NCAGSS Draft RFP.docx

NOTICE FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES: THIS DRAFT RFP IS ISSUED AS PART OF A CONTINUED INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS, FOLLOWING THE PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) AND SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE.

PURPOSE OF THIS DRAFT: THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO SOLICIT FINAL TECHNICAL FEEDBACK AND ENSURE THE CLARITY OF THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW). WHILE NOAA WILL REVIEW ALL COMMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFINING REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE OVERARCHING ACQUISITION STRATEGY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BASED ON THE DATA GATHERED DURING PRIOR ENGAGEMENT PHASES.

STATUS OF STRATEGY: RESPONDENTS SHOULD ANTICIPATE THAT MATERIAL ELEMENTS OF THE ACQUISITION STRATEGY—INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CONTRACT TYPE, SET-ASIDE STATUS, AND HIGH-LEVEL PROCUREMENT TIMELINE—ARE CONSIDERED FIRM AND ARE NOT EXPECTED TO CHANGE FOLLOWING THIS REVIEW PERIOD. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FORMAL SOLICITATION OR A COMMITMENT TO AWARD.

QUESTIONS RELEVANT TO THE FEEDBACK FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO JAME.CHANG@NOAA.GOV AND ANDREA.CHIODI@NOAA.GOV. NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026 @ 2 PM EST. PLEASE USE THE GOOGLE FORM LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT TECHNICAL FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT RFP NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 @ 2 PM EST. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScExBIJCaeOjmZ0VU8C44dT-BKOJe67cDPVkaMR3BQpL7WwpA/viewform?usp=header

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

Base Ordering Period Schedule

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial - Fixed Price type orders.

5-Year Ordering Period: [date to be entered at award] through [date to be entered at award].

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial - Time-and-materials (T&M) type orders.

5-Year Ordering Period: [date to be entered at award] through [date to be entered at award].

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial -Labor-Hour (LH) type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Fixed-Price type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Cost-Reimbursement type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial T&M type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial LH type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Hybrid Type Order or for Contract Types Not Covered by CLINS 0004 through 0007

Option Period 1 - Ordering Period Schedule

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial - Fixed Price type orders.

5-Year Ordering Period: [date to be entered at award] through [date to be entered at award].

with the Statement of Work contained in Section C.

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial - Time-and-materials (T&M) type orders.

This Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is for Commercial - Labor-Hour (LH) type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Fixed-Price type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Cost-Reimbursement type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial T&M type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial LH type orders.

This CLIN is for Non-Commercial Hybrid Type Order or for Contract Types Not Covered by CLINS 0004 through 0007

THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM, HEREIN CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ANY OFFEROR INTERESTED IN RESPONDING TO THIS SOLICITATION. ANY CONTRACT RESULTING FROM THIS SOLICITATION WILL INCLUDE IN ITS SECTION A - SOLICITATION/ CONTRACT FORM, ACCOUNTING, APPROPRIATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO THE CONTRACT AWARD.

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

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

ARTICLE B.1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) operates, and the Office of Common Services (OCS) maintains and sustains, the NESDIS antenna ground systems. Both offices previously supported the same missions through multiple contracts; one for operations, maintenance, and IT security and several for sustainment. This led to conflicts of scheduling efforts and resources to perform work. The NESDIS Consolidated Antenna & Ground Systems Services (NCAGSS) multiple award IDIQ contract will deliver solutions for performing antenna ground system upgrades; building new antennas when required; decommissioning and removing existing antennas; leveraging commercial services and products; as well as incorporating next generation technology (i.e. AI enabled, cloud based, digital ground components, phased array apertures) and installing, when required, a common service antenna infrastructure that supports maintenance and sustainment services to ensure extensibility, reliability, and continued IT security policy compliance. The contract will provide integrated oversight, scheduling and use of resources that will in turn lead to efficiencies, reduced risk, and lower the total costs of ownership for NESDIS’ systems across the NESDIS Antenna Ground Enterprise.

