D.6120379 Combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

COMPETITIVE

Title: Plating System Refurbishment and Compound Store Integration

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 75N95021Q00195 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The anticipated award date is 9/25/2021.

This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures;

FAR Subpart 13.5— Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-07 dated 9/10/2021.

(iv) The associated NAICS code is 334516 and the small business size standard is 1000 employees. No set-aside restriction is applicable.

(v) This requirement is to refurbish and reconfigure two Beckman Coulter Access acoustic dispensing systems, to include integration of one of them with the existing Brooks automated store, for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) Compound Management Group, in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

(vi) This work will involve upgrading one Access system in place, using instruments provided by NCATS (including some currently installed on the other Access system). The work will also involve rebuilding the other Access system, at the contractor’s facility, to return it to like-new condition, add state-of-the-art peripherals and components, integrate a new liquid handler (provided by the contractor) and an existing liquid handler, and integrating the rebuilt system into the NCATS Brooks automated store.

Successful performance will require the contractor to have access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, technical know-how, and software updates, and be able to provide new analytical laboratory instruments to complete this work

(vii) Delivery shall be to:

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) 9800 Medical Center Drive Rockville, MD 20850

Delivery shall be within 20 weeks after receipt of order.

(viii) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (tailored), applies to this acquisition and is attached.

(ix) The Government will perform a comparative evaluation of responses in accordance with

FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) and award a purchase order from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose response meets the solicitation’s requirements and, as a whole, will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The comparative evaluation will include: Technical Capability of the item(s)/service(s) to meet the Government requirement, Price, Terms and Conditions, and Past Performance.

Responses may exceed capability or performance characteristics of the solicitation’s requirements. The Government reserves the right, but is not required, to award to a response that exceeds capability or performance characteristics of the solicitation’s requirements if it provides a benefit to the Government.

(x) The Offerors are to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, with its offer.

(xi) The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following addendum applies:

FAR 52.212-4 Addendum – Commercial Supplier Agreements

The following FAR provisions or clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.204-7, System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2020) 52.204-16, Commercial and Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020) 52.204-18, Commercial and Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) 52.204-24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services of Equipment (Oct 2020) 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999) HHSAR 352.222-70, Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity

Investigations (December 18, 2015).

HHSAR 352.239-73, Electronic Information and Technology Accessibility Notice

52.212-4(g), Invoice, is supplemented by the NIH Invoice and Payment Instructions, attached.

Offerors must complete and return FAR representation 52.204-24 Representation

Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment Oct 2020), attached.

(xi) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders–Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(xii) Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. In addition to the contents of the quote described above, additional information may include such factors as: past performance; special features required for effective program performance; trade-in considerations; probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item; warranty considerations; maintenance availability; and environmental and energy efficiency considerations.

Offerors must provide proof that they have authorized access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, technical know-how, and software updates, and be able to provide new analytical laboratory instruments to complete this work

(xiii) In addition the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.

All responses must be received by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on 9/24/2021 and reference solicitation number 75N95021Q00195. Responses must be submitted by email to Stuart Kern, Contract Specialist, stuart.kern@nih.gov, tel. 301-402-3334.

Attachments:

- Statement of Work

- FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment (Oct 2020)

- FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commerical Items (tailored)

- FAR 52.212-4 Addendum – Supplier License Agreements

- FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or

Executive Orders–Commercial Items

- NIH Invoice and Payment Instructions http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:stuart.kern@nih.gov

- Section 508 Accessibility Standards – commercial software

STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

(SOW)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of Project:

Plating System Refurbishment and Compound Store Integration

Statement of Need and Purpose:

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) Compound Management group is in need of updating and reconfiguring its two Beckman Access acoustic dispensing systems, to include integration with the existing Brooks automated store.

Background Information and Objective:

CoMa has two Beckman Access acoustic dispensing systems, numbers 1407 and 1904. Access 1407 was purchased used in 2017 and includes one Labcyte Echo 555 liquid dispenser. Access 1904 was purchased in 2019 and includes one Labcyte Echo 655 and one Echo 655T, but lacks several peripherals that are present on Access 1407.

CoMa moved to new lab space in May 2021 and introduced a new automated sample handling system that includes a Brooks automated store. The sample handling system creates source plates directly from the Brooks store and then uses the Access systems to create assay-ready plates. CoMa has determined that refurbishing the existing Access systems, rather than replacement, is the most cost-effective approach to obtaining modern capabilities and meeting future demands.

The contractor will upgrade Access 1407 with a new, more reliable, higher capacity random access plate hotel. The contractor will swap the older Echo 555 with the two newer, faster Echo 655's one from the Access 1904 and the other standalone in the CoMa lab, and will update them to include more software suites that allow CoMa scientists to perform more varied experiments like cherry-picking and dose response that were not previously possible. The controller software on this system will also be updated to the newest version.

The contractor will completely rebuild Access 1904 to include peripherals it previously did not have, including a random-access plate hotel, plate sealer, plate seal peeler, plate centrifuge, and bulk liquid dispenser. An existing Echo 655T will be integrated onto this system as well as a new Biomek i7 liquid handler for traditional pipette-based plate stamping operations. Various tube decappers will be installed to decap and recap tubes coming from the Brooks store. Finally, the contractor will integrate Access 1904 with the Brooks automated store. Samples cherry picked from the Brooks store will automatically be transferred, hands-free, to assay ready plates on the reconfigured Access 1904, an operation that will string together several disparate operations.

Access 1407 will be reconfigured onsite at NCATS. Access 1904 will be rebuilt at the contractor’s facility and undergo factory acceptance testing before final delivery to NCATS.

Period of Performance:

One-time deliveries and upgrade completed approximately 20 weeks after receipt of order.

SCOPE OF WORK

General Requirements:

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform the Statement of Work below:

Specific Requirements:

1. The contractor shall completely rebuild Access 1904 and integrate it with the Brooks automated store at NCATS, as follows:

a. Remove two Echo 655’s for installation in Access 1407.

b. Ship to factory.

i. Echo655T

ii. PlateLoc (plate sealer)

iii. IntelliX 96 (AcoustiX tube decapper)

c. Completely rebuild Access 1904 to include the following peripherals:

i. Cytomat 24 random-access plate hotel

ii. Plate sealer

iii. Plate seal peeler

iv. Plate centrifuge

v. Bulk liquid dispenser

vi. Matrix tube decapper

vii. AcoustiX tube decapper (2)

viii. SBS plate delidder/barcode scanner (2)

d. Ship to NCATS

e. Integrate Labcyte Echo 655T, provided by NCATS

f. Provide and integrate one Biomek i7 liquid handler

g. Integrate with the Brooks automated store.

2. The contractor shall upgrade Access 1407 as follows:

a. Replace the plate hotel with a Cytomat 24 random access plate hotel.

b. Remove the existing Echo 555 and replace it with the one Echo 655 removed from Access 1904 and another Echo 655 from the CoMa workbench.

c. Provide updated software suites (cherry-pick software)

d. Update controller software to latest version.

3. The contractor shall provide the following software development kit (SDK): Assy Echo SDK version May 2019.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

NCATS will provide access to the equipment being serviced onsite.

DELIVERY OR DELIVERABLES

Vendor will perform needed adjustments, rebuilds and upgrades and return units to fully efficient and functional status.

LOCATION OF PERFORMANCE

Work shall be performed at NCATS, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, and at the contractor’s facility.

SCOPE OF WORK

DELIVERY OR DELIVERABLES

LOCATION OF PERFORMANCE

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

As prescribed in 4.2105(a), insert the following provision:

REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-4#FAR_4_2105 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It will, will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It does, does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

https://www.sam.gov/

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

CERTIFICATION:

Name of Authorized Individual Signature of Authorized Individual Date

Title Name of Organization

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Check Box2: Off

Check Box3: Off

Check Box4: Off

Check Box6: Off

Text7:

Text8:

Text9:

Date10_af_date:

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (JUL 2021)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard.

The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of quotations. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. As a minimum, quoations must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(3) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(4) Terms of any express warranty;

(5) Price and any discount terms;

(6) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(7) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212- 3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); and

(8) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information).

(c) Period for acceptance of quotations. Unless otherwise specified on the quotation, the vendor agrees to honor the quoted prices for 30 calendar days from the date of quotation submission.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotations. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple quotations. Vendors may submit multiple quotations presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each quotation submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals. (1) Vendors are responsible for submitting quotations, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that quotations or revisions are due.

(2) (i) Any quotation, modification, revision, or withdrawal received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of will be considered provided it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quotation would not unduly delay the acquisition, and the Contracting Officer determines that it is in the best interest of the Government to accept the late quotation.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that quotations cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of quotations by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of quotations will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Quotations may be withdrawn at any time prior to the time of award.

(g) Purchase order award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate quotations and award a purchase order without discussions with vendors. Therefore, the vendor’s initial quotation should contain the vendor’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. The Government may reject any or all quotations if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest-priced quotation; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotations received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may issue a purchase order for any item or group of items in a quotation, unless the vendor qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, quotations may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to issue a purchase order for any item for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the vendor specifies otherwise in the response.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to- GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST ( https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search ( http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111- 5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier.(Applies to all quotations that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and quotations at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The vendor shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The vendor also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the vendor to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the vendor does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The vendor should indicate that it is submitting a quotation for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) [Reserved]

(l) Requests for Information. If a supplier requests information on an award that was based on factors other than price alone, a brief explanation of the basis for the award decision shall be provided.

Such explanation shall include:

(1) The number of quotations received;

(2) The name and address of each vendor receiving an award;

(3) The items, quantities, and any stated unit prices of each award. If the number of items or other factors makes listing any stated unit prices impracticable at that time, only the total contract price need be furnished in the notice. However, the items, quantities, and any stated unit prices of each award shall be made publicly available, upon request; and

(4) In general terms, the reason(s) the vendor’s quotation was not accepted, unless the price information in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section readily reveals the reason. In no event shall a vendor’s cost breakdown, profit, overhead rates, trade secrets, manufacturing processes and techniques, or other confidential business information be disclosed to any other vendor.

(End of provision)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, Unauthorized Obligations, and Commercial Supplier Agreements – Unenforceable Clauses paragraphs of this clause.

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any commercial supplier agreements as amended by the Commercial Supplier Agreements – Unenforceable Clauses provision.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.

(9) The specification.

(w) Commercial supplier agreements–unenforceable clauses.

(1) Definition. For the purpose of this contract, “Commercial supplier agreements” (referred to at FAR 12.216 as “Supplier License Agreements”) means terms and conditions customarily offered to the public by vendors of supplies or services that meet the definition of “commercial item” set forth in FAR 2.101 and intended to create a binding legal obligation on the end user. Commercial supplier agreements are particularly common in information technology acquisitions, including acquisitions of commercial computer software and commercial technical data, but they may apply to any supply or service. The term applies–

(a) Regardless of the format or style of the document. For example, a commercial supplier agreement may be styled as standard terms of sale or lease, Terms of Service (TOS), End User License Agreement (EULA), or another similar legal instrument or agreement, and may be presented as part of a proposal or quotation responding to a solicitation for a contract or order;

(b) Regardless of the media or delivery mechanism used. For example, a commercial supplier agreement may be presented as one or more paper documents or may appear on a computer or other electronic device screen during a purchase, software installation, other product delivery, registration for a service, or another transaction.

(2) When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to a commercial supplier agreement, and notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, when the end user is an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, the following language shall be deemed incorporated into the commercial supplier agreement. As used herein, “this agreement” means the commercial supplier agreement.

(i) Applicability. This agreement is a part of a contract between the commercial supplier and the U.S. Government for the acquisition of the supply or service that necessitates a license or other similar legal instrument (including all contracts, task orders, and delivery orders under FAR Part 12).

(ii) End user. This agreement shall bind the ordering activity as end user but shall not operate to bind a Government employee or person acting on behalf of the Government in his or her personal capacity.

(iii) Law and disputes. This agreement is governed by Federal law.

(A) Any language purporting to subject the U.S. Government to the laws of a U.S. state, U.S. territory, district, or municipality, or a foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly provides for the application of such laws, is hereby deleted.

(B) Any language requiring dispute resolution in a specific forum or venue that is different from that prescribed by applicable Federal law is hereby deleted.

(C) Any language prescribing a different time period for bringing an action than that prescribed by applicable Federal law in relation to a dispute is hereby deleted.

(iv) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor shall not unilaterally revoke, terminate or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by this contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the agreement, it shall pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while continuing performance as set forth in subparagraph 52.212-4(d) (Disputes).

(v) Arbitration; equitable or injunctive relief. In the event of a claim or dispute arising under or relating to this agreement, a binding arbitration shall not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance, and equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs or interest, may be awarded against the U.S. Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., Prompt Payment Act or Equal Access to Justice Act).

(vi) Updating terms.

(A) After award, the contractor may unilaterally revise commercial supplier agreement terms if they are not material. A material change is defined as:

(1) Terms that change Government rights or obligations;

(2) Terms that increase Government prices;

(3) Terms that decrease overall level of service; or

(4) Terms that limit any other Government right addressed elsewhere in this contract.

(B) For revisions that will materially change the terms of the contract, the revised commercial supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification.

(C) Any agreement terms or conditions unilaterally revised subsequent to award that are inconsistent with any material term or provision of this contract shall not be enforceable against the Government, and the Government shall not be deemed to have consented to them.

(vii) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under this agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service shall not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express consent by an authorized Government representative.

(viii) Indemnification. Any clause of this agreement requiring the commercial supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is hereby amended to provide that the U.S.

Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.

(ix) Audits. Any clause of this agreement permitting the commercial supplier or licensor to audit the end user’s compliance with this agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(A) Discrepancies found in an audit may result in a charge by the commercial supplier or licensor to the ordering activity. Any resulting invoice must comply with the proper invoicing requirements specified in the underlying Government contract or order.

(B) This charge, if disputed by the ordering activity, will be resolved in accordance with subparagraph (d) (Disputes); no payment obligation shall arise on the part of the ordering activity until the conclusion of the dispute process.

(C) Any audit requested by the contractor will be performed at the contractor's expense, without reimbursement by the Government.

(x) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the commercial supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the underlying Government contract or order and, in any event, must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed to otherwise in the Government contract.

(xi) Non-assignment. This agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government's prior approval, except as expressly permitted under subparagraph (b) of this clause.

(xii) Confidential information. If this agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is hereby amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, shall be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of this agreement.

(3) If any language, provision, or clause of this agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the preceding paragraph (2), the language, provisions, or clause of paragraph (2) shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency.

(End of clause)

(5/1/2019)

Revised: February 10, 2021

Invoice and Payment Provisions

The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase

Agreement (BPA) Orders/Calls: Prompt Payment (Jan 2017) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow:

I. Invoice Requirements A. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II., below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor.

1. Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact).

2. Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment).

3. Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice.

4. Invoice date.

5. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per contractor regardless of site.

6. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS: Contract Number;

Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number.

7. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR).

8. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document.

9. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match.

10. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.*

11. Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately.

12. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.*

* NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid.

B. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt.

C. The Contractor shall submit invoice to the National Institutes of Health/Office of Financial Management (NIH/OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and Program point of contact, as directed. The invoices must be emailed in accordance with instructions below. Do not submit supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, time sheets, invoices, etc.) with your payment request unless specified elsewhere in the contract or requested by the Contracting Officer. The invoice shall be transmitted as an attachment via email to the address listed above in one of the following formats: Word, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). The Contractor must submit only one invoice per email.

Please Note: NIH/OFM will not accept invoices postmarked and/or delivered in-person on/after December 1, 2020.

For inquiries regarding the status of invoices such as receipt of invoices, due date, request for payment of invoices, etc., contact NIH/OFM Customer Service via email at ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com or via phone at 301-496-6088. To send your inquiries via other available communication methods see the NIH/OFM Customer Service website at https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Customer-Service.aspx.

The NIH/OFM Customer Service is open Eastern Standard Time Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In order to facilitate the prompt payment of invoices, it is recommended that the contractor submit a photocopy of the invoice to the “Consignee” designated for the acquisition in blocks 6A – 6E of the OF-347 of the Order/Award document.

II. Invoice Payment A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events:

1. The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice.

2. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed.

B. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended.

III. Interest Penalties

A. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable.

1. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.

2. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Home.aspx mailto:invoicing@nih.gov https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Home.aspx https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Customer-Service.aspx mailto:ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Customer-Service.aspx there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition.

3. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

B. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

IV. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013)

a. Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

b. The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act.

c. Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items.

To: All National Institutes of Health (NIH) Contractors

Date: November 4, 2020

Subject: NIH Will No Longer Accept Hard Copy Invoices Effective December 1, 2020

Dear NIH Contractors, On April 1, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) implemented an electronic invoice submission solution, which allows contractors to submit their invoices electronically via email. The electronic invoice submission solution also allows OFM accounts payable representatives to process invoices for payment securely and in a timely manner. The new electronic invoice submission solution has streamlined the invoicing process resulting in faster processing times by OFM staff and faster payments to our contractors. Currently, OFM is receiving approximately 80% of invoices via the new electronic invoice submission solution.

This email is to notify you that effective December 1, 2020, OFM will no longer accept hard copy contractor invoices sent to the OFM billing office via any shipping services (i.e., USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) or those delivered by any in-person drop off. OFM is requiring that all contractors submit their invoices for payment processing using the electronic invoice submission solution via email at invoicing@nih.gov. For your convenience, attached are step-by-step instructions, which must be followed, to ensure your invoices are submitted using the correct format to facilitate accurate and timely payments. OFM will not accept any invoices postmarked and/or delivered in-person on/after December 1, 2020.

The new electronic invoice submission solution is preparing NIH/OFM for the implementation of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (eInvoicing), scheduled to be rolled-out throughout the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in December 2021.

OFM’s Customer Service Office is here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us at ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com or call us at 301-496-6088 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the electronic invoice submission process. The Customer Service Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and is closed daily between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Thank you, OFM Commercial Accounts Team mailto:ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com

Instructions for Submitting Electronic Invoices via Email to the NIH Office of Financial

Management (OFM) Effective April 23, 2020 (Updated October 30, 2020)

4 Steps to Create the Invoice Submission Email

PLEASE READ THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR INVOICE

ELECTRONICALLY.

*Note: The key words (Vendor, PO, and Invoice), Colon (:) character following the keywords and the PIPE (|) character must be present to identify the information. The pipe (|) character is entered by pressing and holding the shift key and the backslash (\) key at the same time. The term “PO” is being used as a generic term to identify the award number

Step 3:

Attach the invoice to the email as either a PDF or

Word document.

See Reminders below

Step 4:

In the body of the email, type

“Correspondence

Email:” followed by your email address.

Step 1:

Send invoices to the following email address:

invoicing@nih.gov

Step 2:

Subject line must follow this format for the invoice you are submitting

(see note* below)

[purchase order, contract, Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call, task or delivery order] and must be used in the subject line, regardless of the specific type of your award.

How to Properly Format the Subject Line of Your Email

EXAMPLE 1 – If Your Contract Includes a Contract Number AND an Order Number or Call Number:

Vendor: Name of the Contractor or Vendor|PO:Contract Number/Order Number or Call Number|Invoice:9999999

EXAMPLE 2 – If Your Contract ONLY Includes a Contract Number:

Vendor: Name of the Contractor or Vendor|PO:Contract Number|Invoice:9999999

EXAMPLE 3 – If Your Contract ONLY Includes an Order Number:

Vendor: Name of the Contract or Vendor|Order Number|Invoice:99999999

Screenshot of How to Locate the Contract Number and Order Number on Your SF 1449

(SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS Form)

The screenshot below shows where the Contract Number and Order Number are located on the SF 1449. The SF 1449 is provided to you by the NIH Contracting Officer upon awarding the contract.