NRC-HQ-84-15-R-0015.docx

NRC-HQ-84-15-R-0015

SECTION B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 NRCB010 BRIEF PROJECT TITLE AND WORK DESCRIPTION

(a) “Replacement of I/O System Hardware.”

B.2 COST/PRICE SCHEDULE

09/30/2015 – 09/29/2016

Total Value: $

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. BACKGROUND

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Technical Training Center (TTC), located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides technical training to NRC personnel. The TTC houses four (4) full scope nuclear plant simulators. There is a simulator for each of the four major vendors of nuclear plants in the United States, namely, Westinghouse, General Electric, Combustion Engineering and Babcock & Wilcox. The Westinghouse simulator was built by Westinghouse in the early 1980’s and utilizes the Computer Products Inc. input/output (I/O) system. In 2011, the computer interface cards were upgraded to allow communication with the I/O system via 100BaseT Ethernet and industry standard TCP/IP software protocols instead of the previous proprietary interface.

Due to the age of the simulator, the I/O system has experienced several operational problems and equipment failures that have interrupted training and required repairs. Also, this I/O hardware is no longer supported by the manufacturer and maintenance is becoming more difficult. This I/O system also requires a large number of electrical power supplies of a wide variety, necessitating a large number and variety of spares be maintained on hand.

C.2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this procurement is to obtain replacement I/O system hardware and installation assistance for all DI (digital input), DO (digital output), RO/LO (relay output / lamp output), and Analog components of the current I/O system used in the Westinghouse simulator. Special I/O components for driving the simulator’s three (3) synchro-scope meters are also to be replaced.

C.3. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall provide the necessary personnel and equipment required to install a one-for-one replacement of the Westinghouse simulator I/O system hardware. Specifically, the controller chassis, computer interface cards, and various circuit cards for interfacing to simulator control panel devices . NRC personnel will perform any software modifications to the simulator needed to interface with the equipment using standard TCP/IP IPv4 socket protocols.

Task 3.1 – Equipment Replacement

Requirement: The existing I/O equipment shall be replaced with modern state-of-the-art components. New components shall be installed as one-for-one replacements of the existing components as much as possible in order to reduce the amount of rewiring required. Existing components to be replaced include card chassis, digital input (DI) cards, digital output (DO) cards, relay output (RO) cards, light output (LO) cards, analog input (AI) cards, analog output (AO) cards and synchro-scope chassis.

The components comprising the existing I/O system are shown below, as well as the number of each in the existing system:

Power supplies are not listed but are also to be replaced. The number of power supplies required for the new system will be determined by the vendor to meet the power requirements of the new components.

If the replacement Synchro-Scope chassis require different interfacing components, then they shall be included in the scope of equipment supplied.

Standard: All replacement equipment shall utilize industrial grade electronic components meeting all applicable Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standards.

Deliverables: System components to replace those shown above.

Warranty: Equipment provided shall be covered under the manufacturers’ warranty. Should a component fail during the warranty period, NRC will follow guidelines provided by the contractor for obtaining a replacement. However, the contractor shall be responsible for insuring that a replacement part is ultimately obtained. The warranty period must be at least 3 years from the date of installation.

Method of Surveillance: (100% inspection) All materials will be reviewed by the NRC Project Officer / Contracting Officer for review and approval.

Performance Requirement: All equipment/materials meet or exceed IEEE standards.

Task 3.2 - Installation

Requirement: The contractor shall coordinate the installation schedule with TTC staff to minimize the interruption in simulator availability. Existing simulator I/O wiring shall be used wherever possible between I/O components and interface devices (i.e. switches, meters, recorders, etc.) so rewiring between these devices is minimized. All installation shall be done at the TTC by trained personnel familiar with the installation and handling of these types of components and simulator I/O systems in general.

Standard: Installed on time

Method of Surveillance: NRC observation.

Performance Requirement: Contractor meets the completion date.

Task 3.3 – Testing & Acceptance

Requirement: Newly installed equipment shall be tested by the contractor in such a way as to prove it operates in a safe and reliable manner. The preferred method of testing would be for the contractor to provide test software which would exercise each component. NRC must accept the test results and indicate this acceptance in writing before payment will be made.

Deliverables: Licensed copies of any software used for testing and troubleshooting.

Test plan and test result documentation.

Standard: Contractor provided test software indicates 100% operational.

Method of Surveillance: NRC documentation of test software results.

Task 3.4 - Training

Requirement: The contractor shall provide one (1) day of training for up to six NRC designated personnel. The training shall focus on operation and maintenance procedures as well as troubleshooting techniques associated with the new I/O system components. The training should also demonstrate the use of any software delivered for use in interacting with the new I/O system components.

Standard: Satisfaction rating of 80% or higher.

Method of Surveillance: NRC personnel who attended the training.

Performance Requirement: Training shall allow the NRC the knowledge required to operate and maintain the system.

Task 3.5 - Documentation

Requirement: A complete set of documentation in printed and electronic format describing each component, integrated circuits used to construct the components and information required to create the necessary software interface to connect the I/O system to the simulation models shall be provided. Documentation for any software provided for testing or troubleshooting purposes shall be provided.

Deliverables: Printed and electronic versions of all documentation and any software used to interface with any of the components as well as any licenses for software used shall be provided.

Standard: Complete set of documentation

Method of Surveillance: (100% inspection) All materials will be reviewed by the NRC Project Officer / Contracting Officer for review and approval.

Performance Requirement: Zero tolerance for missing documentation.

Task 3.6 – Spare Parts

Requirement: Spare parts are to be included that provide at least one (1) spare component of each type to allow TTC personnel to replace faulty equipment with a minimal interruption in simulator availability. (NOTE: The spare parts have been included in the number in section C.3.1 and the price schedule B.2)

Deliverables: The spare parts should be packaged for suitable storage in an office environment.

Standard: All replacement equipment shall utilize industrial grade electronic components meeting all applicable IEEE standards.

Method of Surveillance: (100% inspection) All materials will be reviewed by the NRC Project Officer / Contracting Officer for review and approval.

Task 3.7 – Disposal of Removed Equipment

Requirement: Old equipment replaced in the course of installation shall be removed from the TTC and disposed of properly by the contractor.

Deliverables: All equipment replaced is removed from the TTC by the contractor.

Method of Surveillance: NRC documentation of equipment removal.

C.4. Place of Performance:

Osborne Office Center, Suite 200 5746 Marlin Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411

C.5. DELIVERABLES

SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

D.1 NRCD020 BRANDING

The Contractor is required to use the statement below in any publications, presentations, articles, products, or materials funded under this contract/order, to the extent practical, in order to provide NRC with recognition for its involvement in and contribution to the project. If the work performed is funded entirely with NRC funds, then the contractor must acknowledge that information in its documentation/presentation.

Work Supported by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, under Contract TBD.

D.2 NRCD010 PACKAGING AND MARKING

(a) The Contractor shall package material for shipment to the NRC in such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Surface Transportation Board, Uniform Freight Classification Rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

(b) On the front of the package, the Contractor shall clearly identify the contract number under which the product is being provided.

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E.1 NRCE010 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE NRC (SEP 2013)

Inspection and acceptance of the deliverable items to be furnished hereunder shall be made by the NRC Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the destination, accordance with FAR 52.247-34 - F.o.b. Destination.

Contract Deliverables: (see section C.5 for more details on deliverables)

1. Equipment Replacement

2. Installation

3. Testing and Acceptance

4. Training

5. Documentation

6. Spare Parts

7. Old equipment removal

SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance

F.1 NRCF030C PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ALTERNATE III

This contract shall commence on 09/30/2015 and will expire on 09/29/2016.

F.2 NRCF010 PLACE OF DELIVERY

The items to be furnished hereunder shall be delivered, with all charges paid by the Contractor, to:

a. Name: TBD (1 Electronic Copy)

b. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) C. Osborne Office Center, Suite 200 5746 Marlin Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411

SECTION G - Contract Administration Data

G.1 NRCG030 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT (SEP 2014)

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 requires that all payments except IRS tax refunds be made by Electronic Funds Transfer. Payment shall be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33, entitled “Payment by Electronic Funds-Central Contractor Registration”.

To receive payment, the contractor shall prepare invoices in accordance with NRC’s Billing Instructions. Claims shall be submitted on the payee’s letterhead, invoice, or on the Government’s Standard Form 1034, “Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal,” and Standard Form 1035, “Public Voucher for Purchases Other than Personal – Continuation Sheet.” The preferred method of submitting invoices is electronically to: NRCPayments@nrc.gov.

G.2 NRC REGISTRATION IN FEDCONNECT® (JULY 2014)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) uses Compusearch Software Systems’ secure and auditable two-way web portal, FedConnect®, to communicate with vendors and contractors. FedConnect® provides bi-directional communication between the vendor/contractor and the NRC throughout pre-award, award, and post-award acquisition phases. Therefore, in order to do business with the NRC, vendors and contractors must register to use FedConnect® at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect. The individual registering in FedConnect® must have authority to bind the vendor/contractor. There is no charge for using FedConnect®. Assistance with FedConnect® is provided by Compusearch Software Systems, not the NRC. FedConnect® contact and assistance information is provided on the FedConnect® web site at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect.

SECTION H - Special Contract Requirements

H.1 2052.204-71 SITE ACCESS BADGE REQUIREMENTS. (JAN 1993)

During the life of this contract, the rights of ingress and egress for contractor personnel must be made available as required. In this regard, all contractor personnel whose duties under this contract require their presence on-site shall be clearly identifiable by a distinctive badge furnished by the Government. The Project Officer shall assist the contractor in obtaining the badges for contractor personnel. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to ensure that each employee has proper identification at all times. All prescribed identification must be immediately delivered to the Security Office for cancellation or disposition upon the termination of employment of any contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall have this identification in their possession during on-site performance under this contract. It is the contractor's duty to assure that contractor personnel enter only those work areas necessary for performance of contract work and to assure the safeguarding of any Government records or data that contractor personnel may come into contact with.

H.2 2052.209-70 CURRENT/FORMER AGENCY EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT. (OCT 1999)

(a) The following representation is required by the NRC Acquisition Regulation 2009.105-70(b). It is not NRC policy to encourage offerors and contractors to propose current/former agency employees to perform work under NRC contracts and as set forth in the above cited provision, the use of such employees may, under certain conditions, adversely affect NRC's consideration of non-competitive proposals and task orders.

(b) There [ ] are [ ] are no current/former NRC employees (including special Government employees performing services as experts, advisors, consultants, or members of advisory committees) who have been or will be involved, directly or indirectly, in developing the offer, or in negotiating on behalf of the offeror, or in managing, administering, or performing any contract, consultant agreement, or subcontract resulting from this offer. For each individual so identified, the Technical and Management proposal must contain, as a separate attachment, the name of the individual, the individual's title while employed by the NRC, the date individual left NRC, and a brief description of the individual's role under this proposal.

H.3 2052.209-72 CONTRACTOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. (JAN 1993)

(a) Purpose. The primary purpose of this clause is to aid in ensuring that the contractor:

(1) Is not placed in a conflicting role because of current or planned interests (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) which relate to the work under this contract; and

(2) Does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage over other parties by virtue of its performance of this contract.

(b) Scope. The restrictions described apply to performance or participation by the contractor, as defined in 48 CFR 2009.570-2 in the activities covered by this clause.

(c) Work for others.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, during the term of this contract, the contractor agrees to forego entering into consulting or other contractual arrangements with any firm or organization the result of which may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the work being performed under this contract. The contractor shall ensure that all employees under this contract abide by the provision of this clause. If the contractor has reason to believe, with respect to itself or any employee, that any proposed consultant or other contractual arrangement with any firm or organization may involve a potential conflict of interest, the contractor shall obtain the written approval of the contracting officer before the execution of such contractual arrangement.

(2) The contractor may not represent, assist, or otherwise support an NRC licensee or applicant undergoing an NRC audit, inspection, or review where the activities that are the subject of the audit, inspection, or review are the same as or substantially similar to the services within the scope of this contract (or task order as appropriate) except where the NRC licensee or applicant requires the contractor's support to explain or defend the contractor's prior work for the utility or other entity which NRC questions.

(3) When the contractor performs work for the NRC under this contract at any NRC licensee or applicant site, the contractor shall neither solicit nor perform work in the same or similar technical area for that licensee or applicant organization for a period commencing with the award of the task order or beginning of work on the site (if not a task order contract) and ending one year after completion of all work under the associated task order, or last time at the site (if not a task order contract).

(4) When the contractor performs work for the NRC under this contract at any NRC licensee or applicant site,

(i) The contractor may not solicit work at that site for that licensee or applicant during the period of performance of the task order or the contract, as appropriate.

(ii) The contractor may not perform work at that site for that licensee or applicant during the period of performance of the task order or the contract, as appropriate, and for one year thereafter.

(iii) Not withstanding the foregoing, the contracting officer may authorize the contractor to solicit or perform this type of work (except work in the same or similar technical area) if the contracting officer determines that the situation will not pose a potential for technical bias or unfair competitive advantage.

(d) Disclosure after award.

(1) The contractor warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief, and except as otherwise set forth in this contract, that it does not have any organizational conflicts of interest as defined in 48 CFR 2009.570-2.

(2) The contractor agrees that if, after award, it discovers organizational conflicts of interest with respect to this contract, it shall make an immediate and full disclosure in writing to the contracting officer. This statement must include a description of the action which the contractor has taken or proposes to take to avoid or mitigate such conflicts. The NRC may, however, terminate the contract if termination is in the best interest of the Government.

(3) It is recognized that the scope of work of a task-order-type contract necessarily encompasses a broad spectrum of activities. Consequently, if this is a task-order-type contract, the contractor agrees that it will disclose all proposed new work involving NRC licensees or applicants which comes within the scope of work of the underlying contract. Further, if this contract involves work at a licensee or applicant site, the contractor agrees to exercise diligence to discover and disclose any new work at that licensee or applicant site. This disclosure must be made before the submission of a bid or proposal to the utility or other regulated entity and must be received by the NRC at least 15 days before the proposed award date in any event, unless a written justification demonstrating urgency and due diligence to discover and disclose is provided by the contractor and approved by the contracting officer. The disclosure must include the statement of work, the dollar value of the proposed contract, and any other documents that are needed to fully describe the proposed work for the regulated utility or other regulated entity. NRC may deny approval of the disclosed work only when the NRC has issued a task order which includes the technical area and, if site-specific, the site, or has plans to issue a task order which includes the technical area and, if site-specific, the site, or when the work violates paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3) or (c)(4) of this section.

(e) Access to and use of information.

(1) If, in the performance of this contract, the contractor obtains access to information, such as NRC plans, policies, reports, studies, financial plans, internal data protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a (1988)), or the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. Section 552 (1986)), the contractor agrees not to:

(i) Use this information for any private purpose until the information has been released to the public;

(ii) Compete for work for the Commission based on the information for a period of six months after either the completion of this contract or the release of the information to the public, whichever is first;

(iii) Submit an unsolicited proposal to the Government based on the information until one year after the release of the information to the public; or

(iv) Release the information without prior written approval by the contracting officer unless the information has previously been released to the public by the NRC.

(2) In addition, the contractor agrees that, to the extent it receives or is given access to proprietary data, data protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a (1988)), or the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. Section 552 (1986)), or other confidential or privileged technical, business, or financial information under this contract, the contractor shall treat the information in accordance with restrictions placed on use of the information.

(3) Subject to patent and security provisions of this contract, the contractor shall have the right to use technical data it produces under this contract for private purposes provided that all requirements of this contract have been met.

(f) Subcontracts. Except as provided in 48 CFR 2009.570-2, the contractor shall include this clause, including this paragraph, in subcontracts of any tier. The terms contract, contractor, and contracting officer, must be appropriately modified to preserve the Government's rights.

(g) Remedies. For breach of any of the above restrictions, or for intentional nondisclosure or misrepresentation of any relevant interest required to be disclosed concerning this contract or for such erroneous representations that necessarily imply bad faith, the Government may terminate the contract for default, disqualify the contractor from subsequent contractual efforts, and pursue other remedies permitted by law or this contract.

(h) Waiver. A request for waiver under this clause must be directed in writing to the contracting officer in accordance with the procedures outlined in 48 CFR 2009.570-9.

(i) Follow-on effort. The contractor shall be ineligible to participate in NRC contracts, subcontracts, or proposals therefor (solicited or unsolicited) which stem directly from the contractor's performance of work under this contract. Furthermore, unless so directed in writing by the contracting officer, the contractor may not perform any technical consulting or management support services work or evaluation activities under this contract on any of its products or services or the products or services of another firm if the contractor has been substantially involved in the development or marketing of the products or services.

(1) If the contractor under this contract, prepares a complete or essentially complete statement of work or specifications, the contractor is not eligible to perform or participate in the initial contractual effort which is based on the statement of work or specifications. The contractor may not incorporate its products or services in the statement of work or specifications unless so directed in writing by the contracting officer, in which case the restrictions in this paragraph do not apply.

(2) Nothing in this paragraph precludes the contractor from offering or selling its standard commercial items to the Government.

H.4 2009.570 NRC ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

2009.570-1 SCOPE OF POLICY.

(a) It is the policy of NRC to avoid, eliminate, or neutralize contractor organizational conflicts of interest. The NRC achieves this objective by requiring all prospective contractors to submit information describing relationships, if any, with organizations or persons (including those regulated by the NRC) which may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest in the event of contract award.

(b) Contractor conflict of interest determinations cannot be made automatically or routinely. The application of sound judgment on virtually a case-by-case basis is necessary if the policy is to be applied to satisfy the overall public interest. It is not possible to prescribe in advance a specific method or set of criteria which would serve to identify and resolve all of the contractor conflict of interest situations that might arise. However, examples are provided in these regulations to guide application of this policy guidance. The ultimate test is as follows: Might the contractor, if awarded the contract, be placed in a position where its judgment may be biased, or where it may have an unfair competitive advantage?

(c) The conflict of interest rule contained in this subpart applies to contractors and offerors only. Individuals or firms who have other relationships with the NRC (e.g., parties to a licensing proceeding) are not covered by this regulation. This rule does not apply to the acquisition of consulting services through the personnel appointment process, NRC agreements with other Government agencies, international organizations, or state, local, or foreign Governments. Separate procedures for avoiding conflicts of interest will be employed in these agreements, as appropriate.

2009.570-2 DEFINITIONS.

Affiliates means business concerns which are affiliates of each other when either directly or indirectly one concern or individual controls or has the power to control another, or when a third party controls or has the power to control both.

Contract means any contractual agreement or other arrangement with the NRC except as provided in 2009.570-1(c).

Contractor means any person, firm, unincorporated association, joint venture, co-sponsor, partnership, corporation, affiliates thereof, or their successors in interest, including their chief executives, directors, key personnel (identified in the contract), proposed consultants or subcontractors, which are a party to a contract with the NRC.

Evaluation activities means any effort involving the appraisal of a technology, process, product, or policy.

Offeror or prospective contractor means any person, firm, unincorporated association, joint venture, co-sponsor, partnership, corporation, or their affiliates or successors in interest, including their chief executives, directors, key personnel, proposed consultants, or subcontractors, submitting a bid or proposal, solicited or unsolicited, to the NRC to obtain a contract.

Organizational conflicts of interest means that a relationship exists whereby a contractor or prospective contractor has present or planned interests related to the work to be performed under an NRC contract which:

(1) May diminish its capacity to give impartial, technically sound, objective assistance and advice, or may otherwise result in a biased work product; or

(2) May result in its being given an unfair competitive advantage.

Potential conflict of interest means that a factual situation exists that suggests that an actual conflict of interest may arise from award of a proposed contract. The term potential conflict of interest is used to signify those situations that

(1) Merit investigation before contract award to ascertain whether award would give rise to an actual conflict; or

(2) Must be reported to the contracting officer for investigation if they arise during contract performance.

Research means any scientific or technical work involving theoretical analysis, exploration, or experimentation.

Subcontractor means any subcontractor of any tier who performs work under a contract with the NRC except subcontracts for supplies and subcontracts in amounts not exceeding $10,000.

Technical consulting and management support services means internal assistance to a component of the NRC in the formulation or administration of its programs, projects, or policies which normally require that the contractor be given access to proprietary information or to information that has not been made available to the public. These services typically include assistance in the preparation of program plans, preliminary designs, specifications, or statements of work.

2009.570-3 CRITERIA FOR RECOGNIZING CONTRACTOR ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

(a) General.

(1) Two questions will be asked in determining whether actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest exist:

(i) Are there conflicting roles which might bias an offeror's or contractor's judgment in relation to its work for the NRC?

(ii) May the offeror or contractor be given an unfair competitive advantage based on the performance of the contract?

(2) NRC's ultimate determination that organizational conflicts of interest exist will be made in light of common sense and good business judgment based upon the relevant facts. While it is difficult to identify and to prescribe in advance a specific method for avoiding all of the various situations or relationships that might involve potential organizational conflicts of interest, NRC personnel will pay particular attention to proposed contractual requirements that call for the rendering of advice, consultation or evaluation activities, or similar activities that directly lay the groundwork for the NRC's decisions on regulatory activities, future procurements, and research programs. Any work performed at an applicant or licensee site will also be closely scrutinized by the NRC staff.

(b) Situations or relationships. The following situations or relationships may give rise to organizational conflicts of interest:

(1) The offeror or contractor shall disclose information that may give rise to organizational conflicts of interest under the following circumstances. The information may include the scope of work or specification for the requirement being performed, the period of performance, and the name and telephone number for a point of contact at the organization knowledgeable about the commercial contract.

(i) Where the offeror or contractor provides advice and recommendations to the NRC in the same technical area where it is also providing consulting assistance to any organization regulated by the NRC.

(ii) Where the offeror or contractor provides advice to the NRC on the same or similar matter on which it is also providing assistance to any organization regulated by the NRC.

(iii) Where the offeror or contractor evaluates its own products or services, or has been substantially involved in the development or marketing of the products or services of another entity.

(iv) Where the award of a contract would result in placing the offeror or contractor in a conflicting role in which its judgment may be biased in relation to its work for the NRC, or would result in an unfair competitive advantage for the offeror or contractor.

(v) Where the offeror or contractor solicits or performs work at an applicant or licensee site while performing work in the same technical area for the NRC at the same site.

(2) The contracting officer may request specific information from an offeror or contractor or may require special contract clauses such as provided in 2009.570-5(b) in the following circumstances:

(i) Where the offeror or contractor prepares specifications that are to be used in competitive procurements of products or services covered by the specifications.

(ii) Where the offeror or contractor prepares plans for specific approaches or methodologies that are to be incorporated into competitive procurements using the approaches or methodologies.

(iii) Where the offeror or contractor is granted access to information not available to the public concerning NRC plans, policies, or programs that could form the basis for a later procurement action.

(iv) Where the offeror or contractor is granted access to proprietary information of its competitors.

(v) Where the award of a contract might result in placing the offeror or contractor in a conflicting role in which its judgment may be biased in relation to its work for the NRC or might result in an unfair competitive advantage for the offeror or contractor.

(c) Policy application guidance. The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to identify and resolve all contractor organizational conflict of interest situations.

(1)(i) Example. The ABC Corp., in response to a Request For Proposal (RFP), proposes to undertake certain analyses of a reactor component as called for in the RFP. The ABC Corp. is one of several companies considered to be technically well qualified. In response to the inquiry in the RFP, the ABC Corp. advises that it is currently performing similar analyses for the reactor manufacturer.

(ii) Guidance. An NRC contract for that particular work normally would not be awarded to the ABC Corp. because the company would be placed in a position in which its judgment could be biased in relationship to its work for the NRC. Because there are other well-qualified companies available, there would be no reason for considering a waiver of the policy.

(2)(i) Example. The ABC Corp., in response to an RFP, proposes to perform certain analyses of a reactor component that is unique to one type of advanced reactor. As is the case with other technically qualified companies responding to the RFP, the ABC Corp. is performing various projects for several different utility clients. None of the ABC Corp. projects have any relationship to the work called for in the RFP. Based on the NRC evaluation, the ABC Corp. is considered to be the best qualified company to perform the work outlined in the RFP.

(ii) Guidance. An NRC contract normally could be awarded to the ABC Corp. because no conflict of interest exists which could motivate bias with respect to the work. An appropriate clause would be included in the contract to preclude the ABC Corp. from subsequently contracting for work with the private sector that could create a conflict during the performance of the NRC contract. For example, ABC Corp. would be precluded from the performance of similar work for the company developing the advanced reactor mentioned in the example.

(3)(i) Example. The ABC Corp., in response to a competitive RFP, submits a proposal to assist the NRC in revising NRC's guidance documents on the respiratory protection requirements of 10 CFR Part 20. ABC Corp. is the only firm determined to be technically acceptable. ABC Corp. has performed substantial work for regulated utilities in the past and is expected to continue similar efforts in the future. The work has and will cover the writing, implementation, and administration of compliance respiratory protection programs for nuclear power plants.

(ii) Guidance. This situation would place the firm in a role where its judgment could be biased in relationship to its work for the NRC. Because the nature of the required work is vitally important in terms of the NRC's responsibilities and no reasonable alternative exists, a waiver of the policy, in accordance with 2009.570-9 may be warranted. Any waiver must be fully documented in accordance with the waiver provisions of this policy with particular attention to the establishment of protective mechanisms to guard against bias.

(4)(i) Example. The ABC Corp. submits a proposal for a new system to evaluate a specific reactor component's performance for the purpose of developing standards that are important to the NRC program. The ABC Corp. has advised the NRC that it intends to sell the new system to industry once its practicability has been demonstrated. Other companies in this business are using older systems for evaluation of the specific reactor component.

(ii) Guidance. A contract could be awarded to the ABC Corp. if the contract stipulates that no information produced under the contract will be used in the contractor's private activities unless this information has been reported to the NRC. Data on how the reactor component performs, which is reported to the NRC by contractors, will normally be disseminated by the NRC to others to preclude an unfair competitive advantage. When the NRC furnishes information about the reactor component to the contractor for the performance of contracted work, the information may not be used in the contractor's private activities unless the information is generally available to others. Further, the contract will stipulate that the contractor will inform the NRC contracting officer of all situations in which the information, developed about the performance of the reactor component under the contract, is proposed to be used.

(5)(i) Example. The ABC Corp., in response to a RFP, proposes to assemble a map showing certain seismological features of the Appalachian fold belt. In accordance with the representation in the RFP and 2009.570-3(b)(1)(i), ABC Corp. informs the NRC that it is presently doing seismological studies for several utilities in the eastern United States, but none of the sites are within the geographic area contemplated by the NRC study.

(ii) Guidance. The contracting officer would normally conclude that award of a contract would not place ABC Corp. in a conflicting role where its judgment might be biased. Section 2052.209-72(c) Work for Others, would preclude ABC Corp. from accepting work which could create a conflict of interest during the term of the NRC contract.

(6)(i) Example. AD Division of ABC Corp., in response to a RFP, submits a proposal to assist the NRC in the safety and environmental review of applications for licenses for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of fuel cycle facilities. ABC Corp. is divided into two separate and distinct divisions, AD and BC. The BC Division performs the same or similar services for industry. The BC Division is currently providing the same or similar services required under the NRC's contract for an applicant or licensee.

(ii) Guidance. An NRC contract for that particular work would not be awarded to the ABC Corp. The AD Division could be placed in a position to pass judgment on work performed by the BC Division, which could bias its work for NRC. Further, the Conflict of Interest provisions apply to ABC Corp. and not to separate or distinct divisions within the company. If no reasonable alternative exists, a waiver of the policy could be sought in accordance with 2009.570-9.

(7)(i) Example. The ABC Corp. completes an analysis for NRC of steam generator tube leaks at one of a utility's six sites. Three months later, ABC Corp. is asked by this utility to perform the same analysis at another of its sites.

(ii) Guidance. Section 2052.290-72(c)(3) would prohibit the contractor from beginning this work for the utility until one year after completion of the NRC work at the first site.

(8)(i) Example. ABC Corp. is assisting NRC in a major on-site analysis of a utility's redesign of the common areas between its twin reactors. The contract is for two years with an estimated value of $5 million. Near the completion of the NRC work, ABC Corp. requests authority to solicit for a $100K contract with the same utility to transport spent fuel to a disposal site. ABC Corp. is performing no other work for the utility.

(ii) Guidance. The Contracting Officer would allow the contractor to proceed with the solicitation because it is not in the same technical area as the NRC work; and the potential for technical bias by the contractor because of financial ties to the utility is slight due to the relative value of the two contracts.

(9)(i) Example. The ABC Corp. is constructing a turbine building and installing new turbines at a reactor site. The contract with the utility is for five years and has a total value of $100 million. ABC Corp. has responded to an NRC Request For Proposal requiring the contractor to participate in a major team inspection unrelated to the turbine work at the same site. The estimated value of the contract is $75K.

(ii) Guidance. An NRC contract would not normally be awarded to ABC Corp. because these factors create the potential for financial loyalty to the utility that may bias the technical judgment of the contractor.

(d) Other considerations.

(1) The fact that the NRC can identify and later avoid, eliminate, or neutralize any potential organizational conflicts arising from the performance of a contract is not relevant to a determination of the existence of conflicts prior to the award of a contract.

(2) It is not relevant that the contractor has the professional reputation of being able to resist temptations which arise from organizational conflicts of interest, or that a follow-on procurement is not involved, or that a contract is awarded on a competitive or a sole source basis.

H.5 2052.215-70 KEY PERSONNEL. (JAN 1993)

(a) The following individuals are considered to be essential to the successful performance of the work hereunder:

Installer Instructor

*The contractor agrees that personnel may not be removed from the contract work or replaced without compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

(b) If one or more of the key personnel, for whatever reason, becomes, or is expected to become, unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 30 work days, or is expected to devote substantially less effort to the work than indicated in the proposal or initially anticipated, the contractor shall immediately notify the contracting officer and shall, subject to the concurrence of the contracting officer, promptly replace the personnel with personnel of at least substantially equal ability and qualifications.

(c) Each request for approval of substitutions must be in writing and contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions. The request must also contain a complete resume for the proposed substitute and other information requested or needed by the contracting officer to evaluate the proposed substitution. The contracting officer and the project officer shall evaluate the contractor's request and the contracting officer shall promptly notify the contractor of his or her decision in writing.

(d) If the contracting officer determines that suitable and timely replacement of key personnel who have been reassigned, terminated, or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming, or that the resultant reduction of productive effort would be so substantial as to impair the successful completion of the contract or the service order, the contract may be terminated by the contracting officer for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate. If the contracting officer finds the contractor at fault for the condition, the contract price or fixed fee may be equitably adjusted downward to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss, or damage.

H.6 2052.215-71 PROJECT OFFICER AUTHORITY. (OCT 1999) - ALTERNATE I (OCT

(a) The contracting officer's authorized representative, hereinafter referred to as the project officer, for this contract is:

Name: TBD Address: TBD Telephone Number: TBD Email: TBD

Alternate contracting officer’s representative is:

Name: TBD Address: TBD Telephone Number: TBD Email: TBD

(b) The project officer shall:

(1) Place delivery orders for items required under this contract up to the amount obligated on the contract award document.

(2) Monitor contractor performance and recommend changes in requirements to the contracting officer.

(3) Inspect and accept products/services provided under the contract.

(4) Review all contractor invoices/vouchers requesting payment for products/services provided under the contract and make recommendations for approval, disapproval, or suspension.

(c) The project officer may not make changes to the express terms and conditions of this contract.

H.7 2052.215-77 TRAVEL APPROVALS AND REIMBURSEMENT. (OCT 1999)

(a) All foreign travel must be approved in advance by the NRC on NRC Form 445, Request for Approval of Official Foreign Travel, and must be in compliance with FAR 52.247-63 Preference for U.S. Flag Air Carriers. The contractor shall submit NRC Form 445 to the NRC no later than 30 days before beginning travel.

(b) The contractor must receive written approval from the NRC Project Officer before taking travel that was unanticipated in the Schedule (i.e., travel not contemplated in the Statement of Work, or changes to specific travel identified in the Statement of Work).

(c) The contractor will be reimbursed only for travel costs incurred that are directly related to this contract and are allowable subject to the limitations prescribed in FAR 31.205-46.

(d) It is the responsibility of the contractor to notify the contracting officer in accordance with the Limitations of Cost clause of this contract when, at any time, the contractor learns that travel expenses will cause the contractor to exceed the estimated costs specified in the Schedule.

(e) Reasonable travel costs for research and related activities performed at State and nonprofit institutions, in accordance with Section 12 of Pub. L. 100-679, must be charged in accordance with the contractor's institutional policy to the degree that the limitations of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance are not exceeded. Applicable guidance documents include OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State and Local Governments; OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations; and OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.

SECTION I - Contract Clauses

I.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS. (SEP 2013)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post acceptance rights-

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Government wide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, as amended (41 U.S.C. 601-613). Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the…