Freetown_LE_Med_Insurance_-_SL200-13-R-0001_(08-06-13).doc

August 06, 2013

Dear Prospective Offeror:

SUBJECT: Solicitation Number SL200-13-R-0001 Locally Engaged Staff Medical Insurance

The Embassy of the United States of America invites you to submit a proposal for customized Locally Engaged Staff medical insurance at the US Embassy Freetown.

The Embassy intends to conduct a pre-proposal conference, and all prospective offerors who have received a solicitation package are invited to attend. See Section L of the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

Your proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Proposal Enclosed.” Offers should be addressed to GSO, Theresa Sondjo, US Embassy, South Ridge, Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone. All proposals must be received or postmarked on or before 10:00 on September 6, 2013. No proposal will be accepted after this time.

In order for a proposal to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

1.

SF-33

2.

Section B, Pricing Schedule

3.

Section B, Retention Amounts in B.3 and B.7

3.

Section K, Representations and Certifications;

4.

Additional information as required in Section L.

Direct any questions regarding this solicitation to Mani Kaifineh, Procurement Agent by letter or by telephone 076-515-000 during regular business hours. Questions may be emailed to KaifinehMRA@state.gov.

Please note: proposals that contain more benefits (even if there is no increase in cost) or fewer benefits than those stated in the solicitation may be deemed technically unacceptable.

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

Sincerely, Theresa A. Sondjo Contracting Officer

SECTION B

PART I PRICE - HEALTH INSURANCE

B.1.

HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide the Health Insurance services to employees of the Government of the United States of America in Sierra Leone as described in Section C and the Exhibits in Section J. The groups of employees who shall be provided this insurance are listed in C.1.3 (medical). This insurance shall be provided in accordance with Section C and the Exhibits in Section J.

B.1.1.

Official Residence Expense (ORE) Staff are included under this contract only as a rider; the Contractor shall bill the Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission (for ORE Staff) separately at the rates specified below. See Section G for billing procedures.

B.2.

PRICES

This is a fixed price with economic price adjustment requirements type contract under which will be issued firm, fixed-price task orders. The fixed prices/premium rates for the health insurance services as specified in Section C are as follows:

The prices are stated in ________ currency (offeror to fill in currency).

B.2.1.

BASE YEAR OF CONTRACT:

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Employee:

Family Plan

SUBTOTAL

Total Price for Base Year (Subtotal x 26): _______

B.2.2.

FIRST OPTION YEAR OF THE CONTRACT:

Single Employees (Self only)

Family Plan

SUBTOTAL

Total Price for Option Year 1 (Subtotal x 26): _______

B.2.3.

SECOND OPTION YEAR OF THE CONTRACT:

Single Employees (Self only)

Family Plan

SUBTOTAL

Total Price for Option Year 2 (Subtotal x 26): _______

B.2.4.

THIRD OPTION YEAR OF THE CONTRACT:

Single Employees (Self only)

Family Plan

SUBTOTAL

Total Price for Option Year 3 (Subtotal x 26): _______

B.2.5.

FOURTH OPTION YEAR OF THE CONTRACT:

Single Employees (Self only)

Family Plan

SUBTOTAL

Total Price for Option Year 4 (Subtotal x 26): _______________

GRAND TOTAL BASE PERIOD PLUS OPTION YEARS: __________________

B.3

ADMINISTRATIVE RETENTION AMOUNTS

B.3.1 If the Contractor requests a price adjustment under B.4 below, the Contractor must present cost experience data that includes the retention amount. For purposes of any economic price adjustment, this retention amount is a fixed amount that is a part of the premium amounts in B.2. This retention amount will not be adjusted for any reason.

The retention amount is part of the premium and may include, but not be limited to, such costs as overhead and general and administrative costs. It will also include any profit. Essentially, it includes all costs except the actual portion of the premium intended to fund claims paid to the health care provider/claimant. B.3.2 sets forth the retention amounts per premium paid for each category of premium and for each period of performance.

NOTE TO OFFEROR - Fill in the fixed bi-weekly retention amounts for each period of performance and for each category of premium. This fixed amount must be expressed in the currency in which the premium amount is proposed. The fixed retention amount shall NOT be expressed in terms of a percentage of the premium.

B.3.2.1 Bi-weekly Retention Amounts per separate premium paid per single employee and per family plan.

Base Period

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4

B.4.

ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT-HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS

B.4.1.

Premium Adjustment based on Experience - For health insurance, prices may be adjusted upward or downward based on the experience rating of the Mission(s) covered by this contract. No adjustment will be allowed during the first twelve months. After such time, the contractor or the Government may request an adjustment in premiums on an annual basis. Before any such adjustment is made, the contractor agrees to provide the Government a balance sheet showing two main components for the time period: (1) receipts (premiums received) minus the retention amount and (2) claims paid. The retention amount is not subject to adjustment. The Government reserves the right to have an independent third party review the balance sheet and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the requested adjustment. Any adjustment shall be subject to mutual agreement of the parties and shall result in a written modification to the contract. Any failure to reach agreement under this clause shall be subject to the procedures in the Disputes clause.

B.4.2.

Premium Adjustment Based on Laws - The rates may also be adjusted during the performance period of the contract as a result of laws enacted by the host Government, if such change in the laws has a direct impact on the cost to the contractor to perform this contract at the contracted rate. In that event, the Contracting Officer may enter into negotiations with the Contractor to modify the contract to adjust the premium rate. The contractor agrees to provide all documentation necessary to support any requested adjustment.

B.4.2.1 Employee Pool – This clause is only in effect if the contractor included details in its offer regarding a pooling arrangement, of which this contract is a part.

Before any adjustment is made under this price adjustment clause, the Contractor must include in its proposal for adjustment, details setting forth how the pool impacts the request for equitable adjustment.

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1.

HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Government of the United States of America requires Health Insurance coverage for its employees as further described herein in Sierra Leone. The Government has determined that the prevailing practice by employers in Sierra Leone is to provide for their employees health insurance protection and that the cost of such insurance protection is usually borne the employer. Health insurance protection will be representative of locally prevailing compensation practice as further described herein. The specific health benefit coverage under this contract is set forth in Section C and the Exhibits in Section J.

The Contractor shall insure that health care under this contract does not exclude HIV/AIDS care.

C.1.1 Employee and Dependent Health Services Benefits

C.1.1.1.

Hospitalization: 100% reimbursement of room and board for a ward room or semi-private room. 80% reimbursement of room and board for a private room, not to exceed 100% of the cost of a semi-private room. 100% reimbursement of hospital medical expenses including laboratory tests and x-rays, nursing care, operating room costs, intensive care, prescription medicines, and physical therapy. 100% reimbursement of ambulance service.

C.1.1.2

Professional services and treatment: 80% reimbursement of doctors’ and surgeons’ fees incurred while hospitalized, at a hospital on an out-patient basis, at a clinic or doctor’s office, or at home. 80% reimbursement for medical services and expenses when not hospitalized such as laboratory tests and x-rays, prescription medicines, physical therapy, routine annual physical examination, and inoculations.

C.1.1.3.

Prescription drugs and medicines: 100% reimbursement when hospitalized, and 80% reimbursement when not hospitalized, of the cost of medicines and drugs for which a prescription is legally required. Expenses incurred for medicines, vitamins, cold remedies, etc., that are available over the counter without a prescription will not be reimbursed even if prescribed by a physician.

C.1.1.4

For employees only: 100% reimbursement for medications to suppress opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis for employees who have HIV/AIDS. For employee and employee's covered spouse/partner: 100% reimbursement for brief courses of anti-retroviral drugs during childbirth to prevent the transmission of HIV to the employee’s child. This expanded coverage generally excludes medications for the long-term suppression of aids through the combination of anti-retroviral drugs at those posts with inadequate local healthcare infrastructures.

The maximum limit for expenses reimbursed under section C.1.1.4 is $10,000.00 per patient per contract year.

C.1.1.5

Obstetrical care: 100% reimbursement when hospitalized, and 80% reimbursement when not hospitalized, of obstetrical medical care including prenatal and postnatal care.

C.1.1.6

Family planning: 80% reimbursement of prescribed contraceptive devices and drugs, voluntary sterilization, and diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Not covered is reversal of voluntary sterilization, infertility treatment after voluntary sterilization, genetic counseling, fertility drugs, and assisted reproductive technology.

C.1.1.7

Hearing aids: 80% reimbursement of the cost of a hearing aid apparatus and related examination. Limited to one apparatus per ear per patient in a three-year period.

