RFQ-DC-15-00221-Narragansett_RI-Final.pdf

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 1 of 34

REQUEST FOR QUOTE # RFQ-DC-15-00221

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES CONTRACT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development

National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION

This solicitation is being issued pursuant to the personal services contracting authority granted by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriation Resolution for 2003 (P.L. 108-7). A firm-fixed-price purchase order will be issued to the successful student who at least 18 years of age who has completed a BA/BS degree in in social sciences, economics, environmental policy, environmental studies, marine affairs or related fields of study, to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of research on how we can improve the resilience of social-ecological systems (SESs) affected by water quality and water quantity degradation, in The Atlantic Ecology Division (AED), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The period of performance for this purchase order is for a period of twelve (12) months.

This solicitation includes the following four attachments:

ATTACHMENT 1 - Statement of Work (SOW) and Associated Attachment ATTACHMENT 2 - Student Proposal Form ATTACHMENT 3 - Additional Terms and Conditions ATTACHMENT 4 - Student Services Clauses ATTACHMENT 5 - Acknowledgement of Special Terms ATTACHMENT 6 - Evaluation Factors

Definitions:

A student is an individual, at least 18 years of age with at least two years of college courses, who is enrolled, in good standing, in a degree program (actively seeking a degree) at a recognized educational institution. A student is not required to carry a full course load, as long as the individual is a bona fide student, not merely someone who signed up for a class in order to work under these contract arrangements.

A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - the COR is the primary representative of the contracting officer (CO). The COR may be either an EPA employee or, as appropriate, another Federal Agency employee, appointed by the CO, who possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform pre-award and/or post-award functions. The COR is responsible for technical direction and certifying that services were received and accepted. CORs do not have the authority to issue any technical direction which changes or modifies the scope of work, or alters the period of performance of the contract. The COR must comply with the required acquisition training requirements listed in Section 42.1, of the Contracts Management Manual (CMM). The

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COR may also serve as a mentor and continue to perform their pre-award and post-award contract functions.

A Mentor - the Mentor is a Federal employee, proficient in the subject matter related to the student's field of study, which provides day-to-day direction, coaches, advises, counsels and provides guidance and support to the student or recent graduate in the performance of their work.

Mentors review the student's or recent graduate's work and provide input to the COR on the quality and quantity of this work. Unless the mentor is also the COR, mentors will not perform acquisition functions, such as approval of invoices, and therefore, are not required to comply with the COR training requirements as stated in CMM Section 42.1. The Mentor should normally be collocated with the student so as to be readily available to the student contractor.

Field of Study – College or university course work related to requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW) that will provide a benefit to the student thru hands-on work experiences.

This contract is expected to begin approximately November 2015. The hourly rate is commensurate with the minimum required level of education and experience, as follows: $23.53 per hour for a student who has completed a BA/BS degree in social sciences, economics, environmental policy, environmental studies, marine affairs or related fields of study to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of research on how we can improve the resilience of social-ecological systems (SESs) affected by water quality and water quantity degradation. The student contractor must be currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited University/College or a recent graduate within the last 24 months. The student contractor will be paid the basic hourly rate only for the number of hours worked and will not receive overtime pay for any hours worked beyond the 40-hour work week. The student contractor does not accrue leave or holiday benefits and is not paid for any non-work days, regardless of the reason. The student contractor is considered an independent contractor; therefore, Federal, State, Local, Social Security, and Medicare taxes will not be withheld. The student contractor is responsible for reporting income to authorities and paying all taxes.

The student contractor is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. EPA does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). All non-US citizens must submit, as part of their proposal package, evidence of their immigration status that allows them to work in the United States. Students should possess a current US Visa and be able to obtain US work authorization in a timely manner if offered a contract. Students without a US Visa are not eligible.

Academic degrees fulfilled outside of the United States must be judged to be equivalent to that achieved in accredited U.S. education programs in order to be acceptable for this contract. More information about the evaluation of foreign education can be found at the U.S. Department of Education's web site at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

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If applicable, applicants shall submit all necessary documents to a recognized private U.S.

organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, usually named a credential evaluation service. To be suitable, the foreign credential evaluation must include and describe (i) type of education received by the applicant (i.e., conventional, by mail, or online), (ii) degree of education relative to the U.S. education system, and testify that its comparability recommendations follow the general guidelines of the U.S. National Council for the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials, (iii) the content of the applicant's educational program earned abroad and the standard obtained, (iv) the ranking of the awarding foreign schools’ credit and authenticity in its own country's education system, (v) what the evaluation service did to obtain this information, (vi) the qualifications of the evaluator, and (vii) any indications as to other concerns such as falsification. Foreign credential evaluations that do not include all the above information or indicate there is not enough information on which to make a sound evaluation will not be accepted.

The Government will make award based on all evaluation factors (student's knowledge and skills, course work, work or volunteer experience and grade point average as it relates to the services described in this Announcement and the Statement of Work). Evaluation factors will be listed in the website mentioned, please check the evaluation factors document on the website given.

Personal or telephone interviews may be conducted with the most promising candidates.

Questions regarding this student service requirement should be directed to the Contracting Officer Eulvid Rocque at Rocque.Eulvid@epa.gov no later than 3 P.M. EST on 31st, July, 2015.

Submissions in response to this solicitation must be submitted on or before 4:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, 27th August, 2015 via e-mail to Contracting Officer Eulvid Rocque at Rocque.Eulvid@epa.gov. All email submissions must have RFQ-DC-15-00221-Student Services Contract-Narragansett, RI in the subject line. Late submissions will not be considered eligible for award and incomplete submission may not be considered at the Contracting Officer’s discretion. No telephone inquiries will be accepted in response to this solicitation.

Prior to applying for this position, applicants are encouraged to visit the following web page to access information related to this announcement:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=list&tab=list Please follow the link located under the “Announcements” header, entitled RFQ-DC-15-00221- Student Services Contract-Narragansett, RI, and review all of the attached documents. You are encouraged to visit this webpage periodically to check the status of this announcement and to see whether or not any amendments (changes to the requirement of the posted position) have been issued. Foreign national students are required to fulfill all of the requirements outlined in the eligibility section of this announcement.

SPECIAL NOTE:

mailto:Rocque.Eulvid@epa.gov mailto:Rocque.Eulvid@epa.gov https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=list&tab=list

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The individual(s) selected will be required to register with Dun & Bradstreet to obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS number) or DUNS +4 number. To obtain a DUNS number, students or recent graduate contractors can call Dun & Bradstreet 1-866-705-5711 or contact D&B at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

After receiving a DUNS +4 number, the individual selected must register with System for Award Management (SAM), at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Contractors can contact SAMS @ 1-866-606-8220 for additional information. On the SAM homepage, the individual must first click on “Create User Account.” After successfully creating a user account, the individual must click on “Register / Updated Entity” and complete the registration process. There is no charge to register for DUNS or SAM. In addition, students or recent graduates who have been selected for this position will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Special Terms before work can begin and are subject to these terms as outlined in Attachment 5 of this solicitation.

After registration in D&B and SAM, a contract will be issued. Upon receipt of the contract, the student contractor must go immediately to https://cdx.epa.gov/ and register with the Central Data Exchange (CDX) and complete the iBoard application (the contract award number is required to complete the CDX registration). The student contractor must enter the COR as the point on their iBoard application. The student contractor should notify the COR when they have completed their iBoard application. The student must complete iBoard before beginning work. The contract may be terminated if the background check reveals a risk to the interest of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and national security.

Application Package Checklist for Applicants

Submissions in response to this announcement MUST include the following:

Resume or Statement of Qualification (not to exceed 2 pages) Two (2) Letters of Recommendations for Academic or Scientific Source Completed Student Proposal Form (refer to Attachment 2) Copy of college/university transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable, if it is apparent from the transcript copy that is a copy of an official document and that the school is identified)

Signature Page of Attachment 5 – Acknowledgment of Special Terms

Failure to submit the required documents may be determined nonresponsive and eliminated from consideration.

SECTION II: ANNOUNCEMENT

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ https://cdx.epa.gov/

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DETAILS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Location Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI Required Level of Education BA/BS Anticipated Start Date of Contract November 2015 Rate of Pay $23.53 Average Hours per week 40 hours for Base Period (not to exceed 1928 hours per year)

Note: Students or recent graduates, who are EPA ORD employees, or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee, are not eligible to participate.

1. Project Description The National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Atlantic Ecology Division at Narragansett, RI, is responsible for marine, coastal, and estuarine water quality research. The student contractor will support research that focuses on systems approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability-oriented decision-making and management practices for water resources (storm water, wastewater, water quality and water quantity). The research will consider explicitly the linkages between social science, human health and well-being, and environmental outcomes using a resilience framework. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to address how we can improve the resilience of social-ecological systems (SESs) affected by water quality and water quantity degradation. The student will conduct literature reviews and other social science research to help develop a conceptual model and plan for its implementation, based on the SES framework that is specific to the Cape Cod and Islands area.

2. Description of Student Services:

The student contractor shall receive hands-on training and share in responsibilities (as part of a collaborative team) for the following tasks:

1) Conduct a literature review of the economic and social components of resilience.

2) Conduct an analysis of social networks.

3) Assist with planning for and implementing focus groups and interviews of stakeholders and the public.

4) Assist with development of a survey instrument that will collect public and stakeholder views and values to implement the Social Ecological Systems Model.

Even though the candidate will be expected to perform large portions of this project independently, they will be part of larger collaborative team of researchers and can draw upon other researchers’ insights and expertise.

This work shall occur daily, including weekends and holidays with the mentor present, and is not expected to exceed 8.0 hours per day, nor exceed 1928 hours per year. The student’s schedule is flexible but generally expected to be about 40 hours per week. Following training, the student is expected to work with little to no direct supervision but shall interact regularly with mentor and other AED scientists.

The student contractor shall perform duties, as requested, according to specifications and instructions provided by the mentor. Where appropriate, the student contractor shall maintain careful and accurate records in designated laboratory notebooks. These notebooks and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency. All

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 6 of 34 necessary instructions and training will be provided by the EPA mentor. As indicated in the Statement of Work, the student contractor may be expected to participate in conferences and seminars.

3. Required Expertise, Skills, Education and/or Experience:

The student contractor must have completed a B.S. or B.A in in social sciences, economics, environmental policy, environmental studies, marine affairs or related fields of study to provide services under a contractual agreement to work in support of developing a Social Ecological System (SES) Model to link the vulnerability of water resources to stressors such as eutrophication and climate change. For this specific project, we are looking for a candidate who has experience examining social indicators and other qualitative and quantitative analytics within the context of larger SESs. The student will need to know basic safety requirements and will be given additional safety training at the Atlantic Ecology Division laboratory (Narragansett, RI).

4. Required Background Investigation and Suitability Determination:

Student contractors awarded a contract will have to undergo a background investigation, a check of FBI fingerprint files, and a suitability determination by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Upon receipt of the contract award, go immediately to link http://cdx.epa.gov/warning.asp and register with the Central Data Exchange (CDX) and complete the iBoard application. Notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as soon as this process is completed. The student contractor must review and complete the requirements before beginning work on-site at the EPA.

If a background check reveals information to indicate the student contractor represents a risk to the interests of EPA and the national security, the contract may be terminated.

5. Description of Working Conditions:

The primary duty location is the EPA facility in Narragansett, RI. Most work will be performed in AED laboratory in an office setting. Limited travel may be required to discuss and present results of the work. The student contractor may enter the building only during business hours or when a mentor is present. The student contractor will be required to wear safety apparel and to strictly obey all safety requirements. The student must be able to walk up and down two flights of stairs, traverse steep graded land, and climb ladders. The student must be able to work outdoors during inclement weather. This work shall occur daily, including weekends and holidays, and is not expected to exceed 8.0 hours per day. Following training, the student is expected to work with little to no direct supervision but shall interact regularly with mentor and other AED scientists.

6. Duration and Compensation:

This initial contract will be for twelve (12) months, not to exceed 1928 hours, with options to extend the period of performance for two (2) option periods depending upon future funding. Each option period will be for twelve (12) months, not to exceed 1928 hours per year. The Government anticipates that the student contractor will work up to 40 hours/week with the majority of the work being Monday through Friday of each week including weekends and holidays. The rate of compensation for this position includes the cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare.

http://cdx.epa.gov/warning.asp

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7. Taxes:

The student is responsible for paying all Federal, State or local income taxes required as a result of income received under this order.

