S01 Terms and Conditions 12FPC124Q0018 MN NRI Grazing 4June24.pdf

Solicitation No. 12FPC124Q0018

NRCS Minnesota NRI

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation;

proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) This solicitation number 12FPC124Q0018 is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), and the acquisition procedures at FAR Parts 12 and 13 are being utilized. This is a

Firm-fixed Price contract as defined by FAR 16.503, to include a base period of one year and four option years from the date the award is contemplated. The Government plans to make award without negotiations.

(iii) This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-60, dated August 27, 2012.

(iv) This is a 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDE and the applicable NAICS code is 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with a size standard of $19.5 million. A size standard is the largest that a concern can be and still qualify as a small business for Federal Government programs. Size standards are the average annual receipts of a firm. How to calculate average annual receipts of a firm can be found in 13 CFR § 121.104. For more information on these size standards, please visit http://www.sba.gov/size.

(v) PROJECT/DESCRIPTION: The vendor shall provide National Resource

Inventory (NRI) Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection Services to support the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

(vi) All quotes shall be submitted on SF 1449, (and any applicable amendments), signed, dated, and sent via email to Ms. Ambrea Harris at Ambrea.Harris@usda.gov no later than June 18, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST. All questions resulting from this solicitation are due by June 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST; answers will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation.

Contact Ambrea Harris, Contract Specialist, e-mail Ambrea.Harris@usda.gov for information regarding this solicitation. No questions concerning this solicitation will be responded to after June 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST.

Award will be made based on best value and the guidance provided by Schedule M.

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Service Description: NRI Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection Services

Other Information:

OFFEROR: ______________________________________________

TAX ID: ______________________________________________

UEI Number ______________________________________________

If an awardee with less than three seasons of Grazing Lands NRI experience is selected, the awardee must attend a NRCS sponsored NRI Grazing Land On-Site Data

Collection Course

The contractor(s) shall attend NRCS provided training for the 2024 NRI

Rangeland Field Study on study protocols.

Contractor shall attend a training session for data collection calibration (estimated duration: 3 days in-person) prior to data collection.

If an awardee with three or more seasons of Grazing Lands NRI experience is selected, the awardee must attend a NRCS sponsored virtual or in-person NRI Grazing

Land On-Site Data Collection Course

The contractor(s) shall attend NRCS provided virtual training for the 2024 NRI

Rangeland Field Study on study protocols.

Contractor shall attend a virtual training session for data collection calibration

(estimated duration: 1 day) prior to data collection.

Calibration Sessions

The contractor is required to participate in an initial calibration exercise at the beginning of the study. If additional calibration sessions are required, they will be scheduled on an as-needed basis (see

Schedule E). Contractor will contact the

NRCS State Resource Inventory

Coordinator (SRIC) and provide advanced notice (more than 10 working days) of availability.

Data Collections

The contractor shall acquire specified rangeland and pastureland inventory data on up to two data points in each of the assigned 160-acre segments resulting in a total of up to approximately 26 points located in Minnesota for 2024. This number is subject to change each year.

Data Transmission to Iowa State University

(ISU) server

Grazing land on-site data collection shall be completed, and quality controlled by the specified dates as communicated in

NRCS National Bulletin: 290-24-5 for

Fiscal Year 2024. All segments must be returned to the ISU server no later than midnight September 30 for each data collection year.

SCHEDULE B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

Base Year: (Date of Award) – through 12-Months

CLIN Description QTY Unit Unit Price Amount

Range and Pasture Segments

26 EA $ $

0002 Training Sessions 2 EA $ $

1 EA $ $

0004 Travel – Not to Exceed (NTE) $

TOTAL $

*Up to 26 segments depending on access and point eligibility

Option Year One (1): (Date of Option Exercise – through 12 Months)

1002 Training Sessions 2 EA $ $

1004 Travel – Not to Exceed (NTE) $

*Number of Range and Pasture segments and points is subject to change each year

Option Year Two (2): (Date of Option Exercise – through 12 Months)

2002 Training Sessions 2 EA $ $

2004 Travel – Not to Exceed (NTE) $

Option Year Three (3): (Date of Option Exercise – through 12 Months)

3002 Training Sessions 2 EA $ $

3004 Travel – Not to Exceed (NTE) $

Option Year Four (4): (Date of Option Exercise – through 12 Months)

4002 Training Sessions 2 EA $ $

4004 Travel – Not to Exceed (NTE) $

SCHEDULE C: PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY

GRAZING LAND ON-SITE

DATA COLLECTION SERVICES

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

C.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

C.1.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

C.1.1.1 General Information

C.1.1.1.1 Work Responsibility. Contractor shall plan, program, administer, manage, and execute the work necessary to provide the specified services. The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and directives to include applicable publications in Section C.6. The

Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with the professional licensing and certification laws of the respective state where the work is performed.

C.1.1.1.2 Services Required. The Contractor shall provide National Resources Inventory (NRI) Grazing

Land On-Site Data Collection Services to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS). The Contractor shall provide for all services, supervision, labor, tools, materials, equipment, and management necessary, unless otherwise specified (see Section C.3 and C.4), to administer and perform the specified NRI Data Collection Services in accordance with the requirements specified in this PWS.

C.1.1.1.3 Contractor Direction. The Contractor shall perform services under the direction of the

Contracting Officer (CO). The Contracting Officer will designate specific technical representatives referred to as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTR) for specific locations where services are to be performed. Responsibility for Contract oversight at an individual location may be delegated to specific Government personnel as approved by the Contracting Officer.

C.1.1.2 Work Purpose

The Contractor shall provide NRI Grazing Land On-Site Data Collection Services to support the Natural

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to meet its mission statement: “The Natural Resources

Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.”

C.1.1.3 Location of Contract Services

The Contractor shall provide services for the NRCS within the area specified in this Contract. The

Contractor shall perform services in both the field and office environment based upon the specific task(s) assigned.

C.1.1.4 Period of Performance

The Contract will require one (1) 12-month Base Year and four (4) 12-month option years. The contract is eligible for one 6-month extension, following the execution of all options years.

C.1.1.5 Contractor Travel

The Government anticipates travel to perform the tasks associated with this effort. All travel requirements shall be pre-approved by the Government and is on a strictly cost reimbursable basis. Costs for travel shall be billed in accordance with the regulatory implementation of Public Law 99-234, FAR 31.205-46

Travel Costs, and the Federal Travel Regulation. Contractor payment claims shall include applicable documentation to support actual costs incurred. Failure to provide appropriate documentation may result in loss of reimbursement of travel expenses.

C.1.1.6 Work by the Government

The Government reserves the right to utilize Government personnel or other contractors to accomplish the same type or similar work as stated in this Contract.

C.1.1.7 Layout of Section C

C.1.1.7.1 Section C Contents

The following areas contained in Section C of this PWS are structured as follows:

• C-1: General Information

• C-2: Definitions

• C-3: Government-Furnished Property (GFP) and Services

• C-4: Contractor-Furnished Property and Services

• C-5: Specific Work Requirements

• C-6: Technical Reference Library

C.1.2 CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIVENES

C.1.2.1 Contractor Responsiveness

The Project Manager or designated representative shall return calls from the COTR within one working day unless during an emergency or otherwise specified herein.

C.1.2.2 Meetings, Conferences, and Briefings

C.1.2.2.1 The Contractor shall attend, participate in, and furnish input to scheduled and unscheduled meetings, conferences, and briefings that relate to the Contracted functions and services, as required by the Government, to provide effective communication and necessary information. The contractors shall conduct themselves as representatives of NRCS.

C.1.2.2.2 The Contractor shall participate in meetings with NRCS customers: Federal, State, and local agencies and their representatives; civic groups, landowners, tribal members, and other contractors as required by the Government. These meetings include both on-site and off-site meetings, and the frequency may be weekly, monthly, or as otherwise required. The Contractors shall conduct themselves as representatives of NRCS.

C.1.2.2.3 Contractor employees shall participate in technical training sessions as directed by the COTR.

Contractor employees shall be required to attend training sessions prior to commencement of work. These sessions will consist of webinars for contractors with more than two seasons of NRI experience, and a detailed “on-the-ground” walkthrough of data collection procedures for contractors with less than three seasons of NRI experience.

C.1.3 PERSONNEL

C.1.3.1 Supervision of Work

The Contractor shall supervise work performed by Contractor personnel to ensure that all Contract requirements are met. The Project Manager or designated alternate shall ensure that required supervision of Contractor personnel is provided whenever work is being performed.

C.1.3.2 Personnel Qualifications and Certifications

All Contractor personnel shall be fully qualified to perform the work to which they are assigned under this

Contract prior to Contract start date or specialized task assignment. Current skill requirements are listed at

TE 1.3-001.

Non-Disclosure. The NRI program is based upon scientific and rigorous sample survey protocols. These protocols include maintaining and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data gathering sites.

USDA and NRCS policy states that: “The geographic locations of data gathering sites used for USDA’s

NRI are not public information and are to be used only for purposes of official NRI data gathering activities or for such purposes approved by the Secretary”. All the contractor’s data gatherers shall sign a Confidentiality Statement (TE 1.3-002) under United States Code (USC), Title 18, Section 1905; USC, Title7, Section 2276 and USC, Title 7, Section 2240 for non-disclosure of confidential information relative to data site locations and/or private/corporate non-use of composite data. The Confidentiality

Statement shall be signed prior to starting data collection. The NRI data that identifies owners, operators, or data collection sites are not to be released to the public. The Contractor shall submit all completed nondisclosure statements to the COTR prior to starting data collection.

