Federal Supply Schedule GS23F0248K

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Federal Supply Service Authorized Federal Supply Schedule Price List

Ocean City Research Corporation

50 Tennessee Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226

(609) 399-2417

(609) 399-5233 fax gsacontract@corrpro.com http://www.corrpro.com/ocrc Professional Engineering Services (PES)

SINs: 871-1 through 871-6

Contract Number: GS-23F-0248K

Contract Period: 1 MAY 2000 - 2005

Option Period 2: 1 MAY 2010 – 2015 Updated through Mod PA-0006 Mar 26, 2010

Business Size: Large

NAICS 541330, 541712

SIC 8711, 8731

Prices Shown Herein are Net (discount deducted)

For more information on ordering from Federal Supply Schedules click on the FSS Schedules button at http://www.fss.gsa.gov

Introduction

Ocean City Research Corporation

(OCRC)

OCEAN CITY RESEARCH CORPORATION is a member of the Corrpro Companies, the largest corrosion engineering and materials testing firm worldwide. OCRC has been actively involved in corrosion engineering and materials issues since 1963. OCRC has a staff consisting of engineers with advanced degrees in chemical, mechanical, aeronautical, electrical and civil engineering disciplines. Many are registered professionals and others are corrosion or coatings specialists certified by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). The diversity of the staff allows OCRC to work equally well in all environments, whether it be in the field, in the office, or even in a laboratory.

OCEAN CITY RESEARCH CORPORATION has two state-of-the-art laboratory facilities that add to the range of services available to our clients. These facilities offer a broad spectrum of materials and coatings test capabilities including accelerated corrosion testing, mechanical testing, natural marine exposure testing, electrochemical testing, metallurgical testing and coatings properties and performance testing. Our laboratory facilities are also capable of designing, building and operating test apparatus for simulation of operating equipment such as seawater condensers, seawater flow loops, desalinization equipment and shipboard weatherdeck equipment. This combination of staff and facilities allows OCRC to provide innovative and economical long-term solutions to all types of problems involving corrosion, coatings and materials.

OCEAN CITY RESEARCH CORPORATION offers a diverse set of services through offices located throughout the United States and the world. These services include, but are not limited to:

· Engineering design: cathodic protection, coating specification and material selection

· Contract research and testing

· Failure analysis

· Regulatory impact and compliance assessments

· Pilot plant and side-stream studies

· Field inspection of client projects

· In-situ corrosion rate monitoring

· Pollution prevention analysis

· Corrosion surveys

· Laboratory testing

· Pre-construction surveys

· Budget development

· Inspection services: coatings, pressure vessels, water mains, tanks

· Data management

· Design reviews

· Economic analyses

· Electrical grounding studies

· Personnel training

· Program evaluations

· Soil testing

· Stray current analyses

· Test, evaluation and qualification

· Life-cycle and cost-benefit analyses

· Industrial process change

· Elimination of ozone-depleting chemicals

· Elimination of hazardous materials

· Life extension assessment

Customer Information

1a.

Awarded Special Item Numbers (SINs)

1b.

Lowest Price Model/Unit Price

Not applicable.

1c.

Descriptions of Labor Categories and Commercial Equivalents

Senior Engineer (i.e. Principal Engineer, Corrosion Engineer, Consultant)

The Senior Engineers bid under the contract are individuals who are (1) registered Professional Engineers, (2) have a minimum of 12 years of experience, (3) have a B.S. or advanced degree in an engineering discipline, and (4) are Certified by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers in their corrosion-area of expertise. They are all individuals with program management experience of projects exceeding $1,000,000 in billings. They are directly responsible to all major accounts.

Engineer (i.e. Project Manager, Protective Coatings Specialist)

The Engineers bid under the subject contract all have a minimum of (1) 10 years experience with a B.S. or advanced degree in an engineering discipline or (2) 20 years of experience with a B.S. degree in an applied science. Each has had experience managing projects exceeding $100,000 in client billings. These individuals report to Senior Engineers and have responsibility for smaller accounts.

Junior Engineer (i.e. Field Engineer, Specialist)

The Junior Engineers bid on this project all have (1) at least 1 year’s professional experience, (2) a B.S. or advanced degree in an engineering discipline, and (3) project experience. These individuals report to Engineers or Senior Engineers. They have no direct account responsibility.

