RFQ_Amendment_NIHES2016092_000001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICAITON NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicble)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICIATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a)By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPIRATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc. ) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION ( Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

NIHES2016092

000001

No. Reference Question Response

1 RFQ

The RFQ outlines how volume pricing should be returned and also supplies the workload data sheet per $ amounts. But I am unable to find volume numbers showing total page counts needed for CE and Page Composition that connect to the $ amounts.

Contract date Description estimate/year

2011 Journal non-technical editing & Page Composition no data available

Journal non-technical editing & Page Composition, included printing journal $1,455,000.00

2013 Journal non-technical editing & Page Composition $719,000.00

2014 Journal non-technical editing & Page Composition $730,000.00

2015 Journal non-technical editing & Page Composition $743,000.00

*totals include non-technical editing rather than "copyediting" that we are now requesting.

2011 = Vol. 119, 1830 research pages, 530 news/front matter pages 2012 = Vol. 120, 1766 research pages, 482 news/front matter pages 2013 = Vol. 121, 1385 research pages, 343 news/front matter pages 2014 = Vol. 122, 1365 research pages, 339 news/front matter pages 2015 = Vol. 123, 1344 research pages, 306 news/front matter pages

2 General

For the future Chinese version, will the xml and template(s) be provided?

Or will supplier need to create them? I have furnished document content for your easy reference:

Translated content (Chinese to start; other language translations may be added in the future) will be added to the JATS XML by a third-party when translation is complete. The contractor shall generate separate typeset PDFs from this translated content using the existing article templates, and translated content must be redelivered and republished to the online host as needed. (Note: only some content that EHP publishes is subject to translation. The contractor is not expected to

No XML templates will be provided by EHP. The article templates will be created by the supplier at the direction of EHP, as stated in the PWS.

3 RFQ

Regarding Task 2-Composition, “Article layout shall be performed in 3B2.” This piece of software is very expensive. We currently use Miles 33 for page composition, which has the exact same capabilities as CB2.

(Miles 33 is a direct competitor of 3B2). Miles 33 would easily fit the requirements described in the PWS, and we have over 15 years of experience with the Miles 33 system.

Question: Would our bid be found unacceptable if we use Miles 33 instead of 3B2?

All supplies must use 3B2, or the more current evolution of the software.

Bids specifying the use of alternative products will not be considered.

4 RFQ

The FBO web page lists the response date as October 21, 2016 while the RFQ lists October 12, 2016 as the response date. Please clarify the correct date.

The correct response date was October 12, 2016; however, Amendment 000001 revises this to October 18, 2016.

5 RFQ

Does the government anticipating awarding a 5-year contract (as noted on the FBO landing page and in the solicitation document) or a base year plus four option years as described in the PWS?

See Amendment 000001 for corrections. The requirement has a five (5) year ordering period. The ordering period includes a two (2) month phase-in period. Individual task orders issued cannot exceed a 12 month period.

RFQ

Attachment I

PWS

In the PWS (Attachment 1), Section 2 (Objectives) it states that “the contractor shall be expected to take over some interactions with authors that are currently handled by EHP staff, including the author proofing process.” As the contractor will be representing Environmental Health Perspectives and therefore the federal government in this task, will the contractor be required to communicate with authors by way of an NIEHS email account?

No, contractors will not be provided with NIEHS email accounts.

RFQ

Attachment I

PWS

In the PWS (Attachment 1), Section 2 (Objectives) states that freelance copyediting contractors can be utilized in directly handling, editing, downloading, and uploading federal government files. Will there be a requirement that all contractors and subcontractors having access to federal information and federal content comply with mandatory NIH security awareness training?

No, contractors and subcontractors will not take the NIH security training.

RFQ

Attachment I

PWS

The PWS states in Task 2 that the contractor shall be responsible for handling files while editing, converting, typesetting, proofing, and ultimately publishing federal content. Will the contractor be responsible for a security assessment (FIPS-199) for this federal information system?

Will the overall security categorization level be “Moderate”?

Contractors will have no access to the federal network.

9 General

The guidelines for composition state that article layout shall be performed in 3B2. This software is no longer commercially available therefore limiting responses to companies currently using 3B2. Does the government have a specific alternate software that is available to meet this requirement? Would the government consider other tools such as PTC Arbortext Suite (the replacement product for 3B2) which is widely used by the government?

3B2, or the current evolution of the software, is acceptable. Alternative products will not be considered.

10 General

The HHS End-of-Life Operating Systems, Software and Applications Policy (http://intranet.hhs.gov/it/cybersecurity/docs/policies-guides-memo-hhs-eolp-memo.html) states that software that is no longer being developed (considered end-of-life, or EOL) represents a significant risk and is not acceptable for operation. Given that the stated application to be used for composition has not been updated in years, would 3B2 be considered end-of-life software.

3B2 is not considered end-of-life by EHP.

RFQ

Attachment I

PWS

The PWS states that the contractor is responsible for uploading and publishing articles and media files into the government’s web publishing platform. Can these files be uploaded and posted from outside the United States? What security guidelines are required for this activity?

Any internet connection in the world should be able to upload files for publication. The contractor will need to login to the system to gain access.

12 General We understand the government’s need to issue “stop work” orders to its contractors during federal shutdowns. Under the described scope of work and in the event of a federal funding gap, would the federal government

In the event there are no annual appropriations for Federal Agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, and the contract is dependent on additional appropriation, performance will not continue during the http://intranet.hhs.gov/it/cybersecurity/docs/policies-guides-memo-hhs-eolp-memo.html http://intranet.hhs.gov/it/cybersecurity/docs/policies-guides-memo-hhs-eolp-memo.html issue a “stop work” order? Secondly, would the federal government cease to accept billing for the time period in which the federal government is shut down?

lapse in appropriations. Until appropriations again become available, the government may be working with a very limited staff. As such, invoice approvals may or may not be affected.

13 RFQ closing date

Can you please confirm the deadline for the above referenced solicitation? It is listed as October 12 in multiple places in the RFP document but is shown as October 21 on the FedBizOps website under general information.

See response to question 4 above.

14 General

Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past? If available, please provide the incumbent contract number.

This is being classified as a new requirement since the services being sought are only a portion of services currently being provided under a current contract. However, some of the requirement has been evolved, technologically. Currently, some of the services are being provided by Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing under contract number

HHSN273201400010C.

15 General If you are unable to provide a contract number, is it safe to assume this is a new requirement for the government?

As previously stated, some requirements are new, and some are not.

RFQ

Attachment V

Attachment V has been provided in PDF only; a Word version of the copyediting test is required to correctly perform the test; can you please provide the file in MS Word?

The PDF should be converted to MS Word.

17 RFQ

Closing Date

Proposal deadline is listed as Oct 12 in the documents but Oct 21 on FedBiz Ops; please confirm correct date

See response to question 4 above.

18 RFQ Method of submission is listed as paper copies via mail in the document but as email on FedBiz Ops; please confirm accepted method

See Amendment 000001 for corrections. Submission shall be by email.

19 General - Copyediting

Should queries be added as Word comments (as indicated in the RFQ,_NIHES2016092,_Journal_Copediting_&_Page_Composition___E nvironmental_Health_Perspectives file)? Or in the form “[**Author: In Figure 2, please define SB and SS**]” (as indicated in the Style Guide)?

See response to question 16.

20 General - Copyediting

The RFP states that files must be copyedited in Word. However, the sample file provided for copyediting sampling was a PDF. We have made the assumption that it is ok (for testing purposes) to convert the PDF to Word? Is that correct?

See response to question 16.

21 General - Xml

Could you please confirm the Podcast XML is the same version as the article XML, JATS 1.1? Would it be possible to obtain a sample transcript?

Podcast XML will use the JATS XML 1.1 DTD. Examples of Podcast article transcripts can be downloaded from the EHP website, but sample XML is not available.

General -

Manuscript Tracking

If ProduXion Manager is not used for tracking manuscripts, is there a specific format desired for viewing the status of manuscripts in production? What reports would be needed from the tracking system?

The mechanism for viewing manuscript status must be a live publisher portal that allows real-time queries to be executed. Those queries, and the reports they will return, will include total time in production, time in each production stage, number of papers published in a given month and year, washingtonoo Highlight and breakdown by article type.

23 General - Software

Is there a specific version of Adobe Acrobat that vendors are required to use?

No specific version of Adobe Acrobat is required, so long as the PDF version and 508 guidelines specified in the PWS can be met. EHP recommends version 11 or newer.

24 General - Software

Is there a specific version of Design Science MathType that vendors are required to use?

No specific version of Design Science MathType is required, so long as appropriate MathML is delivered according to the guidelines in the PWS, and compatibility is ensured with Microsoft Word.

General - Chinese Version

May we have a sample file of the translated Chinese XML? No such sample exists, so one cannot be provided.

General -

Compliancy

Are all deliveries for EHP to be 508‐compliant, including XML, PDFs of English and Chinese versions?

All XML deliverables must be 508 compliant. For PDFs, only the Supplemental Material TOC must be 508 compliant.

General -

Compliancy

We would need confirmation if the composed PDF from 3B2 is required to be 508‐compliant. Although the RFP states that XML needs to be compliant (through copyediting stage), it does not state that the same functionality is required out of the 3B2‐created PDF. Could you please confirm that testing of the 508 compliant output on Assistive Technology Screen Readers is out of scope for this RFP?

Only the Supplemental Material TOC PDF must be 508 compliant, and this includes confirming appropriate output with Assistive Technology Screen Readers (through Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Report). No other PDF deliverables need to be tested in this manner.

General -

Compliancy

Clause ARTICLE C.2.b. and d. – the clauses state that all electronic reports submitted should be 508 compliant and the descriptions for the reports is given in Section J, Attachment I. Attachment I does not have descriptions or details of the electronic reports to be submitted. Please provide details of the specific reports required to be submitted.

Such reports include the quality control plan and security reports as required by the contract.

General -

Compliancy

We understand from the RFQ that supplementary materials are not to be copyedited. However, from the 508 compliance purview, would the supplementary figures (graphs/charts) need alt‐text descriptions?

No, Supplemental Materials files (besides the TOC) do not need to be 508 compliant, so alt-text is not needed for these items.

30 General - Proofreading

Can the two proofreading cycles be performed offshore or is US proofreading a requirement like the copyediting?

U.S. proofreading is preferred. Respondents are encouraged to suggest the best possible workflow based on the overall requirements of the PWS.

31 General - Proofreading

Is the proofreading a letter‐for‐letter/word‐for‐word proofread or a “cold” read?

Proofreading should be a letter-for-letter review.

32 General - Math

What percentage of the files submitted use LaTeX? EHP does not currently accept LaTeX files – we will begin accepting these under our new contracts. Therefore, a percentage cannot be provided.

SOLICITATION

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

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

CONTRACT AWARD.

THE CONTRACT SCHEDULE SET FORTH IN SECTIONS B THROUGH H, HEREIN, CONTAINS CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THIS SOLICITATION. IT IS NOT AN EXACT REPRESENTATION OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENT THAT WILL BE AWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS SOLICITATION. THE CONTRACT COST OR PRICE AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS PERTINENT TO THE QUOTER (i.e., those relating to the organizational structure [e.g., Non-Profit, Commercial] and specific cost authorizations unique to the Quoter's submission and requiring Contracting Officer Prior Approval) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE NEGOTIATION

PROCESS AND WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RESULTANT CONTRACT. THE ENCLOSED CONTRACT

SCHEDULE IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE THE QUOTER WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO

UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RESULTANT CONTRACT.

NOTE: the North American Industry Classification Service (NAICS) code is 519130 with a size standard of 1,000 employees. This solicitation is being competed on a full and open competitive basis

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

1. Requisition or other Purchase Authority: ______________________________

2. Request for Quote (RFQ) Number: NIHES2016092

3. Issue Date: September 9, 2016

4. Set Aside:

[X] No {Unrestricted} [ ] Yes

5. Title: Journal Copyediting & Page Composition – Environmental Health Perspectives

6. ISSUED BY:

Office of Acquisitions National Institutes of Health National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 530 Davis Drive Morrisville, NC 27560

7. SUBMIT OFFERS TO:

See Part IV Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, Article L.4.2

8. Quotes for furnishing the supplies and/or services in THE SCHEDULE will be received at the place specified in, and in the number of copies specified in Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, Article L.4.2," until 10:00 am local time on October 12, 2016. Offers will be valid for 120 days unless a different period is specified by the Quoter.

9. This solicitation requires delivery of quotes as stated in Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, Article L.4.2," If quotes are required to be delivered to two different locations, the OFFICIAL POINT OF RECEIPT for determining TIMELY DELIVERY is the address provided for the OFFICE OF

ACQUISITIONS.

IF YOUR QUOTE IS NOT RECEIVED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER OR HIS DESIGNEE AT THE

PLACE AND TIME SPECIFIED FOR THE OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS, THEN IT WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE AND HANDLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH subparagraph (c)(3) of FAR Clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, LOCATED IN SECTION L.1. OF THIS SOLICITATION.

10. Quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award of a contract.

Quoters must access the CCR through The System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov

11. FOR INFORMATION CALL: Uché Washington

PHONE: (919) 541-0423

E-MAIL: Uche Washington, uche.washington@nih.gov;

COLLECT CALLS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Uche Washington Contracting Officer Office of Acquisitions, NIEHS http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:E-MAIL:

mailto:uche.washington@nih.gov

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

ARTICLE B.1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) publishes the monthly scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP). EHP is a world-renowned journal that helps the NIEHS to implement its strategic plan of advancing science and improving health. The purpose of this requirement is to provide copyediting and typesetting services for the scientific journal EHP using a more customized and automated composition platform. The contractor shall take over some interactions with authors that are currently handled by EHP staff, including the author proofing process. The requirement has an anticipated five (5) year ordering period (March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2022). The EHP requires a 60 day phase in period within the first year. The phase in period shall be from March 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017. A Fixed Price (FP) requirements contract with a total estimated ceiling of $1,870,153.80 for this acquisition. The requirement currently includes defined and undefined tasks that will be issued as task orders. As needed task orders will be placed by the NIEHS. Specific performance dates, locations, and tasks will be specified on task order Performance Work Statements (PWSs).

The types of orders that are authorized for use under this requirements contract are fixed price orders only. The number of awards anticipated as a result of the solicitation is one (1).

ARTICLE B.2. PRICES/COSTS

ITEM # DESCRIPTION UNIT ESTIMTED AMOUNT

0001 Services Dollars $1,870,153.80

Journal Copyediting & Page Composition - Environmental Health Perspectives The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to execute a broad range of copyediting and typesetting support services for the scientific journal EHP using a more customized and automated composition platform. Services (as specified in each task order under the resulting contract) shall be performed in strict compliance with the Attachment I – the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Attachment II - Quality Assurance Requirements Summary (QARS), Attachment III - Reporting and Deliverable Schedule, and all specifications, terms, conditions, clauses, and all other provisions contained herein.

Ordering Period: March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2022

ESTIMATED AMOUNT $1,870,153.80

The final contract will contain the price provisions agreed upon by the Government and the Quoter.

ARTICLE B.3. OPTION PRICES

a. Unless the Government exercises its option pursuant to the option clause referenced in ARTICLE I.8.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACT CLAUSES IN FULL TEXT, this contract consists only of the Base Period specified in the Statement of Work as defined in SECTIONS C and F, for the price set forth in ARTICLE B.2. of this contract.

b. Pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-8 set forth in ARTICLE I.8. ADDITIONAL CONTRACT CLAUSES IN FULL TEXT of this contract, the Government may, by unilateral contract modification, require the Contractor to perform the Option Period(s) specified in the Statement of Work as defined in SECTIONS C and F of this contract. If the Government exercises this option, notice must be given before the expiration date of the contract. Specific information regarding the time frame for this notice is set forth in the OPTION PROVISION Article in SECTION H of this contract. The fixed price of this contract will be increased as set forth in paragraph c., below.

ARTICLE B.4. ADVANCE UNDERSTANDINGS

a. Non-Personal Services and Inherently Government Functions

(1) Pursuant to FAR 37.1, no personal services shall be performed under this contract. All work requirements shall flow only from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to the Contractor's Project Manager. No Contractor employee will be directly supervised by the Government. All individual employee assignments, and daily work direction, shall be given by the applicable employee supervisor.

If the Contractor believes any Government action or communication has been given that would create a personal services relationship between the Government and any Contractor employee, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of this communication or action.

(2) Pursuant to FAR 7.5, the Contractor shall not perform any inherently governmental actions under this contract. No Contractor employee shall hold him or herself out to be a Government employee, agent, or representative. No Contractor employee shall state orally or in writing at any time that he or she is acting on behalf of the Government. In all communications with third parties in connection with this contract, Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractor employees and specify the name of the company for which they work. In all communications with other Government contractors in connection with this contract, the Contractor employee shall state that they have no authority to in any way change the contract and that if the other contractor believes this communication to be a direction to change their contract, they should notify the Contracting Officer for that contract and not carry out the direction until a clarification has been issued by the Contracting Officer.

(3) The Contractor shall insure that all of its employees working on this contract are informed of the substance of this article. Nothing in this article shall limit the Government's rights in any way under the other provisions of the contract, including those related to the Government's right to inspect and accept the services to be performed under this contract. The substance of this article shall be included in all subcontracts at any tier.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

ARTICLE C.1. GENERAL PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

a. Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall provide copyediting and typesetting support services for the scientific journal EHP, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to perform the PWS, attached hereto and made a part of this Solicitation (See SECTION J - List of Attachments). The PWS provided at Section J, sets forth a general description of work to be ordered under the resulting contract (See SECTION J - List of Attachments).

ARTICLE C.2. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

a. All reports required herein shall be submitted in electronic format. In addition, one hardcopy of each report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

b. All electronic reports submitted shall be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Additional information about testing documents for Section 508 compliance, including guidance and specific checklists, by application, can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html under "Making Files Accessible."

c. All paper/hardcopy documents/reports submitted under this contract shall be printed or copied, double-sided, on at least 30 percent post-consumer fiber paper, whenever practicable, in accordance with FAR 4.302(b).

d. The SOW provided at Section J, Attachment I, sets forth the description of reports to be submitted under the resulting contract.

http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html

SECTION D - PACKAGING, MARKING AND SHIPPING

All deliverables required under this contract shall be packaged, marked and shipped in accordance with the PWS.

At a minimum; all deliverables shall be marked with the contract number and Contractor name. The Contractor shall guarantee that all required materials shall be delivered in immediate usable and acceptable condition.

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

a. The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided.

b. For the purpose of this SECTION, to be determined is the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer.

c. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 111 T. W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

The COR and/or the Alternate COR will monitor the Contractor’s activities and accomplishments and will indicate acceptance or non-acceptance of the deliverables. The deliverables identified above will be inspected and either approved or, if they are not acceptable, rejected by the COR and/or the Alternate COR. Such inspections will occur as determined to be necessary by the COR and/or Alternate COR.

Acceptance may be presumed unless otherwise indicated in writing by the Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative within 30 days of receipt.

The Government reserves the right to an Inspection period of 30 calendar days, unless a different time period is stated when (the Record of Call/elsewhere in the contract). The receiving report, completed and signed by the appropriate official, constitutes acceptance and shall be acknowledged to the payment office (OFM).

d. This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make its full text available.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSE:

1. FAR Clause 52.246-4 Inspection of Services -- Fixed-Price AUG 1996

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

ARTICLE F.1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

a. The period of performance of this contract shall be five (5) year ordering period (March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2022).

b. If the Government exercises its option pursuant to the OPTION PROVISION Article in Section H of this contract, the period of performance will be increased as listed below

Option Option Period Option to Extend March 1, 2022 thru August 31, 2022

ARTICLE F.2. DELIVERIES

a. Satisfactory performance of this contract shall be deemed to occur upon performance of the work described in the Description Article in SECTION C of this contract and upon delivery and acceptance by the Contracting Officer, or the duly authorized representative, of the Services specified in the Delivery Schedule which are described in SECTION C of this contract.

b. Deliveries required by the Contractor shall be made F.o.b. destination as set forth in FAR Clause 52.247-35, F.o.b. Destination, within consignees Premises (April 1984) [and any specifications stated in SECTION D, PACKAGING AND MARKING AND SHIPPING, of this contract] to the address/addressee listed below:

c. Unless otherwise specified, deliveries shall be made to the Delivery Point specified above Mondays through Fridays (excluding Federal Holidays) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST only.

Supplies or services scheduled for delivery on a Federal holiday shall be made the following day.

ARTICLE F.3. CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, FAR 52.252-2 (FEBRUARY 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clause(s) by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make its full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.acquisition.gov/far .