C.1.1.8

Optical care: 50% reimbursement for eye examination and treatment and prescription eyeglass or contact lenses. Limited to two lenses per patient every two years. No reimbursement for eyeglass frames, nonprescription lenses, or tinting.

C.1.1.9

Dental care: 50% of expenses for dental services including dentists’ fees, x-rays, examination and treatment, cleaning, fillings, extractions, false teeth, crowns, and bridges. Orthodontia treatment is covered only if treatment begins before age 15, unless required as the result of an accident. A maximum of four years of orthodontia treatment will be covered per patient.

C.1.1.10 Psychiatric treatment: 50% reimbursement.

C.1.1.11 Medical expenses incurred out of country: Medical expenses incurred out of country will be covered only for an employee when on official travel and when the treatment is medically necessary before the employee returns to post. Reimbursement will be made at the same percentage rate and subject to the same annual maximum limit as for expenses incurred in country.

C.1.1.12 Transportation for Out of Country Treatment: Transportation for out of country treatment is not a covered expense.

C.1.1.13 Annual Maximum Limit: The maximum annual reimbursement, not including expenses covered under c.1.1.4, is $3,500 per patient per contract year.

C.1.2 Health Benefits Conditions and Limitations

There is no reimbursement for elective cosmetic surgery; spa cures; rejuvenation cures; massage; exercise therapy; long term rehabilitative therapy; eyeglass frames; non-medical hospital charges such as telephones or television; home help, family help, or similar household assistance; fees of persons who are not licensed physicians or nurses; or services or supplies which have not been prescribed or approved by a physician or nurse.

There is no reimbursement for expenses that will be reimbursed or paid directly under a host country medical program or workers' compensation program; the U.S. workers’ compensation program; or post’s LES workers’ compensation program.

There is no reimbursement for expenses related to an illness or injury that is a result of an unlawful action on the part of the patient; the practice of a dangerous sport; excessive or illegal use of alcohol or drugs; a self-inflicted wound; or service in the armed forces of any country.

There is no reimbursement for round trip transportation expenses to travel out of country for medical treatment.

C.1.3 Eligible Participants

C.1.3.1 Eligible Employees - The employees eligible for the health insurance services include the following:

C.1.3.1.1 All current active employees of the United States Government, employed within the geographic boundaries of Sierra Leone paid under the Local Compensation Plan, and certified by the Contracting Officer. Covered employees include

C.1.3.1.2.

Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) employed under direct hire appointments, Personal Services Agreements (PSAs) and Personal Services Contracts (PSCs);

C.1.3.1.3.

Locally hired U.S. citizens employed under direct hire appointments, PSAs, and PSCs.

C.1.3.2 Location of Employment

The individuals covered by C.1.3.1 must be employed within the geographic boundaries of Sierra Leone by: Department of State, Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development, Peace Corps, Millenium Challenge Corporation.

C.1.3.3 Participants Covered Under a Rider

C.1.3.3.1 All current active employees of the Chief of Mission and the Deputy Chief of Mission assigned to their respective official Government residences and paid under an ORE account (see separate rider, Exhibit B). All costs for ORE employees are the responsibility of the employing officer, not the U.S. Government.

C.1.4

Individuals Not Eligible for Coverage

Individuals not eligible for coverage under this contract are non-personal services contract personnel; Peace Corps Personal Services Contractors as required by MS-743; employees working on a temporary basis; employees with an intermittent, seasonal, or WAE (when actually employed) schedule; and any other individual not falling within one of the categories of employees described in this clause.

C.1.5

Other Eligible Participants

Covered dependents include the participating employee’s spouse and children. A limit of one spouse per employee is covered. An eligible child is defined as the employee’s natural child, adopted child, stepchild, or foster child. The child must be unmarried, economically dependent upon the employee, and reside with the employee unless away at school. An eligible child will be covered until the end of the contract year in which he/she reaches age 18, or age 22 if a full time student. There is no age limit for a child who is physically or mentally handicapped so as to be unable to live independently. There is no limit on the number of children covered per employee.

C.1.6.

Eligibility

C.1.6.1.

Term of Eligibility and Effective Date

Each current active eligible employee is enrolled for health benefits under this contract upon award and thereafter during the performance period of this contract. Each new eligible employee will be enrolled upon entering on duty with the United States Government. An employee is considered active ("on the rolls") whenever such employee is on approved leave, whether paid or unpaid.

During a period of Leave Without Pay or unpaid leave that is one pay period or less, coverage under the insurance contract will continue. The USG will pay the total premium cost to the contractor. The employee’s share of the premium will be collected through payroll deduction in that or the subsequent pay period.

C.1.6.2.

Period of Ineligibility.

Employees and their dependents are not entitled to health benefits during any period of employment for which premiums are not paid.

Additionally, employee's dependents are not entitled to health benefits during any period of employment during which the employee was not eligible to participate.

During a period of extended (beyond one pay period) of Leave Without Pay or unpaid leave, the employee is responsible for the full cost of the insurance premiums for self and dependents. The Mission will pay the premiums directly to the contractor, and will collect the full cost from the employee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the employee may elect to have coverage cease if that employee prefers not to pay the premium.

C.1.7.

BROCHURE REQUIREMENT.

C.1.7.1.

The contractor shall provide a document (brochure/pamphlet/other written document) in English that sets forth a complete listing of the health insurance benefits to be provided under this contract. This brochure shall be provided in sufficient quantities so that each covered employee receives a copy. The contractor shall furnish all copies of the brochures to the COR, who will ensure that appropriate distribution is made.

C.1.7.2.

The contractor shall provide the document described in C.1.7.1 to the COR not later than fifteen (15) days after date of contract award. The Contractor shall provide additional brochures for new employees within ten (10) days of the COR’s request.

C.1.7.3.

The contractor assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the document described in C.1.7.1 accurately reflects the requirements of the contract, as implemented by the contractor’s technical proposal. In all cases, the contract shall take precedence. Should the COR discover that the brochure contains inaccuracies, the contractor will be notified in writing; however, failure on the part of the Government to notice any inaccuracies shall in no way limit, revise or otherwise affect the requirement under this contract for the contractor to fully comply with all contract terms.

Paragraph C.2 is Reserved.

C.3.0

DEFINITIONS

FMO

The Financial Management Officer or the paying office for all U.S. Government

Agencies except AID.

COR

Contracting Officer's Representative (Human Resources Officer at post).

Contributory Insurance for which the employee contributes toward the premium.

Dependent An employee’s spouse and dependent children up to age 20, living with the employee, not working, and noth under any other medical coverage may be covered under this policy. Includes wife, husband, the employee’s natural child, adopted child, stepchild, or foster child. The child must be unmarried, economically dependent upon the employee, and reside with the employee unless away at school. An eligible child will be covered until the end of the contract year (insurance) or calendar year (direct reimbursement plan) in which he or she reaches age 18, or age 22 if a full time student. There is no age limit for a child who is physically or metally handicapped.

Disability, Total and Permanent A physical or mental impairment which precludes the individual from performing ordinary motor or bodily functions and which requires separation from employment. If the impairment is the result of a previous impairment, it shall be considered a continuation of the prior impairment.

Employee An individual employed by the U.S. Government, under a direct-hire appointment, personal services contract, or personal services agreement, as further defined in Section C.1.3 for health insurance. This may also include ORE Staff if this category of individual is listed as participating under a rider in C.1.3.3 for health insurance.

Employer The United States Government or in the case of ORE employees, the Chief of Mission/Deputy Chief of Mission.

GSO

General Services Officer in charge of the General Services Office at post. This officer is usually the Contracting Officer for this contract.

Hospital An institution established and operated for the care and treatment of sick and injured persons. It provides 24-hour nursing care and has diagnostic, laboratory, treatment, and surgical facilities. Any institution which does not meet this definition is not considered a hospital.

Hospital Patient An individual who has been admitted to a hospital, is assigned a bed, and is given diagnostic tests or receives treatment for a disease or an injury.

Maximum Benefit The total amount that will be paid to any one covered individual for covered medical expenses or life insurance/disability benefit.

Customary and Reasonable Treatment A diagnostic test or medical treatment which is usually performed in the community where the individual is being treated.

Physician An individual who has graduated from an accredited medical school and is licensed to practice medicine in the jurisdiction in which the contract is to be performed. If the individual is a medical specialist, then he or she is Board

Certified in that specialty.

Surgical procedure Any invasive medical procedure by manual or instrument operation undertaken for diagnosis or treatment of a diseased patient.

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

(RESERVED)

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1.

52.252‑2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

http://acqusition.gov/far/index.html or, http://farsite.hill.af.mil/search.htm

These addresses are subject to change. If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the locations indicated above, use the Dept. of State Acquisition Website at http://www.statebuy.state.gov to see the links to the FAR. You may also use a network “search engine” (e.g., Yahoo, Excite, Alta Vista, etc.) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CH. 1)

52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed Price (AUG 1996)

E.2.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor contractor performance, advise the contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Services.

Performs all the insurance services set forth in the performance work statement (PWS)

C.1.0 thru C.3.0

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month

E.2.1 Surveillance. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

E.2.2 Standard. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996) or the appropriate Inspection of Services clause), if any of the services exceed the standard.

E.2.3 Procedures

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed, they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complaint.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1.

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

These addresses are subject to change. If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the locations indicated above, use the Dept. of State Acquisition Website at http://www.statebuy.state.gov to see the links to the FAR. You may also use a network “search engine” (e.g., Yahoo, Excite, Alta Vista, etc.) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

52.242-17 Government Delay of Work (APR 1984)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The performance period of this contract is one year beginning no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after issuance of the Notice to Proceed with four one-year options to renew.

F.3

OPTIONS

The Government may extend this contract in accordance with the option clause at Section I, clause I.2, FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text (FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract), which also specifies the total potential duration of the contract.

The Government may exercise the option set forth at Section I, "FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services".

F.4

REPORTS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

All reports and other deliverables required under this contract shall be delivered to the following address:

COR/Human Resources Specialist U.S. Embassy Leicester Freetown

SECTION G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1.

652.242-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (AUG 1999)

The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one Government employee, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this contract. This designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Such designation shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided, that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation.

The COR for this contract is the Human Resources Specialist.

G.2

COR DUTIES

G.2.1 The COR is responsible for inspection and acceptance of services. These duties include review of Contractor invoices, including the supporting documentation required by the contract. The COR may provide technical advice, substantive guidance, inspections, invoice approval, and other purposes as deemed necessary under the contract.

G.2.2 In addition, the COR shall maintain updated list of employees and dependents insured, which will supersede the initial list provided under this contract and as reported to the insurer, without prejudice to the ineligibility clause.

G.2.3.

The COR has the additional responsibility of maintaining the eligible listing of employees and dependents for insurance coverage.

G.2.4 The COR may not change the terms and conditions of the contract. While the COR is authorized to provide the Contractor with updated listings of eligible employees and dependents, only the Contracting Officer may modify existing task orders or issue new task orders, reflecting these changes, since only the Contracting Officer can obligate funding and commit the Government.

G.3.

Payment shall be made in the currency identified in B.2.”

G.4

SUBMISSION OF INVOICES AND PAYMENT

G.4.1.

Invoices for U.S. Government employees shall be submitted in an original and three (3) copies to the following address (designated billing office only for the purpose of submitting invoices):

Financial Management Officer U.S. Embassy Leicester Freetown, Sierra Leone

G.4.2. Frequency of Payments. All funds under this contract will be obligated by issuance of task orders, as described in H.3. Each task order will fund a specific period of time and number of employees, and the task orders will be issued at the frequency described in H.3. Contractor may submit invoices monthly for payment to be made at the beginning of the month for which insurance coverage is provided in accordance with FAR 32.404.

G.4.3. U.S. Government Employees. The Government shall make payments directly to the contractor for all Government employees, whether or not the employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.4.4 ORE Staff. The Chief of Mission and/or Deputy Chief of Mission will make payment directly to the contractor for the entire premium amount of the ORE staff, whether or not the ORE employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.5

REFUNDS TO THE GOVERNMENT

If at any time during performance of the contract the Government finds that the contractor has been overpaid because the number of employees and/or dependents covered has decreased, the Contracting Officer may either allow that overpayment to be credited to the Government’s account or require that the contractor refund the overpayment. If the Contracting Officer requests a refund, the contractor shall make that refund to the Government within ten calendar days of receipt of the request.

G.6 The contractor shall show Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a separate item on invoices submitted for payment.

SECTION H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 SECURITY. On occasion, a Contractor employee may require entry into U.S. Government-owned or -operated facilities. If so, the Contractor should be prepared to provide the necessary identification to permit escorted access within that facility.

H.2 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. The Contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, cleanliness, appearance, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to employees as may be necessary. Each Contractor employee is to adhere to standards that reflect credit on themselves, their employer, and the United States Government.

H.3 ORDERING PROCEDURES. The Government will issue a task order as soon as possible after contract award to identify all employees to be covered by the insurance described in this contract and the coverage selected by each employee, including dependents to be covered. The COR will make subsequent additions or deletions to this list in writing and provide the revised list to the Contractor. All such revisions shall be consolidated, and a new or modified task order will be issued by the Contracting Officer. If any changes have been made to the coverage listing, the Government anticipates issuance of a new task order on a [ X ] monthly, [ ] quarterly basis. This new task order will include all changes made since the previous task order was issued and will include any increase or decrease in necessary funding. The changes to the list of eligible individuals will supersede the initial list provided under prior task orders without prejudice to the ineligibility clause. Task orders will indicate the effective date of employment, for purposes of calculating the premium due.

H.3.1. The ORE staff under separate riders are not included under the task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Because their coverage is under a rider, their employer is responsible for directly interacting with the contractor to order any coverage for their employees. When contacted by the employer, the contractor shall advise the employer of the paperwork and payment that will be necessary to order coverage for the identified individuals. Because more than one employer may have ORE staff, the contractor may be contacted by more than one employer (typically the Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission).

H.4.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY IN CLAIMS AND REIMBURSEMENT TO CLAIMANTS

General.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all planning, estimating, programming, project management, scheduling, dispatching, supervision, and inspection of work. The Contractor shall maintain his own reference library of technical reference works and local laws and regulations, including current tariffs and registries. The Contractor shall treat the information provided by the Embassy concerning employee' personal data, medical information, and salaries as highly sensitive and not divulge any employee information to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall establish procedures for handling medical insurance claims as follows:

Administrative Records.

(1) The Contractor shall maintain medical insurance files for each covered employee and each covered dependent including receipts and proof of paid claims, requests for claim reimbursements, and accounting of paid benefits with balances of amounts remaining in the annual per person reimbursement ceiling.

(2) The Contractor shall provide the COR with the necessary claim forms for each type of benefit that can be claimed under the contract. These forms shall specify a list of documents required to be appended to each claim and otherwise provide instructions for claim filing.

(3) The Contractor shall use the English spelling of the employees' names in all transactions, including reimbursement checks.

(4) The Contractor shall send employee claim reimbursement checks to employees not later than two weeks after a claim is submitted.

Medical Insurance Claims. Settlement of medical insurance shall be completed as follows:

All medical claims shall be submitted directly to the Contractor by employees, through a drop box in the COR's office. The claims shall be picked up from the COR each Tuesday.

The Contractor shall date stamp and screen all claims submitted on the day of receipt. If there are any missing documents or information thereby disallowing said claim to be payable, the Contractor shall notify the employee within two days, with a copy to the COR (if notification is written).

The contractor shall settle the claims no later than two weeks from the date the claim is submitted to the Contractor.

Settlement shall be by issuance of checks in the name of the employee for each claim submitted. Each check shall be accompanied by a form providing details of the amount reimbursed with an explanation of deductions, if any.

(5) The Contractor shall accept the employee's or dependent's choice to go for surgery to hospitals designated by the Contractor in order that the Contractor will pay the expenses directly to the hospitals.

H.5.

REPORT REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide the following reports monthly. All reports must be received by the COR no later than the 10th day of each month. These reports shall report on the previous month's activities.

Employee Claims Report. The report will list all claims paid by the Contractor to a claimant, including the name of the claimant, date claim is received by the Contractor, and the amount claimed. This report shall also include all outstanding claims and a brief description of why claim has not been paid.

H.6.

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

H.6.1.

General. The Contractor shall take all such steps as are necessary, and obtain and pay for all permits, taxes and fees as are required by Sierra Leone government to establish and/or operate a commercial venture locally. A contract with the U.S. Government conveys no special privileges or immunities to the Contractor. The Contractor is an independent commercial concern and not a part of the U.S. mission. The Contractor's employees are not U.S. Government employees. Registration of this contract with the Sierra Leone government, if required by law, will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor, and any fees, taxes, or other duties shall be payable by the Contractor without recourse to the Government of the amounts thereof.

H.6.2.

Licenses and Local Laws. The Contractor shall possess all permits, licenses, and any other appointments required for the prosecution of work under this contract, all at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall perform this contract in accordance with local laws.

H.7 Erroneous Payments.

If the Government becomes eligible for a refund of payment because of erroneous overpayment or other cause, the Contractor shall refund the amounts or use them to offset future payments owed by the Government, whichever the Government prefers. The Contractor shall refund any refunds not complete or discovered after the completion date of this contract.

H.8 Requiring Activity. The requiring activity under this contract is the U.S. Embassy.

RECRUITMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR PERFORMANCE ON DEPARTMENT OF STATE CONTRACTS (February 28, 2012)

1. On contracts exceeding $150,000 where performance will require the recruitment of non-professional third country nationals, the offeror is required to submit a Recruitment Plan as part of the proposal. Contractors providing employer furnished housing are required to submit a Housing Plan.

2. Recruitment Plan

a. State the anticipated number of workers to be recruited, the skills they are expected to have, and the country or countries from which the contractor intends to recruit them.

b. Explain how the contractor intends to attract candidates and the recruitment strategy including the recruiter.

c. Provide sample recruitment agreement in English.

d. State in the offer that the recruited employee will not be charged recruitment or any similar fees. The contractor or employer pays the recruitment fees for the worker if recruited by the contractor or subcontractor to work specifically on Department of State jobs.

e. State in the offer that the contractor’s recruitment practices comply with recruiting nation and host country labor laws.

f. State in the offer that the contractor has read and understands the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons.

g. Contractor and subcontractors shall only use bona fide licensed recruitment companies. Recruitment companies shall only use bona fide employees and not independent agents.

h. Contractor will advise the Contracting Officer of any changes to the Recruitment Plan during performance.

3. The offeror will submit a Housing Plan if the contractor intends to provide employer furnished housing for TCNs. The Housing Plan must describe the location and description of the proposed housing. Contractors must state in their offer that housing meets host country housing and safety standards and local codes or explain any variance. Contractor shall comply with any Temporary Labor Camp standards contained in this contract. In contracts without a Temporary Labor Camp standard, fifty square feet is the minimum amount of space per person without a Contracting Officer waiver. Contractor shall submit proposed changes to their Housing Plan to the Contracting Officer for approval.

4. Department of State contractor and subcontractors will treat employees with respect and dignity by taking the following actions:

a. Contractor may not hold employee passports and other identification documents longer than 48 hours without employee concurrence. Contractors and subcontractors are reminded of the prohibition contained in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1592, against knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported passport or other immigration document to prevent or restrict the person’s liberty to move or travel in order to maintain the services of that person, when the person is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.

b. Contractor shall provide employees with signed copies of the/their employment contracts, in English and the employee’s native language, that define the terms of employment, compensation, job description, and benefits. Contracts must be provided prior to employee departure from their countries of origin.

c. Contractor shall provide all employees with a “Know Your Rights” brochure and document that employees have been briefed on the contents of the brochure. The English language version is available at http://www.state.gov/g/tip or from the Contracting Officer.

d. Contractor shall brief employees on the requirements of the FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons including the requirements against commercial sex even in countries where it is legal and shall provide a copy of the briefing to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

e. Contractor shall display posters in worker housing advising employees in English and the dominant language of the Third Country Nationals being housed of the requirement to report violations of Trafficking in Persons to the company and the company’s obligation to report to the Contracting Officer. The poster shall also indicate that reports can also be submitted to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Hotline at 202-647-3320 or 1-800-409-9926 or via email at OIGHOTLINE@STATE.GOV. 3

f. Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with sending and receiving nation laws regarding transit, entry, exit, visas, and work permits. Contractors are responsible for repatriation of workers imported for contract performance.

g.Contractor will monitor subcontractor compliance at all tiers. This includes verification that subcontractors are aware of, and understand, the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons and this clause. Contractors specifically agree to allow U.S. Government personnel access to contractor and subcontractor personnel, records, and housing for audit of compliance with these requirements.

h. The contractor agrees to include this clause in all subcontracts over $150,000 involving recruitment of third country national for subcontractor performance.

SECTION I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1.

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

These addresses are subject to change. If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the locations indicated above, use the Dept. of State Acquisition Website at http://www.statebuy.gov/home.htm to see the links to the FAR. You may also use a network “search engine” (e.g., Yahoo, Excite, Alta Vista, etc.) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

52.202-1

DEFINITIONS (JAN 2012)

52.203-3

GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

52.203-5

COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (APR 1984)

52.203-6

RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE

GOVERNMENT (SEP 2006)

52.203-7

ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (OCT 2010)

52.203-8

CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS

FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (JAN 1997)

52.203-10

PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER

ACTIVITY (JAN 1997)

52.203-12

LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN

FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (OCT 2010)

52.204-4

PRINTING/COPYING DOUBLE-SIDED ON RECYCLED PAPER

(MAY 2011 )

52.204-7

CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (DEC 2012)

52.204-10

REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (AUG 2012 )

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTOR’S DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (DEC 2010)

52.215-2

AUDIT AND RECORDS - NEGOTIATION (OCT 2010)

52.215-8

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT

(OCT 1997)

52.215-11

PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR

PRICING DATA – MODIFICATIONS (AUG 2011)

52.215-13

SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA -

MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

52.215-21

REQUIREMENTS FOR COST OR PRICING DATA OR

INFORMATION OTHER THAN COST OR PRICING DATA--

MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

52.222-19

CHILD LABOR – COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES (MAR 2012 )

52.222-50

COMBATTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009)

52.223-18

CONTRACTOR POLICY TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE

DRIVING (AUG 2011)

52.224-1

PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION (APR 1984)

52.224-2

PRIVACY ACT (APR 1984)

52.225-13

RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES

(JUN 2008)

52.225-14

INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ENGLISH VERSION AND

TRANSLATION OF CONTRACT (FEB 2000)

52.228-4

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND WAR-HAZARD INSURANCE

OVERSEAS (APR 1984)

52.228-5

INSURANCE-WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION

(JAN 1997)

52.229-6

TAXES - FOREIGN FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS (JUN 2003)

52.232-1

PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

52.232-8

DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (FEB 2002)

52.232-11

EXTRAS (APR 1984)

52.232-17

INTEREST (OCT 2010)

52.232-18

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

52.232-24

PROHIBITION OF ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 1986)

52.232-25

PROMPT PAYMENT (OCT 2008)

52.232-33

PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER – CENTRAL

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (OCT 2003)

52.233-1

DISPUTES (JUL 2002) ALTERNATE I (DEC 1991)

52.233-3

PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

52.233-4

APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT

CLAIM (OCT 2004)

52.237-2

PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT,

AND VEGETATION (APR 1984)

52.242-13

BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

52.243-1

CHANGES (AUG 1987) - ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

52.246-25

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY - SERVICES (FEB 1997)

52.248-1

VALUE ENGINEERING (OCT 2010)

52.249-2

TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT

(FIXED PRICE) (APRIL 2012 )

52.249-8

DEFAULT - FIXED PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE (APR

1984)

I.2. FAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED IN FULL TEXT

52.232-99, Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors (DEVIATION) (AUG 2012)

This clause implements the temporary policy provided by OMB Policy Memorandum

M- 12-16, Providing Prompt Payment to Small Business Subcontractors, dated July 11, 2012.

(a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the contractor is required to make accelerated payments to small business subcontractors to the maximum extent practicable after receipt of a proper invoice and all proper documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(b) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts with small business concerns.

(c) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act.

52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from the first day of the ongoing performance period through the last day of that performance period. See F.2.

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

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.

52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS. (OCT 1995)

Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than one (1) policy, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor--

Any order for a single item in excess of 210 policies

Any order for a combination of items in excess of 225 policies; or

A series of orders from the same ordering office within 30 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (1) or (2) above.

If this is a requirements contract (such as, includes the Requirement clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) above.

Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) above, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within five (5) days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS (OCT 1995)

This is a requirements contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies or services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Except as this contract may otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements do not result in orders in the quantities described as "estimated" or "maximum" in the Schedule, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. Subject to any limitations in the Order Limitations clause or elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Government all supplies or services specified in…