H9227624R0006 Somalia Cultural Advisors Combined Solicitation.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation H92276-24-R-0006

Somalia Cultural Advisor

This solicitation is issued for commercial items prepared in accordance with (IAW) the format in 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 written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number: H92276-24-R-0006.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2024-01, effective date 14 November 2023.

All questions must be submitted no later than 1:00 PM Eastern Africa Time on 09 February 2024 to the Contracting Officer at matthew.d.clark.mil@socom.mil and matthew.d.clark64.mil@army.mil.

This solicitation will close at 1:00 PM Eastern Africa Time on16 February 2024.

Description of the Requirement:

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors based in Mogadishu, Somalia with experience supporting United States military forces, and who possess the aptitude, knowledge, interpersonal skills, linguistic ability, and established relationships necessary to provide access, influence, and operational support. Advisors shall provide cultural context, arrange, and facilitate high level key leader engagements and provide linguistic support while serving as liaisons. All work to be performed is outlined in the Performance Work Statement dated 29JAN2024 which is attached to this solicitation.

Approximate Period of Performance: 26 March 2024 through 25 September 2024 plus four (4) option periods (six (6) months each)

Primary Place of Performance: Mogadishu, Somalia

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541930 - "Translation and Interpretation Services”, with a Product Service Code (PSC) of R499 - "Support- Professional: Other”.

FUNDING INFORMATION

Notice of Funding Availability At the time of solicitation this requirement is not fully funded, however, it is expected that funds will become available on or before February 25, 2024.

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 6 Months

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors

FFP

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors locally based in Somalia with experience supporting United States Special Operations Forces. Work to be perfomed in accordance with the incorporated PWS dated 29JAN2024.

AW FAR 52.228-3, Workers' Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), is required. Price will include DBA Insurance and should not be included as a seperate CLIN.

FOB: Destination

PSC CD: R499

NET AMT

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0002 6 Months OPTION Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors

FFP

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors locally based in Somalia with experience supporting United States Special Operations Forces. Work to be perfomed in accordance with the incorporated PWS 29JAN2024..

AW FAR 52.228-3, Workers' Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), is required. Price will include DBA Insurance and should not be included as a seperate CLIN.

FOB: Destination

PSC CD: R499

NET AMT

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0003 6 Months OPTION Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors

FFP

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors locally based in Somalia with experience supporting United States Special Operations Forces. Work to be perfomed in accordance with the incorporated PWS 29JAN2024..

AW FAR 52.228-3, Workers' Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), is required. Price will include DBA Insurance and should not be included as a seperate CLIN.

FOB: Destination

PSC CD: R499

NET AMT

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0004 6 Months OPTION Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors

FFP

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors locally based in Somalia with experience supporting United States Special Operations Forces. Work to be perfomed in accordance with the incorporated PWS 29JAN2024.

AW FAR 52.228-3, Workers' Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), is required. Price will include DBA Insurance and should not be included as a seperate CLIN.

FOB: Destination

PSC CD: R499

NET AMT

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0005 6 Months OPTION Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors

FFP

Three (3) Cultural/Political Advisors locally based in Somalia with experience supporting United States Special Operations Forces. Work to be perfomed in accordance with the incorporated PWS 29JAN2024..

AW FAR 52.228-3, Workers' Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), is required. Price will include DBA Insurance and should not be included as a seperate CLIN.

FOB: Destination

PSC CD: R499

NET AMT

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE TERMS

Supplies/services will be inspected/accepted at:

CLIN INSPECT AT INSPECT BY ACCEPT AT ACCEPT BY

0001 Destination Government Destination Government 0002 Destination Government Destination Government 0003 Destination Government Destination Government 0004 Destination Government Destination Government 0005 Destination Government Destination Government

DELIVERY INFORMATION

CLIN DELIVERY DATE QUANTITY SHIP TO ADDRESS DODAAC /

CAGE

0001 POP 26-MAR-2024 TO

25-SEP-2024

N/A JSOTF-SOM

MAJ METTS

CENTRAL RECEIVING POINT

BLDG 730 SOUTH ROAD,CAMP

LEMONNIER

MARK FOR DLA DISTRO DIJBOUTI

AFRICA MPC

APO AE 09902

700-434-8116 FOB: Destination

W90UKT

0002 POP 26-SEP-2024 TO

25-MAR-2025

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

FOB: Destination

W90UKT

0003 POP 26-MAR-2025 TO

25-SEP-2025

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

FOB: Destination

W90UKT

0004 POP 26-SEP-2025 TO

25-MAR-2026

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

FOB: Destination

W90UKT

0005 POP 26-MAR-2026 TO

25-SEP-2026

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

FOB: Destination

W90UKT

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.202-1 Definitions JUN 2020 52.203-3 Gratuities APR 1984 52.203-12 Limitation On Payments To Influence Certain Federal

Transactions

JUN 2020

52.204-2 Security Requirements MAR 2021 52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber

Content Paper

MAY 2011

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel JAN 2011 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications.

DEC 2014

52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application JUN 2023 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters OCT 2018 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Products and

Commercial Services

NOV 2023

52.222-29 Notification Of Visa Denial APR 2015 52.228-3 Worker's Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) JUL 2014 52.232-1 Payments APR 1984 252.201-7000 Contracting Officer's Representative DEC 1991 252.203-7000 Requirements Relating to Compensation of Former DoD

Officials

SEP 2011

252.203-7002 Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights DEC 2022 252.203-7005 Representation Relating to Compensation of Former DoD

Officials

SEP 2022

252.204-7004 Antiterrorism Awareness Training for Contractors JAN 2023 252.204-7008 Compliance With Safeguarding Covered Defense Information

Controls

OCT 2016

252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting

JAN 2023

252.204-7015 Notice of Authorized Disclosure of Information for Litigation Support

JAN 2023

252.204-7016 Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services -- Representation

DEC 2019

252.204-7017 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services -- Representation

MAY 2021

252.204-7018 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services

JAN 2023

252.204-7019 Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements MAR 2022 252.204-7020 NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements JAN 2023 252.204-7024 Notice on the Use of the Supplier Performance Risk System MAR 2023 252.222-7002 Compliance With Local Labor Laws (Overseas) JUN 1997 252.222-7006 Restrictions on the Use of Mandatory Arbitration Agreements JAN 2023 252.225-7031 Secondary Arab Boycott Of Israel JUN 2005 252.225-7055 Representation Regarding Business Operations with the

Maduro Regime

MAY 2022

252.225-7056 Prohibition Regarding Business Operations with the Maduro Regime

JAN 2023

252.225-7993 (Dev) Prohibition on Providing Funds to the Enemy (Deviation 2020-O0022)

AUG 2020

252.226-7001 Utilization of Indian Organizations, Indian-Owned Economic Enterprises, and Native Hawaiian Small Business Concerns

JAN 2023

252.232-7003 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports

DEC 2018

252.232-7010 Levies on Contract Payments DEC 2006 252.233-7001 Choice of Law (Overseas) JUN 1997 252.237-7010 Prohibition on Interrogation of Detainees by Contractor

Personnel

JAN 2023

252.244-7000 Subcontracts for Commercial Products or Commercial Services

JAN 2023

252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea JAN 2023

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

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 Products and Commercial Services. 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

(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) Representations. 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.

(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)

52.209-1 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1995)

(a) Definition: "Qualification requirement," as used in this clause, means a Government requirement for testing or other quality assurance demonstration that must be completed before award.

(b) One or more qualification requirements apply to the supplies or services covered by this contract. For those supplies or services requiring qualification, whether the covered product or service is an end item under this contract or simply a component of an end item, the product, manufacturer, or source must have demonstrated that it meets the standards prescribed for qualification before award of this contract. The product, manufacturer, or source must be qualified at the time of award whether or not the name of the product, manufacturer, or source is actually included on a qualified products list, qualified manufacturers list, or qualified bidders list. Offerors should contact the agency activity designated below to obtain all requirements that they or their products or services, or their subcontractors or their products or services, must satisfy to become qualified and to arrange for an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to meet the standards specified for qualification.

(Name) (Address)

(c) If an offeror, manufacturer, source, product or service covered by a qualification requirement has already met the standards specified, the relevant information noted below should be provided.

Offeror's Name Manufacturer's Name Source's Name Item Name Service Identification Test Number (to the extent known)

(d) Even though a product or service subject to a qualification requirement is not in itself an end item under this contract, the product, manufacturer, or source must nevertheless be qualified at the time of award of this contract.

This is necessary whether the Contractor or a subcontractor will ultimately provide the product or service in question. If, after award, the Contracting Officer discovers that an applicable qualification requirement was not in fact met at the time of award, the Contracting Officer may either terminate the contract for default or allow performance to continue if adequate consideration is offered and the action is determined to be otherwise in the Government's best interests.

(e) If an offeror, manufacturer, source, product, or service has met the qualification requirement but is not yet on a qualified products list, qualified manufacturers list, or qualified bidders list, the offeror must submit evidence of qualification prior to award of this contract. Unless determined to be in the Government's interests, award of this contract shall not be delayed to permit an offeror to submit evidence of qualification.

(f) Any change in location or ownership of the plant where a previously qualified product or service was manufactured or performed requires reevaluation of the qualification. Similarly, any change in location or ownership of a previously qualified manufacturer or source requires reevaluation of the qualification. The reevaluation must be accomplished before the date of award.

(End of clause)

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(SEP 2023)

(a) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before theexact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on this document, letterhead stationery, or asotherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

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

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

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

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

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

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contractsfor the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephonenumbers and other relevant information); and

(11) Offers that fail to furnish required representations orinformation, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(b) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(c) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. 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.

(d) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(e) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, 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 offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(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 offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers 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 offers 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) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers.

Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(f) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

***Specific Instructions***

Vendors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Vendor being determined ineligible for award without further evaluation.

Past Performance: Each Offeror shall submit a list of all of the offeror’s most recent and relevant past performance data on contracts in the field of cultural advisors and translator services performed for the Department of Defense and commercial customers within the last three (3) years. The evaluation of past performance information will be on an acceptable or unacceptable basis. Offerors shall provide the following information for each referenced contract:

- Company/Division Name

- Program Title

- Contracting Agency

- Contract Number

- A Brief Description of the Contract Effort

- Type of Contract

- Period of Performance

- Original Contract value ($) and current value ($)

- Point of Contract Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Fax Number

- Comments regarding compliance/noncompliance with contract terms and conditions

Quote Submittal: Quotes must be submitted by February 16, 2024 no later than 01:00 p.m. East Africa Time. Only electronic responses will be accepted. Submit quotes to the following email addresses:

matthew.d.clark64.mil@army.mil and matthew.d.clark.mil@socom.mil

All quotes shall reference “Solicitation Number H92776-24-R-0006” in the email subject line. Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email by February 9, 2024 no later than 1:00 p.m. East Africa Time. Any questions submitted after this period may not be answered. Submit questions to the email addresses listed above.

Quotes shall include completion of the necessary fill-ins and certifications in all provisions. FAR 52.212-3 shall be returned along with the proposal.

(End of provision)

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(A) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the single responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

A vendor must be determined “responsible” in accordance with FAR Part 9. Vendors who are not responsible are ineligible for award. Quotes must meet solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations, and certifications. Failure to comply with the requirements of this solicitation may result in the Vendor being ineligible for award and eliminated from consideration without further evaluation.

Evaluation Factors

The following evaluation criteria will be used to evaluate each quote.

Price

(1) The total evaluated price will be the sum of the total price.

