Sol_1333MF24Q0121.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

PURCHASE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO PUBLISH UP TO ONE (1) PEER-REVIEWED

PUBLICATION, IN COORDINATION WITH NMFS STAFF, ON COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE,

AS SPECIFIED IN THE PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT.

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number 1333MF24Q0121.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-05 (May 2024).

(iv) This solicitation is being issued as unrestricted and open to all sources. The associated NAICS code is 541990. The small business size standard is $19.5M.

(v) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services:

CLIN 0001

Services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for services to publish up to one (1) peer-reviewed publication on Cook Inlet Beluga Whate at the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region in Anchorage, Alaska, in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. Period of Performance 10/1/2024 through 09/30/2028.

(vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

See attached Performance Work Statement.

INVOICES TO BE BILLED MONTHLY OR QUARTERLY IN ARREARS. PROVIDE

MONTHLY/QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL PRICING. QUOTE PRICING MAY BE PROVIDED ON

ATTACHED SF18 FORM OR ON COMPANY LETTERHEAD.

(vii) Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance:

Period of performance shall be:

October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2028

Place of Performance is NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region, 222 W 7th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99513.

(viii) FAR provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sept 2023), applies to this acquisition and can be found on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment.

(ix) FAR provision 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition and can be found on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment.

(x) FAR provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024), applies to this acquisition and can be found on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment. Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision with its offer.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_1 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_3

(xi) FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023), applies to this acquisition and can be found on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment.

(xii) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024), applies to this acquisition and can be found in full text on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment.

(xiii) Any additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions that apply can be found on the Request for Quote form SF18 attachment.

(xiv) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply.

(xv) Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 5:00PM EST/EDT on August 21, 2024. All quotes must be submitted electronically via email to christie.lang@noaa.gov.

(xvi) Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted electronically via email to christie.lang@noaa.gov.

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®.

(End)

1352.215-72 Inquiries (Apr 2010)

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION IN WRITING

VIA EMAIL TO christie.lang@noaa.gov QUESTIONS SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00PM EST/EDT on August 15, 2024. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive. Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Submit PDF or Microsoft Word format quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are required and can be sent to christie.lang@noaa.gov.

2. Offeror shall have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM found at https://sam.gov/content/home) in order to provide a quote and be eligible for award. Must provide their UEID/CAGE CODE with their quote.

3. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of them or their capability.

4. Offerors must provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with FAR 52.212-2. Offerors who do not provide all evaluation criteria will not be accepted.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_4 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_212_5 https://sam.gov/content/home

A. At a minimum the contractor shall provide the following information:

i. Point of contact name, telephone and E-mail address.

ii. SAM UEI Number

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF

QUOTES. IT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A

CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE RECEIPT.

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a).

The evaluation will consider the Non-Price Technical Solution (Technical Approach and Past Performance) to be significantly more important than price. However, as quotes are determined to be more equal in the non-price evaluation factor, price becomes more important and may become the determining factor for award. If, at any stage of the evaluation, all vendors are determined to have submitted equal, or virtually equal, Non-Price Technical Solutions, price could become the factor in determining which vendor will receive the award.

The Government intends to evaluate the quotes and award a purchase order based on the Offeror’s initial quote; therefore, the Offeror’s initial quote should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a Non-Price Technical Solution and price standpoint.

The Government reserves the right not to award a purchase order depending on the quality of the quote(s) submitted and the availability of funds. Furthermore, the Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities or omissions in quotes received.

The Government may make award to other than the lowest-priced Offeror or the Offeror with the highest technical rating if the Contracting Officer determines that to do so would result in the best value to the Government. The Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall price to achieve only slightly superior performance capability.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on the following:

1. Technical Approach and Capability.

The Offeror’s overall technical approach will be evaluated to assess the Government's level of confidence in the Offeror’s understanding of, approach to, and ability to successfully perform the requirements as described in the Statement of Need. A detailed technical approach write-up describing how the Offeror will perform this service is required to be submitted with the quote regardless of whether a site visit was made or not. The Offeror is to describe their experience and ability to meet all the requirements described in this Performance Work Statement. The Offeror shall demonstrate extensive experience and be technically proficient in writing published papers.

2. Experience and Past Performance.

The Offeror shall provide experience relating to the Performance Work Statement and provide experiences of personnel who will work on this publication. The Offeror shall provide references for all publications with requirements similar to this Performance Work Statement performed in whole or part in the last two years. References can include both government and commercial coauthors and collaborators. The Offeror shall provide at least one finalized document (or web link for the document) similar in scope for assessment of quality of work. Quote shall include at least two past performance references from at least two separate contracts for similar and relevant services including the name, phone number, full address, and e-mail address of the reference to demonstrate the offeror’s capability to successfully perform the services listed in the

Performance Work Statement.

The Offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, cost management, communications between contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction. The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the Offeror, the agency’s knowledge of Offeror performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services.

Offerors lacking relevant past performance history, or for whom past performance information is either not available or has not been submitted to the Government, will receive a neutral rating for past performance.

3. Price.

The Government will evaluate the price quote for completeness and reasonableness in relation to the RFQ requirements. Quoted prices must be entirely compatible with the Non-Price Technical Solution.

The Government intends to award a trade-off, firm fixed-price purchase order on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

1333MF24Q0121

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

08/06/2024 143060-24-0027

1 63

601 EAST 12TH STREET SUITE 1746

KANSAS CITY MO 64106

NMFS Field Delegates 09/30/2028

NOAA FISHERIES, ALASKA REGION

P.O. BOX 21668

JUNEAU

AK 99802-1668

206 526-6715CHRISTIE LANG

08/21/2024 1700 ED

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

Period of Performance: 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2028

SERVICES, NON-PERSONAL, TO PROVIDE ALL EQUIPMENT,

LABOR, AND MATERIALS (UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED

HEREIN) NECESSARY TO PROVIDE UP TO ONE (1)

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE

ATTACHED, INCORPORATED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

(PWS).

0001 Professional services to review and develop publication on morbidity and mortality trends in stranded Cook Inlet Beluga whales, 2014-2025 Product/Service Code: B529

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)

1333MF24Q0121 BASE

Section C - Description/Specifications Section I - Contract Clauses Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

Section C - Description/Specifications

Performance Work Statement

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Alaska Regional Office

TITLE

Develop Publication on Morbidity and Mortality Trends in Stranded Cook Inlet Beluga Whales, 2014-

BACKGROUND

Originally estimated at 1,300 whales in 1979, Cook Inlet beluga whales experienced a 47 percent decline between 1994 and 1998. NMFS listed the population as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 2000 (65 FR 34590). When the population failed to show signs of recovery following a 1999 moratorium on subsistence harvest, the whales were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2008 (73 FR 62919). The most recent (2022) comprehensive abundance survey indicates a population estimate of 331 belugas, with the population not increasing, even with a regulated harvest (2000-2006, five belugas) and no allowed harvest since 2007.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, Alaska Region has been active throughout the state, especially since the 1990s, with a particular emphasis in the nearby waters of Cook Inlet, and Cook Inlet beluga whales. NMFS Protected Resources Division (PRD) and/or the NMFS Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network (Alaska Stranding Network) responded to reported beach stranded (about 100%) beluga whales in Cook Inlet since 2015, which were added to the NMFS database.

NMFS PRD works closely with members of the Alaska Stranding Network to collect tissue samples, whenever possible, by thorough necropsies or basic sampling protocols. Publications on Cook Inlet beluga strandings provided critical insights about individual and population characteristics. However, there are many gaps in quantifiable characteristics of the Cook Inlet beluga population, which could be addressed by publishing documents on the current situation (post 2014), regarding analyses of tissue samples, health concerns, and stranding events. Such information, explained, summarized, and published, would help NMFS better understand the habitat use and health (diet, maternal investment, reproductive rates, and survivorship) of this endangered beluga population and lead to better management decisions.

SCHEDULE/PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The period of performance is the date of award through 30 September 2028, unless extended by written mutual agreement.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract is for professional services to publish up to one (1) peer-reviewed publication, in coordination with NMFS staff, on Cook Inlet beluga whale. The contractor will use the NMFS data collected from stranded and necropsied and/or sampled Cook Inlet beluga whales. The publication would be a review on the morbidity and mortality trends in stranded Cook Inlet beluga whales, during the years before 2025, with an emphasis on 2014-2025.

This publication on Cook Inlet beluga dead strandings from 2014-2025 will be written similarly to the previous review paper (Burek-Huntington et al. 2015). This similar report will allow for a consecutive comparison of findings, over time, since 1998. The publication will include ancillary findings, gross findings, histopathology, new analyses, and findings that are unusual or in need of additional analysis.

SCOPE of WORK The peer-reviewed publication will 1) incorporate data collected under the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, which can include Level A, Level B, and Level C reports; and 2) provide NMFS AKR with one (1) comprehensive peer-reviewed publication documenting the results and conclusions from these reports.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES and DUE DATES Post-award meeting with NMFS AKR:

• Contractor will schedule a meeting (via phone if needed) with NMFS AKR to review the contract, scope of work, and project timeline.

o DUE: contact NMFS AKR within 10 business days after award of contract to establish an initial meeting date.

• Progress reports and invoices:

o Quarterly progress reports shall include a summary of the work completed each billing period, and summarize work still remaining to be completed. Any identified or potential complications should be included.

o Invoices shall include the information described in the “Invoice” section of this document.

o DUE: at a minimum, the contractor shall provide quarterly invoices.

• Draft comprehensive peer-reviewed publication to NMFS AKR:

o The comprehensive peer-reviewed publication on “Review Morbidity and Mortality Trends in

Stranded Cook Inlet Beluga Whales, 2014-2025” shall be formatted as required by peer-reviewed journals. NMFS AKR must first agree upon any modifications to the template in writing.

o NMFS will have 45 days to review and provide comments on the one DRAFT comprehensive peer-reviewed publication.

o DUE: on or before 30 June 2028.

• Final comprehensive peer-reviewed publication to NMFS AKR:

o NMFS will have 30 days to review and provide comments on the Final report. The contractor will have 30 days after receipt of comments from NMFS AKR to submit the one (1) final comprehensive peer-reviewed report for publication.

o DUE: on or before 30 June 2028.

REQUIRED FORMATTING and CONTENT of DELIVERABLES

• The comprehensive peer-reviewed publication will be prepared based on standard guidance of the anticipated journal and in the style and format of peer review journals.

• The comprehensive peer-reviewed publication will be written in plain language and shall use appropriate graphics so that a general biologist can readily understand it. Acronyms will be summarized in the text body as well as in an alphabetized list of acronyms. The plain language guidelines that shall be followed are described by http://plainlanguage.gov/

• All data must be Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) by ensuring that ensure the data and information consists of final reports and not draft information.

• All results will be explained in enough detail to allow a general biologist to fully comprehend the ramifications of the findings. All technical terms will be clearly defined.

• The comprehensive peer-reviewed publication will be provided in Microsoft Office Word format; as well as in Adobe.pdf format, in which all figures, tables, and appendices have been inserted in the appropriate order. Other record materials can be provided in either format.

• All graphic files incorporated into each final report will also be provided separately in .jpg or .tif format, unless specified differently by NMFS.

• If GIS maps are produced for this project, contractor will prepare metadata for any spatial data created for the project, and contractor will submit to NMFS electronic copies of any such spatial data and associated metadata.

• The comprehensive peer-reviewed publication must arrive fully compliant with American Disabilities Act section 508.

NMFS will not accept or compensate for any comprehensive peer-reviewed publication submitted to NMFS by the contractor that requires extensive substantive or technical editing, and will return any such documents to the contractor to be revised to address such deficiencies at the contractor’s expense.

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY for PROPERTY and DOCUMENTS The contractor shall protect from unauthorized disclosure or use of any equipment, materials, or information made available by the Government, or that the contractor may have access to by virtue of the provisions of this contract that are not intended for public disclosure.

All data and information provided by the Government, or developed by the contractor, in performing this contract there under, remain the exclusive property of the Government. Within 10 days after completion or termination of this contract, the contractor shall return to the Government all materials (copies included) that were furnished to the contractor by the Government and all materials that were developed by the contractor in performing the contract.

GOVERNMENT-CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP(S)

The Government and the Contractor understand that the services to be provided under this contract by the Contractor are non-personal services and that no employer-employee relationship exists between the Government and the Contractor.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED RESOURCES

The Government will provide all necessary information, data, and documents to the Contractor for work required under this contract.The Government will not furnish any other resources to the Contractor in support of this contract.

TRAVEL AND TRAINING

Training: Contractors are required to complete all NOAA mandated training such as IT security training Travel: Travel is not expected or authorized for this task order.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

a. Confidentiality and Data Privacy This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

b. Intellectual Property Rights All deliverables are the property of the U.S. Government. All documents, analyses, files (digital or other), reports, notes and photos are to be used only by Contractor personnel assigned to this purchase order.

Documents, files and other data are to be stored exclusively on Government owned equipment and at no point should be saved or archived on personal drives or devices. Copies are not to be disseminated to anyone outside of the NMFS or to any other contractor personnel without explicit release from the Government.

c. Section 508 Compliance Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by P.L. 105-220 under Title IV (Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998), all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained and/or used under this contract shall be in compliance with the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards” set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the “Access Board”) in 36 CFR Part 1194.

The complete text of Section 508 Standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/ or at http://www.section508.gov.

d. Inclusion of Clause 52.217-8 Inclusion of FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, is for use by the Government as outlined at FAR 37.111, Extension of Services. If an option is included, it will be exercised as needed at any time during the life of the contract using the rates applicable at the time of exercise. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region 222 W 7th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99513

PROJECT LEAD

To be provided at time of award

INVOICE

Per NAM 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: [Contracting Officer list required invoice attachment(s); none if left blank].

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 Clause)

INSURANCE COVERAGE

The contractor is solely responsible for his or her own health, workmen’s compensation, and unemployment insurance, as well as applicable social security, local, state, and federal taxes.

Section I - Contract Clauses

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)

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

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting. (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror. (AUG 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means-

(1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror.

No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

(b) The Offeror represents that it [ ] has or [ ] does not have an immediate owner. If the Offeror has more than one immediate owner (such as a joint venture), then the Offeror shall respond to paragraph (c) and if applicable, paragraph (d) of this provision for each participant in the joint venture.

(c) If the Offeror indicates "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information:

Immediate owner CAGE code: [ ]

Immediate owner legal name: [ (Do not use a "doing business as" name)]

Is the immediate owner owned or controlled by another entity?: [ ] Yes or [ ] No.

(d) If the Offeror indicates "yes" in paragraph (c) of this provision, indicating that the immediate owner is owned or controlled by another entity, then enter the following information:

Highest-level owner CAGE code: [ ]

Highest-level owner legal name: [(Do not use a "doing business as" name)]

(End of provision)

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

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to-

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services."

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that-

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that-

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment-

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services-

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Representation and Disclosures.

(DEC 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, Covered article, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, National security system, Reasonable inquiry, Sensitive compartmented information, Sensitive compartmented information system, and Source have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Prohibition.

(b) Prohibition. Contractors are prohibited from providing or using as part of the performance of the contract any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the prohibition is set out in an applicable Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) order, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Prohibition.

(c) Procedures. (1) The Offeror shall search for the phrase "FASCSA order" in the System for Award Management (SAM)(https://www.sam.gov) for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders- Prohibition.

(2) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM, but are effective and do apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 4.2303(c)(2)).

(3) FASCSA orders issued after the date of solicitation do not apply unless added by an amendment to the solicitation.

(d) Representation. By submission of this offer, the offeror represents that it has conducted a reasonable inquiry, and that the offeror does not propose to provide or use in response to this solicitation any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is prohibited by an applicable FASCSA order in effect on the date the solicitation was issued, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (e).

(e) Disclosures. The purpose for this disclosure is so the Government may decide whether to issue a waiver. For any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is subject to an applicable FASCSA order, and the Offeror is unable to represent compliance, then the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(1) Name of the product or service provided to the Government;

(2) Name of the covered article or source subject to a FASCSA order;

(3) If applicable, name of the vendor, including the Commercial and Government Entity code and unique entity identifier (if known), that supplied the covered article or the product or service to the Offeror;

(4) Brand;

(5) Model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number);

(6) Item description;

(7) Reason why the applicable covered article or the product or service is being provided or used;

(f) Executive agency review of disclosures. The contracting officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (e) to determine if any waiver may be sought. A contracting officer may choose not to pursue a waiver for covered articles or sources otherwise subject to a FASCSA order and may instead make an award to an offeror that does not require a waiver.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (SEP 2023)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard.

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

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

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

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

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show-

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers. (1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and-

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by-

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571- 767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation…