TRIP_RFP_QTA0015BNA3000_082015.pdf

TRIP QTA0015BNA3000

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

QTA0015BNA3000

For services supporting the

Telecommunications’ Regulatory Intervention Program (TRIP)

ISSUED BY:

General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service

Integrated Technology Services Office of Acquisition Operations

1800 F Street NW Washington, DC 20405

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 GENERAL

B.1.1 Charges billable under the contract shall be at the fixed monthly prices and fixed hourly labor rates structured under the Contract Line Items (CLINs) as set forth below. CLINs are delineated for the Base Year and each of four (4) one-year option periods.

B.1.1.1 Defined Deliverables shall be furnished as described in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, SOW 5.1, at the fixed monthly price delineated under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001 and 4001.

B.1.1.2 Supplemental Activities and Deliverables

Fixed-price Task Orders described in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, SOW

5.2, shall be proposed based on the fixed hourly rates defined under CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 and 4002. Fixed price Task Orders shall be billed at the firm fixed price established in the Task Order.

Labor-hour Task Orders described in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, SOW

5.2, shall be estimated based on the fixed hourly rates defined under CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, and 3003. Labor Hour Task Orders shall be billed at the fixed hourly CLIN rates based on actual billable hours for each defined labor pool and subject to the price ceiling established when the order is issued.

B.1.1.3 Reimbursables: Subject to the terms of specific Task Orders and as approved on a case by case basis by the Contracting Officer (CO) in consultation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), travel and transcription costs (refer to Section C, Descriptions/Specifications/Statement of Work, Statement of Work (SOW) Paragraph 5.3) shall be reimbursed at cost subject to the limitations described in the contract. Reimbursable expenses are address by CLINs 0004, 1004, 2004, 3004, 4004 and 0005, 1005, 2005, 3005, 4005

B.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS: FORMATTING DETAILS FOR PROPOSING CLIN

PRICING

Offeror shall propose fixed monthly prices and fixed hourly labor rates using the format prescribed in the CLIN schedule outlined in paragraph B.3 below.

Failure to submit complete pricing for all CLINs, which includes a base period and four one-year options, may result in rejection of the offer.

SubCLINS in the sequence AA, AB, AC, etc., are reserved under CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002 and CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003 for the construction of the offeror’s customized labor pools.

The offeror shall propose hourly labor rates and labor categories appropriate to satisfy all of the requirements outlined in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work. Labor hours shall be traceable to established labor pools consistent with offeror’s standard accounting practices and recognized commercial accounting standards.

Note that separate CLINs are presented for Fixed Price and Labor Hour Task Orders to distinguish billable CLINs from CLINs established for formulating Fixed Price Orders. CLINS 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002 (applicable to fixed-price tasks) and CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003 (applicable to labor-hour tasks) shall reflect identical customized labor pools and labor hour rates.

Failure to reflect consistency in proposed labor pools and rate structures for fixed-price and labor-hour tasks may result in the rejection of the offer.

An editable Excel spreadsheet, attached hereto as Attachment I, Schedule B Pricing Workbook, is provided to assist offerors with the preparation of their pricing schedule. Proposed pricing shall be submitted as a pdf pricing table, formatted as outlined in the tables below.

B.3 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs)

B.3.1 BASE YEAR

1 Oct 2015 – 30 September 2016

B.3.2 OPTION YEAR #1

1 Oct 2016 – 30 September 2017

B.3.3 OPTION YEAR #2

1 Oct 2017 – 30 September 2018

B.3.4 OPTION YEAR #3

1 Oct 2018 – 30 September 2019

B.3.5 OPTION YEAR #4

1 Oct 2019 – 30 September 2020

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

Telecommunications Regulatory Intervention Program

1.0 General Description

1.1 Overview

The contractor will provide expertise and support with respect to network services purchased by the federal government. The business objective in providing this expertise is to ensure that the federal government’s interests are represented in regulatory forums and other bodies that may affect how the federal government purchases network services and related information technology services. This advice also includes technology and market trends that may affect how network services are defined, priced, and purchased. These services will support Federal Executive Agencies (FEAs) in judicial and administrative proceedings conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), local Public Utility Commissions (PUCs), standards-setting bodies, and other similar forums. The contractor may also be called upon to support federal acquisitions and business strategies in how the federal government purchases network services and related services.

1.2 Period of Performance

The described services are to be provided for a one year base period with option to renew for four option years as described below:

BASE October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016 OPTION I October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017 OPTION II October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018 OPTION III October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019 OPTION IV October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020

2.0 Context

The General Services Administration (GSA) has the statutory authority, under Section 201(a)(4) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 as amended, codified at 40 U.S.C. 501(c), to represent the consumer interests of the Federal Executive Agencies (FEAs) in telecommunications proceedings conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and local regulatory bodies. Under law, GSA has a responsibility to administer the purchase of network services for use government-wide. As of 2015, federal agencies purchased over $3B in network services through GSA-managed contracts.

The majority of the work anticipated under this effort relates to these functions. The scope of GSA’s programs for network services is described at http://www.gsa.gov/networkservices. Network services include communications services for voice, data, and video communications, as well as related services such as data center or cloud services.

3.0 Definitions

Broadband: Wide bandwidth data transmission with an ability to simultaneously transport multiple signals and traffic types. The medium can be coaxial cable, optical fiber, twisted pair, or wireless broadband (wireless broadband includes Mobile broadband).

Broadband is capable of at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads.

CO: The GSA Contracting Officer specifically appointed in Section G, Contract Administration Data.

COR: The GSA Contracting Officer’s Representative appointed by the Contracting Officer and designated in Section G, Contract Administration Data.

CS: The GSA Contract Specialist specifically named in Section G, Contract Administration Data.

Custom Access Arrangement: Special access requirements from the Service Delivery Platform (SDP) to the Point of Presence (POP), especially those associated with costs attributable to special construction (e.g., OC-3 access).

FCC: Federal Communications Commission

FEA (Federal Executive Agencies): Any executive department or independent establishment in the executive branch of the Federal Government, including any wholly owned Government corporation.

FTR: Federal Travel Regulation

GSA: General Services Administration

IP (Internet Protocol): The communications protocol of the public Internet, many wide area networks (WANs), and most local area networks (LANs). The Internet Protocol (IP) is part of the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ) suite. The terms "IP network" and "TCP/IP network" are synonymous.

Local PUCs: Non-Federal entities with authority in local jurisdictions including, but not limited to, those maintained by the states, US Territories, and the District of Columbia.

Network Services: Network service(s) include(s) communications services for voice, data, and video communications, as well as related services such as data center or cloud services.

PUC: A Public Utility Commission, Public Service Commission, or similar regulatory body.

Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired aka Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): A service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls.

Special Construction: Construction or installation required to physically extend a carriers’ network to a customer location.

TO: Task Order, an order for services placed against an established Government contract.

Wireless: The transfer of information between two points not connected via a physical plant.

4.0 Scope

4.1 General

The described services require specific financial, technical, accounting, economic, and regulatory expertise in the field of network services. Services shall fall broadly within one or more of the specific categories delineated below.

4.1.1 IMPACT ANALYSIS: Evaluating, analyzing, and assessing the impact of regulatory body activities including FCC/PUC activities such as tariff filings; change or discontinuance of service including abandonment petitions; other filings by carriers and telecommunications providers; investigations; rate/oversight/quality of service proceedings; bankruptcies; corporate mergers and acquisitions; Special Construction; IT Cloud Services; IP; Broadband issues;

migration away from legacy networks; licensing; Relay service; Wireless; and rule-making.

4.1.2 LITIGATION, NEGOTIATION, and ACQUISITION ASSISTANCE: Monitor Federal, local, administrative, and judicial dockets to identify rate cases, policy and rulemaking proceedings, and other telecommunications-related matters that may affect or impact the fiscal, programmatic, operational or other interests of the FEAs. Recommend intervention where appropriate. Identify opportunities to initiate new Federal, local, administrative, or judicial proceedings that may achieve cost reductions, improvements in diversity and/or quality of telecommunications services or service offerings, and/or other objectives. Develop position documents and presentation materials such as written testimony and exhibits to support ongoing negotiations, defend established policies, or examine specific matters at issue before regulatory or standards’ bodies, including but not limited to the FCC, PUCs, and other entities with missions relating to telecommunications. Attend and participate in negotiations or litigation-related meetings and proceedings in support of assigned FEA attorney(s). Provide expert input and support for participation in telecommunications-related Federal, local, administrative, and judicial proceedings.

4.1.3 PRICING & MARKET ANALYSIS: Analyzing the telecommunications marketplace with respect to price and availability of services (including analysis of the state of competition).

This may include rate development, surcharges, tariffs, taxes, special fees, and pricing structures, including but not limited to, emerging or special issues, e.g., Special Construction, Custom Access Arrangements, migration away from legacy networks, telecom requirements’ definition, IP, Relay, Wireless, Cloud, and Broadband. It may include price analysis related to market trends in pricing and price structures. It may also include market analysis related to offered services, technological transition, competition, and geographical usage and availability.

4.1.4 REGULATORY FILINGS: Preparing filings on telecommunications matters to boards, commissions, and other regulatory or judicial entities.

4.1.5 REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT & TRENDS: Assessing the impact and identifying the strategic and tactical relevance of significant industry activities, investments, events, trends, rules, and rulings.

4.2 Specific Tasks and Activities

Specific tasks and activities may include, but are not limited, to the following:

4.2.1 Review the written material associated with FCC’s; local PUCs’; and judicial and administrative forums’ telecommunications tariff filings or rate proceedings.

4.2.2 Review the prior orders of the FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums which have a bearing on the given telecommunications proceeding.

4.2.3 Identify the FCC’s; local PUCs’; and judicial and administrative forums’, telecommunications tariff filings, rate proceedings, and specific issues that have an impact on the FEA’s procurement of telecommunications services.

4.2.4 Meet with GSA personnel to develop an overall strategy and specific work plan for the given FCC’s; local PUCs’; and judicial and administrative forums’ telecommunications proceeding or study.

4.2.5 Meet with GSA personnel to become familiar with GSA’s current and planned telecommunications requirements.

4.2.6 Prepare in a timely fashion, the written material needed to present FEA positions to the FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums. The work will be prepared in suitable form, proper format, and with sufficient copies for filing with the FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums. All parties shall be copied as required.

4.2.7 Prepare written cross examination questions, exhibits, and other materials for use by FEA attorneys in the cross examination of other parties’ witnesses and experts.

4.2.8 Prepare and/or present telecommunications testimony, exhibits, and other materials to FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums. Appear for cross-examination as necessary.

4.2.9 Attend selected telecommunications hearings called by the FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums. Attend settlement conferences and meetings of the parties to provide technical assistance to FEA attorneys and participants.

4.2.10 Prepare the FCC’s; local PUCs’; and judicial and administrative forums’ pre-hearing, hearing, and post-hearing materials on pricing telecommunications needed by the FEAs.

4.2.11 Provide assistance in the preparation of the FCC’s; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums’ pre-hearing, hearing, and post-hearing telecommunications materials on non-price subject areas, as needed by the FEAs.

4.2.12 Review final telecommunications orders or opinions of the FCC; local PUCs; and judicial and administrative forums. Prepare reports that include a summary of the proceeding and an analysis of the FCC’s; local PUCs’; and judicial and administrative forums’ decisions. Examine new rates and their effect on FEAs' current and planned telecommunications procurements.

Develop recommendations for future telecommunications strategies and operations.

4.2.13 Gather data about the price and/or value of telecommunications services.

4.2.14 Investigate, study, and prepare reports on the prices and/or value of network services. Investigate, study, and develop written recommendations on a particular market, technology, or regulatory aspects of network services that may be purchased by the federal government.

4.2.15 Investigate, study, and prepare reports on network services pricing structures in addition to telecommunications-related fees, surcharges, and taxes. Investigate, study, and offer written recommendations on the accuracy of charges appearing on invoiced prices submitted or proposed by carriers under contract.

4.2.16 Investigate, study, and prepare reports on the impact of FCC’s and local PUCs’ rules and rulings on GSA’s telecommunications contracts.

4.2.17 Initiate targeted research studies as needed, e.g., tariff rates and non-tariffed prices per state for the most commonly used services, or Government pricing in relation to pricing and pricing structures for large customers in the commercial marketplace.

4.2.18 Research and prepare other studies and analyses, as required, in support of GSA's networks’ and telecommunications mission and responsibilities.

4.2.19 Prepare regulatory and price impact studies related to Special Construction (encompassing both incidental and non-segregable construction) including installation projects for telecommunications access arrangements.

4.2.20 Validate pricing terms, conditions, and structures on acquisition documents.

4.2.21 Review and prepare reports on proposals received by the Government from potential suppliers for network services.

4.2.22 Review and assist the government in negotiation strategies for contracts used to purchase network services. These include providing best practice reports from other industries on the purchase of network services.

4.2.23 Monitor Federal, local, administrative, and judicial dockets on a biweekly basis.

4.2.24 Identify specific rate cases; policy and rulemaking proceedings; and other telecommunications-related matters that may affect or impact financial or non-financial interests of the FEA.

4.2.25 Identify specific opportunities to initiate new or follow-on Federal, local, administrative, and judicial proceedings that may achieve cost reductions; improvements in diversity and/or quality of telecommunications services or service offerings; and/or Federal policy objectives.

4.2.26 Provide expert input and support for intervention in Federal, local, administrative, and judicial proceedings.

4.2.27 Provide expert input and support for initiation of new or follow-on Federal, local, administrative, and judicial proceedings.

4.2.28 Provide expert input and support with information identification, collection, and organization, including not limited to, discovery and research of publicly available materials.

4.2.29 Provide expert analysis, reports, testimony, and exhibits for Federal, local, administrative, and judicial proceedings.

4.2.30 Review taxes, fees, and surcharges that have been invoiced under any and all GSA network services contracts. Determine if the taxes, fees, and surcharges are allowable or unallowable based on the tax statute, law, or citation, and provide the information to GSA. Format the data related to new or modified taxes, fees, and surcharges for upload into the GSA database.

Assist GSA as needed whenever GSA discusses or negotiates taxes, fees, and surcharge matters with contractors. Submit any new or modified taxes, fees, and surcharges to GSA, in a format specified by GSA, for inclusion in GSA's database after the Contractor has provided the information required and GSA has agreed that the information should be added to the database.

4.2.31 Provide support to GSA, upon request, before, during, and after contract award on protests that may occur with network services’ acquisitions or task orders.

5.0 Performance Requirements

5.0.1 All written reports furnished under this contract shall be compliant with the accessibility stipulations of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as described in Section H, Special Contract Requirements.

5.0.2 All charges billable under the contract shall be as set forth in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. All indirect costs attributable to this effort shall be included in fully burdened fixed labor-hour rates specified in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs .

Costs and charges not specifically defined by an enumerated CLIN in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, shall not be directly billable under the contract.

5.0.3 This effort consists of three components: 1) Defined Deliverables, 2) Supplemental Activities and Deliverables, and 3) Reimbursables

5.0.3.1 Defined Deliverables shall be furnished as described in SOW 5.1 at the fixed price delineated in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, Defined Deliverables , CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001. Defined Deliverables include those defined studies, analyses, and support services which are to be furnished as described in SOW 5.1.

5.0.3.2 Supplemental Activities and Deliverables refer to tasks and activities which may be developed subsequent to award under firm fixed price or labor hour Task Orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Supplemental Activities and Deliverables, as addressed in SOW 5.2 below, describe specific studies, reports, testimony, and other activities within the parameters described in SOW 4.0, Scope, but beyond the predefined effort described in SOW 5.1 (Defined Deliverables).

Supplemental Activities and Deliverables may include activities designed to augment work on matters identified in the Regulatory Monitoring Report or addressed in a Support Allowance consultation described in paragraph SOW 5.1.1.5. Task Orders with clearly prescribed outcomes for which a level-of-effort can be reasonably ascertained shall be issued on a firm fixed price basis using the fixed price rates and labor categories defined in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. Task Orders for activities which include unavoidable contingencies or unpredictable elements which make it difficult or impossible to reasonably define a level-of-effort, shall be established on a labor hour basis using the fixed labor hour rates and categories defined in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. Task Orders placed on a labor hour basis shall be issued subject to a defined price ceiling.

5.0.3.3 Reimbursables: Subject to the terms of the Task Order and as approved on a case by case basis by the CO in consultation with the COR, travel and transcription costs may be reimbursed as stipulated in SOW 5.3 below.

5.1 Defined Deliverables

Defined Deliverables, priced on firm fixed priced basis under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001, include the delivery of the Regulatory Monitoring Report (SOW 5.1.1) and the Supplemental Activities’ Report (SOW 5.1.2). Defined Deliverables also include all activities and effort related to furnishing the Support Allowance, the Quarterly Program Review, Transition Services, and the Quality Assurance Plan (QASP) defined under SOW 5.1.1.5, SOW 5.1.3, SOW 5.1.4, and SOW 5.1.5, respectively.

5.1.1 Regulatory Monitoring Report (RMR)

5.1.1.1. General A Regulatory Monitoring Report shall be submitted monthly.

5.1.1.1.1 As specified in greater detail below, the Regulatory Monitoring Report will summarize for Government executives, officers, managers, and attorneys the events, activities, and suspense dates pertinent to the cases, projects, and topics identified as having relevance to the interests and mission of the Federal Executive Agencies.

5.1.1.1.2 The Regulatory Monitoring Report will describe the regulatory activities pending in Federal and local jurisdictions (includes states, territories, and the District of Columbia) and include a comprehensive summary of regulatory actions, rulings, hearings, pending legislation, etc.

currently or potentially impacting the telecommunications’ interests of the Federal Executive Agencies. The scope of the monitoring effort – including the range and number of cases under consideration -- will be directed by the COR based on consultations with Government telecom managers and consideration of the recommendations supplied by the contractor.

5.1.1.1.3 The Regulatory Monitoring Report will include an introduction or title page with the following information:

Title of the Report:

Reporting Month and Year Publication Date COR’s name, email address, and phone Contract Number CLIN Number Contractor’s Name, Address, Phone Number, and Point of Contact for follow-up inquiries.

A statement that reads substantially as follows:

The attached Regulatory Monitoring Report has been prepared by CONTRACTOR NAME in satisfaction of the reporting requirements of CONTRACT NUMBER, CLIN XXXX. The REPORT reflects DESCRIPTION [a comprehensive review of “X” number of FCC issues, “X” number of local issues, and “X” number of other issues] potentially impacting the Federal Government. This review includes updates covering the period from DATE through DATE. The contractor declares no conflict of interest on the cases addressed herein.

5.1.1.1.4 Cases will be presented and grouped by jurisdiction as follows:

Section I: FCC Section II: Local Telecommunications’ Proceedings Section III: Other Administrative & Judicial Proceedings

The parameters to be addressed in each section shall be as described in SOW 5.1.1.3.1, 5.1.1.3.2, and 5.1.1.3.3 below.

5.1.1.1.5 Caseloads may fluctuate as circumstances dictate. Based on recent averages, caseloads for a typical 12-month period are estimated as follows:

SECTION Number of Cases

FCC 14-18

Local Telecomm Proceedings 8-29 Other 0-1

5.1.1.1.6 For easy reference, a unique Short Name (5 words or less) will be assigned to each case or project by the COR. The Short Name reference shall be specified in all discussions or reports when discussing a numbered case, activity, task, or proceeding.

5.1.1.2 High Impact Cases: Cases requiring more focused attention and scrutiny will be classified by the COR as “High Impact.” As described below, priority High Impact cases will be so noted on the RMR.

5.1.1.3 Content: The report will be furnished in a format consistent with contractor’s standard practice, although the COR reserves the right to direct formatting changes as required. Cases shall be grouped in three sections as described below:

5.1.1.3.1 Section I: FCC

CASE #: Include the case number and short description.

Short Name: Reference the Short Name corresponding to the issue being researched.

Key Parties: Identify key parties to the case.

Key Issues: Describe the key issue in 25 words or less.

Key Deadlines: Emphasize imminent or upcoming deadlines. Include key future deadlines requiring FEA action.

New Developments: Describe new developments since the last report.

Reference, but do not duplicate, information already addressed in prior reports.

Recommended Action: State actions concisely using terms like “Intervene,” “Initiate New Proceeding,” “File Comments,” etc. Recommended actions shall be accompanied by supporting rationale and details.

Background/Context: Provide a short chronology of the major events, activities, and decisions surrounding the case.

Relevant Documents: Provide links, or if links are not available, citations to relevant documents.

Priority: Indicate if item has been assigned High Impact status.

5.1.1.3.2 Section II: Local Telecommunications Proceedings

Local Jurisdiction: Specify state or other local jurisdiction.

CASE #: Include the case number and short description.

Short Name: Reference the Short Name corresponding to the issue being researched.

Key Parties: Identify key parties to the case.

Key Issues: Describe the key issue in 25 words or less.

Key Deadlines: Emphasize imminent or upcoming deadlines. Include key future deadlines requiring FEA action.

New Developments: Describe new developments since the last report.

Reference, but do not duplicate, information already addressed in prior reports.

Recommended Action: State actions concisely using terms like “Intervene,” “Initiate New Proceeding,” “File Comments,” etc. Recommended actions shall be accompanied by supporting rationale and details.

Background/Context: Provide a short chronology of the major events, activities, and decisions surrounding the case.

Relevant Documents: Provide links, or if links are not available, citations to relevant documents.

Priority: Indicate if item has been assigned High Impact status.

5.1.1.3.3 Section III: Other Administrative & Judicial Proceedings

Administrative Body or Court: Identify administrative or court where telecommunications-related matter is being considered or adjudicated.

CASE #: Include the case number and short description.

Short Name: Reference the Short Name corresponding to the issue being researched.

Key Parties: Identify key parties to the case.

Key Issues: Describe the key issue in 25 words or less.

Key Deadlines: Emphasize imminent or upcoming deadlines. Include key future deadlines requiring FEA action.

New Developments: Describe new developments since the last report.

Reference, but do not duplicate, information already addressed in prior reports.

Recommended Action: State actions concisely using terms like “Intervene,” “Initiate New Proceeding,” “File Comments,” etc. Recommended actions shall be accompanied by supporting rationale and details.

Background/Context: Provide a short chronology of the major events, activities, and decisions surrounding the case.

Relevant Documents: Provide links, or if links are not available, citations to relevant documents.

Priority: Indicate if item has been assigned High Impact status.

5.1.1.4 Items Requiring Immediate Action: Under some circumstances swift action may be required to meet filing deadlines and suspense dates. Where rate cases; policy and rule making proceedings; or other matters arise requiring prompt or immediate intervention, the Contractor shall provide written notification and recommendations to the COR within two business days in addition to recording the item on the monthly Regulatory Monitoring Report.

5.1.1.5 Follow-up Inquiries: The recipients of the Regulatory Monitoring Report (RMR) are the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) who are responsible for the proper administration of this contract in accordance with its terms, scope, and Acquisition Services Fund (ASF) funding source. The RMR is principally useful to GSA program managers who have a bona fide need to monitor telecommunications regulatory issues on behalf of the Federal Executive Agencies and apply this information to their ongoing GSA program responsibilities. The RMR is also useful to the GSA attorneys who advise Contracting Officers, Contracting Officer Representatives, and agency Program Managers. GSA may share the RMR with other FEAs. Routine follow-up Government inquiries on the cases under consideration are anticipated. A Support Allowance for up to 80 hours per year for routine follow-ups, responses (emails, phone calls), clarifications, and questions shall be included in the fixed pricing Defined Deliverables under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001. Unless the request is specified as urgent, the contractor shall respond in writing within one business day to a telephonic request or email. The appointed COR under this contract shall be copied on all correspondence.

5.1.2 Supplemental Activities Report (SAR)

5.1.2.1 The SAR supports the COR in tracking hours, burn rates, task completion, and invoicing.

5.1.2.2 Consistent with the invoicing provisions outlined in Section G, Contract Administration Data, and FAR 52.212-4 Alt I of the contract, the Contractor shall submit a Supplemental Activities Report (SAR) in support of the billable hours and reimbursement expenses cited on the monthly invoice. The SAR shall be submitted with the monthly invoice.

5.1.2.3 The SAR shall be formatted as an Excel workbook as illustrated by Attachment VII, Supplemental Activity Report Template. The SAR shall account for all contract activities and expenses by Task Order as prescribed. Contractor shall track billable labor hours, reimbursables, price ceilings, invoices, payments, and funding balances as prescribed. The COR reserves the right to direct formatting changes to the SAR as required to monitor task order progress, invoicing, and closeout.

5.1.3 Quarterly Program Review Meetings

The contractor’s Program Manager, and other personnel as appropriate, shall meet quarterly and preferably in person, with the CO/CS, COR, Program Manager, and other Government representatives to discuss performance, budgeting, reports, and other issues related to on-going cases, projects, and activities. Any costs related to quarterly program reviews shall be included in the fixed price services under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001.

5.1.4 Transition Services

The services under this contract are vital to the Government and must be continued without interruption. Upon contract expiration either the Government or another contractor may continue them. The Government may call upon the incumbent contractor to effect an orderly and efficient transition to a successor. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this contract pertaining to transition, CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 shall include at no additional charge, up to 20 hours of phase-in, phase-out services for up to 90 days after the expiration of the contract.

5.1.5 Quality Assurance Plan

Contractor’s proposal shall describe the quality assurance monitoring processes, procedures, and standards in place to effectively manage timeliness, quality, and costs.

Contractor’s formal Quality Assurance Plan (QASP), reflecting goals and measurable quality standards, shall be submitted within 30 days of contract award. Contractor shall furnish an annual quality assurance self-assessment addressing the extent to which measurable quality goals have been satisfied. Contractor’s self-assessment will be considered in developing the Government’s annual Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) review. Contractor shall revise the QASP annually, or more often, as appropriate.

The parameters delineated in 5.1.5.1, 5.1.5.2, 5.1.5.3 and 5.1.5.4 below are suggested as quantifiable measures of performance pertinent to this effort.

5.1.5.1 Timeliness

5.1.5.1.1 Extent to which reports are delivered on time.

5.1.5.1.2 Extent to which contractor meets Task Order delivery dates.

5.1.5.1.3 Extent to which contractor responds promptly to requests for support.

5.1.5.2 Quality

5.1.5.2.1 Extent to which follow-ups are required due to incomplete; inaccurate; or insufficiently detailed or researched reporting.

5.1.5.2.2 Extent to which regulatory filings are rejected due to filing errors or missed filing deadlines.

5.1.5.2.3 Extent to which support resulted in cost savings to the Government.

5.1.5.3 Budget

5.1.5.3.1 Extent to which the Supplemental Activities’ Report is timely, accurate, and complete.

5.1.5.3.2 Extent to which notification triggers are observed and reported.

5.1.5.3.3 Extent to which Task Orders are completed within targeted budgets or funding levels.

5.1.5.4 Security

5.1.5.4.1 Extent to which the IT security protocols address the utilization of approved systems and the secure handling of Government information and data.

5.1.5.4.2 Extent of attentiveness to information management and security.

5.2 Supplemental Activities and Deliverables (as Required)

In addition to the Defined Deliverables described in SOW 5.1 above, the contractor may be assigned supplemental activities on subsequent fixed price or labor-hour Task Orders. Projects shall be initiated by the CO subject to the scope, funding parameters, and pricing defined in the Task Order and established elsewhere in this contract. The list of Specific Tasks and Activities (refer to SOW 4.2 above) above is illustrative of the nature of anticipated Supplemental Activities;

however, owing to the evolving nature of telecommunications and the network services needs of GSA, issues may arise which are not specifically delineated. Supplemental tasks may augment the research provided in the Regulatory Monitoring Report in situations when additional support is necessary on pending litigation, regulatory rulings, case development, testimony, or other matters and activities requiring more intense focus and attention. Supplemental tasks may also include special studies or reviews on trending issues and topics in the field of telecommunications.

5.3 Reimbursables

5.3.1 Authorized Travel

Performance may require OCONUS or CONUS travel. Travel costs shall be reimbursed as specified in the Task Order subject the limitations set forth in the version of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) in effect when the travel expense is incurred. In the event travel costs are anticipated in a Task Order, but the exact amount cannot be determined, the COR may authorize in writing specific travel expenses within the ceilings and funding limitations specified in the order.

Travel costs not specifically authorized in advance shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

Travel expenses are reimbursable only to the extent provided in the FTR (Federal Travel Regulation) and shall be supported by receipts. The FTR is currently available via this site:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21222

Travel within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is anticipated. Travel expenses for events within a fifty (50) mile radius of GSA Headquarters, 1800 F St., NW, Washington, D.C., are not reimbursable.

5.3.2 Transcription Charges

Performance may require contractor to obtain transcripts of proceedings, and it is recognized that there may be a charge for these documents. Transcription costs shall be reimbursed at cost as specified in the Task Order. In the event transcription costs are anticipated in a Task Order, but the exact amount cannot be determined, the COR may authorize in writing specific transcription expenses within the ceilings and funding limitations specified in the order. Transcription costs not approved in advance shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

SECTION D

PACKING AND MARKING

D.1 DATA AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All written reports furnished under this contract shall be compliant with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L.

105-220) codified at 29 U.S.C. § 794d. Reports shall be formatted, marked, and distributed as stipulated in the SOW, Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work. All reports shall be submitted directly to the designated GSA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) via email.

D.2 NON-DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

Immediately upon award, individuals participating in activities resulting from this contract shall execute and furnish to the COR the confidentiality agreements prescribed under Attachment II, Certification Regarding Non-Disclosure of Proprietary or Sensitive Information. The set of Certifications shall be updated promptly whenever there are changes in personnel.

D.3 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION

Immediately upon award, contractor shall execute and furnish to the CO the certification prescribed under Attachment III, Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification. The Certification shall be updated immediately to reflect any changes in circumstances.

D.4 SAFEGUARDING SENSITIVE/PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Contractor is responsible for implementing processes and procedures to protect IT resources, data, and information developed, processed, or shared under this contract. Reports, data, and other information relating to this effort are sensitive or proprietary in nature and shall be appropriately protected against unauthorized use or disclosure.

Prescribed Government IT systems have been certified and are presumed to meet the security thresholds established elsewhere in this contract. Contractor shall be granted access to these systems for the purpose of preparing, storing, or sharing sensitive or proprietary information.

Electronic connectivity to a Government IT system from a non-government system shall satisfy the GSA CIO requirements for external connections and show documented evidence that the respective connection falls within the CIO definition of “acceptable risk” without unacceptable vulnerabilities or exposures.

D.5 DATA SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The following FAR and GSAR clauses and provisions pertaining to data security are incorporated herewith by reference:

• FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements [AUG 1996]

• FAR 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel [JAN 2011]

• FAR 52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification [APR 1984]

• FAR 52.224-2 Privacy Act [APR 1984]

• FAR 52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards [AUG 1996]

• GSAR 552.204-9 Personal Identity Verification Requirements [OCT 2012]

• GSAR 552.236-75 Use of Premises [APR 1984]

• GSAR 552.239-70 Information Technology Security Plan and Security Authorization [JUN 2011]

• GSAR 552.239-71 Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources [JAN

2012]

D. 6 GSAR AL MV-15-01 SAFEGUARDING SENSITIVE DATA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES [JAN 2015]

In accordance with FAR 39.105, this section is included in the contract.

This section applies to all users of sensitive data and information technology (IT) resources, including awardees, contractors, subcontractors, lessors, suppliers and manufacturers.

The following GSA policies must be followed. These policies can be found at http://www.gsa.gov/directives or https://insite.gsa.gov/directives .

CIO P 2100.1 GSA Information Technology (IT) Security Policy CIO P 2100.2B GSA Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) Security CIO 2100.3B Mandatory Information Technology (IT) Security Training Requirement for Agency and

Contractor Employees with Significant Security Responsibilities CIO 2104.1A GSA Information Technology IT General Rules of Behavior CIO 2105.1B GSA Section 508: Managing Electronic and Information Technology for Individuals with

Disabilities CIO 2106.1 GSA Social Media Policy CIO 2107.1 Implementation of the Online Resource Reservation Software CIO 2160.4 Provisioning of Information Technology (IT} Devices CIO 2162.1 Digital Signatures CIO P 2165.2 GSA Telecommunications Policy CIO P 2180.1 GSA Rules of Behavior for Handling Personally Identifiable Information (Pll) CIO 2182.2 Mandatory Use of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credentials CIO P 1878.2A Conducting Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) in GSA CIO IL-13-01 Mobile Devices and Applications CIO IL-14-03 Information Technology (IT) Integration Policy HCO 9297.1 GSA Data Release Policy HCO 9297.2B GSA Information Breach Notification Policy ADM P 9732.1D Suitability and Personnel Security

The contractor and subcontractors must insert the substance of this section in all subcontracts.

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BY COR

Inspection of all services, reports, and other deliverables under this contract shall be performed by the cognizant COR. On matters related to Defined Deliverables, GSA issued Task Orders, and the overall operation of the parent IDIQ, the cognizant COR shall be the designated COR named elsewhere in this contract.

E.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

(a) The contractor, and not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to ensure the contract standards set forth in contractor’s Quality Assurance Plan (QASP) are achieved.

(b) Contractor shall submit a Quality Assurance Plan (QASP) within 30 days of contract award.

The QASP shall address contractor’s quality assurance monitoring processes, including those standards, procedures, and processes implemented to effectively manage timeliness, quality, IT security, and cost.

The QASP shall describe contractor goals and identify measurable quality standards.

(c) Contractor shall furnish an annual quality assurance self-assessment addressing the extent to which measurable quality goals have been satisfied. Contractor’s self-assessment will be considered in developing the Government’s annual Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) review.

(d) Contractor shall revise the QASP annually, or more often, as appropriate. The parameters delineated below, while not necessarily complete or all inclusive, are indicative of the quantifiable measures of performance pertinent to this requirement.

(i) Timeliness

Extent to which reports are delivered on time.

Extent to which contractor meets Task Order delivery dates.

Extent to which contractor responds promptly to requests for support.

(ii) Quality Extent to which follow-ups are required due to incomplete; inaccurate; or insufficiently detailed or researched reporting.

Extent to which regulatory filings are rejected due to filing errors or missed filing deadlines.

Extent to which support resulted in cost savings to the Government.

(iii) Security Extent to which the IT security protocols address the utilization of approved systems and the secure handling of Government information and data.

Extent of attentiveness to information management and security.

(iv) Budget Extent to which the Supplemental Activities’ Report is timely, accurate, and complete.

Extent to which notification triggers are observed and reported.

Extent to which Task Orders are completed within targeted budgets or funding levels.

(e) Performance shall be monitored as stated in the QASP. Surveillance includes planning surveillance, documenting observations, and resolving performance issues. Monitoring may involve periodic reviews, random inspection, or 100% inspection. Surveillance documentation shall be provided to the COR consistent with the comprehensive surveillance plan outlined in the QASP.

(f) It is the responsibility of the COR to observe the quality of work and determine whether or not performance meets the standards contained in the contract. Performance issues shall be communicated to the contractor for corrective action. The Government may require the contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements at no increase in contract amount. Correction may include remediation strategies that prevent a re-occurrence of the problem. Unresolved findings shall be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer (CO).

(g) The Government’s policy is to try and resolve all contractual issues in controversy at the CO’s level. The Government recognizes the interest of the parties in resolving controversies promptly and reasonably.

(h) Unacceptable, as well as acceptable, performance documentation shall be considered in contractor’s performance assessments which will be used to determine the advisability of future contract actions with that company (i.e. exercising of options, determining contractor responsibility, past performance for future awards, etc.).

E.3 FAR INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CLAUSES

The following FAR clauses pertaining to Inspection and Acceptance are incorporated herewith by reference:

FAR 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES – FIXED PRICE [AUG 1996]

FAR 52.246-6 INSPECTION -- TIME AND MATERIAL AND LABOR HOUR [MAY 2001]

E.4 SCOPE OF INSPECTION

All deliverables will be examined for content, completeness, accuracy, and conformance to contract requirements. Inspection may include validation of information, data, and references through the use of automated tools, testing, visual inspection, or other reasonable means. The scope and nature of this inspection will be sufficiently comprehensive to ensure the completeness, quality, and adequacy of all deliverables.

E.5 BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance shall be based on terms and conditions set forth in this contract and specified under any resulting Task Order. If the Government finds that a draft or final deliverable contains spelling errors, grammatical errors, improper formatting, or otherwise does not conform to the requirements of the contract, the document shall be rejected and returned to the contractor for correction and resubmission. The contractor shall contact the cognizant COR as soon as practicable for any guidance on questions related to report submission or revision.

Reports, documents, and narrative-type deliverables will be accepted when all discrepancies, errors, or other deficiencies identified in writing by the Government have been corrected.

The Government may request to review draft reports and provide comments for incorporation into the final version. All of the Government's comments on deliverables must either be incorporated in the succeeding version of the deliverable or the contractor must demonstrate to the Government's satisfaction why such comments should not be incorporated.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 CONTRACT TYPE

As described elsewhere herein, this contract is an Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a permanent fixed-price reporting component. Contractor shall furnish the Defined Deliverables delineated in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost, and described in Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, SOW 5.1, at the fixed prices specified under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001 and 4001. Additional services and reporting requirements shall be described in fixed-price or labor-hour task orders.

F.2 DELIVERABLES

The items the contractor delivers are called “deliverables.” The table below identifies items contractor shall deliver to the Government on a regular, recurring basis. Additional deliverables -- including reports, papers, data, and other documents – shall be delivered as specified in Task Orders issued hereunder.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, reports and other deliverables generated hereunder shall be furnished electronically to the COR. Additional addressees may be added as required.

F.3 NOTICE REGARDING LATE DELIVERY

The Contractor shall notify the COR immediately when it becomes apparent to the Contractor that a scheduled delivery will be late. The notification shall explain the reason for the delay and address any impact the delay is likely to have on outstanding projects or issues.

F.4 CONTRACT SCHEDULE AND DELIVERY DATES

Reports shall be furnished as specified in this contract and under Task Orders issued hereunder. A summary of required recurring deliverables is provided in the table below:

SECTION IN RFP DELIVERABLE DELIVERY DATE

Section C, SOW 5.1.1 Regulatory Monitoring

Report (RMR) 5th business day after end of the monthly reporting period

Section C, SOW 5.1.2, Supplemental Activities

Report (SAR) Monthly with invoice

Section C, SOW 5.1.3 Quarterly Program Review Quarterly

Section C, SOW 5.1.5 Quality Assurance Plan Annually beginning 30 days after award or more often as appropriate

Section F, Attachment II

Non-Disclosure of Proprietary or Sensitive Information Certification

Immediately Upon Award (Amend as circumstances require.)

Section F, Attachment III

Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification

Statement Immediately Upon Award

(Amend as circumstances require.)

F.5 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Contractor…