CUI 49100425R0006 SF33 Solicitation.docx

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

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UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

5. DATE ISSUED

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

(If other than Item 7) NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

9. Sealed offers in original and _____________________________ copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in until local time _______________________ (Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

A. NAME

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PART I - THE SCHEDULE

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

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CONTRACT CLAUSES

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SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

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DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

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PACKAGING AND MARKING

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

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INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

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DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

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SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

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EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

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REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

UEI:

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CODE

FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS OF

OFFEROR

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

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15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

20. AMOUNT

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified) 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) ( )

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

PHONE:

FAX:

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 6/2014)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33

Previous edition is unusable Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) AWARD (To be completed by Government)

N/A

TBD

49100425R0006

X 05-09-2025

National Science Foundation Div. of Acq. & Cooperative Support 2415 Eisenhower Ave.

Alexandria VA 22314 Recompete.usap@nsf.gov Polar Contract Branch DACS/BFA

2415 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria VA 22314 See Section L

4:00 PM EST

05-23-2025 Miranda Lewis

Recompete.usap@nsf.gov

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Table of Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

49100425R0006 Section B

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B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

This single-award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract does not have a CLIN schedule at the base level – CLINs shall be captured on the orders, which may be task or delivery orders depending on the requirement. Orders will be tailored to match the requirements of that order. Ordering procedures will be used to cooperatively specify, develop, negotiate and order work when requirements are known and the work is needed within the general scope of the single-award IDIQ contract, contemplating the acquisition of long-term, complex services without specifying everything before award. See section B.5 for more information on potential task order arrangement and requirements.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a hybrid contract. NSF retains the ability to use the contract types below on orders. Line items on order schedules shall have their contract type identified.

1. Firm Fixed Price

2. Cost Reimbursement (CR)

3. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF)

4. Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF)

B.3 IDIQ REQUIREMENTS

Per FAR 16.504, the following are required elements of an IDIQ contract:

The Government has no obligation to issue Task Orders to the Contractor beyond the amount specified as the Minimum Quantity above.

B.4 PERFORMANCE BASED PREFERENCE

Pursuant to FAR 37.102(a)(2), the Contracting Officer (CO) will use performance-based acquisition methods to the maximum extent practicable using the following order of precedence:

1. A Firm-Fixed-Price Performance-Based Task Order;

2. A Performance-Based Task Order that is not Firm-Fixed-Price;

3. A Task Order that is not Performance-Based.

B.5 TASKS

NSF anticipates grouping tasks into two kinds of Task Orders:

1. Sustaining Task Orders that involve tasks routinely performed at similar levels year after year to sustain base USAP activities. Sustaining Task Orders are expected to have similar evaluation and fee characteristics generally based on efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.

2. Project Task Orders that involve one-time tasks with finite scope and defined schedules. Project Task Orders will have similar evaluation and fee characteristics generally based on on-schedule, on-cost delivery of specified outcomes.

Generally, FAR 52.234-4 Earned Value Management requirements will not apply to sustaining task orders.

The following task orders are currently envisioned within the durations shown. NSF reserves the right to alter or discontinue the use of the following structure at any time.

1. Transition (Project): Encompassing all transition activities for a period of 12-18 months.

2. Management (Sustaining): Encompassing tasks in the Statement of Work sections entitled “Management, Planning, and Integration” “Financial Oversight and Reporting,” and “Communication and Stakeholder Engagement” for a period of 60 months.

3. Science Support (2-3) (Sustaining): Encompassing all tasks in the Statement of Work sections entitled “Laboratory Services and Science Support” and “Vessel Operations” for science events requiring support levels 2-3 for a duration of 12 months.

4. Science Support (4-6) (Sustaining): Encompassing all tasks in the Statement of Work sections entitled “Laboratory Services and Science Support” and “Vessel Operations for science events requiring support levels 4-6 for the duration of the science event.

5. Base Operations (Sustaining): Encompassing all tasks in the Statement of Work sections entitled “Antarctic Operations,” “Infrastructure Maintenance and Recapitalization,” “Environment, Safety and Health,” Medical Services,” and “Quality Assurance,” EXCEPT major facilities recapitalization projects for the duration of 36 – 48 months.

6. Major Facilities Recapitalization Projects (Project): Encompassing individual projects for the duration of the project.

7. Information Technology and Communications (Sustaining): Encompassing tasks in the Statement of Work section entitled “Information Technology and Communication” for a duration of 24-36 months.

Note that science support levels are defined here: https://www.usap.gov/proposalinformation/1750/

B.6 ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

The following is an overview of the ordering process for orders under this IDIQ.

1. NSF will issue a request for task order proposal that includes, at a minimum, the technical scope (i.e. Statement of Work, Statement of Objectives), performance objectives, and any task specific clauses and requirements, to the contractor.

2. The contractor will work collaboratively with the government to ensure a shared understanding of the requirement. The contractor will provide the Government with a technical and cost proposal in accordance with the requirements of the request for task order proposal. Depending on the order’s requirement, offerors may be required to submit documentation including, but not limited to:

a. Order documentation may be in the form of a Statement of Objectives, where it is incumbent upon the contractor to provide a corresponding detailed Performance Work Statement as part of the ensuing documentation.

b. Detailed cost or price proposal. The cost proposal shall be inclusive of proposed task order fee, within the minimum and maximum range identified in Section B.7. Any fee proposal above the minimum fee shall include a detailed justification for that fee.

c. Technical documentation or substantiating evidence (not otherwise captured as a contract deliverable or requirement) which endorses or advocates for a particular solution to the requirement.

d. Certified Cost or Pricing data, or Other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data, such that the Government can assess the offeror’s cost or pricing as fair and reasonable[footnoteRef:2]. [2: Determination of fair and reasonable price, conforming to the requirements of FAR 15.4, is required at the order level due to the base IDIQ not having a priced schedule. As the schedule is unpriced, future task orders will not be exempt from the requirement for certified cost or pricing data on the basis of adequate price competition existing.]

e. Small business subcontracting plans, with goals that may be recommended or required by the Government.

f. Documentation detailing efforts taken to identify and recruit small business subcontractors.

g. Requested waivers, deviations, or unique considerations, such as Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act, Earned Value Management System (EVMS), or other foreign acquisition documentation required by a task order[footnoteRef:3]. [3: The base IDIQ does not contain clauses such as 52.225-1, 52.225-9, or 52.234-4. These clauses shall be incorporated at the task order level where appropriate.]

3. The Offeror and the Government will negotiate the order. Failure to arrive at a satisfactory negotiated agreement may result in the non-issuance of the order.

4. Pending a satisfactory agreement between the Offeror and the Government, the order is awarded.

Once an order is provided to the Offeror to propose to, the Government retains the right to cancel the order at any point prior to its award (signed by both parties).

All orders, once placed, will conform to the applicable requirements of FAR Subpart 16.5 and are subject to the terms and conditions of the base IDIQ contract.

B.7 FEE

To facilitate timely execution of future orders, the types of task orders contemplated under section B.4 will be assigned a contract type at the issuance of the request for task order proposal. A Maximum and Minimum Fee percentage associated with each contract type is established at award of the overall contract, as shown in the table below:

Table B.6-1: Alignment of Task Type with Contract Type and Applicable Fee Rate

Maximum Fee Percentage: X%

Tasks which have the same contract type may establish different rates based upon risk and technical complexity.

All instances where the contract type Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF) is utilized on any ensuing order will use the established minimum and maximum fee rates. The base rate represents a minimum fee rate applied to applicable costs and is the “floor” of earnable award fee. The maximum rate, when applied to applicable costs, represents the “ceiling” of earnable award fee.

NSF and the contractor may, through mutual agreement, consider alternative rates post award. Identification of a contract type in the table above does not preclude use of a firm-fixed-price contract type for part of or the whole order. Fixed-price requirements are not subject to the established fee rates.

B.7.1 INVOICING FOR FEE PRIOR TO REQUIREMENT COMPLETION

The contractor may invoice for the fee associated with costs incurred up to 50% of the established maximum fee during performance for instances where award fee is utilized; the remainder of fee may be invoiced upon Award Fee Determination. For CPFF, the contractor may invoice at 50% of the established fee rate during performance, with the remainder to be invoiced upon successful completion of task order.

B.7.2 INVOICING FOR FEE AFTER REQUIREMENT COMPLETION

Due to the impacts that changing rates can have to costs-incurred post completion of a cost-type requirement, after award of a cost-type requirement NSF and the contractor shall mutually determine a prudent time from which to “cut-off” trailing cost changes as necessary. This may result in negotiation of a final estimated cost after completion, for the purposes of facilitating a timely contractual closeout of a completed order, thus accommodating issuance of any fee earned (when applicable).

B.7.3 SELECTION OF APPLICABLE TASK TYPE

The identification of the Type of task (Ex: identification whether a task constitutes Science Support (2-3) or Science Support (4-6)) is at the sole discretion of the Government.

B.8 FUNDS LIMITATION

Funds provided for special projects within an order may not be reprogrammed to support contract activities other than those specified within the order. The CO will designate any “special projects” when providing the subject funding.

B.9 TRAVEL

Contractor personnel may be required to travel to support the requirements of this contract and as stated in individual orders. Long distance and local travel may be required both in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS). For those TOs requiring travel, the Contractor shall include estimated travel requirements in the proposal as requested. CONUS travel is expected to be reimbursed at actual cost in accordance with the limitations set forth in FAR Subpart 31.205-46, Travel Costs. If authorized in the Task Order, travel will be reimbursed at actual cost in accordance with the limitations set forth in FAR Subpart 31.205-46. To the extent required by a contractor's Disclosure Statement, Contractors may apply indirect costs to travel. The Government will not reimburse for anything other than economy class air fare. Exceptions shall be approved on a case-by-case basis by the COR.

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B.10 NOTICE OF HYBRID CONTRACT

The following symbols will appear next to the applicable clauses and provisions throughout this document.

$ = applicable to Fixed-Price line items only.

@ = applicable to Cost-Reimbursement line items only.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

49100425R0006 Section C

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1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work defines tasks to be performed under the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC). This SOW describes services to be delivered, as well as performance requirements and standards.

2.0 USAP BACKGROUND

The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) on behalf of the Nation per Presidential Memorandum 6646, “United States Antarctic Policy and Programs”. The USAP supports all U.S. scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica and aboard USAP vessels that operate along the continental margin and in the Southern Ocean. This performance work statement is for delivery of the services described herein that are required to enable federal research activities in the Antarctic and comply with Presidential Directive 6646.

The Antarctic research portfolio includes cutting-edge science across three primary themes – research that improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems; research that expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota, and processes; and research that utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform. Numerous scientific disciplines – glaciology, geomorphology, earth science, geodesy, geophysics, astrophysics and geospace science, ocean and atmospheric science, biology, education, and cyberinfrastructure – are represented in these themes. Science within the Antarctic research portfolio is chosen and funded by NSF and other Federal agencies, including NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy. The purpose of the ASESC is to enable that science.

Work in Antarctica is carried out in partnership with grantee institutions, other Federal agencies, the military, other National Antarctic Programs, and private industry. The Contractor will work with NSF and across a diverse range of USAP partners to enable a world-class, broad and interdisciplinary Antarctic research program.

Through this contract, NSF seeks to use collaborative methods to enable the Contractor to achieve highly effective and efficient operations across USAP that result in a safe and secure environment, world-class science and technology, cost-effective science support, and enhanced Contractor accountability. The Contractor has the responsibility for total performance under the contract, including determining the specific methods for accomplishing the work effort, performing quality control, and assuming accountability for accomplishing the work.

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to develop and implement innovative approaches and adopt practices that foster continuous improvement in accomplishing the USAP research portfolio. NSF expects the Contractor to employ effective and efficient management structures, systems, and operations that maintain high levels of quality and safety in accomplishing work.

