Solicitation 123A9422Q0031.pdf

Solicitation 123A9422Q0031

SECTION A – SOLICITATION 123A9422Q0031

Issuing Office USDA, FSIS, PcMB 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705

Contract Specialist: Alexis Galloway

Issue Date: September 1, 2022

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial supplies and services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with FAR 13 and additional information included in this notice. The incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2022--07.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION AND A SEPARATE SOLICITATION

WILL NOT BE ISSUED.

The solicitation number for this acquisition is 123A9422Q0031and is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP). The NAICS Code for this solicitation is 238210 and the Product Service Code is N059. This will be awarded as Firm-Fixed Price. Prospective Offerors are responsible for downloading the solicitation and any amendments from sam.gov. The Government reserves the right to award an order without discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial offer is providing best value and discussions are not necessary. However, the Offeror may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of its Proposal, or to resolve minor or clerical errors. Discussion may be needed if significant questions which may affect the award decision arise during evaluation.

The Government intends to issue a Purchase Order.

***The solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a proposal. It is also advised that the Contracting Officer (CO) is the only individual who can legally commit and obligate the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with the proposed acquisition.*** https://sam.gov/content/home

ON-SITE VIEWING: To determine all necessary equipment for this project, contractors will need to view the media rooms during the On-Site Viewing located at:

George Washington Carver Center (GWCC) 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705

The On-Site Viewing will be on September 8, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (end time is subject to change as necessary). Please arrive by 10 minutes prior for the check-in process. Contractors will be allowed to ask questions at this time. The questions will not, however, be answered until after the September 12th due date for fairness to all interested participants. Answers will be posted to sam.gov.

QUESTIONS DEADLINE: Interested offerors shall submit questions electronically to alexis.galloway@usda.gov no later than September 12, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please include the company name, USDA solicitation number, and “Question(s)” in the subject line.

Answers to any questions are not guaranteed without this information.

PROPOSALS DUE: All proposals are due, electronically to contract specialist email alexis.galloway@usda.gov for the RFP no later than September 23, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Solicitation number must be in the subject line.

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 Type of Contract

The Government intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

https://sam.gov/content/home mailto:alexis.galloway@usda.gov mailto:alexis.galloway@usda.gov

B.2 Line Item and Pricing

Line Item Product Description Fixed---Price Total

0001 Audio Installation $

0002 Video Installation $

Total:

Provide a fixed price quote in accordance with Attachment J.1 Statement of Work.

B.3 DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES (JAN 2014)

The Contractor shall adhere to the following schedule and deliverable requirements. All electronic submissions shall be in [i.e., Word 2003, Excel 2003] format.

Contractor shall provide the required deliverables and meet the required milestones set forth below. Requirements such as due dates, number of copies, special formats, and delivery protocols will be specified in the proposed and approved project plan.

1) Kick-off: Contractor shall hold a contract kick-off within one (1) week of contract award at USDA facilities in the Washington, D.C., area or via conference call. An Agenda should be sent to participants before the meeting.

2) Project Plan: Contractor shall provide a project plan within thirty (30) days of task award, including a communications plan, management plan, and project details. Government will review the drafts for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with the required tasks, and Contractor shall incorporate feedback from that review.

3) Progress Reports: Contractor shall submit progress reports as specified by the Government summarizing results for the month, actual versus scheduled progress, problems to be resolved, proposed solutions and the effect on the task schedule.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/ SPECIFICATIONS/ STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

C.1 Description

For Audio Installation, contractor shall furnish all qualified personnel and services necessary to the Government to provide:

• Installation and configuration of hardware and software so that six edit rooms may share the facilities of two voice studios.

• The small studio may contain a maximum of three microphones, the large studio may contain a maximum of six. Both studios could be used together if necessary.

• Connectivity includes mic signals to edits, and talkback/playback from edits to studios.

There is no requirement to talk between edit rooms (intercom system).

• The audio functionality for voice recording and monitoring will be combined with monitoring needed for editing within each room.

For Visual Installation, contractor shall furnish all qualified personnel and services necessary to the Government to provide:

• Installation and configuration of professional lighting equipment in video studio.

C.2 SOW Task 1.0 – Audio Installation

1) The Contractor shall:

a. Create list of necessary equipment and materials needed for fully functional voice studios. This includes acoustic equipment, furniture, cables, connectors, assemblies, hardware, etc.

b. Commission and setup equipment and systems. Setup includes testing and debugging.

c. Assemble and install equipment racks, furniture, and other infrastructure for the studios, along with cabling per the approved designs.

d. Provide training and orientation for system operators, including written instructions.

e. Provide telephone, email, remote access, or on-site support (when required) to operators for three months from delivery of the finished system.

C.3 SOW Task 2.0 – Video Installation

1) Labor will include project management, assembly, installation, testing, freight, and shipment of equipment. The following is a sample list for used for all lighting instruments -

a. WS-F100 Daylite Fresnal Light Back Light

b. LBX-20 BiColor Soft Panels 1400.-egg cgates 110.

c. RBX-10 Bicolor 1x1 Panels BD

d. LBX5 !/2 x 1 Panels + BDoor

e. 1’3’ Hangers

f. DMX Splitter, grid clamp

g. DMX Control 16/32 Leviton or Leprecon

h. DMX 5-Pin (4@5’4@10’,12@15’,6@25,1@50)

i. LBX30 Bicolor Soft Panel 1700., Egg Crate 135.

j. Green Screen 8H x 8W on frame -portable

k. Dimmer Pack DMX 5-Pin 4 Channel 600W

l. 15’25’ AC Cables + 2@25’ Muti Tap 12/SJ00

m. Half Apple Boxes

n. Grip Stands 40”

o. Bags – Sand 40./Shot 99.

p. Grid pipe clamps w/5/8” pin(Baby) for each light

q. Safety chains 30”

r. Set each 24x36 and 18x24 Solid Silk, Single, Double

s. Sheets (12”x14”) LED Supa Lt Diffusion (etched for LED use)

t. Tie Line for cable management (Wire Ties may substitute)

u. Curtain, Carriers, and Track w/Fabric2280./HRD1050./Carry1280.

v. Supply Kit-Tapes, Tie Line, Clips, Sprays, CableMat, BlackFoil

w. Additional Materials as deemed necessary for completion.

2) Provide training and orientation for system operators, including written instructions.

3) Provide telephone, email, remote access, or on-site support (when required) to operators for three months from delivery of the finished system.

See Attachment J.1 Statement of Work for full description.

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

Not Applicable

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 AGAR 452.246-70 Inspection and Acceptance (FEB 1988)

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

(b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed at: 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705

(End of clause)

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (FEB 2007)

The total period of performance shall not exceed 12 months. The periods of performance are defined as follows:

Estimated Base Period: * September 26, 2022 through September 25, 2023

[*ACTUAL DATES TO BE INSERTED UPON AWARD]

[End of text]

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER (JAN 2012)

The Contracting Officer (CO) has the overall responsibility for the administration of this contract.

The CO alone, without delegation, is authorized to take actions on behalf of the Government to amend, modify or deviate from the contract terms, conditions, requirements, specifications, details and/or delivery schedules; issue task orders against the contract; make final decisions on disputed deductions from contract payments for nonperformance, or unsatisfactory performance; terminate the contract for convenience or default; and issue final decisions regarding contract questions or matters under dispute. However, the CO may delegate certain other responsibilities to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All delegated duties will be specified in writing by a COR Appointment and Delegation Notice.

[End of Text]

G.2 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (FEB 2020)

The Contracting Officer hereby designates as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

[TO BE DESIGNATED UPON AWARD]

The COR shall be responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

The Contracting Officer shall be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the Contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract shall be modified accordingly.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms, the contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the contractor shall so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer shall be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage may result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

The COR shall be responsible for initiating the Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) for awards over the simplified acquisition threshold of $250K to document contractor’s performance during the period of performance 14 days after completion of services or delivery of goods.

G.3 KEY PERSONNEL (AUG 2008)

The personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract.

Program Manager:

The project manager will be responsible for ensuring all requirements of the contract are met. They will participate via conference call in meetings with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), FSIS Project Manager, and FSIS subject matter experts to plan and execute projects; provide a project plan to FSIS, including a schedule of completion dates for each deliverable, as agreed upon with the Federal POC; share draft materials, reports, and updates via email in a format compatible with FSIS technology (Microsoft (MS) Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MP4, ASCII format, or another agreed-upon format; and coordinate activities of all contract employees.

Before removing, replacing, or diverting any of the listed or specified personnel, the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance. The contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer.

Proposed substitutions should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes in key personnel.

[End of Text]

G.4 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND LIMITATION ON FUTURE CONTRACTING

(SEPT 2008)

The following provisions are in accordance with FAR Part 9.5:

a. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), including any echelon or sub-echelon activity of the USDA, will not consider the Contractor, its successor-in-interest, assignee, or affiliates as a prime source of supply for, nor allow it to be a subcontractor or consultant to a supplier for, any follow-on procurement of a system, subsystem, or major component thereof, including training related thereto for which the Contractor provides technical support services, analyses, system design and evaluation or other types of assistance ordered under this contract action. For examples of a follow-on procurement, see FAR Part 9.508. These examples are not all-inclusive, but are intended to help the Contracting Officer (CO) apply the general rules in FAR Part 9.505 to individual situations.

b. The above restrictions shall be included in all subcontracts, teaming arrangements, and other agreements calling for performance of work related to this contract action, unless exempted in writing by the CO.

c. To prevent unfair competitive advantage in the procurement of any similar federal support services which are the subject of this contract action, the contractor agrees that, until award of a contract action for by FSIS for any of these services it: (1) shall not disclose any information concerning the work under this contract action, including technology developed or findings and conclusions rendered by the Contractor in performing this contract action, to any prospective Contractor; and (2) shall not render any services of any kind related to this procurement to any prospective Contractor.

d. If, under the scope of this contract action, the Contractor is required to prepare a SOW or to design or develop specifications/requirements which are to be incorporated or used in a solicitation for future acquisition of a system, subsystem, or major component thereof relating to the subject matter of this contract action, the USDA, including any echelon or sub-echelon activity, will not consider the Contractor, its successor-in-interest, assignee, or affiliates as a prime source of supply for, nor allow it to be a subcontractor or consultant to a supplier for the procurement of the system, subsystem, or major component thereof. The Contractor, subcontractors and consultants at any tier have an affirmative duty to disclose to the CO actual, potential or apparent conflicts whenever there is reason to believe such exist or will exist.

e. The restrictions and provisions of paragraph (d), above, shall be in effect for a period of two years from the performance completion date of this contract action. At any time subsequent to the effective date of this contract action, the Government may either modify the restrictions of paragraphs (c), and (d), or waive the restrictions entirely if it is determined to be in the best interests of the Government. The restrictions contained herein do not limit the restrictions delineated in FAR Part 9.5.

[End of Text]

G.5 UNAUTHORIZED PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES (MAY 2011)

(a) No personal services shall be performed under this contract. No Contractor employee will be directly supervised by the Government. All individual employee assignments, and daily work direction, shall be given by the applicable employee supervisor. If the Contractor believes any Government action or communication has been given that would create a personal services relationship between the Government and any Contractor employee, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of this communication or action.

(b) The Contractor shall not perform any inherently Government actions under this contract. No Contractor employee shall hold him or herself out to be a Government employee, agent, or representative. No Contractor employee shall state orally or in writing at any time that he or she is acting on behalf of the Government. In all communications with third parties in connection with this contract, Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractor employees and specify the name of the company for which they work.

