RFQ_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation.DOC

THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6, AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; QUOTES ARE BEING REQUESTED AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE ISSUED. This synopsis/solicitation NCNS3000-19-00765 constitutes a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-101.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a requirement for Janitorial Services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Wage Determination. The period of performance is September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020 for the base year and includes three (3) option years.

The Government will award a firm fixed price contract based on the lowest priced technically acceptable quote.

This RFQ is 100% set aside for small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 561720, Janitorial Services with a business size standard of $18M.

Please see the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) for full details. Additionally, each offeror must provide the following information with the quote:

1. The Request for Quote (RFQ) number;

2. The Name, Address, Telephone Number, and DUNS Number of the Offeror;

3. Include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the RFQ. Quotes that reject the terms and conditions of the RFQ may be excluded from consideration;

4. Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments (SF-30), if any, and;

5. A completed copy of the representations at FAR 52.209-11 and representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3, if applicable.

6. Provide a technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary. This must be in a separate document from all pricing information.

All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Quotes must be submitted via electronic means (e-mail) by 11:00 A.M. Eastern on April 26, 2019; any award resulting from this RFQ will be made based on the lowest price technically acceptable. Quotes must be submitted electronically via e-mail to Nicole.Frie@noaa.gov

All questions must be submitted in writing to Nicole.Frie@noaa.gov by 11:00 A.M. Eastern on April 24, 2019. Telephone inquiries will not be honored. The anticipated award date is on or about May 15, 2019. Contractors are encouraged to register with the FedBizOpps Vendor Notification Service as well as the Interested Vendors List for this acquisition (see applicable tab within FedBizOpps where this synopsis/solicitation is posted). 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/.

CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2019)

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

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

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(4) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31U.S.C.3553).

(5) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C.4704 and 10 U.S.C.2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

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

XX (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

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

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

XX (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Oct 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

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

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C.657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-3.

__ (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2011) of 52.219-4.

__ (13) [Reserved]

XX (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C.644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011).

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011).

__ (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.

__ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4))

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.219-9.

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

__ (iv) Alternate III (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Aug 2018) of 52.219-9

__ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C.637(a)(14)).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

XX (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Dec2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

XX (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O.11755).

__ (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2018) (E.O.13126).

XX (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

XX (28)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O.11246).

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

__ (29)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (i) Alternate I (July 2014) of 52.222-35.

XX (30)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C.793).

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

__ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

XX (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Jan 2019) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

__ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

__ (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

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

__ (36) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (37) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (38)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

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

__ (39)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

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

__ (40) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (Dec 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

__ (41)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

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

XX (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) (E.O. 13513).

__ (43) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (44) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (45)(i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

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

__ (46) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (May 2014) (41 U.S.C.chapter 83).

__ (47)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

__ (iii) Alternate II (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

__ (48) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Aug 2016) (19 U.S.C.2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

XX (49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (50) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

__ (51) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (52) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (53) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C.4505, 10 U.S.C.2307(f)).

__ (54) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan2017) (41 U.S.C.4505, 10 U.S.C.2307(f)).

XX (55) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (56) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C.3332).

__ (57) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C.3332).

__ (58) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (59) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(12)).

__ (60)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C.Appx.1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

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

__ (iii) Alternate II (Feb 2006) of 52.247-64.

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

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

___ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014)(E.O. 13495).

XX (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

XX (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

XX (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C.chapter 67).

__ (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C.chapter 67).

__ (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C.chapter 67).

XX (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).

XX (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) (E.O. 13706).

__ (10) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

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

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

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

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

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

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

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

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C.637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $700,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(v) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17.

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

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

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015) (38 U.S.C.4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C.793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C.4212)

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

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii)(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Jan 2019) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar2015) of 52.222-50(22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May2014) (41 U.S.C.chapter 67).

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

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) (E.O. 13706).

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

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

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preferencefor Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx.1241(b) and 10 U.S.C.2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause52.247-64.

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

(End of clause)

FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within ONE (1) DAY.

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within ONE (1) DAYS; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least ONE (1) DAY before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

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

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

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.252-2, CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: www.acquisition.gov The following contract clauses are incorporated by reference:

FAR 52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Contracts (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.232-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (JUN 2013)

FAR 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (DEC 2013)

FAR 52.247-34, F.o.b. Destination (NOV 1991)

FAR 52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG. 1996)

CAR 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73 Compliance with the Laws (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74 Organizational Conflict of Interest (APR 2010)

CAR 1330-52.203-70 SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY AND RESEARCH MISCONDUCT (OCT 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this this solicitation and contract language – Scientific activities mean activities that involve inventorying, monitoring, observations, experimentation, study, research, integration, modeling, and scientific assessment.

Scientific integrity means the condition resulting from adherence to professional values and practices when conducting and applying the results of science that ensures objectivity, clarity, and reproducibility, and that provides insulation from bias, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, interference, censorship, and inadequate procedural and information security.

Presentation of scientific activities results includes the analysis, synthesis, compilation, or translation of scientific information and data into formats for the use of the Department of Commerce or the United States of America.

Scientific and Research Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing scientific and research activities, or in the products or reporting of the results of these activities. It specifically includes intentional circumvention of the integrity of the scientific and research process and actions that compromise that process, but does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Investigation is formal collection and evaluation of information and facts to determine if scientific or research misconduct can be established, to assess its extent and consequences, and to recommend appropriate action.

(b) General Guidelines

Maintaining Integrity. The contractor shall maintain the scientific integrity of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the prevention, detection, and remediation of research misconduct, and the conduct of inquiries, investigations and adjudication of allegations of research misconduct.

In performing or presenting the results of scientific activities under the contract, and in responding to allegations of scientific and research misconduct, the contractor shall comply with the provisions herein and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-735D, Scientific Integrity, and its Procedural Handbook, including any amendments thereto.

Primary Responsibility. The contractor shall have the primary responsibility to prevent, detect, and investigate allegations of scientific and research misconduct. Unless otherwise instructed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall promptly conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of such misconduct and may rely on its internal policies and procedures, as appropriate, to do so.

By executing this contract, the contractor provides its assurance that it has established an administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigating, and reporting allegations of scientific and research misconduct; and that it will comply with its own administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigation and reporting of such misconduct.

The contractor shall insert the substance of this requirement in subcontracts at all tiers that involve research being performed under this contract.

(c) Investigating Misconduct Research

Initiating Investigation. If the contractor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, it shall notify the contracting officer and, unless otherwise instructed, the contractor shall:

Promptly conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding of scientific and research misconduct and an identification of appropriate remedies or a determination that no further action is warranted.

If the investigation leads to a finding of scientific and research misconduct, obtain adjudication by a neutral third party adjudicator. The adjudication must include a review of the investigative record and, as warranted, a determination of appropriate corrective actions and sanctions.

Finalizing Investigation. When the investigation is complete, the contractor shall forward to the contracting officer a copy of the evidentiary record, the investigative report, any recommendations made to the Contractor’s adjudicating official, the adjudicating official’s decision and notification of any corrective action taken or planned, and the subject’s written response (if any).

(d) Findings and Corrective Actions

If the contractor finds that scientific and research misconduct has occurred, it shall assess the seriousness of the misconduct and its impact on the research completed or in process and shall:

Take all necessary corrective actions, which includes, but are not limited to, correcting the research record, and, as appropriate, imposing restrictions, controls, or other parameters on research in process or to be conducted in the future, and

Coordinate remedial action with the contracting officer.

(e) Department of Commerce Actions

The Department of Commerce may accept the Contractor’s findings or proceed with its own investigation, in which case the contractor shall fully cooperate with the investigation. The contracting officer will inform the contractor of the Department’s final determination.

The Department of Commerce reserves the right to pursue such remedies and other actions as it deems appropriate, consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract and applicable laws and regulations. Such remedies and actions may include, but are not limited to, disallowance of costs, recoupment of contract payments, and suspension or debarment.

(End of Clause)

NAM 1330-52.222-70 NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE POLICY (MAY 2018)

In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-1106, NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy, it is the policy of NOAA to maintain a work environment free from sexual assault and sexual harassment. NOAA prohibits sexual assault and sexual harassment by or of any employee, supervisor, manager, contractor, vendor, affiliate, or other individual with whom NOAA employees come into contact by the virtue of their work for NOAA.

(a) Definitions.

Contractor Employees - The term “contractor employees,” as used in this solicitation and contract language, refers to employees of the prime contractor or its subcontractors, affiliates, consultants, or team members.

Sexual Assault - The term sexual assault, as used in this solicitation and contract language, means any conduct proscribed by state or federal sexual abuse laws, including, but not limited to, those defined in chapter 109A of title 18 of the U.S. Code (sexual abuse), and assaults committed both by offenders who are strangers to the victim and by offenders who are known or related by blood or marriage to the victim.

Sexual Harassment - As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following are true:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual's employment;

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;

• The conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The main characteristics of sexual harassment are that the harasser's conduct is targeted against the recipient’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and is unwelcome to the recipient. It may include, but is not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, undue attention, physical assaults or threats, unwelcome touching or contact, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, constant or unwelcome questions about an individual's identity, and offensive objects or pictures.

(b) Requirements.

1. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that contractor employees maintain the highest degree of conduct and standards in performance of the contract. In support of this, NOAA urges its contractors to develop and enforce comprehensive company policy addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment.

2. The contractor shall include wording substantially the same as this solicitation and contract language in every subcontract so that it is binding upon each subcontractor.

3. If a contractor employee observes or is the object of sexual assault or sexual harassment, he or she is highly encouraged to report the matter, as soon as possible, to their immediate supervisor, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), subset of the COR (e.g. Task Manager or Assistant COR), or contracting officer (CO) if a COR is not assigned to the contract. The contract employee may also contact the NOAA Civil Rights Office to obtain guidance on reporting instances of sexual assault or sexual harassment. If deemed necessary, the contractor employee may also report such instances to local law enforcement. In the case where the incident occurs while performing at a remote location, such as at sea or in the field (at a field camp or other isolated location) where the above referenced individuals are unavailable, the contractor employee should follow the reporting procedure set forth in NAO 202-1106, Section 6, .07, Reporting from Remote Locations. i. Swift reporting allows NOAA and the contractor to take the appropriate measures to ensure that offensive behavior stops and the complainants’ needs are addressed. ii. The COR (if assigned), CO, and contractor, where applicable, will work together to ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, contract terms and conditions, and the contractor’s written policy (where applicable).

4. The contractor shall provide all contractor employees assigned to perform under this contract with mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training in compliance with the requirements of NAO 202-1106, Section 5, Prevention Training and Awareness, as part of their initial in-processing and on an annual basis thereafter. The initial training shall be completed within ____ business days [30 unless a different number is inserted] of contract award or the date a contractor employee is assigned to perform under the contract, as applicable. Evidence of initial training by name and date completed for each contractor employee, shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) within 10 business days of completion. Evidence of annual training by name and date completed for each contractor employee shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) no later than March 1st of each calendar year of contract performance.

i. The mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment training provided by the contractor shall include the required elements set forth by NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager. A link to the website including the required elements of the training is provided at: http://www.ago.noaa.gov/quicklinks/harassment_training.html. The website will also provide training materials and resources to assist the contractor in conducting the training. The contractor may provide training that solely addresses the NOAA required elements or may supplement existing company sexual assault and sexual harassment training in a manner that ensures all of the elements are adequately addressed.

ii. The required elements of the training and resources available to the contractor for the training may be updated by NOAA periodically. The contractor is responsible for monitoring the website and incorporating any changes to the NOAA required elements into the contractor provided training. iii. NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager, COR, or CO may periodically review the contractor’s training outline to ensure all required elements are included and, if necessary, any appropriate adjustments are made to the training by the contractor. iv. Contractor employees performing on assignments in a remote location, such as at a field camp or other isolated locations, are subject to receiving the same briefing on the parameters of the order provided to NOAA employees as set forth in Section 6 of NAO 202-1106.

5. The contractor shall provide a copy of this solicitation and contract language and NAO 202-1106 to contractor employees.

(c) Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Helpline.

For NOAA employees, affiliates, and contractors who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, NOAA has established the NOAA Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) helpline. This helpline is designed to provide crisis intervention, referrals, and emotional support to those who are victims and/or survivors of sexual harassment or sexual assault within the workplace. Contractor employees may use the helpline to receive live, confidential, one-on-one support in an occurrence of sexual harassment or assault by a Federal Government employee. All services are anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The NOAA SASH helpline is accessible through a variety of channels, including:

● Phone: 1-866-288-6558 ● Website & Online Chat: http://NOAASASHHelpline.org ● Mobile App: NOAA SASH Helpline (available via iOS and Android App Stores) ● Text: (202) 335-0265

(d) Confidentiality.

Any party receiving information from the filing of a complaint alleging sexual assault or sexual harassment, or while performing an investigation into such a complaint, shall keep the information confidential. “Confidentiality” means that the information shall only be shared with others who have a need to know the information to conduct their official duties.

(e) Remedies.

In addition to other remedies available to the Government, contractor employee violations of Federal requirements (e.g., law, statutes, executive orders, code, rules, regulations) applicable to sexual assault and sexual harassment and/or failure to complete the mandatory training set forth in this solicitation and contract language, may result in:

1. Requiring the Contractor to remove a contractor employee or employees from the performance of the contract; 2. Requiring the Contractor to terminate a subcontract; 3. Suspension of contract payments until the Contractor has taken appropriate remedial action; 4. Termination of the contract for default or cause, in accordance with the termination clause of this contract; 5. Suspension or debarment; or 6. Other appropriate action.

(End of Solicitation and Contract language) CAR 1352.233-70 Agency Protests (APR 2010)

(a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) The contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 FR 16,651 (April 6, 1999).

(b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: Margaret Rankin, 200 Granby Street, 8th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.

(c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, DOC Senior Procurement Executive, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW, Ste. 6422, Washington, DC 20230.

(d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority.

(e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel, Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests (APR 2010)

(a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed.

(b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.

(c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel, Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893, Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FAX: (202) 482–5858.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER´s AUTHORITY (APR 2010) (Reference)

CAR 1352.209-73 COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS (APR 2010) (Reference)

CAR 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020. If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

(b) The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

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

(End of Clause)

CAR 1352.209-74 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APR 2010) (Reference)

NAM 133052.23770 CONTRACTOR COMMUNICATIONS (NO DATE)

(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.

(End of clause)

NAM 1330-52.242- 70 INVOICES

(a) The Contractor shall prepare and submit an invoice to the COR for approval with a copy to the contracting officer for information. All invoices shall be submitted (via electronic copy) by the 10th day of the subsequent month.

(b) Payment will be based on receipt of a proper invoice and satisfactory contract performance and guidelines in FAR 32.9, Prompt Payment. To constitute a proper invoice, the contractor’s invoice shall be prepared in accordance with, and contain all elements specified in FAR 52.212-4(g), “Invoices”.

(c) Original invoices shall be mailed (via electronic copy) to the designated billing office as follows:

Email: Karen.Laskowski@noaa.gov

A copy of all invoices shall be emailed to the contract administration office as follows:

NOAA/Eastern Acquisition Division

Attn: Nicole Frie

200 Granby St. Ste. 815

Norfolk, VA 23510-1811

Email: Nicole.Frie@noaa.gov The designated payment office for this contract is:

NOAA--Eastern Finance Branch

NOAA Finance Office, AOD

20020 Century Blvd.

Germantown, MD 20874-1178

(d) The Contractor will submit invoices to the Contract Officer’s Representative stating the hours worked, the task and/or equipment purchases made. A final invoice should be submitted with the final report, and will be paid when the final report and all tasks are reviewed and deemed to be complete by the Agency.

(e) The Government will return invoices that do not comply with these requirements. If the invoice does not comply with FAR 52.212-4(g), “Invoices”, the COR will return it to contractor within seven days after the date the designated office received the invoice along with a statement as to the reasons why it is not a proper invoice.

(End of Clause)

NAM 1330-52.243-70 REQUESTS FOR EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENT (OCT 2017)

(a) The amount of any request for equitable adjustment to contract terms shall accurately reflect the contract adjustment for which the contractor believes the Government is liable. The request shall include only costs for performing the change. All indirect costs included in the request shall be properly allocable to the change in accordance with applicable acquisition regulations.

(b) Any request for equitable adjustment to contract terms that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold shall bear, at the time of submission, the following certificate executed by an individual authorized to certify the request on behalf of the Contractor:

I certify that the request is made in good faith, and that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Official’s Name)

(Title)

(c) The certification in paragraph (b) of this clause requires full disclosure of all relevant facts, including:

1. Certified cost or pricing data, if required, in accordance with subsection 15.403-4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); and

2. Data other than certified cost or pricing data, in accordance with subsection 15.403-3 of the FAR, including actual cost data and data to support any estimated costs, even if certified cost or pricing data are not required.

(d) The certification requirement in paragraph (b) of this clause does not apply to:

1. Requests for routine contract payments; for example, requests for payment for accepted supplies and services, routine vouchers under a cost-reimbursement type contract, or progress payment invoices; or

2. Final adjustments under an incentive provision of the contract.

(End of Solicitation and Contract language)

NAM 133052.270304 NOAA ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE OMBUDSMAN (OCT 2016)

(a) The NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Ombudsman is available to organizations to promote responsible and meaningful exchanges of information. Generally, the purpose of these exchanges will be to:

(1) Allow contractors to better prepare for and propose on business opportunities.

(2) Advise as to technologies and solutions within the marketplace that the Government may not be aware of, or is not fully benefiting from.

(3) Identify constraints in transparency and process.

(b) The AGO Ombudsman will objectively, reasonably, and responsibly collaborate with parties and recommend fair, impartial, and constructive solutions to the matters presented to him/her. Further, the AGO Ombudsman will maintain the reasonable and responsible confidentiality of the source of a concern, when such a request has been formally made by an authorized officer of an organization seeking to do business with, or already doing business with NOAA.

(c) Before consulting with the AGO Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations with the respective contracting officer for resolution. However, direct access to the AGO Ombudsman may be sought when an interested party questions the objectivity or equity of a contracting officer’s decision, or when there is a bona fide reason to believe that reasonable, responsible, and objective consideration will not be received from an assigned contracting officer.

(d) There are several constraints to the scope of the AGO Ombudsman’s authority, for instance:

(1) Consulting with the AGO Ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines of any formal process (e.g., protests, claims, debriefings, employee employer actions, activities involving A76 competition performance decisions, judicial or congressional hearings, or proposal, amendment, modification or deliverable due dates, etc.).

(2) The AGO Ombudsman cannot participate in the evaluation of proposals, source selection processes, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.

(3) The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to generate or alter laws, judicial decisions, rules, policies, or formal guidance.

(4) The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to develop or alter opportunity announcements, solicitations, contracts, or their terms or conditions.

(5) The AGO Ombudsman cannot overrule the authorized decisions or determinations of the contracting officer.

(6) The AGO Ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds AGO, NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Government.

(7) The AGO Ombudsman is not NOAA’s agent relative to the service of magistrate or judicial process and cannot be used to extend service of process to another party (whether federal, public, or a private entity).

(e) After review and analysis of a filed concern or recommendation, the AGO Ombudsman may refer the interested party to another more suitable federal official for consideration. Moreover, concerns, disagreements, and/or recommendations that cannot be resolved by the AGO Ombudsman will need to be pursued through more formal venues.

(f) The AGO Ombudsman is not to be contacted to request copies of forms and/or documents under the purview of a contracting officer. Such documents include Requests for Information, solicitations, amendments, contracts, modifications, or conference materials.

(g) Questions regarding this solicitation and contract language shall be directed to Rafael Roman, NOAA AGO Ombudsman, at Rafael.Roman@noaa.gov.

(End of clause)