C.1.3.3 Subcontractors

Subcontractors to be used in the performance of this Contract shall be submitted to the Contracting

Officer for concurrence prior to performance of work or any change. Subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same personnel requirements as specified herein. Subcontractor information shall include company names, contact names, addresses, and telephone numbers. (RD 103R001)

C.1.3.4 Employment Limitations

C.1.3.4.1 Language Requirement. The Contractor shall employ only persons able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently for those positions interacting with Government personnel and customers in the performance of this Contract, and where English is necessary to provide a service under this

Contract.

C.1.3.4.2 Physical Fitness. The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor personnel meet the physical requirements to perform the function(s) and task(s) to which they are assigned. At all levels, the work involves regular and recurring prolonged walking over fields and rough terrain, bending, lifting, and stretching when setting up and using survey instruments and equipment.

C.1.3.5 Employee Roster

The Contractor shall provide the COTR with a roster listing of all employees, their job titles, and required clearances at least two calendar days prior to the Contract start date. The Contractor shall update the roster within one working day after a change. This updated roster shall be provided to the COTR and CO.

(RD 103R002)

C.1.3.6 Conduct of Personnel

The Contractor shall be responsible for the performance and conduct of Contractor and subcontractor employees, at all times. Personnel employed by the Contractor in the performance of this Contract or any representative of the Contractor entering a Government facility, shall abide by the local security regulations and shall be subject to such checks by the Government as may be deemed necessary.

Government rules, regulations, laws, directives, and requirements which are in place or issued during the

Contract term relating to law and order, NRCS administration, and security within Government facilities shall be applicable to all Contractor employees or representatives. Violation of such rules, regulations, laws, directives, or requirements shall be grounds for removal (permanently or temporarily as the

Government determines) from the work site. Such removal of employees does not relieve the Contractor from the requirement to timely perform Contract tasks.

C.1.4 CONTRACTOR INTERFACES

C.1.4.1 Government Supervision of Contract Personnel

The Contractor is responsible for the supervision of all Contractor personnel. The Government will, however, provide limited guidance and technical clarification regarding unique issues.

C.1.4.2 Inspection of Government Agencies

The Contractor shall be subject to inspections, audits, and work interruptions by other Government agencies. The Contractor shall provide access to Government-furnished facilities and Government-owned property and cooperate with visiting Government personnel conducting such activities. Inspections, audits, and similar activities may be made by agencies including, but not limited to: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), General Accounting Office (GAO), and Inspector General (IG), and investigative agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Such inspections, audits and work interruptions will not unreasonably delay the work.

C.1.4.2.1 Planned Visits. The Contractor shall notify the COTR of planned visits, investigations, or corrective actions required by Federal, State, local or any Government safety agencies.

C.1.4.2.2 Unplanned Visits. The Contractor shall notify the COTR or Government Representative within

15 minutes of unannounced arrival of any agents of any regulatory agency at Government facilities operated by the Contractor. The Contractor shall receive and cooperate with such agents unless otherwise instructed by the COTR.

C.1.4.2.3 Inspection/Visit Report. The Contractor shall submit a written report to the COTR, by close of business (COB) on the next duty day following completion of an inspection or visit, to include the name(s), identification number(s), agency(s) of the inspector(s), reason for visit, and any remarks made during the visit. (RD 104R001)

C.1.5 COMPLIANCE

C.1.5.1 Safety

C.1.5.1.1 Safety Procedures and Equipment. The Contractor shall develop procedures and practices that minimize accident risk, including internal safety directives and standard operating procedures. The

Contractor shall provide all necessary personal safety equipment and gear necessary to meet regulatory requirements for the work being performed.

C.1.5.1.2 Safety Inspections. The Contractor shall perform periodic inspections of safety equipment as required by Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and local safety standards.

In addition, the Contractor shall inspect and survey Contractor work areas for potential safety hazards.

C.1.5.1.3 Reporting Requirements. The Contractor shall prepare and submit or maintain the following reports and records:

• Accident Reporting. The Contractor shall comply with OSHA and other regulatory agency requirements for record keeping and reporting of all accidents during Contractor work that result in death, trauma, occupational disease, property damage, or environmental damage. The Contractor shall provide a brief written report to the COTR within four hours of occurrence and a detailed written follow-up report within three operating days whenever an accident involving personal injury occurs. The Contractor shall report serious accidents as defined by OSHA as soon as possible to the COTR.

(RD105R001)

• Third Party Accident Claims. If any claims are made by a third party against the

Contractor as a result of an accident which occurs in connection with the Contractor's performance, the Contractor shall submit, by close of business on the first working day after the initiation of the claim, a full written report to the Contracting Officer and the

COTR. (RD 105R002)

C.1.5.2 Physical Security Access Compliance

C.1.5.2.1 Government Facilities. Personnel entering private property shall comply with the landowner’s rights for the respective areas that they are assigned to work in. The Contractor shall obtain permission from the landowner prior to work being performed. The Contractor shall secure all gates on private property, including the closure of gates to preclude the release or entry of livestock. The Contractor shall perform all work in a manner that protects the rights of the landowner. The District Conservationist or designee of the appropriate NRCS county will help the contractor acquire information relevant to acquiring landowner permissions, directions to site locations, reference maps, etc.

C.1.5.2.3 Disease Prevention. The Contractor shall wash vehicles following entry into lands that contain potentially infectious animal or plant diseases before transiting into non-affected areas or lands.

C.1.5.2.4 Safety Compliance. The contractor shall comply with legal safety mandates, such as access prohibitions due to fire, fire potential, avalanche, natural disasters, severe weather, etc.

C.1.5.3 Government Facility Compliance

C.1.5.3.1 Smoking. The Contractor shall comply with NRCS and local policies for controlling smoking in Government buildings and facilities in accordance with Department Regulation USDA No. 4400-6

General Manual 360 Part 420.

C.1.5.3.2 Fire prevention. The Contractor employees will be subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to NRCS and other USDA agencies.

C.1.6 PERFORMANCE

C.1.6.1 Procedures

All collection of data shall be conducted in accordance with the National Resources Inventory Grazing

Land On-Site Data Collection Handbook of Instructions for the year of this collection, located at https://grazingland.cssm.iastate.edu/site-data-collection-handbook-instructions.

C.1.6.2 Quality Assurance

The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of products and services provided under the terms of this Contract, to include those products and services provided by subcontractors. The Contractor shall reperform work that does not meet Contract requirements, unless it is of a nature that re-performance is not possible or otherwise directed by the COTR. To ensure that the requirements of this Contract are met, the Contractor shall implement an effective Quality Control Program (QCP).

The Technical Representative will coordinate the evaluation of Contractor performance. The Government will provide Quality Assurance (QA) for at least 5% of collected data within their area of responsibility. If fewer than 20 segments are completed by a field crew, the Government will perform an in-field review of at least one segment. QA will consist of an in-field review of all data elements collected by the Contractor at the time of data collection. Any issues relative to the quality or correctness of collected data will be corrected at the time of data collection. As needed, the Technical Representative will also advise/assist

Contractor with final assembly of segment/point data prior to transmission of completed segments from the CASI to the Iowa State University (ISU) server as described above.

In addition to the in field reviews, the Contractor is required to participate in periodic calibration sessions.

Such calibration sessions shall be required at intervals of approximately four weeks. The Technical

Representative will schedule at least two calibration sessions with each field crew assigned to collect data for 15 or more Segments. Field crews assigned to fewer than 15 Segments may attend only one https://grazingland.cssm.iastate.edu/site-data-collection-handbook-instructions calibration session. Calibration Segments shall be uploaded to the server at ISU. Calibration sessions are in addition to the training requirements outlined in Section. 1.2.2.3.

The Technical Representative will also review “completed - CO” segments submitted to the ISU server.

Segments failing to meet data correctness and quality specifications will be re-designated “unable to complete - UC” and will be referred to the Contractor for correction before payment is made.

C.1.6.3 Performance Evaluation

C.1.6.3.1 Performance Evaluation Meetings. The contractor’s Project Manager shall meet with the

COTR or other authorized Government representatives to review Contract performance. Meetings shall include review and analyses of key process indicators, analyses of process deficiencies, and problem resolution. At these meetings, the COTR and the Contractor will discuss Contractor's performance as viewed by the Government and any problems being experienced. The COTR will take appropriate action to resolve outstanding issues. A mutual effort shall be made by the Contractor and COTR to resolve all problems identified.

Meeting Frequency. These meetings will be held monthly during the first 60 calendar days of the Contract and thereafter as directed by the COTR. The Contractor may also request performance evaluation meetings.

Meeting Minutes. The Government may keep an electronic recording or written report of these meetings.

C.1.6.3.2 Government Quality Assurance. The Government will inspect for compliance with Contract terms throughout the Contract period.

C.1.6.3.3 Performance Requirement Summary. Evaluation will be based on the Contractor’s compliance with the requirements set forth in the Performance Requirement Summary (PRS). The Government intends to monitor the Contractor's performance under this Contract by performing checks as contained in

Contract administration surveillance plans. Typical procedures include random sampling, planned sampling, scheduled inspections, observations, and validated customer complaints.

C.1.6.3.4 Inspection Reports. When the Contractor's performance is unsatisfactory, a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) may be issued. The Contractor shall reply in writing within ten calendar days from the date of the CDR, giving the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance, corrective action taken, and procedures to preclude recurrence (RD 106R001).

C.1.7 INFORMATION

The Contractor shall generate, maintain, and provide the programmed, unprogrammed, and other data and information requirements contained below.

C.1.7.1 Data Criteria

C.1.7.1.1 Files. Government-furnished classified and unclassified files in existence at the Contract start, and those generated under this Contract, shall be maintained as directed by the COTR. All such records and files shall immediately be made available for review by any agency or individual authorized access by the COTR or GR. All files maintained by the Contractor under the provisions of this Contract are the property of the Government and shall be returned to the Government upon expiration or termination of this Contract.

C.1.7.1.2 Regulations, Manuals, Technical Documents and Procedural Information. Regulations, manuals, and technical documents applicable to this Contract are listed in Section C.6.

C.1.7.1.3 Response for Information. The Contractor shall provide information requested by Government personnel performing official duties, to include but not limited to, monitoring Contract compliance, responses to Government and other Contractor personnel conducting information and communication systems site surveys, information systems fielding, and other communications as required by the

Government.

C.1.7.1.4 Access to Data and Information. The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor generated technical records, reports, files, and other documentation are made available to the COTR and other authorized NRCS representatives during the performance of this Contract.

C.1.7.1.5 Case File Confidentiality. The Contractor shall maintain confidentiality of case files of clients and not release information without the approval of the COTR.

NRCS Minnesota Solicitation, Schedule C

C.2 DEFINITIONS

C.2.1 GENERAL

C.2.2 ACRONYMS

ALP Acceptable Level of Performance CDR Contract Discrepancy Report RD Reports and Deliverables CFE Contractor-Furnished Equipment CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer COTR Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative CP

Contract Performance DC District Conservationist

FOTG Field Office Technical Guide EJA Engineering Job Approval

FOTG Field Office Technical Guide

GR Government Representative LAN Local Area Network Memo

Memorandum NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRI National Resources Inventory POV

Privately Owned Vehicle PWS Performance Work Statement

RD Reports and Deliverables RDL Reports and Deliverables List

PRS Performance Requirements Summary QASP

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QCP Quality Control Plan or Program SOW

Statement of Work SRIC State Resource Inventory Specialist

TE Technical Exhibit USDA United States Department of Agriculture

C.2.3 DEFINITIONS

The definitions set forth below are those unique to this Contract. Definitions for technical terms or words that are included in this Contract can be found in the technical documents referenced in the individual functional areas of the Statement of Work (SOW). The definitions provided below are oriented to the

NRCS Contract services environment. In addition to the list of general definitions that apply to all services, additional definitions are provided for most services. In many cases definitions are situation specific. The total listing of definitions is not all-inclusive, but it has been derived from official publications, e.g., regulations, technical manuals, when available.

Acceptable Level of Performance (ALP): Maximum percent defective (or maximum number of defects per hundred units) that can be considered as a satisfactory performance average. The

Government will normally accept the services provided the percent defective (or defects per 100 units) does not exceed the ALP. However, the Contractor shall not intentionally perform in a defective manner and shall re- perform any service found to be defective whenever possible.

Decisions as to the necessity for re- performance shall be made by the COTR.

Accountability: Accountability is the obligation to keep accurate and complete records of property, documents, or funds. Important data elements may include, but not limited to, identification data, gains, losses, due-ins, due-outs, and balances on hand or in use.

Accurate: Precise and factual information. Includes information concerning Government Policy and information pertaining to soldiers, family members, retirees, and military organizations. The term applies to information maintained in databases, entered on forms, recorded in other mediums of communication for official purposes, and to the information provided directly to customers.

Case File: The record of resource information, decisions, and technical assistance for a specific client. A case file is established and maintained in the NRCS field office for each client where

NRCS is providing continuing technical assistance on a planning unit. The case file will be maintained electronically. Information not amenable to electronic format will be maintained in hard copy under the client’s name.

Certification: One who has received a certificate or license stating he or she has met the minimum requirements for performing the services required in this Contract in accordance with the State of issue.

Contract: A mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller to furnish the supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them. It includes all types of commitments that obligate the Government to an expenditure of appropriated funds and that, except as otherwise authorized, are in writing. In addition to bilateral instructions, contracts include, but are not limited to, awards and notices of awards; job orders or task letters issued under basic ordering agreements; letter contracts; orders, such as purchase orders, under which the contract becomes effective by written acceptance or performance; and bilateral contract modifications (See FAR 2.101).

Contract Award: The time at which the Contracting Officer signs the Contract.

Contract Discrepancy: A failure of the Contractor to perform in accordance with contract requirements and specifications. A contract discrepancy may result from a failure of the

Contractor to provide, or provide on time, the required contract products or services; or it may result because delivered products or services do not meet specific contract standards.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A report used to document unsatisfactory Contractor performance. The CDR requires the Contractor to explain, in writing, why performance is unsatisfactory; how performance shall be returned to satisfactory levels; and how recurrence of the problem shall be prevented in the future.