ARTICLE B.2. BASE AND OPTION ORDERING PERIODS

a. The term of NCAGSS consists of a five-year base ordering period and one (1) five-year option ordering period, for a total ordering period of 10 years if all options are exercised. There is no guarantee that the option will be exercised on any or all of the awarded contracts. This is not a multi-year contract as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 17.102.

b. NCAGSS provides the flexibility to determine fair and reasonable pricing tailored to the task order requirement dependent upon level of competition, risk, uncertainties, complexity, urgency, and contract type. The Task Order Contracting Officer (TOCO) has the authority and responsibility to determine cost or price reasonableness for task order requirements, normally not to exceed the fully-loaded labor rate ceilings (“labor ceiling rates”) established at award, and unique to each awardee.

NCAGSS labor categories are considered bona fide executive and/or administrative professional labor and are exempt from the Service Contract Act (SCA); however, if the need arises where Service Contract Act labor is needed, the TOCO has the flexibility to exceed awarded labor ceiling rates or due to other extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the TOCO.

The labor ceiling rates contained in Attachment 10 are ceiling rates for work taking place in locations within and outside the continental United States. They are not applicable to cost-reimbursement task orders.

Competition at the task order level is expected to establish fair and reasonable pricing for task orders placed for all contract types. For those relatively rare instances when competition does not exist, these labor ceiling rates will be available for the TOCO to consider and use. Furthermore, the techniques under FAR 15.404-1(Price Analysis), FAR 15.404-2 (Cost Analysis), and FAR 15.404-3 (Cost Realism Analysis) may be used at the task order level depending on the level of competition and contract type.

Some task orders may require services that do not correspond to the labor categories included in NCAGSS. Accordingly, if permitted by the task order solicitation, the Contractor may propose appropriate labor categories and labor rates necessary to meet the requirements of the solicitation despite them not being included in NCAGSS as awarded.

Price reasonableness for newly established labor categories must be established by the TOCO as part of their evaluation.

The TOCO must establish an appropriate CLIN structure, and identify both the applicable contract type and clear delineation of work at the task level, for all CLINs in each task order.

c. The Government will issue Task Orders based on the work described in SECTION C of this contract.

ARTICLE B.3 CONTRACT TYPE

NCAGSS is a multiple-award IDIQ contract that allows for commercial and non-commercial task orders to be issued on a Fixed-Price, Cost-Reimbursement, Time-and-Materials (T&M), Labor-Hour (LH) and hybrid contract type basis. Task orders may also combine more than one pricing arrangement (e.g., FFP/LH, etc.), although separate contract line-item numbers (CLINs) are required for each pricing arrangement.

As appropriate, after award of a Task Order, Labor Hour/Time & Material (T&M) CLINs may be converted to Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLINs through mutual agreement of both parties, based on the rates (and labor categories) negotiated at the time of task order award.

ARTICLE B.4. COMMERCE ACQUISITION REGULATION (CAR) 1352.216-75 MINIMUM

AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (APR 2010)

During the term of NCAGSS, the Government will place orders totaling a minimum of $250. The amount of all orders under the NCAGSS will not exceed $1,239,115,627 The exercise of the option period does not re-establish the contract minimum.

END OF SECTION B

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

ARTICLE C.1. STATEMENT OF WORK

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall be required to furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to perform the Statement of Work, dated April 7, 2026, attached hereto and made a part of this Solicitation (See SECTION J - List of Attachments).

There are 4 functional service areas - program integration, operations, maintenance, and sustainment. The Government anticipates there to be a single IDIQ awardee for the program integration area and between two to five IDIQ awards for each of the other areas. However, the exact number of awards and number of small business awards at the IDIQ level depends on the results of the proposal evaluation and number of small businesses that respond to the RFP.

END OF SECTION C

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

ARTICLE D.1 PACKAGING

Unless otherwise specified, packaging of all deliverables must conform to commercial packing standards to ensure safe delivery at destination.

ARTICLE D.2 MARKING

All deliverables required under this contract shall be marked in accordance with Government specifications. At a minimum, all deliverables shall be marked with the contract/order number and Contractor name.

Specific marking requirements may be addressed in individual task orders.

END OF SECTION D

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

ARTICLE E.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.

Full text can be accessed electronically at the following: https://www.acquisition.gov/

ARTICLE E.2 CAR 1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be specified in each individual Task Order.

(End of Clause)

END OF SECTION E

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

ARTICLE F.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.

Full text can be accessed electronically at the following:

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE F.2 CAR 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The five-year base ordering period of this contract is estimated to be from December 1, 2027 through November 30, 2032. If the option ordering period is exercised, the contract end date shall be extended through the end of that option ordering period.

(b) The estimated five-year option period that may be exercised is as follows:

· Option Period I – Ordering Period – December 1, 2032 – November 30, 2037

(c) The notice requirements for unilateral exercise of option periods are set out in FAR 52.217–9.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE F.3 DELIVERY

The services required under each individual task order shall be delivered and received at the destination within the time frame specified in each order.

ARTICLE F.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Place of performance shall be set forth in individual task orders. Alternative work schedules (i.e. remote workplaces) may be included at the task order level.

ARTICLE F.5 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS

In the event the Contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or completion date, or as soon as the Contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the TOCO and the Task Order Contracting Officer Representative (TO COR), in writing. This notification shall give pertinent details, but this data shall be informational only in character; this term shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date, or any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

ARTICLE F.6 NAM 1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES (SEPT 2005)

(a) The following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

Please see Section J - ATTACHMENT*

*There are no programmatic deliverables required at the IDIQ Base Contract level. All deliverables, including their schedules, formats, and submission instructions, will be strictly defined and identified at the individual Task Order level and the Section J – Attachment is reflective of all potential deliverables for each functional area. The only administrative deliverables required at the IDIQ Base Contract level is the establishment and maintenance of the Centralized Email Account per Article H.9." and a Kickoff Meeting for awardees without a Day-a Task Order

END OF SECTION F

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

ARTICLE G.1 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

Accounting and appropriation data for obligations under the contract will be set forth in individual task orders.

ARTICLE G.2 PRIMARY GOVERNMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following subsections describe the roles and responsibilities of individuals and authorized users who will be the primary Points of Contact (POC) for the Government on matters regarding contract administration as well as other administrative information. The Government reserves the right to unilaterally change any of these individual assignments at any time.

ARTICLE G.2.1 GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

ARTICLE G.2.1.1 CAR 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY (APR 2010)

The Contracting Officer (CO) – NCAGSS Contract Level The NCAGSS CO, within the AGO, Satellite and Information Acquisition Division (SIAD), has overall responsibility for administration of NCAGSS. The CO, without right of delegation, is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the CO. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the CO, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

The NCAGSS CO for this contract is:

Name: Jame Chang Address: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Acquisition and Grants Office, Satellite and Information Acquisition Division (SIAD) 1325 East West Highway, SSMC2, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Email: jame.chang@noaa.gov (End of Clause)

ARTICLE G.2.1.2 CAR 1352.201-72 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) (APR 2010)

(a) TBD is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract.

The COR, within the AGO, is responsible for the receipt and acceptance of the contract-level deliverables and reports, and past performance reporting for the NCAGSS contracts. The COR supports the NCAGSS Program Manager and the CO in the general management of the program and provides technical acquisition support to the TO CORs. The COR for NCAGSS is:

TBD

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any Contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE G.2.1.3 Task Order Contracting Officer (TOCO)

Services will be procured via task orders issued by TOCOs within NOAA AGO or other DOC Bureaus in accordance with the ordering procedures set forth in this contract, and Section G of the base contracts. Following completion of training requirements and receipt of delegated ordering authority, all TOCOs must follow the ordering procedures accordingly.

The TOCO responsibilities include:

1. Review SOW/SOO/PWS and ensure task order requirements are within the scope of the NCAGSS contract;

2. Determine the appropriate task order competition approach – sole source (if Fair Opportunity Exception applies), socio-economic set-aside, and the use of Traditional or Multiphase processes;

3. Prepare and submit Form CD-570 – Small Business Set-Aside Review;

4. Confirm the certification level of the COR is appropriate for the dollar value and complexity of the action;

5. Appoint the TO COR;

6. Review Streamlined AP(s);

7. Review IGCE and evaluation criteria;

8. Develop proposal preparation instructions and issue proposal requests to eligible NCAGSS contract holders;

9. Receive and facilitate the evaluation of technical and cost/price proposals;

10. Oversee the procurement process through task order award;

11. Issue/award the task order;

12. Ensure the administration and final closeout of task orders;

13. Ensure the completion of Contractor performance evaluations using the CPARS or another approved agency-specific Contractor performance rating system; and

14. Adhere to the terms and conditions of the NCAGSS contracts, FAR, and other applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.

ARTICLE G.2.1.4 Task Order Contracting Officer’s Representative (TO COR)

TOCOs shall designate CORs for individual task orders who will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of task orders. The TO COR will represent the TOCO in administration of technical details within the scope of the task order. The TO COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all task order deliverables and reports, and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the task order. The TO COR is not otherwise authorized to make any representations or commitments of any kind on behalf of the TOCO or the Government. The TO COR does not have authority to alter the Contractor’s obligations or to change the task order specifications, price, terms, or conditions. If, as a result of technical discussions, it is desirable to modify task order obligations or the specification, changes will be issued in writing and signed by the TOCO.

ARTICLE G.3 CAR 1352.216-76 PLACEMENT OF ORDERS (APR 2010)

(a) The Contractor shall provide goods and/or services under this contract only as directed in Task Orders issued by authorized individuals. In accordance with FAR 16.506, each order will include:

(1) Date of order.

(2) Contract number and order number.

(3) For supplies and services, line-item number, subline item number (if applicable), description, quantity, and unit price or estimated cost and fee (as applicable). The corresponding line-item number and subline item number from the base contract must also be included.

(4) Delivery or performance schedule.

(5) Statement of work that clearly specifies all tasks to be performed or property supplies to be delivered under the order. Performance-based acquisition methods must be used to the maximum extent practicable, if the order is for services.

(6) Place of delivery or performance (including consignee).

(7) Any packaging, packing, and shipping instructions.

(8) Accounting and appropriation data.

(9) Method of payment and payment office, if not specified in the contract (see part 32).

(10) North American Industry Classification System code (see part 19).

(b) In accordance with FAR 52.216-18, Ordering, the following individuals (or activities) are authorized to place orders against this contract:

All warranted DOC and NOAA COs with an approved delegation letter from a NCAGSS CO are considered designated ordering officials for this IDIQ.

(c) If multiple awards have been made, the contact information for the task order ombudsman is the Department of Commerce Director of the Acquisition Policy and Oversight Division, who can be reached at: OAM_Mailbox@doc.gov.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE G.3.1 Ordering Process

All NCAGSS contract holders will be provided a fair opportunity to be considered on task orders, in accordance with FAR 16.507-2, unless exempted in accordance with applicable terms of the FAR.

The TOCO, in consultation with the TO COR or other designated technical representatives, will examine the capabilities of the contract holders in order to determine if a socio-economic category set-aside is appropriate for each order. After completing this examination, the TOCO may limit competition for an order to a socio-economic category, in accordance with FAR 19.504. The TOCO will then solicit proposals from the Contractors within the appropriate socio-economic category, as applicable, or open the competition to all contract holders after review and coordination with the NOAA Small Business Office.

In the event issues pertaining to a proposed task cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the TOCO, the TOCO reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the proposed task. In such an event, the Contractor(s) shall be notified in writing of the TOCO’s decision. This decision is final and conclusive and shall not be subject to the “Disputes” clause or the “Contract Disputes Act.”

If a given task order requires an FCL, Offerors will need to demonstrate that they hold the appropriate FCL level by the closing date of the task order request for proposals.

ARTICLE G.4 EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

Past performance information is relevant for task order source selection purposes. It includes, but is not limited to: the Contractor’s record of conforming to contract requirements and to standards of good workmanship; the Contractor’s adherence to contract schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; execution within cost/price; the Contractor’s history of reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction; and generally, the Contractor’s business-like concern for the interests of the customer.

(a) Purpose – In accordance with FAR 42.1502(d), the Contractor’s performance will be periodically evaluated by the Government in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), in order to provide current information for source selection purposes. These evaluations will therefore be marked “Source Selection Information.” CPARS will be completed for the IDIQ contract, and may be completed for task orders when determined useful for source selection purposes.

(b) Performance Evaluation Period – The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated at least annually. CPARS is a web-enabled tool to evaluate the Contractor’s performance and for the Government and Contractor to review, comment on, and approve evaluations.

(c) Performance Evaluation Factors – The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated in accordance with the factors identified within the contract requirement.

(d) Contractor Review – A copy of the evaluation will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor shall submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional information to the reviewing official within 30 calendar days after receipt of the evaluation. The tool can be accessed at https://www.cpars.gov/. Comments, if any, shall be retained as part of the evaluation record. The completed evaluation shall not be released to other than Government personnel.

(e) Resolving Disagreements between the Government and the Contractor – Disagreements between the parties regarding the evaluation will be reviewed at a level above the Contracting Officer. The ultimate conclusion on the performance evaluation is a decision of the contracting agency. Copies of the evaluation, Contractor’s response, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the evaluation.

(f) Release of Contractor Performance Evaluation Information – The completed evaluation will be available to Government source selection personnel through the CPARS. Disclosure of such information outside the Government could cause harm both to the commercial interest of the Government and to the competitive position of the Contractor being evaluated as well as impede the efficiency of Government operations.

(g) Retention Period – The agency will retain past performance information for a maximum period of three years after completion of contract performance for the purpose of providing source selection information for future awards.

ARTICLE G.5 CAR 1352.245-70 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (APR 2010)

The Government will specify any Government property provided to the Contractor in specific task orders. The Contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with provisions of the “Government Property” clause included in this contract to include:

Item No.

Description Quantity Delivery Date Property/Tag Number (if applicable)

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE G.6 ON- AND OFF-RAMPING

Open Season (On-Ramping) The Contracting Officer will periodically review the total number of Contractors to ensure adequate competition for task orders throughout the period of performance for each SOW Element. Over time, the total number of Contractors may fluctuate due to various reasons including industry consolidation, significant changes in the marketplace or advances in technology, general economic conditions, or other reasons.

If the Contracting Officer determines that it is in the best interest of the Government to open the IDIQ to new Contractors, the Contracting Officer has the discretion to announce an open season at any time during the ordering period of the IDIQ. The Contracting Officer may limit onboarding to one or more SOW Elements and may limit onboarding to either restricted or unrestricted pools.

The Contracting Officer will announce this open season by publishing a notice in the contracting opportunities section of sam.gov. The open season will be subject to applicable contemporaneous federal procurement laws and guidance, provide an estimate of the number of new awards that the Contracting Officer intends to make, and a new solicitation will be issued during this time. The evaluation criteria, instructions, and other solicitation content of the on-ramp solicitation may differ from the original solicitation based on the needs of the Government at that time. Clauses, terms, conditions, and other requirements may also differ from the original solicitation.

Any contracts awarded under this section will not exceed the remaining period of performance of the existing IDIQ. A ceiling value of $1,239,115,627 per contract award will apply but the ceiling value for the NCAGSS program will remain capped at $1,239,115,627.

Any Offeror receiving a contract under this open season will be eligible to compete on future task orders with the same rights and obligations of any other Contractor subject to the terms and conditions of the IDIQ and applicable regulations. The Government reserves the right to not proceed with any on-ramp during the life of the IDIQ contract.

