News Clipping Service- 05GA0A22Q0016- RFQ- Final.pdf

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Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 1 of 35

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

GAO2210300002

PAGE 1 OF

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

05GA0A22Q0016

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

02/09/2022

7. FOR SOLICITATION INFORMATION

CALL:

a. NAME

HILL, LAVONNE Y

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls) 202-512-6125

8. OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL

TIME

03/11/2022

14:00 ET

CODE 05GA0A

HILL, LAVONNE Y

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

441 G STREET, N.W.

ROOM 7N14U

ATTENTION:

WASHINGTON, DC 20548

9. ISSUED BY X UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

10. THE ACQUISITION IS

SEE

SCHEDULE

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED 0 Days: 0.00 %

0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 %

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS

RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS

(15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

X RFQ IFB RFP

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE 05GA0A16. ADMINISTERED BY

HILL, LAVONNE Y

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

441 G STREET, N.W.

ROOM 7N14U

ATTENTION:

WASHINGTON, DC 20548

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

Telephone No.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

05GA0ACODE18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

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

OFFER X SEE ADDENDUM

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

CHECKED

19. ITEM NO. 20. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

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

21. QUANTITY 22. UNIT 23. UNIT PRICE 24. AMOUNT

Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the News Clipping Service.

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

GAO-2022-0107A22DA0-1026LAA000-B03030400-25710-987245-2022

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

X 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA X ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

X 28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 1 COPIES TO

ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH

OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _____________________________ OFFER

DATED _________________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5)

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN,

IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) La Vonne Y. Hill

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

02/09/2022

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 2 of 35

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

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

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

PARTIAL FINAL

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

CORRECT FOR

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

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

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012) BACK

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 3 of 35

Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

1 Continuation Sheet 1 Submission of Quotations 2 Statement Of Work- News Clipping Service 3 Contract Administration 4 Instructions to Vendors 5 Evaluation Criteria

2 Contract Clauses 4 Solicitation Provisions

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 4 of 35

Section 1 - Continuation Sheet

Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the News Clipping Service.

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

1 Service

Firm Fixed Price

PSC: R422

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:03/21/2022 - 03/20/2023

Description:Base Year-News Clippings Service.

Reference Line:GAO2210300002 - 0001

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Base Base Line Number: 1

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

101 Service

Firm Fixed Price

PSC: R422

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:03/21/2023 - 03/20/2024

Description:Option Year 1-News Clippings Service

Reference Line:GAO2210300002 - 0101

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Base Line Number: 1 Option Period: 1

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

201 Service

Firm Fixed Price

PSC: R422

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:03/21/2024 - 03/20/2025

Description:Option Year 2-News Clippings Service.

Reference Line:GAO2210300002 - 0201

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Base Line Number: 1 Option Period: 2

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

301 Service

Firm Fixed Price

PSC: R422

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:03/21/2025 - 03/20/2026

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 5 of 35

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

Description:Option Year 3-News Clippings Service.

Option Yr 3-News Clippings Service.

Reference Line:GAO2210300002 - 0301

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Base Line Number: 1 Option Period: 3

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

401 Service

Firm Fixed Price

PSC: R422

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:03/21/2026 - 03/20/2027

Description:Option Year 4-News Clippings Service

Reference Line:GAO2210300002 - 0401

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Base Line Number: 1 Option Period: 4

Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the News Clipping Service.

1 Submission of Quotations

Basis for Award: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation. The Government will award a contract from this Request for Quotations (RFQ) to the responsible vendor whose quotation conforming to the RFQ will be most advantageous to the Government based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method.

The applicable NAICS for this contract is 519190.

Submit signed and dated quotations, at or before the exact time specified in this RFQ.

All Vendors who submit quotations must be registered in www.beta.sam.gov, to be considered for award.

Questions must be submitted in writing and only via email to LaVonne Y. Hill at hillL@gao.gov and Traenesha L. Jones at jonest3@gao.gov. Written questions must be submitted no later than February 16, 2022 at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.

All quotations should be submitted to LaVonne Y. Hill at hillL@gao.gov and Traenesha L. Jones at jonest3@gao.gov. The date and time for receipt of quotations is no later than March 11, 2022, at 2:00PM Eastern Standard Time.

As a minimum, Vendors must show—

(1) The RFQ number;

(2) The time specified in the RFQ for receipt of quotations;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the Vendor;

(4) Acknowledgment of RFQ Amendments;

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 6 of 35

(5) Period for acceptance of quotations. The Vendor agrees to hold the prices in its quotation firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotations, unless another time period is specified in an amendment to the RFQ.

2 Statement Of Work- News Clipping Service

News Clippings Service

Statement of Work

Background

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) often called the "congressional watchdog,” is an independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress. GAO examines how taxpayer dollars are spent, and provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, non-partisan, fact-based information to help the government save money and work more efficiently.

Purpose

In order to understand the agency’s impact and support the Office of Public Affairs, GAO requires a comprehensive, daily digital version of the media monitoring “news-clippings service” and media analysis. The news-clippings service must capture mentions of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the current U.S. Comptroller General in the news from all media categories (print, broadcast, web-based, social media, etc.).

Scope of Work

The news clipping service subscription must be for internal distribution within GAO. The vendor must provide GAO with the following:

A. News Clipping Service

The contractor must provide the following:

Provide a quality assurance plan describing how the product content will be reviewed by a person on a daily basis to ensure relevancy, accuracy, and compliance with GAO requirements.

The vendor must be responsive to ongoing feedback or requests to alternations on what is being presented in the daily Clippings.

Provide full-viewing access to streaming broadcast clips (no restrictions on number of viewings).

Utilize a search-string strategy that includes all iterations of GAO's name and other appropriate terms, such as: Government Accountability Office, GAO, General Accountability Office, General Accounting Office, Government Accounting Office, and Comptroller General.

Eliminate duplicate articles and segments.

Provide a maximum number of thirty-five (35) news items daily. News items include: articles, blog posts, Twitter mentions.

Provide human review of product content each delivery day to ensure relevancy, accuracy, and compliance with GAO requirements prior to daily delivery.

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 7 of 35

Examine news content according to GAO-prioritized media sources categories: Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. Daily product must include results from Tier 1 and Tier 2 sources. Additional materials from Tier 3 sources may be added to reach a maximum of 35 news items if Tier 1 and Tier 2 daily news items do not produce 35 daily news items. Tiers are identified as follows:

Must Review for Potential Inclusion from Tier 1:

Major national newspapers as defined by circulation and must include the top ten circulating newspapers in the United States.

Major national broadcast & cable television news channels as defined by viewership and must include the top ten news channels.

Major national news radio as defined by listenership and must include the top ten radio channels.

Major news wire services as defined by readership and must include the top ten read news wires.

Major weekly and monthly news journals as defined by readership and must include the top ten read news journals.

Major DC/federal government focused publications and news outlets as defined by largest audience and must include the top ten.

Must Review for Potential Inclusion from Tier 2:

Major US regional newspapers as defined by readership and must include the top ten.

Local TV and radio broadcast affiliates as defined by diverse geographic representation and top viewership.

Major web-based news publications as defined by readership and must include the top ten.

Top twenty Twitter comments that are highly retweeted from the media and Members of Congress.

Must Review for Potential Inclusion from Tier 3:

The following news and fact-based sources are all from the top twenty by readership, viewership, or audience:

Trade publications specific to a particular industry/sector.

Consumer magazines.

Professional journals.

Web-based publications not included in Tier 2.

Blog postings, including both public and mainstream journalists, that criticize, question, or negatively treat a GAO product or legal decision.

Media Analysis

The contractor must also provide the following:

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 8 of 35

Media measurements must allow GAO to run reports as needed or schedule reports to be emailed to GAO employees on a regular basis.

These reports must contain the following data points:

Analyze news coverage and news headings by articles over time; media type; automated prominence, tone, and “share of voice” (news media unit of measure) audience impressions, and other news media metrics commonly used in the news media industry.

Statistics should include media type, article coverage over time, top sources, impressions, impact, and “share of voice” metrics.

Pinpoint the location, such as: Designated Market Area (DMA), city, and state, and summary statement describing the overall impact of contractor’s conclusions.

Deliverables

The product must start delivery within two business days of the signed contract.

The contractor must provide news clippings results, to include the previous day and the same day’s news clippings, by 7:30 AM on business days (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays) Eastern Standard Time. News clippings results published during the weekend must be incorporated into the Monday release. New clippings results published on a federal holiday must be incorporated into the release of the next business day.

Any correction to news clipping results must be provided by noon the same day.

Distribute daily product via email to approximately 150 GAO staff and allow GAO to post a link to the product on the GAO Intranet for 3500 employees. The email must be viewable in iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, and other mobile device friendly formats.

For each news item, provide a short summary no longer than 50 words that must include the following data points: title, publication and author, also provide a direct hyperlink to the full text, video, or audio content that is freely available and not behind a paywall.

Security

No badges or other measures needed.

Travel

No travel requirements.

Other Unique Requirements

None are known.

Place of Performance

The place of performance will be GAO Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and its eleven (11) field offices.

Period of Performance

The total period of performance will not exceed five (5) years. The Period of Performance (POP) includes a base period of 1 year, with 4 additional option years. The POP is expected to begin March 21, 2022.

3 Contract Administration

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 9 of 35

For the purposes of monitoring and technical direction, the GAO points of contact for this contract is:

Contractual Contact:

LaVonne Y. Hill Contracting Officer U.S Government Accountability Office Acquisition Management: Procurement Operation 441 G. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20548 Phone: 202.512.6125 E-Mail: hillL@gao.gov

Traenesha L. Jones Contract Specialist U.S Government Accountability Office Acquisition Management: Procurement Operation 441 G. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20548 Phone: 202.512.4554 E-Mail: jonest3@gao.gov

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR):

Not Specified U.S Government Accountability Office Information Systems and Technology Services 441 G. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20548 Phone: Not Specified E-Mail: Not Specified

4 Instructions to Vendors

INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

This acquisition will result in a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract with (1) base year plus four (4) 12-month options.

INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

The Vendor's quotation must include all data and information requested by this Instructions to Vendors and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The Vendor shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in this request for quotation. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this Instructions to Vendors may result in an unfavorable evaluation. The quotation should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Vendor intends to meet these requirements.

System for Award Management (SAM). Vendors will not be eligible to receive a contract award from a Government activity unless they are registered in SAM. Firms must register on a one-time basis and annually confirm accuracy and completeness of registration information. Online registration and instructions can be accessed at https://www.sam.gov/index.html.

Points of Contact. The Contracting Officer (CO), LaVonne Y. Hill and the Contract Specialist (CS), Traenesha L. Jones are the points of contact for this acquisition. All questions or concerns should be e-mailed to the CO and CS. The contracting team may be reached via e-mail at hillL@gao.gov and jonest3@gao.gov.

VOLUME REQUIREMENTS

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 10 of 35

The quotation shall be accompanied by a cover letter prepared on the company’s letterhead stationery. The cover letter shall identify all enclosures being transmitted and shall be used only to transmit the quotation and shall include no other information with the exception of acknowledging amendments as an attachment. If there are amendments to the RFQ, provide, as an attachment to the cover letter, acknowledgment of any amendments.

The attachment to the cover letter will only be allowed to address amendments. Only quotation submitted in accordance with these instructions will be accepted. This cover letter is not included in the page count.

Quotations shall be submitted via e-mail to the CO and CS. Late quotations will be processed in accordance with FAR Provision 52.212-1(f) Late Submissions, Modifications, Revisions and Withdrawals of Offers.

Quotations shall be submitted via e-mail to the CO and CS. Late quotations will be processed in accordance with FAR Provision 52.212-1(f) Late Submissions, Modifications, Revisions and Withdrawals of Offers.

Communications. Exchanges of source selection information between Government and Vendors will be controlled by the CO and CSs. E-mail will be used to transmit such information to Vendors. The Government intends to send answers to questions by amendment to the RFQ and post to www.beta.SAM.gov. The Vendors must submit all communications via email to the CO and CS.

Amendments. If this RFQ is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged.

Vendors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this request by the day and time specified in the amendment(s). A single memo attached to the cover letter acknowledging all amendments is the preferred method of acceptance. This memo is not included in the page count.

Period of Acceptance of Offers. The Vendor agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Organization. To assure timely and equitable evaluation of the quotation, the Vendor must follow the instructions contained herein. The quotation must be complete, self-sufficient, and respond directly to the requirements of this RFQ. Using one (1) volume, the response shall consist of: Volume I –Technical Factor.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Page Size and Format. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8½ x 11 inches.

Pages shall be single-spaced and typed, except for displays and the reproduced sections of the solicitation document. The font shall be Times New Roman and no less than 12 point in size. Use at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. When text is included within displays, it may be no smaller than 6 point, but must be clearly legible without magnification, as determined solely by the CO. The size of these displays shall not exceed the page size as defined above.

Title Page (not included in the page count). The volume must include a title page. The title page must show:

• Quotation Number

• Name, address, telephone numbers and e-mail address of the Vendor (only one copy for all required volumes)

• Cage/DUNS

• Acknowledgement of any amendments as an attachment

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms. Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

Responsive. Documents submitted in response to this RFQ must be fully responsive to, and consistent with the terms and conditions of the RFQ or may result in being rejected as unacceptable and not being evaluated.

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 11 of 35

Volume Instructions. The following details the specific instructions for Volume I.

VOLUME I: TECHNICAL FACTOR

Technical Factor. The Technical Factor should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. The quotation should not merely reiterate or rephrase the objectives or reformulate the Government’s requirements specified in the RFQ, but should provide convincing rationale to address how the Vendor intends to meet these requirements.

News Clipping Service

The Vendor shall provide a sample of one week of News Clipping Service for the week prior to the solcitation's posting date formatted for delivery via email. The sample shall meet all of the requirements of the News Clipping Service as described in the Statement of Work.

In order to demonstrate the use of the search-string strategy described in the Statement of Work, the Vendor shall also provide the search string (s) used, a 100 word narrative about the strategy and search string (s), and the screenshot(s) of the results.

Media Analysis

The Vendor shall provide screenshots and written descriptions showing and explaining how they will meet all of the media analysis requirements in the Evaluation Criteria.

PRICE

The Vendor shall complete Section 1 of this RFQ with their pricing for each contract year.

5 Evaluation Criteria

EVALUATION CRITERIA

This is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement. The Government will make an award to the responsible vendor whose quotation is technically acceptable and the lowest-priced. A vendor must meet all of the requirements of Volume I, Technical Factor, to be considered technically acceptable. If a vendor fails to meet any of the requirements of Volume I, Technical Factor, they will be deemed technically unacceptable.

Quotations will be evaluated per the following criteria:

VOLUME I. TECHNICAL FACTOR

Minimum Requirements to Meet Acceptability Standards for Non-Cost Factors

News Clipping Service

Include a sample of one week coverage of News Clippings Service formatted for delivery via email and as describe below:

The sample will be for the week prior to the solicitation posting date.

The sample has a maximum of thirty-five (35) news items daily. Each news item must provide a short summary no longer than 50 words that must include the following data points: title, publication and author, also provide a direct hyperlink to the full text, video, or audio content that is freely available and not behind a paywall.

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 12 of 35

The sample uses a search-string strategy that includes all iterations of GAO's name and other appropriate terms, such as: Government Accountability Office, GAO, General Accountability Office, General Accounting Office, Government Accounting Office, and Comptroller General.

The sample contains news items relevant to the search requirements.

The sample contains new items from Tiers 1, 2, and 3 as described below:

Tier 1 contains content as described below:

Major national newspapers as defined by circulation and must include the top ten circulating newspapers in the United States.

Major national broadcast & cable television news channels as defined by viewership and must include the top ten news channels.

Major national news radio as defined by listenership and must include the top ten radio channels.

Major news wire services as defined by readership and must include the top ten read news wires.

Major weekly and monthly news journals as defined by readership and must include the top ten read news journals.

Major DC/federal government focused publications and news outlets as defined by largest audience and must include the top ten.

Tier 2 contains content as described below:

Major US regional newspapers as defined by readership and must include the top ten.

Local TV and radio broadcast affiliates as defined by diverse geographic representation and top viewership.

Major web-based news publications as defined by readership and must include the top ten.

Top twenty Twitter comments that are highly retweeted from the media and Members of Congress.

Tier 3 contains following news and fact-based sources are all from the top twenty by readership, viewership, or audience:

Trade publications specific to a particular industry/sector.

Consumer magazines.

Professional journals.

Blog postings, including both public and mainstream journalists, that criticize, question, or negatively treat a GAO product or legal decision.

Media Analysis

The contractor also provides the following screenshots and description of the following:

A portal that GAO staff can access for media measurements that allows GAO staff to run reports as needed or schedule reports to be emailed to GAO employees on a regular basis.

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 13 of 35

These reports contains the following data points:

Analyze news coverage and news headings by articles over time; media type; automated prominence, tone, and “share of voice” (news media unit of measure) audience impressions, and other news media metrics commonly used in the news media industry.

Statistics that include media type, article coverage over time, top sources, impressions, impact, and “share of voice” metrics.

Pinpoint the location, such as: Designated Market Area (DMA), city, and state, and summary statement describing the overall impact of contractor’s conclusions.

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

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. Upon request, the CO will make their full text available. Also, the full text can be accessed electronically at the following internet address: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.

FAR Clause 52.202-1 – Definitions.

52.203-5 -- Covenant Against Contingent Fees.

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures.

52.203-17 – Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights.

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications.

52.216-25 Contract Definitization.

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2022)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 14 of 35

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

_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

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

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

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

__ (5) [Reserved].

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

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

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

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

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (13) [Reserved]

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

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

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

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

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

__ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

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

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

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 15 of 35

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

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

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

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

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

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

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

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

__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) ( 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 (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 16 of 35

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

13627).

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

__ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) . (Executive Order 12989).

(Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

__ (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 17 of 35

__ (49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C.chapter83, 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 (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

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

__ (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Oct 2019) ( 19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

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

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

2302Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

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

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

__ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 18 of 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 19 of 35

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

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

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

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

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 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 the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (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 (Nov 2021) (E.O. 12989).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(End of clause)

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 20 of 35

FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of provision)

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 30 days.

(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 30 days;

provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

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

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years.

GAO Contracting Officer's Representative

A COR will be designated at time of award. The individual will act as the Contracting Officer's liaison with the contractor.

The COR will be authorized to:

(a) approve delivery, billing, payment procedures and formats for management reports;

(b) approve technical adjustments not involving a change in the scope, terms, or conditions of this contract;

(c) obtain progress reports; and

(d) perform inspection of service. The COR does not have the authority to modify the contract or bind the Government in any way.

The GAO Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to amend or alter the term of the contract.

GAO 52.216-9002 Most Favored Customer Price (Jun 04) - Alternate 1 (Agency Specific)

The Offeror warrants and agrees that the prices charged under this Agreement will not exceed the prices charged by the contractor to its most favored customer for the same item or services in like or comparable quantities; and further agrees, that any payments received for charges made in excess of prices paid by such most favored customers will be returned to the Government.

GAO 52.233-70 Disputes—Legislative Branch Agency (Apr 2008)

(a) This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, as amended (41 U.S.C. 601-613), as modified by Section 1501 of Title I of Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844 (2008).

Document Number: 05GA0A22Q0016 Page 21 of 35

(b) Except as provided in the Act, all disputes arising under or relating to this contract shall be resolved under this clause.

(c) Claim, as used in this clause, means a written demand or written assertion by one of the contracting parties seeking, as a matter of right, the payment of money in a sum certain, the adjustment or interpretation of contract terms, or other relief arising under or relating to this contract. However, a written demand or written assertion by the Contractor seeking the payment of money exceeding $50,000 is not a claim under the Act until certified.

A voucher, invoice, or other routine request for payment that is not in dispute when submitted is not a claim under the Act. The submission may be converted to a claim under the Act, by complying with the submission and certification requirements of this clause, if it is disputed either as to liability or amount or is not acted upon in a reasonable time.

(d)(1) A claim by the Contractor shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated in this contract, submitted within 6 years after accrual of the claim to the Contracting Officer for a written decision. A claim by the Government against the Contractor shall be subject to a written decision by the Contracting Officer.

(d)(2)(i) The Contractor shall provide the certification specified in paragraph (d) (2) (iii) of this clause when submitting any claim exceeding $50,000.

(ii) The certification requirement does not apply to issues in controversy that have not been submitted as all or part of a claim.

(iii) The certification shall state as follows: "I certify that the claim is made in good faith; that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief; that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the Contractor believes the Government is liable; and that I am duly authorized to certify the claim on behalf of the Contractor."

(d)(3) The certification may be executed by any person duly authorized to bind the Contractor with respect to the claim.

(e) For Contractor claims of $50,000 or less, the Contracting Officer must, if requested in writing by the Contractor, render a decision within 60 days of the request. For Contractor-certified claims over $50,000, the Contracting Officer must, within 60 days, decide the claim or notify the Contractor of the date by which the decision will be made.

(f) The Contracting Officer's decision shall be final unless the Contractor appeals, within 90 days of receipt of a contracting officer’s decision, to the Government Accountability Office Contract Appeals Board, 441 G Street, N.W., Room 7182, Washington, D.C. 20548; Facsimile: 202-512-9749; E-Mail: CAB@gao.gov.

(g) If the claim by the Contractor is submitted to the Contracting Officer or a claim by the Government is presented to the Contractor, the parties, by mutual consent, may agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If the Contractor refuses an offer for ADR, the Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer, in writing, of the Contractor's specific reasons for rejecting the offer.

(h) The Government shall pay interest on the amount found due and unpaid from (1) the date that the Contracting Officer receives the claim (certified, if required); or (2)…