Sol_1305M324Q0108.pdf

1305M324Q0108

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

03/04/2024

1 65

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE BLDG 1

SEATTLE WA 98115

WAD-NMFS-Seattle Multiple

206 526-6036CRYSTINA R. JUBIE

03/18/2024 1400 PD

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

Period of Performance: 04/10/2024 to 06/30/2024

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

1305M324Q0108 BASE

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Section 3 - Line Items and Attachments Section 4 - Contract Terms and Conditions Section 5 - Other Contract Terms and Conditions Section 6 - Instructions to Offerors Section 7 - Evaluation

Section 2 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Charter Vessel for Right Whale Research Cruise – Spring 2024

Standard Language FAR Part 12 - Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with FAR 13.5 and additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 1305M324Q0108 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(iii) The Solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC Circular 2023-06 Effective December 4, 2023.

(iv) The set-aside for this combined synopsis/solicitation is total small business. The associated NAICS code is 483112, Deep Sea Passenger Transportation, and the small business size standard is 1,500 employees.

(v) Please see the line-item list in section 3 for included line items

(vi) See Attachments for description of requirement

(vii) See Sections 3 and 5 for period of performance and delivery information

(viii) The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition see section 6 for addenda, if any

(ix) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items applies. See Section 7 for additional information

(x) Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer.

(xi) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

See section 4 for addenda for clauses, if any

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See section 5 for 52.212-5 for applicable clauses

(xiii) See attachments for additional terms and conditions

(xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable

(xv) Offers shall be submitted no later than 03/18/2024 14:00 PT. Submit offers via email to the attention of the Contracting Officer, CRYSTINA JUBIE, at CRYSTINA.R.JUBIE@NOAA.GOV.

(xvi) Contact the Contracting Officer, CRYSTINA JUBIE, at CRYSTINA.R.JUBIE@NOAA.GOV for information regarding the solicitation.

Section 3 - Line Items and Attachments

List of Line Items

Item Number Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

0001 25 DA

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 25-day vessel charter to conduct spring 2024 survey for North Atlantic right whales in accordance with the Statement of Work.

Product/Service Code: 1910

0002 5 DA

OPTIONAL SEA DAYS:

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for up to an additional 5-day vessel charter to conduct spring 2024 survey for North Atlantic right whales in accordance with the Statement of Work.

Period of Performance: April 10, 2024 to June 30, 2024

(Option Line Item)

Anticipated Exercise Date:

Product/Service Code: 1910

List of Attachments

Attachment Number Title

1 Statement of Work 2 Attachments 1-6

Section 4 - Contract Terms and Conditions

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance. (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.232-18 Availability of Funds. (APR 1984)

FAR 52.245-1 Government Property. (SEP 2021)

CAR 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority. (MAR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73 Compliance with the laws. (APR 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74 Organizational conflict of interest. (APR 2010)

Standard Language General

UTILIZATION OF FEDCONNECT® FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The Department of Commerce will utilize the FedConnect® web portal in administering this award. The contractor must be registered in FedConnect® and have access to the FedConnect® website located at https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect® questions please call the FedConnect® Help Desk at (800)

899-6665 or email at support@fedconnect.net. There is no charge for registration in or use of FedConnect®.

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its postacceptance rights (1) within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and (2) before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C.

3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice. (1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include-

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment- (1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall-

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the-

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest. (i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if-

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (1) the schedule of supplies/services; (2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause; (3) the clause at 52.212-5; (4) addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software; (5) solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation; (6) other paragraphs of this clause; (7) the Standard Form 1449; (8) other documents, exhibits, and attachments; and (9) the specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations. (1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an "I agree" click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., "click-wrap" or "browse-wrap" agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor's representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.217-7 Option for Increased Quantity - Separately Priced Line Item. (MAR 1989)

The Government may require the delivery of the numbered line item, identified in the Schedule as an option item, in the quantity and at the price stated in the Schedule. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within the period of performance of the contract.

Delivery of added items shall continue at the same rate that like items are called for under the contract, unless the parties otherwise agree.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

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

FAR: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far CAR: https://www.acquisition.gov/car

(End of clause)

FAR 52.252-4 Alterations in Contract. (APR 1984)

Portions of this contract are altered as follows: [To be completed at contract award, if applicable]

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.201-72 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). (APR 2010)

(a) [To be designated at award by separate letter] is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

[To be designated at award by separate letter]

Phone Number: [To be designated at award by separate letter] https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/car

E-mail: [To be designated at award by separate letter]

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.228-70 Insurance coverage. (APR 2010)

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in states with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General liability. (1) The contractor shall have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on the comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(2) When special circumstances apply in accordance with FAR 28.307-2(b), Property Damage Liability Insurance shall be required in the amount of $0.

(c) Automobile liability. The contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on the comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage.

(d) Aircraft public and passenger liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger liability, and $200,000 per occurrence for property damage. Coverage for passenger liability bodily injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

(e) Vessel liability. When contract performance involves use of vessels, the Contractor shall provide, vessel collision liability and protection and indemnity liability insurance as determined by the Government.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.228-72 Deductibles under required insurance coverage-fixed price. (APR 2010)

When the Government is injured, wholly or partially as a result of the contractor's actions and such actions are covered by the insurance required by 1352.228-70, Insurance Coverage, the Government is entitled to recover from the contractor the full amount of any such injury attributable to the contractor regardless of a deductible. The Contracting Officer may offset the amount of recovery against any payment due to the contractor.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.246-70 Place of acceptance. (APR 2010)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

Acceptance of all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) will take place aboard the contracted vessel.

(End of clause)

CAR 1352.270-70 Period of performance. (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from April 10, 2024 through June 30, 2024 . If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

(b) The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

There are no options periods for this requirement.

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.203-70 Scientific Integrity and Research Misconduct (OCT 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this solicitation and contract language –

Scientific activities mean activities that involve inventorying, monitoring, observations, experimentation, study, research, integration, modeling, and scientific assessment.

Scientific integrity means the condition resulting from adherence to professional values and practices when conducting and applying the results of science that ensures objectivity, clarity, and reproducibility, and that provides insulation from bias, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, interference, censorship, and inadequate procedural and information security.

Presentation of scientific activities results includes the analysis, synthesis, compilation, or translation of scientific information and data into formats for the use of the Department of Commerce or the United States of America.

Scientific and Research Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing scientific and research activities, or in the products or reporting of the results of these activities. It specifically includes intentional circumvention of the integrity of the scientific and research process and actions that compromise that process, but does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Investigation is formal collection and evaluation of information and facts to determine if scientific or research misconduct can be established, to assess its extent and consequences, and to recommend appropriate action.

(b) General Guidelines

1. Maintaining Integrity. The contractor shall maintain the scientific integrity of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the prevention, detection, and remediation of research misconduct, and the conduct of inquiries, investigations and adjudication of allegations of research misconduct.

2. In performing or presenting the results of scientific activities under the contract, and in responding to allegations of scientific and research misconduct, the contractor shall comply with the solicitation and contract language herein and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-735D-2, Scientific Integrity, and its Procedural Handbook, including any amendments thereto.

3. Primary Responsibility. The contractor shall have the primary responsibility to prevent, detect, and investigate allegations of scientific and research misconduct. Unless otherwise instructed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall promptly conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of such misconduct and may rely on its internal policies and procedures, as appropriate, to do so.

4. By executing this contract, the contractor provides its assurance that it has established an administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigating, and reporting allegations of scientific and research misconduct; and that it will comply with its own administrative process for performing an inquiry, investigation and reporting of such misconduct.

5. The contractor shall insert the substance of this requirement in subcontracts at all tiers that involve research being performed under this contract.

(c) Investigating Misconduct Research

1. Initiating Investigation. If the contractor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, it shall notify the contracting officer and, unless otherwise instructed, the contractor shall:

A. Promptly conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding of scientific and research misconduct and an identification of appropriate remedies or a determination that no further action is warranted.

B. If the investigation leads to a finding of scientific and research misconduct, obtain adjudication by a neutral third party adjudicator. The adjudication must include a review of the investigative record and, as warranted, a determination of appropriate corrective actions and sanctions.

2. Finalizing Investigation. When the investigation is complete, the contractor shall forward to the contracting officer a copy of the evidentiary record, the investigative report, any recommendations made to the Contractor’s adjudicating official, the adjudicating official’s decision and notification of any corrective action taken or planned, and the subject’s written response (if any).

(d) Findings and Corrective Actions

1. If the contractor finds that scientific and research misconduct has occurred, it shall assess the seriousness of the misconduct and its impact on the research completed or in process and shall:

i. Take all necessary corrective actions, which includes, but are not limited to, correcting the research record, and, as appropriate, imposing restrictions, controls, or other parameters on research in process or to be conducted in the future, and

ii. Coordinate remedial action with the contracting officer.

(e) Department of Commerce Actions

1. The Department of Commerce may accept the Contractor’s findings or proceed with its own investigation, in which case the contractor shall fully cooperate with the investigation. The contracting officer will inform the contractor of the Department’s final determination.

2. The Department of Commerce reserves the right to pursue such remedies and other actions as it deems appropriate, consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract and applicable laws and regulations. Such remedies and actions may include, but are not limited to, disallowance of costs, recoupment of contract payments, and suspension or debarment.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.203-71 NOTICE OF POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT

RESTRICTIONS (OCT 2015)

By submission of an offer in response to a NOAA solicitation or acceptance of a contract, the contractor acknowledges the restriction on current NOAA employees regarding contact with offerors regarding prospective employment and the corresponding obligations for contractors who engage them. The contractor further acknowledges that it has provided notice to former NOAA employees who will provide service to NOAA under the contract of post-Government employment restrictions that apply to them. Such restrictions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in:

(a) 41 U.S.C. § 2103 regarding contacts between a Federal employee working on a procurement and an offeror about prospective employment;

(b) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former Federal employees having contact with a Federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning a specific party matter with which the former employee was involved as a Federal employee or for which the former Federal employee had official responsibility;

(c) 18 U.S.C. § 207 regarding the restrictions on former senior employees and senior political employees from having contact with his former Federal agency on behalf of another person or entity concerning any official matter; and

(d) 41 U.S.C. § 2104 regarding the restrictions on a former Federal employee involved in an acquisition over $10,000,000 from accepting compensation from a contractor.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.208-70 SUBCONTRACTING WITH ABILITYONE NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATIONS (DECEMBER 2022)

NOAA recognizes and appreciates the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces. The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (AbilityOne Program) is one of the United States’ largest sources of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, employing more than 40,000 individuals, including approximately 2,500 veterans.

Approximately 450 nonprofit organizations employ these individuals who provide quality products and services to the Federal Government totaling nearly $4 billion each year. Contracting with AbilityOne nonprofit organizations provides veterans and individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities more opportunities to work, lead independent lives, serve in their communities, and contribute to the strength of our Nation’s economy.

This contract action is identified as including opportunities for subcontracting. The statutory obligation for Government agencies to satisfy their requirements for supplies or services available from the AbilityOne Program also applies when contractors purchase the supplies or services for Government use. For this contract action (contracting officer select one):

[] A subcontracting plan is required. The contractor shall include AbilityOne as a separate goal on the subcontracting plan. This line must be reported in the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) under Large Business. AbilityOne will give Other Than Small Business credit on subcontracting plans.

x A subcontracting plan is not required. The contractor should consider subcontracting with AbilityOne nonprofit organizations to the maximum extent practicable and allowable consistent with other statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the acquisition.

To engage with an AbilityOne Contractor (Non-Profit Agency) for subcontracting opportunities, the prime contractor should include the following information in an email to primecontractor@abilityone.org:

a) Solicitation number

b) Copy of the performance work statement or scope of work

c) Identification of work that will be set aside for AbilityOne

d) Estimated annual value of work for AbilityOne

e) Prime contractor point of contact email address, phone number, name, and title

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.215-70 SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES (SEPT 2005)

The following is a schedule of all deliverables, including administrative deliverables, required during the period of performance of this contract:

ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY DUE DATE DELIVER TO REFERENCE

0001 Structural Inspection Verification 1 EA With Quote CO SOW, Paragraph 3.6

Additional $5million insurance rider for period of at sea work

1 EA Prior to Cruise COR Section 11.9

0003 Data Waiver 1 EA With Quote CO SOW, Paragraph 2.2

0004 Stability Letter, if applicable 1 EA With Quote CO SOW, Paragraph 3.5

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.222-71 NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

PREVENTION AND RESPONSE POLICY APPLICABLE TO CREW MEMBERS OF VESSELS UNDER NOAA

CONTRACT OR ORDER (MAY 2018)

(a) General Policy.

In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 202-1106, NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy, it is the policy of NOAA to maintain a work environment free from sexual assault and sexual harassment. NAO 202-1106 prohibits sexual assault and sexual harassment by or of any employee, supervisor, manager, contractor, vendor, affiliate, or other individual with whom NOAA employees come into contact by the virtue of their work for NOAA. The NAO includes NOAA’s mandatory requirements for completion of sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that contractor employees maintain the highest degree of conduct and standards in performance of the contract or order. In support of this, NOAA urges its contractors to develop and enforce comprehensive company policy addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention.

(b) Applicability.

The policy set forth in NAO 202-1106 applies to all contractor employees identified as crew members on vessels secured for use under a NOAA contract or order. Prior to performance, the contractor shall provide all contractor employee crew members an awareness briefing on the requirements of the NAO and a copy of or access to a copy of the NAO. All contractor employee crew members must comply with the NAO, which includes completion of the mandatory training provided by NOAA as described in (d) below. The contractor shall include wording substantially the same as this solicitation and contract language in every subcontract for services involving the use of vessels so that it is binding on each subcontractor.

(c) Definition.

Contractor Employees - As used in this solicitation and contract language, refers to employees of the prime contractor or its subcontractors, affiliates, consultants, or team members.

(d) Mandatory Training.

1. Completion of initial mandatory sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training is required for all contractor employees identified as crew members in performance of this contract or order, in accordance with NAO 202-1106. This training will be provided by NOAA.

2. The training will include by-stander intervention training and specific steps on how to prevent and report sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as training on drug and alcohol awareness in the workplace. The training will typically be provided within two (2) hours of the vessel’s departure from port.

3. A copy of NAO 202-1106 will be provided to each crew member upon initial boarding of the vessel.

Each crew member must sign a form managed by the vessel’s Commanding Officer/Operations Officer verifying they have received and will comply with the NAO in its entirety.

4. For vessels at sea for more than 12 months, annual sexual assault and sexual harassment training, provided by NOAA, will be required pursuant to NAO 202-1106. The specific format of the training will depend on the availability of resources (e.g. internet access).

(e) Reporting Incidents of Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment.

Contractor employee crew members should refer to NAO 202-1106, Section 6, Reporting Incidents of Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault, at .07, Reporting from Remote Locations, when reporting incidents of sexual assault or sexual harassment.

(f) Remedies.

In addition to other remedies available to the Government, contractor employee violations of NAO 202- 1106 or other Federal requirements (e.g., law, statutes, executive orders, code, rules, or regulations) applicable to sexual assault and sexual harassment may result in:

1. Requiring the contractor to remove a contractor employee or employees from the performance of the contract;

2. Requiring the contractor to terminate a subcontract;

3. Suspension of contract payments until the contractor has taken appropriate remedial action;

4. Termination of the contract for default or cause, in accordance with the termination clause of this contract;

5. Suspension or debarment; or

6. Other appropriate action.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.232-71 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (FEB 2023)

The Contractor must submit payment requests electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access, and submit payment requests. The IPP website address is https://www.ipp.gov.

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment to the Contractor. To be considered proper, invoices must be prepared in accordance with, and contain all elements specified in, the contract payment clause (e.g., FAR 52.212-4(g), FAR 52.232-25(a)(3), FAR 52.232-26(a)(2), FAR 52.232-27(a)(2)).

The Contractor must include the following documents as attachments to payment requests submitted through the IPP: [].

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to submit payment requests through the IPP due to a threat to national security; a matter of unusual or compelling urgency; or because the political, financial, or communications infrastructure of a foreign country does not support access to the IPP, the Contractor must request an exception in writing. Contact the Contracting Officer for more information about requesting an exception.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.243-70 REQUESTS FOR EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENT (OCT 2017)

(a) The amount of any request for equitable adjustment to contract terms shall accurately reflect the contract adjustment for which the contractor believes the Government is liable. The request shall include only costs for performing the change. All indirect costs included in the request shall be properly allocable to the change in accordance with applicable acquisition regulations.

(b) Any request for equitable adjustment to contract terms that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold shall bear, at the time of submission, the following certificate executed by an individual authorized to certify the request on behalf of the contractor:

I certify that the request is made in good faith, and that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Official’s Name)

(Title)

(c) The certification in paragraph (b) of this solicitation and contract language requires full disclosure of all relevant facts, including:

1. Certified cost or pricing data, if required, in accordance with subsection 15.403-4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); and

2. Data other than certified cost or pricing data, in accordance with subsection 15.403-3 of the FAR, including actual cost data and data to support any estimated costs, even if certified cost or pricing data are not required.

(d) The certification requirement in paragraph (b) of this solicitation and contract language does not apply to:

1. Requests for routine contract payments; for example, requests for payment for accepted supplies and services, routine vouchers under a cost-reimbursement type contract, or progress payment invoices; or

2. Final adjustments under an incentive provision of the contract.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

NOAA Acquisition Manual 1330-52.270-304 NOAA ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE OMBUDSMAN

(OCT 2022)

(a) The NOAAAGO Ombudsman is available to organizations to promote responsible and meaningful exchanges of information. Generally, the purpose of these exchanges will be to:

1. Allow contractors to better prepare for and propose on business opportunities.

2. Advise as to technologies and solutions within the marketplace that the Government may not be aware of, or is not fully benefiting.

3. Identify constraints in transparency.

(b) The AGO Ombudsman will objectively, reasonably, and responsibly collaborate with parties and recommend fair, impartial, and constructive solutions to the matters presented to him/her. Further, the AGO Ombudsman will maintain the reasonable and responsible confidentiality of the source of a concern, when such a request has been formally made by an authorized officer of an organization seeking to do business with, or already doing business with NOAA.

(c) Before consulting with the AGO Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations with the respective contracting officer for resolution.

However, direct access to the AGO Ombudsman may be sought when an interested party questions the objectivity or equity of a contracting officer’s decision, or when there is a bona fide reason to believe that reasonable, responsible, and objective consideration will not be received from an assigned contracting officer.

(d) There are several constraints to the scope of the AGO Ombudsman’s authority, for instance:

1. Consulting with the AGO Ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines of any formal process (e.g., protests, claims, debriefings, employee employer actions, activities involving A76 competition performance decisions, judicial or congressional hearings, or proposal, amendment, modification or deliverable due dates).

2. The AGO Ombudsman cannot participate in the evaluation of proposals, source selection processes, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.

3. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to generate or alter laws, judicial decisions, rules, policies, or formal guidance.

4. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to develop or alter opportunity announcements, solicitations, contracts, or their terms or conditions.

5. The AGO Ombudsman cannot overrule the authorized decisions or determinations of the contracting officer.

6. The AGO Ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds AGO, NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Government.

7. The AGO Ombudsman is not NOAA’s agent relative to the service of magistrate or judicial process and cannot be used to extend service of process to another party (whether federal, public, or a private entity).

(e) After review and analysis of a filed concern or recommendation, the AGO Ombudsman may refer the interested party to another more suitable Federal official for consideration. Moreover, concerns, disagreements, and/or recommendations that cannot be resolved by the AGO Ombudsman will need to be pursued through more formal venues.

(f) The AGO Ombudsman is not to be contacted to request copies of forms and/or documents under the purview of a contracting officer. Such documents include Requests for Information, solicitations, amendments, contracts, modifications, or conference materials.

(g) Questions regarding items (a) through (f) within this language shall be directed to ago.ombudsman@noaa.gov.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

Section 5 - Other Contract Terms and Conditions

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (DEC 2023)

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

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (DEC 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.