Solicitation 12444223R0005.pdf

12444223R0005 Kisatchie National Forests

Common Stand Exams

STAND EXAMINATIONS

Kisatchie National Forest

Headquarters/Supervisor’s Office (Pineville, LA), Caney Ranger District (Homer, LA), Calcasieu Ranger District (Boyce, LA), Catahoula Ranger District (Bentley, LA), Kisatchie Ranger District (Provencal, LA), Winn Ranger District (Winnfield, LA).

This solicitation will result in multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA to provide required stand exam services for a five year period performance through May 31, 2028.

Quantities shown are best estimates and NOT guarantees; individual BPA calls will be awarded on a competitive/fair opportunity basis.

Offerors may quote on any or all items and limit the total amount of work they might accept by addressing this in their Technical Proposal.

AUTHORIZED ORDERING ACTIVITIES: BPA calls may only be issued by warranted contracting officers or purchasing agents on behalf of the above noted National Forests.

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Item No. Description (District/State) Unit Quantity Unit Price Total

001 Calcasieu Ranger District Plot 100

002 Caney Ranger District Plot 100

003 Catahoula Ranger District Plot 100

004 Kisatchie Ranger District Plot 100

005 Winn Ranger District Plot 100

NOTE TO OFFERORS: ENTER N/A FOR DISTRICTS YOU DO NOT WISH TO BID ON.

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Description: It is the intent of the Government to enter into multiple Blanket Purchase to provide for Stand Exam Services on an as-needed basis under the terms and conditions of this agreement. Awardees will be given fair opportunity to provide these services. Specifications may be adjusted on individual call orders based on specific local requirements; these will be identified in the RFQ.

Authorized Callers: Only written calls issued by a warranted Forest Service Contracting Officer or Purchasing Agent on an SF 1449 or OF 347 are authorized under this agreement.

Period of Performance: This agreement shall remain in effect for a period of five years from date of award unless terminated by either the vendor or the Government with thirty (30) days written notice. The Government may replenish the original pool of available contractors on an annual basis by resoliciting the requirement for the remaining period of performance.

Limitations: The minimum order will be $2,500; requirements for lesser amounts will be acquired as micro-purchases using a Government Purchase Card. Individual call orders under each agreement shall not exceed $250,000; total orders during the duration of each agreement shall not exceed $7,500,000.

Extent of Obligation: The Government is hereby obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases (calls) made under this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).

Delivery Tickets/Invoicing: All calls under the BPA shall be invoiced through the Invoice Process Platform (www.ipp.gov) web-site. Invoices shall include the following information:

BPA / Call Number Dates of Service Description of Services (Activity, Location)

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

Background

The purpose of this BPA is to provide plot inventory and stand examination data. It involves locating and establishing plots;

measuring and recording trees; and measuring and recording vegetation composition. The stand examination data provides information to help guide land managers’ decisions on Kisatchie National Forest.

Scope of BPA

The scope of this BPA is to furnish all labor, tools, equipment, transportation, and incidentals necessary to conduct reliable timber stand examinations. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation and the current version of the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8.

The contractor’s electronic data shall successfully transmit to the Forest Service’s FSVeg Database System using computer equipment on the Kisatchie National Forest..

Project Location

a) The project is located on Ranger Districts of Kisatchie NF with headquarters in Pineville, LA. (see maps in Appendix A)

b) Specific locations, data, and maps will be supplied with each task order.

c) Acreages listed on each task order have been determined by geographic information system (GIS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each task order are considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

Project Access

a) The project area shall be accessed by Forest Service Roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform any special maintenance to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel.

b) The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the individual Ranger Districts (available upon award) provides open road information. The Contractor will be issued a Forest Service key in order to access those roads that are seasonally closed by gates. Forest Service roads that are permanently closed by earthen berms or some other obstruction will have to be accessed by foot or, if available, UTV.

c) Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles and must use only utility task vehicles (UTV) or side by sides. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that UTV payloads run from 800 to 1,350 pounds above the operator/passenger’s weight. UTV also have roll-over protection and seat belts unlike ATV.

