MAG-CON-MULCHING_12363N24Q4211.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Solicitation Number: 12363N24Q4211

MAG-CON-MULCHING

Mulching with masticator on Calico Stewardship Area Dated: 06/18/2024

This order is a request for quotations (RFQ). The document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2024-05/05-22-2024.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 115310, Forestry Support Activities a small business size standard of $20.5 Million.

Contracting Office Zip Code: 72855 (Paris, AR) Product Service Code: F099 – Natural Resources/conservation- Other Contracting Office Address: 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.; MS-1138; Washington, DC 20250 Set Aside: None. Full & Open.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Commercial Item – Service Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Mt. Magazine Ranger District Logan County, AR

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Total:

*Quoted prices must include all labor, materials, tools, etc. necessary to complete work.

NOTE 1 - Quoters must submit prices for all Items to be considered for award for that item.

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors must enroll at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

NOTE 2 – TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT . All technical related questions shall be directed to the following for answer(s):

COR Dustin Appleton – Email Contact: dustin.appleton@usda.gov

Quoter Information

Prices Submitted By

Email:

SUBMITTING QUOTE/STATEMENT OF WORK:

SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor will: removal of all cedar from project area using masticating equipment to mulch the trees. The contractor will work systematically in areas prioritized by the contracting officer’s representative (COR).

Background:

The project area is a Quail Stewardship Restoration Area dominated by merchantable pine, scattered hardwoods and eastern red cedar. The Forest Service has had the area thinned down to 50-70 basal area, but most of the cedar was not harvested. A prescribed burned was completed in 2023 to aid in restoration efforts, but the Forest Service would like to remove as much of the cedar as possible to improve the habitat for Quail.

Project Access

· The project area shall be accessed by Robert Hill Rd (gravel road) off AR SR 309.

· The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the St. Francis Ranger District (available upon award) provides open road information.

· The COR will ensure access to the project area if the site is gated.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

· Contractor is responsible for completing mastication on the Mt. Magazine Ranger District, Quail Stewardship Restoration Area.

· Contractor shall mulch all cedar 4 inches at Diameter at breast height (DBH) and larger.

· Smaller cedar may be designated for removal if specified by the contracting officer representative or inspector.

· Contractor shall knock down and delimb cedars, leaving the main trunk on the ground. Stumps will be mulched to ground level.

· Cedar trunks shall lay flat on the ground, not stacked, crisscrossed or piled on top of one another.

· Contractor shall remain out of Stream-Side Management Zones (SMZs) and shall not lay any cedar trunks within the SMZs. SMZs will be marked and/or identified prior to contractors’ arrival.

· USFS Staff will mark boundaries with flagging before contractors’ arrival.

· Mulching must stay within the restoration boundary as flagged or directed by the COR.

· Contractor shall be responsible for repairing any damage to Wildlife Management Area (WMA) roads caused by Contractor's equipment.

· Before completing the work, the Contractor shall remove from the work premises any rubbish, tools, equipment, and materials that are not the property of the Government. Upon completing the work, the Contractor shall leave the work area in a clean, neat, and orderly condition satisfactory to the Contracting Officer.

DELIVERABLES / SCHEDULE:

· All work shall be performed during the time period of one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, Monday through Friday, unless time changes are approved by the COR. Operating period will be July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 and January 1, 2025 - April 1, 2025.

· Completion time expected: No later than April 1, 2025; NOT TO EXCEED Government Cost Estimate and funds availability.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with his crews.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: The contractor is required to provide evidence of machine hours of operation daily to demonstrate time spent for the duration of the project. The project is not to exceed the operating period listed above. The original and one copy of the reports are required. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the specified period and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. This report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

COMPLETION OF SERVICES: The Contractor agrees to furnish and pay for all labor, materials, tools and equipment necessary to complete the services described above. The services described above shall be done in a manner, which meets the US Forest Service’s satisfaction. USFS will be advising the Contractor of what is to be done and the results expected. The Contractor will pursue the completion of services using its own methods and is solely responsible for the results of the work.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE: The Contractor shall at all times observe and fully comply with any and all Federal, State and local laws, statutes, orders, ordinances and regulations.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Date of Award to 01 April 2025

PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A conference will be held prior to the start of work on any contract awarded. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will meet with contractor to discuss contract items, work performance requirements, government furnished materials and work conditions pertaining to the contract. The contractor’s operating plan outlining the schedule of performance, inspection system, and any other submittals required will be due at this time. Location of conference will be determined by the Forest Service, in consultation with the contractor. The COR will contact the contractor to schedule the pre-work conference to take place within 15 days of award.

Sustainable Acquisitions The Contractor shall comply with FAR Part 23 Sustainable Acquisition Policy and all associated laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders referenced therein. Contracts that include the supply of products and for the acquisition of services (including construction) that include the supply of products, require that the products provided are—

(1) Energy-efficient (ENERGY STAR® or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)- designated); (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-15 is included)

(2) Water-efficient; (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-15 is included)

(3) Biobased; (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-2 is included)

(4) Environmentally preferable (e.g., EPEAT®-registered, or non-toxic or less toxic alternatives);

(applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-13,14, or 16 are included)

(5) Non-ozone depleting; (applicable if FAR clause 52.223-11,12,20, or 21 are included), and/or

(6) Made with recovered materials (EPA-Designated products) (applicable if FAR clause 52.223-9 or 17 is included).

(b) The required products in the contract actions for services include products that are—

(1) Delivered to the Government during performance;

(2) Acquired by the contractor for use in performing services at a Federally-controlled facility; or

(3) Furnished by the contractor for use by the Government.

Sustainable products identified for this solicitation:

The following is a list of sustainable products that that may be used in t h e performance of this contract. The list is not all inclusive; the Contractor shall research for available products.

Energy-efficient and Water-efficient Products ENERGY STAR® at http://www.energystar.gov/; and FEMP at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_requirements.html www.epa.gov/watersense None

Biobased Products: (requires reporting at www.sam.gov by 10/31 each year) http://www.biopreferred.gov a Diesel Fuel Additives

(1) Any substance, other than one composed solely of carbon and/or hydrogen, that is intentionally added to diesel fuel (including any added to a motor vehicle's fuel system) and that is not intentionally removed prior to sale or use.

(2) Neat biodiesel, also referred to as B100, when used as an additive. Diesel fuel additive does not mean neat biodiesel when used as a fuel or blended biodiesel fuel (e.g., B20). 90% - Minimum Biobased Content.

b Penetrating Lubricants Products formulated to provide light lubrication and corrosion resistance in close tolerant internal and external applications including frozen nuts and bolts, power tools, gears, valves, chains, and cables. 68% - Minimum Biobased Content.

c Gear Lubricants Products, such as greases or oils, that are designed to reduce friction when applied to a toothed machine part (such as a wheel or cylinder) that meshes with another toothed part to transmit motion or to change speed or direction. 58% - Minimum Biobased Content.

d Fuel Conditioners Products formulated to improve the performance and efficiency of engines by providing benefits such as removing accumulated deposits, increasing lubricity, removing moisture, increasing the cetane number, and/or preventing microbial growths within the fuel system. 64% - Minimum Biobased Content.

e 2-Cycle Engine Oils Lubricants designed for use in 2-cycle engines to provide lubrication, decreased spark plug fouling, reduced deposit formation, and/or reduced engine wear. 34% - Minimum Biobased Content.

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996) 52.237-1 Site Visit. (APR 1984) Potential contractors for project-specific RFQs are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the costs of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Surveillance by the Government of the contractor's performance will typically be based on three elements:

(a) adherence to silvicultural prescription

(b) adequacy of marking paint application, condition and security

(c) accuracy of volume estimation

(a) Inspection for adherence to silvicultural prescription.

(1) The Government will randomly locate plots within each intermediate harvest unit to check for adherence to silvicultural prescriptions.

(2) When differences do occur, one of the following explanations should apply:

(i) It will be obvious to the inspector why a change was made to the prescription. This could be due to the need to leave more than stated in the prescription because of variation in species, DBH, or spacing.

(ii) When not obvious to the inspector, the contractor or representative can explain why the deviations were made and the reason is acceptable to the inspector.

If government inspections indicate failure to meet contract requirements in any of the above- mentioned elements, contractor will be required to re-perform work to bring the level of work up to an acceptable level as stated under the contract requirements. In addition, contractor will be required to provide written documentation of their own self-inspections after the work has been re-performed, to ensure quality meets contract specification, prior to requesting government re-inspection work. This additional work will be at the expense of the contractor.

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

(a) Acreages shown in the contract may be estimated. If acreages are estimated, final determination of acreages included within the unit boundaries will be made by the Government using a dot grid and or aerial photos, a GPS (Global Position System), or a compass with a hip chain or surveyor’s tape.

(b) Payment will be by the item, as shown in the Schedule of Items in each contract. Payment will be upon completion by the Contractor and acceptance by the Contracting Officer of the entire item, unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer.

(c) Progress payments for partial work shall be authorized. Contractor must, for the period of performance worked, provide an itemized invoice attached in www.IPP.gov to the progress invoice. COR must authorize and approve that work was completed and accepted prior to full payment being authorized by the CO.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government shall provide to the contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services (hereinafter referred to as "Government-furnished property”). This property shall be used and maintained by the contractor in accordance with the provisions found here in. The contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work.

Government-furnished property may consist of:

(1) GPS maps for individual payment units; these shall be used by the contractor for showing location(s) of any point(s) of interest found while mulching/masticating (ex. possible heritage site, hawk nests, drainages, deer blinds, roads not shown on sale maps, etc…)

(2) Gate keys for access.

452.237-74 Key Personnel. (FEB 1988)

All timber cruisers are considered key personnel, and shall be certified by passing a Forest Service check cruise within +/- 10 percent for net sawtimber volume and +/- 5 percent for net combined volume and have an accuracy score of 85% or better (an explanation of accuracy score can be found in Section J).

Awards may be issued prior to certification. When work commences at least 1 certified cruiser shall be on site to provide guidance/oversight to non-certified employees. Certification requires the completion of 2 basic competency tests administered by the local Forest Service office. In addition to a short written test that confirms basic understanding of the methods of measuring trees, certification will consist of checking a minimum of 50 trees that the individual has cruised form either of the certified tests areas located on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest , or one of the certified test areas on the Ottawa National Forest. If a cruiser is certified on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest that certification is valid on the Ottawa National Forest, and vice versa. All Cruisers shall be certified prior to doing any timber cruising under individual contracts. Certification of cruisers will remain valid indefinitely, as long as their performance continues at a satisfactory level. Check cruises may recommend loss of a cruiser’s certification based on unsatisfactory performance. A cruiser will be considered inactive if they have not cruised any timber on the Chequamegon-Nicolet or Ottawa National Forests for a period of time longer than one year. If a cruiser has been inactive for a period of more than one year, refresher training is required prior to resuming cruising.

EQUIPMENT CLEANING

All soil moving equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned to make it free of soil, noxious weed seeds, vegetative matter or other debris that could contain or hold seeds prior to being delivered to the project site. Equipment shall be considered free of soil, noxious weed seeds and other such debris when a visual inspection by the C.O.R., prior to the equipment being delivered to the site, does not disclose such material present. Disassembly of equipment components is not required. The Contractor shall notify the Forest Service at least five (5) working days prior to moving each piece of soil moving equipment onto the project site, unless otherwise agreed.

The Contractor shall thoroughly clean all soil moving equipment prior to moving them off a project site or between work areas on a project site that are known to be infested with noxious weed species of concern and other work areas, if any, that are free of noxious weed species of concern. Areas known to be infested with specific noxious weed species of concern to the Forest Service shall be noted in the Schedule of Work. The Contractor and the Forest Service shall agree on the methods of cleaning, location for the cleaning and control of off-site impacts, if any.

When new areas of infestation of noxious weeds of concern to the Forest Service are identified on the project site by either the Forest Service or Contractor they shall be promptly reported to the other party.

AGAR 452.236-78 Fire Suppression and Liability. (MAR 2016)

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Fire Fighting. The Contractor, under the provisions of FAR clause at 52.236-9, Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements, shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents or employees subject to the following fire classifications listed in subsection (b).

(b) Fire Suppression Costs. The Contractor's obligations for cost of fire suppression vary according to three classifications of fires as follows:

(1) Operations Fire. An "operations fire" is a fire caused by the Contractor's operations other than a negligent fire. The Contractor agrees to reimburse Forest Service for such cost for each operations fire, subject to a maximum dollar amount of [Contracting Officer insert amount]. The cost of the Contractor's actions, supplies, and equipment on any such fire, or otherwise provided at the request of Forest Service, shall be credited toward such maximum. If the Contractor's actual cost exceeds contractor's obligation stated above, Forest Service shall reimburse the contractor for the excess.

(2) Negligent Fire. A "negligent fire" is a fire caused by the negligence or fault of the Contractor's operations including, but not limited to, one caused by smoking by persons engaged in the Contractor's operations during the course of their employment, or during rest or lunch periods; or if the Contractor's failure to comply with requirements under this contract results in a fire starting, or permits a fire to spread. Damages and the cost of suppressing negligent fires shall be borne by the Contractor.

(3) Other Fires on Contract Area. Forest Service shall pay the Contractor, at firefighting rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates, for equipment or personnel furnished by the Contractor at the request of Forest Service, on any fire on contract area other than an operations fire or a negligent fire.

(c) Contractor's Responsibility for Notification in Case of Fire. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the work site.

(d) Contractor's Responsibility for Responding to Emergencies. When directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall temporarily redirect employees and equipment from the work site for emergency work (anticipated to be restricted to firefighting). This is considered to be within the general scope of the contract. An equitable adjustment for any such redirection of employees and equipment will be made under the FAR clause at 52.243-4, Changes.

(e) Performance by the Contractor. Where the Contractor's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees or agents perform the Contractor's operations in connection with fire responsibilities, the Contractor's obligations shall be the same as if performance was by Contractor.

(f) State Law. The Contractor shall not be relieved by the terms of this contract of any liability to the United States for fire suppression costs recovered in an action based on State law, except for such costs resulting from operations fires. Amounts due to the Contractor for firefighting expenditures on operations fires shall not be withheld pending settlement of any such claim or action based on State law.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment A: Mulching Area Map

2. Attachment B: Wage Determination_1979-1136

3. Attachment C: FAR 52.212-1 Commercial Items (Addenda)

4. Attachment D: FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (May 2024)

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52.

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

1. Instructions to Quoters- Commercial Items

a. Attachment 1 – FAR 52.212-1 Commercial Items (Addenda)

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

· FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Nov 2023)

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (MAY 2024)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (13) [Reserved] __ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

__ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

__ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

__ (18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

_X_ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

_X_ (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

__ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Dec 2022) (E.O.13126).

_X_ (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

_X_ (30) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

__ (31) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

_X_ (32) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

__ (33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

_X_ (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

_X_ (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

__ (37) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (40) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

__ (41) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

__ (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 8259b).

__ (43) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

_X_ (44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

__ (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (46) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (47) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

_X_ (48) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

__ (49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

__ (ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

__ (iii) Alternate II (Dec 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Dec 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

_X_ (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

_X_ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

__ (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

_X_ (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

__ (63) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

_X_ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter67).

_X_ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

_X_ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

_X_ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

__ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1), in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

Alternate I (Feb 2000). As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(i), delete paragraph (d) from the basic clause, redesignate paragraph (e) as paragraph (d), and revise the reference to "paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this clause" in the redesignated paragraph (d) to read "paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this clause".

Alternate II (Dec 2022). As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(ii), substitute the following paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) for paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) of the basic clause as follows:

(d)(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, an appropriate Inspector General appointed under section 3 or 8 G of the Inspector General Act of 1978 ( 5 U.S.C. App.), or an authorized representative of either of the foregoing officials shall have access to and right to—

(i) Examine any of the Contractor’s or any subcontractors’ records that pertain to, and involve transactions relating to, this contract; and

(ii) Interview any officer or employee regarding such transactions.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services, other than—

(i) Paragraph (d) of this clause. This paragraph flows down to all subcontracts, except the authority of the Inspector General under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) does not flow down; and

(ii) Those clauses listed in this paragraph (e)(1). Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(A) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(B) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5).

(C) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(D) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(E) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(F) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(G) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(H) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(I) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(J) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(K) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(L) ___ (1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

___ (2) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(M) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(N) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(O) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989).

(P) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(Q) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(R) (1) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(2) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(S) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(T) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(U) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

Permits

The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all damages to persons or property that occur as a result of the Contractor’s fault or negligence. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all materials delivered and work performed until completion and acceptance of the entire work, except for any completed unit of work which may have been accepted under the contract.

Note: The above clause does not preclude expected quoter to be supplied any or all known regulatory certifications, permits, etc. to legally conduct stewardship work under this request for quote, should award be made. All expected quoters are encouraged to know the Federal and local prevailing labor laws and inspection standards for stewardship work within the State in which award is to be made. This is to include all known Farm Labor permits and timely submission for H2B-1 and Migrant Seasonal Worker Protection personnel. All posters and mandatory DOL and OSHA inspection criteria to be posted within the public work area for all workers free access may be obtained form DOL and OSHA via online downloads. The Government does not guarantee access nor full distribution of these items to the prospective awarded contractor.

Provisions FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items. (NOV 2021)

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

______Past Performance, Experience and Technical Qualification________________ Technical and past performance, when combined, are ____equal___ to Price.

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

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

FAR 52.223-1 Biobased Product Certification. (May 2012)

Attachments:

1. Attachment A: Mulching Area Map

2. Attachment B: Wage Determination_1979-1136

3. Attachment C: FAR 52.212-1 Commercial Items (Addenda)

4. Attachment D: FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (May 2024)

All quoters shall submit the following:

1. Schedule of Items – Filled out to the nearest cent for the quoted item you wish to be considered. Quoter Administrative Contact Information Sheet.

2. Technical Package – Addressing all evaluation factors and subfactors.

a. Refer to: Attachment C – FAR 52.212-1 Commercial Items (Addenda)

3. If applicable, Attachment 3: FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications.

Closing Date/Time: 3 July 2024, Time: 2:30 PM (PST)

Quote Submission Methods:

1. Email: darren.zychek@usda.gov

2. Quote Package:

a. Filled Out Schedule of Items (to include quoter administrative information)

b. Technical Package

c. FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (May 2024)

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to: Darren Zychek, darren.zychek@usda.gov.