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSE:

1. FAR Clause 52.242-15 Stop Work Order AUG 1989

2. FAR Clause 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work APR 1984 http://www.acquisition.gov/far

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

ARTICLE G.1. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The following Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract: [To be designated after award]

The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

[The alternate COR is responsible for carrying out the duties of the COR only in the event that the COR can no longer perform his/her duties as assigned.]

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract; or (6) sign written licensing agreements. Any signed agreement shall be incorporated by reference in Section K of the contract

The Government may unilaterally change its COR designation.

ARTICLE G.2. INVOICE SUBMISSION

a. Invoice Instructions for NIH Fixed-Price Type Contracts, NIH(RC)-2, are attached and made part of this contract. The Contractor shall follow the attached instructions and submission procedures specified below to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice" pursuant to FAR Subpart 32.9, Prompt Payment.

1. Payment requests shall be submitted to the offices identified below. Do not submit supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, time sheets, vendor invoices, etc.) with your payment request unless specified elsewhere in the contract or requested by the Contracting Officer.

a. The original contract invoice shall be submitted to the following designated billing office:

National Institutes of Health Office of Financial Management Commercial Accounts 2115 East Jefferson Street, Room 4B-432, MSC 8500 Bethesda, MD 20892-8500

b. One copy of the contract invoice shall be submitted to the following approving official:

Contracting Officer Uché Washington NIH/NIEHS, OM, Office of Acquisitions 530 Davis Drive, Room 1043 P.O. Box 12233, MSC: K1-04, Room 1048 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 E-mail: uche.washington@nih.gov

The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the payment request to the approving official instead of a paper copy. The payment request shall be transmitted as an attachment via e-mail mailto:uche.washington@nih.gov to the address listed above in one of the following formats: MSWord, MS Excel, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Only one payment request shall be submitted per e-mail and the subject line of the e-mail shall include the Contractor's name, contract number, and unique invoice number. [Note: The original payment request must still be submitted in hard copy and mailed to the designated billing office to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice."]

Central Point of Distribution:

The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the payment request to the Central Point of Distribution mailbox. The payment request shall be transmitted as an attachment via e-mail to the address listed above in one of the following formats: MSWord, MS Excel, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Only one payment request shall be submitted per e-mail and the subject line of the e-mail shall include the Contractor's name, contract number, and unique invoice number. [Note: The original payment request must still be submitted in hard copy and mailed to the designated billing office to meet the requirements of a "proper invoice."]

b. Inquiries regarding payment of contract invoices shall be directed to the designated billing office, (301) 496-

6452.

ARTICLE G.3. POST AWARD EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

a. Contractor Performance Evaluations Interim and Final evaluations of Contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15. The Final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the Final evaluation, Interim evaluation(s) will be prepared annually as follows on the anniversary dates of the contract.

Interim and Final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor will be permitted thirty days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final.

Copies of the evaluations, Contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions.

b. Electronic Access to Contractor Performance Evaluations Contractors may access evaluations through a secure Web site for review and comment at the following address: http://www.cpars.gov

ARTICLE G.4. KEY PERSONNEL, HHSAR 352.237-75 (DECEMBER 2015)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to the contractor voluntarily diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit a justification for the diversion or replacement and a request to replace the individual. The request must identify the proposed replacement and provide an explanation of how the replacement's skills, experience, and credentials meet or exceed the requirements of the contract (including, when applicable, Human Subjects Testing requirements). If the employee of the contractor is terminated for cause or separates from the contractor voluntarily with less than thirty days’ notice, the Contractor shall provide the maximum notice practicable under the circumstances. The Contractor shall not divert, replace, or announce any such change to key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The contract will be modified to add or delete key personnel as necessary to reflect the agreement of the parties.

http://www.cpars.gov/

The following individual(s) is/are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder:

KEY PERSONNEL

Title Name

Project Manager

(End of Clause)

ARTICLE G.5. ADDENDUM TO FAR CLAUSE 52.216-18 ORDERING

Add (d), Ordering Procedures:

a. As needed task orders will be placed by the NIEHS.

b. Task orders are for estimated quantities.

c. Specific performance dates, locations, and task will be specified on task orders IAW the PWS.

d. The Government will request pricing for a task order via e-mail and shall include a PWS describing the work needed. The contractor shall provide a FP price quote via e-mail and shall include a price breakout in accordance with the Contract Pricing Matrix.

e. All task orders shall be invoiced separately.

(End of Addendum)

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

ARTICLE H.1. NEEDLE EXCHANGE, HHSAR 352.270-12 (December 2015) The Contractor shall not use any funds obligated under this contract to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.

(End of clause)

ARTICLE H.2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING

The Contractor shall clearly state, when issuing statements, press releases, requests for quotes, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money: (1) the percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; and (3) the percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources.

ARTICLE H.3. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR PROMOTION OF LEGALIZATION OF CONTROLLED

SUBSTANCES

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to support activities that promote the legalization of any drug or other substance included in schedule I of the schedules of controlled substances established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, except for normal and recognized executive-congressional communications. This limitation shall not apply when the Government determines that there is significant medical evidence of a therapeutic advantage to the use of such drug or other substance or that federally sponsored clinical trials are being conducted to determine therapeutic advantage.

ARTICLE H.4. DISSEMINATION OF FALSE OR DELIBERATELY MISLEADING INFORMATION

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to disseminate information that is deliberately false or misleading.

ARTICLE H.5. OPTION PROVISION

Unless the Government exercises its option pursuant to the Option Clause set forth in SECTION I., the contract will consist only of the five (5) year ordering period of the Statement of Work as defined in Sections C and F of the contract. Pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend the Services set forth in SECTION I. of this contract, the Government may, by unilateral contract modification, require the Contractor to perform additional options set forth in the PWS and also defined in Sections C and F of the contract. If the Government exercises this option, notice must be given any time prior to the expiration date of this contract and the price of the contract will be increased as set forth in the OPTION PRICES Article in SECTION B of this contract.

ARTICLE H.6. REPORTING MATTERS INVOLVING FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE

Anyone who becomes aware of the existence or apparent existence of fraud, waste and abuse in NIH funded programs is encouraged to report such matters to the HHS Inspector General's Office in writing or on the Inspector General's Hotline. The toll free number is 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). All telephone calls will be handled confidentially. The website to file a complaint on-line is: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/hotline/ and the mailing address is:

US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General

ATTN: OIG HOTLINE OPERATIONS

P.O. Box 23489 Washington, D.C. 20026

ARTICLE H.7. INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ACCESS SECURITY

A. HHS-Controlled Facilities and Information Systems Security

a. To perform the work specified herein, Contractor personnel are expected to have routine (1) physical access to an HHS-controlled facility; (2) physical access to an HHS-controlled information system; (3) access to sensitive HHS data or information, whether in an HHS-controlled information system or in hard copy; or (4) any combination of circumstances (1) through (3).

http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/hotline/

b. To gain routine physical access to an HHS-controlled information system, and/or access to sensitive data or information, the Contractor and its employees shall comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors; Office of Management and Budget Memorandum (M-05-24); and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201; and with the personal identity verification and investigations procedures contained in the following documents:

1. HHS Information Security Program Policy (http://www.hhs.gov/read/irmpolicy/121504.html)

2. HHS Office of Security and Drug Testing, Personnel Security/Suitability Handbook, dated February 1, 2005 (http://www.hhs.gov/ohr/manual/pssh.pdf)

3. HHS HSPD-12 Policy Document, v. 2.0 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf)

4. Information regarding background checks/badges

(http://idbadge.nih.gov/background/index.asp)

c. Position Sensitivity Levels:

This contract will entail the following position sensitivity levels:

[ ] Level 6: Public Trust - High Risk. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 6 positions shall undergo a Suitability Determination and Background Investigation (MBI).

[ ] Level 5: Public Trust - Moderate Risk. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 5 positions with no previous investigation and approval shall undergo a Suitability Determination and a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI), or a Limited Background Investigation (LBI).

[X] Level 1: Non-Sensitive. Contractor/subcontractor employees assigned to Level 1 positions shall undergo a Suitability Determination and National Check and Inquiry Investigation (NACI).

d. The personnel investigation procedures for Contractor personnel require that the Contractor prepare and submit background check/investigation forms based on the type of investigation required. The minimum Government investigation for a non-sensitive position is a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) with fingerprinting. More restricted positions - i.e., those above non-sensitive, require more extensive documentation and investigation.

The Contractor shall submit a roster, by name, position, e-mail address, phone number and responsibility, of all staff (including subcontractor staff) working under the contract that will develop, have the ability to access and/or maintain a Federal Information System(s). The roster shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), with a copy to the Contracting Officer, within 14 calendar days after the effective date of the contract. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor of the appropriate level of suitability investigations to be performed. An electronic template, "Roster of Employees Requiring Suitability Investigations," is available for contractor use at: http://ocio.nih.gov/docs/public/Suitability-roster.xls.

Upon receipt of the Government's notification of applicable Suitability Investigations required, the Contractor shall complete and submit the required forms within 30 days of the notification.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in advance when any new personnel, who are subject to a background check/investigation, will work under the contract and if they have previously been the subject of national agency checks or background investigations.

All contractor and subcontractor employees shall comply with the conditions established for their designated position sensitivity level prior to performing any work under this contract.

http://www.hhs.gov/read/irmpolicy/121504.html http://www.hhs.gov/ohr/manual/pssh.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2005/m05-24.pdf http://idbadge.nih.gov/background/index.asp http://ocio.nih.gov/docs/public/Suitability-roster.xls http://ocio.nih.gov/docs/public/Suitability-roster.xls

Contractors may begin work after the fingerprint check has been completed.

e. Investigations are expensive and may delay performance, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Delays associated with rejections and consequent re-investigations may not be excusable in accordance with the FAR clause, Excusable Delays - see FAR 52.249-14 (Apr 1984). Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that any additional employees whose names it submits for work under this contract have a reasonable chance for approval.

f. Typically, the Government investigates personnel at no cost to the Contractor. However, multiple investigations for the same position may, at the Contracting Officer's discretion, justify reduction(s) in the contract price of no more that the cost of the additional investigation(s).

g. The Contractor shall include language similar to this "HHS Controlled Facilities and Information Systems Security" language in all subcontracts that require subcontractor personnel to have the same frequency and duration of (1) physical access to an HHS-controlled facility; (2) logical access to an HHS-controlled information system; (3) access to sensitive HHS data/information, whether in an HHS-controlled information system or in hard copy; or (4) any combination of circumstances (1) through (3).

h. The Contractor shall direct inquiries, including requests for forms and assistance, to the Contracting Officer or designee.

i. Within 7 calendar days after the Government's final acceptance of the work under this contract, or upon termination of the contract, the Contractor shall return all identification badges to the Contracting Officer or designee.

B. Standard for Security Configurations, HHSAR 352.239-70, (January 2010)

a. The Contractor shall configure its computers that contain HHS data with the applicable Federal Desktop Core Configuration (FDCC) (see http://nvd.nist.gov/fdcc/index.cfm) and ensure that its computers have and maintain the latest operating system patch level and anti-virus software level.

Note: FDCC is applicable to all computing systems using Windows XPTM and Windows VistaTM, including desktops and laptops - regardless of function - but not including servers.

b. The Contractor shall apply approved security configurations to information technology (IT) that is used to process information on behalf of HHS. The following security configuration requirements apply:

c. The Contractor shall ensure IT applications operated on behalf of HHS are fully functional and operate correctly on systems configured in accordance with the above configuration requirements. The Contractor shall use Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP)-validated tools with FDCC Scanner capability to ensure its products operate correctly with FDCC configurations and do not alter FDCC settings - see http://nvd.nist.gov/validation.cfm. The Contractor shall test applicable product versions with all relevant and current updates and patches installed. The Contractor shall ensure currently supported versions of information technology products met the latest FDCC major version and subsequent major versions.

d. The Contractor shall ensure IT applications designed for end users run in the standard user context without requiring elevated administrative privileges.

e. The Contractor shall ensure hardware and software installation, operation, maintenance, update, and patching will not alter the configuration settings or requirements specified above.

f. The Contractor shall (1) include Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201-compliant (http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/fips/fips201-1/FIPS-201-1-chng1.pdf), Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) card readers with the purchase of servers, desktops, and laptops; and (2) comply with FAR Subpart 4.13, Personal Identity Verification.

g. The Contractor shall ensure that its subcontractors (at all tiers) which perform work under this contract comply…