Contracting Officer (CO): A person with the authority to enter into, administer, modify, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the CO acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the CO.

Contracting Office: The office that is responsible for awarding, executing, and administering a contract for supplies or services and performing post-award functions.

Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR): An individual designated in writing by the Contracting Officer to act as an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer to perform specific contract administrative functions within the scope and limitations as defined by the Contracting Officer. The COTR does not have the authority to modify the contract.

Contract Start: The calendar date at which the Contractor takes over the service and begins work performance.

Contractor: The Contractor, its subsidiaries and affiliates, joint ventures involving the

Contractor, or any entity with which the Contractor may have merged or any individual or entity that assisted or advised the Contractor in the preparation of its proposal under the solicitation resulting in this contract.

Contractor Acquired Property (CAP): Property acquired or otherwise provided by the

Contractor with funding provided in the contract and to which the Government has or is given title.

Contractor-Furnished Equipment (CFE): That equipment the Contractor is required to furnish to perform the requirements of the contract.

Correct: In accordance with the governing publication. The term applies to the way actions are completed and to information provided directly to customers.

Corrective Action: Consists of those efforts required to correct deficiencies, determine that other products are not similarly defective; and ensure deficiencies do not re-occur.

Customer: Any person or organization authorized to secure support services of the NRCS.

Customer Service: Services provided directly to individual customers in response to problems and requests for information and assistance presented by individual customers to the

Contractor.

Disposition: The final status of materials. The last state they will remain in, e.g., destroyed or archived.

District Conservationist: Responsible NRCS official headquartered at the county level USDA

Service Centers. These individuals are responsible for all aspects of NRCS administration and operations within assigned field office boundaries.

Documentation: Providing a record of an event or transaction (e.g., written, computerized or video recorded) for retrieval at a later date.

Electronic Field Office Technical Guides (eFOTG): Field Office Technical Guides that are automated as data bases, computer programs, and other electronic-based materials to include many that are web- based pages at https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/

Emergency: The reporting of sudden, urgent, usually unforeseen occurrences where life or property are in immediate danger and requires immediate action.

Equipment: All non-expendable items needed to outfit/equip an individual or organization.

Clothing, tools, utensils, vehicles, and similar items are articles of equipment. Equipment is mobile, and considered personal property, as opposed to real property which is attached.

Expendable Items or Supplies: Items which are consumed during normal use (e.g., paint, field supplies, office supplies) or are merged into another entity when used for their intended purpose

(e.g., nuts, bolts, construction materials, repair parts).

Facilities: Buildings or structures, in whole or in part, furnished by the Government and assigned to the Contractor for contract performance. All items of Real Property other than land.

Fair Wear and Tear: The loss or impairment of the appearance, effectiveness, worth, or utility of an item that has occurred solely because of the normal and customary use of the item for its intended purpose.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): A Federal regulation establishing uniform policies for acquisition by executive agencies.

Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG): Technical guides are the primary scientific references for NRCS. FOTGs contain technical information about the conservation of soil, water, air, and related plant and animal resources.

Fiscal Year (FY): The Government fiscal year begins every October 1st and ends the following

September 30th. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends. For example, Fiscal Year 2008, abbreviated FY08, begins 1 Oct 2007 and ends 30 Sep 2008.

Governing Publications: The complete range of Governmental guiding documents required to manage and perform functional work. Examples are public laws, regulations, pamphlets, circulars, messages, and memoranda.

Government: The term Government as used herein includes the Contracting Officer, the COTR and other designated representatives.

Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE): A term used in this Contract to mean equipment in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently made available to the Contractor.

https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/ https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/

Government-Furnished Facilities (GFF): A term used in this Contract to mean facilities, buildings, or structures, in whole or in part, furnished by the Government and assigned to the

Contractor for contract performance. All items of Real Property other than land.

Government-Furnished Property (GFP): A term used in this Contract to mean property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently made available to the

Contractor.

Government or NRCS-Unique Training: Training deemed necessary for performance of a government or NRCS contract that is available only through Government or USDA schools, seminars, or conferences.

Government-Owned Property: A term used in this contract to mean property owned by or leased to the Government or acquired under the terms of the contract, and subsequently delivered to the Contractor for use by supported customers or on equipment of supported customers.

Government Publications: Publications adopted or published by the agencies of the United

States Government.

Government Representative (GR): The Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), Property Administrator, and Quality Assurance Evaluators

(QAE) or as appointed by the Contracting Officer. In most cases the District Conservationist serves as the GR in the local NRCS office.

Grazing Land: (1) Collective term used by NRCS for rangeland, pastureland, grazed forest land, native and naturalized pasture, hayland and grazed cropland. Although grazing is generally a predominate use, the term is used independent of any use. (2) Land used primarily for production of forage plants maintained or manipulated primarily through grazing management. Includes all lands having plants harvestable by grazing without reference to land tenure, other land uses, management, or treatment practices.

His: The word “his”, as used in this Contract, is intended to mean his or her in a generic sense.

It is not intended to denote gender.

Independent Contract: A Government contract that provides support or services related to but separate from another contract with the same Government customer.

Input: Information transferred into the internal storage of data processing system, representing data to be processed for information to help control the process.

Inspect: Determination and identification of the condition, defects, or malfunctions of equipment, facilities, and systems with reference to established standards.

Internet: A network connecting other networks, a large network of this type that covers the

United States and extends to Canada, Europe, and Asia, providing connectivity to databases at

Governments, Universities, Corporate networks, and hosts.

Invalid: Not having legal force, evidence, or sound reasoning.

Inventory: A count of items located within an area or within a system.

Landowner: The legal holder of the property deed whether single or multiple persons.

Maintenance: The recurring day-to-day, periodic, or work to repair or maintain equipment, structures, and systems in a specified condition, or to restore systems or components to initial or usable condition by overcoming the effects of deterioration, wear and tear, damage, or deterioration.

Material: Property that may be incorporated into or attached to an end item that may be consumed or expended in performance of work. It includes, but not limited to, clothing, raw, and processed material parts, components, and installed equipment, and assemblies. The term includes small tools and supplies that may be consumed in normal use in performance of work.

May: Is permissive. However, the words “no person may…” mean that no person is required, authorized, or permitted to do the act described.

Non-Standard Item: Look alike items that are procured locally through commercial source.

Offer: A response to a solicitation that, if accepted, would bind the offeror to perform the resultant contract. Responses to invitations for bids (sealed bidding) are offers called “bids” or

“sealed bids;” responses to requests for proposals (negotiation) are offers called “proposals;”

responses to requests for quotations (negotiation) are not offers and are called “quotes.” (See

FAR 2.101.)

On-Site: Services, investigation, analysis, and inspection performed at a customer’s location.

Organization Chart: Diagram showing the organization of units, offices, or activities.

Pastureland: A land cover/use category of land managed primarily to produce introduced forage plants for livestock grazing. Pastureland cover may consist of a single species in a pure stand, a grass mixture, or a grass-legume mixture. Management usually consists of cultural treatments: fertilization, weed control, reseeding or renovation, and control of grazing. For the

NRI, includes land that has a vegetative cover of grasses, legumes, and/or forbs, regardless of whether it is being grazed by livestock.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS): The PRS shows some contract requirements, the component requirements related to each contract requirement, the price of each work requirement as a percentage of the associated contract requirement, the standard of performance, and the maximum allowable defect rate (MADR) for each work requirement.

Performance Work Statement (PWS): See Statement of Work.

Physical Inventory: Manually counting items located within an area, usually in a stockroom or warehouse.

Policy: A rule that governs the manner of performance.

Practice: An NRCS conservation practice as described in the Field Office Technical Guides.

Privately Owned Vehicle (POV): A vehicle owned by a person or business and not the

Government.

Procedure: The step-by-step method or way that the policy or plan is to be carried out.

Process: A series of actions or operations that achieve an end or result.

Producer: Person(s) operating the land and making day-to-day decisions on the use of the land. May be operating multiple land parcels belonging to different landowners. Person(s) may be a land user or operator operating the land under a lease from the landowner. Based upon location may be referred to as a farmer, rancher, or producer. May or may not be operating the land for profit.

Project Manager: The single person responsible for the execution of the Contract responding to the Contracting Officer. The Project Manager may or may not be co-located with immediate project work site and may manage the Contract from a remote location i.e., corporate headquarters or regional office depending upon the scope of the Contract work.

Property: Terms “Real Property”, “Government Property”, and “Property” include all property under control of the USDA. Property includes, but not limited to, land, facilities, equipment, supplies, parts and accessories thereto, and alteration or installation of any of the foregoing. Not included is property accounted for and owned by a non-appropriated fund activity.

Property Book: Record establishing formal accountability for certain classes of nonexpendable and expendable property and detailing all property transactions (authorizations, gains and losses) on each line item.

Property Responsibility: Property responsibility arises from possession of property or from the obligation of command or supervision of others who are in possession of property.

Provide: As related to a specified Contractor responsibility, this word means that the Contractor shall furnish and install the item or furnish the service.

Quality: The composite of attributes or characteristics, including performance of an item or product.

Quality Control Program (QCP): Contractor’s system to control the equipment, systems, or services so that they meet the requirements of the contract.

Quality Management: A planned and systematic pattern of actions necessary to provide confidence that material, data, supplies, services, and products conform to established technical requirements and achieve satisfactory performance.

Rancher: See Producer and Landowner.

Rangeland: A land cover/use category on which the climax or potential plant cover is composed principally of native grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, or shrubs suitable for grazing and browsing, and introduced forage species that are managed like rangeland. This would include areas where introduced hardy and persistent grasses, such as crested wheatgrass, are planted and such practices as deferred grazing, burning, chaining, and rotational grazing are used, with little or no chemicals or fertilizer being applied. Grasslands, savannas, many wetlands, some deserts, and tundra are rangeland. Certain communities of low forbs and shrubs, such as mesquite, chaparral, mountain shrub, and pinyon-juniper, are also included as rangeland.

Receiving: The process of planning for the arrival and the handling of inbound supplies.

Reject: A unit of product that is determined by quality control inspection to be unacceptable for its intended use. Service that is not accepted by the customer or Government and that payment may be withheld or for which services may be required to be re-performed.

Reports and Deliverable (RD): Data required to be submitted by the Contractor to the

Government. A proper and correct submission of a RD is evidenced by the following criteria:

completeness, accuracy of data, preparation in accordance with applicable mandatory publication or other prescribing document, signature, or initials by the certifying official or area supervisor and correct and timely turn-in or distribution.

Responsible Individual: A person entrusted with possession of or supervision over

Government property.

Responsibility: The obligation of an individual to ensure Government property and funds entrusted to his or her possession, command, or supervision are properly used and cared for, and that proper custody and safekeeping are provided.

Roster: A list, or series of names and numbers.

Statement of Work (SOW): The SOW consists of the definitive or descriptive words identifying the subject matter of the contract referred to as the specifications or work statement. Commonly referred to as Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Technical Bulletins (TB): Publications containing information, procedures, and techniques of a technical or professional nature relating to equipment and general subjects.

Test: Procedure of obtaining, examining, analyzing, and evaluating data to determine conditions or verify performance capability.

Validated Complaint: A validated complaint is one in which the COTR or QAE has verified that the facts of the complaint are correct. Otherwise, if there is no merit to the complaint, it is just an allegation.

Vendor: One person or entity who offers services or goods for money.

C.3 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.3.1 GENERAL

C.3.1.1 Property Applicable

This section of the Performance Work Statement refers to that property entrusted to the Contractor to use during the performance of the work described in Section C.5.

C.3.1.2 Property Provided by the Government

The Government will provide the facilities, utilities, and equipment described herein as Government

Furnished Property (GFP) for use solely to perform the requirements of this Contract. GFP consists of

Government supplies and Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) placed in the Contractor's custody.

The Government will also provide certain services to the Contractor. The Contractor shall not use GFP or services for any purpose other than the performance of this Contract. The Government is offering the property identified in TE 3.2-001.

C.3.1.2.1 The GFP offered shall not be construed as being sufficient to meet the requirements of this

Contract. All GFP is furnished in an “as is” condition.

C.3.1.2.2 All property furnished under this Contract shall remain the property of the Government.

C.3.1.3 Contractor Accountability

C.3.1.3.1 Transfer of Accountability. The Contractor shall become accountable for the GFP when the

Government Officer transfers it to the Contractor.

C.3.1.4 Inventory Management

C.3.1.4.1 Inventory.

C.3.1.4.1.1 The Contractor shall establish and maintain records of GFP in use by the Contractor. The records system may be reviewed by the COTR.

C.3.1.4.1.2 The Contractor shall conduct special inventories as directed by the COTR. Special inventories may be required to resolve issues of GFP accountability, availability, condition, or usage.

C.3.1.4.2 Contract Expiration and Termination Inventory Procedures.

C.3.1.4.2.1 At the expiration or termination of the Contract, the Contractor shall return the same property or property equal in type, kind, quality, and quantity of items as originally furnished by the Government and accepted by the Contractor. Government equipment shall be in the same or better condition as when originally furnished, less reasonable wear and tear.

C.3.1.5 Property Shortages and Damages

C.3.1.5.1 The Contractor shall investigate and submit a formal report of shortage, loss, damage, or destruction of GFP to the COTR within five calendar days after the discovery. The Contractor shall report the specific property affected, including specific National Stock Number (NSN) or other identifying codes and property nomenclature; the circumstances surrounding the loss, damage, or destruction; the estimated cost of alleviating the problem, if required; and the expected impact on provision of Contractor services.

(RD 301R001)

C.3.1.5.2 The Contractor may be held financially liable for any shortage, loss, damage, or destruction of

GFP as determined by the Contracting Officer.

C.3.1.6 Security

The Contractor shall be responsible for the physical security of GFP.

C.3.1.7 Operations, Use, and Care

The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper operation and use of GFP. The Contractor shall be responsible for arranging the maintenance, repair, and Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services

(PMCS)…