FDA-RFQ-1207869.doc

FDA-RFQ-1207869

Histology Services and Pathology Analysis to Support Studies on

Drug-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Brain

Part 1 – Description

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) CDER/OTR requires neuropathology slides prepared by classical histological techniques with a wide range of embedding and sectioning methodologies and staining protocols including traditional H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) staining, IHC (immunohistochemistry) and a variety of proprietary and specialty stains specifically designed to reveal unique features in tissues. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ) using FAR Parts 12 and 13 procedures. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-101 October 26, 2018. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition is 541714 Research and Technology in Biotechnology (except Nanotechnology), Small Size Standard 1,000 Employees. THIS IS A TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE.

This requirement is for Histology Services and Pathology Analysis to Support Studies on Drug-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Brain.

Part 2 – Supplies or Services and Prices

Purchase Order Type: Firm-Fixed Price

2.2 Base Year

Total Firm Fixed Price

Option Year 1

Total Firm Fixed Price

Option Year 2

Total Firm Fixed Price

The total price Base Year plus two (2) Option Years is $____________.

Company Name: ________________________ DUNS Number: ________________________

* Block understood to be an increment of 16 brains at one time. Each shipment shall have one (1) to two (2) months turnaround time.

Payment is only authorized for the respective firm-fixed-price upon successful completion of the respective CLINs, including delivery and acceptance of all deliverables, as determined by the FDA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) according to the Statement of Work, and upon submission of a proper invoice. Proper invoice submission includes following the invoice instructions below.

Part 3 – Description/Specifications

3.1 Background

The purpose of this requirement is to apply neuro-histology to examine every aspect of the rat brain for evidence of morphological damage after exposure to a neurotoxic agent or drug. This contrasts with the industry standard that requires only 3 to 7 brain slices which often misses significant brain damage. The histological evidence generated by this requirement will be used to verify and help qualify MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) as a potential biomarker for neurotoxicity. Eventually MRI, a non-invasive tool, will be used in conjunction with neuro-histology to inform exactly where and how many histological slices need to be made of the brain and what time after drug exposure the histological process should be undertaken. The result of this effort will be the generation of fewer “smart slices” done at the right time. This should greatly advance the capacity to detect brain neurotoxicity and enhance the safety of new drugs that affect the nervous system.

3.2 Statement of Work

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shall provide up to 48 perfusion fixed brains (per year) in individual, numbered bottles containing fixative solution in lots of varying sizes (16 - 24 brains per shipment) to the contractor for processing. The contractor shall embed multiple brains in register in the same block using MultibrainR Technology or its equivalent to allow each brain to be sliced at the same or comparable level. Each entire brain will be freeze sectioned at intervals of 40 microns in the plane designated (coronal). Every 8th section of each brain shall be stained to generate 66 slides that represent the entire brain (this spans a length of 21 mm). Every eighth section which occurs at 320 micron intervals will be stained by the Amino Cupric Silver Method of deOimos et. al. -Neurotox and Teratol16:545-561 (1994) to reveal neurodegeneration. Each stained section shall also be counterstained with Neutral Red to reveal cell bodies. Every adjacent section shall be stained with H&E (Haemotoxylin and Eosin). Coverslips shall be placed on each slide which shall be labeled (numbered) and placed in serial order in slide boxes.

The slides shall be read by a designated Neuropathologist and reports generated. Once read, these slides shall be shipped to FDA- NCTR, Jefferson, Arkansas (see address below). In addition, unstained sections, adjacent to each stained section (e.g. section 7 and 9) shall be identified and placed in cups containing antigen preservative solution. The other unstained sections shall be placed together in a cup (containing antigen preservative solution) that is labeled to match the corresponding stained section and these cups (66) shall also be shipped to the same below address at NCTR. The performance of tasks necessary shall include having these slides (120 per rat brain) be read by a Board-Certified Neuropathologist who shall generate a report that describes the findings for each slide examined (using a 4-factor rating system) as well as naming the location (section number) and structures affected for the various observed neurotoxicities. The Neuropathologist shall also be available to discuss the findings of the report with the FDA. Final reports of the neuropathologist shall be sent to the contracting officer representative (COR) at FDA Silver Spring, Maryland address listed below.

A total of 48 brains shall be processed each year, but not necessarily all at once. The process may be done in an increment of 16 brains at one time. Each shipment shall have one (1) to two (2) months turnaround time.

Delivery, Installation, Training, and Support: 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination The vendor shall cover all costs associated with the following:

· Crating and shipping shall be included in this proposal to the delivery address.

Part 4 –Performance and Deliverables

4.1 Shipping/Destination

Completed Pathology Reports are to be sent to:

POC: to be provided U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

10903 New Hampshire Avenue

Building 22, Room 2134

Silver Spring, MD 20993

Completed slides and unstained sections are to be shipped to;

POC: to be provided

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

3900 NCTR Road

Jefferson, AK 72079

4.2 Period of Performance

Base Period:

March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020

Option Period 1:

March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021

Option Period 2:

March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022 Optional Periods

and in effect for one year.

Part 5 –Contract Administration

5.1 Representative’s

For this PART, (COR TBD) is the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will perform inspection and acceptance of equipment and services to be provided.

The COR is responsible for the following as required by this order: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the Statement of Work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluations; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as an agent of the Government under this order. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: direct or negotiate any changes in the order, including modifying or extending the period of performance, changing the delivery schedule, authorizing reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this order, or otherwise change any terms and conditions of this order.

The contact information for the Contracting Officer is the following:

Matthew Bucher U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services

5630 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

The contact information for the Contract Specialist is the following:

Christine Russman U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services

5630 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

Christine.Russman@fda.hhs.gov;

5.2 FDA Three-Way Match Invoicing Procedures

FDA Three-Way Match Invoicing Procedures

A. The contractor shall submit all invoices to:

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Attn: Vendor Payments

Office of Financial Services

10903 New Hampshire Ave

WO32 - Second Floor

MAIL HUB 2145

Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Phone: 301-827-3742

Email: FDAVendorPaymentsTeam@fda.gov

*** Acceptable methods of delivery include: E-mail (preferred) and Standard Mail.

B. Invoices submitted under this contract must comply with the requirements set forth in FAR Clauses 52.232-25 (Prompt Payment) and 52.232-33 (Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management) and/or other applicable FAR clauses specified herein. To constitute a proper invoice, the invoice must be submitted on company letterhead and include each of the following:

(i) Name and address of the contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and invoice number;

(iii) Contract/Order number (including a reference to any base award for Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity Contracts or Blanket Purchase Agreements);

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price supplies delivered or services performed, including:

(a) period of performance for which costs are claimed;

(b) itemized travel costs, including origin and destination;

(c) any other supporting information necessary to clarify questionable expenditures;

(d) the contractor shall include the Contract Line Item/Funding line item for each description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price supplies delivered or services performed;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered (Prompt Payment terms other than NET 30);

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the purchase order/award, or in a proper notice of assignment)

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice;

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information, including routing transit number of the financial institution receiving payment;

(xi) Name and telephone number of the FDA Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or other Program Center/Office point of contact, as referenced on the award;

(xii) For all Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Awards, Contractor is required to attach an invoice log addendum to each invoice which shall include, at a minimum, the following information for contract administration and reconciliation purposes:

(a) list of all invoices submitted to date under the subject award, including the following:

(1) invoice number, amount, & date submitted

(2) corresponding payment amount & date received

(b) total amount of all payments received to date under the subject contract or order

(c) and, for definitized contracts or orders only, total estimated amounts yet to be invoiced for the current, active period of performance;

(xiii) Any other information or documentation required by the award.

C. An electronic invoice is acceptable if submitted in adobe acrobat (PDF) format. All items listed in (i) through (xii) of this clause must be included in the electronic invoice. Electronic invoices must be on company letterhead and must contain no ink changes and be legible for printing.

D. Questions regarding invoice payments should be directed to the FDA Payment Office at the email address or phone number provided above in Section A.

Part 6 – Contract clauses

6.1 HHSAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/hhsar/part-352-solicitation-provisions-contract-clauses.

352.211-3, PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (DEC 2015)

352.203-70, ANTI-LOBBYING (DEC 2015)

352.215-70, LATE PROPOSALS AND REVISIONS (DEC 2015)

352.222-70, CONTRACTOR COOPERATION IN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INVESTIGATIONS (DEC 2015)

6.2 FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference

52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting 52.204-18, Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance 52.204-22, Alternative Line Item Proposal 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items 52.232-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors.

6.3 FAR Clauses Full Text

52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications.

As prescribed in 4.1202 (a), insert the following provision:

Annual Representations and Certifications (Oct 2018) (a)

(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541714 Research and Technology in Biotechnology (except Nanotechnology).

(2) The small business size standard is 1000 employees.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)

(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[_] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[_] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)

(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation.

(vii) 52.209-5; Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(viii) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(ix) 52.214-14, Place of Performance--Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(x) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(xii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xiii) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xiv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xvi) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xvii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA- designated items.

(xviii) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals—Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.

(xix) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xx) 52.225-4, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225- 3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $80,317, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $80,317 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxi) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan--Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiii) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

___ (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

___ (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

___ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

___ (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment--Certification.

___ (v) 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services--Certification.

___ (vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

___ (vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

___ (A) Basic.

___ (B) Alternate I.

___ (viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of Provision)

52.204-21, Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems As prescribed in 4.1903, insert the following clause:

Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Jun 2016)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause–

“Covered contractor information system” means an information system that is owned or operated by a contractor that processes, stores, or transmits Federal contract information.

“Federal contract information” means information, not intended for public release, that is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government, but not including information provided by the Government to the public (such as on public websites) or simple transactional information, such as necessary to process payments.

“Information” means any communication or representation of knowledge such as facts, data, or opinions, in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual (Committee on National Security Systems Instruction (CNSSI) 4009).

“Information system” means a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information (44 U.S.C. 3502).

“Safeguarding” means measures or controls that are prescribed to protect information systems.

(b) Safeguarding requirements and procedures.

(1) The Contractor shall apply the following basic safeguarding requirements and procedures to protect covered contractor information systems. Requirements and procedures for basic safeguarding of covered contractor information systems shall include, at a minimum, the following security controls:

(i) Limit information system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, or devices (including other information systems).

(ii) Limit information system access to the types of transactions and functions that authorized users are permitted to execute.

(iii) Verify and control/limit connections to and use of external information systems.

(iv) Control information posted or processed on publicly accessible information systems.

(v) Identify information system users, processes acting on behalf of users, or devices.

(vi) Authenticate (or verify) the identities of those users, processes, or devices, as a prerequisite to allowing access to organizational information systems.

(vii) Sanitize or destroy information system media containing Federal Contract Information before disposal or release for reuse.

(viii) Limit physical access to organizational information systems, equipment, and the respective operating environments to authorized individuals.

(ix) Escort visitors and monitor visitor activity; maintain audit logs of physical access; and control and manage physical access devices.

(x) Monitor, control, and protect organizational communications (i.e., information transmitted or received by organizational information systems) at the external boundaries and key internal boundaries of the information systems.

(xi) Implement subnetworks for publicly accessible system components that are physically or logically separated from internal networks.

(xii) Identify, report, and correct information and information system flaws in a timely manner.

(xiii) Provide protection from malicious code at appropriate locations within organizational information systems.

(xiv) Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.

(xv) Perform periodic scans of the information system and real-time scans of files from external sources as files are downloaded, opened, or executed.

(2) Other requirements. This clause does not relieve the Contractor of any other specific safeguarding requirements specified by Federal agencies and departments relating to covered contractor information systems generally or other Federal safeguarding requirements for controlled unclassified information (CUI) as established by Executive Order 13556.

(c) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts under this contract (including subcontracts for the acquisition of commercial items, other than commercially available off-the-shelf items), in which the subcontractor may have Federal contract information residing in or transiting through its information system.

52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal.

As prescribed in 4.1008, insert the following provision:

Alternative Line Item Proposal (Jan 2017)

(a) The Government recognizes that the line items established in this solicitation may not conform to the Offeror’s practices. Failure to correct these issues can result in difficulties in acceptance of deliverables and processing payments. Therefore, the Offeror is invited to propose alternative line items for which bids, proposals, or quotes are requested in this solicitation to ensure that the resulting contract is economically and administratively advantageous to the Government and the Offeror.

(b) The Offeror may submit one or more additional proposals with alternative line items, provided that alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. However, acceptance of an alternative proposal is a unilateral decision made solely at the discretion of the Government. Offers that do not comply with the line items specified in this solicitation may be determined to be nonresponsive or unacceptable.

(End of provision)

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law.

As prescribed in 9.104-7(d), insert the following provision:

Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016)

(a) As required by sections 744 and 745 of Division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), and similar provisions, if contained in subsequent appropriations acts, the Government will not enter into a contract with any corporation that—

(1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or

(2) Was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b) The Offeror represents that—

(1) It is □ is not □ a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; and

(2) It is □ is not □ a corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding 24 months.

(End of provision)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Items.

As prescribed in 12.301(c), the Contracting Officer may insert a provision substantially as follows:

Evaluation—Commercial Items (Oct 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical Evaluation: Ability to provide the required tasks stated in the SOW such as MultiBrain® Technology embedding and sectioning or equivalent to conduct required sectioning at designated intervals to produce the requisite number of slides for each brain; utilize the required stains and counter-stains to produce high quality slides; and interpretation of slides by Board-Certified neuropathologist.

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

[Contracting Officer shall insert the significant evaluation factors, such as (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) price; (iii) past performance (see FAR]

Technical and past performance, when combined, are __________ [Contracting Officer state, in accordance with FAR]

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

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

(End of provision)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

As prescribed in 12.301(b)(2), insert the following provision:

Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Oct 2018)

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

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

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

“Highest-level owner” means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

“Immediate owner” means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

“Inverted domestic corporation”, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

“Manufactured end product” means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

“Place of manufacture” means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

“Predecessor” means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

“Restricted business operations” means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

“Sensitive technology”—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

“Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern”—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

“Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

“Small disadvantaged business concern”, consistent with13 CFR 124.1002, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

“Subsidiary” means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation. “Veteran-owned small business concern” means a small business concern—(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans. “Successor” means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances. “Women-owned business concern” means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business concern” means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program” (in accordance with 13 CFR part127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States.

(b)(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ______________.

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (u) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □is, □is not a small business concern.

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph(c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □is, □is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph(c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, that it □is, □is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13CFR124.1002.

(5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph(c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a women-owned small business concern.

(6) WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a women-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(5) of this provision.] The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ is, □ is not a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility; and

(ii) It □is, □is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: __________.] Each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the WOSB representation.

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program in (c)(6) of this provision.] The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ is, □ is not an EDWOSB concern, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility; and

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this provision is accurate for each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the EDWOSB concern and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: __________.] Each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the EDWOSB representation.

Note: Complete paragraphs(c)(8) and (c)(9) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(8) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). [Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph(c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □is a women-owned business concern.

(9) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50percent of the contract price:____________________________________

(10) HUBZone small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph(c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that–

(i) It □is, □is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, on the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration, and no material changes in ownership and control, principal office, or HUBZone employee percentage have occurred since it was certified in accordance with 13 CFR Part 126; and

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR Part 126, and the representation in paragraph (c)(10)(i) of this provision is accurate for each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the names of each of the HUBZone small business concerns participating in the HUBZone joint venture: __________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the HUBZone representation.

(d) Representations required to implement provisions of Executive Order11246-

(1) Previous contracts and compliance. The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ has, □ has not participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation; and

(ii) It □ has, □ has not filed all required compliance reports.

(2) Affirmative Action Compliance. The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ has developed and has on file, □ has not developed and does not have on file, at each establishment, affirmative action programs required by rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (41 CFR parts 60-1 and 60-2), or

(ii) It □ has not previously had contracts subject to the written affirmative action programs requirement of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor.

(e) Certification Regarding Payments to Influence Federal Transactions (31 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 U.S.C. 1352). (Applies only if the contract is expected to exceed $150,000.) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that no Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress or an employee of a Member of Congress on his or her behalf in connection with the award of any resultant contract. If any registrants under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 have made a lobbying contact on behalf of the offeror with respect to this contract, the offeror shall complete and submit, with its offer, OMB Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, to provide the name of the registrants. The offeror need not report regularly employed officers or employees of the offeror to whom payments of reasonable compensation were made.

(f) Buy American Certificate. (Applies only if the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies, is included in this solicitation.)

(1) The offeror certifies that each end product, except those listed in paragraph (f)(2) of this provision, is a domestic end product and that for other than COTS items, the offeror has considered components of unknown…