RFQ_CSS_INRC Elevator Services_1240BD26Q0025.pdf

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

40BD

PORTLAND OR 97204-2829

STE 310

1220 SW 3RD AVE

USDA-FS CSA NORTHWEST 2

0281 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

238290

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR40BD

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

03/30/2026

503-668-1601MINDY HICKMAN

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

04/13/2026 1100 PD

b. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1240BD26Q0025

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 121162399OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

COEUR DALENE ID 83815

3232 WEST NURSERY ROAD

SUPERVISORS OFFICE

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS

15. DELIVER TO

PORTLAND OR 97204-2829

STE 310

1220 SW 3RD AVE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$22

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)

USDA-FS CSA NORTHWEST 2

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.

R1 IPNF Supervisors Office Elevator Maintenance Services

Delivery: 5 Days After Award Period of Performance: 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2027

Continued ...

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

MINDY N. HICKMAN

. 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

Solicitation 1240BD26Q0025 IPNF Supervisors Office Elevator Maintenance Services

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 238290 Other Building Equipment Contractors The small business size standard is $22 million. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS), Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Supervisors office requires the monthly services to maintain one, three story hydraulic elevator. The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, and other items and non-personal services necessary to provide routine maintenance and repair services to elevators and lifts as described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

CLIN Description Qty Unit of

Issue

Unit Price Total Price

Base Year 01 May 2026- 30 April 2027 Elevator Maintenance Services.

QTR

Option Period 1 01 May 2027 – 30 April 2028

Option Period 2 01 May 2028 – 30 April 2029

Option Period 3 01 May 2029 – 30 April 2030

Option Period 4 01 May 2030 – 30 April 2031

TOTAL Base + All Option Periods

QT - Quarterly

Attachments List: The following attachments are made as part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

The schedule of items will be used only as a reference document. The contract line items will be the primary ordering means.

Attachment Number Description Page Count

1. Performance Work Statement 6

2 Wage Determination 10

Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance and f.o.b. point.

The performance for this requirement shall be located in The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Supervisors office is located at:

Idaho Panhandle National Forests 3232 W Nursery Road Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815

Period of Performance:

Base Year 01 May 2026 – 30 April 2027 Option Period 1 01 May 2027 – 30 April 2028 Option Period 2 01 May 2028 – 30 April 2029 Option Period 3 01 May 2029 – 30 April 2030 Option Period 4 01 May 2030 – 30 April 2031

Solicitation Information

Award Type It is anticipated that a firm-fixed price service contract consisting of one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods shall be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The total duration of this contract shall not exceed five (5) years and 6 months.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation Method and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose quote, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the government, price and other factors considered.

This is a comparative evaluation conducted in accordance with FAR 12.602. The Government reserves the right to select a quote that is superior in technical features or delivery schedule, even if that quote is not the lowest priced, if the Contracting Officer determines that the technical advantage justifies the price premium.

Factor 1: Technical Approach / Capability The technical approach will evaluate the offeror’s understanding of the PWS and the ability of the offeror to provide a sound and compliant approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of the requirements. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet these requirements.

All offerors must provide the following minimum information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• Maintenance Procedures: A brief narrative or commercial literature describing specific maintenance steps for this hydraulic unit.

• Service Readiness: Evidence of ability to meet the 60-minute on-site response time (e.g., location of dispatch office or assigned technician).

• Commercial Standards: Provision of a sample commercial inspection checklist IAW FAR 12.208.

• Personnel Qualification: Confirmation that technicians are qualified to work on this specific unit and have passed commercial background checks.

Factor 2: Past Performance

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Factor 3: Price

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the Schedule of Items on page 2 of this Request for Quote.

Failure to propose pricing for all individual line items may result in a quote being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Service Contract Labor Standards -

This requirement is subject to Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS). Wage Determinations for the place of performance are attached. If your place of performance is not listed, you must request a wage determination in writing no later than two days before the solicitation closes.

Offerors who intend to perform in a place or area of performance for which a wage determination has not been attached or requested may nevertheless submit proposals. However, a wage determination shall be incorporated in the resultant contract, and there shall be no adjustment to the contract price.

Evaluation Method:

All quotations will be evaluated to identify the offeror presenting the most technically advantageous solution based on the stated evaluation criteria. Once the highest technically rated offeror is identified, their price will be evaluated to determine whether it is fair and reasonable. Past performance will also be assessed to ensure it is acceptable or neutral.

Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is determined to be the highest technically rated offer.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses, Provisions, Additional Terms and Conditions

The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation.

The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), 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 this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

(i) FAR and AGAR Provisions

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV2025) Addendum to 52.212-1: (c-e can be located in far.gov)

Submission Requirements:

Administrative Documentation:

1. Standard Form (SF) 1449: Complete blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c.

2. Amendments: Provide signed copies of any SF-30 Amendments issued.

3. SAM Verification: Provide your Unique Entity ID (UEI). Note: Offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission.

(i) Technical Approach / Capability

1. Provide a technical proposal that includes:

a. Maintenance Procedures: A brief narrative or commercial literature describing the specific maintenance steps your company will take for this hydraulic unit to ensure compliance with the PWS.

b. Service Readiness: Documented evidence of your ability to meet the mandatory 60-minute on-site response time (e.g., the physical address of the dispatch office or the primary location of the assigned technician).

c. Commercial Standards: A sample commercial inspection checklist that your firm will use, in accordance with FAR 12.208.

d. Personnel Qualification: A written statement or certifications confirming that proposed technicians are qualified for this specific unit and have passed required commercial background checks.

(ii) Past Performance:

1. A list of contracts performed relevant to the requirement within the last 3 calendar years. Include contact information.

(iii) Price Quotation

1. Schedule of Items: Complete the Pricing Schedule on page 2 of this RFQ for all Contract Line Items (CLINs).

2. Quote Validity: By submission of the quote, the offeror agrees to hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.

(g) Contract award The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

Time and Date offer are Due:

DUE DATE SUBMISSION

On or Before 13 April 2026 11am (PDT) Offers shall be submitted electronically to:

Mindy Hickman mindy.hickman@usda.gov

FAR and AGAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference:

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017)

52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation (SEP 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (SEP 2025) 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (JAN 2017) ☒ 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (SEP 2025) ☒ 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (NOV 2025) ☒ 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (Feb 2021) ☒ 52.223-4 Recovered Material Certification (May 2008)

FAR and AGAR Provisions incorporated by full text:

FAR Provisions:

52.216-1 Type of Contract (OCT 2025)

Solicitation 1240BD26Q0025 IPNF Supervisors Office Elevator Maintenance Services mailto:mindy.hickman@usda.gov

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed Price, service contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of provision)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

(End of Provision)

52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the provision.

(b) The use in this solicitation of any Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 4) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Provision) AGAR Provisions:

• 452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(1) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(a) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(C) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(d) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(e) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

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

(1) In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801, within 15 days after receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(2) The Contractor agrees to make such payments to its small business subcontractors without any further consideration from or fees charged to the subcontractor.

(b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act.

(c) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

(End of clause)

(ii) FAR and AGAR Clauses:

FAR and AGAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference:

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998

This solicitation 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 the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☒ 52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023) ☒ 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) ☒ 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel Jan 2011 ☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (AUG 2025)(DEVIATION) ☒ 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (DEC 2014) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (SEP 2025) ☒ 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (SEP 2025)

☒ 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

(b) 30 calendar days prior to contract expiration

☒ 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(b) 30 Calendar days prior to contract expiration and 60 days five years and 6 months.

☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) ☒ 52.219-28 Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (OCT 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (OCT 2025)(DEVIATION) ☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) ☒ 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) ☒ 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ☒ 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2025)

This Statement is for Information Only:

It is not a Wage Determination

Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits

$XX.XX

☒ 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2025) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) ☒ 52.223-12 Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air

Conditioners (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION) ☒ 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY 2024) ☒ 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) ☒ 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) ☒ 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (SEP 2025)(DEVIATION) ☒ 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetaion (APR 1984) ☒ 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025)

☐ Alternate I (Nov 2025) of 52.240-91 ☒ 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR and AGAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text:

AGAR Clauses

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025) (a )By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

1. It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

2 .Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

Solicitation 1240BD26Q0025 IPNF Supervisors Office Elevator Maintenance Services https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-4#FAR_52_233_4

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d)This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e)Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b )Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature. (The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

(iii) Additional terms and conditions:

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

Government Point of Contact

Title POC CO Mindy Hickman mindy.hickman@usda.gov

COR

Technical Contact