(2) Reasonableness: The Vendor’s quote will be evaluated to ensure it is fair and reasonable, pursuant to FAR

13.106. The government anticipates adequate price competition for this contract.

(3) The Government, as part of their evaluation of price, may perform a price realism analysis to ensure that low priced quote(s) do not present an unacceptable risk to contract performance.

Technical

(1) Each offeror’s example resume, will be assigned a rating of acceptable or unacceptable. Acceptability will be based upon the government’s confidence that the vendor understands the minimum employee requirements shown in the paragraphs below.

Contractor personnel shall have a minimum of three years work experience as a cultural advisor in Somalia.

Contractor personnel shall have an active TS/SCI security clearance.

Contractor personnel shall have demonstrated conversational proficiency in English and Somali.

Contractor personnel shall have demonstrated experience satisfying the requirements listed in Section 4 of the Performance Work Statement dated 29JAN2024.

(2) Each quote will be assigned a single rating of “acceptable” or “unacceptable” based on the definitions below. A quote must be “acceptable” to be considered for award.

- Acceptable: Quote meets the requirements of the solicitation.

- Unacceptable: Quote does not meet the requirements of the solicitation.

Past Performance

(1) Each offeror's Past Performance will be assigned an overall rating of acceptable or unacceptable. To be considered for evaluation, past performance must be both recent and relevant. Recent efforts are those performed and completed within three years of the date of issue for this solicitation. Relevant efforts are those under which cultural advisor and interpreter services were performed for a corporate or government agency. Each quote will be assigned a single rating of "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the definitions below. A quote must be "acceptable" to be considered for award.

- Acceptable: Based on the offeror's performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror's performance record is unknown*.

- Unacceptable: Based on the offeror's performance record, the Government does not have a reasonable expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

*Offerors without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available will not be evaluated as acceptable or unacceptable on past performance. A rating of neutral will be applied to such offers and the offeror shall be deemed eligible for award based upon past performance.

Evaluation Procedures will be as follows:

(i) All proposals will be reviewed for timeliness. Timely proposals will be reviewed for responsiveness (compliance) to the solicitation. If the proposal is not responsive to the solicitation, it will not be evaluated further.

(ii) Total price, including all options and extensions, will be ranked from lowest to highest.

(iii) The lowest priced offer will be evaluated for acceptability of technical requirements.

(iv) If the lowest offer receives a rating of “acceptable” for technical requirements, past performance will then be evaluated. Award will be made if the offeror receives a rating of “acceptable” or “neutral”. If past performance is rated as unacceptable the offeror is removed from award consideration and the next lowest offeror will be evaluated using these steps. This process will be repeated until an acceptable awardee is identified.

(B) Options and contract extensions. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options and contract extensions 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/contract extensions 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 PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

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 (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision --

"Covered telecommunications equipment or services" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

"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, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

"Forced or indentured child labor" means all work or service-

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

"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.

"Reasonable inquiry" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

"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"--

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

"Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001", 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 at 13 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 the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(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.

"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.

"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.

"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 least 51 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 part 127), 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 the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(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 Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) 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 (v) 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 is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii). Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that--

(i) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ ]

(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--

(i) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern; or

(ii) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 125.18(b)(1) and (2).

[The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ .] Each service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern participating in the joint venture shall provide representation of its service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern status.

(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 13 CFR 124.1002.

(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 joint venture eligible under the WOSB Program. The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ .

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c).

[The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ .]

(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 50 percent 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, as having been certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the Dynamic Small Business Search and SAM, and will attempt to maintain an employment rate of HUBZone residents of 35 percent of its employees during performance of a HUBZone contract (see 13 CFR 126.200(e)(1)); and

(ii) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 126.616(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ .] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture shall provide representation of its HUBZone status.

(d) Certifications and representations required to implement provisions of Executive Order 11246--

(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 Subparts 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 U.S.C.