ARTICLE G.7 INTERRELATIONSHIPS OF CONTRACTORS

NOAA and/or other Government agencies may have entered into contractual agreements in order to provide professional services requirements separate from the work to be performed under this contract. Further, NOAA and/or other Government agencies may extend these existing agreements or enter into new agreements. The Contractor may be required to coordinate with other such Contractor(s) through the cognizant CO and/or designated representative in providing suitable, non-conflicting technical and/or management interfaces and in avoidance of duplication of effort.

ARTICLE G.8 AUTHORIZATION OF GOVERNMENT PAID TRAVEL

Travel may be necessary in order to accomplish certain task orders issued under NCAGSS. Travel must be deemed necessary and authorized by the TO COR prior to the date of travel in order to be paid for by the Government. Only in exceptional circumstances will travel be reimbursed at more than applicable rates cited in the Federal Travel Regulations, prescribed by the General Services Administration, for travel in the United States or the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas), Section 925, “Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas,” prescribed by the Department of State, for travel in areas not covered above.

ARTICLE G.9 TASK ORDER PHASE-OUT

Upon expiration of a NCAGSS task order, the incumbent shall work with the successor, at the request of the Government, for a period of up to 90 days after award of the new task order to ensure an orderly transition from incumbent to successor Contractor without interruption to or loss of proficiency of services, unless otherwise outlined in the task order.

Phase-out services shall include the training of any successor Contractor by the incumbent NCAGSS Contractor. The orderly transfer of work from the incumbent to the successor shall be addressed during the phase-out period. The incumbent NCAGSS Contractor bears the ultimate responsibility for performance under its respective contract and of all required task order services during the phase-out period.

END OF SECTION G

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

ARTICLE H.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Full text can be accessed electronically at the following internet addresses: https://www.acquisition.gov/

CAR 1352.237-73

Foreign National Visitor And Guest Access To Departmental Resources (April 2010)

ARTICLE H.2 STANDARD OF CONDUCT AT GOVERNMENT FACILITIES

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance, attendance, accessibility, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to its employees as necessary.

ARTICLE H.3 ADVERTISEMENTS, PUBLICIZING AWARDS AND NEWS RELEASES

Under no circumstances shall the Contractor, or anyone acting on behalf of the Contractor, refer to the supplies, services, or equipment furnished pursuant to the provisions of NCAGSS in any publicity/news release or commercial advertising without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the NCAGSS CO. This restriction does not apply to marketing materials developed for presentations to potential Government customers of the NCAGSS Program.

ARTICLE H.4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES’ IDENTIFICATION

During the period of NCAGSS, the rights of ingress and egress to and from any Government office for Contractor’s personnel shall be made available, as deemed necessary by the Government. All Contractor employees must identify themselves as Contractors in all communications.

Furthermore, all Contractor employees, whose duties under this contract require their presence at any Government facility, shall be clearly identifiable by a distinctive badge furnished by the Government.

The process involves the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or designee to initiate the request in the Contractor Verification System. The COR provides the requirements to the contractor who fills out an application, submits required documentation to initiate a background investigation, and fingerprints. All on-site Contractor personnel shall abide by security regulations applicable to that site.

In addition, corporate identification badges may be worn on the outer garment. Obtaining the corporate identification badge is the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

Upon the termination of employment of any Contractor personnel, all prescribed information shall immediately be delivered to the appropriate Government Security Office for cancellation or disposition.

ARTICLE H.5 NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER T&M AND COST REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS

Contractor notification requirements for FAR 52.232-20(b) Limitation of Cost and FAR 52.232-22(c) Limitation of Funds for cost-reimbursement task orders, FAR 52.232-7(d) Payments Under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts for T&M and labor-hour task orders, and NAM 1330-52.232-70, Limitations of Funds on Time-and-Material and Labor-Hour Contracts, shall be accomplished only by separate correspondence directed to the TOCO with copies to the TO COR. No other form of “notification” (e.g., mention in any type of monthly progress or status report) will affect compliance. Further, notification to any individual other than the TOCO shall not constitute compliance with this requirement.

ARTICLE H.6 OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS AND EXCUSED ABSENCE

(a) The Government hereby provides notification that Government personnel observe the listed days as holidays:

(6) Independence Day

(b) In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

(1) Any other day designated by Federal Statute;

(2) Any other day designated by Executive Order; and

(3) Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation

(c) It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement to compensation except as set forth within the contract. In the event the Contractor’s personnel are authorized by the Government to work during the holiday at a Government site, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked. This provision does not preclude reimbursement for authorized overtime work if applicable to this contract.

(e) If Government personnel are furloughed, the Contractor shall contact the TOCO or the TO COR to receive direction. Generally, the following situations apply:

(1) Contractor personnel that are able to continue contract performance (either on-site or at a site other than their normal work station), shall continue to work and the contract price shall not be reduced or increased.

(2) Contractor personnel that are not able to continue contract performance (e.g., support functions), may be asked to cease their work effort.

(f) In those situations that Government personnel are furloughed, the Contractor may not invoice for their employees working during the Government furlough, until funds are made available through an appropriation or continuing resolution.

(g) Nothing in this clause abrogates the rights and responsibilities of the parties relating to stop work provisions as cited in other sections of this contract.

ARTICLE H.7 ON-LINE PROPOSAL AND ORDERING CAPABILITY

In the future, NOAA may establish an internet portal for the purpose of electronic and paperless task order processing. The Contractor will be required to support the electronic information requirements of the portal at no additional cost. The processing procedures and information requirements will be incorporated into the contract at the time such capability is implemented.

ARTICLE H.8 CAR 1352.242-70 POST AWARD CONFERENCE

A postaward conference with the successful Offerors will be required. The Contracting Officer will contact all awardees within 20 days of contract award to arrange the conference. The purpose of the post award conference is to aid both the Contractor and the Government in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and identify and resolve potential problems.

The CO is responsible for establishing the time and place of the conference and will notify the appropriate Government representatives and the Contractors. The conference may be conducted (1) virtually, (2) at a location within the Washington, D.C. commuting area at the Government’s discretion or (3) regionally to facilitate Contractor attendance.

At the time of award for the IDIQ, Awardees will receive their first task order containing the minimum guarantee amount of $250, which may be invoiced after the post award conference.

The Government will not reimburse Contractors for post award conference travel or expenses beyond that amount.

The Contractor shall attend post award conferences on task orders as required. The task order post award conferences will establish work level points of contact for the task order, as well as determine the task order administration strategy, roles and responsibilities; and ensure prompt payment and task order closeout.

(End of clause)

ARTICLE H.9 CENTRALIZED EMAIL ACCOUNT

The Contractor must establish, monitor, and maintain a NCAGSS electronic mailbox for receipt of communications relating to the NCAGSS IDIQ from Master Contract award through Master Contract closeout. This mailbox must be maintained and monitored as it is an acceptable forum for providing fair opportunity to be considered on task order requests.

The electronic mailbox name must include “NCAGSS@”, e.g.NCAGSS@xyzcorp.com. The only characters prior to the “@” will be “NCAGSS”.

The Contractor will provide the email address to NCAGSS@noaa.gov within 15 days after the receipt of award.

ARTICLE H.10 CAR 1352.209-71 LIMITATION OF FUTURE CONTRACTING (APR 2010)

(a) The following restrictions and definitions apply to prevent conflicting roles, which may bias the Contractor's judgment or objectivity, or to preclude the Contractor from obtaining an unfair competitive advantage in concurrent or future acquisitions.

(1) Descriptions or definitions:

(i) “Contractor” means the business entity receiving the award of this contract, its parents, affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, and successors in interest.

(ii) “Development” means all efforts towards the solution of broadly defined problems. This may encompass research, evaluating technical feasibility, proof of design and test, or engineering of programs not yet approved for acquisition or operation.

(iii) “Proprietary Information” means all information designated as proprietary in accordance with law and regulation, and held in confidence or disclosed under restriction to prevent uncontrolled distribution. Examples include limited or restricted data, trade secrets, sensitive financial information, and computer software; and may appear in cost and pricing data or involve classified information.

(iv) “System” means the system that is the subject of this contract.

(v) “System Life” means all phases of the system's development, production, or support.

(vi) “Systems Engineering” means preparing specifications, identifying and resolving interface problems, developing test requirements, evaluating test data, and supervising design.

(vii) “Technical Direction” means developing work statements, determining parameters, directing other Contractors' operations, or resolving technical controversies.

(2) Restrictions: The Contractor shall perform systems engineering and/or technical direction, but will not have overall contractual responsibility for the system's development, integration, assembly and checkout, or production. The parties recognize that the Contractor shall occupy a highly influential and responsible position in determining the system's basic concepts and supervising their execution by other Contractors.

The Contractor's judgment and recommendations must be objective, impartial, and independent. To avoid the prospect of the Contractor's judgment or recommendations being influenced by its own products or capabilities, it is agreed that the Contractor is precluded for the life of the system from award of a DOC contract to supply the system or any of its major components, and from acting as a Subcontractor or consultant to a DOC supplier for the system or any of its major components.

ALTERNATE III (APR 2010)

(b) The Contractor may gain access to proprietary information of other companies during contract performance. The Contractor agrees to enter into company-to-company agreements to protect another company's information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it is considered proprietary by the other company, and to refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. For information purposes, the Contractor shall furnish copies of these agreements to the Contracting Officer. These agreements are not intended to protect information which is available to the Government or to the Contractor from other sources and information furnished voluntarily without restriction.

ALTERNATE IV (APR 2010)

(c) The Contractor agrees to accept and to complete all issued task orders, and to not contract with Government prime Contractors or first-tier Subcontractors in such a way as to create an organizational conflict of interest.

ALTERNATE VI (APR 2010)

(d) The above restrictions shall be included in all subcontracts, teaming arrangements, and other agreements calling for performance of work which is subject to the organizational conflict of interest restrictions identified in this clause, unless excused in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE H.11 NAM 1330-52.237-70 CONTRACTOR COMMUNICATIONS

(a) A Contractor employee shall be identified both by the individual’s name and the Contractor’s name when:

1. Included in NOAA’s locator, and

2. When submitting any type of electronic correspondence to any NOAA employee or stakeholder.

(b) Any written correspondence from a Contractor or any Contractor employee shall be printed on company/organization letterhead or otherwise clearly identify the sender as an employee of the company or organization and shall identify the contract number.

(c) Contractors and/or Contractor employees shall clearly identify themselves as such in any verbal communications, whether in informal discussion or a formal meeting.

ARTICLE H.12 CAR 1352.228-70 INSURANCE COVERAGE (APR 2010)

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 shall be required, except in states with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General liability.

(1) The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on the comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(2) When special circumstances apply in accordance with FAR 28.307-2(b), Property Damage Liability Insurance shall be required in the amount of $[To be completed on a task order basis as applicable].

(c) Automobile liability. The Contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on the comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage.

(d) Aircraft public and passenger liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger liability, and $200,000 per occurrence for property damage. Coverage for passenger liability bodily injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

(e) Vessel liability. When contract performance involves use of vessels, the Contractor shall provide, vessel collision liability and protection and indemnity liability insurance as determined by the Government.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE H.13 TASK ORDER KEY PERSONNEL

If the Government determines that key personnel are essential for successful completion of a task order, they will be designated as "Task Order Key Personnel" in the request for offer.

If key personnel are required at the task order level, CAR 1352.237-75 Key Personnel will be included in the task order. from a Contractor.

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE H.14 NAM 1330-52.237-71 NOAA GOVERNMENT-CONTRACTOR RELATIONS – NON-PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT (SEPT 2017)

(a) The…