3.0 SCIENTIFIC MISSION

NSF’s mission is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense; and for other purposes.

NSF is authorized to initiate and support:

· Basic scientific research and research fundamental to the engineering process,

· Programs to strengthen scientific and engineering research potential,

· Science and engineering education programs at all levels and in all fields of science and engineering,

· An information base on science and engineering appropriate for development of national and international policy,

· The interchange of scientific and engineering information nationally and internationally,

· Facilities in the Antarctic and promoting the U.S. presence through research conducted there.

NSF's vision is to advance discovery, innovation and education beyond the frontiers of current knowledge and empower future generations in science and engineering. NSF's goals --discovery, learning, research infrastructure and stewardship -- provide an integrated strategy to advance frontiers of knowledge, cultivate a world-class science and engineering workforce, build the nation's research capability through investments in advanced instrumentation and facilities, and support excellence in science and engineering research and education.

USAP is the activity through which the U.S. Government expresses the national interest in Antarctica. Managed by NSF’s Geosciences Directorate with funds allocated to the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), USAP fulfills the direction of the President to maintain an "active and influential presence in Antarctica designed to support the range of U.S. Antarctic interests." USAP includes scientific research conducted by universities and research institutions, as well as by other Federal agencies, and interacts with other international Antarctic programs in support of science. USAP operates within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System and U.S. implementing laws.

The principal objective of USAP is scientific research. The broad goals of the scientific research are to expand fundamental knowledge of the region, foster research on global and regional problems of current scientific importance and use the region as a platform from which to support research that can only be done or is best done in Antarctica.

4.0 OBJECTIVE

The Contractor will identify best practices which best support the execution of the USAP science portfolio. Through the application of these best practices, NSF seeks to assure both outstanding scientific performance of today’s research portfolio and also the long-term quality, efficiency, and productivity of USAP to support the science portfolio of the future. Accordingly, NSF has substantial expectations of the Contractor in the areas of mission delivery; stewardship; and excellence in operations and operational business management.

4.1 MISSION DELIVERY

The Contractor shall provide effective planning, management, and execution of awarded science support and engineering activities. The Contractor shall execute work in a manner that provides the greatest possible impact on achieving USAP’s science objectives. The Contractor shall strive to meet the highest standards of quality and productivity, “on-time, on budget, as promised” delivery of program deliverables, and first-rate service to the research community throughout the breadth of USAP operations.

ASESC activities span a wide range of “business lines” that each require extensive knowledge and skill to effectively perform. The Contractor is expected to enlist top-notch experts in each business line in performing the work under this contract, as well as provide effective and flexible integration among the business lines to ensure mission delivery.

4.2 STEWARDSHIP

The Contractor shall assure that USAP resources, facilities, and equipment are renewed and enhanced to meet both current and future mission needs, and that the Antarctic environment is protected. Within the constraints of available resources and other contract requirements, the Contractor, in partnership with NSF, shall:

· Build a positive culture at USAP stations, vessels and field camps to foster a safe and supportive community.

· Maintain an understanding of evolving near- and long-term plans for the Antarctic research portfolio as documented in decadal studies, reports from the National Academies, input from the research community and NSF Program Officers, USAP Station Master Plans and other strategic documents specified by the NSF.

· Attract, develop, and retain an outstanding work force, with the skills and capabilities to meet mission needs. Collaborate with high-performing industry partners who are experts in their field.

· Renew and enhance facilities and equipment so that USAP stations, vessels, and field camps effectively and efficiently support the current mission and are well-positioned to meet future needs.

· Build and maintain a positive relationship with the Program Officers, research community and USAP’s inter-agency partners to bring the best possible capabilities to bear on USAP mission needs.

· Implement all activities in Antarctica in accordance with the Antarctic Conservation Act and other environmental best practices.

4.3 OPERATIONAL AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall effectively and efficiently manage and operate USAP stations, vessels, and field camps while fostering world-class research. The Contractor shall, at the same time, protect and properly maintain NSF property, facilities, and intellectual assets; as well as ensure the health, safety and security of researchers, workers, visitors and the Antarctic environment. The Contractor shall operate in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements.

The Contractor shall manage USAP cost-effectively, while providing the greatest possible research output per dollar of investment, and, accordingly, develop, deploy and maintain integrated management systems and practices designed to enhance research quality, productivity and mission accomplishment consistent with meeting operational requirements.

USAP operations are dynamic and require flexibility and agility. The Contractor shall structure subcontracts used in performing ASESC work in a way that enables a high degree of flexibility and agility, as well as promote effective and swift remediation of poor performance. In addition, the Contractor’s organizational structure must ensure appropriate levels of independence by members providing assurance, quality, and oversight functions.

4.4 SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

The U.S. National Science Foundation is committed to a culture free from sexual assault and harassment wherever NSF-funded activities are conducted. NSF strives to ensure a victim/survivor-centered approach and to always place the rights, confidentiality, wishes, needs, safety and well-being of the victim/survivor at the center of all prevention and response efforts.

The Contractor shall be a partner with us in these efforts. To ensure that partnership, the following requirements apply to all work conducted under this contract. All of these requirements shall be included in all subcontracts.

Contractor Personnel is defined as employees of the prime contractor or its subcontractors, affiliates, consultants, or team members.

Sexual Assault - The term sexual assault, as used in this contract means any conduct proscribed by state or federal sexual abuse laws, including, but not limited to, those defined in chapter 109A of Title 18 of the U.S. Code (sexual abuse), and assaults committed both by offenders who are strangers to the victim and by offenders who are known or related by blood or marriage to the victim. Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Sexual Harassment - As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following are true:

· Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual's employment;

· Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;

· The conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The main characteristics of sexual harassment are that the harasser's conduct is targeted against the recipient’s sex or sexual orientation and is unwelcome to the recipient. It may include, but is not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, undue attention, physical assaults or threats, unwelcome touching or contact, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs and offensive objects or pictures.

4.4.6 The Contractor shall provide all Contractor employees assigned to perform on this contract with mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training upon employment and annually thereafter. Training shall address, at a minimum, the following.

· Defining what constitutes sexual assault and sexual harassment.

· Explaining that sexual assault is a crime.

· Defining the meaning of “consent.”

· Addressing individual accountability and the potential for Code of Conduct violations.

· Explaining victims’ rights.

· Explaining the distinction between sexual harassment and sexual assault and that both are unacceptable forms of behavior even though they may have different penalties.

· Emphasizing the distinction between civil and criminal actions.

· Explaining Reporting Options.

· Providing information about the SAHPR program including the NSF Safer Science Helpline and saferscience@nsf.gov

· Defining the roles and responsibilities of managers and supervisors

· Information about available resources for impacted individuals/victims.

· Bystander Intervention tools.

· Define Retaliation and avenues to report retaliation Consent is defined as words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in mutually agreed-upon activity. Consent is absent if force or threats are used or if the impacted person is physically incapable of declining participation in, or physically incapable of communicating unwillingness to engage in (e.g., individual is intoxicated), that conduct.

4.4.7 NSF will periodically review the following elements of the Contractor’s program related to Safe Work Environment.

· Scope and content of policies and procedures.

· Scope and content of required training, as well as adherence to provisioning requirements.

· Timeliness, thoroughness, consistency and independence of investigations of misconduct.

· Timeliness and accuracy of reporting.

4.4.8 Any Contractor employee disciplined by their employer for sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment, or other criminal behavior will not be granted access to NSF Antarctic stations for a period of three years. Their suitability for deployment after that time will be evaluated during the screening in Section 4.4.1.

4.4.9 Any Contractor employee terminated for violating the Polar Code of Conduct or other form of misconduct will not be granted access to NSF Antarctic stations for a period of three years.

5.0 REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall, in accordance with the provisions of this transaction, provide the intellectual leadership and management expertise necessary and appropriate to manage, operate, and staff all work in this transaction; to accomplish the work awarded to the Contractor; and, to perform all other work described in this SOW.

Inasmuch as the USAP research portfolio is dynamic, this SOW is not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive, but it is intended to provide a broad framework and general scope of the work to be performed during the term of this contract. This SOW does not represent a commitment to, or imply funding for, specific projects or programs. All projects and programs will be authorized individually by NSF and/or other work sponsors in accordance with the provisions of this contract.

All work under this contract shall be conducted in a manner that protects the environment, assures the safety and health of employees and visitors, ensures research and IT security, and protects federal real, personal, and intellectual property. In performance of the agreement, the Contractor shall implement appropriate program, operational and project management systems to ensure safe operations; track progress and maximize cost- effectiveness of work activities; develop integrated plans and schedules to achieve program objectives incorporating input from NSF and stakeholders; maintain sufficient technical expertise to manage activities and projects throughout the life of the program; utilize appropriate technologies and management systems to improve cost efficiency and performance; and, maintain facilities and infrastructure as necessary to accomplish assigned missions. The contractor must employ continuous improvement practices (e.g., benchmarking against industry leaders) to enhance and improve performance.

At contract award, the Contractor shall ensure uninterrupted operations for all assigned USAP functions and vital government business and ensure no service degradation during and after transition. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for existing leases, permits, charters and operator agreements. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for existing software licenses necessary for uninterrupted operations during transition; during the life of the contract, the Contractor may propose alternate software tools. In the event the Contractor determines that a transition to alternate software tools improves efficiency during performance, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that data contained within software and systems remains accessible, valid, and uncorrupted. The Contractor shall conclude all transition-in activities no later than 365 days calendar days after contract award.

5.1 MANAGEMENT, PLANNING AND INTEGRATION

5.1.1 The Contractor shall manage, operate, protect, maintain and enhance USAP’s ability to support a robust Antarctic science portfolio.

5.1.2 The Contractor shall integrate across all work in this contract to ensure seamless overall delivery of defined outcomes.

5.1.3 The Contractor shall establish and maintain an integrated management system capable of producing 5- and 10-year horizon outlooks as well as implementation-level plans, programs and procedures for the management and operation of USAP stations, vessels, field camps, and assets.

5.1.4 The Contractor shall employ effective tools for rapid scenario evaluation, cost estimation, and decision support to provide NSF with the information necessary to formulate multi-year budgets, evaluate research proposals for supportability, and react in real-time as events unfold during the research season.

5.1.5 The work breakdown structure employed on this contract must be able to allocate and track USAP resources, such as labor and materials, and their associated budget and costs to discrete science activities, as well as provide data on the level of funding required to sustain safe, minimum occupancy for all three year-round stations.

5.1.6 The Contractor shall provide a resource-loaded, integrated master schedule for all work under the agreement on an annual basis. The schedule must clearly define interface points with non-ASESC work as well as required Government furnished services and items.

5.1.7 The Contractor shall attract and retain outstanding employees in accordance with NSF expectations, policies, and procedures. The Contractor shall maintain a market-based system of compensation and benefit plans to motivate employees to achieve high productivity in science support and facility operations. The extent to which the Contractor maintains quality and consistency in the contract leadership team will be considered when evaluating Contractor performance.

5.1.8 The Contractor shall ensure that all information is managed in compliance with Executive Order 13556, “Controlled Unclassified Information.”

5.2 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D)

5.2.1 The Contractor shall implement research and development activities that are complementary to and supportive of the USAP research and operational support portfolio and priorities. R&D activities may span all the phases of technology development, from initial concept to implementation.

5.3 LABORATORY SERVICES AND SCIENCE SUPPORT

5.3.1 The Contractor shall provide the appropriate full spectrum of laboratory services for USAP facilities in Antarctica and on Antarctic research vessels, as well as provide full science implementation support to all USAP science teams, including international research programs where directed, from concept development to execution in the field.

5.3.2 The Contractor shall work with funded and prospective science teams to assist them in scoping their work to fit within USAP capabilities and to identify tools for safely maximizing science with the minimum on-ice footprint.

