C04 - Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions Rowan Co NC 5.1.2026.pdf

Short Term Office Rental Rowan Co, NC

12FPC426Q0030

Description - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking to procure a short-term office rental in Rowan County (Salisbury, China Grove, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, and Gold Hill) NC to deliver uninterrupted service to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) service center customers. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 12FPC426Q0030 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a short-term rental in Rowan County (Salisbury, China Grove, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, and Gold Hill), NC.

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

The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 531120 This solicitation is being issued as 100% Small Business Set Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Anticipated Date of Occupancy/Period of Performance is: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027 with four possible option years.

Statement of Requirement

Each item specified within this section must be addressed within the quote, specifically if the space meets or does not meet each characteristic listed below.

Per the Statement of Work, The Contractor shall provide office space with the following minimum characteristics:

• Located within Rowan County (Salisbury, China Grove, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, and Gold Hill), NC.

• Minimum of 1,000 to a maximum of 2,500 square feet.

• Office space for 7 people (5 FSA and 2 NRCS) to include 4 private offices (3 FSA and 1 NRCS) and 3 workstations. The space must be move-in ready with no tenant improvements required prior to occupancy.

• Storage room/area of at least 250 square feet.

• Minimum of two separate restrooms providing at least one restroom dedicated to each gender.

• The space must include a conference room large enough to hold meetings with at least 7 attendees. This space can be shared with other building tenants.

• Available for a base year of 12 months, with a possible four (4) option years.

• Desired occupancy to begin on August 1, 2026, or sooner.

• Meets the minimum requirements identified in the International Building Code for office space http://www.acquisition.gov/ occupancies (HVAC, flooring, wall, ceiling finishes, number of restrooms).

• Meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, including the entrance and the restrooms, and provides easy access by the public.

• USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service must have sole access to the space. It cannot be shared with other tenants.

• Exterior door locks must be functional and provide adequate security.

• Total parking for 4 visitors, 7 employees, and 1 government vehicle.

• At least one handicap accessible parking space.

• The office space shall have access to telephone and internet service (the Government will procure these services separately.)

• Janitorial services, all utilities, and snow removal services in the monthly rental rate.

• Vendor must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time the quote is submitted.

The following are aspects of the space that would be preferred, but are not required:

• A breakroom for employees.

• Office furniture provided in the space.

For additional information please reference the Attachment 3 - Statements of Work.

In addition, the following shall be provided at the time of quote submission:

• The physical address for the location to be provided for the short-term rental.

• Office space layout AND pictures of the space for the location of the short-term rental location to include the parking area.

•Verification that the vendor can provide the space as quoted (if the space quoted is not owned or managed by specifically by the quoting vendor). If a third party is providing a quote, a letter of intent for the space must also be provided as part of the quote.

• Within five (5) days of contract award the finalized letter of intent shall include the executed lease between the vendor and building owner and a copy of this letter shall be provided to the Government.

• The space shall be move in ready by the anticipated date of August 1, 2026. The space shall not be rented to anyone else prior to this award being made. In addition, no renovations will be needed to meet the requirements as stated in the solicitation.

Deposits and Invoicing Deposits are prohibited. A deposit is an advance payment, and advance payments are prohibited under simplified procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Additional Invoicing Information: Invoices are entered into the Treasury Department’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP system).

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PROCESSING

PLATFORM (IPP) (a) Invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website (https://www.ipp.gov) for submitting invoices. Invoices submitted by means other than IPP will not be accepted unless the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ipp.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJill.Craft%40usda.gov%7C8b6c21eccd1d48f8520808de67edced1%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639062468232933423%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BC%2BV50s8kO%2BT%2BMmJIef9PfOMfS0uYeOaw183PfCM7rc%3D&reserved=0

The Government cannot legally pay for services in advance, only after the services have been received. Invoices shall be entered into IPP by the vendor on the last day of each month. Payments will not be made by the Government until after the end of each month. Billing shall occur in arrears.

Price:

Vendors shall provide their quoted pricing with Attachment 2 – Pricing Sheet. All items/CLINS must have pricing quoted.

Pricing shall be firm-fixed pricing. Quotes shall be all-inclusive of janitorial services, all utilities, and snow removal services as one gross monthly price.

This contract is for a base year (12 months) with four possible option years.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

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

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

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☒ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.212-4 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements

52.222-50 (Jan 2017) Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025)

☒ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.222-50 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025)

52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) ☒ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91

52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable :

☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with

Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025)

☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Nov

52.222-35

2025) Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025)

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

☐ Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36 ☒ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) ☒ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

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

☒ 52.222-53 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Nov 2025)

AGAR Clauses 452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

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

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation.

The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature.

(The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

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

(End of Clause)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price contract consisting of one (1) one-year base period and four

(4) one-year option periods shall be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed five (5) years.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all CLINS.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the quoter representing the lowest price technically acceptable quote to the Government.

Price:

The quoter shall provide pricing as requested in Attachment 2- Pricing Sheet. Total price evaluation will be for the base period, all option periods. Failure to propose pricing for the base period and all option periods on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Technical Acceptability:

Technical Acceptability will be evaluated to receive an overall rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable." This will be based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of them. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements. All quoters must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated.

Attachment 4 - Vendor Checklist has been provided with this solicitation to ensure the vendor has submitted all required documentation. This form shall be provided with the vendors’ quote submission.

A blanket statement by the vendor stating that they meet all the requirements is not acceptable and will not be considered for award.

Per the Statement of Work, The Contractor shall provide office space with the following minimum characteristics:

• Located within Rowan County (Salisbury, China Grove, Granite Quarry, Rockwell, and Gold Hill) NC.

• Minimum of 1,000 to a maximum of 2,500 square feet.

• Office space for 7 people (5 FSA and 2 NRCS) to include 4 private offices (3 FSA and 1 NRCS) and 3 workstations. The space must be move-in ready with no tenant improvements required prior to occupancy.

• Storage room/area of at least 250 square feet.

• Minimum of two separate restrooms providing at least one restroom dedicated to each gender.

• The space must include a conference room large enough to hold meetings with at least 7 attendees. This space can be shared with other building tenants.

• Available for a base year of 12 months, with a possible four (4) option years.

• Desired occupancy to begin on August 1, 2026, or sooner.

• Meets the minimum requirements identified in the International Building Code for office space occupancies (HVAC, flooring, wall, ceiling finishes, number of restrooms).

• Meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, including the entrance and the restrooms, and provides easy access by the public.

• USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service must have sole access to the space. It cannot be shared with other tenants.

• Exterior door locks must be functional and provide adequate security.

• Total parking for 4 visitors, 7 employees, and 1 government vehicle.

• At least one handicap accessible parking space.

• The office space shall have access to telephone and internet service (the Government will procure these services separately.)

• Janitorial services, all utilities, and snow removal services in the monthly rental rate.

• Vendor must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time the quote is submitted.

The following are aspects of the space that would be preferred, but are not required:

• A breakroom for employees.

• Office furniture provided in the space.

For additional information please reference the Attachment 3 - Statements of Work.

In addition, the following shall be provided at the time of quote submission:

• The physical address for the location to be provided for the short-term rental.

• Office space layout AND pictures of the space for the location of the short-term rental location to include the parking area.

•Verification that the vendor can provide the space as quoted (if the space quoted is not owned or managed by specifically by the quoting vendor). If a third party is providing a quote, a letter of intent for the space must also be provided as part of the quote.

• The space shall be move in ready by the anticipated date of August 1, 2026. The space shall not be rented to anyone else prior to this award being made. In addition, no renovations will be needed to meet the requirements as stated in the solicitation.

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method

The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability. Should the lowest priced offer not receive an acceptable technical or past performance rating, the process will continue in order of lowest priced offer until the lowest price, technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance is identified.

Qualification Requirements

Contractor must be registered with System for Award Management (SAM.gov) prior to providing a quote.

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

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 45 calendar days from the date specified https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 for receipt of offers.

Questions Questions shall be submitted via email to jill.craft@usda.gov and Lizabeth.kuhaneck@usda.gov are due no later than May 11th , 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations - Representation (Sep 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

Quote Due Date Quotes are due no later than 10:00 AM Eastern Time on May 21st , 2026 to BOTH jill.craft@usda.gov and Lizabeth.kuhaneck@usda.gov in order to be considered for award. Please include the solicitation name and number as the subject line of the email.

Attachment 4 – Vendor Checklist has been provided with this solicitation to ensure the vendor has submitted all required documentation. This form shall be provided with the vendors’ quote submission.

The following provisions are applicable :

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) to 52.204-7 ☒ 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards for Certain

Services-Certification (Nov 2025)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

3. It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner.

The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO.

Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3).

Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov