RFQ_1332KP25Q0002_1Nov2024-FINAL.pdf

National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) Office of Systems Architecture & Engineering (SAE)

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

This is a request for quote (RFQ) for a firm-fixed price contract. This solicitation will be conducted using full and open competition, therefore, all companies both small and other than small businesses are requested to submit a quote for the specific requirements presented in the Statement of Need (SON) and the Brand Name Justification (BNJ). This announcement shall constitute the only solicitation.

This procurement is for a web-based tool/platform that will help execute, document and analyze robust usability testing of NOAA/NESDIS/SAE digital offerings (websites, products, etc.) as part of the development process which will validate that NOAA/NESDIS/SAE products and services are serving users successfully, and provide actionable information that can be used to improve products and services.

The period of performance anticipated for this contract is a base period of 12-months and include one additional 12-month option period from the notice to proceed (NTP).

Companies are requested to submit a detailed technical proposal of their approach to meeting the requirements of the SON and BNJ as well as submit a price proposal that shall include firm fixed pricing for the web-based tool/platform that will help execute, document and analyze robust usability testing of SAE digital offerings for the period of performance.

The proposed pricing will be evaluated to conduct a fair and reasonable determination. An award will be made to the most responsible offeror that meets the technical specifications and provides the lowest reasonable pricing to the government.

Please note that contractors shall complete and submit provision FAR 52.204-24, 52.204-26, and 52.212- 3 before NOAA makes the award, if the information differs from System for Award Management (SAM) representations and certifications. NOAA requests that it be submitted with, and as part of, the quotation submission.

Responses are due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024 to Contracting Specialist, Bryton Curtis (bryton.curtis@noaa.gov) and Contracting Officer, Maryann Orellana (maryann.orellana@noaa.gov). There will be no exceptions to the time and date on which responses are due, unless determined otherwise by the Contracting Offer. Your response shall be submitted electronically no later than the date and time specified above. To verify receipt of your response, please contact the aforementioned by email. Please note that the Contracting Officer reserves the right to make no award under this RFQ.

Thank you for your continued support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for your consideration of submitting a response to this request.

Maryann Orellana Contracting Officer

NOAA-AGO-SIAD

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

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

OFFEROR

EA000012 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

541519

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORSIAD-RED

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

11/15/2024 1600 ES

11/04/2024

BRYTON CURTIS

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1332KP25Q0002

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 57 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

SSMC-1 RM 8338/E

1335 EAST-WEST HWY

NESDIS

15. DELIVER TO

SILVER SPRING MD 20910

SSMC2, 11th FLOOR

1325 EAST WEST HWY

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$34

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

SIAD-RED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Period of Performance: 12/02/2024 to 12/01/2026

The below line items shall be procured in direct accordance with associated Brand Name Justification for UserZoom/UserTesting's web-based platform services and tools as outlined in the Statement of Need.

0001 WEB-BASED, USABILITY TESTING SERVICE TO CONDUCT 1 EA

USABILITY TESTING ON WEBSITES AND OTHER NOAA

Continued ...

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

MARYANN ORELLANA

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

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

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

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

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. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

DIGITAL PRODUCTS.

Product/Service Code: R799

Delivery: 12/01/2025

Period of Performance: 12/02/2024 to 12/01/2025

0002 OPTION PERIOD 1 - WEB-BASED, USABILITY TESTING 1 EA

SERVICE TO CONDUCT USABILITY TESTING ON WEBSITES

AND OTHER NOAA DIGITAL PRODUCTS.

(Option Line Item)

Anticipated Exercise Date: 11/30/2025

Product/Service Code: R799

Delivery: 12/01/2026

Period of Performance: 12/02/2025 to 12/01/2026

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

57 2 of

1332KP25Q0002 BASE

Section B - Supplies or Services/Prices Section C - Description/Specifications Section I - Contract Clauses

Section B - Supplies or Services/Prices

Item Number Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

The below line items shall be procured in direct accordance with associated Brand Name Justification for UserZoom/UserTesting's web-based platform services and tools as outlined in the Statement of Need.

0001 1 EA

WEB-BASED, USABILITY TESTING SERVICE TO

CONDUCT USABILITY TESTING ON WEBSITES

AND OTHER NOAA DIGITAL PRODUCTS.

