S01_RFQ -12FPC423Q0022 w Attachments-SLS.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

Ohio Title Closing Services

Solicitation 12FPC423Q0022

Date Issued: 04/28/2023

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation number RFQ# 12FPC423Q0022 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ), and the acquisition procedures at FAR Part 13.5 are being utilized. The Government plans to award a FIRM FIXED PRICE contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible contractor whose quote conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the government.

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-08 Effective September 23, 2022.

NAICS: This acquisition is a total Small Business Set aside. The NAICS code is 524127 Direct Title Insurance Carriers which has a size standard of $47 Million. For more information on size standards visit http://www.sba.gov/size

Description of Requirement:

The objective of this blanket purchase arrangement (BPA) is to obtain title search, title commitment, post survey updates, final title policy, and/or closing services for acquisitions of conservation easements in the State of Ohio on behalf of the United States of America, acting by and through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Contract Line-Item Numbers.

See attachment 2 Pricing Sheet

Instructions to Vendors

(i) Quotes in response to the RFQ MUST be submitted via email using the subject line “RFQ# 12FPC423Q0022 Title Services OH” to Contract Specialist, Andrew Sawyer Andrew.Sawyer@usda.gov and Contracting Officer, Shermeka Showers, Shermeka.Showers@usda.gov.

Quotes must contain the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the individual to be contacted concerning any matter related to the solicitation. FPAC-BC may, for example, contact that individual to schedule and make arrangements for the vendor’s discussion meetings, if necessary.

Include the following information in your Quote:

Unique Entity ID number;

Company Name mailing address, and website address;

Date submitted and Quote expiration date;

Type of Company (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, veteran owned, etc.) as validated via SAM.gov. All offerors must be registered in SAM located at http://www.sam.gov/;

Company Point of Contact, Phone and Email address.

http://www.sba.gov/size mailto:Andrew.Sawyer@usda.gov http://www.sam.gov/;

Quotes are to be inclusive of all costs to fulfill this requirement.

Vendors who respond to this RFQ acknowledge and agree to all the instructions and procedures described herein.

All Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management, or SAM prior to award of a Federal Contract. However, due to the need to promptly award a contract after receipt of quotes, registration in SAM, to include completion of the Representations and Certifications, and having a status of “Active” is required BEFORE submitting a quote. For information regarding registration visit www.sam.gov .

(ii) Quote Due Date/Time: Quotes must be submitted electronically via e-mail to Contract Specialist, Andrew Sawyer at Andrew.Sawyer@usda.gov and Contracting Officer, Shermeka Showers, Shermeka.showers@usda.gov on or before the RFQ closing date of May 28, 2023 at 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

(iii) Late Quote Submission: The Government will begin immediate review and evaluation of quotes following the RFQ closing date and time. Therefore, submissions in response to this RFQ received after the closing date and time, are considered late, and will not be accepted.

(iv) Basis for Award:

The Government Agency will evaluate proposals based on the lowest price and whether they meet the minimum technical requirements.

1. Price: The Government will evaluate proposals based on the lowest price offered that meets minimum technical requirements.

2. Technical: The Government will evaluate proposals to ensure they meet the minimum technical requirements stated in the solicitation. The factors include the technical qualifications set forth in paragraph IV. Standards and Responsibilities.

Minimum Technical Requirements

1. The Contractor must be licensed to do title insurance business in Ohio IAW paragraph

IV. Standards and Responsibilities.

2. The Contractor shall provide evidence of liability coverage or indemnification IAW paragraph IV. Standards and Responsibilities.

3. The Contractor and their issuing agents must be on the US Attorney General’s list of approved Companies and comply with all Ohio Laws, including capital and surplus requirements in accordance with paragraph IV. Standards and Responsibilities.

The Government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the Solicitation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:Andrew.Sawyer@usda.gov

(v) Solicitation Provisions and Clauses:

The following additional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) provisions and clauses apply to this solicitation and any resultant contract award.

FAR 52.252-2 -- CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at these addresses:

FAR Clause: https://www.acquisition.gov/FAR/

The following clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (Nov 2021)

52.212-3 - Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2022)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (DEC 2022)

4I-52.233-70 Protests to the Agency

(a) An agency protest filed with the contracting officer shall be sent to the contracting officer’s mailing address or email address listed in the solicitation. The contractor should contact the contracting officer to verify the mailing or email address prior to delivering a protest.

(b) The independent review of a contracting officer’s decision regarding a protest described at FAR 33.103(d)(4) is not available as an alternative to consideration of the protest by the contracting officer.

An independent review is available only as an appeal of the contracting officer’s decision on a protest.

An appeal must be filed within 10 calendar days of the protestor’s receipt of the contracting officer’s decision, otherwise the appeal will be deemed untimely and not considered. The appeal must be directed to the Head of the Contracting Activity but sent to the contracting officer.

(c) The protest must contain all of the elements required by FAR 33.103(d)(2). Failure to substantially comply with any of the requirements of FAR 33.103(d)(2) may be grounds for dismissal of the protest.

Contract Clauses:

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

(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 products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing https://www.acquisition.gov/FAR/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19

Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) ( 31

U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 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 products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN

2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment

Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

__ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section

743 of Div. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery

Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors

Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT

2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (OCT 2022)

( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns

(OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (13) [Reserved] X (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

__ (15)

(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

__ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17)

(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_40 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3903 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/31/3903 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/3801 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/4655 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_6 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_9 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_3 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637a&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_6 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_7 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_7 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9

__ (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2021) of 52.219-9.

__ (18)

(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (SEP

2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT

2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

X (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAT

2023)( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

X (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O.11755).

X (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEC

2022) (E.O.13126).

X (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

X(30) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O.11246).

__ (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

__ (31) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-35.

X (32) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-36.

__ (33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC

2010) (E.O. 13496).

X (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O.

13627).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022) (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

__ (37)

(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated

Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_9 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_14 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_16 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_27 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_28 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_29 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_30 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_32 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title15/html/USCODE-2018-title15-chap14A-sec644.htm https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_33 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title15/html/USCODE-2018-title15-chap14A-sec637.htm https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section793&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section4212&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-22#FAR_22_1803 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_9 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_9

__ (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (40) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

__ (41) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and

13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

__ (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy- Consuming Products (MAY 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 8259b).

__ (43) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

X (44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN

2020) (E.O. 13513).

__ (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (46) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (47)

(i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

__ (48) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (OCT 2022) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

__ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2022) of 52.225-1.

__ (49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (DEC 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

__ (ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

__ (iii) Alternate II (DEC 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (DEC 2022) ( 19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

X (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United

States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

__ (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007)

( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (FEB 2021).

__ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial

Services (NOV 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

__ (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial

Services (NOV 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

X (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award

Management (OCT2018) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_11 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_15 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_16 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_16 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_18 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_20 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_223_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/19/3301 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/19/3301 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/19/2112 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/19/3805 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/19/4001 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_5 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section2501&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title19-section3301&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_13 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_225_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_226_5 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_229_12 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_29 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/3805 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_30 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/3805 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_232_33 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3332&num=0&edition=prelim

X (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

__ (63)

(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (APR 2003) of 52.247-64.

__ (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, 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 products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] X(1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter67).

X (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal

Hires (MAY 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price

Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price

Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to

Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

__ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020)

( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

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(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)

(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1), in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or

Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2015) (E.O.11246).

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) ( 38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC

2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii)

(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to

Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (MAY 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN

2022).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xix)

(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section637&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-19#FAR_19_702 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_219_8 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_21 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_26 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_35 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_37 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_40 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_41 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-chapter67-front&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_51 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_53 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_54 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_55 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_62 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_224_3

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(xxiii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

452.204-70 MODIFICATION FOR CONTRACT CLOSEOUT (JULY 2022)

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

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

FPACPOP 4I-52.232-70 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform

(IPP)

(a) Invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website (https://www.ipp.gov) for submitting invoices. Invoices submitted by means other than IPP will not be accepted unless the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing.

(b) Under this contract, the following document(s) are required to be submitted as attachment(s) to the IPP invoice:

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Invoices shall be submitted as work proceeds and in accordance with paragraph (i) of clause 52.212-4.

The Contractor shall submit with the invoice the information required by paragraph (g) of clause 52.212- 4 and must contain a breakdown of the total amount. No other amounts shall be listed on the invoice.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Title Services Scope of Work Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Easement Programs

Statement of Work for

Title Search and Closing Services for OHIO NRCS’s Easement Programs

I. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this blanket purchase arrangement (BPA) is to obtain title search, title commitment, post survey updates, final title policy, and/or closing services for acquisitions of conservation easements in the State of Ohio on behalf of the United States of America, acting by and through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

II. BACKGROUND

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement component (ACEP-WRE), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Emergency Watershed Protection Program - Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE), and the Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP) each provide authorization for the United States to acquire conservation easements from willing landowners for the purpose of restoring and protecting wetlands, floodplains, or forest lands respectively. NRCS is the agency within the USDA that is responsible for administration of these programs.

III. SCOPE

The contractor must coordinate, facilitate, and perform the following services:

1. Provide the title commitment (or title search and/or update of abstracts), including copies of all instruments that created rights, interests, or encumbrances, for the easement boundary and ingress-egress descriptions.

2. Work with NRCS and the landowners to clear exceptions on title to the property and resolve vesting interests.

3. Update the title commitment, based upon the final legal description of the easement area, including copies of all instruments that created rights, interests, or encumbrances on the property, not included on the original title commitment, for the easement boundary and ingress-egress descriptions.

4. Hold funds in escrow, provide closing protection coverage, and provide payment to proper recipient and comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax reporting Form 1099.

5. Obtain signatures on warranty easement deeds provided by NRCS.

6. Obtain signatures on subordination agreements and limited lien waivers, affidavits, and any other necessary documents.

7. Record documents in the local land records office (e.g., the applicable county registrar or recorder’s office, county or town clerk records office).

8. Provide a final title insurance policy using American Land Title Association

(ALTA) U.S. Policy 09-28-1991 (Revised 12/3/2012)

9. Provide other services, as necessary, to finalize the easement transaction.

The contractor will provide the above-listed items to the designated NRCS contact identified on the attachment to this statement of work.

IV. STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The acquisition of the program easement and any access easement is governed by the following requirements:

a. Regulations of the Attorney General Governing the Review and Approval of Title for Federal Land Acquisitions (2016). Note: These regulations indicate that the time period of the historical public land record that must be examined will vary from state to state. For Ohio, the minimum search period required is one hundred (100) years.

b. NRCS regulations and policies governing the NRCS program under which the easement is being acquired.

The contractor will perform the same services that are customarily provided in a commercial transaction, including chain of title, determination of ownership and interest share of surface and subsurface rights, securing and providing all underlying documents, obtaining and recording deeds, and any necessary curative instruments to ensure merchantable, insurable title to the easement are in the name of the United States of America. The contractor is responsible for having up-to-date knowledge of the requirements of the State’s laws on title searches, closing real estate transactions, and title clearance. The title insurance company and its issuing agents must comply with the State’s laws, including title insurance reserve requirements. The contractor must be licensed to do title insurance business in [Name of State or States]. The title insurance company must be approved by the State’s insurance commissioner.

The contractor and any subcontractors must obtain a valid Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and must maintain active registration in System for Award Management (SAM) for the duration of any contracts or agreements to provide closing services to the NRCS.

The contractor must provide evidence of liability insurance coverage or indemnification in an amount equal to the amount of Federal funds for each easement satisfactory to NRCS, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, providing for reimbursement to NRCS for any loss of Federal funds caused by errors, omissions, fraud, dishonesty, negligence, or failure by the attorneys, agents, or closing agent employees to comply with NRCS’s written closing instructions. The ALTA closing protection letter, revised 4/2/2014, is satisfactory to meet this condition of responsibility. Evidence of liability insurance must be provided prior to award.

The title insurance company and their issuing agents must be on the United States Attorney General’s list of approved companies and must comply with all Ohio laws, including capital and surplus requirements.

Sharla.Goforth Highlight

V. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

A. Title Commitment (or Title Search and/or Update of Abstracts) The contractor must obtain the following:

1. Copies of all instruments that created rights, interests, or encumbrances on the proposed easement property

2. Preliminary title commitment, which must cover the entire easement area and the access for ingress and egress to the easement area, and must commit to issuing the final title policy to the “United States of America” on the ALTA U.S. Policy Form 9- 28-91 (Revised 12/3/2012).1

3. Title search services and title commitment must be provided within 21 business days of receiving the request from NRCS.

4. The invoice submitted to the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for services rendered at www.ipp.gov.

The title commitment/binder must be provided from a closing agent operating with a licensed title insurance company authorized by law and by the State insurance commissioner to issue title insurances policies in the State in which the land lies. The amount of the owner’s coverage should be listed as the easement purchase price. The title search/update of abstract must be for a sufficient period of time* for the title company to insure the title without objectionable exceptions and must identify all owners of record, outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments or pending suits, outstanding tax claims, easements or rights-of-way of any type, including oil, gas, and mineral interests that have been severed, any water right interests, and any other exceptions that may cloud the title of the easement to be purchased. *For Ohio, the MINIMUM search period is 100 years. The search must show ownership interest of the surface and subsurface rights including oil, gas, coal, sand, gravel, and other minerals associated with the property. The title commitment must include a legible copy of all underlying documents of any type, whether oil, gas, or mineral interests have been severed, mortgages, bankruptcies, and any other exceptions that may cloud the title of the easement to be purchased.

Title search services must be provided to the designated NRCS contact identified on the attachment to this statement of work within 21 business days of receiving the request from NRCS. The contractor will be provided with the name, address, and telephone number of the landowner, a copy of the current ownership documentation as provided by the landowner to NRCS, a location map of the proposed easement area, and the proposed access route for ingress and egress.

Not every title commitment (search) obtained by NRCS will result in an order for the closing services outlined in section B. NRCS might not ultimately purchase an easement on the properties for which it obtains a title commitment (search). NRCS may elect not to make an offer to the landowner based on eligibility review. NRCS may withdraw an

1 For easement acquisitions in Texas, the T-11 U.S. Policy and T-12 U.S. Endorsement may substituted any place the ALTA U.S. Policy Form 9/28/91 (Revised 12/3/12) is mentioned in this document.

offer to landowners if NRCS lacks funding, landowners are unable to provide clear title or sufficient legal access, or for other reasons as determined by NRCS. The agreement to purchase the conservation easement may also expire or the landowners may elect to cancel the agreement with NRCS.

If NRCS intends to proceed with the acquisition of an easement and orders closing services identified in section B, NRCS may require the contractor to execute a separate acknowledgement for individual transactions, affirming that it will comply with all of the requirements set forth in Exhibit A hereto, “Closing Agent Requirements,” for that transaction.