RFQ - Energy and Environment Subscription.docx

Energy & Environmental News Subscription RFQ No. 47HAA024Q0124

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA)

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (OAS)

OFFICE OF INTERNAL ACQUISITION (OIA)

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) No: 47HAA024Q0124

Energy & Environmental News Subscription OGP - Office of Governmentwide Policy (M), NAICS Code: 519130 Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals

Questions Due By Sept 10, 2024, 12:00 PM (Eastern) Quotations Due By Sept 17, 2024, 4:00 PM (Eastern)

Table of Contents

SECTION I

To Whom It May Concern:

OGP - Office of Governmentwide Policy (M), has identified a need Annual digital news subscription from Energy & Environmental News that covers energy, environmental policy, climate change, markets, and science.

As such, this Request for Quotation (RFQ) is being issued to Open Market holders. The RFQ summary is as follows:

(1) Bill of Materials for Energy & Environmental News Subscription

(2) Task Order Type: Firm-Fixed Price

(3) Performance Period: 12-month base period and 4 12-month option periods.

If you have any questions regarding this RFQ, please contact GSA points of contact listed below.

GSA Contract Specialist (Primary POC):

Brandon Lord E-mail: brandon.lord@gsa.gov, GSA Contracting Officer (Alternate POC):

Jamila Bransford E-mail: jamila.bransford@gsa.gov, SECTION II Solicitation Information

2.1 General

The Government contemplates awarding one (1) firm fixed price contract assuming the quotation has met, the Government’s requirements in the evaluation process for Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable. It is expected that Vendors will submit Quotations in accordance with the procedures and requisite requirements identified in this Solicitation.

2.1.2 Submission Information

Responses to this RFQ shall be submitted in electronic format via email. Quotations shall not be submitted to any other parties. Vendors are hereby notified that any corrupt or unreadable documents shall not be considered for evaluation purposes. Any files not received by the cut-off date and time specified herein shall be deemed late and not considered for evaluation.

2.1.3 Format

No paper (hard copy) quotations shall be accepted. All submitted electronic documents shall be in PDF and MS Excel format. Each page in the submitted documents shall fit on 8 ½” X 11” paper size, with all text single-spaced, using font size no less than 11 points. All text and graphics shall be legible. The Technical Quotation and Price Quotation for the task/delivery order shall be separate files. No pricing information shall be included in the Technical Quotation. Page limits are not inclusive of cover page and table of contents.

The following naming conventions for the quotation documents shall be utilized:

[Solicitation No.] - Vendor Name - [Technical/Price] Quotation [DATE]

SECTION III Statement of Work

1.0 Introduction

The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Civil Rights (OCR) mission is to protect civil rights, to champion equal opportunity, and to foster a fair workplace.

To improve organizational culture, OCR is seeking to provide the GSA workforce with valuable skills through interactive training and learning courses in the areas of civil rights (which may include anti-harassment and/or hostile work environment) and/or tolerance. This learning opportunity is designed to address the issues that the GSA workforce faces on a daily basis and provides resources to create a more civil, inclusive, and productive workplace.

2.0 Scope

The goal is to provide an immersive virtual training that is highly interactive and engaging. The training shall include adult learning methodologies and communications models that participants can adopt to their daily behaviors.

3.0 Task Requirements : Energy & Environment News subscription

GSA is requesting 20 Digital News Subscriptions providing daily news publications focusing on energy, climate, and the environment:

Three (3) separate and dedicated news publications in the areas of Energy, Climate, and the Environment. Energy, Climate, and the Environment are their own subject matter and shall not be combined.

Provide the latest news coverage in technology and innovations in clean energy, renewable and sustainable energy. Analyzes effects on the Government, business, policy, regulation, and the environment. Explains complicated regulations, scientific findings, and legal implications.

Dedicated team of reporters and editors with at least five (5) years of experience in Energy, Climate, and the Environment.

Publishes at least 20 original news stories daily in the areas of Energy, Climate, and the Environment that are objective and accurate that are not repeated.

4.0 Inspection and Acceptance

The COR for this order is a Government official who has been delegated specific technical, functional and oversight responsibilities for this Order. Deliverables and acceptance of all work performed, reports and other deliverables will be performed by the COR.

Total period of performance for this task order shall be five (5) years consisting of one (1) twelve (12) month base year and four (4) twelve (12) month option years. The Government anticipates an award by September 20, 2024.

Prior to exercising each option period, the Government shall determine that the exercise of an option is still in the Government’s best interest under relevant market conditions and subject to availability of funds. In addition, the Government will also be reviewing the technology requirements against then current objectives to determine if the existing technology being implemented continues to fully meet the Government’s needs and objectives.

5.2 Place of Performance

Remote

6.0 Government Furnished Property/Information

6.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP)

N/A

6.2 Government Furnished Information (GFI)

N/A

7.0 Security

N/A

8.0 Contract Administration

GSA Contracting Officer (Primary POC):

Jamila Bransford, jamila.bransford@gsa.gov , (571) 619-1449

GSA Contract Specialist (Secondary POC):

Brandon Lord, brandon.lord@gsa.gov , (571) 591-5052

GSA Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

Samuel Song, samuel.song@gsa.gov, (253) 347-2571

9.0 INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

All quotes shall be submitted electronically via email to the attention of Brandon Lord, Contract Specialists at brandon.lord@gsa.gov and Jamila Bransford, Contracting Officer at jamila.bransford@gsa.gov, on or before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Sept 17, 2024.

*If the quote is not submitted by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Sept 17, 2024. then it will be considered NON- RESPONSIVE, and no further consideration will be made. *

The “QUOTE” shall include a cover letter, Technical Quote, and Price Quote as follows:

Cover Letter on Company Letterhead Technical Quote (10-page limit) Price Quote

An authorized official with the power invested shall sign a cover letter on Company letterhead. The cover letter shall express the Contractor’s intent to be bound by the BPA terms and conditions. It shall also include the following information:

Name - Provide the name of the company responding to this RFQ.

Address - Provide the firm’s main office address.

E-Mail Address - Provide the firm’s email address.

Federal Tax I.D. # - Provide the firm's current federal tax I.D. number.

Cage Code – Provide Company Cage Code

Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number

Phone Number

Point of Contact-Provide name, phone number, and email address of contact person regarding this RFQ.

Schedule Contract Number/Request for Quote Number

Information requested herein must be furnished in writing and be fully and completely in compliance with RFQ instructions. The information requested and the manner of submission is essential to permit prompt evaluation of all quotes on a fair and uniform basis. Simple statements of compliance without the detailed description of how compliance will be accomplished may not be considered sufficient evidence that the Contractor can meet the technical requirements.

A complete quote shall consist of a Technical Quote submission and a Price Quote submission. It is required that the Technical Quote be submitted separate from the Price Quote. Each file shall be labeled identifying each file as Technical Quote or Price Quote.

Quotes shall clearly demonstrate an understanding of both general and specific requirements, as well as convey the Contractor’s capability for successful performance under the BPA. Incomplete quotes will be considered NON-RESPONSIVE, and no further consideration will be made.

Quotes received after the designated closing date and time will NOT be considered for a BPA award.

10. Questions

All questions regarding any aspect of this RFQ shall be forwarded electronically via email directly to the attention of Brandon Lord, Contract Specialists at brandon.lord@gsa.gov and Jamila Bransford, Contracting Officer at jamila.bransford@gsa.gov, no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Sept 10, 2024. Telephone requests for information will not be accepted. Questions must be clear. Written answers/responses will be provided to all prospective Contractors, giving due regard to the proper protection of proprietary information.

11. Assumptions, Conditions, and Exceptions

All assumptions shall be evaluated as part of the individual factor to which they apply. The Government reserves the right to reject any quotation that includes any assumption that may impact satisfying the Government’s requirements.

13. Technical Evaluation Criteria for Award

This acquisition will utilize the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedure to make a best value award. A decision on the technical acceptability of each offeror’s quotation will be made. For those offerors which are determined to be technically acceptable, an award will be made to that vendor with the lowest overall price.

The Government intends to make an award based on the initial quotations. If further questions are required, the Contracting Officer may contact the offeror or offerors. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quotation conforms to all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, technical requirements, and also provides the best value to the Government based on the results of the evaluation described below.

The LPTA evaluation process will be accomplished as follows:

Technical Capability – Each offeror’s technical quotations will be evaluated to determine if the offeror provides a sound, compliant technical approach that meets the requirements described under the SOW and demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of those requirements described under each CLIN. An evaluation rating of Technically Acceptable / Unacceptable will be assigned upon completion of the evaluation of each technical quotation. If the quote is rated “Unacceptable” then no further contractual actions will be made, and it will not be considered for award. Technical quotations shall be limited to no more than 10 pages (including both sides).

14. Clauses Incorporated by Reference:

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 these addresses.

(a) Federal Acquisition Regulation: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

The following clauses are incorporated by reference, and made a part of, the resultant order:

(a) Fill-In Date: 5 Days

NOV 1999

(a) Fill-In Dates: 60, 90

(c) 60 months

MAR 2000

52.252-2 GSAM CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The full text of a provision may be accessed electronically at: GSAM website: https://www.acquisition.gov/gsam/gsam.html

JUL 2020

JAN 2023

JAN 2022

SECURITY CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following GSA policies must be followed as applicable:

1. Attachment A - CIO 09-48, IT Security Procedural Guide: Security and Privacy IT Acquisition Requirements

2. Attachment B - CIO 12-2018, IT Policy Requirements Guide The contractor’s personnel involved with this order are required to review above-cited contract clauses and policies and ensure compliance throughout the life of this order.

Clauses Incorporated in Full Text

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 or 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) Representation. 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) 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Backhaul means intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network, and the small subnetworks at the edge of the network (e.g., connecting cell phones/towers to the core telephone network). Backhaul can be wireless (e.g., microwave) or wired (e.g., fiber optic, coaxial cable, Ethernet).

Covered foreign country means The People’s Republic of China.

Covered telecommunications equipment or services means–

(1) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(2) For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(3) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or

(4) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

Critical technology means–

(1) Defense articles or defense services included on the United States Munitions List set forth in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations under subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations;

(2) Items included on the Commerce Control List set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations under subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, and controlled-

(i) Pursuant to multilateral regimes, including for reasons relating to national security, chemical and biological weapons proliferation, nuclear nonproliferation, or missile technology; or

(ii) For reasons relating to regional stability or surreptitious listening;

(3) Specially designed and prepared nuclear equipment, parts and components, materials, software, and technology covered by part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to assistance to foreign atomic energy activities);

(4) Nuclear facilities, equipment, and material covered by part 110 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export and import of nuclear equipment and material);

(5) Select agents and toxins covered by part 331 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part 121 of title 9 of such Code, or part 73 of title 42 of such Code; or

(6) Emerging and foundational technologies controlled pursuant to section 1758 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4817).

Interconnection arrangements means arrangements governing the physical connection of two or more networks to allow the use of another's network to hand off traffic where it is ultimately delivered (e.g., connection of a customer of telephone provider A to a customer of telephone company B) or sharing data and other information resources.

Reasonable inquiry means an inquiry designed to uncover any information in the entity's possession about the identity of the producer or provider of covered telecommunications equipment or services used by the entity that excludes the need to include an internal or third-party audit.

Roaming means cellular communications services (e.g., voice, video, data) received from a visited network when unable to connect to the facilities of the home network either because signal coverage is too weak or because traffic is too high.

Substantial or essential component means any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a piece of equipment, system, or service.

(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. The Contractor is prohibited from providing to the Government 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, unless an exception at paragraph (c) of this clause applies or the covered telecommunication equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in FAR 4.2104.

(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, unless an exception at paragraph (c) of this clause applies or the covered telecommunication equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in FAR 4.2104. 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.

(c) Exceptions. This clause does not prohibit contractors from providing—

(1) A service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

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

(d) Reporting requirement. (1) In the event the Contractor identifies covered telecommunications equipment or services used as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, during contract performance, or the Contractor is notified of such by a subcontractor at any tier or by any other source, the Contractor shall report the information in paragraph (d)(2) of this clause to the Contracting Officer, unless elsewhere in this contract are established procedures for reporting the information; in the case of the Department of Defense, the Contractor shall report to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil. For indefinite delivery contracts, the Contractor shall report to the Contracting Officer for the indefinite delivery contract and the Contracting Officer(s) for any affected order or, in the case of the Department of Defense, identify both the indefinite delivery contract and any affected orders in the report provided at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

(2) The Contractor shall report the following information pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this clause

(i) Within one business day from the date of such identification or notification: the contract number; the order number(s), if applicable; supplier name; supplier unique entity identifier (if known); supplier Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code (if known); brand; model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number); item description; and any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

(ii) Within 10 business days of submitting the information in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this clause: any further available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. In addition, the Contractor shall describe the efforts it undertook to prevent use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services, and any additional efforts that will be incorporated to prevent future use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(e) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e) and excluding paragraph (b)(2), in all subcontracts and other contractual instruments, including subcontracts for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

(End of clause)

FUNDING AND PAYMENT

Prompt Payment Requirements: Payments will be processed in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-4(i) Payments as supplemented and deviated from in GSAM Clause 552.212-4.

INVOICES: The Contractor shall submit billings monthly in accordance with the Government’s requirements in the PWS.

Submission of Original Invoices Invoices shall be submitted no later than fifteen calendar days following performance and/or delivery. The invoice must be accompanied by any applicable monthly status reports submitted during that period. The COR and CO shall receive a copy of the invoice and all supporting documentation. This can be done before, but no later than, the same time as invoice submission to the GSA Financial Operations and Disbursement Center.

Invoices are authorized for payment upon the Government’s receipt and acceptance of deliverables specified in the contract and the receipt of a valid invoice. Invoices, to be proper and payable, must include the following information:

Name and address of the Contractor, and

● Invoice date and number, and

● Contract/Order Number (as listed in Block 4 on Form SF1449) and Pegasys Document Number (PDN) (GD followed by [PIID Number as listed in Block 4 on Form SF1449]), any Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), and the Program/Project Title Professional Project, Operational & Management Support Services (PPOMSS) and

● Description of the services/products provided including CLIN number and description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the item(s) delivered; period of service and/or dates that services were provided, etc., and;

● Name and address of the contractor’s authorized representative to whom payment is to be sent, and;

● Name, title, and phone number of the contractor’s PoC to be notified in the event of defective invoice; and

● Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice and ensure the SAM.gov profile for the contractor is complete including the payment remittance address and bank details.

In accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (Alternate 1) - January 2017, for any payment requests involving the optional labor-hour tasks on the order award, when requested by the Contracting Officer or the authorized representative, the Contractor shall substantiate invoices (including any subcontractor hours reimbursed at the hourly rate in the schedule) by evidence of actual payment, individual daily job timecards, records that verify the employees meet the qualifications for the labor categories specified in the contract, or other substantiation specified in the contract.

The Contractor shall submit an original invoice for payment to GSA Financial Operations and Disbursement Center, P.O. Box 419279, Kansas City, MO.

Copies of invoices shall be emailed to the designated Contracting Officer Representative (COR) that will be appointed following award of this order.

Copies of invoices shall be emailed to the designated Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

Please Note: Failure to send both copies could delay your payment.

When invoicing GSA, ensure all data listed in Items 1-7 above are present on the invoice. All invoices shall be submitted electronically. Password and electronic invoice access is obtained through VCSS, https://vcss.ocfo.gsa.gov.

For assistance with how to set up electronic invoicing or payment related information, please contact GSA Finance Customer Support (800) 676-3690 or kc-acctspayable.vcss@gsa.gov.

A copy of the invoice must be sent to the COR/Program Office POC,COR Name:

Samuel Song, samuel.song@gsa.gov : for approval. A courtesy copy of the invoice must also be sent to the Contract Specialist: Brandon Lord, brandon.lord@gsa.gov and Contracting Officer: Jamila Bransford, jamila.bransford@gsa.gov for the official contract file.

FINAL INVOICE: The Contractor shall submit with a GSA Form 1142- Release of Claims with submission of the final invoice at the end of the period of performance. A copy of the form should be sent via email to the Contracting Officer and to the Contract Specialist and COR identified as the Government POCs in the PWS.

INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT

For purposes of the resultant purchase order, only the GSA OIA Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of their warrant authority, are empowered to execute contract actions, and any necessary modifications thereto.

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve any changes in the scope of work for this requirement. In the event the contractor affects any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase of expenses incurred as a result thereof.

The Primary Contracting Officer for the purchase Order shall be as follows:

Jamila Bransford, email jamila.bransford@gsa.gov.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

Any individual delegated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) under the resultant Purchase Order shall be limited to technical cognizance and performance oversight. The COR shall not at any time execute contract actions or modifications therein. The Contracting Officer shall issue a formal COR appointment letter, to be included with the resultant award package, and shall provide a copy to the Contractor. Responsibilities and limitations on authority specific to the resultant Task Order shall be identified within the appointment letter. Any changes to the COR or assigned duties therein shall be made in writing by the Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and/or Program Manager shall assist in monitoring the contractor’s performance. The contractor’s performance shall be evaluated by the COR and Program Manager unless otherwise required.

The COR shall contact the Contracting Officer for any changes needed on the requirement. The Primary Contracting Officer’s Representative for the Order shall be as follows: Samuel Song, samuel.song@gsa.gov.

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