22-02578 amendment 0006a Diversity SAM.GOV Cont Oppt SCLS .docx

AMENDMENT 0006a 7/7/2022

1. The solicitation has a Base Phase I and an "Option" Phase II. Is NOAA intending to use the selected Contractor for both phases of the project? This is under Simplified and the award is being made to one vendor.

2. Should the price quote be provided for the Base Phase I only? This is a firm fixed price and your quote is to include ALL costs quoting on the solicitation.

3. Is there a "not to exceed" amount established for this project? Not at this time, but remember this is a Simplified purchase threshold under FAR Part 13 and not a Contract threshold.

4. Under Section E. Invoice and Progress Reporting it states that the "Contractor shall submit invoices as specific tasks are completed and deliverables submitted." Does this mean that invoices can only be submitted based on the deliverables schedule or can invoices be submitted monthly as work is done towards each task item/number? The Technical person will build on to my response, but completed tasks/products provided are generally invoiced as they are completed or provided. Agreed.

Has NOAA conducted any similar workforce-wide assessments in the past, on this or other topics? Yes, but we do not have access to the list of contracts for all the assessements. Recommended googling and the NMFS and other DOC/NOAA assessments.

· Has NOAA considered adding a Phase III or additional tasks to this solicitation? This would focus on implementing “solutions and actionable next steps built on the findings of the assessment” such as employee and leadership training and coaching. (Quote in reference to Task 8 language, SOW Page 4) The Government is not planning to add a Phase III at this time.

· Would NOAA like submissions to include option year pricing for future phases for “evaluation of effectiveness of actions and follow up assessments to evaluate progress toward improving the Diversity & Inclusion culture”? (SOW Page 3) No.

· Does NOAA have a preferred online survey tool or requirements for the type of survey tool used? No.

1 Place of Performance, can the Government advise how many meetings and interviews are anticipated to be held in person at NOAA facilities? We leave this to the discretion of the contractors to determine whether or not in person meetings are required. Travel is still somewhat restricted due to COVID.

2 Reimbursable Expenses, Should the contractor propose travel based on the Government’s need for in person meetings and interviews as answered in question # 1 above to NMSF in Seattle, WA? The Technical person will build on to my response, but the requirement is a Firm Fixed Price and you will want to build in whatever is needed. Agreed, there is no separate CLIN for reimbursable expenses.

3 Price Can the Government advise if pricing is to be submitted by task? The Technical person will build on to my response, but completed tasks/products provided are generally invoiced as they are completed or provided.

If so, is the pricing to be broken down in Task 4 by 4 (draft), Subtask 4a (presentation) and Subtask 4b (final proposal)? Correct

4 Safety Protocols Is the Government or the Contractor responsible for submitting the accepted proposal to an institutional review board? This is within the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and not Contracts. This will not be at the IRB thresholds.

AMENDMENT 0005 7/6/2022

Additional questions from 7/6/2022

1. Are there any particular security requirements for contractor personnel?

See highlighted in yellow in below pages All contractors are required to have employees vetted and through the e-QIP security process per CAR 1352.237-71 Security Processing Requirements - Low Risk Contracts within 30 days of contract award to start performance. If the winning Contractor is unable to complete this requirement within the 30 day period, they are required to notify the Contracting Officer immediately in writing so a modification can be processed to change the Period of Performance to reflect the new start date.

Security Background Investigations Personnel security investigations are required for all contractors entering the site per CAR clause 1352.237-71 Security Processing Requirements – Low Risk (APR 2010) applies to this acquisition.

2. What is the estimated level of effort required in terms of the number of hours for contractor personnel? Please see the attached solicitation. This is within the first page.

3. WD would apply to this SAC contract? Could you please attach the relevant and updated WD? I included the SCLS from the Department of Labor. I do not have a particular one as this area may be a bit grey depending upon the perspectives. Keep in mind as provided in the solicitation of the Executive Order in effect, there are minimums.

4. Can you confirm that the expectation is that all of this work could be done remotely? All work can be done remotely.

AMENDMENT 0004 7/6/2022

QUESTIONS 1. I calculated your event schedule and have no problem with Ph. 1 pricing, etc. Ph. 2 has completion windows so I used the longest segment which has the Final Report complete by 11/12/23. The performance CLIN PoP goes to 10/31/24, which is a significant period of dead time to account for in the pricing given there is nothing to build staff hours against. How should we consider this for pricing purposes?

RESPONSE 2:

Base Period has the following number of hours estimated:

· Social Scientist, Junior 300 hours

· Social Scientist, Senior 450 hours

· Administrative Support 125 hours

Option Period has the following number of hours estimated:

· Social Scientist, Junior 450 hours

· Social Scientist, Senior 520 hours

· Administrative Support 160 hours

The rates for these hours can be found by searching Google or other sources including the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These sources usually show non-loaded rates meaning benefits, etc.

QUESTION 2. Assuming the population is 350 employees, etc., a meaningful sample is 184 with a 95% confidence level, 5% margin of error. Is this a reasonable basis on which to develop our staff hour allocations, or are you looking for a different sample basis? Or is this at the discretion of the offeror?

Here's what I received from NMFS' lead economist. So we have enough to answer the vendor's question.

So, I'm not quite understanding the application but with a population size of 350 and a 95% confidence interval with 5% margin of error, the sample size of 184 is correct. If you need to "play" with the sample size or other characteristics, try this website and scroll down to the calculator.

Evaluation factors were added.

AMENDMENT 0003 7/5/2022

Attachment added due to hyperlink failure:

· WCR D&I Framework 9.16

AMENDMENT 0002 6/29/2022 Question & Answers (Q&A)… Answers in red

· Is this time & materials or firm fixed price bid FIRM FIXED PRICE NOT TO EXCEED

· Page limit for response None set. Respond to items of the solicitation in order so the technical can verify your company is understanding.

· What is the expected level of effort This is not a construction or T&M or hourly. The tasks and requirements are listed in the solicitation.

· Is there a budget amount already set aside for this effort Not specifically, but there is an estimated amount. No it will not be provided.

· Clarification on usage of the word climate assessment: is this synonymous with a culture assessment Yes, climate assessment and culture assessment are used synonymously in the statement of work

· Is there additional data on the demographics of the 350 employee population that will be part of the effort There is some demographic data publicly available at the NOAA/agency level, see NOAA 2021 DEAI Summit presentation, and additional data on demographics at the West Coast Regional level can be provided following the award

AMENDMENT 0001 6/25/2022

There is not incumbent

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

NONPERSONAL SERVICES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT.

***AS A REMINDER, THIS REQUIREMENT IS UNDER THE WHAT USED TO BE THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT (SCA) AND IS NOW CALLED THE SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS STATUTE (SCLS). THIS WAGE DETERMINATION PROVIDES THAT THE HOURLY RATE FOR NONPERSONAL SERVICES MINIMUM IS A COMBINATION OF THE HOURLY WAGE RATE OF AND THE HEALTH & WELFARE AMOUNT FOR A TOTAL MINIMUM HOURLY WAGE WHICH YOUR COMPANY IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO PAY.

THERE ARE ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS LISTED WHICH WILL BE APPLICABLE.

(I) 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 and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(II) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number

NFFO00002202578SRG.

(III) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-06 (MAY 2022) (Deviation 2022-02)(NOV 2021).

(IV) This solicitation is being issued as a total small business set-aside. The associated NAICS code is 541990. The size standard is $17.0 million.

(V) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services:

FIRM FIXED PRICE NOT TO EXCEED

(VI) Description of requirements is as follows:

SCOPE

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS)

WEST COAST REGION (WRC)

WCR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT

A. Background: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region (WCR) Diversity & Inclusion Cross-Divisional Team developed a 0 in 2019 to identify goals, objectives and strategies for Diversity & Inclusion aligned with the region’s core values as well as NOAA Fisheries and NOAA programs. The Framework provides tools to build and sustain a diverse and inclusive workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities served by NOAA. A more diverse workforce will better support a collaborative work environment that gives voice to diverse perspectives, which is essential for living up to the mission and solving the complexities of modern stewardship and governance. The benefits anticipated from the implementation of our Framework may include improvements in mission effectiveness, job satisfaction, work performance, talent pool, problem-solving and innovation, and public service. In developing the Framework, the Team acknowledged that most WCR employees are biologists, policy advisors, and administrators not necessarily well-versed in the academics or practical nuance of Diversity & Inclusion. The Framework includes a commitment to an adaptive, data-driven approach that relies on regional feedback in order to identify areas of concern and evolve the Framework and workplace culture over time. While implementation has been ongoing, the Diversity & Inclusion Cross-Divisional Team has identified a high priority need for professional expertise and input to evaluate the current diversity and inclusion culture within the region and identify actions that will have the biggest impact toward meeting Diversity & Inclusion goals. An assessment of the WCR Diversity & Inclusion climate is intended to improve our understanding of the baseline and status of workplace culture, guide future actions toward our goals, and allow us to monitor our progress over time and align with an objective in the Framework to Assess and communicate the status of WCR inclusion.

B. Objectives: The Framework follows an adaptive and data-driven approach to help us recruit and empower a workforce that reflects our diverse region and embraces multiple perspectives in the pursuit of our mission and the public we serve. We need to understand where we are with respect to our goals and eliminate barriers to recruiting and empowering a diverse workforce. The goals and objectives of this project focus on advancing implementation of the West Coast Region Diversity & Inclusion Framework, specifically the following strategy: Conduct periodic surveys to gain regional insight on inclusion, equal opportunity, and barriers for the WCR workforce. Work towards eliminating those barriers. We also hope to learn about how our current efforts are being received and how we can continue to enhance the existing initiative.

C. Scope: The WCR serves a diverse socioeconomic area with a workforce of approximately 350 federal employees, contractors, interns, and other affiliates in 13 offices across California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. The WCR represents NOAA Fisheries in federal and international venues and works with 151 tribal co-managers and partners. There is close collaboration with other NOAA Fisheries entities including the Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers, who also have Diversity & Inclusion programs that complement the West Coast Region Diversity & Inclusion Framework. We require professional expertise in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion field, including experience with qualitative and quantitative methods, interviewing, statistical testing and modeling to develop a program to evaluate the current culture of our organization with respect to diversity and inclusion, identify gaps and barriers, and make targeted recommendations for actions and best practices. The West Coast Region partners with other NOAA line offices and contributes to evaluation of existing and emerging survey tools, incorporating listening session feedback and Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey data, and review of other ongoing Diversity & Inclusion products and efforts. For Phase I, we are seeking expertise to help evaluate existing agency data and advise on effective tools to gather additional information. Based on information, goals and objectives from the Framework, initial review of existing data, and input from the leadership and Diversity & Inclusion team members, the Contractor will develop a proposal for assessing the current status of the WCR culture and making recommendations to continue advancing our efforts. Following the initial Phase to evaluate existing data and tools and design a Diversity & Inclusion climate assessment, the next Phase will include creating safe spaces for implementing the assessment, collecting input, analyzing data, using a “triage” approach to prioritize actionable and impactful steps to improve the WCR culture. Future Phases shall include evaluation of effectiveness of actions and follow up assessments to evaluate progress toward improving the Diversity & Inclusion culture.

Base Period/ Phase I Phase II

D. Roles and Responsibilities The NOAA Fisheries Point of Contact (POC) will provide access to existing survey results from Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey data, WCR listening sessions, supervisor surveys, and other Diversity & Inclusion evaluation tools in development.

The NOAA Fisheries POC will assist the Contractor in coordination of meeting participants and facilitate external review of draft and final deliverables by other representatives, as necessary.

E. Invoice and Progress Reporting The Contractor shall submit invoices as specific tasks are completed and deliverables submitted. The Contractor shall submit a progress report as part of the back-up documentation with all invoices. The progress reports shall summarize expenditures per tasks for the reporting period and include a cumulative subtotal of expenditures against the contract amount.

These progress reports will discuss progress on the contract tasks, identify any problems encountered, and provide updated schedules.

The objective of these reports is to advise the POC of any problems which would interfere with completion of deliverables on time and within budget.

Final determination of progress and payment to be made will be made by the CO in consultation with the POC.

F. Tasks: Below are projected completion dates and descriptions of tasks that the contractor shall complete during contract performance.

Project Milestones/Completion Dates (Projected Completion Dates are estimates subject to change based on internal timelines and development of an organizational D&I climate assessment) Task Number

Task 1 – Phase I kick off meeting The contractor shall participate in a Phase I kick off meeting via teleconference or in person with Project Officer, regional leadership, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and Diversity & Inclusion Team members to exchange information about the West Coast Region, timelines, and contractor initial approach for interviews, surveys, and materials review. The contractor shall identify any outstanding initial information needs.

Task 2 – Small group interviews Based on review of the Framework, existing data and the kick off meeting discussion, the contractor shall develop questions and conduct several in-depth interviews (~1 hour) with key leaders (approximately 10-20 people, individually or in small groups) to better understand the context, current and aspirational culture (including but not limited to issues such as hiring, inclusion, job satisfaction, welcoming new employees, equity, and feedback on implementation of current Diversity & Inclusion training or other initiatives) to inform design of a WCR Climate Assessment.

Task 3 – Review and provide comments on agency survey tools and initial evaluation of WCR data The contractor shall provide comments on existing survey questions regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and a report on initial evaluation of Framework, existing survey tools and West Coast Region data. This report shall incorporate key insights from the initial interviews that inform development of a broader assessment plan.

Task 4 – Draft plan for WCR D&I climate assessment program The Contractor shall develop a proposal to evaluate the current culture of our organization with respect to diversity and inclusion, identify gaps and barriers, and make targeted recommendations for actions and best practices. The proposal will include a description of methods to be used, and a plan for the statistical testing and modeling approach to produce a set of recommendations. This task includes two sub-tasks:

4a – Presentation to Regional Leadership Team (RLT) for discussion and feedback The contractor shall summarize the proposed WCR Diversity & Inclusion climate assessment approach (Deliverable) based on initial interviews and review of existing materials in a presentation via teleconference or in person to the RLT (2 hours), gathering feedback in order to finalize a complete approach plan. The presentation should include a detailed step by step outline for gathering data (e.g., who to interview and how many interviews to conduct, who to survey using what tools, what questions to ask), analyzing results, and a description of how the approach to develop a set of priority recommendations will meet the goals of the RLT and Diversity and Inclusion team members and aligns with the Framework.

4b – Complete approach for WCR D&I climate assessment Incorporating feedback from presentation (4a), the contractor will provide a complete approach for conducting a WCR Diversity & Inclusion climate assessment (Deliverable). The approach description shall include: methodology for collecting data (e.g. individual, group interviews, region-wide surveys, inclusion of other agency data), description of considerations of anonymity and creating a safe atmosphere to maximize inclusion of diverse perspectives, approach to quantitative and qualitative data analysis and modeling to identify priorities, identification of metrics and indicators to be measured and evaluated, expected format of results, and proposed timelines for Phase II.

Task 5 – Phase 2 Implementation meeting to set schedule and milestones/deliverables Upon approval of the Contractor’s WCR D&I climate assessment approach, the contractor shall participate in a meeting via teleconference or in person to discuss plans for implementing the assessment, analysis and recommendations. The plans should include timelines and identify any support or information needed by the Contractor (e.g., contacts for employees, assistance with scheduling meetings/interviews) to proceed with conducting the assessment.

Task 6 – Conduct assessment The contractor shall follow the steps outlined in the approved WCR D&I climate assessment approach to gather and analyze data, assess current initiatives, highlight gaps and identify priority recommendations.

Task 7 – Present initial results for feedback The contractor shall summarize initial findings from analysis (Deliverable) and participate in a meeting via teleconference or in person to discuss results and get feedback for the final list of indicators and metrics to be used in identifying priorities and developing recommendations for the final report.

Task 8-Final Report complete The contractor shall provide a final report (Deliverable) that incorporates any final comments from the feedback on initial results and aligns with the metrics and indicators (Task 7) to establish priorities. The report shall focus on developing solutions and actionable next steps built on the findings of the assessment. Where possible the report should identify which solutions and actions have the largest potential to advance goals for a diverse workforce, improving inclusion, and advancing equity. Based on the highest priority actions identified, the report shall also include recommendations for future assessment work to monitor implementation of recommendations and evaluate effectiveness.

G. Deliverables:

· The feedback, report on existing WCR data, approaches and final reports will be submitted in electronic format.

Estimated Deliverable Schedule (subject to change based on steps that can affect the timeline including information gathered during initial interviews, complexity of assessment proposal, or shifts in priority level of projects).

H. Period of Performance: Base period September 1, 2022 (or upon award) –, April 30, 2023.

I. Place of Performance: work is expected to be completed largely offsite and the majority of work is not expected to occur at NOAA Facilities. As COVID conditions allow some meetings and interviews may be held in person at NOAA Facilities.

J. Reimbursable Expenses (Travel, Conference, Training, Equipment, Materials, Etc.):

· Materials associated with producing and transmitting documents- CDs, shipping.

K. Education/Experience Required: The contractor must have knowledge of and experience in developing and evaluating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, including the use of qualitative and quantitative methods, interviewing, development of key indicators and metrics, statistical testing and modeling to identify organizational and structural gaps and barriers, and development of targeted recommendations for actions and best practices.

L. The Contractor shall observe any federal holidays set forth in the Department of Labor Wage Determinations, if the holiday falls within the period of performance of this contract.

The Contractor hereby agrees to observe the following Federal holidays, plus any other day off work designated by Federal Statute, by Executive Order, or by Presidential proclamation:

Independence Day

When any holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; when any holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. All personnel assigned to this contract shall limit their observation of holidays to those set forth above.

In each instance, the Contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel to perform requirements of any critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and shall be guided by the instructions issued by the Contracting Officer or the COR. In the event of a site dismissal or closure due to weather, emergency or other circumstances, the contractor is instructed to contact the COR for guidance.

FACE COVERINGS

COVID-19 NOTICE: NOAA is committed to taking appropriate safety precautions to support the health and well-being of our employees and affiliates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to assess all measures necessary to mitigate risks to the spread of the disease consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends the use of face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. NOAA personnel are strongly encouraged to follow CDC and State guidelines on the use of face coverings.

All individuals inside NOAA occupied workplaces are required to wear face coverings until further notice and are encouraged to maintain social distancing guidelines. Face coverings should cover the nose and mouth, but do not need to be medical-grade masks. Face coverings can be cloth masks, scarves, and bandanas. Managers are responsible for determining social distancing practices in their individual offices.

In each instance, the Contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel to perform requirements of any critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and shall be guided by the instructions issued by the Contracting Officer or the Director. In the event of a closure due to inclement weather, emergency or other circumstances, the contractor is instructed to contact the Director or designated official for guidance.

The Certification and Accreditation (C&A) requirements of Clause 1352.239-72 do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required. No personnel security is required as the contractor will be providing service outside of the office and shall have the same access to the building that is available to the general public.

(VII) Services to be provided for the following period of performance at the for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 7600 Sand Point Way NE, WCR, Seattle, WA 98115-6349

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

(VIII) FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees if the acquisition— (1)Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2)Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or (3)Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

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

(4) 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;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)

(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and-

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)

(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to- GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST ( https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search ( http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier.(Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) [Reserved]

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive. Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

Quotes shall be fully executed and returned using the quoting section of this solicitation, or the use of the Synopsis fill in the blanks is acceptable and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30 or SF 18, provided within the text of the posting or may use their own form, but make sure to address each part of the scope and in the order it is provided. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are acceptable (preferred) and can be sent to Suzanne Garrett, email suzanne.garrett@noaa.gov.

At a minimum the contractor shall provide the following information:

c) SAM.gov Unique Entity ID

CAR 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION IN WRITING (EMAIL) TO SUZANNE.GARRETT@NOAA.GOV. QUESTIONS SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. MDT/MST, July 7, 2022. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract.

(IX) FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021), applies to this acquisition. Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a) the Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. This is a “Tradeoff” which means a higher value and cost may be put upon the requirements. Award will go to the Best Value

1. Price – Best Value

2. Qualifications: academic and professional qualifications:

3. Past Performance - Quotes shall include at least two CURRENT RELEVANT REFERENCES to the Offeror’s performance to provide the service being solicited.

References must include the company name and contact person’s name, phone number and email. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the Offeror, the agency’s knowledge of contractor performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services. This is a PASS/FAIL

4. Technical Capabilities listed below, but not limited to these and including all parts of the scope may be evaluated in comparison to meeting the requirements.

a. a. Formal education in social sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology

b. b. Experience with applied or academic research, including study design, related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

c. c. Technical expertise with qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods, such as interviewing, statistical testing and modeling to assess workplace culture.

d. Past experience working with governmental agencies.

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

IF YOUR SAM.GOV IS UP TO DATE AND ACTIVELY REGISTERED, I AM ABLE TO PULL THIS USING

YOUR UNIQUE ENTITY ID (UEI) AS DOES NOT NEED TO BE MANUALLY COMPLETED

AGAIN UNLESS THERE ARE UPDATES NEEDING TO BE PROVIDED

(X) THE OFFEROR MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED COPY OF THE PROVISION AT

FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022) (DEVIATION 2020-11) (AUG 2020) The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v)) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— “Covered telecommunications equipment or services” has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

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

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

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

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

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

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

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

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

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

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

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

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

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

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

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

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

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

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended. “Sensitive technology”— Sensitive technology—

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

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

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

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

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern—

(1) Means a small business concern—

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

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

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran,…