Senior Technician (i.e. Project Engineer)

The Senior Technicians bid on this project have (1) at least 15 years experience in the corrosion field and (2) continuing education/training/certification credits through the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. These individuals report to Engineers.

Technician (i.e. Technician)

The Technicians bid under this contract are entry-level technicians with a minimum of a high school degree and potentially some college experience.

Technician-Construction Foreman (i.e. Engineer - Grade 2)

The Construction Foreman are individuals with (1) more than 10 years experience in the construction industry working with various projects and (2) have managed crew sizes of up to 10 people.

Corrosion Technician (i.e. Field Technician)

The Corrosion Technicians are field individuals (as opposed to office engineers) with (1) a B.S. degree in engineering and (2) have received specialized continuing education from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers in their area of corrosion control expertise. They have a minimum of 2 years of experience or work directly for an Engineer or Senior Engineer. They lead field evaluation work of corroded structures.

Senior Inspector (Coatings) (i.e. Senior Inspector)

Senior Inspectors (Coatings) are technicians who (1) have at least 3 years field work-experience and (2) are Certificated by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers as Level III Coating Inspectors.

Inspector (Coatings) (i.e. Inspector)

Inspectors (Coatings) are technicians who are in-training as coating inspectors. They have received entry-level training (e.g., National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Level I) and work at the direction of Senior Inspectors (Coatings) or Engineers.

Drafter/CAD (i.e. Draftsman, Drafter, CAD Operator)

A drafter/CAD is an individual who maintains and operates a CAD-system for producing engineering drawings. An A.S. in Computer Aided Drafting with experience through AutoCAD 14.0 is required. Individuals bid under the subject contract have at least 5 years experience.

Clerical (i.e. Clerical, Administrative)

Clerical workers are those who help with assembling reports and organizing datasheets/drawings that are directly related to a project. A minimum of a high school degree or equivalent is required.

2.

Maximum Order Threshold

The maximum threshold value is $750,000 per order for Professional Engineering Services. Orders may exceed this amount, but they must adhere to FAR 8.404.

3.

Minimum Order

The minimum value is $100 per order for Professional Engineering Services. This value is also known as the micro-purchase threshold.

4.

Geographic Coverage

Domestic and overseas delivery.

5.

Points of Production

50 Tennessee Ave.

Ocean City, NJ 08226

(609) 399-2417 6.

Discount from List Prices

Published prices are already discounted for Federal purchases.

7.

Quantity Discounts

May be negotiated for orders exceeding the maximum order threshold.

8.

Prompt Payment Terms

2% discount, net 30 days.

9a.

Acceptance of Government Purchase Cards up to Micro-purchase Threshold

Government purchase cards are accepted up to the micro-purchase threshold.

9b.

Acceptance of Government Purchase Cards Above Micro-purchase Threshold

Government purchase cards are accepted above the micro-purchase threshold.

10.

Foreign Items

None.

11a.

Time of Delivery

Determined by each Order.

11b.

Expedited Delivery

Available when required by individual Order.

11c.

Overnight and 2-day Delivery

Available when required by individual Order.

11d.

Urgent Requirements

See Contract Clause I-FSS-14B. Agencies can contact the contract administrator to obtain faster delivery.

12.

F.O.B. Point

Not applicable.

13a.

Ordering Address Ocean City Research Corporation

50 Tennessee Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226

(609) 399-2417 13b. Ordering Procedures

For supplies and services, the ordering procedures, information on blanket purchase agreements (BPA’s), and a sample BPA can be found at the GSA/FSS schedule homepage (http://fss.gsa.gov/schedules).

14. Payment Address

Corrpro Companies, Inc Attn: Accounts Receivable

P.O. Box 674173 Dallas, TX 75267-4173 15.

Warranty Provisions

All services are guaranteed to meet or exceed generally acceptable professional standards.

16. Export packing charges

Not applicable

17.

Terms and Conditions of Government Purchase Card Acceptance

OCRC imposes no unique terms or conditions for use of government purchase cards. Compliance with Federal Regulations is the only requirement.

18. Terms and Conditions of rental, maintenance, and repair

Not applicable

19. Terms and Conditions of installation Not applicable

20. Terms and Conditions of repair parts indicating date of parts price lists and any discounts from list prices

Not applicable 20a.

Terms and Conditions for Services

OCRC imposes no unique terms or conditions for its services. Compliance with Federal Regulations is the only requirement. It offers a hassle-free source for:

· An experienced, professional staff;

· Below average cost for services;

· A staff and facility cleared to the SECRET level;

· Field and laboratory test capabilities;

· Responsive services with worldwide capability to serve; and

· A record of satisfied federal clients.

21.

List of Services and Distribution Points

22.

List of Participating Dealers

23.

Preventive maintenance

24a.

Special Attributes - Environmental Attributes

OCRC is dedicated to preservation of the environment. We guarantee compliance with all federal, state and local environmental regulations.

24b.

If applicable, indicate that Section 508 compliance information is available on Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) supplies and services and show where full details can be found.

Not applicable 25.

Data Universal Number System (DUNS)

Ocean City Research Corporation (OCRC) DUNS number is 11-248-2901.

26.

Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

OCRC is a registered in the CCR Database.

Professional Engineering

Service Areas

871-1 STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

Services required under this SIN involve the definition and interpretation of high-level organizational engineering performance requirements such as projects, systems, missions, etc., and the objectives and approaches to their achievement. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to an analysis of mission, program goals and objectives, requirements analysis, organizational performance assessment, special studies and analysis, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: The evaluation and preliminary definition of new and/or improved performance goals for a specific coating – such as application procedures and costs, equipment requirements, coating service life, appearance and effectiveness in specialty applications.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is providing professional engineering services not specifically related to strategic planning for technology programs/activities and its associated disciplines.

871-2 CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT AND REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

Services required under this SIN involve abstract or concept studies and analysis, requirements definition, preliminary planning, the evaluation of alternative technical approaches and associated costs for the development or enhancement of high level general performance specifications of a system, project, mission or activity. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to requirements analysis, cost/cost-performance trade-off analysis, feasibility analysis, regulatory compliance support, technology conceptual designs, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: The development and analysis of a life cycle assessment for maintenance activities and coatings for structures with multiple operating environments and atmospheric exposures.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is providing professional engineering services not specifically related to concept development and requirements analysis and its associated disciplines.

871-3 SYSTEM DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION

Services required under this SIN involve the translation of a system (or subsystem, program, project, activity) concept into a preliminary and detailed design (engineering plans and specifications), performing risk identification/analysis/mitigation, traceability, and then integrating the various components to produce a working prototype or model of the system. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to computer-aided design, design studies and analysis, high level detailed specification preparation, configuration management and document control, fabrication, assembly and simulation, modeling, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: The coating system developed in the preceding stage requires a specific set of requirements described in a performance specification package, performance of the coating will be computer simulated and a working formulation will be tested, and for performance verification.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is providing professional engineering services not specifically related to concept development and requirements analysis and its associated disciplines.

871-4 TEST AND EVALUATION

Services required under this SIN involve the application of various techniques demonstrating that a prototype system (subsystem, program, project or activity) performs in accordance with the objectives outlined in the original design. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to testing of a prototype and first article(s) testing, environmental testing, independent verification and validation, reverse engineering, simulation and modeling (to test the feasibility of a concept), system safety, quality assurance, physical testing of the product or system, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: The coating system formulations that meet the initial requirements are subject to application and performance testing in an operational environment.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is providing professional engineering services not specifically related to testing and evaluating and its associated disciplines.

871-5 INTEGRATED LOGISTICS SUPPORT

Services required under this SIN involves the analysis, planning and detailed design of all engineering specific logistics support including material goods, personnel, and operational maintenance and repair of systems throughout their life cycles. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to ergonomic/human performance analysis, feasibility analysis, logistics planning, requirements determination, policy standards/procedures development, long-term reliability and maintainability, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: The full range of life cycle logistics support for the coating system will be identified and designed in this stage including application requirements, coatings maintenance requirements, and procedures for recoating and/or coating removal.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is providing professional engineering services not specifically related to integrated logistics support and its associated disciplines.

871-6 ACQUISITION AND LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT

Services required under this SIN involve all of the planning, budgetary, contract and systems/program management execution functions required to procure and/or produce, render operational and provide life cycle support (maintenance, repair, supplies, engineering specific logistics) to technology-based systems, activities, subsystems, projects, etc. Typical associated tasks include, but are not limited to operation and maintenance, program/project management, technology transfer/insertion, training, privatization and outsourcing.