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price Product/Service Code: R799 Period of Performance: 12/02/2024 to 12/01/2025

0002 1 EA

OPTION PERIOD 1 - WEB-BASED, USABILITY

TESTING SERVICE TO CONDUCT USABILITY

TESTING ON WEBSITES AND OTHER NOAA

DIGITAL PRODUCTS.

Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

Anticipated Exercise Date: 11/30/2025 Product/Service Code: R799 Period of Performance: 12/02/2025 to 12/01/2026

Section C - Description/Specifications

USABILITY TESTING-SON-0001 -

STATEMENT OF NEED

Usability Testing Service

PURPOSE

SAE requires a service for usability testing of web properties. The tool must have an easy set-up process and a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) to conduct user testing on websites or other digital products. Key features must include the ability to set up a usability test with a remote subject; the ability to record (both voice and screen) the test session; the ability to use our own test subjects and also to employ test subjects provided through the service.

SCOPE/MISSION

SAE’s mission is to provide a systematic approach to requirements, satellite architecture planning, strategic planning, and systems engineering. This approach is used to provide critical business information and analysis to support NOAA and NESDIS’ strategic observing system investment planning.

To this end, SAE needs to accelerate our nation’s environmental information services by designing and developing the next generation of Earth observation and data information systems. A more comprehensive set of requirements and required specifications has been laid out in the sections below.

Currently, NESDIS does not have a mechanism to execute robust, documented usability testing of our digital offerings (websites, products, etc.) as part of the development process. Usability testing is a key best practice to validate that our products and services are serving users successfully, and it provides actionable information that can be used to improve products and services. This software provides a way for NESDIS developers to execute usability testing at minimal cost and at a reduced burden for both staff and user test subjects. SAE plans to work with STAR, NCEI, OSPO (and others in NESDIS) to conduct trials of usability testing using the software to determine whether this is a beneficial solution and, if so, how best to implement it on a wider scale.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The time to conduct robust, professional usability testing on NESDIS products and services is long past due. Through this testing, we will be able to avoid costly mismatches between digital products and customer expectations and needs. We will be able to better ensure that the products and services we provide can be successfully used by customers and suit their needs. Usability testing reduces risk (of failed products and services) and helps to point developers in the right direction to maximize value to our users.

SPECIFICATIONS

General Specifications - Required:

- Ability to set up a test of a website or digital product with a remote users

- A variety of available templates for setting up the usability test

- Access to a wide pool of service-supplied test subjects

- Ability to record (both voice and screen) the test session

- Ability to use our own test subjects

- Ability to use platform to recruit participants

- Ability to test a wide range of digital products

- Ability to provide a written transcript and add time-stamped comments to the test session recording

- Ability to schedule testing

- Ability to assess usability for SAE-owned Google Sites

- Access for at least 10 admins and 50 collaborators

Technical Specifications - Required:

- Live (moderated) testing capabilities

- Unmoderated testing capability, including basic usability tests, card sorting, tree testing, and click tests

- Advanced analytics with executive-level display

- Proprietary machine learning model that can be applied to test results to surface key insights (reducing work of analysis)

- Professional services, including test planning and development, test moderation, and analysis and reporting

- No code deployment required--compatible with many environments (such as JIRA) and/or any digital prototype available through a link.

- Ability to test non-digital prototypes as well

- Support for a wide range of testing methodologies and approaches that go beyond task testing

- Customer experience surveys and tracking

- Testing templates and processes that are consistent with agile testing processes

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS for IT COMPLIANCE:

Computing systems shall be IPv6 capable and capable of being configured to utilize PIV-compliant smart card authentication in accordance with HSPD-12. Specifically, in order to comply with FIPS PUB 201, agencies are required to purchase only approved personal identity verification products and services.

Approved products and services may be acquired from the GSA, Federal Supply Schedule 70, Special Item Number (SIN) 132-62, HSPD-12 Product and Service Components, in accordance with ordering procedures outlined in FAR Subpart 8.4.

In addition, Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) requirements from FAR part 11.002 (g) are hereby incorporated, specifically: This requirements specification document requires compliance with the technical capabilities defined in the USGv6 Profile (NIST Special Publication 800-119) and the corresponding declarations of conformance defined in the USGv6 Test Program (see also OMB Memorandum M-05-22 dated August 2, 2005).

Section I - Contract Clauses

Clauses Incorporated by Reference Clause Number Clause Title

52.204-7 System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting.

(AUG 2020)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance.

(AUG 2020)

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (SEP 2023)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds. (APR 1984)

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

1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010) 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010) 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010) 1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests. (APR 2010)

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

1352.239-72 Security requirements for information technology resources. (APR 2010)

Full Text Clauses

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services."

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that-

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that-

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and is found to be technically acceptable and the lowest price. Technical acceptability is based on the Technical capability of the item offered to meet all Government requirements as outlined in Statement of Need (SON) and in accordance with the Brand Name Justification (BNJ); and Price

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. FAR 52.217-8 will be evaluated by using one half of the option period's total amount and adding it to the total price. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (MAY 2024)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service-

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror.

No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except-

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate-

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology-

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically-

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern means a small business concern-

(1)(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran; or

(2) A small business concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program in accordance with 13 CFR part 128 (see subpart 19.14).

(3) Service-disabled veteran, as used in this definition, means a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16), and who is registered in the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem, or successor system that is maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Benefits Administration, as a service-disabled veteran.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program means an SDVOSB concern that-

(1) Effective January 1, 2024, is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300; or

(2) Has represented that it is an SDVOSB concern in SAM and submitted a complete application for certification to SBA on or before December 31, 2023.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) Program means a program that authorizes contracting officers to limit competition, including award on a sole-source basis, to SDVOSB concerns eligible under the SDVOSB Program.

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 size standards in this solicitation.

(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.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that-

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by-

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned-

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern-

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern-

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b)(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs _________.

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

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.

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 electronically on

SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting 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). Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that-

(i) It ___ is, ___ is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It ___ is, ___ is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________.]

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it ___ is, ___ is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) SDVOSB concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it ___ is, ___ is not an SDVOSB concern.

(4) SDVOSB concern joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. The offeror 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. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as an SDVOSB concern in paragraph (c)(3) of this provision.] [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture:__.]

(5) Small disadvantaged business concern. (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it ___ is, ___ is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in

13 CFR 124.1001.

(6) Women-owned small business concern. (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it ___ is, ___ is not a women-owned small business concern.

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

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

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

Note to paragraphs (c)(9) and (10): Complete paragraphs (c)(9) and (10) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(9) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). (Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents that it ___ is, a women-owned business concern.

(10) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price: ____________________.

(11) HUBZone small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that-

(i) It ___ is, ___ is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, as having been certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the Dynamic Small Business Search and SAM, and will attempt to maintain an employment rate of HUBZone residents of 35 percent of its employees during performance of a HUBZone contract (see 13 CFR 126.200(e)(1)); and

(ii) It ___ is, ___ is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 126.616(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture shall provide representation of its HUBZone status.

(d) Representations required to implement provisions of Executive Order 11246-

(1) Previous contracts and compliance. The offeror represents that-

(i) It ___ has, ___ has not participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation; and

(ii) It ___ has, ___ has not filed all required compliance reports.

(2) Affirmative Action Compliance. The offeror represents that-

(i) It ___ has developed and has on file, ___ has not developed and does not have on file, at each establishment, affirmative action programs required by rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (41 CFR parts 60-1 and 60-2), or

(ii) It ___ has not previously had contracts subject to the written affirmative action programs requirement of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor.

(e) Certification Regarding Payments to Influence Federal Transactions (31 U.S.C. 1352). (Applies only if the contract is expected to exceed $150,000.) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that no Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress or an employee of a Member of Congress on his or her behalf in connection with the award of any resultant contract. If any registrants under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 have made a lobbying contact on behalf of the offeror with respect to this contract, the offeror shall complete and submit, with its offer, OMB Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, to provide the name of the registrants. The offeror need not report regularly employed officers or employees of the offeror to whom payments of reasonable compensation were made.

(f) Buy American Certificate. (Applies only if the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies, is included in this solicitation.)

(1)(i) The Offeror certifies that each end product, except those listed in paragraph (f)(2) of this provision, is a domestic end product and that each domestic end product listed in paragraph (f)(3) of this provision contains a critical component.

(ii) The Offeror shall list as foreign end products those end products manufactured in the United States that do not qualify as domestic end products.

For those foreign end products that do not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the Offeror shall also indicate whether these foreign end products exceed 55 percent domestic content, except for those that are COTS items. If the percentage of the domestic content is unknown, select "no".

(iii) The Offeror shall separately list the line item numbers of domestic end products that contain a critical component (see FAR 25.105).

(iv) The terms "commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "critical component," "domestic end product," "end product," "foreign end product," and "United States" are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Supplies."

(2) Foreign End Products:

Line item No. Country of origin Exceeds 55% domestic content (yes/no)

[List as necessary]

(3) Domestic end products containing a critical component:

Line Item No. ____________

[List as necessary]

(4) The Government will evaluate offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of FAR part 25.

(g)(1) Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Applies only if the clause at FAR 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act, is included in this solicitation.)

(i)(A) The Offeror certifies that each end product, except those listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this provision, is a domestic end product and that each domestic end product listed in paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this provision contains a critical component.

(B) The terms "Bahraini, Moroccan, Omani, Panamanian, or Peruvian end product," "commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "critical component," "domestic end product," "end product," "foreign end product," "Free Trade Agreement country," "Free Trade Agreement country end product," "Israeli end product," and "United States" are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act."

(ii) The Offeror certifies that the following supplies are Free Trade Agreement country end products (other than Bahraini, Moroccan, Omani, Panamanian, or Peruvian end products) or Israeli end products as defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act."

Free Trade Agreement Country End Products (Other than Bahraini, Moroccan, Omani, Panamanian, or Peruvian End Products) or Israeli End Products:

Line item No. Country of origin

[List as necessary]

(iii) The Offeror shall list those supplies that are foreign end products (other than those listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this provision) as defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act." The Offeror shall list as other foreign end products those end products manufactured in the United States that do not qualify as domestic end products.

For those foreign end products that do not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the Offeror shall also indicate whether these foreign end products exceed 55 percent domestic content, except for those that are COTS items. If the percentage of the domestic content is unknown, select "no".

Other Foreign End Products:

Line item No. Country of origin Exceeds 55% domestic content (yes/no)

[List as necessary]

(iv) The Offeror shall list the line item numbers of domestic end products that contain a critical component (see FAR 25.105).

Line Item No. ____________

[List as necessary]

(v) The Government will evaluate offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of FAR part 25.

(2) Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate, Alternate II. If Alternate II to the clause at FAR 52.225-3 is included in this solicitation, substitute the following paragraph (g)(1)(ii) for paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of the basic provision:

(g)(1)(ii) The offeror certifies that the following supplies are Israeli end products as defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act":

Israeli End Products:

Line item No.

[List as necessary]

(3) Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate, Alternate III. If Alternate III to the clause at 52.225-3 is included in this solicitation, substitute the following paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii) for paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii) of the basic provision:

(g)(1)(i)(B) The terms "Korean end product", "commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "critical component," "domestic end product," "end product," "foreign end product," "Free Trade Agreement country," "Free Trade Agreement country end product," "Israeli end product," and "United States" are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American- Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act."

(g)(1)(ii) The Offeror certifies that the following supplies are Korean end products or Israeli end products as defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act":

Korean End Products or Israeli End Products:

Line item No. Country of origin

[List as necessary]

(4) Trade Agreements Certificate. (Applies only if the clause at FAR 52.225-5, Trade Agreements, is included in this solicitation.)

(i) The offeror certifies that each end product, except those listed in paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this provision, is a U.S.-made or designated country end product, as defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Trade Agreements".

(ii) The offeror shall list as other end products those end products that are not U.S.-made or designated country end products.

Other End Products:

Line item No. Country of origin

[List as necessary]

(iii) The Government will evaluate offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of FAR Part 25. For line items covered by the WTO GPA, the Government will evaluate offers of U.S.-made or designated country end products without regard to the restrictions of the Buy American statute.