Scope of Work

a) Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring, and recording data for sample plots in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, materials (including flagging as further described herein), services, and facilities necessary for the stand examination project and performance of the tasks described below.

b) Each task is broken down by:

1. Task Number and a general description of that task.

2. Subtask Number and more detailed information on the specific task.

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

TASK 1. PLOT LOCATION

Subtask 1.1. Plot Location Procedure.

1.1.1. The Contractor shall locate plots within stands using maps and GPS coordinates provided by the Government.

1.1.2. The Contractor shall use flagging to facilitate the location of plot center. The Contractor shall provide flagging that is photodegradable. The specific/standardized flagging color to be used will be PINK GLO. Flagging shall be at least twelve inches long after tying.

a) Actual plot location shall be offset one to two chains perpendicular from any road, perennial stream or permanent opening as listed on provided stand maps (available upon issuance of BPA call). Azimuth of the offset shall be recorded in the remarks.

Subtask 1.2. Plot Establishment Procedure.

1.2.1. The Contractor shall identify plot center with a PINK GLO pin flag that shall extend a minimum of twelve inches above the ground surface. . The area around the flag will be cleared out about one foot in diameter. The Contractor shall mark the compartment number, stand number, plot number, date, and initials of the examiner on the flag with a permanent marker.

The plot center is defined as that point where the pin flag enters the ground. This point or plumb-line extension of this point shall be used for all distance measurements.

1.2.2. One piece of flagging shall be hung adjacent to plot center and shall be at least five feet above the ground surface and twelve inches long. The stand (setting) and plot numbers shall be written on the flagging with a permanent marker.

Subtask 1.3. Plot Acquisition Procedure Using Global Positioning System (GPS).

1.3.1. The Contractor shall set up the GPS receiver and software as referenced below:

a) The Contractor shall provide a GPS receiver that has the ability to obtain the stated accuracy standard of ±26 feet in the horizontal dimension.

b) The Contractor shall collect all GPS data using geographic coordinate system Latitude/Longitude and Geodetic Datum NAD83.

c) The Contractor shall enter the latitude and longitude of established plot centers into the plot data form.

TASK 2. DATA COLLECTION

a) Common Stand Exam (CSE): The Contractor shall measure and record data for each sample plot to complete the Setting Form, Sample Design Form, Plot Data Form, and Tree Data Form in accordance with the current version of the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8 and this BPA. If the BPA specifications differ from the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8, the BPA shall take precedence.

Subtask 2.1. Setting Data.

2.1.1. The Contractor shall complete one Setting Form for each setting (stand) in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8. An X in the table below indicates required fields that are to be completed by the Contractor. All other fields shall not be collected or shall be provided and completed by the Government.

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

Table 2.1: Setting Data Form

Field Number Field Name Quick Plot Data Source 1 Project Name X Government 2 Proclaimed Region X Government 3 Proclaimed National Forest X Government 4 District X Government 5 Location (Compartment) X Government 6 Stand Number X Government 7 Ownership X Government 8 State X Government 9 County X Government 10 Administrative Forest X Government 11 Administrative Region X Government 12 Date X Contractor 13 Photo ID 14 Examination Level X Government 15 Exam Purpose X Government 16 Stratum (Stand Condition Code) X Contractor 17 Existing Vegetation Reference X Government 18 Existing Vegetation Cover Type X Contractor 19 Potential Vegetation Reference 20 Potential Vegetation 21 Structure X Contractor 22 Capable Growing Area 23 Fuel Model X Government 24 Elevation 25 Aspect X Contractor 26 Slope X Contractor 27 Slope Position 28 Acres 29 Examiner X Contractor 30 Precision Protocol X Government 31 Radial Growth Interval X Government 32 Radial Growth Interval #2 33 Height Growth Interval 34 Fuel Photo Reference 35 Setting User Code (Land Class) X Government 36 Setting Remarks X Contractor 37 Setting Damage Category As needed Contractor 38 Setting Damage Agent As needed Contractor 39 Setting Damage Severity As needed Contractor

40 Species of Management Interest (e.g.

NNIS, feral hogs)1 X Contractor

41 Sketch Map and Traverse Notes 1 NNIS denotes “nonnative, invasive species.”

Subtask 2.2. Sample Design.

2.2.1. The Contractor shall use the following base Sample Design.

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

Table 2.2: Sample Design Form

Form Type

Selection Method

Expansion Factor

Subpop.

Filter

Selection Criteria #

Subpop.

Variable

Subpop.

Min.

Subpop.

Max.

TREE BAF1 10 ALL 1 DBH2 5.00 999.99

TREE BAF1 10 LT3 2 DBH2 5.00 999.0

1 BAF denotes “basal area factor.”

2 DBH denotes “diameter at breast height.”

3 DownLT denotes “down or leaning tree.”

2.2.2. Contractor shall use a 10 BAF (unless otherwise specified in the individual BPA call).

Subtask 2.3. Plot Data.

2.3.1. The Contractor shall collect plot data in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8. An X in the table below indicates a required field. All other fields shall not be collected.

Table 2.3: Plot Data Form

Field Number Field Name Quick Plot Data Source

1 Plot Number X Contractor

2.1 Plot Latitude X Contractor

2.2 Plot Longitude X Contractor

3 Plot Capable Growing Area 4 Plot Aspect X Contractor 5 Plot Slope X Contractor 6 Slope Position 7 Slope Horizontal Shape 8 Slope Vertical Shape 9 Plot Elevation 10 Plot Existing Vegetation X Contractor 11 Plot Potential Vegetation 12 Fuel Model 13 Residual Descriptive Code 14 Distance To Seed Wall 15 Plot User Code (Stand Condition Code) X Contractor 16 Plot History 17 Plot History Date 18 Plot History Date X Contractor

Subtask 2.4. Tree Data.

2.4.1. The Contractor shall collect and record Tree Data in accordance with the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8. An X in the table below indicates a required field. All other fields shall not be collected.

Common Stand Exams

Table 2.4: Tree Data Form

Field Number Field Name Quick Plot Data Source

1 Plot Number X Contractor 2 Tag ID X Contractor 3 Tree Status X Contractor 4 Tree Class 5 GST/Site-index Trees X Contractor 6 Tree Species X Contractor 7 Tree Count X Contractor 8 DBH X Contractor 9 Height All trees Contractor 10 Radial Growth 11 Tree Age SI1 trees Contractor 12 Wildlife Use X Contractor 13 Tree Damage Category X Contractor 14 Tree Damage Agent X Contractor 15 Tree Damage Part X Contractor 16 Tree Damage Severity X Contractor 17 Tree Remarks X Contractor 18 Cut or Leave Tree (optional)2 X Contractor

1 SI denotes “site-index tree.”

2May be specified on individual orders

a) Begin recording tree data on the Tree form at azimuth 360° (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Band the first tree with flagging at DBH (Diameter at 4.5 feet from ground). Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

b) Record all live and dead trees 5 inches DBH using a BAF 10.

1. When encountering “borderline” trees (e.g. those trees are not quite in or out), measure the tree’s DBH and its distance from plot center. Compare this horizontal distance to the limiting distance tables for BAF 10. If the measured horizontal distance from plot center is less than or equal to the limiting distance from the respective tables in Appendix J of the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8, then the tree in question is “in” and is tallied as a sample tree.

However, if the measured horizontal distance from plot center is greater than the limiting distance, then the tree in question is “out” and is not tallied.

c) Site Index trees will be flagged with flagging. The contractor shall scribe the age, DBH, and height information for the site tree onto the flagging with a permanent marker.

1. Record DBH to the tenth of an inch (1/10) for all SI trees.

2. The number of site index trees sampled per stand is at the discretion of each district.

There may be one SI tree measured and recorded from a representative plot per stand (unless the stand is mixed in which case 2 site index trees will be measured and recorded – see 3. below) or one SI tree on the first plot and then every third plot thereafter.

3. A site tree will: (a) be of the predominate species of the main canopy; (b) estimated to be of the predominate age class present in the stand based on species, diameter, height, and condition variables; and (c) free of visible bole defect or indicators of internal defect at the point of increment coring. If the stand is to be classed as a mixed stand, at least one site index tree of the dominate pine species and one site index tree of the dominate hardwood species will be collected.

Common Stand Exams

d) DBH - Record the diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level to the closest inch with an acceptable tolerance of +/- 0.5”.

e) Height. Total height in feet from the ground to the tip of the terminal leader will be required for all trees recorded. Heights on dead trees (snags) with broken tops can be estimated.

f) Cut and Leave trees: In pine stands (over 70% of plot is pine trees):

1. In mature stands: looking up at the canopy, “Cut” pine trees so that pine crowns don’t touch. Or

“cut” pine trees that are damaged, forked, have insect/disease indications, poor formed boles. “Leave” trees would be the remaining stand. Leave about 7 pine trees per plot. It is possible that a plot would have no cut trees depending on spacing even if there are over 7 trees present.

2. In young stands that have not reached canopy height, “cut” pine trees so that leave trees are spaced -not touching. Or “cut” pine trees that are damaged, forked, have insect/disease indications, poor formed boles. “Leave” trees would be the remaining stand. Leave about 6 pine trees per plot. It is possible that a plot would have no cut trees depending on spacing even if there are over 6 trees present.

TASK 3. DATA ENTRY

Subtask 3.1. Data Format.

3.1.1. The Common Stand Exam data is required in electronic format that duplicates the ExamsPC program. The electronic data shall successfully run through Region 8’s Pre-edit program, and load into the FSVeg database without fatal errors. The electronic data shall successfully transmit to the Forest Service computer equipment.

TASK 4. MEETINGS.

Subtask 4.1. Prework Conference.

4.1.1. A Prework Conference shall be scheduled between the Government and the Contractor before work proceeds. The Prework Conference location and time shall be negotiated after award of the BPA.

TASK 5. DELIVERABLE SPECIFICATIONS

a) One stand will be completed and submitted to the COR for immediate inspection. Once passed, the Contractor shall submit completed work by compartment/block. Submissions will only be accepted Monday thru Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

b) The Contractor will submit their quality control inspection for with each compartment submission (Task 7 below).

c) The Government shall complete its inspection within 15 business days of receipt of each submission.

d) The unit of measure shall be the plot as described in the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8. Each payment item shall consist of individual compartments.

e) The Contractor shall submit, with each payment item, the following: Electronic field data in ExamsPC (.cse) file format (as furnished by the Government - Task 6 (d) below) and any original corresponding inspection data forms.

f) All electronic data files shall be submitted by e-mail or USB storage device.

g) The Contractor shall ensure that completed data is unique to each pay item.

Common Stand Exams

TASK 6. MATERIALS

Government-Furnished Materials and Services

The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property, or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Property. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause (Reference Clause 52.245-4).

a) Project area map(s) depicting stand boundaries, streams, roads, contours, and plot locations will be provided in the request for quotes for individual BPA calls.

b) Stand/Plot List showing the following information will be provided upon award of the BPA call:

1. Stand Number

2. Plot Numbers

3. Map(s) and/or Plot GPS Coordinates

4. Number of Plots per Stand

c) Data entry software ExamsPC. This software is downloadable from the following website:

http://fsweb.nris.fs.fed.us/products/PDR/CSE/installation.shtml

d) The .cse file for the exams software for the respective forest. (The file will be field-ready.)

e) Forest Service keys will be issued as needed for access to plots that are behind locked gates.

TASK 7. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall provide quality control for all operations. The Contractor is expected to conduct their own prompt inspections to ensure that all requirements are being met. Government inspections are for payment determination only, and are not intended to be used as a quality control by the Contractor. Any delay in Government inspections will not cause the Government to be responsible for the Contractor’s work quality.

TASK 8. GOVERNMENT INSPECTION PROCEDURES

An inspection block, as established by the Government, will contain a minimum of one compartment. The final inspection block may be smaller by necessity. The Contractor may deviate from these numbers at the COR’s approval. No partial stands will be accepted. The Contractor shall submit stands in designated blocks with respective data sheets, maps, and electronic data.

a) Compliance Inspection—The COR will, by formal review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractor’s right to proceed.

b) Inspection of Work—The Government will inspect the stand examinations to determine compliance with BPA specifications and to provide a basis for payment. Completed work, consisting of any required paper forms, maps, and electronic data, will be turned in for inspection in blocks. Field inspections will be made from the electronic data submitted. Inspection will only be made on completed plots. The COR will use the Plot Inspection Form (Appendix A) which includes the tolerance and grading value. Tolerances are taken from the Common Stand Exam Field Guide for Region 8., Appendix L. An initial inspection may be done on less than 50 total plots if requested by the Contractor.

Within each block, at least 10% of the plots will be selected for inspection to determine if the prescribed work standards have been met. This will constitute the minimum sample plot inspection for determining satisfactory performance. Pass-fail inspection for compliance to other work standards and procedures shall be performed on all blocks.

Common Stand Exams

The Government will make the initial inspection of each block of completed stands without cost to the Contractor.

Any re-inspection required due to the Contractor reworking a block will be at the Contractor’s expense at the rate of $165 per inspection block.

All data submitted for inspection or payment that have omissions or exceed the tolerances allowed for the required fields will be returned to the Contractor for completion or rework. All hand-written forms shall be turned in with their respective stands in an inspection block. All entries must be legible. Any missing, non-legible, or non-applicable entries shall be counted as discrepancies.

The Contractor’s electronic data shall load successfully into FSVeg and run through the edit program without fatal errors or it shall be returned for rework.

The COR will locate each plot using the global position and flagging of the plot during field inspection. These latitude and longitude coordinates will be used to evaluate the field inspected plot using the tolerances specified in the current Common Stand Exam Field Guide for R8.

The Government is not responsible for GPS down time due to Contractor negligence or satellite disturbances. No Suspend Work Order will be issued, BPA time will run during these periods.

c) Determination of Acceptable Work—An inspection, as stated above, will be performed by the Government for evaluation of BPA specification compliance. The following will be used for determination of acceptable or unacceptable work.

1. Pass-Fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block. Site examinations deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a “pass-fail” basis and will be returned to the Contractor with the entire block for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

i. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner after Contractor completion.

ii. Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

iii. Any plot center located outside of tolerance, or within one chain of stand boundaries.

iv. Stands having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

v. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper plot center labeling or because of improper GPS reference, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

vi. Any data with inaccurate stand location and stand number data.

vii. Any plot with discrepancy between live and dead tree classifications.

viii. A plot will fail which has at least one more or at least one less tree than what is actually there.

ix. Any inspection block with an overall inspection percentage < 90%.

2. Discrepancy Trend—If an individual or crew repeatedly installs plots in the wrong location or makes inaccurate measurements or observations (e.g., missed heights, diameters, etc.), the COR or inspector may notify the Contractor and require the Contractor to rework and/or replace the individual or crew.

d) Rework of Unacceptable Work—The Government reserves the right to require unacceptable blocks, as determined under Section C, Determination of Acceptable Work, to be reworked. Upon written notification by the COR or inspector that a block is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit a rework before

Common Stand Exams beginning another block of work. If corrections are required as a result of field inspections, no charge will be made for the first rework inspection of the first block. Thereafter, any contract re-inspection required due to failure of a payment block, rework, and resubmission will be deducted from the final payment at $165 per payment block.

1. Correction of Errors

i. Pass-fail failures require correction of errors throughout the block.

ii. All plots in the inspection block will be returned to the Contractor when the block is determined to be unacceptable. The Contractor is required to rework all of the plots in the inspection block.

iii. On those inspection blocks reworked by the Contractor, BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED flagging shall be tied at each plot center; RED AND WHITE STRIPED flagging shall be used if a second rework is required on that block.

iv. A second and any subsequent required inspection will collect data on a mixture of previously inspected plots and previously un-inspected plots. Selection of these plots is at the sole discretion of the Forest Service.

v. The Government is not required to provide more than two (2) re-inspections on any single inspection block. Results of last re-inspection will supersede any prior inspection results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass inspection may result in contract default.

TASK 9. DEMONSTRATION OF INSPECTION PROCEDURES

The Government shall provide one free inspection to demonstrate inspection procedures. This inspection shall be performed on the first stand the Contractor works.

TASK 10. RE-INSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

a) If the Contracting Officer’s Representatives original inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-inspection. Requests for re-inspection shall be made within 5 calendar days of receipt of initial inspection results. A complete re-inspection of the original inspected plot(s) will be made. The Contactor or designated representative shall accompany the COR during the re-inspection, which shall not be limited to previously inspected plots.

b) If re-inspection does not result in additional payment for the Contractor, the Contractor must pay for the re-inspection. Re-inspection for resubmitted units will be done in accordance with the original inspection procedures. If the re-inspection confirms the results of the original inspection, the Contractor shall reimburse the Forest Service through a payment reduction of $165 per payment block.

c) Results of this re-inspection will supersede the original inspection for determining acceptability and payment.

TASK 11. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

a) Government quality-assurance will be initiated when the Contractor submits all data and forms for a payment item.

b) For stand examination, inspection blocks must have an overall inspection percentage of 90%. The basis for determining if a plot acceptability will be based on its conformity with the plot inspection form (See Appendix A).

TASK 12. DEDUCTIONS

a) Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned shall be deducted from the Contractor's final payment as examples listed below.

b) Unreturned government-furnished keys will result in delay of final payment.

Common Stand Exams

ORDERING PROCEDURES FOR COMPETITIVE BPA CALLS.

REQUESTS FOR QUOTES. When the Government requires work under the BPA, a Notice of Proposed BPA Call will be issued VIA EMAIL ONLY.

COMPETITION. Calls will be awarded based on Fair Opportunity, FAR 16.505(b)(1). BPA awardees will compete for projects among themselves. Under the BPA, the Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer.

The right is also reserved to reject any and all offers. The basis of award will be a conforming offer, the price or cost of which may or may not be the lowest. If other than the lowest offer, it must be sufficiently more advantageous than the lowest offer to justify the payment of additional amounts; for example, such as a more advantageous schedule.

COMPETING FOR A BPA CALL. The Contracting Officer will ensure that each awardee receive a fair opportunity to be considered for each order. It is expected that BPA contractors will submit proposals for all RFQ notices received. In the event a Contractor is unable to submit an offer in response to an RFQ notice, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer via return email. Failure to respond or compete for projects may be considered failure to make progress or perform and will be a consideration for terminating the BPA.

SITE VISITS. Offeror's attendance at walk-throughs (site visits) may be requested by the Government. In RARE cases, walk-throughs will be determined mandatory in order for a contractor to submit a proposal. Such requirement shall be stated in the RFQ notice. The Contractor will not be reimbursed for proposal preparation, attendance at site visits, walk-throughs or other pre-task costs.

PROPOSAL CONTENTS. Depending upon the requirements of each Call, the Contractor will typically provide a price proposal in response to an RFQ notice. Contractors shall respond within the number of calendar days stated in the RFQ notice by submitting a proposal to the Contracting Officer in accordance with requirements stated in the RFQ notice. Some task orders may require the submission of a proposed schedule. If required, this will be noted in the RFQ notice.

BPA CALL PRICES-SCHEDULE OF ITEMS. The Government's payment for the items listed in the Schedule of Items of individual calls shall constitute full compensation to the Contractor for- (1) Furnishing all labor, equipment, services, materials and expertise; and (2) Performing all operations required to complete the work Schedule all costs for work in the specifications, whether or not specifically listed in the Pricing Schedule.

EVALUATION METHOD AND PROCEDURES. The primary technical and price criteria will vary depending on the unique requirements for each task order. The Contracting Officer may develop evaluation criteria which reflect the instant requirement and contracting environment. Examples of these criteria are past performance on prior task orders under the BPA, which includes quality and timeliness, special expertise or other factors the Contracting Officer determines are relevant to award of a particular task order and the unit’s status of achieving small business goals/targets. In making decisions in award of any individual task order, the Government intends to select the most advantageous, responsive, and responsible proposal, price and other factors considered. Each RFQ notice will describe the criteria to be utilized in evaluating task order proposals.

DISCREPANCIES IN THE EVALUATION OF OFFERS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO RFP NOTICES FOR

INDIVIDUAL CALLS.

a. For the purpose of initial evaluations of offers proposed for individual Task Orders, the following will be utilized in resolving arithmetic discrepancies found on the face of pricing schedule as submitted by the Offeror: (1) Obviously misplaced decimal points will be corrected; (2) Discrepancy between unit price and extended price, the unit price will govern; (3) Apparent errors in extension of unit prices will be corrected; (4) Apparent errors in addition of lump-sum and extended prices will be corrected.

b. For purposes of price evaluation, the Government will proceed on the assumption that the Offeror intends the proposed price to be evaluated on basis of the unit prices, the totals arrived at by resolution of arithmetic discrepancies as provided above.

c. These correction procedures shall not be used to resolve any ambiguity concerning which price is low.

EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (FAR 52.217-5) (JUL 1990). Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government's best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for the purpose of awarding task orders by

Common Stand Exams adding the total price for all optional line items to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the optional line items.

AWARD DECISION. Whenever possible, award will be made without discussions. If discussions are required, each BPA contractor will be requested to provide a final proposal revision, unless eliminated from discussions through the establishment of a competitive range. BPA call award will be made based on either the best value to the Government or the lowest price, technically acceptable proposal as described in the RFQ notice. The awarded BPA Call will be firm fixed-price with a specific number of calendar days. When optional line items are included in the Schedule, the BPA Call will specify the number of days after award for exercising the Options.

BPA CALL ISSUANCE. Calls will be issued on OF 347, and will normally be submitted by email. The Call becomes binding when the Contracting Officer signs the order. A Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued separately if required. Appropriate proof of Insurance must be in place before work commences. The appropriate issuing, administration, and payment offices will be cited on each BPA Call.

PROTESTS. In accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(7), no protest under FAR Subpart 33.1 is authorized in connection with the issuance or proposed issuance of an order under a BPA except for a protest on the grounds that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the call.

OMBUDSMAN. If the Contractor believes it was not fairly considered for a particular task order, the Contractor may present the matter to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may appeal the explanation or decision of the Contracting Officer to the Ombudsman, who is the Head of the Contracting Activity. The Ombudsman will review the Contractor's complaint, and in coordination with the Contracting Officer, ensure that the Contractor was afforded a fair opportunity to be considered for the Task Order.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. The Contractor will be provided an electronic copy of the Statement of Work upon issuance of each call. All further reproduction shall be at the Contractor's expense.

ORDERING PROCEDURES FOR SOLE SOURCE ORDERS. In the event it becomes necessary to negotiate with one firm on a sole-source basis, the following procedures shall be used in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2):

CIRCUMSTANCES PERMITTING SOLE SOURCE ORDERS. All BPA Contractors will be given a fair opportunity to submit a proposal on projects unless the Contracting Officer determines:

a. An urgent need exists, and seeking competition would result in unacceptable delay

b. Only one Contractor is capable at the level of quality required because the requirement is unique or highly specialized

c. A sole source is in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow-on to an order already competed (e.g. already working in same area).

GENERAL WAGE DECISIONS. Applicable Service Contract Act wage rates will be identified for all calls issued under this BPA. Samples of current wage rates are attached.

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. The Government may request proposals for which funding is not currently available for the award. If funds fail to become available for the award of the project, the event shall not constitute a basis for equitable adjustment under this BPA. If funds for a project become available after the expiration of the proposal acceptance period, the Government may request an extension of the contractor’s proposal acceptance period without further competition for the project. If the proposal acceptance period is not extended by the contractor, the project may be re-solicited.

Common Stand Exams

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following FAR Clauses are incorporated by reference. (See www.acquisition.gov/far for full text.)

52.202-1 Definitions. (NOV 2013) 52.203-3 Gratuities. (APR 1984) 52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fees. (MAY 2014) 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures. (MAY 2014) 52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity. (MAY 2014) 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. (OCT 2010) 52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (JUN 2020) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement To Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights. (JUN 2020) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.204-7 System for Award Management. (JUL 2013) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (JUL 2013) 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts. (JAN 2014) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Jun 2016) 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (AUG 2020) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation. (NOV 2015) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items. (OCT 2018) Addenda to 52.212-4: Replace paragraph (r) of clause 52.212-4 with the following as specified in

DEVIATION 2017-1 (AUG 2017):

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (SEP 2013) 52.228-14 Irrevocable Letter of Credit. (NOV 2014) 52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction. (OCT 2010) 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984) 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for Next Fiscal Year 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (DEC 2013) (DEVIATION APR 2020) (31 USC 3903 and 10 USC 2307) 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions. (APR 1984) 52.236-3 Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work. (APR 1984) 52.236-5 Material and Workmanship. (APR 1984) 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor. (APR 1984) 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities. (NOV 1991) 52.236-8 Other Contracts. (APR 1984) 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements. (APR 1984) 52.246-20 Warranty of Services. (MAY 2001) 52.249-4 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Services) (Short Form). (APR 1984) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service). (APR 1984) 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms. (JAN 1991) AGAR 452.236-73 Archaeological or Historic Sites (FEB 1988) AGAR 452.236-74 Control of Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution (NOV 1996) AGAR 452.236-76 Samples and Certificates (FEB 1988) AGAR 452.236-77 Emergency Response. (NOV 1996)

Common Stand Exams

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items. (DEC 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 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)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Aug 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 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)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (June 2020), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

(2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Jun 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

(3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

(Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

(4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L.

109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) [Reserved].

(6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of

Div. C).

_X_ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016)

(Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Jun 2020) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41

U.S.C. 2313).

(10) [Reserved].

(11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-3.

(12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Mar 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-4.

(13) [Reserved]

Common Stand Exams Page of 4

_X_ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

(15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

(16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

(17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jun 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

(ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

(v) Alternate IV (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9

(18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

(19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

(20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

(21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Mar 2020) (15

U.S.C. 657f).

(22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

(ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

(23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-

Owned Small Business Concerns (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business

Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Mar2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Mar 2020) (15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

(27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

(28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan2020) (E.O.13126).

(29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(30) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

(31) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

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

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

(33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010)

(E.O. 13496).

_X_ (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Oct 2020) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

_X_ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

(37) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

(ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

(38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(40) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

(41) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

(42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

Common Stand Exams

(43) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

(ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

_X_ (44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

(45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

(46) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

(47) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Jan2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

(49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Jan 2021)(41 U.S.C.chapter83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

(iii) Alternate II (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

(iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

(50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Oct 2019) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

(51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016)

(Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302Note).

(53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

(54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C.

5150).

(55) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021) .

(56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10

U.S.C. 2307(f)).

(57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

_X_ (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

(63) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) ( 46 U.S.C.

55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

(ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(iii) Alternate II (Feb 2006) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

_X_ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter67).

(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

(3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment

(Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May

2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to…