Example: During this stage the actual manufacturing, application, and performance monitoring of the coating system will be assisted through project management, supply management, reliability analysis, process improvements and procedural revisions.

Inappropriate use of this SIN is professional engineering services not specifically related to acquisition and life cycle management and associated disciplines.

Price List for Base Years

The following pricing is applicable to all SIN’s offered.

Year 1 Base Period

Year 2 Base Period

Year 3 Base Period

Year 4 Base Period

Year 5

NOTES:

1. The price list shows a 2.5% per contract year increase in the base rates.

2. The price list reflects an IFF rate of 0.75% (effective 01JAN04).

** Indicates SCA eligible categories Per Wage Determination Number 2005-2345 Revision 10 Dated 7/1/2009.

SCA Eligible Labor Category SCA Equivalent Code – Title

WD Number

Technician **

30086 - Engineering Technician IV 05-2345 Drafter (CAD) **

30064 - Drafter / CAD Operator IV

Clerical **

01020 - Administrative Assistant

The Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to this contract and it includes SCA Applicable labor categories. The prices for the indicated SCA labor categories are based on the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination identified in the matrix. The prices offered are based on the preponderance of where work is performed and should OCR perform in an area with lower SCA rates, resulting in lower wages being paid, the task order prices will be discounted accordingly.

Price List for Option Years – Option Period 1 The following pricing is applicable to all SIN’s offered.

2. The price list reflects an IFF rate of 0.75% (effective 01JAN04).

** Indicates SCA eligible categories Per Wage Determination Number 2005-2345 Revision 10 Dated 7/1/2009.

SCA Eligible Labor Category SCA Equivalent Code – Title

The Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to this contract and it includes SCA Applicable labor categories. The prices for the indicated SCA labor categories are based on the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination identified in the matrix. The prices offered are based on the preponderance of where work is performed and should OCR perform in an area with lower SCA rates, resulting in lower wages being paid, the task order prices will be discounted accordingly.

Price List for Option Years – Option Period 2 The following pricing is applicable to all SIN’s offered.

2. The price list reflects an IFF rate of 0.75% (effective 01JAN04).

** Indicates SCA eligible categories Per Wage Determination Number 2005-2345 Revision 10 Dated 7/1/2009.

SCA Eligible Labor Category SCA Equivalent Code – Title

The Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to this contract and it includes SCA Applicable labor categories. The prices for the indicated SCA labor categories are based on the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination identified in the matrix. The prices offered are based on the preponderance of where work is performed and should OCR perform in an area with lower SCA rates, resulting in lower wages being paid, the task order prices will be discounted accordingly.

Price List for Option Years - Option Period 3 The following pricing is applicable to all SIN’s offered.

2. The price list reflects an IFF rate of 0.75% (effective 01JAN04).

** Indicates SCA eligible categories Per Wage Determination Number 2005-2345 Revision 10 Dated 7/1/2009.

SCA Eligible Labor Category SCA Equivalent Code – Title

The Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to this contract and it includes SCA Applicable labor categories. The prices for the indicated SCA labor categories are based on the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination identified in the matrix. The prices offered are based on the preponderance of where work is performed and should OCR perform in an area with lower SCA rates, resulting in lower wages being paid, the task order prices will be discounted accordingly.

Ordering Procedures for Services

Procedures for services priced on GSA schedules at hourly rates.

FAR 8.402 contemplates that GSA may occasionally find it necessary to establish special ordering procedures for individual Federal Supply Schedules or for some Special Item Numbers (SINs) within a Schedule. GSA has established special ordering procedures for services that are priced on Schedule at hourly rates. These special ordering procedures take precedence over the procedures in FAR 8.404.

GSA has determined that the rates for services contained in the contractor’s price list applicable to this Schedule are fair and reasonable. However, the ordering office using this contract is responsible for considering the level of effort and mix of labor proposed to perform a specific task being ordered and for making a determination that the total firm-fixed price or ceiling price is fair and reasonable.

