II_1 RFQ 2032H8-23-R-00008 Solicitation 050823.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

RFQ IFB RFP

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

8 (A)

EDWOSB

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

2032H8-23-R-00008

DATE

05/08/2023

Annette Jones

541611

See Attached Delivery Schedule

Vehicle Mileage Rate Study and Registration Data

(See Attached Schedule(s))

See Attached Schedule(s)

Office of Procurement Operations-Support Contracts Branch Home as POD: HPAYZ4 7180 9th Ave Pensacola, FL 32504 Attn: Kenya Bracey Tel: Email: kenya.l.bracey@irs.gov

240-383-2552

$21.5M

Invoices must be submitted via the Invoice Processing Platform at www.ipp.gov

Net 30

X X

X

X

Annette Jones-Lumpkin

05/22/2023

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

2032H8-23-R-00008

Vehicle Mileage Study Rate

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBERS

SECTION I CONTRACT LINE ITEMS

SECTION II OVERVIEW…

SECTION III PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) ................... 4-10

SECTION VI CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS ........................................ 11 - 56

SECTION V PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS ...................................... …57 – 59

SECTION VI EVALUATION METHODS…………………………………..60 – 62

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)…………………….Attachment 1

Past Performance Reference Form…………………………………Attachment 2

Section I – Contract Line Items

Base Period: June 1, 2023 – November 2023

CLIN# Description Unit Price Total Price

0001 Base Year: Vehicle Mileage Rate Study EA

Option Period 1: Dec 1, 2023 – Nov 30, 2024

1001 OpY1 – Vehicle Mileage Rate Study EA

Option Period 2: Dec 1, 2024 – Nov 30, 2025

2001 OpY2 – Vehicle Mileage Rate Study EA

Option Period 3: Dec 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2026

3001 OpY3 – Vehicle Mileage Rate Study EA

Option Period 4: Dec 1, 2026 – Nov 30, 2027

4001 OpY4 – Vehicle Mileage Rate Study EA

Section II

2.1 Overview

i. This section contains the price structure for the Internal Revenue Service to obtain Vehicle Mileage Study Rate package for the IRS’ Department of Chief Counsel, as described in Section 2, Performance Work Statement (PWS). All prices shall conform to the format and structure defined herein.

Any equipment, material, facility, site preparation, or service required in the performance of this contract for which a price is not specifically identified in the price tables will be considered to be included in the price of another item or provided at no cost to the Government, except as otherwise provided for in this contract. The Offeror may waive any charge at any time,

2.2 Contract Type

i. This is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) requirement. This acquisition will be conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 3201 and 41 U.S.C. 3301, using FAR Part 15 – Contracting by Negotiation.

2.3 Period of Performance

Base Period: June 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023 Option Year 1: December 1, 2023 through November 30, 2024 Option Year 2: December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2025 Option Year 3: December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 Option Year 4: December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2027

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Section III – Continued

1.0 GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK

For each calendar year (or portion of such year) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a national standard mileage rate that may be used by taxpayers to compute the deductible costs of operating passenger automobiles for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The use of the rate is optional and is deducted in place of the actual variable and fixed costs attributable to the use of an automobile. However, certain other expenses, such as parking fees and tolls, may be deductible in addition to the standard mileage rate.

The contractor shall obtain vehicle registration data and then conduct an annual mileage study and perform statistical analyses to determine the rate to recommend that the IRS adopt as the Optional Standard Mileage Rate that may be used to compute the deductible costs of operating an automobile. The contractor shall deliver two reports: a study report (including both a draft study report and a final study report) recommending the standard mileage rate, and a mid-year gasoline price report. The contractor shall also recommend possible changes to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) to better reflect the automobiles being driven and the costs of operating those autos.

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED TASKS

2.1 State-by-state vehicle registration data.

2.1.1 The contractor shall obtain state-by-state vehicle registration data in electronic format.

2.1.2 The data will be from recognized official bodies and national automotive trade associations and will be broken down by:

• Year

• State

• Vehicle type (e.g., car or truck)

• Vehicle make (e.g., Acura)

• Vehicle model (e.g., RSX)

• Vehicle segment (e.g., Basic Sporty)

An example of the data required for this contract:

VEHICLE YEAR STATE MAKE MODEL SEGMENT NUM_OF_RGST

CAR 2002 ALABAMA ACURA CL Basic Sporty 111

TRUCK 2002 ALABAMA ACURA MDX Sport Utility 481

CAR 2002 ALABAMA ACURA NS-X Prestige Sporty 1

CAR 2002 ALABAMA ACURA RL Mid Luxury 134

CAR 2002 ALABAMA ACURA RSX Basic Sporty 199

2.2 The mileage rate shall be based on a study of the cost of operating a “model” auto in each state and the District of Columbia ("state").

2.3 Determination of model auto and cost of operating the model auto.

2.2.1 The contractor shall determine the cost of operating a model auto based on a composite of the cost of operating at least eight “representative class categories” of autos used to represent the entire market. For example, the representative class categories of autos used for the 2012 final study report were 4-cylinder subcompact, 4-cylinder compact, 6-cylinder intermediate, 4- and 6-cylinder luxury, 6-cylinder minivan, 4-cylinder (small) sport utility vehicle, 6- and 8-cylinder (large) sport utility vehicle, and 8-cylinder pickup truck. The representative class categories, or the mix of sizes and types of autos, may vary as circumstances warrant. The contractor shall determine the number and type of representative class categories that, in the contractor's opinion, best reflect the balance of overall sales figures of automobiles for the study year.

2.2.2 The contractor shall determine the cost of operating each representative class category of autos by computing the costs of operating at least the three top selling vehicles (the “standard vehicles”) for each category for the current model year, and determining the arithmetic mean of the resulting computations. Each vehicle considered in the study shall be equipped with standard and optional accessories that are included by a substantial majority of customers (more than 60%) for that category of autos.

2.2.3 The contractor shall weight the cost of operating each representative class category of auto in each state by the market penetration of that representative class category in that state. The contractor then shall combine the weighted costs for each of the representative class categories in that state.

2.2.4 Each state’s weighted costs for all representative class categories of autos shall be weighted further by that state’s population of licensed drivers as a percentage of the national licensed drivers to provide the composite weighted vehicle cost for that state.

These composite weighted vehicle costs for each state are added to produce the final single nationwide cost for operating the model auto.

2.2.5 In determining the composite mileage rate of the “model” auto, the contractor shall consider the variable costs of gasoline, oil, maintenance and tires as set forth in paragraph 2.4 of this PWS, and the fixed costs of depreciation of the model auto (to the extent the cumulative deduction over the period of time set by paragraph 2.5.1 of this SOW does not exceed the cumulative deduction allowed under § 280F(a) for such period), insurance, license, and registration as set forth in paragraph 2.5 of this PWS, based on the “model auto” being driven 15,000 miles for the year. Excluded costs are parking fees, tolls, finance charges, sales or use taxes connected with the purchase of the model auto, and ad valorem or personal property taxes on the model auto.

2.3 Variable costs.

2.3.1 The contractor shall derive the cost of fuels from normal pump prices of regular grade unleaded gasoline sold by major brand gasoline service stations throughout each state, which shall reflect self-service prices except in states which require operator assistance. The contractor shall include applicable state retail sales and Federal excise taxes in determining the price of gasoline. The gasoline prices for the draft study report are to be those for the nine months of November of the year preceding delivery of the report through July of the year in which the final report is to be delivered; for the final study report, for the 12 months of November through October of the year in which the report is to be delivered. Gasoline prices for the mid-year gasoline price report are to be those for May of the year preceding delivery of the report through April of the year in which the report is to be delivered.

2.3.2 The contractor shall determine the standard mileage per gallon of gasoline of all the representative class categories of autos and then combine them to come up with standard mileage per gallon of gasoline of the model auto. The contractor shall take into consideration factors that affect operating performance. The contractor shall assume a blend of stop-and-go city type and open highway type of driving in making these determinations.

2.3.3 The contractor shall determine fuel per mile cost by dividing the normal fuel price per gallon by the standard mileage per gallon.

2.3.4 The contractor shall determine a cents-per-mile oil consumption cost allowance based on regular oil changes. The cents-per-mile oil consumption cost may be separately stated or included within the maintenance cents-per-mile cost.

2.3.5 The contractor shall determine a maintenance per mile cost based on the median expense of vehicle maintenance in each state (including, at the contractor's election, the cents-per-mile oil consumption cost). The maintenance cost shall include lubrication and all maintenance performed on the vehicle during the first 60,000 miles, with adjustments by state to be made to reflect differing costs of labor.

2.3.6 The contractor shall determine a tire per mile cost that shall cover the expenses of all radial tire replacements, repairs, and rotations, taking into account the different driving conditions in each state.

2.4 Fixed Costs.

2.4.1 The contractor shall determine the average annual depreciation calculated as the difference between capitalized cost and residual value on the basis of auto trade-ins at the end of four years, with 60,000 miles recorded on the odometer. Residual value may not be less than 30% of capitalized cost. The capitalized cost is to be determined in each state. The capitalized cost is to include the dealer base cost, freight from the factory, the additional cost of accessories and sales or use taxes connected with the purchase. This cost is then reduced by five percent to arrive at a final vehicle price. This reduction may vary as circumstances warrant.

2.4.2 The contractor shall determine an annual insurance cost to be computed by using the current standard manual rate for driving 15,000 miles for the year by persons carrying personal insurance who are normal risks and are subject to normal premium levels. The insurance coverage normally is to include $250 deductible comprehensive, $500 deductible collision, $50,000 property damage, and $100,000/300,000 bodily injury. The universe of drivers in this group normally is married males who are 25 and older, unmarried females who are 20 and older and unmarried males who are 30 and older. Comparable insurance cost in any state where one or more of these limitations are not available shall be determined by using a higher limitation. The contractor shall take into account representative discounts for safety equipment, and other discounts as circumstances warrant.

2.4.3 The contractor shall determine the cost of annual state registration, certificate of title, and inspection (where incurred). Finance charges, sales or use taxes connected with the purchase of an auto, and ad valorem or personal property taxes are not to be included as separate items (see paragraph 2.5.1 of this PWS).

2.4.4 The contractor shall divide all annual fixed cost items by 15,000 miles to arrive at a cents-per-mile figure for each fixed cost.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

3.1 The contractor shall submit a mid-year gasoline price report by May 15th. The report shall contain the gasoline price data and per-mile fuel cost described in paragraphs 2.3.1 through 2.3.3 of PWS for the 12 month period beginning May of the year preceding delivery of the report through April of the year the report is to be delivered. It may be preceded by any preliminary report of nine or more of those months for approval of the format if desired.

3.2 The Study Report.

3.2.1 The contractor shall submit to the IRS each year a draft study report and a final study report, including statistical analyses, the particular cost per mile of each item from paragraph 2 of this PWS, and (in other than the first year of a contract with a new contractor) a supplementary analysis showing the rate resulting from the prior year’s methodology in the case of changes from the prior year in the methodology under paragraph 2 (other than changes to the model resulting from the standard vehicle selected for a representative class category).

3.2.2 The contractor shall submit a draft study report for IRS review by August 15th

The draft shall include analyses of all fixed and variable costs except that fuel cost shall be limited to nine months as described in paragraph 2.3.1 of this PWS.

3.2.3 The IRS shall complete its review and provide any comments and recommended changes to the study report to the contractor by September 15th.

3.2.4 The contractor shall submit the final study report by November 10th. The final version shall include analyses of all fixed and variable costs including the cost of fuel for the 12 months described in paragraph 2.3.1 of this PWS.

3.3 The contractor shall study the Government’s methodology for conducting the study report. Then the contractor shall produce a report that either recommends improvements to the Government’s methodology or states that there are no recommended improvements. The methodology report is due on May 15th.

3.4 Deliverables shall be submitted to the IRS COR for this task order.

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Base Period shall be for 6 months following award. The estimated award date is June 1, 2023.

Base Period: June 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023 Option Period 1: December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024 Option Period 2: December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025 Option Period 3: December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026 Option Period 4: December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027

The contract may be renewed by the IRS based upon adequate performance in the prior year of the performance-based standards described in section 7.0 of this PWS. The total anticipated contract period is 54 months.

5.0 KEY PERSONNEL

5.1 This task order shall be contingent upon acceptance of key personnel by the IRS and such essential personnel shall be expected either to remain in place or to be replaced with IRS approval under paragraph 5.2 of this PWS for the duration of the contract.

5.2 The contractor shall obtain the Contracting Officer’s written consent before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the personnel assigned to the positions. The contractor shall (1) notify the Contracting Officer and the COR reasonably in advance and (2) submit justification (including proposed substitutions) to the CO and the COR in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract. All proposed personnel substitutions shall possess capabilities that equal or exceed the capabilities of the person to be replaced.

6.0 TYPE OF CONTRACT

This performance-based contract shall be a firm-fixed-price contract.

7.0 PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS

Task Standard Acceptable Quality Level

Surveillance Method

Mid-year Gasoline Price Report

Time – Deliver no later than May 15th

No more than five business days late

100 % Inspection

Quality – Follows methodology in PWS – Deficiencies

– no major or minor deficiencies

No deficiencies

Develop Draft Report

Time – Deliver no later than August 15th

No more than seven

PWS –

Deficiencies– no major deficiencies and no more than 3 minor deficiencies

No more than 1 minor deficiency

Develop Final

Report Time – Deliver no No more than three 100 % Inspection later than November business days late

10th

PWS – Deficiencies

– no major deficiencies and no more than 1 minor deficiency

Methodology Improvement Report

Time – Deliver May 15th

No more than seven

Quality – Meets standards in the

PWS

Definitions:

Major Deficiency: A major deficiency is any failure to supply the report or any component of the mileage rate.

Minor Deficiency: A minor deficiency is either any failure to add up correctly the components of the mileage rate or any deficiency in explaining any component in their report.

2032H8-23-Q-00008

CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS

Section IV

52.252-2 – Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html

Number Title Date

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement To

Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights

Jun 2020

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain

Internal Confidentiality Agreements of Statement-Representation

Jan 2017

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality

Agreements or Statements

Jan 2017

52.204-7 System for Award Management Oct 2018

52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services

Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered

Entities

Nov 2021

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and

Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

Nov 2021

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-

Representation

Nov 2015

52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters Aug 2020

52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations Nov 2015

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax

Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law.

Feb 2016

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and

Commercial Services

Dec 2022

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options July 1990

52.245-1 Government Property Sep 2021

(End Clause)

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The Option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The contracting officer may exercise the Option by written notice to the Contractor within 7 days before end of performance.

(End of clause)

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days prior to the end of performance; provided, that the Government gives the

Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

(End of clause)

DTAR 1052.201-70 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) appointment and authority (APR 2015)

(a) The COR is Christian Lagorio, christian.j.lagorio@irscounsel.treas.gov

(b) Performance of work under this contract is subject to the technical direction of the COR identified above, or a representative designated in writing. The term “technical direction” includes, without limitation, direction to the contractor that directs or redirects the labor effort, shifts the work between work areas or locations, and/or fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined in the work statement are accomplished satisfactorily.

(c) Technical direction must be within the scope of the contract specification(s)/work statement. The COR does not have authority to issue technical direction that:

mailto:christian.j.lagorio@irscounsel.treas.gov

(1) Constitutes a change of assignment or additional work outside the contract specification(s)/work statement;

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the clause entitled “Changes”;

(3) In any manner causes an increase or decrease in the contract price, or the time required for contract performance;

(4) Changes any of the terms, conditions, or specification(s)/work statement of the contract;

(5) Interferes with the contractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of the contract; or

(6) Directs, supervises or otherwise controls the actions of the Contractor's employees.

(d) Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The COR must confirm oral direction in writing within five workdays, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(e) The Contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the COR. If, in the opinion of the Contractor, any direction of the COR or the designated representative falls within the limitations of (c) above, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer no later than the beginning of the next Government workday.

(f) Failure of the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within the scope of the contract shall be subject to the terms of the clause entitled “Disputes.”

(End of clause)

DTAR 1052.210-70 Contractor publicity (Apr 2015)

The Contractor, or any entity or representative acting on behalf of the Contractor, shall not refer to the supplies or services furnished pursuant to the provisions of this contract in any news release or commercial advertising, or in connection with any news release or commercial advertising, without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the Contracting Officer.

Should any reference to such supplies or services appear in any news release or commercial advertising issued by or on behalf of the Contractor without the required consent, the Government shall consider institution of all remedies available under applicable law, including 31 U.S.C. 333, and this contract. Further, any violation of this clause may be considered as part of the evaluation of past performance.

(End of clause)

IR1052.239-9000 Section 508 Information, Documentation and Support (DEC 2019)

In accordance with 36 CFR, Appendix C to Part 1194, the information and communication technology (ICT) products and product support services documentation furnished in performance of this contract shall be provided at no additional cost. The contractor shall provide information, documentation, and support relative to the supplies and services as described in the performance work statement. The following technical standards and provisions have been determined to be applicable to this contract:

_X__ Chapter 6: Support Documentation and Services

_X__ 601 General _X__ 601.1

_X__ 602 Support Documentation _X__ 602.1 _X__ 602.2 _X__ 602.3 _X__ 602.4

_X__ 603 Support Services _X__ 603.1 _X__ 603.2 _X__ 603.3

IR1052.239.9002 Section 508 Services (JUN 2022) All contracts, solicitations, purchase orders, delivery orders and interagency agreements that contain a requirement of services which will result in the delivery of a new or updated information and communication technology(ICT) item/product must conform to the applicable provisions of the appropriate technical standards in 36 CFR, Appendix C to Part 1194, and functional performance criteria in 36 CFR Chapter 3, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists at FAR 39.204 Exceptions.

The following technical standards and provisions have been determined to be applicable to this contract:

Chapter 4: Hardware ___ 401 General __ _ 401.1 ___ 402 Closed Functionality

___ 402.1 ___ 402.2(1-6) ___ 402.3 ___ 402.4 ___ 402.5

___ 403 Biometrics

___ 403.1 ___ 404 Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility

___ 404.1 ___ 405 Privacy

___ 405.1 ___ 406 Standard Connections

___ 406.1 ___ 407 Operable Parts

___ 407.1 ___ 407.2 ___ 407.3 ___ 407.4 ___ 407.5 ___ 407.6 ___ 407.7 ___ 407.8

___ 408 Display Screens _ __ 408.1 ___ 408.2 ___ 408.3 ___ 409 Status Indictors

___ 409.1 ___ 410 Color Coding

___ 410.1 ___ 411 Audible Signals

___ 411.1 ___ 412 ICT with Two-Way Communication

___ 412.1 ___ 412.2 ___ 412.3 ____412.4 ___ 412.5 ___ 412.6 ___ 412.7 ___412.8 ___ 413 Closed Caption Processing Technologies

___ 413.1 ___ 414 Audio Description Processing Technologies

___ 414.1 ___ 415 User Controls for Captions and Audio Descriptions

___ 415.1

_X__ Chapter 5: Software

_X__ 501 General _X__ 501.1 _X__ 502 Interoperability with Assistive Technology _X__ 502.1 _X__ 502.2 _X__ 502.3 _X__ 502.4(A-G)

_X__ 503 Applications _X__ 503.1 _X__ 503.2 _X__ 503.3 _X__ 503.4

___ 504 Authoring Tools ___ 504.1 ___ 504.2 ___ 504.3 ___ 504.4

_X__ Chapter 7: Referenced Standards _X__ 701 General _X__ 701.1 _X__ 702 Incorporation by Reference

_X__ 702.1 ___ 702.2 ___ 702.3 _X__ 702.4 ___ 702.5 ___ 702.6 ___702.7 ___ 702.8 ___

702.9 _X__ 702.10

The standards do not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device, but merely require that the ICT be compatible with such software and devices so that it can be made accessible if so required by the agency in the future.

The following functional performance criteria (36 CFR Chapter 3) apply to this contract.

_X__ Chapter 3: Functional Performance Criteria

_X__ 301 General _X__ 301.1

_X__ 302 Functional Performance Criteria _X__ 302.1 _X__ 302.2 _X__ 302.3 _X__ 302.4 _X__ 302.5 _X__

302.6 _X__ 302.7 _X__ 302.8 _X__ 302.9

IR1052.232-9001 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements for the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (JUL 2019)

(a) Definitions:

"Short payment" as used in this clause means the partial payment of an invoice for goods/services rendered at the time of payment when the invoice includes additional goods/services that have not yet been provided/rendered.

“Short payment” example: The contract requires the delivery of a set number of items, with the price, delivery location, and delivery due date also specified. The vendor delivers 50% of the items as specified but invoices for 100% of the items. Before implementation of the IPP, the IRS would have paid the vendor for the items delivered and instructed the vendor to re-invoice the IRS when the balances of the items were delivered. In other words, the IRS would "short pay" the invoice since the IRS did not remit payment for the full invoice amount. With implementation of the IPP, the IRS can no longer do this because the IRS cannot accept an electronic invoice that includes items not yet received. The IRS will reject the invoice. The vendor needs to submit an invoice for only the items received by the IRS (in this case, 50%), and, if these items meet all other contract terms and conditions, the IRS will pay the invoiced amount. The vendor submits subsequent invoice(s) for items as they are delivered and accepted.

(b) The Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is a secure Web-based electronic invoicing and payment information service available to all Federal agencies and their suppliers. Effective October 1, 2012, invoicing for payment through the IPP will be mandatory for all new contract awards. Additional information regarding the IPP may be found at the IPP website address https://www.ipp.gov. Contractors must complete the contractor point of contact information below and submit it with their proposal submissions. Contractors may contact the IPP Helpdesk for assistance via e-mail at ippgroup@stls.frb.org or via phone at (866) 973-3131. Once a contract award has been made, the contractor will be contacted by the IPP via e-mail to set-up an account. It will be necessary for contractors to login to their IPP accounts every 90 days to keep their IPP accounts active.

(c) Contractor Point of Contact Information

Contractor Name:

Contractor IPP Point of Contact Name:

Contractor Phone Number:

Contractor E-mail Address:

(d) Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements

Vendor invoices submitted electronically through the IPP should be in the proper format and contain the information required for payment processing. To be approved for payment, a “proper invoice” must list the items specified in FAR 52.232-25 (a)(3)(i) through (a)(3)(x), or in the case of a Commercial Item Contract, the items included in 52.212-4(g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(x).

If the vendor is offering a discount via the IPP, the discount must be reflected on the invoice. The vendor will select 'Create Invoice'. The IPP system will default to ‘Net 30 Prompt Pay’ under the Payment Terms drop-down box. The vendor will select from 54 different discount options for the invoice that is being created. If the vendor chooses to offer a discount on the invoice screen, the information will interface to the payment system for processing. Discounts that are offered on attachments rather than the invoice itself cannot be accepted.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the invoice (Contracting Officer fills in additional documentation that must be furnished by the contractor (e.g. timesheet)). Please do not submit into IPP any documentation/attachments that conflict with what is stated on the invoice:

Payment and Invoice Questions

For payment and invoice questions, contact the Ancillary Systems at (304) 254-3372 or via e-mail at cfo.fm.ipp.customer.support@irs.gov.

(e) Waiver

If the Contractor is unable to use the IPP for submitting payment requests starting on October 1, 2012, then a waiver form must be completed and submitted with the contractor’s proposal submission for review and approval by the Contracting Officer based on one of the conditions listed in the waiver. The vendor will be notified prior to award as to whether their request for waiver has been approved or denied. If the waiver is granted, then a copy of the waiver must be submitted with each paper invoice that the vendor submits to the payment office or the invoice will be returned.

(f) Short Payment

Short payment on vendor submitted invoices will no longer be processed or paid. If any portion of the invoice does not meet the requirements for a proper invoice, the entire invoice shall be rejected and returned to the vendor unpaid.

IRS Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) Waiver Form

The IRS invoicing and payment requirements clause (IR1052.232-9001) requires that all invoices under awards made (or effective) on or after October 1, 2012, be submitted electronically via the IPP unless a waiver is requested and granted. If the Contractor is unable to submit its invoice through the IPP, the Contractor shall complete this waiver form indicating the reason for the waiver request by selecting the appropriate box below and providing a narrative summarizing in detail the circumstances requiring a waiver.

For a solicitation, submit the waiver form with the proposal submission. For a modification that incorporates the IPP clause into an existing contract, submit the waiver form with the modification. The CO will notify the vendor via e-mail or another appropriate means of communication prior to award as to whether their waiver has been approved or denied. If the waiver is granted, then a copy of the approved waiver must be submitted with each invoice that the vendor submits to the payment office or the invoice will be returned.

Reason for requesting a waiver of the requirement to submit an electronic invoice via the IPP:

Reason for requesting a waiver of the requirement to submit an electronic invoice via the IPP:

1. Submission of invoices through IPP would impose a hardship on an individual (includes employees and sole proprietors) due to: either a physical or mental disability; a geographic, language, or literacy barrier; or an undue financial burden. The requirement to submit invoices through the IPP is automatically waived for all individuals who do not have payment capability using ACH with a U.S.

financial institution.

2. The political, financial or communications infrastructure where the place of business is located does not support access to the IPP for submitting invoices electronically.

3. The contractor is located within an area designated by the President of the United States or an authorized agency administration as a disaster area. (Please identify area/location.)

4. The submission of invoices electronically may pose a threat to national security, the life or physical safety of an individual may be endangered, or a law enforcement action may be compromised.

5. The agency does not expect to receive more than one invoice from the same contractor within a one-year period. i.e., the invoice submission is non-recurring.

6. The contractor customarily submits a high volume of invoices on a regular basis via file format, not currently supported by the IPP (i.e., uses a file format other than XML or CSV) and the high volume of invoices would cause a significant burden to the contractor if submitted through the IPP individually. If utilizing this exception, please identify the file formats supported by your invoicing system so that the IPP may consider implementing the requested file format at a later date. File format(s) used:

7. Other - Please explain:

Attach a separate sheet of paper with a summary narrative substantiating the circumstances for the waiver exception selected from above (1 through 7).

Waiver Submitted By:

Contractor Name

Contract/Order No.

Waiver Approved By:

Contracting Officer’s Name Printed

Date Submitted

Contracting Officer’s Signature Date

IR1052.242-9000 Post Award Evaluation of Contractor Performance (JUN 2020)

Annual evaluations of contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with FAR 42.15. The Assessing Official (e.g., Contracting Officer) will prepare a final performance evaluation at the time the work on the contract is completed. In addition to the final evaluation, interim evaluations will be prepared annually to coincide with the anniversary date of the contract.

The past performance evaluation process is a paperless process using the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. The completed evaluation was previously available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), but since the General Services Administration officially retired PPIRS and merged it with CPARS, it created “a single system” that “provides one location and one account to perform functions such as creating and editing performance and integrity records, changes to administering users, running reports, generating performance records, and viewing/managing performance records.

Name of Person Submitting Request for Waiver

Signature of Person Submitting Request for Waiver

E-mail Address

Title

Phone No.

https://www.acquisition.gov/content/subpart-4215-contractor-performance-information

Once the Contractor is registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically-generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, systems requirements, and training information for CPARS is available at https://www.cpars.gov/ The CPARS User Manual, registration for Online Training for Contractors, and a practice application may be found at this site as well.

Interim and final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor for their review and comment as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. Evaluations of contractor past performance will be posted to the relevant past performance database no more than 14 days after the information is provided to the contractor. On day 15, whether the contractor has responded or not, the evaluation automatically posts to PPIRS. If the Contractor elects not to provide comments, they should acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating "No comment" and then sign and date the form. If the Contractor does not sign and submit the form within 14 days, it will automatically be returned to the Government.

Contractors who disagree with a government evaluation can request to meet with the Contracting Officer to discuss their scores and provide feedback or justification for their performance. No requirement exists for the government to meet with the contractor; however, if a contractor requests a meeting, the government may accept the request.

Any such meeting does not alter the requirement that an evaluation be posted to PPIRS within 14 days.

Several avenues still exist for the contractor to influence the review. First, the contractor may submit a comment after the 14-day period expires and the review has been posted to PPIRS. The contractor’s late comments must be posted to PPIRS; however, the government’s original report will still be available to all source selection officials.

Although authorized, an agency is not required to modify its evaluation based upon a contractor’s comments. Second, the contractor may appeal its review one level above the Contracting Officer to the Reviewing Official. Again, the appeal does not stop the 14- day reporting period and the original evaluation will be posted on PPIRS.

The following guidelines apply concerning the Contractor's use of the past performance evaluation:

▪ Protect the evaluation as "source selection information." After review, transmit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason the Contractor is unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the Contracting Officer for further instructions.

▪ Strictly control access to the evaluation within the Contractor's organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of the Contractor's control.

▪ Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, pre- award surveys, responsibility determinations, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

▪ A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS http://www.cpars.gov/ for the Contractor's review and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been finalized.

FILL-IN PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

52.203-2 Certificate of Independent Price Determination (Apr 1985)

(a) The offeror certifies that—

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to—

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory—

(1) Is the person in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; or

(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the following principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision ____________________ [insert full name of person(s) in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal, and the title of his or her position in the offeror’s organization];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals named in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this provision have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this provision.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this provision, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.

(End of provision)

52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications.

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

ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2023)

(a)

(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is__541611___.

(2) The small business size standard is _$21.5M__.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519 if the acquisition—

(i) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(iii) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b)

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

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

(i) □ Paragraph (d) applies.

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

(c)

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-4#FAR_4_1202 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

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

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation.

This provision applies to all solicitations.

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

(viii) 52.209-5, CertificationRegarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-13#FAR_Part_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_18 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_5 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_11

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

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

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II).

This provision applies to solicitations when the 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).

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

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

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code…