5.3.3 Science support needs must be planned against available capabilities using a time horizon no shorter than five years, and the Contractor shall communicate a five-year outlook of major resource commitments to the Antarctic research community no less than annually to aid in the development of research proposals.

5.3.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for the USAP Diving Program, including research diving, near the Antarctic stations, at remote sites, and from research vessels.

5.4 ANTARCTIC OPERATIONS

5.4.1 The Contractor shall provide the full suite of station services and items – e.g., food, communications, housing, cold-weather equipment, recreation, waste management, emergency response – necessary to enable the deployed population to live and work in Antarctic stations and field camps. Station services shall be sized and scoped to ensure maximum efficiency with the minimum on-ice footprint.

5.4.1.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for the management, operation and configuration of utility production and distribution at each site.

5.4.1.2 The Contractor shall manage, operate, and maintain all fuel storage and distribution systems.

5.4.1.3 The Contractor shall provide emergency response and fire-fighting services at McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station.

5.4.1.4 The contractor shall manage Station Services providing billeting, janitorial, food services, retail operations, recreation services, and beverage services.

5.4.1.5 The Contractor shall provide comprehensive meal planning and food services at the three stations and at field camps in Antarctica ensuring a reasonable variety and appropriate nutritional content.

5.4.1.6 The Contractor shall provide and manage housing and berthing for program personnel at all stations, at field camps, and on research vessels.

5.4.1.7 The Contractor shall provide site appropriate social, recreational and entertainment functions.

5.4.1.8 The Contractor shall manage field party outfitting and processing.

5.4.1.9 The Contractor shall provide a comprehensive range of field support services for USAP grantees, to include vehicle, generators, hole melters, renewable energy systems, snowmobiles, vans and light track vehicles, ATVs (4 wheelers), supplies, spare parts, and materials. The Contractor shall perform equipment maintenance repair, technical support and training.

5.4.1.10 The Contractor shall implement a waste management program that complies with NSF requirements and Federal regulations.

5.4.1.11 The Contractor shall manage, operate, and maintain vehicles, mechanical equipment, and utilities to industry standards and for the Antarctic environment.

5.4.1.12 The Contractor shall collect, process, package, and document solid waste generated by the USAP, including hazardous materials, to ensure acceptance for import and disposal at licensed commercial facilities.

5.4.2 The Contractor shall provide a fully integrated supply chain that includes both cargo and personnel movement networks across air, land, and sea for the entire USAP. In addition, the Contractor shall provide travel services to deployers from their point of departure in the United States to their work location in Antarctica.

5.4.2.1 The Contractor shall administer the lease with the New Zealand Airport Authority.

5.4.2.2 The Contractor shall manage vehicle and equipment leases for the Christchurch NZ Operations.

5.4.2.3 The Contractor shall operate the USAP administrative offices, personnel processing, cargo staging, and aviation support facilities at the International Antarctic Center (IAC) and Harewood Airport under an existing lease agreement with the Christchurch Airport Authority.

5.4.2.4 The Contractor shall coordinate preflight activities at Christchurch, NZ such as: briefing for on-ice waste management and safety; supporting New Zealand Defense Forces (NZDF) briefings on checking bags, security screening, and departure information; and supporting aircraft safety briefings.

5.4.2.5 The Contractor shall operate and maintain a warehouse and clothing issue center at Christchurch, New Zealand in support of the USAP.

5.4.2.6 The Contractor shall be available on a 24/7 basis to provide deployment services at Christchurch, NZ.

5.4.2.7 The Contractor shall arrange for hotel and motel accommodations in Christchurch, New Zealand.

5.4.2.8 The Contractor shall manage the International Antarctic Center (IAC) passenger terminal in Christchurch, NZ, to include scheduling passenger check-in and briefings, arranging for ground transportation, provisioning in-flight meals, providing postal services, and performing customs activities.

5.4.2.9 The Contractor shall monitor, track and control the entire cargo operation from the point of departure to arrival at final destination in Antarctica.

5.4.2.10 The Contractor shall support USAP’s emergency response mission by providing emergency response activities in Antarctica as directed, and have plans, procedures, and trained personnel in place at all…