(a) When ordering services, ordering offices shall—

(1) Prepare a Request for Quotes:

(i) A performance-based statement of work that outlines, at a minimum, the work to be performed, location of work, period of performance, deliverable schedule, applicable standards, acceptance criteria, and any special requirements (i.e., security clearances, travel, special knowledge, etc.) should be prepared.

(ii) A request for quotes should be prepared which includes the performance-based statement of work and requests the contractors to submit either a firm-fixed price or a ceiling price to provide the services outlined in the statement of work. A firm-fixed price order shall be requested, unless the ordering office makes a determination that it is not possible at the time of placing the order to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to anticipate cost with any reasonable degree of confidence. When such a determination is made, a labor hour or time-and-materials proposal may be requested. The firm-fixed price shall be based on the hourly rates in the schedule contract and shall consider the mix of labor categories and level of effort required to perform the services described in the statement of work. The firm-fixed price of the order should also include any travel costs or other incidental costs related to performance of the services ordered, unless the order provides for reimbursement of travel costs at the rates provided in the Federal Travel or Joint Travel Regulations. A ceiling price must be established for labor-hour and time-and-materials orders.

(iii) The request for quotes may request the contractors, if necessary or appropriate, to submit a project plan for performing the task and information on the contractor’s experience and/or past performance performing similar tasks.

(iv) The request for quotes shall notify the contractors what basis will be used for selecting the contractor to receive the order. The notice shall include the basis for determining whether the contractors are technically qualified and provide an explanation regarding the intended use of any experience and/or past performance information in determining technical acceptability of responses.

(2) Transmit the Request for Quotes to Contractors:

(i) Based upon an initial evaluation of catalogs and price lists, the ordering office should identify the contractors that appear to offer the best value (considering the scope of services offered, hourly rates and other factors such as contractors’ locations, as appropriate).

(ii) The request for quotes should be provided to three (3) contractors if the proposed order is estimated to exceed the micro-purchase threshold, but not exceed the maximum order threshold. For proposed orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, the request for quotes should be provided to additional contractors that offer services that will meet the agency’s needs. Ordering offices should strive to minimize the contractors’ costs associated with responding to requests for quotes for specific orders. Requests should be tailored to the minimum level necessary for adequate evaluation and selection for order placement. Oral presentations should be considered, when possible.

(3) Evaluate Quotes and Select the Contractor to Receive the Order:

After responses have been evaluated against the factors identified in the request for quotes, the order should be placed with the schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special qualifications, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.

(b) The establishment of Federal Supply Schedule Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for recurring services is permitted when the procedures outlined herein are followed. All BPAs for services must define the services that may be ordered under the BPA, along with delivery or performance time frames, billing procedures, etc. The potential volume of orders under BPAs, regardless of the size of individual orders, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure volume discounts. When establishing BPAs ordering offices shall—

(1) Inform contractors in the request for quotes (based on the agency’s requirement) if a single BPA or multiple BPAs will be established, and indicate the basis that will be used for selecting the contractors to be awarded the BPAs.

(i) SINGLE BPA: Generally, a single BPA should be established when the ordering office can define the tasks to be ordered under the BPA and establish a firm-fixed price or ceiling price for individual tasks or services to be ordered. When this occurs, authorized users may place the order directly under the established BPA when the need for service arises. The schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs should be awarded the BPA.

(ii) MULTIPLE BPAs: When the ordering office determines multiple BPAs are needed to meet its requirements, the ordering office should determine which contractors can meet any technical qualifications before establishing the BPAs. When multiple BPAs are established, the authorized users must follow the procedures in (a)(2)(ii) above and then place the order with the Schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.

(2) Review BPAs Periodically: Such reviews shall be conducted at least annually. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the BPA still represents the best value (considering price, special qualifications, etc.) and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.

(c) The ordering office should give preference to small business concerns when two or more contractors can provide the services at the same firm-fixed price or ceiling price.

(d) When the ordering office’s requirement involves both products as well as executive, administrative and/or professional services, the ordering office should total the prices for the products and the firm-fixed price for the services and select the contractor that represents the greatest value in terms of meeting the agency’s total needs.

