RFP.Admin TechSupportServicesforNIHPeerReviewProgram.pdf

WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS

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SOLICITATION

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

1. Requisition or other Purchase Authority:

2. Request for Proposal (RFP) Number:

HHSNIHNHLBICSBRG16002JF

3. Issue Date:

9/25/2015

4. Set Aside:

[ ] No

[X] Yes See Part IV Section L

5. Title : Administrative and Technology Support Services for the NIH Peer Review Program

6. ISSUED BY:

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

NATIONAL HEART, LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)

OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS, COAC SERVICES BRANCH

6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, SUITE 6030, MSC 7902

BETHESDA MD 20892-7902

7. SUBMIT OFFERS TO:

See Part III, Section J, "Packaging and Delivery of the Proposal," ATTACHMENT 1 of this Solicitation.

8. Proposals for furnishing the supplies and/or services in THE SCHEDULE will be received electornically as follows: PROPOSAL DUE DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015; TIME: 9:00 A.M. EASTERN - NO

EXTENSIONS WILL BE AUTHORIZED.

PROPOSALS SHALL BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THE CONTRACT SPECIALIST/CONTRACTING

OFFICER LISTED BELOW:

1. Nora I. Rivera, Contracting Officer, Email: riverani@nhlbi.nih.gov, 301-435-0712

Offers will be valid for 120 days unless a different period is specified by the offeror on the Attachment entitled, "Proposal Summary and Data Record, NIH 2043.

9. This solicitation requires delivery of proposals as stated in ATTACHMENT 1, "PACKAGING AND DELIVERY OF THE PROPOSAL." If proposals are required to be delivered to two different locations, the OFFICIAL POINT OF RECEIPT for determining TIMELY DELIVERY is the address provided for the OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS.

IF YOUR PROPOSAL IS NOT RECEIVED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER OR HIS DESIGNEE AT THE PLACE AND TIME SPECIFIED FOR THE OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS, THEN IT WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE AND HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH subparagraph (c)(3) of FAR Clause 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors--Competitive Acquisition," LOCATED IN SECTION L.1. OF THIS SOLICITATION.

10. Offeror must be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) prior to award of a contract. Offerors must access the CCR through The System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov

11. QUESTIONS WITH REGARDS TO THIS SOLICIATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN Tuesday, October 13, 2014 at 9 A.M. EASTERN TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Copy Nora I. Rivera, Contracting Officer, Email: riverani@nhlbi.nih.gov

12. COLLECT CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

mailto:riverani@nhlbi.nih.gov http://www.sam.gov

RFP Number : HHSNIHNHLBICSBRG16002JF

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RFP TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE TO OFFERORS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SECTION D - PACKAGING, MARKING AND SHIPPING

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ATTACHMENTS

BUSINESS PROPOSAL ATTACHMENTS

INFORMATIONAL ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION

b. NOTICE OF SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

c. NOTICE OF 8(a) COMPETITIVE SET-ASIDE

d. NAICS CODE AND SIZE STANDARD

e. TYPE OF CONTRACT AND NUMBER OF AWARDS

f. ESTIMATE OF EFFORT

g. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

h. PROMOTING EFFICIENT SPENDING

i. COMMUNICATIONS PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD

j. RELEASE OF INFORMATION

k. PREPARATION COSTS

l. SERVICE OF PROTEST

2. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

a. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Contract Type and General Clauses

2. Authorized Official and Submission of Proposal

3. Proposal Summary and Data Record (NIH-2043)

4. Separation of Technical and Business Proposals

5. Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) in Contract Proposals

6. Page and Formatting Limitations

7. Alternate Proposals

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8. Evaluation of Proposals

9. Potential Award Without Discussions

10. Use of the Metric System of Measurement

11. Privacy Act - Treatment of Proposal Information

12. Selection of Offerors

13. Certification of Filing and Payment of Taxes

14. Past Performance Information

15. Information and Physical Access Security

16. Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference

b. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Technical Discussions

2. Other Considerations

3. Technical Evaluation

4. Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility, HHSAR 352.239-73(a)

c. BUSINESS PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Basic Cost/Price Information

2. Proposal Cover Sheet

3. Salary Rate Limitation

4. Total Compensation Plan

5. Other Administrative Data

6. Qualifications of the Offeror

7. Subcontractors

8. Proposer's Annual Financial Report

9. Travel Costs/Travel Policy

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

1. GENERAL

2. COST/PRICE EVALUATION

3. EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

4. TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS

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NOTICE TO OFFERORS

This solicitation is being processed under a Partnership Agreement (PA) between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), under which the SBA has delegated to HHS, authority to enter into 8(a) contracts directly with eligible 8(a) firms. The PA implements innovative and effective methodology designed to streamline the acquisition process for awards under the 8(a) program. The National Institutes of Health is a designated pilot agency under the PA.

Any solicitation and subsequent awards processed under the referenced PA, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI) will make the award directly to the 8(a) firm. SBA will not be a signatory to the award resulting from this solicitation. SBA will, however, retain responsibility for 8(a) certification, administer other eligibility related issues under the 8(a) program, and be available to 8(a) firms for counseling and assistance.

1. PROPOSAL DUE DATE: Tuesday, October 27, 2015; TIME: 9:00 A.M. EASTERN - No Extensions Will Be Allowed

SUBMIT PROPOSAL ELECTRONICALLY TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICER LISTED.

2. PROPOSAL INTENT DUE DATE: Friday, October 9, 2015; 9:00 A.M. EASTERN

SUBMIT PROPOSAL INTENT ELECTRONICALLY TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICER LISTED.

3. QUESTIONS DUE DATE: Tuesday, October 13, 2015; TIME: 9:00 A.M. EASTERN

SUBMIT QUESTIONS ELECTRONICALLY TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICE LISTED.

CONTRACTING OFFICER: Nora I. Rivera, Email: riverani@nhlbi.nih.gov , 301-435-0712

HHS/SBA PA (OCTOBER 23, 2012 until amended)

Servicing Small Business Administration Field Office

To facilitate communications, it is requested that the 8(a) participant submitting this offer/bid provide the following information regarding the firm's cognizant servicing Small Business Administration (SBA) office.

Servicing SBA Office:

WASHINGTON DC DISTRIC OFFICE

409 3rd Street SW, 2nd floor Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202-205-8800

Cognizant SBA Business Opportunity Specialist's Name: MS. SANDRA BARRETT, SUPERVISORY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST, 8(a) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT; PHONE: 202-205-7039 mailto:riverani@nhlbi.nih.gov

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PART I - THE SCHEDULE

THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM, HEREIN CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ANY OFFEROR INTERESTED IN RESPONDING TO THIS SOLICITATION.

ANY CONTRACT RESULTING FROM THIS SOLICITATION WILL INCLUDE IN ITS SECTION A - SOLICITATION/ CONTRACT FORM, ACCOUNTING, APPROPRIATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO THE

CONTRACT AWARD.

THE CONTRACT SCHEDULE SET FORTH IN SECTIONS B THROUGH H, HEREIN, CONTAINS CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THIS SOLICITATION. IT IS NOT AN EXACT REPRESENTATION OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENT THAT WILL BE AWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS SOLICITATION. THE CONTRACT COST OR PRICE AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS PERTINENT TO THE OFFEROR (i.e., those relating to the organizational structure [e.g., Non-Profit, Commercial] and specific cost authorizations unique to the Offeror's proposal and requiring Contracting Officer Prior Approval) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS AND WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RESULTANT CONTRACT. THE ENCLOSED CONTRACT SCHEDULE IS

INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE OFFEROR WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO UNDERSTAND THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RESULTANT CONTRACT.

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SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

ARTICLE B.1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide a wide range of administrative and technology-driven services to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Center for Scientific Review (CSR), peer review program. These services range from the receipt and processing of grant applications; processing reviewer travel, per diem, honorarium; and diverse administrative support for CSR's review groups and Integrated Review Groups. In addition, support services shall be provided, under the contract, to senior management on issues of subject matter expertise, as well as operational expertise for the CSR management team.

ARTICLE B.2. PRICES/COSTS

The final contract will contain the price/cost provisions agreed upon by the Government and the Offeror.

We anticipate awarding a Time and Materials completion type contract with one (1) six-month base period and nine(9) six-month option periods.

ARTICLE B.3. OPTION PRICES

a. Unless the Government exercises its option pursuant to the option clause referenced in ARTICLE I.3.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACT CLAUSES, this contract consists only of the Base Period specified in the Statement of Work as defined in SECTIONS C and F, for the price set forth in ARTICLE B.2. of this contract.

b. Pursuant to FAR Clauses 52.217-8 and 52.217-9 set forth in ARTICLE I.3. ADDITIONAL CONTRACT CLAUSES of this contract, the Government may, by unilateral contract modification, require the Contractor to perform the Option Period(s) specified in the Statement of Work as defined in SECTIONS C and F of this contract. If the Government exercises this/these option(s), notice must be given before the expiration date of the contract.

Specific information regarding the time frame for this notice is set forth in the OPTION PROVISION Article in SECTION H of this contract. The fixed price of this contract will be increased as set forth in paragraph c., below.

c. Upon the delivery and acceptance of thee Option Services described in SECTION C of the contract and identified in the schedule of charges below, the Government shall pay the Contractor the unit price(s) set forth below:

Option Period Description of Option Item(s) -or- Option Service(s)

Quantity (Units) -or- Minimum & Maximum

Unit Price Total Price of Option -or- Minimum & Maximum

6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months

ARTICLE B.4. ADVANCE UNDERSTANDINGS

Specific elements of cost, which normally require prior written approval of the Contracting Officer before incurrence of the cost (e.g., foreign travel, consultant fees, subcontracts) will be included in this Article if the Contracting Officer has

- 7 -granted his/her approval prior to contract award. In addition, ceiling price(s) is/are $________________________.

Exceeding ceiling price(s) is at the contractor's own risk.

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SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

ARTICLE C.1. STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

a. Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall be required to furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to perform the Statement of Work, dated September 4, 2015, attached hereto and made a part of this Solicitation (See SECTION J - List of Attachments, ATTACHMENT #3).

ARTICLE C.2. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All reports required herein shall be submitted in electronic format and sent electronically to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer's Represenative.

All electronic reports submitted shall be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Additional information about testing documents for Section 508 compliance, including guidance and specific checklists, by application, can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html under "Making Files Accessible."

All paper/hardcopy documents/reports submitted under this contract shall be printed or copied, double-sided, on at least 30 percent post consumer fiber paper, whenever practicable, in accordance with FAR 4.302(b).

a. Technical Progress Reports

1. In addition to the required reports set forth elsewhere in this Schedule, the preparation and submission of regularly recurring Technical Progress Reports will be required in any contract resulting from this solicitation. These reports will require descriptive information about the activities undertaken during the reporting period and will require information about planned activities for future reporting periods. The frequency and specific content of these reports will be determined prior to contract award. [Note: Beginning May 25, 2008, the Contractor shall include the applicable PubMed Central or NIH Manuscript Submission reference number when citing publications that arise from its NIH funded research.]

For proposal preparation purposes only, it is estimated that an electronic version of the Monthly report will be required.

[X] Monthly [ ] Quarterly [ ] Semi-Annually [ ] Annually [ ] Annually (with a requirement for a Draft Annual Report) [ ] Final - Upon final completion of the contract [ ] Final - Upon final completion of the contract (with a requirement for a Draft Final Report)

b. Other Reports/Deliverables

1. Information Security and Physical Access Reporting Requirements http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html

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The Contractor shall submit the following reports as required by the INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY Article in SECTION H of this contract. Note: Each report listed below includes a reference to the appropriate subparagraph of this article.

a. Roster of Employees Requiring Suitability Investigations

The Contractor shall submit a roster, by name, position, e-mail address, phone number and responsibility, of all staff (including subcontractor staff) working under the contract who will develop, have the ability to access, or host and/or maintain a Federal information system(s). The roster shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), with a copy to the Contracting Officer, within 14 calendar days of the effective date of the contract. (Reference subparagraph A.e. of the INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY Article in SECTION H of this contract.)

b. Reporting of New and Departing Employees

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer within five working days of staffing changes for positions that require suitability determinations as follows:

a. New Employees who have or will have access to HHS Information systems or data: Provide the name, position title, e-mail address, and phone number of the new employee. Provide the name, position title and suitability level held by the former incumbent. If the employee is filling a new position, provide a description of the position and the Government will determine the appropriate security level.

b. Departing Employees: 1) Provide the name, position title, and security clearance level held by or pending for the individual; and 2) Perform and document the actions identified in the "Employee Separation Checklist", attached in Section J, ATTACHMENTS of this contract, when a Contractor/Subcontractor employee terminates work under this contract. All documentation shall be made available to the COR and/or Contracting Officer upon request.

(Reference subparagraph B.2.a., b., c. of the INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY Article in SECTION H of this contract.)

c. Contractor - Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement(s) The contractor shall complete and submit a signed and witnessed "Commitment to Protect Non-Public Information

- Contractor Agreement" form for each contractor and subcontractor employee who may have access to non-public Department information under this contract. This form is located at: https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/acquisition/Documents/ Nondisclosure.pdf.

(Reference subparagraph B.2.d. of the INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY Article in SECTION H of this contract.)

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SECTION D - PACKAGING, MARKING AND SHIPPING

All deliverables required under this contract shall be packaged, marked and shipped in accordance with Government specifications. At a minimum, all deliverables shall be marked with the contract number and Contractor name. The Contractor shall guarantee that all required materials shall be delivered in immediate usable and acceptable condition.

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SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

a. The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided.

b. For the purpose of this SECTION, TBD is the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer.

c. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

National Institues of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review (CSR) 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7766 Bethesda, MD 20892-7766

Acceptance may be presumed unless otherwise indicated in writing by the Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative within 30 days of receipt.

d. This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make its full text available.

FAR Clause 52.246-6, Inspection Time-and Material and Labor Hour (May 2001).

Alternate I (April 1984) is not applicable to this contract.

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SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

ARTICLE F.1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

a. The initial base period of performance of this contract shall be six (6) month, from December 15, 2015 through June 14, 2016.

b. If the Government exercises its option(s) pursuant to the OPTION PROVISION Article in Section H of this contract, the period of performance will be increased as listed below:

Option Option Period Option 1 June 15, 2016 - December 14, 2016 Option 2 December 15, 2016 - June 14, 2017 Option 3 June 15, 2017 - December 14, 2017 Option 4 December 15, 2017 - June 14, 2018 Option 5 June 15, 2018 - December 14, 2018 Option 6 December 15, 2018 - June 14, 2019 Option 7 June 15, 2019 - December 14, 2019 Option 8 December 15, 2019 - June 14, 2020 Option 9 June 15, 2020 - December 14, 2020

ARTICLE F.2. DELIVERIES

Satisfactory performance of the final contract shall be deemed to occur upon performance of the work described in the Statement of Work Article in SECTION C of this contract and upon delivery and acceptance by the Contracting Officer, or the duly authorized representative, of the following items in accordance with the stated delivery schedule:

a. The items specified below as described in the REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Article in SECTION C of this contract will be required to be delivered F.o.b. Destination as set forth in FAR 52.247-35, F.o.b. DESTINATION, WITHIN CONSIGNEES PREMISES (APRIL 1984), and in accordance with and by the date(s) specified below:

Item Description Quantity Delivery Schedule

(1) Monthly Technical

Progress Reports 2 10th calendar day of each month

(2) Other Reports/Deliveries 2 See Article C.2.b.

(3)

b. The above items shall be addressed and delivered to:

Addressee Deliverable Item No Quantity TBD (1) (2) electronic submission only TBD (1) (2) electronic submission only

ARTICLE F.3. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, FAR 52.252-2 (FEBRUARY

1998)

This contract incorporates the following clause(s) by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make its full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.acquisition.gov/far .

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSE:

52.242-15, Stop Work Order (August 1989) http://www.acquisition.gov/far

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Alternate I (April 1984) is applicable to this contract.

52.242-17, Government Delay of Work (April 1984).

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SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

ARTICLE G.1. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The following Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract:

To be named prior to award.

The COR is responsible for: (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 evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

[The alternate COR is responsible for carrying out the duties of the COR only in the event that the COR can no longer perform his/her duties as assigned.]

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract; or (6) sign written licensing agreements. Any signed agreement shall be incorporated by reference in Section K of the contract

The Government may unilaterally change its COR designation.

ARTICLE G.2. KEY PERSONNEL, HHSAR 352.242-70 (January 2006)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the Contractor or Government.

The following individual(s) is/are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder:

Name Title

ARTICLE G.3. INVOICE SUBMISSION/CONTRACT FINANCING REQUEST AND CONTRACT

FINANCIAL REPORT

a. A Time and Materials completion type contract with fixed hourly rates is anticipated. Therefore, Invoice Submission/Contract Financing Request, NIH (RC)-2 for NIH Fixed-Price are attached and made part of this contract. The Contractor shall follow the attached instructions and submission procedures specified below to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice" pursuant to FAR Subpart 32.9, Prompt Payment.

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1. Payment requests shall be submitted to the offices identified below. Do not submit supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, time sheets, vendor invoices, etc.) with your payment request unless specified elsewhere in the contract or requested by the Contracting Officer.

a. The original invoice shall be submitted to the following designated billing office:

National Institutes of Health Office of Financial Management Commercial Accounts 2115 East Jefferson Street, Room 4B-432, MSC 8500 Bethesda, MD 20892-8500

b. One electronic copy of the invoice shall be submitted to the following approving official:

Contracting Officer National Heart, Lung, and Blood Inst.

Office of Acquisitions COAC Services Branch Email: To be determined

E-mail: TBD

The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the payment request to the approving official instead of a paper copy. The payment request shall be transmitted as an attachment via e-mail to the address listed above in one of the following formats: MSWord, MS Excel, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Only one payment request shall be submitted per e-mail and the subject line of the e-mail shall include the Contractor's name, contract number, and unique invoice number.

[Note: The original payment request must still be submitted in hard copy and mailed to the designated billing office to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice."]

Central Point of Distribution:

The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the payment request to the Central Point of Distribution mailbox. The payment request shall be transmitted as an attachment via e-mail to the address listed above in one of the following formats: MSWord, MS Excel, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Only one payment request shall be submitted per e-mail and the subject line of the e-mail shall include the Contractor's name, contract number, and unique invoice number.

[Note: The original payment request must still be submitted in hard copy and mailed to the designated billing office to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice."]

2. In addition to the requirements specified in FAR 32.905 for a proper invoice, the Contractor shall include the following information on the face page of all payment requests:

a. Name of the Office of Acquisitions. The Office of Acquisitions for this contract is National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute .

b. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). If the Contractor does not have a valid TIN, it shall identify the Vendor Identification Number (VIN) on the payment request. The VIN is the number that appears after the Contractor's name on the face page of the contract. [Note: A VIN is assigned to new contracts awarded on or after June 4, 2007, and any existing contract modified to include the VIN number.] If the Contractor has neither a TIN, DUNS, or VIN, contact the Contracting Officer.

c. DUNS or DUNS+4 Number. The DUNS number must identify the Contractor's name and address exactly as stated in the contract and as registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. If the Contractor does not have a valid DUNS number, it shall identify the Vendor Identification Number (VIN) on the payment request. The VIN is the number that

- 16 -appears after the Contractor's name on the face page of the contract. [Note: A VIN is assigned to new contracts awarded on or after June 4, 2007, and any existing contract modified to include the VIN number.] If the Contractor has neither a TIN, DUNS, or VIN, contact the Contracting Officer.

d. Invoice Matching Option. This contract requires a three-way match.

e. Unique Invoice Number. Each payment request must be identified by a unique invoice number, which can only be used one time regardless of the number of contracts or orders held by an organization.

f. The Contract Title is:

Administrative and Technology Support Services for the NIH Peer Review Program

g. Contract Line Items as follows:

Line Item # Line Item Description

ARTICLE G.4. INVOICE SUBMISSION

a. Invoice Instructions for NIH Fixed-Price Type Contracts, NIH(RC)-2, are attached and made part of this contract.

The Contractor shall follow the attached instructions and submission procedures specified below to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice" pursuant to FAR Subpart 32.9, Prompt Payment.

ARTICLE G.5. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013)

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

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

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

ARTICLE G.6. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

If this RFP will result in the acquisition or use of Government Property provided by the contracting agency or if the Contracting Officer authorizes in the preaward negotiation process, the acquisition of property (other than real property), this ARTICLE will include applicable provisions and incorporate the HHS Publication, entitled, "HHS Contracting Guide for Contract of Government Property," which can be found at: http://oamp.od.nih.gov/sites/default/ files/appendix_q_hhs_contracting_guide.pdf.

ARTICLE G.7. ON-SITE CONTRACTOR ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

The Contractor shall be held responsible for Government Property, regardless of dollar value, when:

http://oamp.od.nih.gov/sites/default/files/appendix_q_hhs_contracting_guide.pdf http://oamp.od.nih.gov/sites/default/files/appendix_q_hhs_contracting_guide.pdf

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• The contract requires contractor personnel to be located on a Government site or installation;

• The property utilized by contractor personnel is incidental to the place of performance; and,

• The property used by the contractor remains accountable to the Government

Responsibility includes physical presence, proper use and handling, normal maintenance, and reporting loss, damage or destruction.

Responsibility for government property shared by two or more contractors or located in space shared by two or more contractors, shall be determined and documented by the contractors involved. In cases where the parties cannot reach agreement on shared responsibility, the matter will be referred to the NIH Property Officer for resolution.

ARTICLE G.8. POST AWARD EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

a. Contractor Performance Evaluations

Interim and Final evaluations of Contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15. The Final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the Final evaluation, Interim evaluation(s) will be prepared SEMI-ANNUALLY - at the end of each Option period.

Interim and Final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor will be permitted thirty days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final.

Copies of the evaluations, Contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions.

b. Electronic Access to Contractor Performance Evaluations

Contractors may access evaluations through a secure Web site for review and comment at the following address:

http://www.cpars.gov http://www.cpars.gov

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SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

ARTICLE H.1. NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.

ARTICLE H.2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING

The Contractor shall clearly state, when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money: (1) the percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; and (3) the percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources.

ARTICLE H.3. RESTRICTION ON ABORTIONS

1. Definitions:

a. "Health benefits coverage" means the package of services covered by a managed care provider or organization pursuant to a contract or other arrangement.

2. General Limitation: the Contractor shall not use contract funds for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.

3. Exceptions:

a. The limitations established in this clause shall not apply to an abortion:

i. If the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; or

ii. In the case where a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness, including a life endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, that would, as certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed.

b. This article shall not be construed as prohibiting the expenditure by a State, locality, entity, or private person of State, local, or private funds (other than a State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid matching funds).

c. This article shall not be construed as restricting the ability of any managed care provider from offering abortion coverage or the ability of a State or locality to contract separately with such a provider for such coverage with State funds (other than a State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid matching funds).

ARTICLE H.4. DISSEMINATION OF FALSE OR DELIBERATELY MISLEADING INFORMATION

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to disseminate information that is deliberately false or misleading.

ARTICLE H.5. PRIVACY ACT, HHSAR 352.224-70 (January 2006)

This contract requires the Contractor to perform one or more of the following: (a) Design; (b) develop; or (c) operate a Federal agency system of records to accomplish an agency function in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (Act) (5 U.S.C. 552a(m)(1)) and applicable agency regulations. The term "system of records" means a group of any records under the control of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual. Violations of the Act by the Contractor and/or its employees may result in the imposition of criminal penalties (5 U.S.C. 552a(i)). The Contractor

- 19 -shall ensure that each of its employees knows the prescribed rules of conduct and that each employee is aware that he/she is subject to criminal penalties for violation of the Act to the same extent as Department of Health and Human Services employees. These provisions also apply to all subcontracts the Contractor awards under this contract which require the design, development or operation of the designated system(s) of records [5 U.S.C. 552a(m)(1)]. The contract work statement: (a) identifies the system(s) of records and the design, development, or operation work the Contractor is to perform; and (b) specifies the disposition to be made of such records upon completion of contract performance.

45 CFR Part 5b contains additional information which includes the rules of conduct and other Privacy Act requirements and can be found at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/45cfr5b_06.html.

The Privacy Act System of Records applicable to this project is Number 09-25-0118. This document is incorporated into this contract as an Attachment in SECTION J of this contract. This document is also available at: http:// oma.od.nih.gov/public/MS/privacy/PAfiles/read02systems.htm.

ARTICLE H.6. RESTRICTION ON PORNOGRAPHY ON COMPUTER NETWORKS

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

ARTICLE H.7. GUN CONTROL

The Contractor shall not use contract funds in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.

ARTICLE H.8. CERTIFICATION OF FILING AND PAYMENT OF TAXES

The contractor must be in compliance with Section 518 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of FY 2014.

ARTICLE H.9. OPTION PROVISION

Unless the Government exercises its option pursuant to the Option Clause set forth in SECTION I., the contract will consist only of the Base Period of the Statement of Work as defined in Sections C and F of the contract. Pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services and FAR Clause 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract set forth in SECTION I. of this contract, the Government may, by unilateral contract modification, require the Contractor to perform additional options set forth in the Statement of Work and also defined in Sections C and F of the contract. If the Government exercises this option, notice must be given at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of this contract, and the Price of the contract will be increased as set forth in the OPTION PRICES Article in SECTION B of this contract.

ARTICLE H.10. INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY

A. HHS-Controlled Facilities and Information Systems Security

a. To perform the work specified herein, Contractor personnel are expected to have routine (1) physical access to an HHS-controlled facility; (2) physical access to an HHS-controlled information system; (3) access to sensitive HHS data or information, whether in an HHS-controlled information system or in hard copy; or (4) any combination of circumstances (1) through (3).

b. To gain routine physical access to an HHS-controlled information system, and/or access to sensitive data or information, the Contractor and its employees shall comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors; Office of Management and Budget Memorandum (M-05-24); and Federal Information http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/45cfr5b_06.html http://oma.od.nih.gov/public/MS/privacy/PAfiles/read02systems.htm http://oma.od.nih.gov/public/MS/privacy/PAfiles/read02systems.htm

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Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201; and with the personal identity verification and investigations procedures contained in the following documents:

1. HHS-OCIO Information Systems Security and Privacy Policy ( http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/ #Security)

2. HHS HSPD-12 Policy Document, v. 2.0 ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/ omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf)

3. Information regarding background checks/badges ( http://idbadge.nih.gov/background/index.asp)

c. Position Sensitivity Levels:

This contract will entail the following position sensitivity levels:

[ ] Level 6: Public Trust - High Risk. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 6 positions shall undergo a Suitability Determination and Background Investigation (MBI).

[X] Level 5: Public Trust - Moderate Risk. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 5 positions with no previous investigation and approval shall undergo a Suitability Determination and a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI), or a Limited Background Investigation (LBI).

[ ] Level 1: Non-Sensitive. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 1 positions shall undergo a Suitability Determination and National Check and Inquiry Investigation (NACI).

d. The personnel investigation procedures for Contractor personnel require that the Contractor prepare and submit background check/investigation forms based on the type of investigation required. The minimum Government investigation for a non-sensitive position is a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) with fingerprinting. More restricted positions - i.e., those above non-sensitive, require more extensive documentation and investigation.

The Contractor shall submit a roster, by name, position, e-mail address, phone number and responsibility, of all staff (including subcontractor staff) working under the contract who will develop, have the ability to access and/or maintain a Federal Information System(s). The roster shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), with a copy to the Contracting Officer, within 14 calendar days after the effective date of the contract. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor of the appropriate level of suitability investigations to be performed. An electronic template, "Roster of Employees Requiring Suitability Investigations," is available for contractor use at: https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/ acquisition/Documents/SuitabilityRoster_10-15-12.xlsx.

Upon receipt of the Government's notification of applicable Suitability Investigations required, the Contractor shall complete and submit the required forms within 30 days of the notification.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in advance when any new personnel, who are subject to a background check/investigation, will work under the contract and if they have previously been the subject of national agency checks or background investigations.

All contractor and subcontractor employees shall comply with the conditions established for their designated position sensitivity level prior to performing any work under this contract.

Contractors may begin work after the fingerprint check has been completed.

e. Investigations are expensive and may delay performance, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Delays associated with rejections and consequent re-investigations may not be excusable in accordance with the FAR clause, Excusable Delays - see FAR 52.249-14. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that any additional employees whose names it submits for work under this contract have a reasonable chance for approval.

http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/#Security http://www.hhs.gov/ocio/policy/#Security http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf http://idbadge.nih.gov/background/index.asp https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/acquisition/Documents/SuitabilityRoster_10-15-12.xlsx https://ocio.nih.gov/aboutus/publicinfosecurity/acquisition/Documents/SuitabilityRoster_10-15-12.xlsx

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f. Typically, the Government investigates personnel at no cost to the Contractor. However, multiple investigations for the same position may, at the Contracting Officer's discretion, justify reduction(s) in the contract price of no more that the cost of the additional investigation(s).

g. The Contractor shall include language similar to this "HHS Controlled Facilities and Information Systems Security" language in all subcontracts that require subcontractor personnel to have the same frequency and duration of (1) physical access to an HHS-controlled facility; (2) logical access to an HHS-controlled information system; (3) access to sensitive HHS data/information, whether in an HHS-controlled information system or in hard copy; or (4) any combination of circumstances (1) through (3).

h. The Contractor shall direct inquiries, including requests for forms and assistance, to the Contracting Officer or designee.

i. Within 7 calendar days after the Government's final acceptance of the work under this contract, or upon termination of the contract, the Contractor shall return all identification badges to the Contracting Officer or designee.

B. Security Requirements For Federal Information Technology Resources, HHSAR 352.239-72, (January 2010)

a. Applicability. This clause applies whether the entire contract or order (hereafter "contract"), or portion thereof, includes information technology resources or services in which the Contractor has physical or logical (electronic) access to, or operates a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) system containing, information that directly supports HHS' mission. The term "information technology (IT)", as used in this clause, includes computers, ancillary equipment (including imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance), peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services) and related resources. This clause does not apply to national security systems as defined in FISMA.

b. Contractor responsibilities. The Contractor is responsible for the following:

1. Protecting Federal information and Federal information systems in order to ensure their -

a. Integrity, which means guarding against improper information modification or destruction, and includes ensuring information non-repudiation and authenticity;

b. Confidentiality, which means preserving authorized restrictions on access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information; and

c. Availability, which means ensuring timely and reliable access to and use of information.

2. Providing security of any Contractor systems, and information contained therein, connected to an HHS network or operated by the Contractor, regardless of location, on behalf of HHS.

3. Adopting, and implementing, at a minimum, the policies, procedures, controls and standards of the HHS Information Security Program to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of Federal information and Federal information systems for which the Contractor is responsible under this contract or to which it may otherwise have access under this contract. The HHS Information Security Program is outlined in the HHS Information Security Program Policy, which is available on the HHS Office of the Chief Information Officer's (OCIO) Web site.

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c. Contractor security deliverables. In accordance with the timeframes specified, the Contractor shall prepare and submit the following security documents to the Contracting Officer for review, comment, and acceptance:

d. Personal identity verification. The Contractor shall identify its employees with access to systems operated by the Contractor for HHS or connected to HHS systems and networks. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) shall identify, for those identified employees, position sensitivity levels that are commensurate with the responsibilities and risks associated with their assigned positions. The Contractor shall comply with the HSPD-12 requirements contained in "HHS-Controlled Facilities and Information Systems Security" requirements specified in the SOW/PWS of this contract.

e. Contractor and subcontractor employee training. The Contractor shall ensure that its employees, and those of its subcontractors, performing under this contract complete HHS-furnished initial and refresher security and privacy education and awareness training before being granted access to systems operated by the Contractor on behalf of HHS or access to HHS systems and networks. The Contractor shall provide documentation to the COR evidencing that Contractor employees have completed the required training.

f. Government access for IT inspection. The Contractor shall afford the Government access to the Contractor's and subcontractors' facilities, installations, operations, documentation, databases, and personnel used in performance of this contract to the extent required to carry out a program of IT inspection (to include vulnerability testing), investigation, and audit to safeguard against threats and hazards to the integrity, confidentiality, and availability, of HHS data or to the protection of information systems operated on behalf of HHS.

g. Subcontracts. The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause in all subcontracts that require protection of Federal information and Federal information systems as described in paragraph (a) of this clause, including those subcontracts that -

a. Have physical or electronic access to HHS' computer systems, networks, or IT infrastructure; or

b. Use information systems to generate, store, process, or exchange data with HHS or on behalf of HHS, regardless of whether the data resides on a HHS or the Contractor's information system.

h. Contractor employment notice. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer when an employee either begins or terminates employment (or is no longer assigned to the HHS project under this contract), if that employee has, or had, access to HHS information systems or data.

i. Document information. The Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer for any documents, information, or forms necessary to comply with the requirements of this clause.

j. Contractor responsibilities upon physical completion of the contract. The Contractor shall return all HHS information and IT resources provided to the Contractor during contract performance and certify that all HHS information has been purged from Contractor-owned systems used in contract performance.

k. Failure to comply. Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause shall be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract.

Note: The NIST Special Publication SP-800-26 cited in subparagraph c.1.a.(ii) of this clause has been superseded by NIST SP 800-53A, "Guide for Assessing the Security Controls in Federal Information Systems and Organizations" for use for the assessment of security control effectiveness. See http://csrc.nist.gov/ publications/PubsSPs.html to access NIST Special Publications (800 Series).

C. Additional NIH Requirements

1. INFORMATION SECURITY TRAINING

http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html

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In addition to any training covered under paragraph (e) of HHSAR 352.239-72, the contractor shall comply with the below training:

a. Mandatory Training

i. All Contractor employees having access to (1) Federal information or a Federal information system or (2) sensitive data/information as defined at HHSAR 304.1300(a) (4), shall complete the NIH Computer Security Awareness Training course at http:// irtsectraining.nih.gov/ before performing any work under this contract.