RFP 19MX5325R0007 for Public Opinion Research services.docx

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I – The Schedule

Section A – Solicitation/contract form

· SF 33 cover sheet Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement Section D – Packing and Marking (N/A) Section E – Inspection and Acceptance Section F – Deliveries or Performance Section G – Contract Administration Data Section H – Special Contract Requirements

Part II – Contract Clauses

Section I – Contract Clauses

Part III - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

Section J - List of Exhibits

Part IV - Representations and Instructions

Section K- Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

Part I – The Schedule

Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

Scope of Services

The Contractor shall provide Public Opinion Research services, with quantitative (polling) and qualitative (focus groups, interviews) studies to monitor and track public sentiment trends in Mexico on issues of relevance to the U.S. government for the Public Affairs Section at the Embassy of the United States of America in Mexico City as described in Section C, Statement of Work of this contract and exhibits attached in Section J.

Type of Contract

This is a firm-fixed-price, Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity contract.

JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 VICTIMS HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2010 NOTICE: UNLESS A WAIVER OR EXCEPTION APPLIES, PAYMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THIS PROCUREMENT ARE SUBJECT TO AN EXCISE TAX OF 2% PERSUANT TO 26 U.S.C. 5000C.

Level of Effort

The Contractor shall provide the services for the base period of the contract and any option years exercised by the Government at the rates shown in paragraph B.4, Prices below.

The quantities of services stated in the Schedule are estimates only and are not guaranteed by this contract. The Government guarantees the acquisition of the Minimum amount as stated in paragraph B.6, Minimum and Maximum Amounts.

Prices

The fixed prices established below for the Base Year and Option Years for Public Opinion Research are fully loaded rates that include all work, including furnishing any managerial, administrative, and direct labor (in compliance with any local regulations), materials, overhead, insurance, and profit. Any costs not separately priced shall be considered to be included in the overhead and other indirect costs. The U.S. Government will not pay any additional expenses. Payment Registration Forms in Pesos, USD in American Bank and USD in Mexican Bank are found in Exhibit B,C and D respectively.

The quantities in B.4.2 through B.4.6 are estimates only and are not guaranteed by this contract. See B.6 below for contractual minimum and maximum quantities.

The Contracting Officer may exercise FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Service, but this shall not exceed a 6-Month period.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

The Contractor shall include VAT as a separate charge on the Invoice and as a separate line item in Section B herein.

Offers in U.S. Dollars

Value Added Tax (VAT) for offers in U.S. Dollars (see paragraph B.7.1, Offers and Payment in U.S. Dollars) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or Invoices.

Offers in Mexican Pesos

Value Added Tax (VAT) for offers in Pesos, Mexican currency (see paragraph B.7.2, Offers and Payment in Pesos), is not included in line-item rates. Instead, it will be priced as a separate amount in the contract and on the Invoices.

Base Period

The Contractor shall provide the services shown below for the Base Period of the contract, starting on the start date on the award and continuing for a period of 12 months.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in __________ [Insert Currency].

First Option Year

The Contractor shall provide the services shown below for the First Option Year of the contract starting on the start date on the award and continuing for a period of 12 months.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in __________ [Insert Currency].

Second Option Year

The Contractor shall provide the services shown below for the Second Option Year of the contract, starting on the start date on the award and continuing for a period of 12 months.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in __________ [Insert Currency].

Third Option Year

The Contractor shall provide the services shown below for the Third Option Year of the contract, starting on the start date on the award and continuing for a period of 12 months.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in __________ [Insert Currency].

Fourth Option Year

The Contractor shall provide the services shown below for the Fourth Option Year of the contract, starting on the start date on the award and continuing for a period of 12 months.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in __________ [Insert Currency].

6-Month period AS PER 52.217-8

This extended 6 month period will be applicable if the Contracting Officer determines to exercise FAR clause 52.217-8.

As per paragraph B.7 below, prices are in [Insert Currency].

Grand Total Price The grand total price for the base year and the four (4) one-year options and a 6-month 52.217-8 to extend is:

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

For each year of the contract, the U.S. Government will place task orders totaling a minimum of $1,900.00 USD. This is the contract minimum for each 12-month period of performance. The total amount of all orders shall not exceed TBD. This amount reflects the total contract maximum.

Payment Currency

Offers and Payment in U.S. Dollars.

U.S. firms are eligible to be paid in U.S. dollars. U.S. firms desiring to be paid in U.S. dollars should submit their offer in U.S. dollars. A U.S. firm is defined as a company, which operates as a corporation incorporated under the laws of a State within the United States and its Territories. Payment Registration in USD in American Bank and USD in Mexican Bank are found in Exhibit C and D respectively.

Offers and Payment in Pesos.

Any firm that is not a U.S. firm is a foreign firm. Any firm that does not meet the definition of a U.S. firm shall submit its prices and receive payment in local currency. Payment Registration Form in Pesos is attached in Exhibit B.

Description/Specifications/Work Statement

General description

The United States Embassy in Mexico City requires a public opinion research company to continue the U.S. Embassy Mexico City’s public opinion program, with quantitative (polling) and qualitative (focus groups, interviews) studies to monitor and track public sentiment trends in Mexico in issues of relevance to the U.S. government.

Definitions

AMAI - Mexican Association of Market Research and Public Opinion Business Day – Monday through Friday, except holidays listed in Section 2, DOSAR 652.237-72, “Observance of Legal Holidays and Administrative Leave”.

CFDI – This stands for Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet. This is the official electronic invoice that all companies registered before Mexican fiscal authorities (SAT) must provide.

CLIN – Contract Line Item.

FMC – Financial Management Center or the paying office.

CO – Contracting Officer COR – Contracting Officer's Representative. See Section 2, DOSAR 652.242-70, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

DOS – Department of State.

Embassy – Refers to U.S. Embassy Mexico.

Government – U.S. Government, including all participating U.S. Government agencies, unless otherwise stated.

GSO – General Services Officer in charge of the General Services Office at Post. This officer is usually the Contracting Officer for this contract.

GTM – Government Technical Monitor, individual designated by the contracting officer to assist the COR in monitoring a contractor’s performance, in accordance with Section G of this contract.

INE – Mexican Electoral Institute Ordering Officer – The Contracting Officer of the Embassy of the United States of America in Mexico.

PDS - Public Diplomacy Section PD – Public Diplomacy Services – The services performed, workmanship, and equipment furnished or utilized in the performance of the services.

WAPOR – World Association for Public Opinion Research

Requirements

To be considered successful, offerors should demonstrate a clear understanding of the project objectives and meet the qualifications stated above.

Objectives

The contractor shall conduct quantitative studies to track and monitor public opinion trends in Mexico on issues of relevance to the U.S. government, including but not limited to perceptions of the U.S. government and the United States-Mexico relationship, perceptions of security cooperation, perceptions of migration and migration trends, perceptions of trade, and more; as well as qualitative studies to examine the depth and granularity of those perceptions as well as test Embassy, State Department, and third-party communications materials.

Qualifications

The Contractor and its subcontractors (if any) shall possess and show proof of the following qualifications:

1. Membership to a professional association of market research. (May include, but not limited to, the Mexican Association of Market Research and Public Opinion - AMAI)

2. Membership to a professional association of public opinion that guarantees standards of research. (May include, but not limited to, Colegio de Especialistas en Demoscopía y Encuestas)

3. Affiliation to an international association of public opinion research. (May include, but not limited to the World Association for Public Opinion Research - WAPOR)

4. More than ten years of experience in the field of public opinion research.

5. Pre-existing local staff with at least 3 years of residence in Mexico and more than ten years of experience.

6. Conduct its own, self-funded nationwide door-to-door surveys with a monthly periodicity and a sample of at least 800 (eight hundred) and 95 (ninety-five) percent confidence level.

7. Have conducted public opinion studies on the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship, international relations, or migration.

8. Previous experience working with local, state, federal or foreign governments, or international government organizations.

9. Have qualified staff capable of designing the research, interpreting the results, and maintaining data integrity.

10. Have personnel that are fluent in Spanish as the questionnaire, focus groups and interviews are expected to be conducted entirely in the local language.

11. Personnel that are trustworthy and will safeguard against data leaks.

12. Ability to begin work immediately upon being awarded contract.

13. Financial liquidity to conduct units of service as described below in Section C.3.3 independently without upfront payment.

Minimal Units of Service

· National Quantitative Studies: A door-to-door survey with national representation with a sample size of 2,400 interviewees over 18 years of age. Study must have a margin of error not to exceed two (2) percent and confidence level of 95. (See further details in Section C.3.4.1);

· State Quantitative Study: A door-to-door survey with state representation with a sample size of 800 interviewees over 18 years of age. Study must have a margin of error not to exceed three-point five (3.5) percent and a confidence level of 95. (See further details in Section C.3.4.2);

· Qualitative Study (local): Focus group in Mexico City with target demographic audience determined by Embassy. (See further details in Section C.3.4.3).

· Qualitative Study (non-local): Focus group outside Mexico City with target demographic audience determined by Embassy. (See further details in Section C.3.4.4).

· In-Depth interview: In-depth interview with individual of profile of interest determined by Embassy. (See further details in Section C.3.4.5).

Description of Services and Deliverables

National Quantitative Study

For each National Quantitative Study (survey) approved and requested by the Embassy through a fully approved Task Order, the contractor shall conduct and provide the following deliverables:

a) A nationwide door-to-door survey with a sample size of 2,400 Mexicans over the age of 18, with a 95 (ninety-five) percent confidence level, and a margin of error of 2 (two) percent. Households must be selected with random sampling method, based on National Electoral Institute (INE) voting regions. Sample must be nationally representative overall, subdivided into regional representation of northern, central, southern, and capital regions (with a regional margin of error of four (4) percent per region. Only with the express written consent of the Embassy’s point of contact, can the sample size be selected by other than the random sampling method for strategic purposes.

b) Questionnaire for (each of the) survey(s) shall be drafted by the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) in conjunction with the contractor. The contractor is expected to make recommendations as to the wording of the questions (seeking unbiased, representative responses, avoiding false positives or negatives) and to the length of the questionnaire (to keep within industry standards and industry response rate). Ultimate wording and length shall be decided by the Embassy’s PDS. No questionnaire can go to the field without the express written consent of the PDS point of contact designated by the COR. The Embassy’s PDS expects interviews to be conducted in the field in a one-to-two-week period once questionnaire is approved.

c) The contractor shall deliver a presentation correlating and analyzing results in graphic format and statistical interpretation of data. Results should be compiled and analyzed at the national and regional levels; results should also highlight relevant changes in demographic variables (including, but not limited to, significant variations in opinions held by gender, age, political party affiliation, or location) and historical trends, as instructed or requested by the Embassy’s PDS. Results shall be for the private use of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. government, except in the cases when the PDS determines that they can be shared for strategic purposes. Embassy expects recommendation from contractor as to the need for weighting results.

d) To avoid information leakage, PDS strongly prefers that the contractor use its own trusted personnel for conducting interviews and capture responses in electronic tablets.

e) The Embassy requires the final report to include presentation of results in visually appealing .PDF and .PPT formats, as well as delivery of all raw data in .SPSS and .XLS formats. Provider must be able to provide demographic breakdowns of specific questions as requested.

f) While quantitative studies must be conducted via door-to-door interviews, in events of medical or security emergencies—and only with the express, written consent of PDS—research can be conducted by alternative methods. In any case, sample size may not be reduced.

State Quantitative Study

For each State Quantitative Study (survey) approved and requested by the Embassy, through a fully approved Task Order, the contractor shall conduct and provide the following deliverables:

a) A door-to-door survey with a sample size of 800 Mexicans over the age of 18 who live in a particular state, with a 95 (ninety-five) percent confidence level, and a margin of error of three-point five (3.5) percent that is representative of a specific state. Households must be selected with random sampling method. Sample must be state representative overall.

b) Questionnaire for (each of the) survey(s) shall be drafted by the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) in conjunction with the contractor. The contractor is expected to make recommendations as to the wording of the questions (seeking unbiased, representative responses, avoiding false positives or negatives) and to the length of the questionnaire (to keep within industry standards and industry response rate). Ultimate wording and length shall be decided by the Embassy’s PDS. No questionnaire can go to the field without the express written consent of the PDS point of contact designated by the COR. The Embassy’s PDS expects interviews to be conducted in the field in a one-to-two-week period once questionnaire is approved.

c) The contractor shall deliver a presentation correlating and analyzing results in graphic format and statistical interpretation of data. Results should highlight relevant changes in demographic variables (including, but not limited to, significant variations in opinions held by gender, age, political party affiliation, or location) and historical trends, as instructed or requested by the Embassy’s PDS. Results shall be for the private use of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. government, except in the cases when the PDS determines that they can be shared for strategic purposes. Embassy expects recommendation from contractor as to the need for weighting results.

d) To avoid information leakage, PDS strongly prefers that the contractor use its own trusted personnel for conducting interviews and capture responses in electronic tablets.

e) The Embassy requires the final report to include presentation of results in visually appealing .PDF and .PPT formats, as well as delivery of raw data in .SPSS and .XLS formats. Provider must be able to provide demographic breakdowns of specific questions as requested.

f) While quantitative studies must be conducted via door-to-door interviews, in events of medical or security emergencies—and only with the express, written consent of PDS—research can be conducted by alternative methods. In any case, sample size may not be reduced.

Local Qualitative Study

For each Qualitative Study (local) approved and requested by the Embassy, through a fully approved Task Order, the contractor shall conduct and provide the following deliverables:

a) A focus group session in Mexico City with target audiences designated by the Embassy that may include, but are not limited to, potential Mexican migrants, third-country migrants in transit, or specific sectors and strata of Mexican society.

b) The contractor must facilitate participation of the PDS point of contact designated by the COR as witness to the focus group session either presently in a Gessell chamber or remotely through a livestream of the session. Only in events when remoteness of location does not permit, a livestream may be audio only. The contractor must share permanent private links to all sessions as well as transcripts.

c) Questionnaires for the Qualitative Study (focus groups) may vary in length but will try to keep sessions to under two hours each. These shall be drafted by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR along with the contractor. Final draft must be approved by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR.

d) The contractor must provide a one-to-two-page summary of key findings of focus groups within 48 hours of sessions, unless told in writing by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR that a report can be tendered later. The contractor must provide a full transcript of each session within two months of completion.

e) Focus groups participants may include Mexican citizens or third-country citizens transiting Mexico. Representation requirements for focus groups are typically focusing on specific strata.

Non-local Qualitative Study

For each Qualitative Study (non-local) approved and requested by the Embassy, through a fully approved Task Order, the contractor shall conduct and provide the following deliverables:

a) A focus group session conducted outside of Mexico City in places that may include northern border, southern border, or any specific state.

b) Focus group sessions with target audiences designated by the Embassy that may include, but are not limited to, potential Mexican migrants of a given state, third-country migrants in transit, or specific sectors and strata of a given Mexican state.

c) The contractor must facilitate participation of the PDS point of contact designated by the COR as witness to the focus group sessions either presently in a Gessell chamber or remotely through a livestream of the session. Only in events when remoteness of location does not permit, a livestream may be audio only. The contractor must share permanent private links to all sessions as well as transcripts.

d) Questionnaires for the Qualitative Study (focus groups) may vary in length but will try to keep sessions under two hours. These shall be drafted by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR along with the contractor. Final draft must be approved by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR.

e) The contractor must provide a one-to-two-page summary of key findings of focus groups within 48 hours of sessions, unless told in writing by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR that a report can be tendered later. The contractor must provide a full transcript of each session within two months of completion.

f) Focus groups participants may include Mexican citizens of a given state or third-country citizens transiting Mexico. Representation requirements for focus groups are typically focusing on specific strata.

In-Depth Interview

For each In-Depth Interview approved and requested by the Embassy, the contractor shall conduct and provide the following deliverables:

a) Recruitment of individual whose profile is requested by the Embassy.

b) Conduct interview and facilitate participation of the PDS point of contact designated by the COR as witness either presently in a Gessell chamber or remotely through a livestream of the session.

c) Questionnaires for the In-depth interview may vary in length but will try to keep sessions under two hours. These shall be drafted by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR along with the contractor. Final draft must be approved by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR.

d) The contractor must provide a one-to-two-page summary of key findings of focus groups within 48 hours of sessions, unless told in writing by the PDS point of contact designated by the COR that a report can be tendered later. The contractor must provide a full transcript of each session within two months of completion.

e) Subjects of in-depth interviews may include Mexican citizens of a given state or third-country citizens transiting Mexico.

National Quantitative Study Participants’ Profile:

PDS understands that the profile of interviewees of the quantitative, door-to-door survey(s) will vary. However, it is expected that the profile of respondents be roughly comparable to this profile from one of our recent studies. Embassy/PDS expects recommendation of the contractor as to the need of weighting results in the event that results are atypical:

Age:

· 18-25 years old / 17%

· 26-35 years old / 23%

· 36-45 years old / 20%

· 46-55 years old / 17%

· +56 years old / 23%

Gender:

· 53% Females

· 47% Males

Economic Status: Monthly income per household (considering all the people living in a house)

· $785 or less / 3%

· $785- $1,517/ 8%

· $1,518- $3,034/ 13%

· $3,035- $4,551/ 18%

· $4,552- $7,585 / 23%

· $7,585- $15,170/ 12%

· $15,171- $20,000/ 3%

· +$20,000/ 1%

· Do not know/ 11%

· No response/ 8%

Educational Background:

· No studies/ 3%

· Elementary school (incomplete) / 9%

· Elementary school (complete) / 13%

· Junior High school (incomplete) / 6%

· Junior High school (complete) / 26%

· High school (incomplete) / 10%

· High school (complete) / 17%

· Technic Career, Rural school/ 4%

· Intern / 3%

· University / 8%

· MBA or PHD / 1%

Occupation:

· Housewife, housework/ 32%

· Employee for a company/ 16%

· Independent worker / 14%

· Merchant/ 11%

· Peasant, farmer/ 7%

· Student/ 5%

· Employee for the Government/ 4%

· Retired/ 4%

· Professional independent worker/ 2%

· Unemployed (not looking for a job) / 2%

· Employee for an NGO/ 1%

· Job seeker / 1%

· Other/ 1%.

Methodology

National Quantitative Study

Each of the national surveys shall have a national sample of 2,400 with a margin of error of two (2) percent and a 95 (ninety-five) percent confidence level, composed of random sampling in four regions (north, central, southern and capital region) with a sample of 600 (six hundred) and a regional margin of error of four (4) percent each. Sample framework must be based on National Electoral Institute (INE) electoral sections. Method of selection of electoral sections must be systematic random with probability of selection proportional to size. Method of household selection must be random systematic sampling. If a selected household is inaccessible or rejects interview, interviewer must substitute household.

State Quantitative Study

Each of the state surveys shall have a sample of 800 with a margin of error of three-point five (3.5) percent and a 95 (ninety-five) percent confidence level. Must use electoral sections as defined by the National Electoral Institute and use systematic random sampling. Method of selection must be systematic random with probability of selection proportional to size. Method of household selection must be random systematic sampling. If a selected household is inaccessible or rejects interview, interviewer must substitute household.

Local and Non-Local Qualitative Studies

Each of the samples shall be composed by six (6) to eight (8) participants belonging to a specific social stratum or a nationality different to Mexican, as designated by the Embassy’s PDS point of contact designated by the COR.

In-depth Interviews

Subject shall be selected depending on desired profile, as designated by the Embassy’s PDS point of contact designated by the COR.

Task Orders

All services requested under this contract shall be ordered through a Task Order Form OF 347 (see Exhibit E), issued and signed by the C.O., as the need arises. This includes any modifications to task orders if necessary. The COR or designated GTM shall be responsible of delivering the task orders on behalf of the C.O.

Task Orders under this contract shall contain the following information:

a) Name of contractor

b) Contract number

c) Date of order

d) CLIN number of requested services.

e) Unit price

f) Total price

No services provided without a fully approved Task Order shall be accepted.

Managerial and Administrative Support

The Contractor shall furnish all managerial and administrative support necessary to furnish this contract.

Project Manager

The Contractor shall designate a Project Manager for the daily administration of this contract, as well as for any urgent requests. This Project Manager shall be the Contractor’s point of contact, shall have delegated authority to lead the project, and shall have close communication and meet with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as needed.

Availability

The Project Manager shall always be available during the performance period of these services to receive and implement orders or special instructions from the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative and ensure a smooth and effective operation.

Project Manager Absence

In the event that the Project Manager is absent, an alternate shall serve as a replacement. The alternate shall be familiar with this contract and all cases in progress.

Replacement of Project Manager

If there is a need to replace the Project Manager, the Contractor shall notify the COR at least five (5) business days prior to any transition. The Contractor’s Project Manager designated under this Contract is:

Project Manager:

Telephone Number(s):

E-mail Address:

Project Manager Requirements

The Project Manager shall have sufficient English and Spanish language skills to be able to communicate with members of the U.S. Government staff, and the administrative skills required to perform the administrative matters of this contract.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

The Contractor, not the U.S. Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall deliver a Quality Management Plan (QMP) to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review within ten (10) business days after award of the contract. The COR must approve these general instructions before issuance. The QMP shall define the procedures to perform Quality Metrics, Quality Checklist, on-site inspections, and Perform Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

The Contractor shall institute an appropriate inspection system including:

a. Develop and maintain checklists of duties to be carried out.

b. Perform inspections at all work locations to determine whether the various services are being performed according to the contract requirements.

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Inspection and Acceptance

FAR 52.2522 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses are incorporated by reference (48 CFR CH. 1):

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES – FIXED PRICE (AUG 1996)

Authorized Ordering Officials

Those authorized to approve Task Orders under this Contract are as follows:

· The Contracting Officer assigned to the General Services Office at the U.S. Embassy Mexico City and in the absence thereof, the designated warranted Contracting Officer.

Authorized ordering officials shall not sign or issue any Task Order for which accumulatively of all Task Orders issued does not exceed the maximum dollar amount of the contract amount.

Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan (QASP)

This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor contractor performance, advise the contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Performs all Opinion Poll Services set forth in the Section C.2 Requirements

Surveillance The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

Standard The performance standard is that the U.S. Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996), if any of the services exceed the standard.

Procedures

a. If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed, they should immediately contact the COR.

b. The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

c. If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

d. If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

e. The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

f. If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

g. The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

h. Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

Deliveries or Performance

52.252‑2 Clauses Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clause(s) is/are incorporated by reference (48 CFR CH. 1):

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

Period of Performance

Contract Period of Performance

The performance period of this contract is from the date stated in the Award Letter and continuing for twelve months.

Option to Extend the Contract The Government may extend this contract under FAR 52.217-9, “Option to Extend the Term of the Contract” and 52.217-8, “Option to Extend Services”.

Deliverables

Deliverable Addresses The Contractor shall deliver electronic reports to the electronic address indicated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Contract Administration Data

652.242-70 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (Aug 1999)

(a) The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one or more Government employees, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this Contract. Each designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Such designation(s) shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided, that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation.

(b) The COR for this contract is the PD Public Sentiment Analyst

Invoicing and Payment

Upon work performed and accepted under this contract, the Contractor shall submit its electronic invoice clearly stating the services provided, as described in the respective Task Order.

Invoice Submission

The Accounts Payable section of the U.S. Embassy has a paperless Voucher processing system known as ILMS VENDOR PORTAL. Please follow the guidelines stated in Exhibit F, to submit a payment request through the VENDOR PORTAL. Paper or emailed invoices are no longer accepted.

Please include the following documents with your payment request:

(a) Original PDF electronic invoice (no scanned copies).

(b) Banking form information (for new vendors, completed and signed).

(c) COR’s Name

Invoice Requirements

To constitute a proper invoice, the invoice shall include all the items required by FAR 32.905, as well as the following minimum requirements:

(a) Electronic Invoice;

(b) Contractor’s name and complete legal address;

(c) Contractor’s Tax ID (RFC) and SAM Unique Entity ID

(d) Date issued;

(e) Issue Invoice as follows:

Embajada de los Estados Unidos de America Paseo de la Reforma No. 305, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, Mexico, CDMX, C.P. 06500;

RFC: EEU 930201 289

(f) Period of performance being charged;

(g) Contract number / Task Order Number;

(h) A summary of each services provided as stated in the Task Order. It should include the cost breakdown of each line item.

(i) IVA broken down (if applicable);

(j) Amounts shall be in numbers and spelled out;

(k) Prompt payment discount, if any.

If an invoice does not contain the above information, the United States Government reserves the right to reject the invoice as improper and return it to the Contractor within seven (7) calendars days. The Contractor must then submit a proper invoice.

Invoice Submission Schedule and Instructions

The Contractor shall submit one invoice per task order approved.

Each invoice shall be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of receiving a fully approved task order.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

If applicable, the Contractor shall include VAT as a separate charge on the Invoice and as a separate line item in Section B (see B.4.1 Value Added Tax (VAT)).

Invoice Receipt Confirmation

If the Invoice is correct and accepted, the payment system will provide you with a voucher number within three (3) business days after the payment request is submitted. If the payment request is incomplete or incorrect, the system will notify you of any missing information. Contact the financial vouchering section at the below email if a confirmation is not received within three (3) business days:

mexfmccustomervoucher@state.gov

Invoice Revision

The COR/GTM will review each summary invoice and approve invoices for payment. It shall be the COR who will interact with the Contractor on any invoice problems.

Payment

Payment shall be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within thirty (30) days after receipt of the proper Invoice in the currency stated in Section B.4 Prices.

The Government will only pay for services already received and accepted, no payments in advance are allowed.

Frequency of Payments

All funds under this contract will be obligated by issuance of task orders, as described in C.2, Task Orders. Each task order will fund Public Opinion Research and/or focus groups services. The Contractor may submit invoices once each service is provided for payment to be made thirty (30) calendar days after the date of receipt of a proper invoice in the designated payment office.

Prompt Payment

A proper invoice shall comply with the requirements FAR 52.232-25, “Prompt Payment”.

Offers and Payment in U.S. Dollars

U.S. firms are eligible to be paid in U.S. dollars. U.S. firms desiring to be paid in U.S. dollars should submit their offer in U.S. dollars. A U.S. firm is defined as a company, which operates as a corporation incorporated under the laws of a state within the United States.

Offers and Payment in Pesos

Any firm, which is not a U.S. firm, is a foreign firm. Any firm that does not meet the definition of a U.S. firm shall submit its prices and receive payment in local currency (Pesos).

Special Contract Requirements

Permits

Without cost to the Government, the Contractor shall obtain all permits, licenses, and appointments required for the prosecution of work under this Contract. The Contractor shall obtain these permits, licenses, and appointments in compliance with applicable host country laws. Application, justification, fees, and certifications for any licenses required by the host government are entirely the responsibility of the Contractor.

The licenses are :

· Membership to a professional association of market research. (May include, but not limited to, the Mexican Association of Market Research and Public Opinion - AMAI)

· Membership to a professional association of public opinion that guarantees standards of research. (May include, but not limited to, Colegio de Especialistas en Demoscopía y Encuestas)

· Affiliation to an international association of public opinion research (May include, but not limited to the World Association for Public Opinion Research - WAPOR).

Standards of Conduct

General

The Contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, cleanliness, appearance and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to employees as required. Each Contractor employee is expected to adhere to standards of conduct that reflect credit on themselves, their employer, and the United States Government. The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from work on this Contract for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional cost to the Government.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct, use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned. Also included is participation in disruptive activities that interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

Intoxicants and Narcotics

The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or substances that produce similar effects.

Criminal Actions

Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include but are not limited to the following actions: falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records; unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct; unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials; security violations; and organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

Part II – Contract Clauses

Contract Clauses

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)(48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

FAR 52.252‑2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025).

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

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

(2)52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (Dec 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

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

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

(5)52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] _X_ (1)52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

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

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

_X_ (4)52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) ( 41 U.S.C. 4712); this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community—see FAR 3.900(a).

__ (5)52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (6)[Reserved].

__ (7)52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (8)52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (9)52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

__ (10)52.204-28, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts, and Multi-Agency Contracts. (Dec 2023) ( Pub. L. 115–390, title II).

_X_ (11)(i)52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition. (Dec 2023) ( Pub. L. 115–390, title II).

__ (ii)Alternate I (Dec 2023) of 52.204-30.

__ (12)52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded. (Jan 2025) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (13)52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (14)[Reserved].

__ (15)52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (16)52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (17)[Reserved] __ (18)(i)52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

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

__ (19)(i)52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

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

__ (20)52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Jan 2025)( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (21)(i)52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jan 2025) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

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

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

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

__ (v)Alternate IV (Jan 2025) of 52.219-9.

__ (22)(i)52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

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

_X_ (23)52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

__ (24)52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (25)52.219-27, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the SDVOSB Program (Feb 2024) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (26)(i)52.219-28, Postaward Small Business Program…