(e) The ordering office, at a minimum, should document orders by identifying the contractor from which the services were purchased, the services purchased, and the amount paid. If other than a firm-fixed price order is placed, such documentation should include the basis for the determination to use a labor-hour or time-and-materials order. For agency requirements in excess of the micro-purchase threshold, the order file should document the evaluation of Schedule contractors’ quotes that formed the basis for the selection of the contractor that received the order and the rationale for any trade-offs made in making the selection.

B. Ordering Procedures for services at fixed prices

Orders placed pursuant to Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), using the procedures in FAR 8.404, are considered to be issued pursuant to full and open competition. Therefore, when placing orders under Federal Supply Schedules, ordering offices need not seek further competition, synopsize the requirement, make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing, or consider small business set-asides in accordance with subpart 19.5. GSA has already determined the prices of items under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. By placing an order against a schedule using the procedures outlined below, the ordering office has concluded that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government's needs.

1. Orders placed at or below the micropurchase threshold. Ordering offices can place orders at or below the micropurchase threshold with any Federal Supply Schedule Contractor.

2. Orders exceeding the micropurchase threshold but not exceeding the maximum order threshold. Orders should be placed with the Schedule Contractor that can provide the supply or service that represents the best value. Before placing an order, ordering offices should consider reasonably available information about the service offered under MAS contracts by using "GSA Advantage!" on-line shopping service, or by reviewing catalogs/price lists of at least three Schedule Contractors and selecting delivery and other options available under the schedule that meet the agency's needs. In selecting the Contractor representing the best value, the ordering office may consider --

· special features of the Contractor that are required in effective program performance and that are not provided by comparable service, and

· past performance

3. Orders exceeding the maximum order threshold. Each schedule contract has an established maximum order threshold. This threshold represents the point where it is advantageous for the ordering office to seek a price reduction. In addition to following procedures in paragraph B above, and before placing an order that exceeds the maximum order threshold, ordering offices shall --

a. Review additional Schedule Contractors' catalogs / price lists or use the "GSA Advantage!" on-line shopping service;

b. Based upon the initial evaluation, generally seek price reductions from the Schedule Contractor(s) appearing to provide the best value (considering price and other factors); and

c. After price reductions have been sought, place the order with the Schedule Contractor that provides the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative. If further price reductions are not offered, an order may still be placed, if the ordering office determines that it is appropriate.

NOTE: For orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, the Contractor may:

1) Offer a new lower price for this requirement (the Fixed Price Reductions clause is not applicable to orders placed over the maximum order in FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations);

2) Offer the lowest price available under the contract; or

3) Decline the order (order must be returned in accordance with FAR 52.216-19).

4. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs). The establishment of Federal Supply Service BPAs is permitted when following the ordering procedures in FAR 8.404. All schedule contracts contain BPA provisions. Ordering offices may use BPAs to establish accounts with Contractors to fill recurring requirements. BPAs should address the frequency of ordering and invoicing, discounts, and delivery locations and times.

5. Price Reductions. In addition to the circumstance outlined in paragraph (3) above, there may be instances when the ordering office will find it advantageous to request a price reduction. For example, when the ordering office finds a schedule service elsewhere at a lower price or when a BPA is being established to fill recurring requirements, requesting a price reduction could be advantageous. The potential volume or orders under these agreements, regardless of the size of the individual order, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure greater discounts. Schedule Contractors are not required to pass on to all schedule users a price reduction extended only to an individual agency for a specific order.

6. Small business. For orders exceeding the micropurchase threshold, ordering offices should give preferences to the items of small business concerns when two or more items at the same delivered price will satisfy the requirement.

7. Documentation. Orders should be documented, at a minimum, by identifying the Contractor the item was purchased from, the item purchased, and the amount paid. If an agency requirement in excess of the micropurchase threshold is defined, so as to require a particular brand name, product, or feature of a product particular to one manufacturer, thereby precluding consideration of a product manufactured by another company, the ordering office shall include an explanation in the file as to why the particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to satisfy the agency's needs.

II. ORDER

A. Agencies may use written orders, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) orders, blanket purchase agreements, individual purchase orders, or task orders for ordering services under this contract. Blanket Purchase Agreements shall not extend beyond the end of the contract period; all services and delivery shall be made and the contract terms and conditions shall continue in effect until the completion of the order. Orders for tasks which extend beyond the fiscal year for which funds are available shall include FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year. The purchase order shall specify the availability of funds and the period for which funds are available.

B. All task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. In the event of conflict between a task order and the contract, the contract will take precedence.

III. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES

A. The Contractor shall commence performance of services on the date agreed by the Contractor and the ordering office.

B. The Contractor agrees to render services only during normal working hours, unless otherwise agreed to by the Contractor and the ordering office.

C. The Contractor guarantees the satisfactory completion of the Professional Engineering Services (PES) performed under the task order and that all contract personnel utilized in the performance of the PES under the task order shall have the education, experience, and expertise as stated in the task order.

D. Any Contractor travel required in the performance of PES must comply with the Federal Travel Regulation of Joint Travel Regulations, as applicable, in effect on the date(s) the travel is performed. Established Federal Government per diem rates will apply to all Contractor travel. Contractors cannot use GSA city pair contracts.

IV. INSPECTION OF SERVICES

The Inspection of Services-Fixed Price (AUG 1996) clause at FAR 52.246-4 applies to firm-fixed price orders placed under this contract. The Inspection-Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour (JAN 1986) clause at FAR 52.246-6 applies to time-and-materials and labor-hours orders placed under this contract.

V. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR

The Contractor shall comply will all laws, ordinances, and regulations (Federal, State, City, or otherwise) covering work of this character.

VI. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT

Subject to security regulations, the ordering office shall permit the Contractor access to all facilities necessary to perform the requisite PES.

VII. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

All PES performed by the Contractor under the terms of this contract shall be as an independent Contractor, and not as an agent or employee of the Government.

VIII. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

B. Definitions

1. "Contractor" means the person, firm, unincorporated association, joint venture, partnership, or corporation that is a party to this contract

2. "Contractor and its affiliates" and "Contractor or its affiliates" refers to the Contractor, its chief executive, directors, officers, subsidiaries, affiliates, subcontractors at any tier, and consultants and joint venture involving the Contractor, any entity into or with which the Contractor subsequently merges or affiliates, or any other successor or assignee of the Contractor.

3. An "Organizational conflict of interest" exists when the nature of work to be performed under the proposed Government contract, without some restrictions on activities by the Contractor and its affiliates, may either (i) result in an unfair competitive advantage to the Contractor or its affiliates, or (ii) impair the Contractor's or its affiliates' objectivity in performing contract work.

B. To avoid an organizational or financial conflict of interest and to avoid prejudicing the best interests of the Government, ordering offices may place restrictions on the Contractor, its affiliates, chief executives, directors, subsidiaries and subcontractors at any tier when placing orders against schedule contracts. Such restrictions shall be consistent with FAR 9.505 and shall be designed to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate organizational conflicts of interest that might otherwise exist in situations related to individual orders placed against the schedule contract. Examples of situations that may require restrictions are provided at FAR 9.505.

IX. INVOICES

The Contractor, upon completion of the work ordered, shall submit invoices for PES. Progress payments may be authorized by the ordering office on individual orders if appropriate. Progress payments shall be based upon completion of defined milestones or interim products. Invoices shall be submitted monthly for recurring services performed during the preceding month.

X. PAYMENTS

For firm-fixed price orders the Government shall pay the Contractor, upon submission of proper invoices or vouchers, the prices stipulated in this contract for services rendered and accepted. Progress payments shall be made only when authorized by the order. For time-and-materials orders, the Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hours Contracts (Alternate I (APR 1984)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies to time-and-materials orders placed under this contract. For labor-hours orders, the Payment under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hours Contracts (FEB 1997) (Alternate II (JAN 1986)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies to labor-hours orders placed under this contract.

XI. RESUMES

Resumes shall be provided to the GSA Contracting Offices or the user agency upon request.

XII. INCIDENTAL SUPPORT COSTS

Incidental support costs are available outside the scope of this contract. The cost will be negotiated separately with the ordering agency in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the FAR.

XIII. APPROVAL OF SUBCONTRACTS

The ordering activity may require that the Contract receive, from the ordering activity's Contracting Officer, written consent before placing any subcontract for furnishing any of the work called for in a task order.

On-line access to contract ordering information, terms and conditions, up-to-date pricing, and the option to create an electronic delivery order is available through GSA Advantage!™ , a menu-driven database system. The INTERNET address GSA Advantage!™ is http://www.GSAAdvantage.gov.