RFQ NMFS AKR-23-0329 (f).pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

OMB Approval No. 9000-0009

This RFQ [XX] is [ ] is not a Small Business Set-Aside

Page 1 of

34 pages

1. REQUEST NO.

NMFS AKR-23-0329

2. DATE ISSUED

March 29, 2023

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

N/A

4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

N/A

5a. ISSUED BY: U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE, NOAA, NMFS ALASKA REGION (AKR)

P.O. BOX 21668, JUNEAU, AK 99802

6. DELIVER BY (Date) See Statement of Work

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

7. DELIVERY

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER [ X ] FOB DESTINATION [ ] OTHER (see schedule)

GILBERT MENDOZA

FAX (907) 586-7255

AREA CODE

NUMBER

586-7579

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

NOAA NMFS ALASKA REGION 8. TO:

a. NAME

b. COMPANY

b. STREET ADDRESS PO Box 21668

c. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY Juneau

d. CITY

e. STATE

f. ZIP CODE d. STATE

AK

e. ZIP CODE 99802

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR

BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date) Thursday – April 13, 2023 by 1:00 PM AK Time

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local Taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

Contractor to provide NOAA National Marine Fisheries Services, Alaska Region one job of Professional Event Coordination Services in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

Government will make award of a firm fixed price purchase order to the contractor based on best value to the Government per the evaluation factors of the SOW.

Job

Total

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS %

b. 20 CALENDAR

DAYS %

c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS %

d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER

PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations [ ] are [ ] are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

QUOTATION

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

a. NAME OF QUOTER

16. SIGNER

b. STREET ADDRESS

a. NAME (type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY

AREA CODE

c. TITLE (type or print)

d. CITY

e. STATE

f. ZIP CODE

NUMBER

Authorized for Local Reproduction STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Previous Edition Not Usable Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

Request Number: NMFS AKR-23-0329 Date Issued: March 29, 2023

(TYPE OR PRINT)

COMPANY NAME__________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________________

CITY__________________________________________ STATE_____________________________

COMPANY UNIQUE ENTITY ID: ____________________________ SMALL BUSINESS? ______

QUOTED BY: _________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________

PHONE No:________________________________ FAX No:_________________________________

DATE __________________

RFQ PROCUREMENT ACTION NAICS CODE: 561920 – Convention and Trade Show Organizers - SIZE STANDARD: $17.5 million

QUOTE DUE BY Thursday – April 13, 2023 by 1:00 PM Alaska Time to GILBERT MENDOZA AT E-mail: Gilbert.Mendoza@noaa.gov, with the Subject Line “Contractor Name” – Response to RFQ NMFS

AKR-23-0329.

NOTE TO QUOTER:

NOAA NMFS Alaska Regional Office of Management Division (OMD), requires that all contractors doing business with OMD be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). NO award can be made unless the vender is registered in SAM. For additional information and to register for free in SAM please access the following web site: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM.

STATEMENT OF WORK

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA) Protected Resources Division

Professional Event Coordination Services for 2023 Belugas Count! Event Anchorage, Alaska

1. Background The NOAA Fisheries (NOAA) Protected Resources Division (PRD) is responsible for implementing marine mammal conservation and recovery programs under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including programs for Cook Inlet beluga whales.

NOAA listed Cook Inlet beluga whales as an endangered species under the ESA in 2008 and finalized portions of Cook Inlet as beluga critical habitat in 2011. In 2015, the population was identified as one of NOAA’s nine Species in the Spotlight. This designation is reserved for those species or populations managed by the agency that are considered most at risk of extinction in the near future.

The Cook Inlet beluga whale population is still declining for reasons that have not yet been identified, despite substantial ongoing research. Public education and support is key to recovering these whales, and the success of several key conservation efforts, including reporting of stranded individuals and opportunistic sightings of belugas, depends substantially on public participation. Therefore, public education and outreach are a vital component of recovery work by NOAA and our partners, to the extent that the 2016 Recovery Plan for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale calls for engaging in education and outreach efforts targeted at informing the public of the status of Cook Inlet belugas and their threats, and promoting more public involvement in reporting Cook Inlet belugas. (Recovery Action #10), and specifically creating an annual “Cook Inlet Beluga Watch Day” (Recovery Action #10c).

In response to direction provided by the Recovery Plan, in 2017 NOAA initiated the annual Belugas Count! event. This free public event, held each September, brings together members of the public to focus on conserving the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, and fostering local pride, awareness, and stewardship. The event is led by NOAA in collaboration with over 20 federal and state agencies, local and national organizations, and individuals.

Event Format: The event format typically includes two parts:

1) morning activities, and

2) afternoon group gathering.

Morning Activities: In the morning the public is invited to help spot and count endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales and learn about these iconic Alaska marine mammals from species experts at more than a dozen “beluga viewing stations” spread across Cook Inlet, staffed by NOAA and event partners. In addition, some partners staff a number “counting stations” on their privately owned infrastructure (e.g., offshore oil and gas production platforms).

Afternoon Group Gathering: In the afternoon, the public is invited to attend a free gathering where they can participate in interactive education activities, engage with staff from NOAA and conservation partners, and hear live talks by beluga experts, including researchers and aquarium staff.

The event typically draws between 1,300 and 2,000+ in-person participants, with tens of thousands more interacting virtually via social media platforms.

2023 Event: 2023 marks the 5th anniversary of the event (it was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) as well as the 50th anniversary of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). We expect that the 2023 event will follow the traditional format, with the following possible additions:

1) There is agency interest in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ESA by expanding the 2023 Belugas Count! event to include additional partners and species covered in the afternoon gathering, and possibly adding local food vendors and musicians/bands who would volunteer their services.

2) We are exploring options for a second afternoon gathering in the Kenai area to accommodate participants in the region who are not able to attend the gathering in the Anchorage area. This would occur simultaneous to the Anchorage gathering.

Historically NOAA and partners have been responsible for all aspects of planning and holding the event;

however, the event has grown beyond what NOAA and partners currently have the capacity to manage, especially if the above additions are included.

The purpose of this contract is to obtain professional event coordination services to support planning and execution of the 2023 Belugas Count! event, which will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023. Specific tasks and deliverables are outlined below.

Scope of Work

2. Contract Tasks The contractor shall complete the following tasks:

In advance of the event:

Meet with NOAA event coordinator to learn about past Belugas Count! events, discuss, and confirm clear understanding of the expectations of this contract.

Review partner and supporter roster and suggest any additional prospective collaborators who may have been overlooked and who, based on the contractor’s experience, likely would have interest in engaging with the event.

Identify any and all permit requirements and assist NOAA with meeting those requirements (e.g., fire department event approvals required for Anchorage Parks & Recreation Special Event Permit).

Secure event venues and participating businesses (e.g., food trucks, musicians, etc.).

Manage all logistical coordination with identified venues and participating businesses (e.g., food trucks, musicians, other).

Manage logistical travel‐planning support to out‐of‐area partners, researchers, and/or guest speakers who are travelling to the Cook Inlet area to participate in the event.

Conduct regularly scheduled meetings and/or phone calls with NOAA event coordinator to facilitate clear and open communication.

Be aware of, and meets all, logistic and permit‐related deadlines, and to notify NOAA of events that may overlap in time and/or space with the Belugas Count! event).

Develop a Day‐of‐Event logistical plan (e.g., who will be where and when).

Assist in organization and distribution of event supplies.

Manage logistics of any sponsor or donor deliverables (e.g., gift cards, refreshments for stations) (NOTE: NOAA will handle initial discussions with sponsors or donor so as to ensure that all transactions comply with agency ethics guidance however a working knowledge of these guidelines is needed).

Manage distribution of printed advertising material (e.g., posting flyers in local businesses and/or organizing partners and volunteers to post flyers). NOAA will handle the actual printing.

Provide other minor miscellaneous logistical support to NOAA as needed (e.g., identifying needed equipment that is not provided by venues).

Day of event:

The Event Coordinator shall be physically present for the entire duration of the event which could be up to 12 hours on 23 September 2023.

Provide on‐site support in the Anchorage, Alaska, area as local viewing stations set‐up, with a focus on (1) the Information Station at Kincaid Chalet, and (2) any stations that are being led by first‐time hosts.

In coordination with the NOAA event coordinator, address and resolve any unexpected emergent issues (e.g., community events overlapping in both time and space with Belugas Count! stations which the event coordinator and contractor were not provided advance notice of; gate access issues)

Provide on‐site support for the afternoon gathering(s), including but not limited to:

o Setting up tables, chairs, signs, other equipment o Testing and resolving any issues with technical equipment and/or ensuring venue staff technological experts are onsite and immediately available to address any issues that may arise.

o Demobilization/clean‐up

Post-event:

By November 15, 2023, provide a short (e.g., 4‐5 page, 12 pt font, single‐spaced) written report that includes the following:

o Documentation of completed tasks (e.g., what, when), and o Recommendations for future improvement of the event, based on professional experience.

The following aspects of the event will be handled by NOAA and/or partners and will not require contractor services:

Communication and general coordination with event partners, except as identified above (e.g., the contractor will not handle: scheduling and hosting planning meetings, assigning and overseeing deliverable‐specific focus groups)

Venue selection

Venue staffing

Development of event materials

Development and management of event websites and social media

Media/Press communications and logistics management

Speaker selection

Identifying and setting agenda for afternoon gathering presentations or timed activities

Venue safety or security

Event metrics and ROI reporting (will be shared with contractor to inform their post‐event report)

Coordination of post‐event materials return

3. Contract Deliverables Kick-off Award Meeting with NOAA AKR o Contractor to schedule a meeting (via phone or video if contractor is not local) with NOAA AKR to review the contract, scope of work, and project timeline.

o DUE: contact NOAA AKR (Dr. Jill Seymour) within 5 business days after award of contract to establish an initial meeting date

Recommended Partners/Supporters List o By no later than 6 weeks after award of contract or May 1, 2023, whichever comes sooner, the contractor will provide the NOAA AKR event coordinator with a list of suggested additional entities to reach out to regarding the event. The list will include contact name, affiliation, email, and phone number.

Event Venue and Vendor Securement o By no later than May 1, 2023, or earlier if dictated by permit application needs, secure the event venue(s) for the afternoon gathering(s), as well as any musicians and provide written confirmation to NOAA AKR.

o By no later than August 1, 2023, or earlier if dictated by permit application needs, secure any other vendors (e.g., food trucks, interactive activities, e.g., bounce houses).

Reoccurring Progress Meetings with NOAA AKR o Contractor to schedule recurring check-in meetings with the NOAA AKR event coordinator (via phone, video or in-person) at minimum following the frequency outlined below. More frequent communication (including via email) is encouraged:

Prior to June 1: monthly June 1-August 15: every other week August 15-September 23: weekly

Deviations to this schedule will be allowed if agreed upon in advance by both the contractor and the NOAA AKR event coordinator.

o During reoccurring meetings or other communications as needed to facilitate communication in a timely manner, the contractor will provide planning updates, including but not limited to:

Any permits needed for the event, their requirements, all associated points-of-contact, and submission deadlines;

Any printed materials needs in advance of the event (e.g., quantity of event posters/flyers needed for distribution); and Contractor-identified needs, issues, or concerns.

o The contractor shall provide at least 1-month advance notice of any permit submission deadlines or other event-relevant deadlines or similar that NOAA needs to meet.

o The contractor shall provide NOAA AKR with a recommended total number of printed promotional materials (e.g., posters, flyers) needed by no later than June 15, 2023.

Pre-event Materials Organization and Dissemination o Contractor shall assist NOAA in organizing and disseminating event materials by:

Assembling packets of printed materials (provided by NOAA) for each beluga viewing station and afternoon gathering(s). Packets will be ready for distribution no later than September 9, 2023.

Providing in-person support to NOAA in inventorying station viewing supplies in advance of distribution (approximately 3-5 weeks prior to the event).

Providing in-person support to NOAA in distributing viewing station supplies to station hosts approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the event. Distribution will occur from the NOAA warehouse and/or office in Anchorage.

o Contractor will lead distribution and posting of printing advertising materials (e.g., posters, flyers) in the Anchorage area and preferably the greater Cook Inlet area (e.g., Girdwood, Hope, Kenai, Soldotna, Homer).

Day-of-Event Logistics Plan o The contractor shall provide to the NOAA AKR event coordinator a written day-of-event logistics plan no less than 2 weeks prior to the event.

Pre-event Final Check-in Meeting with NOAA AKR o Within 72 days prior to the event, the contractor shall schedule a meeting (via phone or video if the contractor is not local) to review day-of-event logistics plan with NOAA AKR event coordinator.

Day of Event Support (Saturday, September 23, 2023) o Contractor shall provide in-person support on event day, including:

Frequent phone or text communication with NOAA AKR event coordinator regarding their location and status, On-site trouble-shooting and logistical crisis resolution, and Management of afternoon gathering site(s) (e.g., set-up, breakdown, trouble-shooting).

Post-Event Reporting o By no later than October 23, 2023, the contractor shall provide, via email to the NOAA AKR event coordinator, a draft short (e.g., 4-5 page, 12 pt font, single-spaced) written report that includes, but is not limited to, the following information:

Documentation of completed tasks (e.g., what, when), and Recommendations for future improvement of the event, based on professional experience.

o The NOAA AKR event coordinator will have 10 days to review and provide comments on the draft report.

o The contractor will have 15 days after receipt of comments from NOAA AKR to submit the final report for a date no later than November 17, 2023.

4. Requirements The following is a list of requirements which may influence the submission of offers and the development of the requested information, and are important considerations prior to submitting an offer.

The contractor shall use their own vehicles, pay for their own gas, and be properly insured.

The contractor shall provide proof of experience (2 years minimum) professionally coordinating and managing:

o Federal and/or state government meetings and/or events;

o Public educational and outreach events; and o Events involving multiple venues or sites operating simultaneously or consecutively

The contractor shall also provide proof of familiarity with and professional experience in leading coordination of events in the Anchorage and Cook Inlet area, including event permitting requirements for local municipal sites.

This will be a firm fixed price purchase order contract award.

The contractor successfully complete the identified tasks while adhering to the following estimated event timeline. Please note that this timeline does not include the check-in meetings detailed above. The dates of those meetings will be scheduled via coordination between NOAA AKR and the contractor during the post-award meeting.

Date Action/Deliverable Contractor Task

Apr‐Sept 2023 Identify additional vendors (e.g., bands, food trucks), vendor logistics coordination

Contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led

Apr 2023 Provide list of additional vendors and their logistics needs (e.g., access to electricity) to NOAA

Contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led

Date Action/Deliverable Contractor Task

Mar‐Sept 2023 Provide travel logistics support to out‐of‐area partners

Contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led

Mar‐Sept 2023 Coordinate distribution of sponsor/donor deliverables

Sponsors/donors will initially coordinate with NOAA so that the agency can ensure that ethics requirements are addressed. Then contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led

May 1, 2023 List of suggested additional partners/supporters provided to NOAA

Contractor to provide 6 weeks after award of contract or May 1, 2023, whichever comes sooner

May 1, 2023 Provide a list of complimentary amenities available at the afternoon gathering location(s) to NOAA

Contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led

May 1, 2023 Secure afternoon gathering venue(s) and musicians

Contractor‐led once contract is in place.

Until contractor is in place, this task will be NOAA‐led.

June 10, 2023 Complete station supply inventory

Joint NOAA and Contractor effort

June 15, 2023 All printed material orders are submitted to NOAA

Contractor to notify NOAA of printed advertising needs (i.e., number of event flyers)

July 1, 2023 Complete identification of all required permits

Contractor‐led

August 1, 2023 Secure any other vendors (e.g., food trucks, interactive activities, e.g., bounce houses).

Contractor‐led

Aug‐early Sept 2023 Coordination meetings with afternoon gathering staff (1 minimum, more as needed)

Contractor to attend

Date Action/Deliverable Contractor Task

August 15, 2023 Draft Events Logistics Plan provided to NOAA (up to 25% payment of award amount paid upon receipt of draft plan)

Contractor

September 9, 2023 Final Event Logistics Plan provided to NOAA

Contractor

September 9, 2023 Compellation of printed materials packets completed

Contractor (printed materials to be supplied by NOAA)

September 9 ‐16, 2023 Distribute station supplies Joint NOAA and Contractor effort

September 23, 2023 Belugas Count! Event (up to 75% payment of total award upon completion of event day responsibilities)

Joint effort including contractor, NOAA, and partners

October 23, 2023 Contractor provides a draft written report documenting involvement and providing recommendations for future

Contractor

November 15, 2023 Contractor provides final report incorporating NOAA feedback and debriefing meeting with NOAA (payment remaining 25% of award upon receipt of final report)

Contractor

5. Evaluation Factors

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Contractor shall describe their experience meeting the requirements shown in the “Requirements” section above.

EXPERIENCE: Provide contractor experience relating to this Statement of Work, including resume(s) documenting successful completion of similar actions.

PAST PERFORMANCE: Provide references for contracts involving coordinator of similar events (e.g., public science education events, government‐hosted public celebrations). References can include both government and commercial contracts and subcontracts. The applicant shall provide a list (three minimum) of past performance references.

PRICE: Experience, past performance, and technical requirements are more important than price, however, price will be considered when determining the best value to the government.

6. Selection Criteria To be considered for this award, please submit a complete response per the evaluation factors, which includes a resume with listed experience and qualifications. The contractor will be selected in a process where NOAA AKR personnel review responses and a determination is made as to that contractor’s ability to satisfy the needs of this Statement of Work requirements. Several factors will be considered, including clarity and quality of the response. Award shall be made based on best value to the government per the evaluation factors.

7. Contractor Conduct Contractor’s employees shall comply with all applicable federal government regulations, policies and procedures (e.g., fire, safety, sanitation, environmental protection, security, “off limits” areas, etc.) when visiting or working at government facilities. The Contractor shall ensure their employees present a professional appearance at all times and that their conduct shall not reflect discredit on the United States or the NOAA. The Project Manager shall ensure Contractor employees understand and abide by the NOAA’s established rules, regulations and policies concerning safety and security.

8. Removing Contractors for Misconduct or Security Reasons NOAA may, at its sole discretion (in coordination with the Contracting Officer where practical), direct the Contractor to remove any Contractor employee from NOAA facilities for misconduct or security reasons. Removal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under the contract. The Contracting Officer will provide the Contractor with a written explanation to support any request to remove a Contractor.

9. Post-Award Conference The Contractor shall attend a kick-off conference with the NOAA POC no later than 5 business days after the date of award, or another date/time specified by the NOAA POC. The purpose of the conference, which will be chaired by the NOAA POC, is to set the standards of performance, clarify details, place of performance, building access time, communication channels, anticipated travel (if any), required GOV training, and progress report and invoicing details. The kick-off conference will be held either at the NOAA PRD office in the Federal building, located at 222 West 7th St, Anchorage, AK 99513 or via video or teleconference.

10. Intellectual Property Rights All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this award.

Documents, files, and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government owned equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NOAA or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the NOAA AKR event coordinator and contracting officer.

11. Place of Performance Work will primarily be conducted at the offerer’s personal office location, with occasional event mobilization work conducted at the NOAA warehouse or office in Anchorage, Alaska. Work on the day of the event will be conducted at designated event locations in the greater Anchorage/Cook Inlet, Alaska, area.

12. Risk This project is considered low risk and Contractor staff must be suited for public trust classification.

13. Period of Performance The resulting contract will last from the award date through December 1, 2023.

PROVISIONS

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Oct 2020)

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 Items. 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)

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2020)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

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): www.acquisition.gov and www.osec.doc.gov

52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (APR 1984)

(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 Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1352) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation.

(End of provision)

52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers, in descending order of importance:

Price, technical capabilities and past performance

(b) Options. Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers or quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement to determine the total evaluated price. This includes options under FAR clause

52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, which applies to this solicitation. Evaluation of options will 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)

52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUNE 2020)

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. 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.

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”—

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 concern—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned 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 veteransor, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran 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).

Small business concern means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with13 CFR 124.1002, 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 at13 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 $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(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 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 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.

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 least51 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.

(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 Items, 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 will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a small business concern.

(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) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business 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 as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(4) 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 CFR124.1002.

(5) 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.

(6) WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a women- owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(5) of this provision.] The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ is, □ is not a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility;

and

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: .] Each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the WOSB representation.

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program in (c)(6) of this provision.] The offeror represents that-

(i) It □ is, □ is not an EDWOSB concern, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility; and

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this provision is accurate for each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the EDWOSB concern and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: .] Each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the EDWOSB representation.

Note: Complete paragraphs (c)(8) and (c)(9) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(8) Women-owned business…