(c) The Contractor shall ensure that all its employees working on this contract are informed of the substance of this clause. Nothing in this clause shall limit the Government's rights in any way under any other provision of the contract, including those related to the Government's right to inspect and accept the services to be performed under this contract. The substance of this clause shall be included in all subcontracts at any tier.

[End of Text]

G.6 REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFEROR (FEB 2007)

In accordance with FAR 15.204-1(b), the completed and submitted “Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror”, are incorporated by reference in this resulting contract.

[End of Text]

G.7 LEGAL HOLIDAYS (SEPT 2021)

(a)The Federal Government observes the following days as holidays.

New Year’s Day January 1st*

Martin Luther King’s Birthday Third Monday in January

Presidents’ Day Third Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Juneteenth National Independence Day

June 19th*

Independence Day July 4th*

Labor Day First Monday in September

Columbus Day Second Monday in October

Veterans’ Day November 11th

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day December 25th*

*If the date falls on a Saturday, the Government holiday is the preceding Friday. If the date falls on a Sunday, the Government holiday is the following Monday.

(b) In addition to the days designated above as holidays, the Government may observe additional days in accordance with 5 USC 6103.

[End of text]

G.8 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE ACCESSIBILITY OF ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY (MAR 2015)

(a) This SOW/PWS or TO is subject to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by the workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220). Specifically, subsection 508(a)(1) requires that when the Federal Government procures Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), the EIT must allow Federal employees and individuals of the public with disabilities comparable access to and use of information and data that is provided to Federal employees and individuals of the public without disabilities.

(b) The EIT accessibility standards at 36 CFR Part 1194 were developed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board ("Access Board") and apply to contracts and task/delivery orders, awarded under indefinite quantity contracts on or after June 25, 2001.

(c) Each Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) product or service furnished under this contract shall comply with the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (36 CFR 1194), as specified in the contract, as a minimum. If the Contracting Officer determines any furnished product or service is not in compliance with the contract, the Contracting Officer will promptly inform the Contractor in writing. The Contractor shall, without charge to the Government, repair or replace the non-compliant products or services within the period of time to be specified by the Government in writing. If such repair or replacement is not completed within the time specified, the Government shall have the following recourses:

1. Cancellation of the contract, delivery or task order, purchase or line item without termination liabilities; or

2. In the case of custom Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) being developed by a contractor for the Government, the Government shall have the right to have any necessary changes made or repairs performed by itself or by another firm for the noncompliant EIT, with the contractor liable for reimbursement to the Government for any expenses incurred thereby.

(d) The contractor must ensure that all EIT products that are less than fully compliant with the accessibility standards are provided pursuant to extensive market research and are the most current compliant products or services available to satisfy the contract requirements.

(e) For every EIT product or service accepted under this contact by the Government that does not comply with 36 CFR 1194, the contractor shall, at the discretion of the Government, make every effort to replace or upgrade it with a compliant equivalent product or service, if commercially available and cost neutral, on either a contract Specified refresh cycle for the product or service, or on a contract effective option/renewal date; whichever shall occur first.

Section 508 Compliance for Communications

The vendor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below. In the event of conflicts between the referenced documents, the SOW shall take precedence.

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508 Accessibility Standards

1. 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

2. 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

3. www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 standards)

4. FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

5. USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

In addition, all contract deliverables are subject to these 508 standards as applicable.

Regardless of format, all Web content or communications materials produced, including text, audio or video - must conform to applicable Section 508 standards to allow federal employees and members of the public with disabilities to access information that is comparable to information provided to persons without disabilities. All contractors (including subcontractors) or consultants responsible for preparing or posting content must comply with applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and where applicable, those set forth in the referenced policy or standards documents above. Remediation of any materials that do not comply with the applicable provisions of 36 CFR Part 1194 as set forth in the SOW shall be the responsibility of the contractor or consultant.

The following Section 508 provisions apply to the content or communications material identified in this SOW:

36 CFR Part 1194.21 a - l 36 CFR Part 1194.22 a - p 36 CFR Part 1194.31 a - f 36 CFR Part 1194.41 a – c http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm%20(508

The contractor shall provide a completed Section 508 Product Assessment Template and the contractor shall state exactly how proposed EIT deliverable(s) meet or does not meet the applicable standards.

The following Section 508 provisions apply for software development material identified in this SOW, PWS, or TO:

For software development, software applications, and operating systems the Contractor/Developer/Vendor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

36 CFR Part 1194.21 (a – l) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f) 36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

a. Information Technology – General Information http://www.ocio.usda.gov/508/index.html#resources

For web-based applications (intranet, internet information and applications, 16 rules), the Contractor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

36 CFR Part 1194.22 (a – p) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f)

36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508) http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm

For Telecommunication products the Contractor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

36 CFR Part 1194.23 (a – k) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f)

36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

For video and multimedia applications (including training), the Contractor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

36 CFR Part 1194.24 (a – e) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f)

36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

For self-contained, closed products, the Contractor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards) http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm http://www.ocio.usda.gov/508/index.html#resources

36 CFR Part 1194.25 (a – j) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f)

36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

For Desktop and portable computers, the Contractor shall comply with the standards, policies, and procedures below:

Rehabilitation Act, Section 508, Accessibility Standards

(1) 29 U.S.C. 794d (Rehabilitation Act as amended)

(2) 36 CFR 1194 (508 Standards)

36 CFR Part 1194.26(a – d) 36 CFR Part 1194.31 (a – f)

36 CFR Part 1194.41 (a – c)

(3) www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm (508 Standards)

(4) FAR 39.2 (Section 508)

(5) USDA Standards, policies and procedures (Section 508)

For the purposes of this SOW, the Contractor shall review the complete system for 508 compliance and correct all deficiencies or document exceptions as required by departmental and federal requirements.

All Electronic Information Technology that is subject to the 36 CFR 1194 standards will have a Section 508 acceptance test and Section 508 will be validated upon acceptance.

All maintenance for Electronic Information Technology that requires upgrades, modifications, installations and purchases will adhere to the Section 508 Standards and 36 CFR 1194.

[End of text]

G.9 POST-AWARD ADMINISTRATION AND MONITORING OF SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

ACCESSIBILITY OF ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (MAY 2015)

The Section 508 Plan/Remediation Plan and any modifications to the Plan must be submitted for approval to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) or the Department OCIO when the proposed requirement is for, or includes, the acquisition of EIT products and services that are subject to Section 508 conformance provisions as required by departmental and federal requirements. Any exception must be documented and approved by OCIO.

[End of text]

G.10 ACCESS TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION (FEB 2007)

(a) As used in this clause, “sensitive information” refers to information that a contractor has developed at private expense, or that the Government has generated that qualifies for an exception to the Freedom of Information Act, which is not currently in the public domain, and which may embody trade secrets or commercial or financial information, and which may be sensitive or privileged.

(b) To assist the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in accomplishing management activities and administrative functions, the Contractor shall provide the services specified elsewhere in this contract.

(c) If performing this contract entails access to sensitive information, as defined above, the Contractor agrees to -

(1) Utilize any sensitive information coming into its possession only for the purposes of performing the services specified in this contract, and not to improve its own competitive position in another procurement action.

(2) Safeguard sensitive information coming into its possession from unauthorized use and disclosure.

(3) Allow access to sensitive information only to those employees that need it to perform services under this contract.

(4) Preclude access and disclosure of sensitive information to persons and entities outside of the Contractor’s organization.

(5) Train employees who may require access to sensitive information about their obligations to utilize it only to perform the services specified in this contract and to safeguard it from unauthorized use and disclosure.

(6) Obtain a written affirmation from each employee that he/she has received and will comply with training on the authorized uses and mandatory protections of sensitive information needed in performing this contract.

(7) Administer a monitoring process to ensure that employees comply with all reasonable security procedures, report any breaches to the Contracting Officer, and implement any necessary corrective actions.

(d) The nature of the work on this contract may subject the Contractor and its employees to a variety of laws and regulations relating to ethics, conflicts of interest, corruption, and other criminal or civil matters relating to the award and administration of government contracts.

Recognizing that this contract establishes a high standard of accountability and trust, the Government will carefully review the Contractor’s performance in relation to the mandates and restrictions found in these laws and regulations. Unauthorized uses or disclosures of sensitive information may result in termination of this contract for default, or in debarment of the Contractor for serious misconduct affecting present responsibility as a government contractor.

(e) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e);

suitably modified to reflect the relationship of the parties, in all subcontracts that may involve access to sensitive information.

[End of text]

G.11 INCORPORATION OF PROPOSAL (FEB 2007)

Offerors are advised that certain parts of their proposal may be incorporated into the contract at the time of contract award. The apparent successful Offeror may be requested to provide an electronic copy of their proposal prior to award.

G.12 CONFLICT OF INTEREST (FEB 2007)

If, for any reason, FSIS or the Contractor determines that the Contractor and/or an employee of the Contractor faces a potential, perceived or real conflict of interest, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor or the Contractor will notify the Contracting Officer of the potential, perceived or real conflict of interest and the Contractor and/or contract employee will cease all work on or reassign the task or proceed at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. At the Government’s option, the Contractor may provide an acceptable replacement investigator.

G.13 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SECURITY (SEPT 2013)

The activities covered under by this contract shall require the Contractor’s access to Federal Automated Information System or systems, as well as the implementation of new systems. The Offeror’s proposal must include:

(1) A detailed outline (commensurate with the size and complexity of the Statement of Work) of its present and proposed information technology systems security program. The response must demonstrate that it complies with the security requirements of the SOW, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA, Public Law 107-347, 44 U.S.C. 3531-3536); Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130, Appendix III “Security of Federal Automated Information Systems” (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_a130_a130appendix_iii) and an acknowledgement of its understanding of the security requirements of the SOW.

(2) A signed copy of the USDA FSIS IT Rules of Behavior shall be included with the Offeror’s proposal.

[End of Text]

G.14 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SECURITY CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS (JAN 2012)

The contractor shall establish and implement appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive Government information, data, and/or equipment.

The contractor shall comply with IT systems security and/or privacy specifications set forth in FSIS and USDA directives, policy, and procedures; the Computer Security Act of 1987; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130; and the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA).

Pursuant to FSIS policy, the contractor shall be responsible for assuring that each contractor employee who requires routine unaccompanied physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or unaccompanied access to a Federally-controlled information system, including an FSIS-issued computer, completes Computer Security Awareness training prior to performing any work under this contract.

The contractor is required to maintain a listing of all individuals who have completed Computer Security Awareness training and submit this listing to the COR with a copy to the Contracting Officer within ten (10) calendar days of an individual starting work on this contract.”

[End of Text]

G.15 COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPv6) IN ACQUIRING INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY (NOV 2016)

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

(b)Specifically, any new IP product or system developed, acquired, or produced must:

(1) Interoperate with both IPv6 and IPv4 systems and products, and

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

(c) As IPv6 evolves, the Contractor commits to upgrading or providing an appropriate migration path for each item developed, delivered or utilized at no additional cost to the Government.

(d) The Contractor shall provide technical support for both IPv4 and IPv6.

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

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

G.16 COMMONLY ACCEPTED SECURITY CONFIGURATIONS FOR WINDOWS OPERATING

SYSTEMS (DEC 2020)

By delivering applications under this contract/order, the Contractor certifies that such applications are fully functional and operate as intended on systems using the Windows 10 Security TIG Version

2. Additionally, they shall comply with eAuthentication and other Federal mandates such as Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card known as LincPass. This includes the latest approved versions of Microsoft supported web browsers, Operating System, RedHat Linux, and iOS for mobile device management.

The standard installation, operation maintenance, updates, and patching of all software shall not alter the configuration settings from the approved configuration. If a configuration change is necessary, the Contractor will supply the configuration change and the business reason for its deviation. The complete list of Windows 10 STIG settings can be provided by FSIS security upon request. Applications designed for normal end-users shall run in the standard user context without elevated system administration privileges.

G.17 ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS-INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM

(IPP) (APR 2013)

Effective May 6, 2013, payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S.

Department of the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (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.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register, access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. Contractor assistance with enrollment, UserIDs and Passwords can be obtained by contacting the IPP Helpdesk via email at IPP Customer Support Desk at 1-866-973-3131 or IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov. For all other IPP issues, please contact: National Finance Center’s Controller Operations Division (COD) Helpdesk at 1-877-243-3072 or COD.HELP@usda.gov.

https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov mailto:COD.HELP@usda.gov

G.18 SCIENTIFIC INTERGRITY TRAINING (APR 2017)

In accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department Regulation 1074-001 for contracts that are awarded in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulations (AGAR), the FSIS requests that contractor employees complete at least one Scientific Integrity training course within ninety (90) days after contract award. Contractor employees must be assigned to a current FSIS contract to receive the free training. Contractor employees may take the course at any place of their choice. An acceptable course is one that issued to the contractor employee through the USDA AgLearn training system. A certificate issued by AgLearn showing completion of training is to be provided to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR and/or Contracting Officer (CO) can be contacted for further information on procedures for Scientific Integrity training.

Note to CORs: If contractor-personnel are not able to obtain e-Authentication to access AgLearn, you must e-mail the AgLearn Helpdesk at FSISAgLearn@fsis.usda.gov to request a paper copy of the course. Once contractor-personnel completes the training and notify the COR, the COR shall e-mail FSISAgLearn@fsis.usda.gov and request a course completion certificate be issued for the contractor-personnel. The COR should retain a copy as part of their COR records and send a copy of the certificate to the CO.

[End of Text]

G.19 ROLE-BASED SECURITY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (JUN 2020)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires organizations determine the appropriate content of security training based on the assigned roles and responsibilities of individuals and the specific security requirements of organizations and the information systems to which personnel have authorized access. In addition, organizations provide enterprise architects, information system developers, software developers, acquisition/procurement officials, information system managers, system/network administrators, personnel conducting configuration management and auditing activities, personnel performing independent verification and validation activities, security control assessors, and other personnel having access to system-level software, adequate security-related technical training specifically tailored for their assigned duties.

Comprehensive role-based training addresses management, operational, and technical roles and responsibilities covering physical, personnel, and technical safeguards and countermeasures. Such training can include for example, policies, procedures, tools, and artifacts for the organizational security roles defined. Organizations also provide the training necessary for individuals to carry out their responsibilities related to operations and supply chain security within the context of organizational information security programs. Role-based security training also applies to contractors providing services to federal agencies, and the government has internal tracking mailto:FSISAgLearn@fsis.usda.gov mailto:FSISAgLearn@fsis.usda.gov capability to identify contractors who have elevated access. Once contractor resources are identified, they will be notified to comply with the role-based training requirement. NIST 800-53 under control (AT-3) addresses security awareness and role-based training which is required for moderate level systems. It is important to note that role-based training would be inclusive of system administration classes for the platforms that are supported in the development/production environments.

G.20 RULES OF BEHAVIOR FOR PRIVILEGED USERS (FEB 2006)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Information Technology (IT) Security Rules of Behavior for Privileged Users

Version 1.0 February 10, 2006

Introduction

Purpose The intent of the FSIS Rules of Behavior (ROB) for Privileged Users is to recognize the additional responsibilities associated with special access to, and/or privileges associated with, computer resources within the Department or its offices/bureaus/components. The ROB for Privileged Users are in addition to the Computer System User IT Security General ROB to which all DOJ users are subject. The identification of these responsibilities originates in OMB A-130 and is included in the FSIS IT Security Standards.

“Privileged User” defined:

A privileged user is someone authorized access to departmental/office/bureau/component computer resources when that access provides the capability to alter the properties, behavior or control of the information system/network. It includes, but is not limited to, any of the following types of access:

a. “Super user,” “root,” or equivalent access, such as access to the control functions of the information system/network, administration of user accounts, etc.

b. Access to change control parameters (e.g., routing tables, path priorities, addresses) of routers, multiplexers, and other key information system/network equipment or software.

c. Ability and authority to control and change program files, and other users’ access to data.

d. Direct access to operating system level functions (also called unmediated access) that would permit system controls to be bypassed or changed.

e. Access and authority for installing, configuring, monitoring or troubleshooting the security monitoring functions of information systems/networks (e.g., network/system analyzers;

intrusion detection software; firewalls) or in performance of cyber/network operations.

Who is covered by these rules?

These rules extend to all privileged users (FSIS employees and contractors) who use any computing resources that support the mission and functions of the Food Safety and Inspection Service. All privileged users will review and provide signature or electronic verification to these rules annually, or upon change of assigned responsibilities, whichever occurs first.

What are the penalties for Noncompliance?

Compliance with these rules will be enforced through sanctions commensurate with the level of infraction. Actions may include a verbal or written warning, removal of system access for a specific period of time, reassignment to other duties, or termination, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, activities that lead to or cause the disclosure of classified information may result in criminal prosecution under the U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 798, and other applicable statutes.

Responsibilities

Complying Privileged Users will:

1. Understand that it is their responsibility to comply with all security measures necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure, modification, or destruction of information; follow appropriate system security policies, guidelines and procedures

2. Agree to the FSIS General Rules of Behavior.

3. Minimize exposure and risk by utilizing a separate account to perform privileged functions from general user functions.

4. Not establish or reset any account utilizing the same password for more than one account, and will not provide the user name and password at the same time through the same medium.

5. Grant read or write authority no higher than is granted to him/her (e.g., a component level user administrator shall not assign department level access to another user administrator).

6. Access application programs only for the purpose of creating or maintaining files.

7. Not make modifications to system configurations that could impact availability or security of the system without the approval of the Change Control Board and/or change management process.

8. Not perform general user activities under the same account (user name and password) due to the security requirement for separation of duties.

9. Protect all passwords from unauthorized disclosure.

10. Not share accounts with another privileged user.

11. Make the system available at any time to the SAISO for inspection and review of audit logs.

12. Grant only read-only access to audit files to the Security Auditor; grant access to general system information only if a need-to-know is established and authorization is received from the ISSO.

13. Make the computer(s) available for periodic reviews of the security configuration by independent testers

14. Make changes to system configuration as directed to meet Vulnerability and Patch Management requirements.

15. Immediately record and report any security incidents to the ISSPM.

I acknowledge and understand the responsibilities associated with my role as a Privileged User, and I will comply with the February 10, 2006, Privileged User Rules of Behavior. The Statement of acknowledgement can be provided via email.

Typed Name

Signature Date

[End of Document]

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 Security

Government shall be responsible for providing building security screening and building access to Media Center facility only.

Contractor must present a list of all personnel active on the project to the Government within three (3) business days of awarded contract.

All Contract personnel with access to the Media Center must possess a minimum National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation.

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 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 this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

I.2 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):

The following provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference.

52.204-7 System For Award Management (Oct 2018)

52.204-19 Incorporation By Reference of Representations and Certifications (Dec 2014)

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

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2022)

52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003)

52.222-19 Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2022)

52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015)

52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016)

52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021)

52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020)

52.232-1 Payments (Apr 1984)

52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013)

52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

52.233-3 Protest After Award (Aug 1996)

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (Aug 1989)

52.245-1 Government Property (SEP 2021)

I.3 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2022)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov.