Sol_140G0226Q0143.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6/1995)

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

8. TO:

b. COMPANYa. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

7. DELIVERY

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

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 service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotation must be completed by the quoter.

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

ITEM NUMBER

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

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 are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NUMBER 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

c. CITY

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

2150 CENTRE AVENUE, BUILDING C

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

PO BOX 25046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

DENVER CO 80225-0046

0044048176140G0226Q0143

Jennifer Rollin

236-9321 USGS Fort Collins Science Center

80526-8118

09/13/2026

09/21/2026 1200 MD

FORT COLLINS

CO

Period of Performance: 09/24/2026 to

09/23/2027

Whole Genome Sequencing for Bison

00010 400 EACommercial services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide whole genome sequencing for bison in accordance with the attached

Performance Work Statement (PWS) and

Terms and Conditions.

Product/Service Code: R425

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT-

Continued...

1 17

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGES

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(B)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

ITEM NO.

(A)

QUANTITY

(C)

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

140G0226Q0143

PROFESSIONAL: ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL

Period of Performance: 10/01/2026 to

09/30/2027

Anticipated Type of Award: Firm Fixed Price

Solicitation POC: Jennifer Rollin, jennifer_rollin@ios.doi.gov

Request for Quotation – 140G0226Q0143

Whole Genome Sequencing for Bison

Contents

Supplies or Services and Prices

Performance Work Statement

Clauses

52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)(DEVIATION Apr 2026)

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (Feb 1998)

52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses. (Nov 2020)

GS1101 Contract Administration Office (Jul 2001)

GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (May 2013)

GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays (Jul 2001)

Provisions

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation. (Nov 2015) (DEVIATION Mar 2026)

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Federal Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016) (DEVIATION May 2026)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

Basis for Award

52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984) (DEVIATION Mar 2026)

52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (Sep 2023) (DEVIATION Jan 2026)

52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (DEVIATION Mar 2026)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference. (Feb 1998)

Quotation Preparation

Quotation Submission

Supplies or Services and Prices

Item Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost DNA Extraction 200 Library Preparation 200 Next Generation Sequencing (2X150) 200 Grand Total

Performance Work Statement

Background The Department of the Interior (DOI) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT), 2150 Centre Ave, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8118 USA has a requirement for whole genome sequencing for bison in accordance with EO 14303 –Restoring Gold Standard Science. DOI oversees 16 bison herds managed for the benefit of the American people, and maintaining their genetic health is central to effective stewardship. The Bison Working Group (BWG) developed the DOI Bison Metapopulation Strategy to maximize genetic diversity across herds while accounting for cattle introgression. Although the Strategy was initially built around a shared microsatellite marker panel, it also recognizes that advancing molecular tools—such as SNPs and whole-genome sequencing—will ultimately provide more complete and informative genetic data. Current reliance on microsatellites limits the precision of diversity estimates and the ability to detect genome-wide patterns, including subtle nuclear cattle introgression. Whole-genome sequencing addresses these limitations directly. By generating a comprehensive dataset across DOI herds, this effort will establish more accurate benchmarks of genomic diversity, determine the sampling effort required for a scalable SNP- or genome-based monitoring framework, and identify the most cost-effective approach for long-term implementation.

Ultimately, this sequencing work lays the foundation for transitioning to modern genomic tools and ensures that the Metapopulation Strategy can incorporate the best available science in an efficient and economical way.

Scope The contractor shall perform DNA extraction, quality control, library preparation, sequencing, and data delivery. All work shall be conducted using state-of-the-art laboratory methods, consistent with industry standards for high-quality genomic analysis of large mammalian genomes (~3 Gb). All work shall meet or exceed the quality standards and time standards in accordance with this PWS.

Task 1 The Contractor shall receive batches of bison samples consisting primarily of tail hair, with additional FTA blood card and tissue samples supplied by the USGS Fort Collins Science Center.

Quality Standards: The Contractor shall compare all received samples against the bulk sample list provided by USGS. The Contractor shall maintain a full sample-tracking system throughout extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis. Final data delivery must include all corresponding quality control information.

Time: Any missing, damaged, or mislabeled samples, or any discrepancies between sample identifiers and the bulk list, shall be reported to the USGS Technical Liaison (TL) within 2 business days of discovery.

Task 2 The Contractor shall perform DNA extraction using validated methods suitable for degraded and variable DNA quality typical of hair and FTA card samples.

Quality Standards: The Contractor shall complete DNA quality control (QC) on all extracted samples, including (but not limited to) concentration, purity, and fragment size assessment. The Contractor shall conduct internal QC checks at all workflow stages and shall rerun any samples exhibiting highly unusual or inconsistent results. Final data delivery must include all corresponding quality control information.

Time: The Contractor shall complete all DNA extractions within 20 weeks of receiving the samples. The Contractor shall promptly notify the USGS TL of any delays, required re-work, or expected deviations from the project schedule.

Task 3 The Contractor shall perform whole genome sequencing library preparation for each sample using a suitable library prep method for high-quality genomic analysis of large mammalian genomes (~3 Gb).

Quality Standards: The contractor will ensure that libraries undergo QC throughout the process and all laboratory work must be completed using appropriate controls and contamination-prevention measures. The Contractor shall conduct internal QC checks at all workflow stages and shall rerun any samples exhibiting highly unusual or inconsistent results.

Final data delivery must include all corresponding quality control information.

Time: The Contractor shall complete all WGS library preparations within 20 weeks of receiving the samples. The Contractor shall promptly notify the USGS TL of any delays, required re-work, or expected deviations from the project schedule.

Task 4 The Contractor shall generate whole-genome sequencing data at a minimum of 20X average coverage per individual using paired-end 2×150 bp sequencing chemistry. Sequencing shall be conducted on a platform capable of delivering consistent and high-fidelity data appropriate for downstream analyses (e.g., Illumina NovaSeq or equivalent).

The Contractor shall provide demultiplexed FASTQ files for each sample run.

Quality Standards: The contractor will ensure all libraries undergo QC throughout the process and all laboratory work must be completed using appropriate controls and contamination-prevention measures. The Contractor shall conduct internal QC checks at all workflow stages and shall rerun any samples exhibiting highly unusual or inconsistent results.

Final data delivery must include all corresponding quality control information.

Time: The Contractor shall complete all sequencing runs within 20 weeks of receiving the samples. The Contractor shall promptly notify the USGS TL of any delays, required re-work, or expected deviations from the project schedule.

Task 5 The Contractor shall not destroy any unused bison sample material. All unutilized portions of samples (including DNA) must be returned to USGS in their original packaging or an equally protective alternative using the appropriate shipping conditions.

Quality Standards: The contractor shall use appropriate shipping conditions for the type of sample being sent (i.e.

overnight on ice shipping for DNA). The contractor will inform the USGS TL that a shipment is being sent and provide any tracking information available.

Time: The Contractor shall return all unused materials within 20 weeks finishing the sequencing.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

The contractor is responsible for Quality Control (QC). The contractor shall complete its Quality Control Plan (QCP) processes before contacting the USGS Technical Liaison (TL) to begin the Government’s QASP processes. The QASP will not be a replacement or substitution for or included in the contractor’s QC and QCP.

The Government is responsible for Quality Assurance (QA). The USGS’s TL will review all quality control information received from the contractor at data delivery to verify quality controls were performed and data is of high quality.

The quality standards for acceptability are that all samples were run (unless otherwise noted for not meeting quality control standards), have an average minimum of 20x coverage, met all the contractor’s QC verifications and any unused sample was returned using appropriate shipping conditions.

Task 1 QASP: The USGS TL shall review all quality control information received from the contractor at data delivery to verify quality controls were performed and data is of high quality.

Task 2 QASP: The USGS TL shall review all quality control information received from the contractor at data delivery to verify quality controls were performed and data is of high quality.

Task 3 QASP: The USGS TL shall review all quality control information received from the contractor at data delivery to verify quality controls were performed and data is of high quality.

Task 4 QASP: The USGS TL shall review all quality control information received from the contractor at data delivery to verify quality controls were performed and data is of high quality.

Task 5 QASP: The USGS TL will review the list of submitted samples with the list of samples returned to verify everything that was expected to arrive was received.

Clauses

52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)(DEVIATION Apr 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to: training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

1. The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

2. The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

3. In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

4. The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

5. The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

6. The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address: http://www.acquisition.gov 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (Oct 2018) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications. (Dec 2014) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded/ (Jan 2025) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporation. (Nov 2015) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (Nov 2023) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.219-28 Post award Small Business Program Representations (Jan 2025) (DEVIATION Feb 2026) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.222-19 Child Labor – Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Mar 2026) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.222- 36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2025) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.226-7 Drug-Free Workplace (May 2024) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations. (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (Mar 2023) 52.233-1 Disputes. (May 2014) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.233-4 Applicable Law For Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Oct 2025) (DEVIATION May 2026) 52.247-34 F.o.b. Destination (Jan 1991)

52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses. (Nov 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any 48 CFR, Chapter 14, Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

GS1101 Contract Administration Office (Jul 2001)

(a) This contract will be administered by:

U.S. Geological Survey Denver Science Acquisition Team Attn: Jenn Rollin/Contracting Officer http://www.acquisition.gov/

Email: jennifer_rollin@ios.doi.gov

(b) Written communications to the person listed above shall make reference to the contract number and shall be emailed to the above address.

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 de-obligating any unexpended funds, and to initiate closeout procedures.

GS1338 Notice to the 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.

DOI – AAAP - 0028 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (Feb 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.

Provisions

52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation. (Nov 2015) (DEVIATION Mar 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— mailto:jennifer_rollin@ios.doi.gov https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

(b) Government agencies are not permitted to use appropriated (or otherwise made available) funds for contracts with either an inverted domestic corporation, or a subsidiary of an inverted domestic corporation, unless the exception at 9.108-3(b) applies or the requirement is waived in accordance with the procedures at 9.108-5.

(c) Representation. The Offeror represents that-

(1) It □ is, □ is not an inverted domestic corporation; and

(2) It □ is, □ is not a subsidiary of an inverted domestic corporation.

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Federal Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016) (DEVIATION May 2026)

(a) As required by sections 744 and 745 of Division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), and similar provisions, if contained in subsequent appropriations acts, the Government will not enter into a contract with any corporation that–

(1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or

(2) Was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b) The Offeror represents that–

(1) It is □ is not □ a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; and

(2) It is □ is not □ a corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding 24 months.

(End of provision)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

(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. Factors 1 and 2 are of equal value and are significantly more important than cost.

Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. The quote with the lowest price will be reviewed first and if that quote is found to be technically unacceptable, the next lowest quote will be reviewed etc. To be considered technically acceptable, offeror shall provide technical brochures or specifications. These technical brochures or specifications must demonstrate the proposed equipment meets or exceeds all of the minimum characteristics listed above.

All vendors must quote Authentic, Manufacturer certified/warranted products in original, intact manufacturer's packaging, no "Gray Market", counterfeit, or resale items shall be considered.

To be considered technically acceptable, the following factors shall be used to evaluate offerors.

Factor 1 – Technical Capabilities: The proposals will be evaluated based on the vendor ability to process the most samples using whole-genome sequencing at a minimum of 20X average coverage per individual using paired-end 2×150 bp sequencing chemistry. Vendors shall provide documentation showing how many samples can be processed resulting in the desired coverage, and a summary of the DNA extraction, library prep and sequencing kits/instruments/methods they are planning to use.

Factor 2 – Past Performance: Contractor must provide references of a minimum of three (3), of previously completed service contracts, within the past five (5) years that involved sample analysis for same/similar services. The Government may contact those references provided. Their statements will be used in the evaluation of the contractor’s offer under any and all applicable evaluation criteria. Past performance information provided by references, from Government records, or from other than the sources identified by the offeror may be used in the evaluation under any or all applicable evaluation factors. In addition to the foregoing, CPARS.gov will be used as a source of past performance information in the source selection process, in addition to any other past performance information required under this solicitation. All past performance information will be used for both the responsibility determination and the best value decision.

(b) 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.

Factor 3 – Price: The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed price for reasonableness, completeness, and realism, as appropriate. Price will be evaluated as a less important factor than the non-price evaluation factors. The Government will consider the evaluated price in determining the overall best-value quotation, but a lower-priced quotation will not necessarily receive a higher overall rating or be selected for award.

The Government intends to make award to the Offeror whose quotation represents the best value to the Government, considering the combined results of the price and non-price evaluation factors. The importance of the non-price factors, individually and collectively, is greater than the importance of price. Accordingly, the Government may select a higher-priced quotation if the benefits associated with the quotation’s superior non-price factors are determined to provide a value that warrants paying the price premium.

The Government will not award based on price alone. In making the best-value decision, the quotations will be evaluated to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each quotation, the evaluated price, and the extent to which the evaluated differences among quotations provide benefits to the Government.

Basis for Award The award of this requirement shall be made using the policies in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. Award shall be made to the vendor whose quotation, conforming to this RFQ, is determined to be the most advantageous to the government based upon cost or price and other non-cost or non-price factors. In determining which quote package offers the greatest value or advantage to the Government, overall non-price merit will be considered more important than price or cost. The degree of importance of price or cost as an evaluation factor will increase with the degree of equality in the non-price merits of the quote packages. Between acceptable quote packages with a significant difference in non-price merit, a determination will be made as to whether the additional non-price merit or benefits reflected by a higher priced quote package warrants payment of the additional price or cost.

A single award shall be made to the vendor whose proposal, conforming to this Solicitation, it determined to be most advantageous to the government, cost or price and other non-cost or non-price factors listed above. In determining which proposal offers the greatest value or advantage to the Government, overall past performance and qualifications will be significantly more important than evaluated price or cost to the Government. Price or cost will become the determining factor between proposals judged to be essentially equal in technical merit. While the Government anticipates award based primarily on technical superiority, no award will be made based on superior technical capability when the proposed cost or price is considered unreasonable or when the additional cost or price is not justified by the advantages of an award based on technical superiority.

All technical proposals shall be separate from pricing proposals. No pricing shall be contained in the technical proposal.

Offerors are required to list discounts, if any, as part of their pricing proposal, but separate from the original unit price.

52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984) (DEVIATION Mar 2026) The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price purchase order resulting from this solicitation.

52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (Sep 2023) (DEVIATION Jan 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business concern eligible under the WOSB Program.

HUBZone small business concern means a small business concern that meets the requirements described in 13 CFR

126.200 , is certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and designated by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the Small Business Search (SBS) ( 13 CFR 126.103 ).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program means an SDVOSB concern that is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300.

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (b) of this provision.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern means a small business concern that

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by one or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States, and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13 CFR 124.106) by individuals who meet the criteria in paragraph (1) of this definition.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127) means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b)

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-1

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

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

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

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

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

(c) Representations. (1) The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) it □ is, □ is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It □ is, □ is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(2) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it □ is, □ is not a women-owned small disadvantage business concern.

(3) Women-owned small business (WOSB) joint venture eligible under the WOSB Program. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c).

[ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(4) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.]

(5) SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror is certified as a SDVOSB concern]. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it □ is, □ is not a SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 128.402. [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture:__.]

(6) HUBZone joint venture eligible under the HUBZone Program. [Complete only if the offeror is a HUBZone small business concern.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that it □ is, □ is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 126.616(a) through (c). [ The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture must be certified as a HUBZone concern.

(d) Notice. Under 15 U.S.C. 645(d), any person who misrepresents a firm’s status as a business concern that is small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned small, economically disadvantaged women-owned small, or women-owned small eligible under the WOSB Program in order to obtain a contract to be awarded under the preference programs established pursuant to section 8, 9, 15, 31, and 36 of the Small Business Act or any other provision of Federal law that specifically references section 8(d) for a definition of program eligibility, will be—

(1) Punished by imposition of fine, imprisonment, or both;

(2) Subject to administrative remedies, including suspension and debarment; and

(3) Ineligible for participation in programs conducted under the authority of the Act. (End of provision) Alternate I [Reserved] Alternate II (MAR 2023). As prescribed in 19.101(a)(2)(ii)(B), substitute the following paragraphs (b) and (c)(1) for paragraphs (b) and (c)(1) of the basic provision:

(b)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and corresponding size standards for this acquisition are as follows; the categories or portions these NAICS codes are assigned to are specified elsewhere in the solicitation:

NAICS Code 541380 Size Standard $19M

(2) 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 (i.e., nonmanufacturer), is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

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

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

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

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror shall represent its small business size status for each one of the NAICS codes assigned to this acquisition under which it is submitting an offer.

NAICS Code 541380 Small business concern (yes/no) Yes

52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (DEVIATION Mar 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-—

Backhaul, covered article, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, interconnection arrangements, national security system, roaming, sensitive compartmented information, sensitive compartmented information system, source, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce.

Marginalized populations of Sudan means—

(1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) (50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and

(2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted under specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.

1702(b)(3)).

(b) Procedures.

(1) Covered telecommunications and video surveillance. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(2) FASCSA Orders.

(i) The Offeror shall search in SAM for the phrase “FASCSA order” 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 (e) of FAR 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

(ii) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM but are effective and apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 40.204-1(c)(2)).

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

(c) Covered telecommunications equipment or services representations. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the Offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit)—

(1) It 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, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g); and

(2) It does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g).

(d) FASCSA 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 (g). A reasonable inquiry will look at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit.

(e) Sudan certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan.

(f) Iran Representation and Certifications.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this provision or if a waiver has been granted in accordance with FAR 40.203-3, the offeror, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), by submission of its offer—

(i) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the https://www.sam.gov/ government of Iran;

(ii) Certifies that the offeror, or any person (as defined at section 15 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-172, 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) owned or controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products to Iran, and contributing to Iran’s ability to acquire or develop certain weapons or technologies; and

(iii) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $15,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx)

(2) Exception for trade agreements. The representation and certification requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this provision do not apply if—

(i) This solicitation includes a trade agreements notice or certification (e.g., 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate); and

(ii) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to be supplied are designated country end products or designated country construction material.

(iii) The offeror shall email questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of State at CISADA106@state.gov.

(g) Disclosure.

(1) If the Offeror is not able to represent compliance with the prohibitions in paragraphs (c) or (d), then the Offeror shall disclose within 72 hours to the contracting office identified in paragraph (g)(2) the following information for each product or service not compliant:

(i) Contract number and order number, if applicable;

(ii) Identification of whether this disclosure relates to paragraph (c) on covered telecommunication equipment or services, or to paragraph (d) on FASCSA orders;

(iii) A description of the products or services that the Contractor identifies or has reason to suspect is prohibited (include brand; model number, such as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable);

(iv) The entity that produced the product or service (include entity name, unique entity identifier, Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) code, facilities responsible for design, fabrication, assembly, packaging, and test of the product, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor (provide manufacturer codes and distributor codes used for the product));

(v) Description of the functionality of the product or service and how that functionality impacts the risk to the product or service;

(vi) An explanation of any factors relevant to determining if the product or service should be permitted by an applicable exception, exemption, or waiver (if the offeror would like the Government to consider a waiver);

(vii) Whether alternative products or services are available that would be compliant with the prohibition;

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx mailto:CISADA106@state.gov

(viii) If the product or service is related to item maintenance, include the following information on the item being maintained:

(A) Brand;

(B) Model number, OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and

(C) Item description, as applicable.

(ix) Any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

(2) If a disclosure is required to be submitted to a contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure as follows:

(i) If a Department of Defense contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

(ii) For all other contracting offices, the Offeror shall submit the disclosure to the Contracting Officer.

(3) If the disclosure provided does not contain any of the information required by paragraph (1), and the Offeror later discovers new information that is required by paragraph (1), then the Offeror shall submit a subsequent disclosure within 72 hours of discovering the new information.

(h) Executive agency review of disclosures. The Contracting Officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (g) to determine if any applicable waiver may be sought. The Contracting Officer may choose not to pursue a waiver and may instead make an award to an Offeror that does not require a waiver.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference. (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation…