick-reference guides.

3.1.7 Documentation

• Provide complete system drawings, wiring schematics, equipment specifications, warranty information, and maintenance instructions. A complete set of drawings and technical specifications for the work to be performed must be submitted to USDA–NRCS for review and approval prior to installation.

• Provide a preventive maintenance schedule and recommended spare parts list.

3.2 Deliverables/Schedule

Project Plan

• Within ten (10) business days of the contract award or notice to proceed, the Contractor shall present a detailed project plan for government’s approval outlining schedule, workflow with milestones, risk management processes, and other critical information necessary to ensure government team coordination and minimal impact to NRCS operations.

• Within twenty (20) business days of the contract award, the Contractor shall present a detailed and complete set of drawings and technical specifications for the work to be performed to be submitted to USDA–NRCS for review and approval prior to installation.

• Project completion shall occur within 120 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP). This includes:

o Delivery of the Comprehensive Facility Assessment Report.

o Submission of a detailed project plan for Government approval, outlining the schedule, workflow with milestones, risk-management processes, and other critical information necessary to ensure coordination with the Government team and minimal impact to NRCS operations.

o Submission of a complete set of drawings and technical specifications for the work to be performed, to USDA–NRCS for review and approval prior to installation.

o Delivery of the System Design and Specifications Document.

o Installation of an operationally suitable and effective battery back-up power system that meets all specifications outlined in this Performance Work Statement.

o Validation of suitability and effectiveness of the installed equipment and submission of the Commissioning Report.

Reporting Requirements

• The Contractor is required to provide written progress reports weekly for the period of performance. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the specified period and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. The weekly progress report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide resolution course of action to resolve.

Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable Objective Due

1 Proposed Project Plan Document for government approval

Defining the responsibilities, timeline, risks and milestones of contract objectives.

No later than ten (10) business days after contract award

2 Comprehensive Facility Assessment Report (include site visits)

Comprehensive facility assessment report to baseline load

Within fifteen (15) business days of contract award

3 System Design and Specifications Document

Total Systems Design and Schematics; List of major component makes and model

Within twenty (20) business days of contract award

4 Weekly Status Report Report documenting tasks & issues weekly.

Weekly, every Friday, by 1500 hrs Atlantic Standard Time until the contract expires

5 Operationally suitable and effective battery back-up power system that meets all specifications expressed in this PWS

Presented for delivery acceptance per the government approved project schedule.

Per government approved project plan and within 120 calendar days after notice to proceed

6 Commissioning Report Commissioning Report summarizing performance validation validates operational suitability and effectiveness of the installed system

Per government approved project plan and within 120 calendar days after notice to proceed

3.3 Performance Requirements Summary

The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) establishes a minimum performance standard for each performance objective/task that must be met for the work to be considered acceptable. Contractor performance not meeting these standards is considered nonconforming. At its discretion, the Government may require reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government is entitled to an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming services and/or supplies. The absence of any contract requirement from this PRS shall not detract from its enforceability nor limit the rights or remedies of the Government under any other provision of the contract for noncompliance.

PWS

Section

Performance Objectives/Tasks Performance Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels

3.1.1 Conduct Comprehensive Facility Assessment Assessment identifies load requirements, environmental conditions, electrical panel configurations, and installation constraints. Written assessment summary delivered within required timeframe and includes all elements described in PWS Section 3.1.

3.1.2 Develop and Submit System Design Package Complete system design, drawings, and technical specifications submitted within required timeframe. Design meets all NEC/NFPA, UL, NRCS facility standards, and Puerto Rico permitting requirements. All required elements in PWS Section 3.1 are included.

3.1.3 Procure Approved Materials and Equipment All materials and equipment match the

Government‑approved design proposal.

All components comply with UL, NEC, NFPA, and manufacturer standards. No unauthorized substitutions.

3.1.4 Install Battery Back-Up Power System Installation is completed according to approved design, integrated with existing infrastructure, and does not impede facility operations. All components labeled per NRCS standards. Work area restored daily.

3.1.5 Perform Acceptance Testing and Validation Seven‑day operational test completed under normal and simulated outage conditions. All deficiencies corrected at no cost. System demonstrates uninterrupted power and meets runtime requirements defined in PWS Section 3.1.

3.1.6 Provide Training to Government Personnel Training covers system operation, safety procedures, monitoring software, and troubleshooting. At least two NRCS personnel trained. Written materials and quick-reference guides provided.

3.1.7 Deliver Required Documentation All required documentation delivered, including drawings, schematics, specifications, warranty information, maintenance instructions, preventive maintenance schedule, and spare parts list. Documentation meets requirements in PWS Section 4.7.

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This section describes the special requirements that apply to this contract. The following sub-sections provide additional detail for each requirement.

4.1 Security

Security and Accountability Contractor shall maintain a log of all Contractor personnel names business onsite throughout the project. The government may request a review of the worksite personnel log at any time. The Contractor shall be responsible to secure all Contractor equipment and supplies on the NRCS grounds. Temporary secure storage can be arranged with the NRCS staff through the government project manager. The Government is not liable for damages or losses of equipment due to theft or vandalism. Access to the NRCS grounds and facilities and parking of Contractor vehicles shall be coordinated with the NRCS staff through the assigned government project manager.

The Contractor shall comply with all USDA-NRCS facility access procedures, including check in requirements, escort rules, and restricted area protocols. Personnel working onsite must present valid identification and follow all safety rules.

Safety and Health At all times, even during inclement weather, the Contractor shall ensure that all personnel maintain safe operating conditions within the vicinity of the worksite while performing the requirements of the contract in a manner that safeguards adverse incidents against Contractor and Government employees including mitigation of damage, loss or theft of Government real property, equipment, buildings, tools, machinery and other personal property.

The Contractor shall also extend the same safety and health oversight to any authorized USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area Partners that enter the general work area.

The Contractor shall maintain a current listing of all employees, including subcontractor employees that have access to Government facilities. The list shall be made available to the Government upon request.

4.2 Applicable Documents

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and industry standards required for the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of the battery back‑up power system. Only the portions of each publication necessary to perform the work are incorporated by reference.

4.2.1 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Compliance with NEC requirements is mandatory for all electrical design and installation activities.

Access: https://www.nfpa.org/NEC

4.2.2 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards

Contractor shall comply with all applicable NFPA fire protection and electrical safety standards relevant to battery systems, wiring, and facility safety.

Access: https://www.nfpa.org

4.2.3 UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards

All installed materials, fixtures, and components shall meet applicable UL safety and performance standards.

Access: https://www.ul.com

4.3 Organizational Conflicts of Interest

The Contractor acknowledges that it is familiar with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, and agrees to avoid, neutralize or mitigate such conflicts of interest in accordance with the principles set forth in the FAR. If the performance would require the Contractor, including subcontractors, to provide services related to systems or projects with which the Contractor is already directly concerned, either by prime or subcontract, that would cause an organizational conflict of interest, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, and not perform the work until direction is provided by the Contacting Officer.

4.4 Insurance

The table below lists the kinds and minimum amounts of insurance required, as referenced in contract clause 52.228-5 (Insurance–Work on a Government Installation).

Minimum Insurance Requirements

1 Workers' compensation and employer's liability

$100,000 or per statute https://www.nfpa.org/NEC https://www.nfpa.org/ https://www.ul.com/

2 General liability:

Bodily injury $500,000 per occurrence Property damage $100,000 per occurrence 3 Automobile liability:

Bodily injury $200,000 per person /

$500,000 per occurrence Property damage $20,000 per occurrence.

In addition, the contractor must provide coverage for any other risks as deemed appropriate, since the Government is not indemnifying the Contractor against any risks under the contract. A current duplicate (not machine reproduced) certificate of insurance must be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO) for approval before the Contractor begins work under this contract duplicates of renewal certificates (not machine reproduced) obtained by the CONTRACTOR during the life of this contract must immediately be provided to the CO. Also, see the cause, "Insurance Additional Named Insured" below.

The insurance policy must contain an endorsement that any cancellations or material decreases in the coverage’s shall not be effective, unless the insurer or the Contractor gives advance written notices of cancellations or changes in accordance with the CO's instructions.

All premiums or costs incurred to comply with these insurance requirements will be paid by the Contractor. If the Contractor already has an organizational policy in effect, the CO requires evidence that it satisfies all the above stated requirements. The Contractor is required to provide such evidence as deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer before a notice to proceed with contract performance issued.

The Government reserves the right to disapprove the purchase of any insurance coverage not in the Government's interest.

This contract requires that all insurance coverages be kept in full force and effect until all contract work is completed; the insurance requirements also apply to subcontractors.

The Government will not be responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities beyond the amounts, limits, and conditions of the above-required insurance.

The requirement of contract clause 52.228-5 is hereby supplemented to provide that the general liability policy shall name "The United States of America, acting by and through USDA-NRCS," as an additional insured with respect to operations performed under this contract.