8. Quality Assurance Requirements:

The student contractor will be governed by the US EPA quality system, as described in the approved quality management plan for the organization where the student contractor is working.

Approved quality management plans are in full compliance with the US EPA’s quality system requirements as expressed in these two documents:

Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System, EPA Order

5360.1 A2, May 2000.

EPA Quality Manual for Environmental Programs, EPA Order 5360 A1, May 2000.

Work performed by the student contractor in a laboratory setting must be in compliance with the above referenced quality management plan. The Mentor is responsible for ensuring this compliance.

Additionally, the student contractor must be taught the basic principles of ORD Policies and Procedures Manual, Chapter 13--Quality Assurance, policies 13.2 (PAPER LABORATORY RECORDS) and 13.4 (MINIMUM QUALITY ASSURANCE [QA]/QUALITY CONTROL [QC] PRACTICES FOR ORD LABORATORIES CONDUCTING RESEARCH), and other ORD and EPA QA policies as they are approved.

NOTE: The US EPA reserves the right to interview any and all applicants deemed qualified based on the evaluation factors ratings.

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ATTACHMENT 1

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Project Description The National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Atlantic Ecology Division at Narragansett, RI, is responsible for marine, coastal, and estuarine water quality research. The student contractor will support research that focuses on systems approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability-oriented decision-making and management practices for water resources (storm water, wastewater, water quality and water quantity). The research will consider explicitly the linkages between social science, human health and well-being, and environmental outcomes using a resilience framework. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to address how we can improve the resilience of social-ecological systems (SESs) affected by water quality and water quantity degradation. The student will conduct literature reviews and other social science research to help develop a conceptual model and plan for its implementation, based on the SES framework that is specific to the Cape Cod and Islands area.

2. Description of Student Services:

The student contractor shall receive hands-on training and share in responsibilities (as part of a collaborative team) for the following tasks:

1) Conduct a literature review of the economic and social components of resilience.

2) Conduct an analysis of social networks.

3) Assist with planning for and implementing focus groups and interviews of stakeholders and the public.

4) Assist with development of a survey instrument that will collect public and stakeholder views and values to implement the Social Ecological Systems Model.

Even though the candidate will be expected to perform large portions of this project independently, they will be part of larger collaborative team of researchers and can draw upon other researchers’ insights and expertise.

This work shall occur daily, including weekends and holidays with the mentor present, and is not expected to exceed 8.0 hours per day, nor exceed 1928 hours per year. The student’s schedule is flexible but generally expected to be about 40 hours per week. Following training, the student is expected to work with little to no direct supervision but shall interact regularly with mentor and other AED scientists.

The student contractor shall perform duties, as requested, according to specifications and instructions provided by the mentor. Where appropriate, the student contractor shall maintain careful and accurate records in designated laboratory notebooks. These notebooks and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency. All necessary instructions and training will be provided by the EPA mentor. As indicated in the Statement of Work, the student contractor may be expected to participate in conferences and seminars.

3. Required Expertise, Skills, Education and/or Experience:

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The student contractor must have completed a B.S. or B.A in in social sciences, economics, environmental policy, environmental studies, marine affairs or related fields of study to provide services under a contractual agreement to work in support of developing a Social Ecological System (SES) Model to link the vulnerability of water resources to stressors such as eutrophication and climate change. For this specific project, we are looking for a candidate who has experience examining social indicators and other qualitative and quantitative analytics within the context of larger SESs. The student will need to know basic safety requirements and will be given additional safety training at the Atlantic Ecology Division laboratory (Narragansett, RI).

4. Required Background Investigation and Suitability Determination:

Student contractors awarded a contract will have to undergo a background investigation, a check of FBI fingerprint files, and a suitability determination by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Upon receipt of the contract award, go immediately to link http://cdx.epa.gov/warning.asp and register with the Central Data Exchange (CDX) and complete the iBoard application. Notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as soon as this process is completed. The student contractor must review and complete the requirements before beginning work on-site at the EPA.

If a background check reveals information to indicate the student contractor represents a risk to the interests of EPA and the national security, the contract may be terminated.

5. Description of Working Conditions:

The primary duty location is the EPA facility in Narragansett, RI. Most work will be performed in AED laboratory in an office setting. Limited travel may be required to discuss and present results of the work. The student contractor may enter the building only during business hours or when a mentor is present. The student contractor will be required to wear safety apparel and to strictly obey all safety requirements. The student must be able to walk up and down two flights of stairs, traverse steep graded land, and climb ladders. The student must be able to work outdoors during inclement weather. This work shall occur daily, including weekends and holidays, and is not expected to exceed 8.0 hours per day. Following training, the student is expected to work with little to no direct supervision but shall interact regularly with mentor and other AED scientists.

6. Duration and Compensation:

This initial contract will be for twelve (12) months, not to exceed 1928 hours, with options to extend the period of performance for two (2) option periods depending upon future funding. Each option period will be for twelve (12) months, not to exceed 1928 hours per year. The Government anticipates that the student contractor will work up to 40 hours/week with the majority of the work being Monday through Friday of each week including weekends and holidays. The rate of compensation for this position includes the cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare.

7. Taxes:

The student is responsible for paying all Federal, State or local income taxes required as a result of income received under this order.

http://cdx.epa.gov/warning.asp

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8. Quality Assurance Requirements:

The student contractor will be governed by the US EPA quality system, as described in the approved quality management plan for the organization where the student contractor is working.

Approved quality management plans are in full compliance with the US EPA’s quality system requirements as expressed in these two documents:

Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System, EPA Order

5360.1 A2, May 2000.

EPA Quality Manual for Environmental Programs, EPA Order 5360 A1, May 2000.

Work performed by the student contractor in a laboratory setting must be in compliance with the above referenced quality management plan. The Mentor is responsible for ensuring this compliance.

Additionally, the student contractor must be taught the basic principles of ORD Policies and Procedures Manual, Chapter 13--Quality Assurance, policies 13.2 (PAPER LABORATORY RECORDS) and 13.4 (MINIMUM QUALITY ASSURANCE [QA]/QUALITY CONTROL [QC] PRACTICES FOR ORD LABORATORIES CONDUCTING RESEARCH), and other ORD and EPA QA policies as they are approved.

NOTE: The US EPA reserves the right to interview any and all applicants deemed qualified based on the evaluation factors ratings.

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ATTACHMENT 2

REQUEST FOR QUOTE NUMBER: RFQ-DC-15-00221

Student Proposal Form

STUDENT PROPOSAL FORM RFQ-DC-15-00221

This proposal must be filled out in full to qualify for a Student Service Contract Full legal name:

Email Address:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Citizen of the U.S.? YES NO (If not a U.S. Citizen, provide documentary evidence from USCIS) Mailing address:

Telephone #:

Date of most recent college/university degree: (The student contractor must be currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited University/College or a recent graduate within the last 24 months.)

Degree: Date:

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

1. Total YEARS of college/university study in the required field (s) stated in the announcement:

Field of Study Total Years

a) b) c) [add rows if necessary]

2. Total COURSE HOURS in relevant field of study:

Course Title Credit Hours Grade

3. MONTHS of relevant employment or volunteer services: (give name of employer/service organization plus a brief statement of the work performed)

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Employer or Service Organization and Brief Description of Work

Performed Months of Experience

1.

2.

3.

4. GRADE POINT AVERAGE:

5. REFERENCES (Two references with name, title, telephone number, and email address)

6. Two recommendation letters from an academic advisor, major professor, or other professional associate familiar with the applicant’s skills and performance

7. Attach all your College/University TRANSCRIPTS that support the summary information you provided above. Unofficial copies are acceptable, if it is apparent from the transcript copy that it is a copy of an official document and that the school is identified, listing courses taken, grades and overall GPA.

REQUEST FOR QUOTE # RFQ-DC-15-00221

8. Sign the following statement:

I have read and understood the attached terms and conditions of the Request for Quote (RFQ) and if selected I accept the specified hourly rate.

Signature Date

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ATTACHMENT 3

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Acknowledgment of Special Terms

The signed acknowledgment of special terms is hereby incorporated into this order. No work may be performed under this order unless and until the student or recent graduate has signed the acknowledgment form. (This document will be provided to the successful offeror).

2. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Student contractors must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposit of Federal funds for EFT.

3. Registration for Dunn & Bradstreet (D&B) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Student contractors must register with D&B to obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number or DUNS + 4. To obtain a DUNS number, student contractors can call D&B at 1-866-705- 5711 or go to D&B website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform .

Following the issuance of a DUNS + 4 number, the student contractor must register for SAM, call 1-866-606-8220 or go to the SAM website at https://www.SAM.gov. They will need to provide the following information to SAM: their taxpayer identification number (Social Security Number), EFT information, and DUNS number.

There is no charge to register for SAM or DUNS.

4. Billable Hours

Hours shown in this order are estimates only. EPA will pay student contractors only for the number of hours actually worked. Student contractors may bill their time and be compensated in increments of a quarter of an hour. If the student contractor works eight minutes or more, the total will be rounded up and seven minutes or less the total will be rounded down (on a daily basis).

As a self-employed contractor, student contractors do not accrue leave or holiday benefits. EPA will not pay for any non-work hours, regardless of the reason the agency/building is closed. This includes scheduled Government holidays, unscheduled holidays, or any other unscheduled closure (e.g., inclement weather, furloughs, security reasons). When the Government decides to close the building after the student contractor has reported to work, the Government will pay only for the hours worked before closure.

As self-employed contractors, student contractors are paid the hourly rate specified in the contract for any hours worked beyond the 40 hour week, with no overtime premium.

5. Overtime and Withholdings

Student contractor performing under these contracts are considered self-employed contractors and are, therefore, exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act. As contractors, Federal, state or local income taxes or Social Security (FICA) payments will not be deducted from payments.

The rate of pay is set forth in the contract/order based on the level of education needed to perform the requirements in the SOW. Student contractors who have more years of education than required, or who attain a degree while work is underway do not move to a higher level of pay than required by the SOW.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://www.sam.gov/

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 14 of 34

Student contractors, who are not employed by any other employer, whose net earnings are $400 or more, must pay self-employment taxes to pay into the Social Security and Medicare trust funds.

They may also be liable for income taxes dependent on their total earnings. Since there is no withholding on their income, they may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

6. Invoicing and Payments

All payments will be made through electronic funds transfer (EFT). The student contractor shall submit the original copy of invoices for payment to the EPA finance center (FC) designated in the award, with copies to the CO, COR, and mentor. The student contractor may submit invoices bi-weekly.

To be considered a complete and proper invoice, the invoice must include the following information.

• Contractor (student) name

• Invoice date

• Purchase order number

• Billing period (dates covered by the invoice)

• Daily record of hours worked

• Total number of hours worked during the billing period

EPA-FC will forward complete and proper invoices to the COR for review and acceptance. Once the COR has accepted the services by approving the invoice, EPA-FC will endeavor to pay all invoices for these services within two weeks after receipt of a proper invoice. However, EPA is not obligated to make payment before the 30th day, as provided in the Prompt Payment clause.

Student or recent graduates who submit timely invoices and do not receive payment within the 30 days stipulated under the Prompt Payment Act are entitled to interest payments as prescribed in the clause. A sample invoice (Attachment) is included in this order. It may be reproduced.

7. Compensation

The rate of compensation for this work is commensurate with the level of education and experience required to perform this work. For this work statement, the student or recent graduate will be paid the hourly rate stated in the purchase order based on the requirement that he/she has completed.

The student contractor is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while the student contractor is working at the principal duty station. Travel away from the duty station is not expected.

8. Termination

The Government may terminate this contract at any time upon at least 15 days’ written notice by the Contracting Officer to the Contractor. The Contractor, with the written consent of the Contracting Officer, may terminate this contract upon at least 15 days’ written notice to the Contracting Officer.

FAR clause 52.249-12, Termination (Personal Services) (APR 1984) is incorporated into this order by reference and applies in place of the termination language at 52.213-4(f) and (g). The Government may terminate this order for cause in the event the student contractor fails to comply with any terms and conditions, including those listed in the Acknowledgment of Special Terms, RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 15 of 34 repeatedly fail to report on scheduled work days, or otherwise fail to perform services under this order.

Additionally, false statements on resumes are grounds for termination as well as results of background checks that review information that the student represents a risk to the interests of EPA. If the order is terminated for cause, students or recent graduates are paid only for hours worked to the point of termination and will not receive the 15 days notice described in clause 52.249-12, Termination (Personal Services).

9. Overnight Travel

If overnight travel is required for performance under the contractor, the student or recent graduate will travel under rules and procedures established for federal employee travel (chapters 57 and 81 of title 5, United States Code.) The COR is responsible for issuing invitational travel orders and determining whether the student contractor will be issued a U.S. Government Stored Value (Debit) Card for travel.

If the student contractor is issued a U.S. Government Stored Value (Debit) Card for travel expenses, the COR will work with the Funds Control Officer in the program office to enter the amount of funding required to pay for the student contractor's lodging, meals, local transportation, and other incidental expenses. If the card is not accepted at a hotel, the student contractor may get cash advances from the card to pay for these expenses. The student contractor would then file travel vouchers to close out the travel.

10. Extensions to the Term of the Order

If the award contains a line item for an option period to renew or extend the order and the price of the order is based on the pricing table for student contractors, the Contracting Officer and the student contractor may agree to extend the period of performance by bilateral modification to the award. The hourly rate will be adjusted to the applicable rate from the most current pricing table for students or recent graduates at the time of exercising the option. However, the Government is under no obligation to exercise an option. The hourly rate will not be adjusted to a different grade level for the option period. The total duration of this order, including base and any options or other extensions, shall not exceed thirty-six months or three years.

11. Contracting Officer's Representatives and Mentors

a. Contracting Officer's Representative - The Contracting Officer's Representative is the primary representative of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer's Representative may be either an EPA employee or, as appropriate, another Federal Agency employee, appointed by the Contracting Officer, who possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform pre-award and/or post-award functions. The Contracting Officer's Representative is responsible for technical direction, and certifying that services were received and accepted. Contracting Officer's Representatives do not have the authority to issue any technical direction which changes or modifies the scope of work, or alters the period of performance of the contract. The Contracting Officer's Representative may also serve as a monitor.

b. Mentor - The mentor is a Government scientist who provides the day-to-day direction, coaches, advises, counsels, provides guidance and support to the student contractor in their work. Mentors review the student contractor's work and provide input to the Contracting Officer's Representatives

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 16 of 34 on the quality and quantity of this work. Mentors do not perform acquisition functions, such as approval of invoices.

12. Technical Direction by the Contracting Officer's Representative or Mentor

The performance required by this order shall be subject to the technical direction of the Contracting Officer's Representative or Mentor as identified below. As used here, the term “technical direction” is defined as direction to the student contractor that fills in details, suggests possible lines of approach, or otherwise supplements the scope of work set forth herein and shall not constitute a new assignment, and does not supersede or modify any article or clause of this purchase order.

The Contracting Officer's Representative or Mentor is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

a. Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

b. Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

c. Make any final decisions on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

d. Terminate, for any reason, the student's or recent graduate's right to proceed;

e. Obligate, in any way, the payment of money by the Government. Only a warranted Contracting Officer is authorized to obligate funds on this or any other contract action.

The student contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing if the Contracting Officer's Representative or Mentor has taken an action (or fails to take action) or issues direction (written or oral) that the student contractor considers to exceed the above limitations.

The Mentor assigned for this Purchase Order is:

Name: Marisa Mazzotta U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory Atlantic Ecology Division Address: 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett RI 02882 Telephone Number: 401-782-3026 Email: Chintala.marty@epa.gov

The Contracting Officer's Representative assigned for this Purchase Order is:

Name: Marty Chintala U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory Atlantic Ecology Division Address: 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett RI 02882 Telephone Number: 401-782-3155 Email: Chintala.marty@epa.gov

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 17 of 34

13. Vaccinations and Immunizations/Medical Monitoring/Health and Safety Training

A. Vaccinations and Immunizations

i. Before beginning certain types of work, the student contractor may be offered non-mandatory vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments as specified in the Statement of Work attached to this purchase order. The purpose of the vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments is to safeguard the health of those whose work may expose them to health risks in the environment.

a. EPA will bear all costs for the administration of the offered vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments, provided that the student receives such treatment at the time and location designated by the Contracting Officer's Representative.

b. Students electing to receive vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments from sources other than those designated by the Contracting Officer's Representative will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with such treatment.

ii. Student contractors that elect not to receive vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments from either the Government or a private source will be required to sign a form letter acknowledging that they have declined the offered treatment. A student or recent graduate who declines the immunizations will not be covered by the Government for costs of treating illnesses that could have been avoided by taking the recommended immunization therapy, unless the student or recent graduate provides written documentation from a physician certifying to the student or recent graduate’s intolerance of the immunization drugs.

iii. Student contractors who have already received vaccinations, immunizations, or treatments suggested by the Statement of Work may provide copies of shot records or other evidence acceptable to the Contracting Officer's Representative in lieu of receiving a new round of treatment or signing the declination letter. The Contracting Officer's Representative will retain copies of such evidence in the files related to the student’s or recent graduate's work.

B. Medical Monitoring

i. Student contractor whose contract requires work with or around hazardous substances, may be offered medical examinations to identify any adverse health effects related to exposure. These examinations, when offered, will be paid for by the Government.

ii. These medical examinations have been constructed in order to answer specific questions about exposure risk and health in the work place. These examinations are not meant to be "wellness" examinations. Participation in these examinations should not be construed as an adequate substitute for periodic examinations by the student' or recent graduates' personal physicians. The types of evaluations that may be performed are baseline, periodic, and exit.

a. Baseline evaluations are done to characterize the state of health of the individual prior to commencing work in a new assignment. It may be conducted in order to assess the individual's health status in relation to the special demands of the proposed job assignment.

b. Periodic evaluations are performed to identify and measure any adverse effects from occupational activities, and to control risks from occupations exposures.

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 18 of 34

c. Exit evaluations are conducted when an individual terminates a given position that requires medical surveillance. This examination is performed to document the health status of the individual at the end of work in a particular position.

C. Health and Safety Training

Student contractors will be expected to participate in health and safety training, at the Government's expense, to make them aware of safety programs and policies at EPA. These include initial safety, health, and environmental management training, laboratory health and safety training, and field activity training. It also includes general safety, personal protective equipment, physical hazards and chemical hazards training. This training is required under Federal, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and NRC regulations.

14. Clause FAR 52.204-9 - Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (JAN 2011)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

(b) The Contractor shall account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Contractor employees in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government:

(1) When no longer needed for contract performance.

(2) Upon completion of the Contractor employee's employment.

(3) Upon contract completion or termination.

(c) The Contracting Officer may delay final payment under a contract if the Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

(d) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts when the subcontractor's employees are required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system. It shall be the responsibility of the prime Contractor to return such identification to the issuing agency in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 19 of 34

15. Background Checks/Clearances

Students shall complete and submit a Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (Standard Form –SF-85) and a fingerprint card (SF-87) to the Cincinnati Contracts Management Division. The cost of the background check is $23.00 and will be borne by the Environmental Protection Agency.

17. Students or recent graduates, who are EPA ORD employees, or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee, are not eligible to participate.

RFQ-DC-15-00221 Page 20 of 34

ATTACHMENT 4

Standard Provision and Clauses

FAR 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL. (JAN 2011)

FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS. (DEC 2014)

FAR 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS. (JUL 1990)

FAR 52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR

TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO IRAN-REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS. (DEC 2012)

FAR 52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR

TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO IRAN-REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS. (DEC 2012)

FAR 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA--SPECIAL WORKS. (DEC 2007)

FAR 52.232-3 PAYMENTS UNDER PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS. (APR 1984)

FAR 52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT. (JUL 2013)

FAR 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS. (JUN 2013)

FAR 52.233-1 DISPUTES. (MAY 2014)

FAR 52.249-12 TERMINATION (PERSONAL SERVICES). (APR 1984)

EPAAR 1552.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST NOTIFICATION. (APR 1984)

EPAAR 1552.209-71 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. (MAY 1994)

EPAAR 1552.211-79 COMPLIANCE WITH EPA POLICIES FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.

(JAN 2012)

EPAAR 1552.235-71 TREATMENT OF CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION. (APR 1984)

EPAAR 1552.235-73 ACCESS TO FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT

CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION. (APR 1996)

EPAAR 1552.235-75 ACCESS TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS

INFORMATION (APR 1996). (APR 1996)

EPAAR 1552.235-79 RELEASE OF CONTRACTOR CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION. (APR 1996)

EPAAR 1552.235-80 ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION. (OCT 2000)

FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR

EXECUTIVE ORDERS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS. (APR 2015)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (DEC 2014)

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: (Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[ ] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[ ] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor…