RFQ 1305M426Q0084.pdf

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3.AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

REQUEST

FOR QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

REQUEST

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NORTH AMERICAN

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

STANDARD (NAICS):

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES

AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON

BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4.

FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED.

8(A)

ECONOMICALLY

DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30.

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH

AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND

ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SPECIFIED

DATED.

OFFER

ADDENDA

ADDENDA

1305M426Q0084

DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY

1401 CONSTITUTION AVE NW

ROOM 5810/DUS

WASHINGTON DC 20230

CSAD-Staff Office Support

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, RM 11323

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

CSAD-Staff Office Support

1325 EAST WEST HWY

SSMC2, RM 11323

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

09/17/2026 0900 ED

VIRGINIA SCOTT

CSAD-SOS 100.00

CSAD-SOS

VIRGINIA SCOTT

541720

$28

09/08/2026

AA100024

0001 US Space Economy Study

The period of performance for this contract shall not exceed 180 calendar days from the date of award.

Product/Service Code: R422

Continued...

STOCK RECORD (S/R)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE RECEIVED (MM/DD/YYYY) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. EMAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

ACCEPTED,

Period of Performance: 09/24/2026 to

03/23/2027

1305M426Q0084 BASE

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Section 3 - Contract Clauses Section 4 - Contract Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments Section 5 - Other Contract Terms and Conditions

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

INTRODUCTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12 under Request for Quotations (RFQ) number 1305M426Q0082. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and no additional written solicitation will be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a total small business set-aside. The associated NAICS code is 541720, with a small business size standard of $28.0M.

Note: Parts 1 through 6 of the solicitation will be incorporated in the award.

PART 1 – Supplies or Services

Description of Supplies or Services

This study will identify and justify a set of defined metrics that can support recurring federal assessment and provide policymakers with sustained insight into the growth, health, competitiveness, resilience, and emerging challenges of the ecosystem, in accordance with the attached, incorporated Statement of Work.

Contract Type

The Government intends to award a single firm fixed price (FFP) contract as a result of this solicitation.

PART 2 – Statement of Work

**See Attachment 1

PART 3 – Inspection and Acceptance

The Government point of contact (POC) identified in PART 5 will perform inspection and acceptance, in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, at the location identified in PART 4. Acceptance is communicated in writing, unless otherwise indicated, within 30 days of receipt.

PART 4 – Deliverables

Deliverables shall be reviewed and accepted in accordance with the Statement of Work.

PART 5 – Contract Administration Data

The following personnel will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract:

Government POC To Be Determined (TBD), at time of award.

Contracting Officer To Be Determined (TBD), at time of award.

PART 6 – Special Contract Requirements

Government Holidays

Workplace is not available on the Government Holidays stated below, or as prescribed by an Executive Order (EO) or OPM.gov due to inclement weather.

January (New Year’s Day) January (Martin Luther King Day) February (President’s Day) May (Memorial Day) June (Juneteenth National Independence Day) July (Independence Day) September (Labor Day) October (Columbus Day) November (Veterans Day) November (Thanksgiving) December (Christmas Day)

NOTICE OF POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS

By submission of a quote in response to a NOAA solicitation or acceptance of a contract, the contractor acknowledges the restriction on current NOAA employees regarding contact with offerors regarding prospective employment and the corresponding obligations for contractors who engage them. The contractor further acknowledges that it has provided notice to former NOAA employees who will provide service to NOAA under the contract of post-Government employment restrictions that apply to them. Such restrictions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in:

(a) 41 U.S.C. § 2103 regarding contacts between a federal employee working on a procurement and a quote about prospective employment;

(b) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former federal employees having contact with a federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning a specific party matter with which the former employee was involved as a federal employee or for which the former federal employee had official responsibility;

(c) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former senior employees and senior political employees from having contact with his former federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning any official matter; and

(d) 41 U.S.C. § 2104 regarding the restrictions on a former federal employee involved in an acquisition over $10,000,000 from accepting compensation from a contractor.

APPLICABILITY OF THE SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS

The contractor shall adhere to the requirements of the most current revision of the applicable Wage Determination (WD).

NOTICE OF PARTICIPATION OF NON-GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

The Contractor is advised that the Government may utilize the outside Contractors and/or Consultants listed below to assist in the administration of this contract. These Contractors/Consultants will have access to any and all information submitted by contractor and will be subject to the restrictions contained in CAR Clauses 1352.209-71 Limitation of Future Contracting, 1352.209-72 Restrictions Against Disclosure, 1352.209-74 Organizational Conflict of Interest and FAR Clause 52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest. The companies/organizations employing the subject Contractors/Consultants are also required to comply with these same confidentiality restrictions. All federal and non-federal personnel supporting the government in the administration of this contract will have executed Non- Disclosure Agreements.

1) A- Frame

2) Veteran’s Management Services Inc. (VSMI)

3) IM Solutions

The Vendor agrees, by its submission of a response to the solicitation, to have its proposal reviewed by these Contractors/Consultants for the purpose of providing technical or cost/price analyses to the Government unless the Vendor provides objections to such disclosure as follows. The Vendor shall (1) submit the objection in writing to the Contracting Officer at least three days prior to the date set for receipt of the proposals; and (2) include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection.

PART 7 – Instructions and Evaluation Criteria

Proposal Format:

The Offeror shall submit:

1. Cover Page: The cover page shall include total price(s); FOB point; a POC (name and telephone number); delivery date (delivery date is of the utmost importance); business size; and payment terms.

2. Signed SF1449.

3. Volume 1: Technical Approach

4. Volume 2: Past Performance References

5. Volume 3: Price to include a completed pricing matrix as outlined in Part 1 of this RFQ. The offeror’s price proposal shall be broken down into price elements (e.g. labor disciplines, hours, etc.) in order to determine a fair and reasonable price.

Volumes 1 and 2 may be submitted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe acrobat (PDF) format. Volume 3 SHALL BE submitted in Microsoft Excel to show calculations. Volumes 1 and 2 shall not contain any price information. The Offeror’s quote shall be predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ.

In addition, the Offeror’s proposal, including pricing, must be valid for a minimum of 30 calendar days from the date of receipt by the Government. Failure to follow instructions regarding the format content of the proposal may result in the offer being ineligible for award. Pages beyond the page limit constraints will not be considered during evaluations.

Proposal Organization:

Volume/ Instructions

Page Limits (single-sided)

Volume 1: Technical Approach

This volume will be used to evaluate the technical capabilities of the Offeror as well as the functions and features of the services being offered. Offerors shall demonstrate an understanding and provide an overall approach to successfully performing the activities as described in the SOW. The offeror shall demonstrate its ability to meet or exceed the Government’s requirement.

No cost or price information shall be included in this volume.

Volume 2: Past Performance

The Offeror shall provide at least three relevant past performance information examples for previous contracts that are of similar size and scope. References must be for relevant work within the past three years.

No cost or price information shall be provided in this volume.

Volume 3: Price

The cost/price proposal shall include a completed version of the pricing matrix included in this RFQ. Additionally, the offeror’s proposal shall break down the pricing elements for each contract period to allow for price analysis. The proposal shall include applicable labor disciplines, labor rates, other direct costs, etc.

The Offeror shall propose a deliverable-based payment schedule identifying the major study deliverables, the proposed completion point for each deliverable, and the firm-fixed price associated with each deliverable. Payment will be made upon completion and Government acceptance of the applicable deliverable.

The total of the proposed deliverable prices shall equal the total firm-fixed price quoted for CLIN 0001.

No limit

The Government reserves the right to negotiate and establish the final payment schedule and milestone breakdown in the resulting contract.

Questions Dates:

Any questions regarding this solicitation are due no later than 9:00 A.M. ET on September 11, 2026 to Virginia.Scott@noaa.gov.

Response Dates:

RFQ Due Date: The offeror’s proposal shall be submitted no later than 9:00 A.M. ET on September 17, 2026 to Virginia.Scott@noaa.gov.

Evaluation Process and Basis for Award:

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose quote represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. This procurement will be conducted utilizing a trade-off process, which allows the Government to accept other than the lowest-priced quote when a higher-priced quote provides greater overall value and technical merit.

The Government’s objective is to obtain the highest quality study possible. Accordingly, the Government may elect to award to an offeror with a significantly higher technical rating and superior past performance, even if the price is higher than a lower-rated offeror.

Quotes will be evaluated based on the following evaluation factors:

1. Technical Approach and Capability

2. Past Performance

3. Price

Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. As quotes become more equal in technical merit, price becomes more important in the award decision. The Government will not make an award at a significantly higher price if the technical advantage of the higher-priced quote is minor or not worth the price premium.

Section 3 - Contract Clauses

FAR 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights. (NOV 2023)

FAR 52.219-28 Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (JAN 2025)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause-

Long-term contract means a contract of more than five years in duration, including options.

However, the term does not include contracts that exceed five years in duration because the period of performance has been extended for a cumulative period not to exceed six months under the clause at 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, or other appropriate authority.

Small business concern-

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (d) of this clause.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

(b) If the Contractor represented that it was any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3) prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size and socioeconomic status according to paragraph (f) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (h) of this clause, upon occurrence of any of the following:

(1) Within 30 days after execution of a novation agreement or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the novation agreement was executed prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(2) Within 30 days after a merger or acquisition that does not require a novation or within 30 days after modification of the contract to include this clause, if the merger or acquisition occurred prior to inclusion of this clause in the contract.

(3) For long-term contracts-

(i) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the end of the fifth year of the contract; and

(ii) Within 60 to 120 days prior to the date specified in the contract for exercising any option thereafter.

(c) If the Contractor represented its status as any of the small business concerns identified at 19.000(a)(3) prior to award of this contract, the Contractor shall rerepresent its size and socioeconomic status according to paragraph (f) of this clause or, if applicable, paragraph (h) of this clause, for the NAICS code assigned to an order (except that paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this clause do not apply to an order issued under a Federal Supply Schedule contract at subpart 8.4)-

(1) Set aside exclusively for a small business concern identified at 19.000(a)(3) that is issued under an unrestricted multiple-award contract, unless the order is issued under the reserved portion of an unrestricted multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a woman-owned small business under a multiple-award contract that is not set-aside, unless the order is issued under the reserved portion of the multiple-award contract);

(2) Issued under a multiple-award contract set aside for small businesses that is further set aside for a specific socioeconomic category that differs from the underlying multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a HUBZone small business concern under a multiple-award contract that is set aside for small businesses);

(3) Issued under the part of the multiple-award contract that is set aside for small businesses that is further set aside for a specific socioeconomic category that differs from the underlying set-aside part of the multiple-award contract (e.g., an order set aside for a WOSB concern under the part of the multiple-award contract that is partially set aside for small businesses); and

(4) When the Contracting Officer explicitly requires it for an order issued under a multiple-award contract, including for an order issued under a Federal Supply Schedule contract (see 8.405-5(b) and 19.301-2(b)(2)).

(d) The Contractor shall rerepresent its size status in accordance with the size standard in effect at the time of this rerepresentation that corresponds to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code(s) assigned to this contract. The small business size standard corresponding to this NAICS code(s) can be found at https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards.

(e) The small business size standard for a Contractor providing an end item that it does not manufacture, process, or produce itself, for a contract other than a construction or service contract, is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition-

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

(2) Used the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the Contractor waived the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Was 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.

(f) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this clause, the Contractor shall make the representation(s) required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this clause by validating or updating all its representations in the Representations and Certifications section of the System for Award Management (SAM) and its other data in SAM, as necessary, to ensure that they reflect the Contractor's current status. The Contractor shall notify the contracting officer in writing within the timeframes specified in paragraph (b) of this clause, or with its offer for an order (see paragraph (c) of this clause), that the data have been validated or updated, and provide the date of the validation or update.

(g) If the Contractor represented that it was other than a small business concern prior to award of this contract, the Contractor may, but is not required to, take the actions required by paragraphs (f) or (h) of this clause.

(h) If the Contractor does not have representations and certifications in SAM, or does not have a representation in SAM for the NAICS code applicable to this contract, the Contractor is required to complete the following rerepresentation and submit it to the contracting office, along with the contract number and the date on which the rerepresentation was completed:

(1) The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business concern under NAICS Code [ ] assigned to contract number [ ].

(2) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (h)(1) of this clause.] The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not, a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1001.

(3) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (h)(1) of this clause.] The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a women-owned small business concern.

(4) Women-owned small business (WOSB) joint venture eligible under the WOSB Program. The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The Contractor shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: [ ] .]

(5) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture.

The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The Contractor shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: [ ] .]

(6) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (h)(1) of this clause.] The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(7) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (h)(6) of this clause.] The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(8) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. The Contractor represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not an SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 128.402. [The Contractor shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: [ ].]

(9) [Complete only if the Contractor represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (h)(1) of this clause.] The Contractor represents that-

(i) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, on the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration, and no material changes in ownership and control, principal office, or HUBZone employee percentage have occurred since it was certified in accordance with 13 CFR part 126; and

(ii) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 126, and the representation in paragraph (h)(8)(i) of this clause is accurate for each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture. [The Contractor shall enter the names of each of the HUBZone small business concerns participating in the HUBZone joint venture: [ ].] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the HUBZone representation.

[Contractor to sign and date and insert authorized signer's name and title.]

(End of clause)

FAR 52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification. (APR 1984)

FAR 52.224-2 Privacy Act. (APR 1984)

FAR 52.227-17 Rights in Data--Special Works. (DEC 2007)

FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations. (JUN 2013)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (MAR 2023)

CAR 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010)

Standard Language Notice Regarding Representations

System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations. Examples include 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance, and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Contracting officers will not consider these representations when making award decisions or enforce requirements.

Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.233-70 Agency protests. (APR 2010)

(a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) The contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 FR 16,651 (April 6, 1999).

(b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address:

Virginia Scott Virginia.Scott@noaa.gov

(c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address:

David Marks David.Marks@noaa.gov

(d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority.

(e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel, Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893, Herbert C.

Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests. (APR 2010)

(a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed.

(b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.

mailto:Virginia.Scott@noaa.gov

(c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel, Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893, Herbert C.

Hoover Building, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.237-71 Security processing requirements-low risk contracts (APR 2010)

(a) Investigative Requirements for Low Risk Contracts. All contractor (and subcontractor) personnel proposed to be employed under a Low Risk contract shall undergo security processing by the Department's Office of Security before being eligible to work on the premises of any Department of Commerce owned, leased, or controlled facility in the United States or overseas, or to obtain access to a Department of Commerce IT system. All Department of Commerce security processing pertinent to this contract will be conducted at no cost to the contractor.

(b) Investigative requirements for Non-IT Service Contracts are:

(1) Contracts more than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI).

(2) Contracts less than 180 days-Special Agency Check (SAC).

(c) Investigative requirements for IT Service Contracts are:

(1) Contracts more than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI).

(2) Contracts less than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI).

(d) In addition to the investigations noted above, non-U.S. citizens must have a background check that includes an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency check.

(e) Additional Requirements for Foreign Nationals (Non-U.S. Citizens). Non-U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents) to be employed under this contract within the United States must have:

(1) Official legal status in the United States;

(2) Continuously resided in the United States for the last two years; and

(3) Obtained advance approval from the servicing Security Officer in consultation with the Office of Security headquarters.

(f) DOC Security Processing Requirements for Low Risk Non-IT Service Contracts. Processing requirements for Low Risk non-IT Service Contracts are as follows:

(1) Processing of a NACI is required for all contract employees employed in Low Risk non-IT service contracts for more than 180 days. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will invite the prospective contractor into e-QIP to complete the SF-85. The contract employee must also complete fingerprinting.

(2) Contract employees employed in Low Risk non-IT service contracts for less than 180 days require processing of Form OFI-86C Special Agreement Check (SAC), to be processed. The Sponsor will forward a completed Form OFI-86C, FD-258, Fingerprint Chart, and Credit Release Authorization to the servicing Security Officer, who will send the investigative packet to the Office of Personnel Management for processing.

(3) Any contract employee with a favorable SAC who remains on the contract over 180 days will be required to have a NACI conducted to continue working on the job site.

(4) For Low Risk non-IT service contracts, the scope of the SAC will include checks of the Security/Suitability Investigations Index (SII), other agency files (INVA), Defense Clearance Investigations Index (DCII), FBI Fingerprint (FBIF), and the FBI Information Management Division (FBIN).

(5) In addition, for those individuals who are not U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents), the Sponsor may request a Customs Enforcement SAC on Form OFI-86C, by checking Block #7, Item I. In Block 13, the Sponsor should enter the employee's Alien Registration Receipt Card number to aid in verification.

(6) Copies of the appropriate forms can be obtained from the Sponsor or the Office of Security. Upon receipt of the required forms, the Sponsor will forward the forms to the servicing Security Officer. The Security Officer will process the forms and advise the Sponsor and the Contracting Officer whether the contract employee can commence work prior to completion of the suitability determination based on the type of work and risk to the facility (i.e., adequate controls and restrictions are in place). The Sponsor will notify the contractor of favorable or unfavorable findings of the suitability determinations. The Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of an approved contract start date.

(g) Security Processing Requirements for Low Risk IT Service Contracts. Processing of a NACI is required for all contract employees employed under Low Risk IT service contracts.

(1) Contract employees employed in all Low Risk IT service contracts will require a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) to be processed. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will invite the prospective contractor into e-QIP to complete the SF-85. Fingerprints and a Credit Release Authorization must be completed within three working days from start of work, and provided to the Servicing Security Officer, who will forward the investigative package to OPM.

(2) For Low Risk IT service contracts, individuals who are not U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents) must undergo a NACI that includes an agency check conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service. The Sponsor must request the ICE check as a part of the NAC.

(h) Notification of Disqualifying Information. If the Office of Security receives disqualifying information on a contract employee, the Sponsor and Contracting Officer will be notified. The Sponsor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer for the immediate removal of the employee from duty requiring access to Departmental facilities or IT systems. Contract employees may be barred from working on the premises of a facility for any of the following reasons:

(1) Conviction of a felony crime of violence or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

(2) Falsification of information entered on security screening forms or of other documents submitted to the Department.

(3) Improper conduct once performing on the contract, including criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct or other conduct prejudicial to the Government regardless of whether the conduct was directly related to the contract.

(4) Any behavior judged to pose a potential threat to Departmental information systems, personnel, property, or other assets.

(i) Failure to comply with security processing requirements may result in termination of the contract or removal of contract employees from Department of Commerce facilities or denial of access to IT systems.

(j) Access to National Security Information. Compliance with these requirements shall not be construed as providing a contract employee clearance to have access to national security information.

(k) The contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph, in all subcontracts.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.246-70 Place of acceptance. (APR 2010)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Office of Space Commerce Herbert C. Hoover Bldg.

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.270-70 Period of performance. (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from TBD through TBD. If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

(b) The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

N/A

(c) The notice requirements for unilateral exercise of option periods are set out in FAR 52.217-9.

(End of clause)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.203-70 Scientific Integrity and Research Misconduct (OCT 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this solicitation and contract language –

Scientific activities mean activities that involve inventorying, monitoring, observations, experimentation, study, research, integration, modeling, and scientific assessment.

Scientific integrity means the condition resulting from adherence to professional values and practices when conducting and applying the results of science that ensures objectivity, clarity, and reproducibility, and that provides insulation from bias, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, interference, censorship, and inadequate procedural and information security.

Presentation of scientific activities results includes the analysis, synthesis, compilation, or translation of scientific information and data into formats for the use of the Department of Commerce or the United States of America.

Scientific and Research Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing scientific and research activities, or in the products or reporting of the results of these activities. It specifically includes intentional circumvention of the integrity of the scientific and research process and actions that compromise that process, but does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Investigation is formal collection and evaluation of information and facts to determine if scientific or research misconduct can be established, to assess its extent and consequences, and to recommend appropriate action.

(b) General Guidelines

1. Maintaining Integrity. The contractor shall maintain the scientific integrity of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the prevention, detection, and remediation of research misconduct, and the conduct of inquiries, investigations and adjudication of allegations of research misconduct.

2. In performing or presenting the results of scientific activities under the contract, and in responding to allegations of scientific and research misconduct, the contractor shall comply with the solicitation and contract language herein and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-735D-2, Scientific Integrity, and its Procedural Handbook, including any amendments thereto.

3. Primary Responsibility. The contractor shall have the primary responsibility to prevent, detect, and investigate allegations of scientific and research misconduct. Unless otherwise instructed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall promptly conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of such misconduct and may rely on its internal policies and procedures, as appropriate, to do so.

4. By executing this contract, the contractor provides its assurance that it has established an administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigating, and reporting allegations of scientific and research misconduct; and that it will comply with its own administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigation and reporting of such misconduct.

5. The contractor shall insert the substance of this requirement in subcontracts at all tiers that involve research being performed under this contract.

(c) Investigating Misconduct Research

1. Initiating Investigation. If the contractor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, it shall notify the contracting officer and, unless otherwise instructed, the contractor shall:

A. Promptly conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding of scientific and research misconduct and an identification of appropriate remedies or a determination that no further action is warranted.

B. If the investigation leads to a finding of scientific and research misconduct, obtain adjudication by a neutral third party adjudicator. The adjudication must include a review of the investigative record and, as warranted, a determination of appropriate corrective actions and sanctions.

2. Finalizing Investigation. When the investigation is complete, the contractor shall forward to the contracting officer a copy of the evidentiary record, the investigative report, any recommendations made to the Contractor’s adjudicating official, the adjudicating official’s decision and notification of any corrective action taken or planned, and the subject’s written response (if any).

(d) Findings and Corrective Actions

1. If the contractor finds that scientific and research misconduct has occurred, it shall assess the seriousness of the misconduct and its impact on the research completed or in process and shall:

i. Take all necessary corrective actions, which includes, but are not limited to, correcting the research record, and, as appropriate, imposing restrictions, controls, or other parameters on research in process or to be conducted in the future, and

ii. Coordinate remedial action with the contracting officer.

(e) Department of Commerce Actions

1. The Department of Commerce may accept the Contractor’s findings or proceed with its own investigation, in which case the contractor shall fully cooperate with the investigation. The contracting officer will inform the contractor of the Department’s final determination.

2. The Department of Commerce reserves the right to pursue such remedies and other actions as it deems appropriate, consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract and applicable laws and regulations. Such remedies and actions may include, but are not limited to, disallowance of costs, recoupment of contract payments, and suspension or debarment.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES (SEPT 2005)

The following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

Item Description Quantity Due Date Deliver to Reference

TBD at time of award

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.222-70 NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

PREVENTION AND RESPONSE POLICY (MAY 2018)

In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-1106, NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy, it is the policy of NOAA to maintain a work environment free from sexual assault and sexual harassment. NOAA prohibits sexual assault and sexual harassment by or of any employee, supervisor, manager, contractor, vendor, affiliate, or other individual with whom NOAA employees come into contact by the virtue of their work for NOAA.

(a) Definitions.

Contractor Employees - The term “contractor employees,” as used in this solicitation and contract language, refers to employees of the prime contractor or its subcontractors, affiliates, consultants, or team members.

Sexual Assault - The term sexual assault, as used in this solicitation and contract language, means any conduct proscribed by state or federal sexual abuse laws, including, but not limited to, those defined in chapter 109A of title 18 of the U.S. Code (sexual abuse), and assaults committed both by offenders who are strangers to the victim and by offenders who are known or related by blood or marriage to the victim.

Sexual Harassment - As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any of the following are true:

● Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual's employment;

● Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual;

● The conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The main characteristics of sexual harassment are that the harasser's conduct is targeted against the recipient’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and is unwelcome to the recipient. It may include, but is not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, undue attention, physical assaults or threats, unwelcome touching or contact, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, constant or unwelcome questions about an individual's identity, and offensive objects or pictures.

(b) Requirements.

1. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that contractor employees maintain the highest degree of conduct and standards in performance of the contract. In support of this, NOAA urges its contractors to develop and enforce comprehensive company policy addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment.

2. The contractor shall include wording substantially the same as this solicitation and contract language in every subcontract so that it is binding upon each subcontractor.

3. If a contractor employee observes or is the object of sexual assault or sexual harassment, he or she is highly encouraged to report the matter, as soon as possible, to their immediate supervisor, the COR, subset of the COR (e.g. Task Manager or Assistant COR), or contracting officer (CO) if a COR is not assigned to the contract. The contract employee may also contact the NOAA Civil Rights Office to obtain guidance on reporting instances of sexual assault or sexual harassment. If deemed necessary, the contractor employee may also report such instances to local law enforcement. In the case where the incident occurs while performing at a remote location, such as at sea or in the field (at a field camp or other isolated location) where the above referenced individuals are unavailable, the contractor employee should follow the reporting procedure set forth in NAO 202-1106, Section 6.07, Reporting from Remote Locations.

4. Swift reporting allows NOAA and the contractor to take the appropriate measures to ensure that offensive behavior stops and the complainants’ needs are addressed.

5. The COR (if assigned), CO, and contractor, where applicable, will work together to ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, contract terms and conditions, and the contractor’s written policy (where applicable).

6. The contractor shall provide all contractor employees assigned to perform under this contract with mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training in compliance with the requirements of NAO 202-1106, Section 5, Prevention Training and Awareness, as part of their initial in-processing and on an annual basis thereafter. The initial training shall be completed within [ ] business days (30 unless a different number is inserted) of contract award or the date a contractor employee is assigned to perform under the contract, as applicable.

Evidence of initial training by name and date completed for each contractor employee, shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) within 10 business days of completion.

Evidence of annual training by name and date completed for each contractor employee shall be submitted to the COR or contracting officer (if no COR assigned) no later than March 1st of each calendar year of contract performance.

7. The mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment training provided by the contractor shall include the required elements set forth by NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager. A link to the website including the required elements of the training is provided at https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/noaa-workplace-harassment-training-for-contractors-and-financial. The website will also provide training materials and resources to assist the contractor in conducting the training. The contractor may provide training that solely addresses the NOAA required elements or may supplement existing company sexual assault and sexual harassment training in a manner that ensures all of the elements are adequately addressed.

8. The required elements of the training and resources available to the contractor for the training may be updated by NOAA periodically. The contractor is responsible for monitoring the website and incorporating any changes to the NOAA required elements into the contractor provided training.

9. NOAA’s Workplace Violence Program Manager, COR, or CO may periodically review the contractor’s training outline to ensure all required elements are included and, if necessary, any appropriate adjustments are made to the training by the contractor.

10. Contractor employees performing on assignments in a remote location, such as at a field camp or other isolated locations, are subject to receiving the same briefing on the parameters of the order provided to NOAA employees as set forth in Section 6 of NAO 202-1106.

11. The contractor shall provide a copy of this solicitation and contract language and NAO 202-1106 to contractor employees.

(c) Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Helpline.

For NOAA employees, affiliates, and contractors who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, NOAA has established the NOAA Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) helpline. This helpline is designed to provide crisis intervention, referrals, and emotional support to those who are victims and/or survivors of sexual harassment or sexual assault within the workplace. Contractor employees may use the helpline to receive live, confidential, one-on-one support in an occurrence of sexual harassment or assault by a Federal Government employee.

All services are anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The NOAA SASH helpline is accessible through a variety of channels, including:

● Phone: 1-866-288-6558

● Website & Online Chat: https://www.noaasashhelpline.org/

● Mobile App: NOAA SASH Helpline (available via iOS and Android App Stores)

● Text: (202) 335-0265

(d) Confidentiality.

Any party receiving information from the filing of a complaint alleging sexual assault or sexual harassment, or while performing an investigation into such a complaint, shall keep the information confidential. “Confidentiality” means that the information shall only be shared with others who have a need to know the information to conduct their official duties.

(e) Remedies.

In addition to other remedies available to the Government, contractor employee violations of Federal requirements (e.g., law, statutes, executive orders, code, rules, regulations) applicable to sexual assault and sexual harassment and/or failure to complete the mandatory training set forth in this solicitation and contract language, may result in:

1. Requiring the contractor to remove a contractor employee or employees from the performance of the contract;

2. Requiring the contractor to terminate a subcontract;

3. Suspension of contract payments until the Contractor has taken appropriate remedial action;

4. Termination of the contract for default or cause, in accordance with the termination clause of this contract;

5. Suspension or debarment; or

6. Other appropriate action.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.232-71 ELECTRONIC…