Sol_140G0226Q0021.docx

RFQ 140G0226Q0021

Table of Contents

Clauses:

Performance Work Statement

A. Introduction:

The US Geological Survey (USGS), Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL), Denver, CO has a requirement for the automated operation of mass spectrometers and peripheral hardware (e.g. valves, lasers). The DAGL aims to achieve this by developing new, customized automation software modules built using a commercially available programming environment designed to enable construction of applications with graphical user interfaces for hardware automation, such as LabVIEW or an equivalent environment. This effort requires support for developing the overall application architecture, programming the custom automation software, and training laboratory staff in its construction, use, and maintenance.

B. Background:

The US Geological Survey’s (USGS) Denver Argon Geochronology Lab (DAGL), located at the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC), produces 40Ar/39Ar geochronology data for multiple USGS Programs, including the Mineral Resources Program and National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, among others. These data benefit a variety of stakeholders, from federal and state government agencies, to industry and academia.

The DAGL historically used a Macintosh-based, closed-source software application called Mass Spec for operating analytical instruments and associated peripheral hardware. Changes in USGS information technology (IT) regulations forced the DAGL to move away from Macintosh systems in the lab in 2022, and the developer of Mass Spec is nearing retirement and has indicated support will terminate. In response, the DAGL purchased a new open-source software application called Pychron that was being embraced by the 40Ar/39Ar community at that time. Although Pychron has allowed for intermittent operation of the lab, it has proven to not be sufficient for our needs. The Pychron developer is not regularly available for required bug fixes (which are abundant, especially following regular mandatory IT patching), and while the code is open-source, we have found the documentation is not sufficient for us to contribute meaningfully to code maintenance, and the lack of transparency of calculations has introduced significant issues for data management and quality.

The pivot to develop a customized LabVIEW (or equivalent)-based software application has the benefit of direct involvement by laboratory staff, enabling ongoing updates and improvements to be made after they are fully trained in the application. We aim to utilize an environment that represents a major software development environment and framework that is successfully deployed as customized applications in similar USGS labs (e.g. Denver Noble Gas lab, Moffett Argon Lab). We intend to build on the shoulders of these existing customized LabVIEW (or equivalent) applications to create new software specific to our analytical systems, but we do not currently have the expertise to do this.

C. Definitions:

40Ar/39Ar geochronology – an analytical method that involves the measurement of isotopes of argon in a material to determine a geologic age.

LabVIEW– a graphical programming environment and software framework provided for purchase by National Instruments that allows users to create custom applications (including graphical user interfaces) for hardware automation/control, and data collection.

D. Scope:

The USGS DAGL requires a complete LabVIEW (or equivalent)-based, custom software solution for acquiring data on the Thermo Scientific Argus VI mass spectrometers located within the DAGL. While developing the software, the Contractor shall actively involve laboratory personnel in the design and implementation of the new application(s) and simultaneously train them in the programming environment with a focus on components that will aid them in the long-term operation and maintenance of the software application(s). In addition to communicating with and operating the Argus mass spectrometers, the software application(s) will communicate with and/or control a variety of hardware peripherals, including Photon Machines lasers (and motorized sample stages), pressure gauges, ion pumps, Agilent DAQs, and thermocouples. The software application(s) will appropriately store analytical data and instrument metadata in files or a database, as needed by lab personnel. The software will integrate instrument/hardware communications and analytical data storage with required sample metadata for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology into an appropriate graphical user interface.

E. Technical Requirements.

The Contractor shall provide the following:

a. Basic Training. Train lab personnel in basic programming environment concepts and design patterns, with a focus on software components relevant to instrument control and data acquisition and storage.

b. Create modules in programming environment for communications with and control of:

i. Thermo Scientific Argus VI Mass Spectrometers

ii. Pressure gauges

iii. Ion pumps

iv. Agilent DAQs for control of valves and readback of thermocouples

v. Photon Machines CO2 and UV laser systems

c. Create graphical user interface for sample metadata entry

d. Create module for data acquisition, to include:

i. Graphical user interface for building and executing run sequences

ii. Live instrument feedback (e.g., visuals of valve states and plots of data as they are acquired)

e. Create module for data storage to files and/or database

f. Create complete solution (including graphical user interface) for integrating the above modules

g. Lab personnel will be proficient in programming environment such that they can maintain and modify the resulting software application(s).

h. Modules will be accepted when they are able to control each piece of hardware.

i. User interface sufficiently captures sample metadata and stores in appropriate locations.

j. Data can be accurately and reliably acquired in an automated run sequence.

k. Data are accurately and reliably stored in appropriate file formats and/or database.

l. The complete solution is user-friendly and accessible to lab personnel. Source code will be version controlled and stored in one or more USGS DAGL GitLab repositories.

E. Performance standards:

If the Contractor fails to perform any task to the required technical standards, quality standards or time standards, the Government will notify the Contractor of the failure. The Contractor shall re-do or re-perform all substandard activities at no added cost to the Government.

The table below describes the required service, performance standard, acceptable quality level, and surveillance methods used by the USGS to maintain accountability and efficiency with regard to Contractor performance.

Standard

4. Build module for communicating with Agilent DAQ for valve solenoid control and thermocouple readbacks

5. Build module for data storage and export

6. Build graphical user interface

F. Deliverables.

1. Deliverables are the listed modules and interfaces described in Section E.

G. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance.

USGS Denver Argon Geochronology Lab Denver Federal Center, Building 95 Denver, CO 80225

· Access hours: to be coordinated with lab personnel, generally M-F business hours.

· Site Contacts (POCs):

· Primary: (Will be added at the time of award)

· Secondary: (Will be added at the time of award) H. Government Furnished Property:

The Government will provide the Contractor with a Government-issued computer, all necessary hardware, and a current license for the appropriate programming environment.

I. Special Considerations:

1. Key Personnel Qualifications:

a. The contractor must have prior experience developing scientific instrument automation applications using LabVIEW or an equivalent platform.

2. Data Rights FAR Clause 52.227-14 – Rights in Data-General is included by reference, Safety, and Environmental Requirements.

3. Security and Privacy Considerations:

a. The contractor will be accompanied by laboratory staff at all times while interacting with laboratory computers.

(End of Performance Work Statement)

DOI ELECTRONIC INVOICING Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (February 2021) Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice: A copy of the Contractor’s internally generated invoice.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRBSTL) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

FISMA Information Technology Security Requirements Summary

COTS

Hardware or Software Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology.”

Contractor will have access to Privacy Act System of Records - Work under this contract will involve design, development or operation of (access to) system(s) of records containing personal information protected by the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. Section 552a).

Non-disclosure Agreement.

Prior to receiving access to USGS computers, contractor employees shall be required to sign nondisclosure or other system security agreements, depending on the systems to be used and level of access granted.

Applies whenever any contractor employee has unsupervised access to a USGS system (even if only basic network, internet or email or will develop custom applications) such as:

· User Access to USGS IT Systems known to contain sensitive or proprietary data IT Support services (greater than user access)

· Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications

· On-site contractor support and management of IT system

· Off-site contractor Oversight and Management of IT System

· IT Security Services Privacy Act System: [Identify covered system(s) to which the contractor may have access] Work to be performed: [Summarize nature of the contractor's use of such records, such as]

· User-level access to system containing protected records

· Operation or maintenance of Privacy Act System of records or computers hosting such system

· Design or modification of a Privacy Act system of records] The contractor is not required or permitted to respond to requests for Privacy Act data or to make decisions about releases of data under the Act. Contractor shall ensure its employees are instructed to safeguard against improper use or release of such data and advise them that violation of the Act may involve criminal penalties. The contractor will comply with FAR clause 52.224-2, Privacy Act, incorporated herein by reference and with DOI Privacy Act regulations at 43 CFR 2, Subpart D

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” - Contractor employees must successfully complete DOI’s end-user computer security awareness training prior to being granted access to DOI data or being issued a user account. Training must be renewed annually. Additionally, the contract employees must sign a Statement of Responsibility (SOR) that states they have read the appropriate Rules of Behavior and other applicable Information security policies.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” - The contractor must notify the COR immediately when an employee working on a DOI system is reassigned or leaves the contractor’s employ.

Applies whenever any contractor employee has unsupervised access to a USGS system (even if only basic network, internet or email or will develop custom applications) such as:

· User Access to USGS IT Systems known to contain sensitive or proprietary data

· IT Support services (greater than user access)

· Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications *

· On-site contractor support and management of IT system

· Off-site contractor Oversight and Management of IT System

· IT Security Services * *May not be applicable for off-site performance.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology.”

Applies whenever any contractor employee has unsupervised access to a USGS system (even if only basic network, internet or email or will develop custom applications) such as:

· User Access to USGS IT Systems known to contain sensitive or proprietary data

· IT Support services (greater than user access)

· Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications

· On-site contractor support and management of IT system

· Off-site contractor Oversight and Management of IT System

· IT Security Services No portion of the services to be performed hereunder may be performed outside the United States without the express written permission of the Contracting Officer.

If services are proposed to be performed abroad, the Contractor shall provide an acceptable security plan that addresses mitigation of problems related to communication, control, and protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT systems and information.

A Security Plan Template is available upon request from the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” - Contractor must follow the DOI System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), NIST SP 800-64 and the DOI SDLC Security Integration Guide.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology.”

|_| User Access to USGS IT Systems – The Government is responsible for security categorization on USGS systems to which the Contractor may have access under this contract.

|_| IT Support Services greater than User-Level Services Choose one:

|_| The Government is responsible for security categorization on USGS systems to which the Contractor may have access under this contract.

-|_| The Government has defined the [insert name of system to be developed, operated or maintained by the contractor] to be a [Major Application], [Minor Application] or [General support system] as defined in OMB Circular A-130, Appendix III and NIST SP800-53. The following risk and sensitivity levels have been assigned based on the FIPS 199 and the NIST SP 800-60.

Mission impact:

Data sensitivity:

Risk level:

Bureau/departmental/national criticality:

|_| Off-Site Oversight and Management of IT System- The Contractor shall use the FIPS 199 and the NIST SP 800- 60 to determine information types and security categorization based on mission impact, data sensitivity, risk level, and bureau / departmental / national criticality for Contractor-owned and operated systems used to provide services under this contract. Solicitations must include either the complete publication or a reference to public facilities, such as a website or office, where it may be accessed.

|_| IT Security Services - Applies only if the purpose of the contract includes obtaining asset valuation services.

The Contractor shall use the FIPS 199 and the NIST SP 800- 60 to determine information types and security categorization based on mission impact, data sensitivity, risk level, and bureau / departmental / national criticality for Contractor-owned and operated systems used to provide services under this contract. Solicitations must include either the complete publication or a reference to public facilities, such as a website or office, where it may be accessed.

X The Government shall be granted unlimited rights in software or data produced hereunder as described in FAR clause 52.227-17, Rights in Data—Special Works, incorporated by reference herein.

Select either COTS or custom software language as applicable. If both apply, identify software/data deliverables governed by each clause.

Property Rights.

1. For Federal Supply Schedule orders or orders under an existing contract, rights to software acquired hereunder are set forth in the basic contract.

2. For open market contracts, the Government's rights in software delivered hereunder shall be as described in software developer's commercial software license agreement or the clause FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights, whichever is greater.

The Government is responsible for independent software verification and validation prior to being moved into production.

|_| On-Site Contractor Support and Management of IT System Choose one:

|_| Software will be independently verified and validated by the Government or another selected contractor prior to being moved into production.

|_| Contractor will ensure that independent verification and validation is performed on software deployed on contractor managed systems containing USGS data, in accordance with DOI SDLC Security Integration Guide

|_| Off-Site Contractor Operation and Management of IT System-Contractor will ensure that independent verification and validation is performed on software deployed on contractor managed systems containing USGS data, in accordance with DOI SDLC Security Integration Guide

|_| IT Security Service - Applies only if the purpose of the contract includes obtaining IV&V services.

Applies if the purpose of the contract includes obtaining C&A services.

|_| User Access to USGS IT Systems or IT Supports Services (Greater than User Access Certification and Accreditation on USGS systems to which the Contractor may have access under this contract will be conducted by the Government or another of its contractors.

|_| Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications The contractor will perform Certification and Accreditation (C&A) services on the application developed or maintained hereunder prior to going into production. The application must be re-accredited every three years or whenever there is a major change that affects security. C&A documents will be provided to the COR in both hard copy and electronic forms. The contractor must follow NIST SP 800-37, 800-18, 800-30, 800-60, 800-53A, Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 and 200, the associated DOI guides/templates, the DOI Security Test & Evaluation (ST&E) Guide, and the DOI Privacy Impact Assessment. NIST documents are available on the internet at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/ FIPS documents are available on the internet at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/. The contractor may request copies of DOI documents by contacting the Contracting Officer. The government reserves the right to conduct the ST&E using either Government personnel or an independent contractor. The contractor will take immediate and timely action to correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered as necessary to bring the application or system into compliance with the above requirement.

|_| On-Site Contractor Support and Management of IT System or Off-Site Contractor Operation and Management of IT System The Contractor must maintain systems that are compliant with NIST SP 800-18, 800-30, 800-37, 800-53A, 800-60, Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 and 200, the associated DOI guides/templates, the DOI Security Test & Evaluation (ST&E) Guide, and the DOI Privacy Impact Assessment. As required by the above, Major Applications and General Support Systems shall be certified and accredited (C&A) prior to going into production and re-accredited every three years or whenever there is a major change that affects security. C&A documents will be provided to the COR in both hard copy and electronic forms. NIST documents are available on the internet at http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/. The contractor may request copies of DOI documents by contacting the Contracting Officer. The government will reserve the right to conduct the ST&E, using either Government personnel or an independent contractor. The contractor will take immediate and timely action to correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered as necessary to bring the application or system into compliance with the above requirement.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology.”

|_| Development or Maintenance of Custom Applications OR On-Site Contractor Support and Management of IT System OR Off-site Contractor Oversight and Management of IT System- Web-based applications developed or maintained under this contract must contain a USGS approved logon banner:

https://portal.doi.net/CIO/ITPMgmt/Documents/IT Standards/IT Security/DOI Security Control Standards (based on NIST SP 800-53 Revision 3)/Access Control v1.4.pdf

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with contract clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” - The contractor must report computer security incidents affecting DOI data or systems in accordance with the DOI Computer Incident Response Guide.

All software or hardware purchased must be free of malicious code such as viruses, Trojan horse programs, worms, spyware, etc. Validation of this must be written into the contract.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with contract clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” - The contractor must conduct an annual self-assessment in accordance with annual DOI guidance on all information systems in production.

Vulnerability Analysis on USGS systems to which the Contractor may have access under this contract will be conducted by the Government or another of its contractors.

Contractor employees who access DOI information systems must acknowledge a government-approved legal warning banner prior to logging on to the system. This includes contractor owned information systems hosting DOI data.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with contract clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology” – The Contractor shall ensure compliance with the security control requirements of the current version of NIST SP 800-53, Rev.1, which are applicable to the security categorization of the data or system. FIPS 199 and the NIST SP 800-60 will be used to determine information types and security categorizations.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance with contract clause “Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology.”

For IT Support Services: The Contractor shall submit a contingency plan in accordance with NIST SP 800-34 and DOI IT Systems Contingency Plan Guide.

ICT Accessibility Requirements Statement per the Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Software Training and Development E201 Application E201.1 Scope. ICT that is procured, developed, maintained, or used by agencies shall conform to the Revised 508 Standards.

E206 Hardware E206.1 General. Where components of ICT are hardware and transmit information or have a user interface, such components shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 4.

E208 Support Documentation and Services E208.1 General. Where an agency provides support documentation or services for ICT, such documentation and services shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 6.

E302 Functional Performance Criteria

302.1 Without Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user vision.

302.2 With Limited Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited vision.

302.3 Without Perception of Color. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of color.

302.4 Without Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user hearing.

302.5 With Limited Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited hearing.

302.6 Without Speech. Where speech is used for input, control, or operation, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user speech.

302.7 With Limited Manipulation. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations.

302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength.

302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities. ICT shall provide features making its use by individuals with limited cognitive, language, and learning abilities simpler and easier.

602 Support Documentation

602.1 General. Documentation that supports the use of ICT shall conform to 602.

603 Support Services

603.1 General. ICT support services including, but not limited to, help desks, call centers, training services, and automated self-service technical support, shall conform to 603.

603.2 Information on Accessibility and Compatibility Features. ICT support services shall include information on the accessibility and compatibility features required by 602.2.

603.3 Accommodation of Communication Needs. Support services shall be provided directly to the user or through a referral to a point of contact. Such ICT support services shall accommodate the communication needs of individuals with disabilities.

INTERNET PROTOCOL INTERNET PROTOCOL version 6 (June 2012)

1. Any system hardware, software, firmware and/or networked component (voice, video or data) developed, procured, or acquired in support and/or performance of this contract shall be capable of transmitting, receiving, processing, forwarding and storing digital information across system boundaries utilizing system packets that are formatted in accordance with commercial standards of Internet Protocol (IP) version 6 (IPv6) as set forth in the USGv6 Profile (NIST Special Publication 500-267) and corresponding declarations of conformance defined in the USGv6 Test Program. In addition, this system shall maintain interoperability with IPv4 systems and provide at least the same level of performance and reliability capabilities of IPv4 products.

2. Specifically, any new IP product or system developed, acquired, or produced must:

a) Interoperate with both IPv6 and IPv4 systems and products, and

b) Have available contractor/vendor IPv6 technical support for development and implementation and fielded product management.

3. As IPv6 evolves, the Contractor commits to upgrading or providing an appropriate migration path for each item developed, delivered or utilized at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall retrofit all non-IPv6 capable equipment, as defined above, that is fielded under this contract with IPv6 capable equipment, at no additional cost to the Government.

4. The contractor shall provide technical support for both IPv4 and IPv6.

5. Any system or software must be able to operate on networks supporting IPv4, IPv6 or one that supports both.

6. Any product whose non-compliance is discovered and made known to the Contractor within one year after acceptance shall be upgraded, modified or replaced to bring it into compliance at no additional cost to the Government.

GS0199 Prevention of Malicious Code (JUN 2018)

(a) Definitions

Malicious code is a computer code developed for the purpose of causing some form of intentional damage to computer systems or networks. Malicious code may be a complete program or code imbedded in software programs that appear to provide useful functions. The term includes computer viruses and other destructive programs, such as "Trojan Horses" and network "worms."

(b) The contractor must have in place an anti-virus procedure to ensure that media supplied is uncontaminated by malicious code.

(c) The contractor is required to scan all delivered software to insure it is free of malicious code prior to its installation or operation on USGS-owned computers or contractor-owned computers connected to USGS computer systems or networks. Contractors using diagnostics software disks or connecting to a non-USGS computer while performing repairs or upgrades to a USGS computer will scan the serviced computer's drive(s) to insure they are free of malicious code upon completion of the service call, or prior to return of serviced equipment, if servicing is performed off-site.

GS0231 Technical Liaison – Technical Clarification (DEC 2024)

a) The performance required herein shall be subject to the technical clarification of the Technical Liaison (TL) as identified below. As used herein, "technical clarification" is defined as communication to help the contractor fully understand the requirements.

(b) The Technical Liaison is not delegated any Contracting Officer’s Representative responsibilities.

(c) The Technical Liaison may not modify the requirements in any way. All modifications must be authorized by the Contracting Officer.

(d) The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, if they believe the Technical Liaison is directing work outside the requirements of this contract. The contractor may not be reimbursed for any work outside the requirements of this contract.

(e) The Technical Liaison assigned for this contract is: (The Technical Liaison will be added at the time of award) Telelphone: [xxx] Email: [xxx] U.S. Geological Survey Address and Mail Stop: [xxx]

(f) Only the Contracting Officer may designate a new Technical Liaison."

GS0919 Legal Holidays (JUN 2021) The following legal holidays are observed by this Government agency:

When a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.

In addition to the holidays listed above, the contractor agrees to observe leave days or closures designated by Federal Statute, Executive Order, or Presidential Proclamation.

GS0925 Unscheduled Closures - Fixed Price (MAR 2003)

(a) The USGS facility where contractor employees are working may occasionally be closed temporarily and federal employees dismissed, such as for inclement weather, holiday early closings, power outages, or other emergencies.

In these cases, the Contracting Officer or COR will advise the contractor whether any of the contractor's activities on Government facilities are considered critical and require continued performance. In most cases, the Contractor will be required to dismiss employees at Government facilities who are performing noncritical tasks after federal employees are dismissed.

(b) If the unscheduled closure causes an increase in the cost of contract performance or if any contract term or condition is affected by the closure, the Contractor may request an adjustment pursuant to Clause FAR 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work.

(c) Contractor performance at locations that are not affected by the unscheduled closure will not be subject to this clause.

GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (MAY 2013) The contractor shall submit all invoices under the award no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance has expired, unless a request for extension has been submitted to the Contracting Officer. After 120 days has passed since the expiration of the performance period, the government reserves the right to issue a unilateral modification deobligating any unexpended funds, and to initiate closeout procedures.

GS1332 Contractor’s Representative. (JUL 2001)

(a) Upon contract award, the contractor shall furnish to the contracting officer the name of the person he has designated and assigned exclusively to this contract as his agent or representative. The contractor's representative shall exercise overall management responsibility for the contract effort, receive technical direction, and handle problems arising under the contract, such as dismissals, disciplinary matters, etc. The contractor's representative is further responsible for coordinating matters of mutual concern with the Technical Liaison (TL). In the event questions of responsibility arise, they shall be resolved by the contracting officer or his authorized representative.

(b) When the Contractor's Representative is temporarily unavailable to manage the contract effort for a period longer than 72 hours, including but not limited to absences due to vacation or illness, the contractor will provide to the COR a written designation of an alternate representative, itemizing any limitations in the alternate's authority. The procedures of paragraph (b) above do not apply to such temporary designations unless they are expected to exceed the time period indicated in that paragraph.

GS1333 Contractor’s Point of Contact. (JUL 2001)

The contractor must establish a designated point of contact, answering service or other continuous telephone coverage to insure that 1) all calls from the Government are answered, and 2) the maintenance representative receives any telephone communications from the Government within sufficient time to meet the contract response time requirements. Such continuous coverage must be provided during the period of performance of one year.

GS1338 Notice to Government of Delays (JUL 2001) In the event the contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or date, or whenever the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the contractor shall immediately notify the contracting officer and the COR (if one has been designated), in writing, giving pertinent details. This data shall be informational only in character. Notice under this provision shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date or of any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

GS1346 Compliance with OSHA-Govt owned Facilities/Equipment (APR 2003) Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act -- Government-Owned Performance of work hereunder shall comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970, as amended (OSHA). If, at any time during the performance of this contract, the Government-furnished facilities and/or equipment do not conform to OSHA standards, the contractor must so notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, including a recommendation of the corrective action needed.

GS1348 Accident Reporting (APR 2003) If an accident occurs on Government-controlled facilities, a report must be provided to the Contracting Officer's Representative and the Contracting Officer within 48 hours. An accident is defined as an event which causes injury, illness, or loss or damage to Government-owned or private property. The contractor will cooperate with any ensuing Government accident investigation.

GS1364 Nonpersonal Services and Supervision of Contractor’s Employees (SEP 2017)

a. This contract is a “nonpersonal services contract” as defined in FAR 37.101. It is therefore, understood and agreed that the contractor and/or the contractor’s employees:

1. shall perform the services specified herein as independent contractors, not as employees of the government;

2. shall request clarification in writing from the Contracting Officer if the Contractor finds it necessary with respect to the scope of services to be performed or the manner in which the services are to be performed hereunder;

3. shall be responsible for their own management and administration of the work required and bear sole responsibility for complying with any and all technical, schedule, or financial requirements or constraints attendant to the performance of this contract;

4. shall be free from supervision, direction or control by any government employee with respect to the manner or method of performance of the services specified; but

5. shall comply with such general direction of the Contracting Officer (or duly authorized representative) pursuant to the government’s right and obligation to inspect, accept or reject the work as is necessary to ensure accomplishment of the contract objectives.

6. shall not be at any time during the contract period employees of the U.S. Government.

b. The contractor's employees and subcontractors must make clear, in dealings with the public, federal employees, or other contractors that they are not federal employees. To minimize possible confusion, while performing work under this contract, contractor employees are required to identify themselves as such when attending meetings, in email and other correspondence, in documents or reports produced, and when working in situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties. Further, contractors and subcontractors are not permitted to wear clothing or other items (apart from official identity credential) bearing the name, logo, or seal of the U.S. Geological Survey while performing work under this contract.

Use of Government Computers (SEP 2018)

(a) USGS rules regarding security of information technology systems apply to all personnel with access to Government IT equipment or data or to non-Government computer equipment (e.g. company or personal laptops) connected to USGS systems, networks or internet services. The rules are contained in the following directives:

(1) Survey Manual 600.5, Information Technology Systems Security - General Requirements

(2) USGS Computer And Network Security Handbook (available internally only)

(b) In performance of the contract, it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all of their personnel with USGS computer system access follow and adhere to the USGS computer and information systems security policies, standard, and procedures and abide by the USGS Rules of Behavior, as described in the USGS Computer And Network Security Handbook.

(c) The contractor and its employees and subcontractors shall not install any personal or company-owned software or applications on Government-owned equipment without the express permission of the COR. Use of unnecessary user applications (e.g., personal use of external instant messaging, desktop search engine, peer-to-peer file sharing services), and services that are not needed or duplicate the Government-provided equivalents (e.g., alternate e-mail services) is prohibited. Contractors will cooperate in any software management assessments and software user surveys.

(d) If employees of the contractor or any of its subcontractors are given user accounts in USGS email systems, the Contractor will ensure that they are correctly identified in the email system as contractors and have included the name of their company in the directory and in an automatic signature line, so that any email correspondence is readily recognized as coming from a contractor rather than a USGS employee.

GS1440 Wage Determination Applicable (JUL 2001)

In the performance of this contract, the contractor shall comply with the requirements of U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination Number 2015-5419, Revision 31, dated December 3, 2025. The wage determination is incorporated into this contract as Attachment 1.

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 post-acceptance 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…