SF1449 (Original RFQ _ 05GA0A24Q0024).pdf

1 : :

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 1 of 18

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24 & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

GAO2403260003

PAGE 1 OF

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

05GA0A24Q0024

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

04/24/2024

7. FOR SOLICITATION INFORMATION

CALL:

a. NAME

MITCHENER, CEDRIC M

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls) 202-512-7258

8. OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL

TIME

05/24/2024

08:00 ET

CODE 05GA0A

MITCHENER, CEDRIC M

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

441 G STREET, N.W.

ROOM 7N14U

ATTENTION:

WASHINGTON, DC 20548

9. ISSUED BY X UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

10. THE ACQUISITION IS

SEE

SCHEDULE

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED 0 Days: 0.00 %

0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 %

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS

RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS

(15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

X RFQ IFB RFP

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE 05GA0A16. ADMINISTERED BY

MITCHENER, CEDRIC M

ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT

441 G STREET, N.W.

ROOM 7N14U

ATTENTION:

WASHINGTON, DC 20548

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

Telephone No.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

05GA0ACODE18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER X SEE ADDENDUM

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS

CHECKED

19. ITEM NO. 20. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

21. QUANTITY 22. UNIT 23. UNIT PRICE 24. AMOUNT

TRIBAL AND INDIGENOUS ADVISORY COUNCIL (TIAC) SUPPORT

SERVICES

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

GAO-2024-0107A24DA0-4005AAA000-B02020000-25215-900486-2024

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN ____ COPIES TO

ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH

OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _____________________________ OFFER

DATED _________________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5)

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN,

IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) Cedric Mitchener

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 2 of 18

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

PARTIAL FINAL

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012) BACK

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 3 of 18

Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

1 Continuation Sheet

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 4 of 18

Section 1 - Continuation Sheet

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0001 Service

Cost

PSC: R706

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:09/29/2024 - 09/28/2025

Description:IDIQ Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) (Base Year)

Reference Line:GAO2403260003 - 0001

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Base

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0101 Service

Cost

PSC: R706

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:09/29/2025 - 09/28/2026

Description:IDIQ Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) (Option Year 1)

Reference Line:GAO2403260003 - 0101

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Option Period: 1

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0201 Service

Cost

PSC: R706

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:09/29/2026 - 09/28/2027

Description:IDIQ Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) (Option Year 2)

Reference Line:GAO2403260003 - 0201

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Option Period: 2

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0301 Service

Cost

PSC: R706

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:09/29/2027 - 09/28/2028

Description:IDIQ Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) (Option Year 3)

Reference Line:GAO2403260003 - 0301

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 5 of 18

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Option Period: 3

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0401 Service

Cost

PSC: R706

1.000000 LOT

Period of Performance:09/29/2028 - 09/28/2029

Description:IDIQ Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) (Option Year 4)

Reference Line:GAO2403260003 - 0401

Pricing Options:

Indicator: Option Option Period: 4

B.1 ITEMS BEING ACQUIRED/TOTAL PRICE

The contractor shall provide Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council (TIAC) Support, including oversight administration, technical assistance, and meeting planning. The contractor shall furnish all personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies, and services (except as may be expressly set forth in this master indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract or any task order (TO) against this master IDIQ contract as furnished by the agency) and otherwise do all things necessary for, or incident to, performance of these requirements in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) provided in Section C of this master IDIQ contract and all TOs issued against this master IDIQ contract.

THE TOTAL MAXIMUM CONTRACT VALUE, defined as the sum of contractor payment streams associated with all task orders against this master IDIQ contract, shall not exceed $TBD.

THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE ORDER(S) VALUE for this master IDIQ contract award is $TBD, provided that the contractor can demonstrate it has exercised due diligence and made its best efforts to secure a TO.

B.2 COST / PRICE TABLE

The contractor's cost/price quotation establish the service-specific pricing requirements as defined under RFQ Exhibit 3, Cost / Price Template.

C.1 Performance Work Statement (PWS)

See Attachment A - Performance Work Statement.

D.1 PRESERVATION, PACKAGING AND PACKING

Preservation, packaging, and packing for all items delivered shall be in accordance with commercial best practices and adequate to ensure acceptance by common carrier and safe arrival at destination. The Contractor shall place the contract number on or adjacent to the exterior shipping label. Protections afforded to packaging and marking shall also ensure secure shipment and transportation of materials as to ensure products placed in shipment or transportation process are not tampered with, accessed, damaged or compromised in any fashion. Sufficient insurance and carrier guarantees shall also be applied to materials delivered under the terms and conditions of this contract.

D.2 PACKING LIST

A packing list or other suitable shipping document shall accompany each shipment and shall indicate:

1. Name and address of the contractor;

2. Name and address of the agency;

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 6 of 18

3. Government task order (TO) number; and

4. Description of the material shipped, including item number, quantity, number of containers, package number (if any), and weight of each package

D.3 INITIAL PACKING, MARKING, AND STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT

Unless otherwise specified in the TO, all initial packing, marking and storage incidental to shipping of equipment to be provided under this contract shall be made at the contractor’s expense. Such packing, supervision marking and storage costs shall not be billed to the agency. Supervision of packing, and unpacking of initially acquired equipment shall be furnished by the contractor.

E.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2)(FEB 1998)

NOTICE: The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference:

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

Clause Number Date Title

52.246-5 APR 1984 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - COST-

REIMBURSEMENT

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspection and acceptance of all products and services shall be completed by the COR. Deliverables shall be reviewed for accuracy, clarity, completeness, and timeliness within ten (10) working days after receipt unless specified differently elsewhere in the task order or contract. GAO will provide any concerns and comments to the Contractor, who shall ensure completion of each deliverables in a manner acceptable to the COR within five working days of such GAO notice unless otherwise stated elsewhere. Within 24 hours upon acceptance, the Contractor shall deliver all copies of completed deliverables to the COR unless otherwise stated elsewhere.

F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2)(FEB 1998)

NOTICE: The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference:

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

Clause Number Date Title

52.242-15 AUG 1989 STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE I

(APR 1984)

52.247-34 NOV 1991 F.O.B. DESTINATION

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The base period of performance of this master indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract shall be for 1-year and shall have four 1-year option periods.

It is anticipated that the actual period of performance will be as follows:

Base period of performance 09/29/2024 - 09/28/2025 Option period 1 09/29/2025 - 09/28/2026 Option period 2 09/29/2026 - 09/28/2027 Option period 3 09/29/2027 - 09/28/2028 Option period 4 09/29/2028 - 09/28/2029

The supply and / or services required under each CLIN shall be delivered and received at destination within the time frame specified in each CLIN.

G.1 GAO 52.243-70 Notification of Changes

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 7 of 18

Definitions: "Contracting Officer," as used in this clause, does not include any representative of the Contracting Officer: "Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)," as used in this clause, means any person the Contracting Officer has so designated by written notice (a copy of which shall be provided to the Contractor) which shall refer to this subparagraph and shall be issued to the designated representative before the COR exercises such authority.

Notice: The primary purpose of this clause is to obtain prompt reporting of Government conduct that the Contractor considers constituting a change to this contract. Except for changes identified as such in writing and signed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing promptly, within 15 calendar days from the date that the Contractor identifies any Government conduct (including actions, inactions, and written or oral communications) that the Contractor regards as a change to the contract terms and conditions. On the basis of the most accurate information available to the Contractor, the notice shall state:

1) The date, nature, and circumstances of the conduct regarded as a change;

2) The name, function, and activity of each Government individual and Contractor official or employee involved in or knowledgeable about such conduct;

3) The identification of any documents and the substance of any oral communication involved in such conduct; and

4) In the instance of alleged acceleration of scheduled performance or delivery, the basis upon which it arose.

G.2 Government Primary Roles and Responsibilities.

Technical Contact and/or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR):

TBD

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) U.S Government Accountability Office Information Systems and Technology Services 441 G. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20548 Phone: TBD E-Mail: TBD

Contractual Contact:

Cedric Mitchener Contract Specialist U.S Government Accountability Office Acquisition Management: Procurement Operation 441 G. Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20548 Phone: 202.512.7258 E-Mail: mitchenerc@gao.gov

G.3 TASK ORDERING PROCEDURES

(a) Only the Contracting Officer may issue task orders to the Contractor, providing specific authorization or direction to perform work within the scope of the contract and as specified in the schedule. The Contractor may incur costs under this contract in performance of task orders and task order modifications issued in accordance with this clause. No other costs are authorized unless otherwise specified in the contract or expressly authorized by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Prior to issuing a task order, the Contracting Officer shall provide the Contractor with the following data:

(1) A functional description of the work identifying the objectives or results desired from the contemplated task order.

(2) Proposed performance standards to be used as criteria for determining whether the work requirements have been met.

(3) A request for a task plan from the Contractor to include the technical approach, period of performance, appropriate cost information, and any other information required to determine the reasonableness of the Contractor's proposal.

(c) Within 7 calendar days after receipt of the Contracting Officer's request, the Contractor shall submit a task plan conforming to the request.

(d) After review and any necessary discussions, the Contracting Officer may issue a task order to the Contractor containing, as a minimum, the following:

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 8 of 18

(1) Date of the order.

(2) Contract number and order number.

(3) Functional description of the work identifying the objectives or results desired from the task order, including special instructions or other information necessary for performance of the task.

(4) Performance standards, and where appropriate, quality assurance standards.

(5) Maximum dollar amount authorized (cost / price).

(6) Any other resources (travel, materials, equipment, facilities, etc.) authorized.

(7) Delivery/performance schedule including start and end dates.

(e) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of the task order and the Contractor's approved task plan, the task order shall prevail.

H.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2)(FEB 1998)

No clauses under this section.

I.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2)(FEB 1998)

NOTICE: The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference:

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

52.202-1 JUN 2020 DEFINITIONS

52.203-3 APR 1984 GRATUITIES

52.203-5 APR 1984 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT

FEES

52.203-6 JUN 2020 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR

SALES

TO THE GOVERNMENT

52.203-7 JUN 2020 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES

52.203-8 MAY 2014 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION AND

RECOVERY

OF FUNDS FOR ILLEGAL OR

IMPROPER

ACTIVITY

52.203-10 MAY 2014 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR

ILLEGAL OR

IMPROPER ACTIVITY

52.203-12 JUN 2020 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO

INFLUENCE

CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS

52.203-17 NOV 2023 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

52.204-4 MAY 2011 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED

ON

RECYCLED PAPER

52.204-23 DEC 2023 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING

FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND

SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 9 of 18

BY KASPERSKY LAB COVERED

ENTITIES

52.204-24 NOV 2021 REPRESENTATION REGARDIGN

CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

52.204-25 NOV 2021 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR

CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

52.204-26 OCT 2020 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS

EQUIPMENT OR SERIVES -

REPRESENTATIONS

52.222-1 FEB 1997 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF

LABOR DISPUTES

52.222-3 JUN 2003 CONVICT LABOR

52.222-26 SEPT 2016 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

52.222-36 JUN 2020 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR

WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

52.222-50 NOV 2021 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN

PERSONS

52.223-6 MAY2001 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

52.223-18 JUN 2020 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR

POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING

WHILE DRIVING

52.225-13 FEB 2021 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN

FOREIGN PURCHASES

52.243-2 AUG 1987 CHANGES-COST-REIMBURSEMENT

52.246-25 FEB 1997 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY -

SERVICES

52.249-6 MAY 2004 TERMINATION (COST-

REIMBURSEMENT)

I.2 ORDERING (FAR 52.216-18)(OCT 1995)

a. Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by authorized individuals of Federal Such orders may be issued from _TBD through TBD .

b. All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

c. If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered “issued” when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

I.3 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (FAR 52.216-22)(OCT 1995)

a. This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule.

The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

b. Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the “maximum.” The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the “minimum.”

c. Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

d. Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor’s and Government’s rights and

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 10 of 18 obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract’s effective period;

provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 12 months.

I.4 FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

I.5 FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years and 6 months

I.6 GAO 52.233-71 Disputes – Legislative Branch Agency (APR 2008)

(a) This contract is subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, as amended (41 U.S.C. 601-613), as modified by Section 1501 of Title I of Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844 (2008).

(b) Except as provided in the Act, all disputes arising under or relating to this contract shall be resolved under this clause.

(c) Claim, as used in this clause, means a written demand or written assertion by one of the contracting parties seeking, as a matter of right, the payment of money in a sum certain, the adjustment or interpretation of contract terms, or other relief arising under or relating to this contract. However, a written demand or written assertion by the Contractor seeking the payment of money exceeding $50,000 is not a claim under the Act until certified. A voucher, invoice, or other routine request for payment that is not in dispute when submitted is not a claim under the Act. The submission may be converted to a claim under the Act, by complying with the submission and certification requirements of this clause, if it is disputed either as to liability or amount or is not acted upon in a reasonable time.

(d)(1) A claim by the Contractor shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated in this contract, submitted within 6 years after accrual of the claim to the Contracting Officer for a written decision. A claim by the Government against the Contractor shall be subject to a written decision by the Contracting Officer.

(d)(2)(i) The Contractor shall provide the certification specified in paragraph (d) (2) (iii) of this clause when submitting any claim exceeding $50,000.

(ii) The certification requirement does not apply to issues in controversy that have not been submitted as all or part of a claim.

(iii) The certification shall state as follows: "I certify that the claim is made in good faith; that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief; that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the Contractor believes the Government is liable; and that I am duly authorized to certify the claim on behalf of the Contractor."

(d)(3) The certification may be executed by any person duly authorized to bind the Contractor with respect to the claim.

(e) For Contractor claims of $50,000 or less, the Contracting Officer must, if requested in writing by the Contractor, render a decision within 60 days of the request. For Contractor-certified claims over $50,000, the Contracting Officer must, within 60 days, decide the claim or notify the Contractor of the date by which the decision will be made.

(f) The Contracting Officer's decision shall be final unless the Contractor appeals, within 90 days of receipt of a contracting officer’s decision, to the Government Accountability Office Contract Appeals Board, 441 G Street, N.W., Room 7182, Washington, D.C. 20548; Facsimile: 202-512-9749; E-Mail: CAB@gao.gov .

(g) If the claim by the Contractor is submitted to the Contracting Officer or a claim by the Government is presented to the Contractor, the parties, by mutual consent, may agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If the Contractor refuses an offer for ADR, the Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer, in writing, of the Contractor's specific reasons for rejecting the offer.

(h) The Government shall pay interest on the amount found due and unpaid from (1) the date that the Contracting Officer receives the claim (certified, if required); or (2) the date that payment otherwise would be due, if that date is later, until the date of payment.

With regard to claims having defective certifications, as defined in FAR, 48 CFR 33.201, interest shall be paid from the date that the Contracting Officer initially receives the claim. Simple interest on claims shall be paid at the rate, fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in the Act, which is applicable to the period during which the Contracting Officer receives the claim and then at the rate applicable for each 6-month period as fixed by the Treasury Secretary during the pendency of the claim.

(i) The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action arising under the contract, and comply with any decision of the Contracting Officer.

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 11 of 18

Alternate I. As prescribed in 33.215, the contracting officer does substitute the following paragraph (i) for paragraph (i) of the basic clause:(i) The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any request for relief, claim, appeal, or action arising under or relating to the contract, and comply with any decision of the Contracting Officer.

I.7 GAO Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (JUNE 2017)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). "Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM will receive enrolment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank (STLS.IPPHELPDESK@stls.frb.org) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Customer Support Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov. This email address is being protected from spam bots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it, or phone 866-973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer within 10 business days of this communication. The new Payment Office Address for contractors that are unable to comply with IPP is given below:

Payment Mailing Address FMBO, Financial Management Government Accountability Office 441 G Street NW Room 7116E

J.1 Attachment A - Performance Work Statement

Refer to attached Performance Work Statement

K.1 Annual Representations and Certifications (Feb 2024)

Annual Representations and Certifications (Feb 2024)

(a)

(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is__________________ [insert NAICS code].

(2) The small business size standard is _____________ [insert size standard].

(3) The small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519 if the acquisition—

(i) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(iii) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b)

(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 12 of 18

(i) # Paragraph (d) applies.

(ii) # Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)

(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless–

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements- Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that-

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation.

(viii) 52.209-5, CertificationRegarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law.

This provision applies to all solicitations.

(x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance-Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

(xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

(xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA–designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA– designated items.

(xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals-Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.)

(xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates II and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $50,000, the basic provision applies.

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 13 of 18

(B) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $100,000 or more but is less than $102,280, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran- Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

__ (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

__ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

__ (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Certification.

__ (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services- Certification.

__ (vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA– Designated Products (Alternate I only).

__ (vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

__ (A) Basic.

__ (B) Alternate I.

__ (viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM website accessed through https:// www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause # Title Date Change Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of provision)

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 14 of 18

K.2 Other Statements: FAR Part 31 - Contract Cost Principles and Procedures

This contract will be governed by the appropriate procedures found in FAR Part 31.

L.1 QUOTATION PREPARATION – GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

GAO is issuing a competitive solicitation via SAM.gov to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under NAICS Code 813920, Professional Organizations. The Government will conduct this acquisition in accordance with the procedures under FAR 15 – Contracting by Negotiation. Interested parties shall submit their quotation in accordance with the following instructions.

Vendors are required to submit a Technical Quotation, Past Performance Quotation, and a Cost/ Price Quotation to Government officials for the purposes of providing supplies and/or services in accordance with the scope of this requirement and demonstrating the capability to complete all requirements described in the solicitation.

FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Cost No Fee contract type resulting from this solicitation. Only one (1) award will be made as a result of this solicitation. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and award a contract without discussions with vendors. Therefore, vendors shall put forth their best offer to the Government. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this procurement effort will be for one (1) Base Period of 12 (twelve) months, and four 12-month option periods.

SOLICITATION TECHNICAL INQUIRIES AND QUESTIONS

All questions regarding the solicitation, of a contractual nature or technical nature, must be submitted in writing to Cedric Mitchener via e-mail at mitchenerc@gao.gov and no later than May 3, 2024 0by 8:00AM Eastern Time. Any questions submitted after the above- referenced due date and time will not be considered. Questions with the Government’s responses will be posted to SAM.gov. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit those questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective Vendors.

QUOTATION SUBMISSION

Quotations must be submitted via e-mail at mitchenerc@gao.gov on or before the RFQ closing date of May 24, 2024 by 8:00AM Eastern Time. Any quotations submitted after the due date and time will not be considered, and will not be eligible for award.

All quotation submission shall remain valid for 120 days from the RFQ closing date.

FORMATTING

Quotation page size is 8.5 by 11 inches with 1 inch margins. Paragraphs single spaced. Minimum font size/style 10 point Times New Roman font for Text, 9 point font in the Arial family for Tables, and 8 point font in the Arial family for Graphics. Pages with tables and graphics may be in landscape orientation; all other pages must be in portrait orientation.

If the vendor uses a different format (font size, margin, etc.), the government reserves the right to adjust the quotation to fit the parameters of the format as stated in the RFQ, and if this results in the quotation exceeding the page limitations in any one area, the government will not consider those excess pages.

The below table shows the page limits to which vendors’ submissions must adhere. Pages beyond the listed page limits will not be considered.

Volume Section Page Limit 1 Transmittal/Cover Letter:

Executive Summary Section 1: Technical

2 Section 2: Past Performance - Narratives 3 each 3 Section 3: Cost/Price - Narrative / Basis of

Estimate

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 15 of 18

(excluding Cover Page and Cost/Price Template)

TRANSMITTAL AND COVER LETTER

The vendor’s transmittal and cover letter for the quotation must contain the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted concerning any matter related to the solicitation. GAO 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 quotation:

1. Unique Entity ID (SAM);

2. Company Name mailing address, and website address;

3. Date submitted and quotation expiration date;

4. All of the above-cited information for each entity on the proposed team, if a team is proposed;

5. Do you have a Government approved accounting system? If so, please identify the agency that approved the system;

6. Type of Company (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, veteran owned, etc.) under NAICS 813920, Professional

Organizations, as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM). All vendors must register in SAM located at http:// www.sam.gov/;

7. Company Point of Contact, Phone and Email

L.2 FACTOR RANKING - RELATIVE IMPORTANCE

Each vendor’s Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Cost/Price quotations will be evaluated in descending order of importance as listed below. Factors 1 and 2, non-cost/price factors, are significantly more important than cost/price. Quotations will be reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the evaluation factors identified below:

• Factor 1 – Technical

• Factor 2 – Past Performance

• Factor 3 – Cost / Price

L.3 FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Executive Summary The vendor should provide an executive summary for its technical (Factor 1) approach quotation. In the executive summary, the vendor should highlight the significant aspects of its technical approach.

In the event that the vendor is planning to propose a teaming, mentor/protégée, or a subcontracting relationship, narrative statements must also be included for the additional organizations, as well as a clear delineation of CLINs that they will be expected to support.

The executive summary for the technical approach should be no more than 1 page long.

(b) Technical The Vendor must clearly demonstrate an understanding of and a creative, thorough approach to meeting and executing the technical requirements and objectives of the PWS and Representative Task Orders. The Representative Task Orders is considered “illustrative” of the type of work that may be required under this awarded IDIQ.

Specifically, the Vendor shall:

1. Provide its technical approach and demonstrate its ability to meet the ongoing administrative support requirement in accordance with PWS Section 2 and Representative Task Order #1, entitled “Ongoing Administrative (Oversight) Support”;

2. Provide its technical approach and demonstrate its ability to meet the support services for planning and convening TIAC meetings requirement in accordance with PWS Section 2 and Representative Task Order #2, entitled “Planning and Convening TIAC Meetings”;

3. Provide its technical approach and demonstrate its ability to meet the Technical Assistance Support requirement in accordance with PWS Section 3 and Representative Task Order #3, entitled “Technical Assistance Support”;

4. Provide technical approach to perform the work that the vendor believes will achieve the identified objectives indicated under PWS Section 4, entitled “Technical Requirements Needed to Accomplish Work”

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 16 of 18

5. Demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of its allocation of personnel and resources in meeting the tasks and deliverables as outlined in the PWS.

L.4 FACTOR 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

The vendor shall provide information (Narratives), with each Narrative no more than 3 pages long, on a maximum of three (3) relevant contracts or orders that the Vendor performed recently (in- progress or completed within the last five years). Relevance will be determined by a comparison of the scope, size and complexity with the requirements set forth in this RFQ. Vendors may submit information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have performed under relevant contracts, and Subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement. Furthermore, as noted below, Vendors must also ensure that the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) submitted are for the same contracts cited by the Vendor as references in this section. As a supplement to a submitted PPQ, the Government may, but is not required to, obtain information from the Vendor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) as well as other Government reports, and the Government’s own knowledge. However, a contract cited in past performance Narratives for which both the Narrative information in this section and a Past Performance Questionnaire are not submitted will not be evaluated for past performance and will receive a Neutral rating.

For each Narrative, provide (Refer to RFQ Exhibit 1 – Past Performance Template for completion):

• Description of the work performed, to include: project title, description of the project, contract number, contract amount, government agency/organization, COR’s name, address, and phone number, contracting officer’s name, address, and phone number, contract and, if applicable, task order number, current status, e.g., completed and/or if in progress, start and estimated completion dates, dollar value and type of contract, name of company being referenced;

• An explanation demonstrating the relevance of the contract to the requirements of this solicitation in terms of the services performed and are also being proposed for this , and a brief narrative of why the vendor deems the reference to be relevant to this effort;

• The role performed in the referenced contract or order, including the percentage of work, whether the vendor acted as a Prime Vendor or a Subcontractor, and fully describing in detail the scope of the past project of Prime and Subcontractor roles. If the vendor acted as a Prime Vendor, include which requirements were subcontracted for;

• Current contact information for the vendor’s customer with knowledge of the vendor’s work; and

• If applicable, the vendor may also provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the vendor’s corrective actions.

Past Performance Questionnaire

The Vendor is also responsible for the distribution, submission, and tracking of the Past Performance Questionnaire (RFQ Exhibit 2). Past Performance Questionnaires are required to be completed by the entities with which the Vendor has contracted in the past, and submitted by those entities directly to GAO, as noted below. As noted above, a completed Past Performance Questionnaire is requested for each contract/order the Vendor references in the section above as a Narrative, and only Past Performance Questionnaires for these contracts/orders will be considered by GAO. Past Performance Questionnaires for contracts not referenced by the Vendor in the section above as a Narrative will not be considered.

Completed Past Performance Questionnaires shall be submitted directly by the reference not later than the due date for the quotation to the Contracting Officer, Cedric Mitchener At mitchenerc@gao.gov. Once the Past Performance Questionnaires are completed and submitted by your points of contact, the information contained therein shall be considered sensitive and shall not be released.

L.5 FACTOR 3 – COST/PRICE QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Vendor’s Cost/Price Quotation shall be a separate volume from the Technical quotation or Past Performance quotation. The Cost/Price Narrative is limited 15 pages, excluding the single page cover. Vendors shall provide their cost/price scenario for each Representative Task Order per contract period. For example, each Representative Task Order will have five (5) cost /prices to reflect the base period and four (4) option periods. The Government will use the Vendor’s cost/price scenario for each Representative Task Order per contract period to establish the IDIQ cost/price schedule (i.e., rates). The IDIQ price ceiling will assume one Ongoing Administrative (Oversight Support) Representative Task Orders for each contract period, up to four Planning and Convening TIAC Meeting Representative Task Orders for each contract period, and three Technical Assistance Support Representative Task Orders for each contract period, and therefore, the total cost/price proposed for this assumption will set forth the ceiling amount for the awarded IDIQ contract and total cost/price proposed for this effort. Accordingly, the Vendor shall complete the Cost/Price Template (RFQ Exhibit 3 – Cost/Price Template).

Cost/Price Quotations shall include all anticipated costs to fully perform all objectives per representative task order as stated in the solicitation.

Document Number: 05GA0A24Q0024 Page 17 of 18

The Vendor must identify the labor category(ies) to be utilized for this effort, a description of the skills and experience per category, fixed hourly rate(s) proposed, meeting costs, escalation rates per year, and any other proposed associated costs applied for total cost/ price proposed for this effort.

M.1 SOURCE SELECTION AND…