Combined Synopsis and Solicitation.pdf

This is a COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the information in FAR Subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures as supplemented with the additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a written solicitation will not be issued.

PAPER COPIES OF THIS SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. This combined synopsis/solicitation SHALL be posted on SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/).

The reference number is N0018925Q0217. This solicitation documents and incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through FAC 2025-03 and DFARS Publication Notice 20250117. It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at these addresses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html

The NAICS code is 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and the Small Business Standard is $34.0M. The proposed contract requirement is to provide support for a one-year period for the transportation of observational data from potentially compromised sources to support EOP determination at U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO), Washington D.C., for which the Government intends to solicit and award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract to the quoter that is most advantageous to the Government. This requirement will be solicited on a sole source basis with approval from the Small Business Administration to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. All bids, proposals, or quotations received by the closing response date will be considered by the Government.

STATEMENT OF WORK:

The Haystack Observatory shall perform the following task:

Engineering Support for the Washington Interagency VLBI Correlator I. Executive Summary

The deliverables and support for products and deliverables will cover four general areas:

Correlator post-processing software Correlation of special projects Electronic VLBI Transfer VLBI data storage and transfer Mark6 support

The work focuses on assistance related to the S/X VLBI (dual-frequency, S/X, herein called “legacy VLBI”) providing support for current and immediate future needs. Additionally, assistance related to the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) product support and transition assistance is included to enable continued operation into the VGOS era.

II. Background of Work

The interagency VLBI correlator at USNO has been a fundamental infrastructure for space geodesy since it began operations in 1986. That (MarkIIIA) hardware correlator was designed and constructed by the contractor, who has been providing engineering support to USNO ever since. Support has covered the various hardware correlator updates and upgrades, such as to MarkIV, as well as the more recent (in the 2010s) transition from hardware to software correlation (SWC), such as to the distributed FX-type correlation (DiFX).

The primary purpose of the correlator at USNO is to support rapid turnaround of geodetic VLBI observations to provide the most timely and accurate values for time-varying Earth orientation parameters (EOP) such as the UT1-UTC, polar motion, and celestial pole offsets. These observations are also used to estimate the positions of the extragalactic radio sources that define the celestial reference frame (CRF) and the positions (and velocities) of the radio telescopes that define the terrestrial reference frame (TRF), being the EOP the parameters that link the two frames together.

The contractor shall provide assistance and support to USNO for post-correlation programs for both legacy and VGOS data, for post-processing requiring special attention, for electronic VLBI capabilities, and in the general area of VLBI data storage and transfer.

In support of the USNO correlator, the following tasks listed in the Scope of Work shall be performed, as listed in Section III.

III. Scope of Work

MIT/HO shall perform the following tasks:

Task 1: HOPS and difx2mark4 post-correlation support

The Haystack Observatory post-processing system (HOPS) and difx2mark4 are a software package and program, respectively, required to convert the output of the USNO software correlator to VLBI observables from which geodetic parameters such as EOP can be estimated. They may (and do) change because either improvements to the correlator model are made, new capabilities such as adoption of the VGOS broadband system are required, or general corrections and updates must be introduced. These programs were written and are maintained by the contractor personnel, principally for geodetic applications. The contractor shall provide USNO any changes in those programs. In addition, requests for modification of the programs to satisfy specific USNO requirements will in general be accommodated.

Task 2: Consultation of special processing

Occasionally, situations may arise where unusually complex geodetic experiments, especially as USNO transitions to correlation of VGOS experiments, must be processed, or where difficulties encountered during the VLBI data collection experiments may need special treatment during processing. The contractor shall then consult with the processing personnel at USNO and advise them, via remote (e.g., telephone, email, audio/video) communication, on approaches to overcome the complex or difficult situations, and on diagnosing problems at the VLBI stations.

Task 3: Assistance with electronic-VLBI capability

The contractor shall provide support and consultation for network connections at USNO related to all VLBI activity. In particular, MIT/HO shall troubleshoot electronic VLBI (eVLBI) connections into USNO, troubleshoot eVLBI connections to network stations and assist with improving network connectivity. In support of this activity, MIT/HO may be asked for advice on the procurement of computer parts, such as network interface cards (NIC), power supplies, and servers to maintain or upgrade the eVLBI connections. On rare occasions, it may be necessary for MIT/HO personnel to travel to USNO to perform needed repairs or consultation. Such trips will be kept to a minimum by use of remote communications. Any travel must be requested and receive prior approval by USNO personnel.

Task 4: Data storage and transfer

MIT/HO shall be responsible for maintaining a VLBI data depot, temporarily storing and validating data prior to submittal to the DiFX correlator servers at USNO. The storage will thus act as a buffer for eVLBI transfers from potentially compromised sources. MIT/HO shall be responsible for receiving said data, and for validating the incoming data for proper format and content through scanning for tampering or defects. Once validated, MIT/HO personnel shall make the data available to USNO for eVLBI transfer and correlation. If data is deemed invalid, USNO will still be notified of the comprised data and anomalies discovered.

Task 5: Mark6 support

MIT/HO shall be responsible for the update of the USNO Mark6 operating systems (OS) to RedHat, or an equivalent, to meet security needs. The update of the OS will require the control application to be updated along with any addition requirements the USNO may request for supporting e-transfers and getting systems on to the correlator for direct processing. Additional support may come in the form of modifications to the system to tighten the security to meet acceptable standard as specified by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks. MIT/HO will also travel to USNO to support the staff’s integration effort and to help address additional security concerns.

Task 6: Program management

MIT/HO shall manage all MIT-related contractual activities, communicate with USNO, and ensure sufficient attention to system engineering, documentation, configuration management, and information technology (IT) security.

Appendix: List of Acronyms

CRF Celestial Reference Frame

DiFX Distributed FX-type correlator

EOP Earth Orientation Parameters eVLBI Electronic VLBI

FX Fourier-Multiplication

HOPS Haystack Observatory Postprocessing System

IT Information Technology

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT/HO MIT Haystack Observatory

NIC Network Interface Card

SGP Space Geodesy Project

SOW Statement of Work

SWC Software Correlator

TRF Terrestrial Reference Frame

USNO United States Naval Observatory

VGOS VLBI Geodetic Observing System

VLBI Very Long Baseline Interferometry

(e) Mark6 support

Period of Performance

The period of performance will be from May 01, 2025, through April 30, 2026, with options for travel reimbursement.

REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL COSTS

REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL COSTS -

(a) Travel

(1) Area of Travel. Performance under this contract may require travel by contractor personnel.

If travel, domestic or overseas, is required, the contractor is responsible for making all needed arrangements for his personnel. This includes but is not limited to the following:

Medical Examinations

Immunization

Passports, visas, etc.

Security Clearances

All contractor personnel required to perform work on any U.S. Navy vessel will have to obtain boarding authorization from the Commanding Officer of the vessel prior to boarding.

(2) Travel Policy. The Government will reimburse the contractor for allowable travel costs incurred by the contractor in performance of the contract and determined to be in accordance with FAR subpart 31.3, subject to the following provisions:

Travel required for tasks assigned under this contract shall be governed in accordance with rules set forth for temporary duty travel in FAR 31.205-46.

(3) Travel. Travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time are authorized, whenever a task assignment requires work to be accomplished at a temporary alternate worksite.

Travel performed for personal convenience and daily travel to and from work at contractor’s facility will not be reimbursed.

(4) Per Diem. Per diem for travel on work assigned under this contract will be reimbursed to employees consistent with company policy, but not to exceed the amount authorized in the Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations.

(5) Shipboard Stays. Whenever work assignments require temporary duty aboard a Government ship, the contractor will be reimbursed at the per diem rates identified in paragraphs C8101.2C or C81181.3B(6) of the DOD Joint Travel Regulations, Volume 2.

(6) Air/Rail Travel. In rendering the services, the contractor shall be reimbursed for the actual costs of transportation incurred by its personnel not to exceed the cost of tourist class rail, or plane fare, to the extent that such transportation is necessary for the performance of the services hereunder and is authorized by the Ordering Officer. Such authorization by the Ordering Officer shall be indicated in the order or in some other suitable written form.

NOTE: To the maximum extent practicable without the impairment of the effectiveness of the mission, transportation shall be tourist class. In the event that only first class travel is available, it will be allowed, provided justification therefore is fully documented and warranted.

(7) Private Automobile. The use of privately owned conveyance within the continental United States by the traveler will be reimbursed to the contractor at the mileage rate allowed by Joint Travel Regulations. Authorization for the use of privately owned conveyance shall be indicated on the order.

Distances traveled between points shall be shown in standard highway mileage guides. Any deviations from distance shown in such standard mileage guides shall be explained by the traveler on his expense sheet.

(8) Car Rental. The contractor shall be entitled to reimbursement for car rental, exclusive of mileage charges, as authorized by each order, when the services are required to be performed outside the normal commuting distance from the contractor’s facilities. Car rental for TDY teams will be limited to a rate of one car for every four (4) persons on TDY at one site.

(End of Provision)

CIRCULAR A-21 Revised 05/10/04

TO THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ESTABLISHMENTS

SUBJECT: Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

1. Purpose. This Circular establishes principles for determining costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other agreements with educational institutions. The principles deal with the subject of cost determination, and make no attempt to identify the circumstances or dictate the extent of agency and institutional participation in the financing of a particular project. The principles are designed to provide that the Federal Government bear its fair share of total costs, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, except where restricted or prohibited by law. Agencies are not expected to place additional restrictions on individual items of cost. Provision for profit or other increment above cost is outside the scope of this Circular.

2. Supersession. The Circular supersedes Federal Management Circular 73 8, dated December 19, 1973.

FMC 73 8 is revised and reissued under its original designation of OMB Circular No. A 21.

3. Applicability.

a. All Federal agencies that sponsor research and development, training, and other work at educational institutions shall apply the provisions of this Circular in determining the costs incurred for such work. The principles shall also be used as a guide in the pricing of fixed price or lump sum agreements.

b. In addition, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers associated with educational institutions shall be required to comply with the Cost Accounting Standards, rules and regulations issued by the Cost Accounting Standards Board, and set forth in 48 CFR part 99; provided that they are subject thereto under defense related contracts.

4. Responsibilities. The successful application of cost accounting principles requires development of mutual understanding between representatives of educational institutions and of the Federal Government as to their scope, implementation, and interpretation.

5. Attachment. The principles and related policy guides are set forth in the Attachment, "Principles for determining costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other agreements with educational institutions."

6. Effective date. The provisions of this Circular shall be effective October 1, 1979, except for subsequent amendments incorporated herein for which the effective dates were specified in these revisions (47 FR 33658, 51 FR 20908, 51 FR 43487, 56 FR 50224, 58 FR 39996, 61 FR 20880, 63 FR 29786, 63 FR 57332, 65 FR 48566 and 69 FR 25970). Institutions as of the start of their first fiscal year beginning after that date shall implement the provisions. Earlier implementation, or a delay in implementation of individual provisions, is permitted by mutual agreement between an institution and the cognizant Federal agency.

7. Inquiries. Further information concerning this Circular may be obtained by contacting the Office of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503, telephone

(202) 395 3993

53. Travel costs.

a. General.

Travel costs are the expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence, and related items incurred by employees who are in travel status on official business of the institution. Such costs may be charged on an actual cost basis, on a per diem or mileage basis in lieu of actual costs incurred, or on a combination of the two, provided the method used is applied to an entire trip and not to selected days of the trip, and results in charges consistent with those normally allowed in like circumstances in the institution’s non-federally sponsored activities.

b. Lodging and subsistence.

Costs incurred by employees and officers for travel, including costs of lodging, other subsistence, and incidental expenses, shall be considered reasonable and allowable only to the extent such costs do not exceed charges normally allowed by the institution in its regular operations as the result of the institution’s written travel policy. In the absence of an acceptable, written institution policy regarding travel costs, the rates and amounts established under subchapter I of Chapter 57, Title 5, United States Code ("Travel and Subsistence Expenses; Mileage Allowances"), or by the Administrator of General Services, or by the President (or his or her designee) pursuant to any provisions of such subchapter shall apply to travel under sponsored agreements (48 CFR 31.205-46(a)).

Questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted to Mrs. Jordan Walton at jordan.l.walton.civ@us.navy.mil no later than 03:30pm EST April 24, 2025. Quotes shall be submitted to Mrs. Jordan Walton at jordan.l.walton.civ@us.navy.mil no later than 11:00am EST May 05, 2025. Quote submissions received after the stated submission deadline may not be considered for award. All responsible business sources may submit a quote, which shall be considered by the agency. A determination has been made by the Government to award this proposed effort on sole source basis to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This determination is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

Procedures in FAR Subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures are applicable to this procurement. While price will be a significant factor in the evaluation of offers, the final contract award will be based on a combination of factors- price and, if necessary, past performance.

System for Award Management (SAM). Quoters must be registered in the SAM database to be considered for award. Registration is free and can be completed on-line at http://www.sam.gov/.

All quotes shall include price(s) showing any and all materials and labor, FOB destination, a point of contact, name and phone number, business size, and payment terms. The quote shall explicitly confirm that the quoter can meet all of the Technical Requirements and provide all of the Deliverables for the period of performance specified above. Each response must clearly indicate the capability of the quoter to meet all specifications and requirements.

ADDENDUMS:

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

In addition to FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items” and any other instructions contained elsewhere in this solicitation, the following instructions are provided. The Government intends to award a Firm, Fixed, Price (FFP) purchase order as a result of this solicitation in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Award will be made to the quoter whose quote is most advantageous to the Government under the selection criteria set forth in this solicitation. The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a purchase order based on initial quotes. Therefore, the quoter’s initial quote should contain the quoter’s best terms from a Non-Price and Price standpoint.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS OF QUOTES:

(1) Quote shall be submitted electronically no later than the due date of the solicitation Quote shall include the following legend on each page:

Source Selection Information FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104

QUOTE CONTENT:

The Quote should contain the following items in addition to other information required by this solicitation. The cover page should indicate the following:

Solicitation Number Name and Address of Quoter, and Cage Code

Point of Contact name, telephone number, and email address Quote valid of 120 days following the solicitation closing date

Price

No partial bids or additional items will be accepted. Failure to quote all CLINs or add additional items will result in ineligibility for award. In order to assist in the Contracting Officer’s price analysis, additional price information may be required and may consist of copies of applicable published price lists with effective dates, catalog pages of products, evidence of discounts off the published price lists, historical price/sales information supported by copies of paid invoices OR price breakdown of all cost elements.

The price submission is not page limited but is strictly limited to price information.

(End of Text)

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.203-12 Limitation On Payments To Influence Certain Federal Transactions

JUN 2020

52.204-7 System for Award Management NOV 2024

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting AUG 2020

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance AUG 2020

52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-- Representation and Disclosures.

DEC 2023

52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations

NOV 2015

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Products and Commercial Services

SEP 2023

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Products and Commercial Services

NOV 2023

52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards AUG 2018

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations JUN 2013

252.203-7000 Requirements Relating to Compensation of Former DoD Officials

SEP 2011

252.203-7002 Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights

DEC 2022

252.204-7003 Control Of Government Personnel Work Product APR 1992

252.204-7004 Antiterrorism Awareness Training for Contractors JAN 2023

252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting

MAY 2024

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

JAN 2023

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

JAN 2023

252.204-7022 Expediting Contract Closeout MAY 2021

252.209-7004 Subcontracting With Firms That Are Owned or Controlled By The Government of a Country that is a State Sponsor of Terrorism

MAY 2019

252.211-7003 Item Unique Identification and Valuation JAN 2023

252.225-7048 Export-Controlled Items JUN 2013

252.225-7055 Representation Regarding Business Operations with the Maduro Regime

MAY 2022

252.225-7056 Prohibition Regarding Business Operations with the Maduro Regime

JAN 2023

252.225-7060 Prohibition on Certain Procurements from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

JUN 2023

252.225-7972 (Dev)

Prohibition on the Procurement of Foreign-Made Unmanned Aircraft Systems (DEVIATION 2024- O0014)

AUG 2024

252.225-7973 (Dev)

Prohibition on the Procurement of Foreign-Made Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Representation

(DEVIATION 2024-O0014)

AUG 2024

252.232-7003 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests and Receiving Reports

DEC 2018

252.232-7010 Levies on Contract Payments DEC 2006

252.237-7010 Prohibition on Interrogation of Detainees by Contractor Personnel

JAN 2023

252.244-7000 Subcontracts for Commercial Products or Commercial Services

NOV 2023

252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea OCT 2024

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services--Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to--

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to--

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services."

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that--

(1) It [ ___ ] will, [ ___ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that--

It [ ___ ] does, [ ___ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment--

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services--

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided;

and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment--

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services--

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

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

2021)

a) The Government will award a FFP purchase order resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Quoter whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, technical, price and other factors considered. The Government will be utilizing FAR Subpart 12.6 and FAR Part 13 procedures. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical and Price

In order to be considered Acceptable, quoters must receive an acceptable rating for Factor I in its entirety.

Unacceptable technical rating will not be further evaluated and will not be considered for award.

Factor 1 – Technical

Rating Description

Acceptable Quote meets the requirements of the Solicitation and Sole Source Justification.

Unacceptable Quote does NOT meet the requirement of the Solicitation and Sole Source Justification.

The rating table above will be used to determine the technical capability of the quoter.

Factor II – Price

The quoters quoted price will be evaluated on the basis of price reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(b)(2).

The evaluation may include, but is not limited to the following:

A. Price comparison with other quoters;

B. Comparison with independent government estimates

By submitting a quote, the quoter affirms that they are capable of performing and completing the work described in the Solicitation.

The Government will award on the basis of price unless the Contracting Officer is aware of past performance information related to the low price quote/offer which indicates that quote/offer may not represent best value. In that case, the Government reserves the right to consider the past performance of other quotes/offers, conduct a price, past performance tradeoff, and award to other than the lowest price quote/offer.

The Government intends to award a firm-fixed priced purchase order to the responsible quoter whose quote represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors in the solicitation.

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.

52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES ALTERNATE I (MAR 2025) (DEVIATION 2025-O0003)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

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

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

"Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern" means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

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

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

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

"Highest-level owner" means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

"Immediate owner" means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

"Inverted domestic corporation" means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

"Manufactured end product" means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except--

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

"Place of manufacture" means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

"Predecessor" means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

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

"Restricted business operations" means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174).

Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate--

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

"Sensitive technology"--

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically--

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

"Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern" means a small business concern--

(1)(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran; or

(2) A small business concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program in accordance with 13 CFR part 128 (see subpart 19.14).

(3) Service-disabled veteran, as used in this definition, means a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16), and who is registered in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem, or successor system that is maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Benefits Administration, as a service-disabled veteran.

"Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program" means an SDVOSB concern that--

(1) Effective January 1, 2024, is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300; or

(2) Has represented that it is an SDVOSB concern in SAM and submitted a complete application for certification to SBA on or before December 31, 2023.

"Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) Program" means a program that authorizes contracting officers to limit competition, including award on a sole-source basis, to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program.

"Small business concern"--

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

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

"Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001", means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that--

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by--

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2);

and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13 CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

"Subsidiary" means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned--

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

"Successor" means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name.

The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

"Veteran-owned small business concern" means a small business concern--

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

"Women-owned business concern" means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

"Women-owned small business concern" means a small business concern--

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

"Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program" (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b) (1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ___

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii). Check all that apply.

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

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

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

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) SDVOSB concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not an SDVOSB concern.

(4) SDVOSB concern joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not an SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 128.402. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as an SDVOSB concern in paragraph (c)(3) of this provision.] [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture:

(5) Small disadvantaged business concern. (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1001.

(6) Women-owned small business concern. (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a women-owned small business concern.

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

(8) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents that it [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: ___ .]

Note to paragraphs (c)(9) and (10): Complete paragraphs (c)(9) and (10) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(9) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). (Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it ( ___ ) is, a women-owned business concern.

(10) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price:

(11) HUBZone small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that--

(i) It [ ___ ] is, [ ___ ] is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, as having been certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the Dynamic Small Business Search and SAM, and will attempt to maintain an employment…