Sol_140G0326Q0216.pdf

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350 N Akron Road Building 19

USGS OAG SACRAMENTO ACQUISITION BR.

MODOC HALL, CSUS

3020 STATE UNIVERSITY DRIVE EAST

SACRAMENTO CA 95819-6027

0044055717140G0326Q0216

Tracy Huot

278-9330 Moffett ESC

94035

09/10/2026

09/21/2026 1700 PD

Moffett Field

CA

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1 21

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140G0326Q0216 technical specifications, provisions, and clauses.

Questions pertaining to this solicitation must be by email and submitted to the Contracting

Officer no later than 09/16/2026 at 1700 PD via email to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov

Quotations must be submitted to the Contracting

Officer no later than 09/21/2026 at 1700 PD via email to tracy_huot@ios.doi.gov

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Please submit Unique Entity Identification

(UEI) number with quote.

The applicable North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting

Services, with the associated size standard of

$19M.

00010 Great Earthquakes Social Science Initiative in accordance with the Statement of Work included herein.

Product/Service Code: B542

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- EDUCATIONAL

Period of Performance: 10/01/2026 to

09/30/2027

140G0326Q0216 3 of 21

PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK STATEMENT

Great Earthquakes Social Science Initiative - GESSI

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Introduction

The ShakeAlertⓇ Earthquake Early Warning System currently operates in California, Oregon, and Washington and serves over 50 million residents and visitors to those states. While initial Communication Education Outreach (CEO) efforts produced tools and resources for emergency managers and other earthquake education practitioners, as well as various sector thought leaders in Healthcare, Utilities, Transportation and Education, there remain untapped opportunities to expand elements for engagement with other stakeholders, audiences, influencers for maximum messaging uptake to advance preparedness and public safety. There is an ongoing need to update, adapt and repurpose current documents, guidelines, graphics, and other deliverables.

The ShakeAlert System is also undergoing continuing development and evolution including the completion of the build out of the seismic sensor network by the end of 2026, addition of geodetic sensors to the sensor network, and the expansion of ShakeAlert-powered products and

(or) services in new technical sectors. Messaging resources must reflect this expansion and evolution of the ShakeAlert System.

The overall goal of this project is to update and expand on existing ShakeAlert Messaging resources and guidelines;

leverage relationships with key thought leaders to further distribute and influence current ShakeAlert messaging; and align with/implement elements of the ShakeAlert Communication, Education, Outreach & Technical Engagement (CEO&TE) Strategic Vision (2025).

The goals of the Great Earthquakes Social Science Initiative are:

• To develop strategies to engage internal and external stakeholders to devise compelling social science questions related to scenarios for great earthquakes, specifically for an update of the magnitude (M) 7.8 ShakeOut scenario and an ongoing effort to develop scenarios for great earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

• To develop and operationalize a research plan that will address important research questions.

• To explore pathways where the outputs of ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services through the USGS-led ShakeAlert Technical Engagement enterprise.

• Explore how social science research can enhance preparation, response, mitigation, and resiliency in different ways.

• To ensure all work efforts and products align with, satisfy, and advance implementation of the

140G0326Q0216 4 of 21 vision and mission as found in the ShakeAlert CEO&TE Strategic Vision (2025) and the 2026–2031 U.S.

Geological Survey Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation—Actionable Science for Risk Reduction (2026).

B. Background

The ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system (ShakeAlert EEW system, ShakeAlert system, ShakeAlert, system) detects within seconds earthquakes that meet certain thresholds, so alerts can be delivered to people and vital technical infrastructure (e.g. utilities) and industry sectors, potentially seconds before strong shaking arrives at their location. ShakeAlert-powered alerts encourage people to take a self-protective action, such as Drop, Cover, and Hold On, and trigger automated actions to protect critical systems, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.

Acknowledging the human interface of EEW is indispensable. A significant factor in the adoption and ultimate success of the ShakeAlert EEW System is effective communication, education, outreach, and technical engagement.

The USGS’s 2018 Revised Technical Implementation Plan for the ShakeAlert System – An Earthquake Early Warning System for the West Coast of the United States (2018 Technical Implementation Plan) notes that “EEW alerts are useless if people do not know how to respond to them” and “Extensive communication, education, and outreach (CEO) for both public and institutional users is needed for ShakeAlert to have maximum beneficial impact.”

Because ShakeAlert Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement (CEO&TE) — like the ShakeAlert EEW System itself — is a collaborative effort, the purpose of this project is to align USGS, its Principal Partners, Implementation Partners, and other key stakeholders around the design and overarching framework for ShakeAlert communication, education, and outreach.

ShakeAlert CEO&TE envisions a future where EEW is a widely integrated component of preparedness and mitigation culture in the U.S. Through continued, thoughtful stakeholder engagement; a basic management, coordination, and evaluation structure; and the implementation of CEO&TE strategies founded upon social science and evidence-based approaches as described in the ShakeAlert CEO&TE Strategic Vision, will serve as a framework to realize the ShakeAlert CEO&TE vision: Earthquake Early Warning for All.

ShakeAlert and Social Science

The ShakeAlert Social Science Working Group - SSWG, in coordination with the USGS coordinates all CEO&TE social science initiatives, projects, etc. The mission of SSWG is to

140G0326Q0216 5 of 21 provide research for the CEO&TE Community, decision-makers, and administrators to be better informed on how they can best communicate with and educate various public groups about the ShakeAlert System. SSWG stakeholders include representatives from across the ShakeAlert CEO&TE Community. Members may represent various disciplines, but the primary focus is researchers who are actively working on ShakeAlert or EEW social science research, as well as USGS designees.

Social science is broadly defined as a systematic study of people, their societies, governments, and their social, cultural, communication, learning, geographical, and economic structures (Hicks, 2004). Optimizing human interaction with the ShakeAlert System that results in positive effects on public safety is a primary measure of EEW success. This optimization is delineated as a key performance indicator in the “Performance Measurement Framework” section of this strategic vision. This can be achieved through contributions and coordinated integration of research from disciplines (for example, sociology, psychology, education, and communication) and productive interaction with physical scientists who manage the technical aspects of the USGS-operated ShakeAlert system.

Social science has the potential to contribute to ShakeAlert CEO&TE efforts in at least three distinct ways. From development through its operational phase, the ShakeAlert System has relied on input from social scientists to aid in decisions, such as appropriate alert delivery thresholds, the contents of the alert messages themselves, and how to best communicate if the technical aspects of the ShakeAlert System do not operate as expected. Secondly, social science contributes to the ongoing work of the CEO&TE Community by providing a research-based foundation for the development of education and training products, programs, and services. This could include the development of ShakeAlert-style earthquake drills and exercises, integration of protective action information into technical partner education and training manuals, and (or) the development of an educational activity that teaches the difference between magnitude and intensity (which is fundamental to understanding what to expect from EEW). Finally, ShakeAlert social science research has the potential to contribute to the body of literature (for example, risk communication, science education, human behavior, and so forth) and the greater research community within and external to the USGS.

C. Definitions/Applicable Documents

Pilot License Agreement (aka: Pilot Partner): A Pilot License Agreement with the USGS allows Technical Partners to research, develop, and internally test innovative ways to use ShakeAlert

Messages to deliver ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services the public and/or to automated systems, subject to limitations set forth by the USGS for the technology and field of use identified in the License Agreement between the USGS and the Technical Partner.

License to Operate (LtO): On conversion from a Pilot Partner to an LtO, the USGS grants a ShakeAlert licensee the right to distribute ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services to the

140G0326Q0216 6 of 21 public and/or to automated systems, subject to limitations set forth by the USGS for the technology and field of use identified in the License Agreement between the USGS and the LTO Technical Partner.

Client: A customer of an LtO which can (1) purchase and (or) subscribe to ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services to be delivered to end-users, (2) be themselves an end-user or (3) both. An example of

(1) a school that purchases ShakeAlert-powered alert delivery for its staff and students or a transportation agency that uses an LtO's products and (or) services to slow or stop trains. An example of (2) is a person who downloads and uses a ShakeAlert-powered app from an LtO. An example of (3) a rider in a train that is powered by ShakeAlert and is impacted by automated actions based on ShakeAlert data.

End-User: End-users receive ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services from LtO Partners.

End-users include people who receive these products and (or) services directly (e.g., to their cell phones), as well as organizations that work with an LtO Partner to implement automated “machine-to-machine” actions.

Human Interface: Any mode of interaction that a person has with ShakeAlert-powered products and (or) services based on the utilization of ShakeAlert Messages by licensed ShakeAlert Technical Partners. The interface can be direct, such as an alert delivered to a cell phone, indirect such as (on) a train that slows down due to an ShakeAlert-powered automated action, or a combination.

ShakeAlert CEO&TE: ShakeAlert Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement

SSWG: CEO&TE Community Social Science Working Group. SSWG stakeholders include representatives from across the ShakeAlert CEO&TE Community. The membership focus is for researchers who are actively working on ShakeAlert or earthquake early warning (EEW) social science research, as well as USGS designees.

Relevant Reference Documents/References:

ShakeAlert CEO&TE Community Partner Website - Available: ShakeAlert.org

ShakeAlert “X”- Available: @USGS_ShakeAlert

ShakeAlert Licensing Pathway - Available:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TKcsLA92bHtoiJaoU3zIeiZDWSIO-O8Z/view?usp=share_link

ShakeAlert Trademark Guidelines - Available: https://www.ShakeAlert.org/system-information/shakealert-trademark-guidelines/ https://x.com/USGS_ShakeAlert?lang=en https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TKcsLA92bHtoiJaoU3zIeiZDWSIO-O8Z/view?usp=share_link https://www.shakealert.org/system-information/shakealert-trademark-guidelines/ https://www.shakealert.org/system-information/shakealert-trademark-guidelines/

140G0326Q0216 7 of 21

ShakeAlert Tests, Drills, and Exercises Guide - Available:

https://www.ShakeAlert.org/toolkit/introduction/

ShakeAlert System Alerting Thresholds - Available: https://www.ShakeAlert.org/system-information/alert-delivery-thresholds/

ShakeAlert Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement Strategic Vision, September 2025 – Available: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1561

Revised technical implementation plan for the ShakeAlert system—An earthquake early warning system for the West Coast of the United States - Available:

https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20181155

ShakeAlert Evaluation License Agreement (12/2025) - Available:

https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_ELA_Form_Template_For_Distribution_December_2025.

docx

ShakeAlert Pilot License Agreement (4/2026) – Available: https://www.ShakeAlert.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ShakeAlert_PLA_Template_April_2026_For_Distribution-1.docx

ShakeAlert Technical Performance Review Criteria for LtO Conversion (5/2025) [.pdf] - Available: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Se5v8OcjXI9EsoJiuR2uq28jTFAOoX-r/view?usp=sharing

ShakeAlert Education and Training Review Criteria for LtO Conversion (12/2025) [.pdf] - Available: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1VRYghltkDNuH7O-hFOM2l4Zn1NmXWh5p&usp=drive_copy

ShakeAlert Start-up Guide for Prospective Technical Partners (3/2025). Available:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Br6pDFY2WY2jP59vQocTmnkXfgp245S-/view

ShakeAlert Messaging Toolkit - Available: https://www.ShakeAlert.org/education-and-outreach/messaging_toolkit/

Advanced National Seismic System - Available: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/anss-advanced-national-seismic-system

ShakeAlert Social Science Research – Available: https://www.ShakeAlert.org/research/

U.S. Geological Survey strategy for a hazard ready Nation – Actionable science for risk reduction: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1568 – Available: https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1568.

https://www.shakealert.org/toolkit/introduction/ https://www.shakealert.org/system-information/alert-delivery-thresholds/ https://www.shakealert.org/system-information/alert-delivery-thresholds/ https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1561 https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20181155 https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_ELA_Form_Template_For_Distribution_December_2025.docx https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_ELA_Form_Template_For_Distribution_December_2025.docx https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_ELA_Form_Template_For_Distribution_December_2025.docx https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ShakeAlert_PLA_Template_April_2026_For_Distribution-1.docx https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ShakeAlert_PLA_Template_April_2026_For_Distribution-1.docx https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Se5v8OcjXI9EsoJiuR2uq28jTFAOoX-r/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Se5v8OcjXI9EsoJiuR2uq28jTFAOoX-r/view?usp=sharing https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_Education-and-Training-Plan-Guidelines_12.2025.pdf https://www.shakealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ShakeAlert_Education-and-Training-Plan-Guidelines_12.2025.pdf https://www.shakealert.org/education-and-outreach/messaging_toolkit/ https://www.shakealert.org/education-and-outreach/messaging_toolkit/ https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/anss-advanced-national-seismic-system https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/anss-advanced-national-seismic-system https://www.shakealert.org/research/ https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1568

140G0326Q0216 8 of 21

The ShakeOut Scenario (2008) – Available: https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1150/

The ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario—A Story That Southern Californians Are Writing (2008) – Available: https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1324/

II. WORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Technical Requirements.

1. Work Elements

The project plan is segmented into three primary tasks with deliverable subtasks (not including Project Management.

The project period of performance is DOA to one year after.

All proposed work efforts and deliverables will support the ShakeAlert System through coordination, collaboration, and community building, while being inclusive, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and dynamic.

These services can be grouped into three overarching service categories that reflect the need for additional public relations, strategic planning, and collateral development.

2. Criteria for acceptance of Product or Service

The USGS will be the lead agency for this project and will be responsible for making all final decisions regarding the acceptance of the project deliverables. The USGS Office of Communications and Office of Policy and Analysis will conduct an extensive review of all project outputs to ensure compliance with USGS Communications and Technology Transfer. To ensure broad stakeholder involvement and input, a CEO&TE Focus Team (made up of representatives from the three ShakeAlert states, other partners, and the USGS Management Team) will be established, and members will serve during the entire period of performance. The Focus Team will be in place before the project commences in September 2026.

Project Management Plan Contractor will develop a Project Management Plan (PMP), which incorporates the project goals and deliverable completion dates, along with project communication and risk management strategies. This will be the primary document the Contractor uses to plan, coordinate, and manage the project. The PMP will show task elements completed and those left to complete, and will explain successes, challenges, and resolutions.

The PMP will be developed in draft and finalized form in consultation with the USGS Project Management Team.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1150/ https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1324/

140G0326Q0216 9 of 21

Weekly Project Management Check-In Calls Throughout the project performance period, Contractor will facilitate weekly project management check-ins with the USGS Management team (and USGS designees) to ensure regular communications on project status and next steps, and to discuss the status of deliverables, among other topics.

Monthly Written Project Status Reports Contractor will provide the USGS with monthly written project status reports, which will accompany monthly invoices. Status on project-specific goals, milestones, tasks, and deliverables will be discussed in these written reports. Contractor will also provide a brief, bulleted monthly status report for the CEO&TE; the latter will be distributed by the USGS.

Deliverable Review and Feedback Process Each member of the project Focus Team will serve an important role in the review of materials developed as part of task completion. Unless feedback is communicated from team members to the contractor in the conduct of a collaborative meeting, other feedback on deliverables will be communicated from the USGS Project Management Team to Contractor and/or through collaborative documents that reside on a shared drive.

Deliverable Quality Control/Quality Assurance A mutually agreed upon Quality Assurance/Quality Control process throughout the project performance period is indispensable. Most successful projects are those with precisely, clearly, and completely defined scopes, and with agreement and buy-in from project managers, subject-matter experts, advisers, and key stakeholders from the onset.

All materials produced will be subject to a robust quality assurance/quality control review for accuracy in content and composition. As deliverables and materials are completed, their quality will be assured through audits against quality requirements and previously defined evaluation criteria.

Project Close-out Meeting and Recommended Next Steps On completion of all tasks, Project Management Team will meet via Zoom with the USGS, the ShakeAlert CEO&TE Focus Team, and other CEO&TE representatives to discuss the project’s progression, outcomes, impressions about community buy-in, and to recommend next steps. Any materials that require sign-off, return, or archiving will be identified at that time.

B. Deliverables

1. Characteristics for work product described in Section II, identified by name and quantity.

140G0326Q0216 10 of 21

Task A: Great Earthquakes Social Science Research Plan and Implementation: Develop a research agenda, action plan, and conduct research that operationalizes strategies to engage internal and external stakeholders to devise and address critical and compelling social science questions related to scenarios for great earthquakes, specifically for an update of the magnitude

(M) 7.8 ShakeOut scenario in Southern California and an ongoing effort to develop scenarios for great earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Task B: Great Earthquakes Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Support: Use outputs from coordinated planning and results from Task A, and in coordination with CEO&TE stakeholders, develop resources, campaigns, and other activities that will enhance preparation, response, mitigation, and resiliency. This includes updating existing ShakeAlert Messaging Toolkit resources, such as fact sheets, case studies, graphics, manuals, training materials, web content, templates, and other CEO&TE assets, to ensure they remain current, accurate, and aligned with approved ShakeAlert messaging and branding.

• Update ShakeAlert communications, social media, in-reach, outreach, and stakeholder engagement plans and supporting resources to integrate Great Earthquakes Project content. Develop additional tools to support implementation of this plan, as directed by

USGS.

• Support ShakeAlert presence at key conferences, meetings, workshops, and events.

Support includes managing the activities of the Great Earthquakes Project Focus Team, event planning, logistical coordination, agenda development, presentation and material development, exhibitor or booth support, partner coordination, and on-site services.

• Provide ongoing subject matter expertise and support for ShakeAlert stakeholder engagement including ShakeAlert Technical Partners (Pilot and LtOs) coordination, communications planning, media support, and related CEO&TE activities.

Update existing ShakeAlert Messaging Toolkit resources, including fact sheets, case studies, graphics, manuals, web content, templates, and other CEO&TE assets, to ensure they remain current, accurate, and aligned with approved ShakeAlert messaging and branding.

2. Delivery dates for work/product to be completed and point of delivery 08/31/2027.

III. SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Place of Performance.

Work will be conducted by contractor from their office and will work with the CEO&TE team primarily virtually (via phone, web conference, via email, and/or other online collaborative activities. However, we would like to take

140G0326Q0216 11 of 21 advantage of potential in-person gatherings for planning and work groups.

B. Period of Performance: DOA to one year after.

C. Government Furnished Property (GFP): list property and its value.

None

D. Special Considerations.

1. Key personnel qualifications

Candidate(s) must have at least two (2) years of experience developing communications resources for the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system. BA or BS degree in of one these fields, Journalism, Communications, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Policy.

2. Data Rights, Safety, Environment.

None

3. Security/Privacy issues (ingress to Federal buildings, personnel clearances, computer security).

None

140G0326Q0216 12 of 21

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

The following provisions are incorporated by reference, with fill-ins noted as appropriate:

52.203-18- Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.204-7 – System for Award Management (Nov 2024, Deviation March 2026) 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (Sep 2023, Deviation March 2026) 52.219-1- Small Business Program Representations (FEB 2024)(Deviation JAN 2026)

52.240-90 - Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025) (Deviation MAR 2026) RFO 40.205(a)

(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 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-40#FAR_40_205

140G0326Q0216 13 of 21 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 https://www.sam.gov/

140G0326Q0216 14 of 21 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 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 https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx mailto:CISADA106@state.gov

140G0326Q0216 15 of 21 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;

(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.

(End of provision) https://dibnet.dod.mil/

140G0326Q0216 16 of 21

52.212-2 – Evaluation-Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Nov 2021/Deviation March 2026)

(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. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers.

• Corporate experience and experience of key personnel and/or subcontractors.

Candidate(s) must have at least two (2) years of experience of relevant work as related to the SOW, developing communications resources for the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system. BA or BS degree in of one these fields, Journalism, Communications, Sociology, Psychology, or Public Policy

• Capability, including technical capability and capacity to perform in the required time.

• Past performance

• Price

“Experience” is the degree to and frequency with which you have performed similar work before. Recent and relevant experience is preferred.

“Technical Capability” is your qualifications to perform this work on paper, including such things as resumes of key personnel, necessary certifications and licenses, corporate resources, availability, etc.

“Past performance” is the measure of how well you have performed similar work before. Recent and relevant past performance is preferred. Please submit at least three references with contact information. Additionally, we will utilize the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to the extent data are available and reserve the right to use any other source of past performance information.

Each offeror must submit sufficient documentation for the USGS to evaluate their experience and past performance. Failure to provide the requested information may result in removal from further consideration. Experience and past performance are more important factors, when combined, when compared to price. We will select for award the prospective contractor whose quotation conforming to this solicitation will be most advantageous to the USGS.

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

(End of Provisions)

140G0326Q0216 17 of 21

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998)

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

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

The following clauses are incorporated by reference, with fill-ins noted where appropriate:

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

52.204-13 – System for Award Management-Maintenance (Oct 2018) (Deviation March 2026) 52.204-19- Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014) (Deviation March 2026) 52.209-10- Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015) 52.212-4 – Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Deviation March 2026) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) ( 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) ( 31 U.S.C. 3553).

52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Oct 2025) (Deviation May 2026) 52.240-91 - Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Deviation Mar 2026) RFO 40.205(b)

52.222-90 – Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation April 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;

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-40#FAR_40_205

140G0326Q0216 18 of 21

(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.

(End of clause)

52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (NOV 2023) ( 41 U.S.C. 4712); this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community—see FAR 3.900(a).

52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) ( 15 U.S.C. 644).

52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (FEB 2024) (Deviation Jan 2026)( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O.11755).

52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) ( 29 U.S.C. 793).

52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2025) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O.

13627).

52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (MAY 2024) (DEVIATION MAY 2026) ( 7 U.S.C.

8102, 42 U.S.C. 6962, 42 U.S.C. 8259b, and 42 U.S.C. 7671l).

52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY 2024)

(DEVIATION MAR 2026) ( E.O. 13513).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-17#FAR_52_203_17 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/41/4712 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/3.900#FAR_3_900 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-10#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.209-6#FAR_52_209_6 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-6#FAR_52_219_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.219-28#FAR_52_219_28 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-3#FAR_52_222_3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-36#FAR_52_222_36 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title29-section793&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.222-50#FAR_52_222_50 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.223-23#FAR_52_223_23 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/7/8102 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/7/8102 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/6962 https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/8259b https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/42/7671l https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.226-8#FAR_52_226_8 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13513

140G0326Q0216 19 of 21

52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (OCT2018) ( 31 U.S.C. 3332).

END OF CLAUSE

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: [xxx] Telephone: [xxx] Email: [xxx] U.S. Geological Survey Address and Mail Stop: [xxx]

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

Scientific Integrity Statement Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used.