OIG HOTLINE SERVICES HUBZONE RFP .docx

693JK424R700003 OIG Hotline Services

U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington DC 20590 May 30, 2024

Dear Prospective Offerors, The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Senior Procurement Executive (OSPE) has a requirement for the subject support services for its Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) anticipates the award of a Fixed Labor Hour Task Order from this RFP.

The period of performance for this Task Order is for Five (5) years, one (1) base period and four (4) one-year option periods.

Award will be based on the best value.

Questions relative to the RFP should be directed to Bernice Nelson and Robin Gates via email by no later than June 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm Eastern Time.

Proposal submissions are due no later than June 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm Eastern Time via email to Bernice.Nelson.ctr@dot.gov with a copy to Robin.Gates@dot.gov. Please reference: “RFP: 693JK424R700003 OIG Hotline Services” in the subject line.

Thanks in advance for your interest in the Department of Transportation and its programs.

Sincerely, “//S//”

Robin D. Gates Contracting Officer OST, Acquisition Services

Work is to be accomplished in accordance with the Contractor’s quotation dated ____________ the terms and conditions of the OIG Contract#_____________ and the list of required services provided herein.

The Contractor is required to sign for acceptance of this Call Order and return one copy of this form to the Contracting Officer.

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 GENERAL

B.1.1 This award is made under the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program. The services performed under this contract are non-personal in nature.

B.1.2 The Contractor shall provide a qualified person to perform OIG Hotlines Services in support of the Office of Inspector General.

B.1.3 Support services shall be provided under a Labor Hour Contract. The Contractor shall bill the fixed labor rates as negotiated at award and further outlined in Section B.2. The Contractor performance cannot exceed 1920 hours per year without express written consent for the Contracting Officer.

The total negotiated amount of this contract is $____________; this amount includes the base period and four option periods – if exercised.

a. The negotiated amount of the base period is $__________. Full funding for the base period is being obligated at award and shall cover performance from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2029.

b. Upon exercise of an option period, yearly funding shall be added via modification to the contract.

SECTION C DESCRIPTION, SPECIFICATIONS, WORK STATEMENT

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

OFFICE OF AUDIT RELATIONS AND PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT

C.1 BACKGROUND

The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452), as amended, provides the authority for the Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Inspector General (OIG) to conduct, pursuant to Federal criminal statutes, investigations of allegations that a person or entity has engaged in fraudulent or other criminal activity relating to the programs and operations of the Department or its operating administrations. As part of fulfilling this function, the OIG maintains a Hotline to facilitate the reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in DOT programs or operations. The objective of this task order is to acquire contractor services to manage the OIG telephone hotline by receiving and recording any allegations of fraud, waste and abuse and forwarding the reports on to OIG hotline investigators for disposition. If options are exercised, the Contractor shall perform the same for each subsequent year. This task order contains renewal options for four succeeding fiscal years. The contract for the base year and any option years will be firm, fixed-price.

OIG maintains a Hotline to facilitate the reporting of allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in DOT programs or operations. Allegations may be reported by DOT employees, contractors, or the general public.

Issues that may be reported include:

· Contract, procurement, and Grant Fraud

· Safety, Environment and Health violations

· Computer Crimes

· Products Substitution and Suspect/Counterfeit Parts

· Bribery, Kickbacks, and Gratuities

· False Statements and False Claims

· Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Violations

· Travel Fraud

· Employee Misconduct

· Whistleblower Issues

· Theft and/or Abuse of Government property

· Public Integrity

· Other Violations of Federal Laws and Regulations Callers are encouraged to provide relevant and specific details of their complaints, including the identity of the person, company, or organization alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing; a description of the alleged impropriety; the DOT facility and program affected by the alleged misconduct; contract numbers; date(s) of alleged wrongdoing; how the caller is aware of the alleged impropriety; the identity of potential witnesses; and the identity and location of supporting documentation.

Upon receipt of a specific allegation of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement, the OIG may take any one of the following actions: open an investigation or audit; refer the matter to DOT management for appropriate review and action; or refer the allegation to another Federal agency. Allegations with limited specificity or merit may be held in abeyance until further, specific details are reported.

C.2 TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

The contractor will operate the OIG telephone hotline by answering the telephone calls and recording any allegations of fraud, waste and abuse. Each call will be reported in writing and reports will be forwarded to OIG hotline investigators for disposition.

In addition, the contractor will operate the OIG Hotline to include review of all incoming complaints, including those filed via email, web base, regular mail, and faxes (in addition to the telephone complaints). The OIG hotline averages 6000 complaints per calendar year.

The contractor must ensure the following:

1. Callers may remain anonymous. Individuals who contact the Hotline, via telephone will not be required to identify themselves to the Hotline operator. Reports will omit all identifying information for anonymous callers. However, persons who report allegations are encouraged to identify themselves in the event additional questions arise as the OIG evaluates or pursues their allegations.

The Contractor must abide by the confidentiality standards established by OIG and protect the identity of complainants to the maximum extent possible by law. Confidentiality is established by Section 7(b) of the Inspector General Act of 1978, which precludes the IG from disclosing the identity of a DOT employee who reports an allegation or provides information, without the employee's consent, unless the IG determines that disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Non-Department of Transportation employees who report allegations may specifically request confidentiality.

2. Calls must not be recorded or traced.

3. Calls must be answered by a live person. No voice mail will be utilized.

4. Protocols/Procedures. Contractor will work with OIG to develop a customized protocols and procedures for OIG hotline calls.

5. Urgent calls (as defined in OIG protocols). Will be referred immediately to an OIG hotline investigator.

6. Written Reports. Written reports will be prepared for every call. Reports will be submitted to OIG hotline investigators via an on-line web-based reporting system. Daily summary reports will be made available to OIG management.

7. Complaints provided via email will be sent to the contractor and sent through the OIG server feeding directly into the OIG Management Information System, which is called ALERTS, database.

8. The contractor will establish a separate mailing address and fax number for incoming complaints. These new numbers will be advertised via the DOT OIG web site.

9. The OIG Hotline will maintain electronic files of incoming complaints.

10. Complaints with voluminous attachments will be forwarded directly to the OIG Hotline to review and process.

11. Complaints forwarded through Congressional requests and/or from the General Accountability Office will continue to be sent directly to and processed by the OIG Hotline.

12. The contractor will not have access to the ALERT database but will prepare typed-written summaries of the incoming complaints onto in the agreed-upon format. Complaint summaries will include all pertinent information regarding allegations.

13. The OIG Hotline staff will always have access to the incoming complaints from the contractor and will prepare hotlines, as required, following the current established procedures.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor must ensure the following:

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

Preservation, packaging, and packing of all shipments or mailing of all work delivered under this Contract shall be done in accordance with good commercial practices and to insure acceptance by common carrier (if applicable) and safe transportation at the most economical rate(s).

D.2 SECURITY AND PRIVACY PROTECTION

All deliverables and services rendered under this contract/agreement must comply with Federal and DOT security and privacy protection policies and requirements.

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

The 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. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far.

FAR 52.246-6 Inspection of Services – Time and Material and Labor Hour

E.2 INSPECTION AND/OR ACCEPTANCE

All work products will be inspected and accepted by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

The COR as designated in this Contract shall be responsible for performing the inspection of all services rendered under this Contract and for recommending acceptance of replacement/correction of services that fail to meet the Contract requirements to the Contracting Officer.

The COR shall be responsible to the Contracting Officer for recommending acceptance or replacement/correction of nonconforming services that fail to meet the Contract requirements.

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCES

F.1 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 (CO) will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a contract provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address: www.acquisition.gov/far/.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses:

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All work required hereunder, including preparation, submission, review of any and all reports, shall be completed within the 60 months after the effective date of the Contract award. The period of performance of this contract is as follows:

(See Section I, “Option to Extend the Term of the Contract.”)

F.3 MILESTONES (M) AND DELIVERABLES (D)

Work hereunder shall be performed at DOT Headquarters located at:

1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

The amount presently available for payment by the Government and allotted for this Contract is $___________. It is estimated the allotted amount will cover the period _________ through __________. The parties agree that the Government may allot additional funds incrementally up to the prices in Section B.2 of this Contract. The Contractor agrees to perform, or have performed, work up to the point at which the total amount paid and payable by the Government under the Contract approximates but does not exceed the total amount actually allotted by the Government.

G.2 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES

G.2.1 The Contractor shall submit one (1) original Invoice to:

DOT/FAA/OST

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center c/o AMK-313

P.O. BOX 25780

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0730

The email address is 9-AMC-AMZ-OST@faa.gov

To be an acceptable invoice, the contractor shall include the following information:

· Contractor Name, Address, Phone

· Contract Number: TBD

· Invoice Date

· Invoice Number

· Number of Hours and labor costs claimed for the period covered by that invoice. The contractor shall indicate the applicable functional categories, the associated hours for the period being billed, the applicable hourly rate and the extended total.

· Other direct costs incurred during the billing period.

· Applicable indirect costs.

· Total cost for that specific invoice.

· Cumulative value of billings to date.

· Contract Specialist or Contracting Officer Name, Phone Number (optional) and Email Address (optional)

· COR Name

· Contractor DUNS Number

G.2.2 To be acceptable for payment, each invoice must contain the following certifications:

“I hereby certify that the information submitted in this invoice, and accompanying documentation, is accurate and conforms to the billing requirements set forth in this Contract and the contract.”

G.2.3 If an invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 15 days of the receipt of the invoice.

G.3 MODIFICATIONS

G.3.1 UNILATERAL MODIFICATIONS

The Contracting Officer has the right, under this Contract, to execute unilateral modifications for the following purposes:

Provide incremental federal funding;

Change the COR; and Make other administrative changes which do not affect the legal obligations of the Contractor.

G.3.2 BILATERAL MODIFICATIONS

Bilateral modifications to this Contract may be proposed by either party at any time during the period of performance of this Task and shall become effective upon approval by both parties.

G.4 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

G.4.1 The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officers Representative (COR) to assist in monitoring the work under this Contract. The COR is responsible for the technical administration of the Contract and technical liaison with the Contractor.

The COR IS NOT AUTHORIZED to change the scope of work or specifications as stated in this Contract, to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government, or to authorize any changes which affect the Contract price, task schedule, period of performance or other terms or conditions.

The following are examples of duties the COR may perform:

Provide information and technical assistance from available Government resources as determined appropriate by the COR.

Provide liaison with other Government/private agencies as appropriate Stimulate the exchange of ideas and information among recipients of related projects through periodic meetings.

G.4.2 The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit or obligate the Government for the expenditure of public funds. The technical administration of this Contract shall not be construed to authorize the revision of the terms and conditions of this Contract. The Contracting Officer will authorize any such revision in writing.

The COR for this Contract is:

G.5 CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGER/WORKING SUPERVISOR

G.5.1 The Contractor shall appoint a Project Manager. The Project Manager shall provide the single point of contact between the Contractor and the COR or other duly authorized representative under this Contract.

G.5.2 The Project Manager shall receive and execute, on behalf of the Contractor, such technical assignment directives as the COR or his duly authorized representative may issue within the terms and conditions of this Contract.

The Contractor’s Project Manager shall be:

G.7 ON-SITE CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE

G.7.1 General Requirements: During all operations on Government premises the Contractor shall comply with the rules, regulations and procedures governing the conduct of personnel and the operation of the facility, as expressed in written or oral procedures.

G.7.2 Observance of Legal Public Holidays: The DOT Offices will be closed on all legal public holidays. Contractor personnel will not be allowed in the building on those days unless specific approval is provided in writing by the Contracting Officer with coordination with the COR.

The Government hereby provides “notice” and the Contractor hereby acknowledges “receipt” that Government personnel and all contractor employees who work on-site observes the listed days as holidays:

Any other day designated by Federal statute.

Any other day designated by Executive Order.

Any other day designated by Presidential proclamation.

Note: When any of the above days fall on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; when any of the above days fall on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.

The Contractor agrees that all contractor employees who work on-site at the will observe the legal public holidays listed in this contract. Contractor employees are not permitted holiday or other premium compensation for work during legal public holidays, and the contractor may not seek reimbursement for these charges either as direct or indirect costs to the contract. However, this subsection does not preclude reimbursement for overtime work specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer.

G.7.3 Administrative Leave: When administrative leave is granted to Government employees, Contractor personnel assigned shall be dismissed at the discretion of the COR.

G.7.4 Furloughs: In the event of shut-down due to furlough or other conditions, Contractor employees shall be similarly furloughed and shall not be reimbursed for any charges, expenses, costs, etc., during the furlough period.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Government reserves the right to refuse services from any contract employee that exhibits a condition or behavior that could adversely affect the safety of themselves or others during performance of this contract. This determination is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Contracting Officer shall provide written notice to the Contractor of the Government’s intent to invoke this right.

H.2.2 The Contractor shall be financially responsible for damage caused by their personnel to equipment if the repair/replacement costs are in excess of $2500, unless otherwise negotiated with the Government Contracting Officer.

H.3 ACCESS TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION

H.3.1 Work under this contract may involve access to sensitive information* which shall not be disclosed by the contractor unless authorized by the Contracting Officer. To protect sensitive information, the contractor shall provide training to any contractor employee authorized access to sensitive information and, upon request of the Government, provide information as to an individual’s suitability to have such authorization. Contractor employees found by the Government to be unsuitable or whose employment is deemed contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interest of national security, may be prevented from performing work under the particular contract when requested by the contracting officer.

H.3.2 The Contractor shall ensure that contractor employees are: (1) citizens of the United States of America or an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence or employment (indicated by immigration status) as evidenced by Immigration and Naturalization Service documentation; and (2) have background investigations in accordance with DOT Order 1632.2B, Personnel Security Management.

The Contractor shall include the above requirements in any subcontract awarded involving access to Government facilities, sensitive information, and/or resources.

*Sensitive Information is proprietary data or other information that, if subject to unauthorized access, modification, loss or misuse could adversely affect national interest, conduct of Federal programs, or privacy of individuals specified in the Privacy Act, but has not been specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy under an Executive Order or Act of Congress.

H.4 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES’ IDENTIFICATION/BUILDING PASSES

The Contractor shall ensure that all employees performing under this contract have proper identification and are easily identified as belonging to the services Contractor.

H.6 PHYSICAL SECURITY

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. At the end of each work period, all Government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured.

H.7 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

H.7.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance, and integrity. Safe operating practices shall be employed during the conduct of all services. As federal leased space, the facility is a smoke-free and drug free environment. Smoking shall not occur other than in designated smoking shelters, outside of the building.

H.7.2 The Contractor is also responsible for ensuring that its employees do not disturb papers on desks, open desk drawers or cabinets, or use Government property, resources and telephones, except as authorized.

PART II CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 FAR 2.2522 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

The contract incorporates the following clauses (as indicated by an “X”) by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make the full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): www.acquisition.gov/far.

Applicable “X”

(Thru FAC 2005-95)

I.2 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) CLAUSES PROVIDED IN

FULL TEXT

This Contract incorporate the following Federal Acquisition Regulation Clauses provided in full text:

I.2.1 FAR 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989)

This contract is subject to the written approval of the Contracting Officer, OST Office of Acquisition Services and shall not be binding until so approved.

I.2.2 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within seven (7) days within the expiration of the contract; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

I.3 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This contract incorporates the following Transportation Acquisition Regulation clauses by reference (as indicated by an “X”), with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make the full text available.

Applicable “X”

(Thru MAY 2024)

PART III LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 No. Attachment Description Number of Pages

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

K.1 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications. (May 2024) (a)

(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is__________________ [insert NAICS code].

2. (2) The small business size standard is _____________ [insert size standard].

3. (3) The small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519 if the acquisition—

1. (i) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

2. (ii) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

3. (iii) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b)

(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

4. (2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

4. (i) □ Paragraph (d) applies.

5. (ii) □ Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)

(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

6. (i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless–

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

7. (ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

8. (iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

9. (iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

10. (v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that-

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

11. (vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

12. (vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation.

13. (viii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

14. (ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

15. (x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance-Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

16. (xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

17. (xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

18. (xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

19. (xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

20. (xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

21. (xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

22. (xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of biobased products in USDA-designated product categories; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

23. (xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA–designated items.

24. (xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals-Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.

25. (xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

26. (xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates II and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $50,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $100,000 or more but is less than $102,280, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

27. (xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

28. (xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

29. (xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

30. (xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

5. (2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

__ (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

__ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

__ (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Certification.

__ (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Certification.

__ (vi) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

__ (A) Basic.

__ (B) Alternate I.

__ (vii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM website accessed through https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause # Title Date Change

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of Provision)

K.2 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Administrative proceeding means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000 means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

Principal means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror □ has □ does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

1. (i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

2. (ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

3. (iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in–

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

4. (iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in (c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of provision)

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

L.1 PROPOSAL DELIVERY

1. QUESTIONS: All questions concerning the RFP shall be submitted electronically to Contract Specialist, Bernice Nelson via email at bernice.nelson.ctr@dot.gov, no later than 12:00 PM EST, Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in order for responses to questions to be conveyed in a timely manner. No telephone requests will be entertained.

Offerors shall include RFP Number 693JK424R700003 in the subject line. Offerors shall submit questions in the form of an electronic file attachment in Microsoft Word format and shall include at a minimum, company name, address, point of contact, phone number and a reference point for where the question originated.

For example:

SOW Section C.2.2, “entitled…”

Question: (State the Question)

Responses to questions will be provided via email to all Offerors by Thursday, June 6, 2024 as an amendment to the solicitation.

2. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of all amendments, if any, to the Solicitation. Accordingly, Offerors should observe Block 14 of the Standard Form 33, Offer of Award, for guidance on this requirement.

Amendment or Cancellation of Solicitation: OST AS reserves the right to amend or cancel this solicitation as necessary to meet agency requirements.

Communication: Until a formal notice of award is issued, no communication by the Government either written or oral shall be interpreted as a promise that an award will be made.

WHEN/WHERE/HOW MANY TO SUBMIT:

Each Offeror shall submit their technical and business proposals electronically to Bernice Nelson via email at Bernice.Nelson.ctr@dot.gov. The Business Cost Proposal spreadsheets should be interactive so that the Contract Specialist can verify the calculations used to obtain the final cost. The Proposals are due no later than 12:00 PM EST Wednesday, June 10, 2024.

L.2 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make the full text available. The Offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the Offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the Offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses are hereby incorporated by reference.

52.204-7 52.215-1 52.215-22

L.3 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price Contract as a result of this Solicitation.

L.4 GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

(a) This requirement is competative HUBZone Small Business set aside.

(b) For the purpose of this solicitation, the small business size standard is $14 Million.

(c) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is 561421 - Telephone Answering Services.

2. AWARD NOTICE

No communication by the Government, either written or oral, prior to award, shall be interpreted as a promise that an award will be made.

3. INCURRENCE OF COSTS

The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit or obligate the Government to the expenditure of public funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed contract can be incurred before the contract is awarded or specific written authorization from the Contracting Officer is provided.

L.5 PROPOSAL CONTENT

By no later than the due date for receipt of proposals (as stated in block 9 of this Solicitation Standard Form 33), the Offeror shall submit the following documents:

a. Standard Form 33 – One (1) completed with signature shall be included with proposal.

b. Section K – Representation, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors - must be completed and submitted as a part of the Offeror’s proposal.

c. Waiver of Price Evaluation Adjustments/Preferences – If the Offeror has represented itself as a a HUBZone Small Business Concern or a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 126 and the Offeror elects to waive either, or both evaluation adjustments provided by this Solicitation the Offeror must indicate so in its Business Proposal.

d. Conflict of Interest – One (1) disclosure of conflict of interest statement submitted in accordance with Section H.

L.7 PART I-TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

· Page Limit: 10 (Excluding resumes)

· The electronic submission(s) shall be submitted in a format compatible with Microsoft Office.

PART II– PRICE PROPOSAL

· The electronic submission(s) shall be submitted in a format compatible with Microsoft Excel and shall allow the Government to interact with the data.

· Page Limit: None

L.8 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

A written technical proposal is required for this RFP. The technical proposal shall not exceed 10 pages and shall be bound separately from the business proposal. The Technical Proposal, Volume I, will be evaluated in accordance with Section M.2. Volume I: Technical Proposal shall be submitted in three (3) parts:

A. TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

The technical proposal shall include the approach, methods and procedures for satisfying the requirements and a discussion of potential problems to be encountered. The technical proposal shall provide a discussion of present or proposed facilities and equipment that will be used in the performance of the contract. The technical proposal shall provide their procedures for assuring quality in the work, products and deliverables.

B. MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY/PERSONNEL

The technical proposal shall discuss the Offeror’s plan for managing and meeting the requirements and schedules, meeting task deadlines and communicating with the COR. The Offeror shall provide a management plan that describes how the Offeror will manage and coordinate the efforts of subcontractors and consultants, if used. They shall demonstrate how the infrastructure and resources (i.e. facilities, qualified drivers) of the Offeror will contribute to the success of the contract.

The technical proposal shall include a staffing plan. The plan shall include labor categories and skill levels of proposed personnel and the availability of staff. The Offeror shall propose one individual to serve as Project Manager. The proposed PM shall be identified by name in the Offeror’s proposal.

C. CORPORATE EXPERIENCE/PAST PERFORMANCE

The Offeror shall provide a list of recent projects completed that were similar to the effort described in this solicitation. This list should include dates on which the project began and was completed, total dollar value of the contract, contract number, customer name including contact information, and a brief synopsis of the project. Additional information may be provided that helps explain the relevant corporate experience provided.

Offerors also shall provide information regarding any contracts that were terminated for default or convenience of the Government within the past three years. The Offeror shall provide explanations of the circumstances in each case.

L.9 PRICE PROPOSAL

This volume shall be separate from Volume I, and shall contain all pricing information and certain general financial and organizational information as described above in L.6 and below:

PART I-COST/PRICE INFORMATION

a. COST/PRICE INFORMATION ASSUMPTIONS:

An Offeror shall provide its labor rates and categories support the needs outlined in Section B and the requirements outlined in Section C Statement of Work (SOW).

The proposal shall be prepared in accordance with the Offeror’s accounting system and current business practices.