Solicitation 19MJ1926R0001 -Insurance GMC.docx

U.S. Embassy Podgorica Date: July 2, 2026

Dear Prospective Offeror:

Subject: Request for Proposals number 19MJ1926R0001

The Embassy of the United States of America invites you to submit a proposal for locally employed staff health insurance coverage. The Embassy encourages prospective offerors to offer off-the-shelf plans that meet at least the minimum benefit levels required in this solicitation.

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

The Embassy intends to conduct a pre-proposal conference. Pre-proposal conference to discuss the requirements of this solicitation will be held by Government on 23 July 2026 at the time and place which offerors will receive information by email. See Section L of the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

Proposals are due by 17:00 Central European Time (CET) on 14 August 2026. No proposals will be accepted after this time. Proposals must be in English and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Your proposal must be submitted electronically to PodgoricaSolicitations@state.gov . It is important to make sure the submission is made in specific size and format; Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file format. The file size must not exceed 30MB. If the file size should exceed 30MB, the submission must be made in separate files and attached to separate emails with less than 30MB each.

In order for a quotation to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

Offerors shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to submittal of their offer/proposal as prescribed under FAR 4.1102. Failure to be registered at time of proposal submission may deem the offeror’s proposal to be considered non-responsible and no further consideration will be given. Therefore, offerors are highly encouraged to register immediately if they are interested in submitting a response to this requirement.

Enclosure:

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350)

3 | 75

2. CONTRACT (Proc. Inst. Ident.) NO.

3. SOLICITATION NO.

19MJ1926R0001

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

[ ] SEALED BID (IFB)

[x] NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

02 July 2026

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NO.

PR15943728

American Embassy Podgorica Dzona Dzeksona #2, Podgorica Phone: +38220418555

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitation "offer" and "offeror” mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L. Provision No. 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all tems and conditions contained in this solicitation.

SANELA TUZOVIC

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

TuzovicS@state.gov

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: ITEM 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (120 calendar days unless a different period is inseted by the offer) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT SEE 14

(See section I, Clause No 52.232-8)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation and related documents ) numbered and dated:

FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED

AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEM NUMBERED

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

[ ] 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ) [ ] 41 U.S.C. 253(c)( )

AMERICAN EMBASSY PODGORICA

US Embassy, Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000, ATTN: PROCUREMENT

PODGORICA 81000

MONTENEGRO

AMERICAN EMBASSY PODGORICA

US Embassy, Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000, ATTN: FMO

PODGORICA 81000

MONTENEGRO

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) Karl Lohse

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this form, or on the Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

SECTION B - PRICES

JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 VICTIMS HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2010 NOTICE: UNLESS A WAIVER OR EXCEPTION APPLIES, PAYMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THIS PROCUREMENT ARE SUBJECT TO AN EXCISE TAX OF 2% PERSUANT TO 26 U.S.C. 5000C.

B.1. HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide the Health Insurance services to employees of the Government of the United States of America in Montenegro and their eligible dependents as described in Section C. This insurance shall be provided in accordance with Section C.

B.1.1. Official Residence Expense (ORE) Staff are included under this contract only as a rider; the Contractor shall bill the Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission (for ORE Staff), Excess Coverage (C.1.1.19) is included under this contract only as rider benefits; the Contractor shall bill the individual covered at the rates specified below. See Section G for billing procedures. Note that USG is not responsible, nor liable, for any riders.

B.2. PRICES

B.2.1 Value Added Tax

The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for VAT under this contract. The Contractor shall not include a line for VAT on Invoices as the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate with the host government.

B.2.2 This is a fixed price with economic price adjustment requirements type contract under which will be issued firm, fixed-price task orders. The fixed prices/premium rates for the health insurance services as specified in Section C are as follows:

B.2.3 Base Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Total Price for Base Year (d x 26)**

*estimated number of premiums does not include any Riders (B.1.1) **does not include any premiums for Riders.

If VAT is needed added a separate column in matrix above

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for Base Year Calculation

B.2.4 First Option Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Total Price for First Option Year (d x 26)**

If VAT is needed added a separate column in matrix above

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for First Option Year Calculation

B.2.5 Second Option Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Total Price for Second Option Year (d x 26)**

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for Second Option Year Calculation

B.2.6 Third Option Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Total Price for Third Option Year (d x 26)**

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for Third Option Year Calculation

B.2.7 Fourth Option Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Total Price for Fourth Option Year (d x 26)**

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for Fourth Option Year Calculation

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS

During the Base Year of the contract, and during the option year that might be exercised, the United States Government (USG) shall place orders totaling a minimum of 30 employees. This reflects the contract minimum guarantee for each period of performance. The amount of all orders, for base and all option years shall not exceed 1000 employees. This reflects the contract maximum.”

B.3 ADMINISTRATIVE RETENTION AMOUNTS

B.3.1 If the Contractor requests a price adjustment under B.4 below, the Contractor shall present cost experience data that includes the retention amount. For purposes of any economic price adjustment, this retention amount is a fixed amount that is a part of the premium amounts in B.2. This retention amount will not be adjusted for any reason.

The retention amount is part of the premium and may include, but not be limited to, such costs as overhead and general and administrative costs. It will also include any profit. Essentially, it includes all costs except the actual portion of the premium intended to fund claims paid to the health care provider/claimant. B.3.2 sets forth the retention amounts per premium paid for each category of premium and for each period of performance.

NOTE TO OFFEROR: Fill in the fixed bi-weekly retention amounts for each period of performance and for each category of premium. This fixed amount shall be expressed in the currency in which the premium amount is proposed. The fixed retention amount shall not be expressed in terms of a percentage of the premium.

B.3.2 Bi-Weekly Retention Amounts per separate premium paid per single employee and per family plan.

Base Period

First Option Year

Second Option Year

Third Option Year

Fourth Option Year

Extension up to 6 months, if used under 52.217-8

B.4. ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT-HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS

B.4.1. Premium Adjustment Based on Experience – For health insurance, premiums may be adjusted upward or downward based on the experience rating of the Mission(s) covered under this contract. This adjustment specifically excludes all riders identified in section B.1.1. No adjustment will be permitted during the first twelve months of performance. After that period, either the Contractor or the Government may request an annual adjustment to the premiums. Adjustments shall not be applied retroactively to prior contract terms. Before any adjustment is considered, the Contractor shall provide the Government with a balance sheet for the applicable period that includes: (1) receipts (premiums received) minus the retention amount, (2) the number of insurance plans, and (3) claims paid. This information must be provided for each premium type (line item). The retention amount is not subject to adjustment. The Government reserves the right to have an independent third party review the balance sheet and claims and to provide recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the requested adjustment. Any adjustment must be mutually agreed upon by both parties and will be formalized through a written contract modification. Agreed-upon adjustments will take effect thirty days after the Government receives complete supporting information. Any failure to reach agreement under this clause will be handled in accordance with the Disputes clause.

B.4.2. Premium Adjustment Based on Laws – Premium rates may also be adjusted during the contract performance period if host-government laws are enacted that directly affect the Contractor’s cost to perform at the contracted rate. In such cases, the Contracting Officer may negotiate contract modifications to adjust the premium rate. The Contractor shall provide all documentation necessary to support any requested adjustment.

B.4.2.1. Employee Pool – This clause applies only if the Contractor described in its offer a pooling arrangement that includes this contract. Before any adjustment is made under this price adjustment clause, the Contractor shall provide detailed information in its adjustment proposal explaining how the pooling arrangement affects the requested equitable adjustment.

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1. HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Government of the United States of America requires Health Insurance coverage for its employees as described herein.

C.1.1 Employee and Dependent Health Service Benefits

C.1.1.1 Hospitalization (Treatment in the Hospital for Inpatient Care):

Minimum Coverage - 100%

Services and supplies provided during hospitalization including services provided by a licensed healthcare provider, bed, and board (semi-private accommodations), operating room, recovery room, intensive care, imaging and diagnostic testing, and general hospital nursing care, physical therapy, as well as drugs and medicines administered while in-patient. When private accommodations are provided, coverage will be limited to the cost of a semi-private room unless otherwise covered in an off the shelf plan. See Mental Health and Substance Abuse care (C.1.1.13) for details concerning inpatient psychiatric care.

See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care (below) for details concerning inpatient psychiatric care.

See Outpatient Services (below) for details concerning professional services.

C.1.1.2 Emergency Services (Trips to Emergency Room): Minimum Coverage - 100%

Services provided for conditions that could lead to serious disability or death if not immediately treated, such as accidents or sudden illness.

C1.1.3 Ambulance: Minimum Coverage - 80%

Professional ground transport to move a patient from the place where s/he is injured or becomes ill to the nearest hospital able to provide treatment or to move a patient from one medical facility to another.

C.1.1.4 Outpatient Services: Minimum Coverage - 80%

Services provided by a licensed healthcare provider on an ambulatory or outpatient basis (without being admitted to a hospital), including surgeon’s fees and other medical services provided at a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical facility, etc. Examples include, but are not limited to:

· Annual physical examinations

· Specialist consultations and treatment, including second surgical opinion

· Minor surgical interventions

· Chemotherapy and radiation treatments

· Immunizations recommended by local authorities and/or the World Health Organization

· Diagnostic tests and diagnostic imaging

See Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices (below) for details concerning physical therapy.

See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care (below) for details concerning psychiatric therapy.

C.1.1.5 Obstetric and Newborn Care: Minimum Coverage - Inpatient/Emergency: 100%; Outpatient: 80%

Care and services that women receive during pregnancy (prenatal care), throughout labor, delivery and post-delivery, and outpatient care for newborn babies. Hospitalization during pregnancy and/or delivery will be reimbursed as inpatient care All other treatments will be considered outpatient services and will be reimbursed at that rate.

C.1.1.6 Pediatric Services: Minimum Coverage - Inpatient/Emergency: 100%, Outpatient: 80%

Primary and preventive routine care services for covered dependent children, including, but not limited to: physical examinations, developmental assessments, laboratory tests, and immunizations recommended by local authorities and/or the World Health Organization.

C.1.1.7 Prescription Drugs: Minimum Coverage -Inpatient/Emergency: 100%, Outpatient: 80%

Medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider that are medically required. Examples include, but are not limited to prescription antibiotics to treat an infection, medication used to treat an ongoing condition, such as high cholesterol, prophylaxis, contraceptive medication.

C.1.1.8 Preventive and Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management:

Minimum Coverage - 80%

Counseling or preventive care designed to prevent or detect medical conditions and care for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Examples include, but are not limited to: physicals, immunizations, and cancer screenings.

C.1.1.9 Hearing Aids: Minimum Coverage – 80%

Examinations and Treatment: 80% Minimum Coverage

Hearing Aid Apparatus: Limited to one apparatus per ear up to a maximum of USD 1,500 per covered individual per three-year period. 80% Minimum Coverage: with annual cap.

C.1.1.10 Optical Care: Minimum Coverage – 80%

Examinations and Treatment: 80% Minimum Coverage

Prescription lenses and frames, or contact lenses: Covered up to a maximum of USD 300 per covered individual every two years. 80% Minimum Coverage; with annual cap.

C.1.1.11 Dental Care: Minimum Coverage – 80%

Examinations and Treatment: Dentist’s fees, x-rays, examinations and treatment, cleanings, fillings, extractions, false teeth, crowns, and bridges up to a maximum of USD 3,200 per covered individual per contract year. 80% Minimum Coverage: with annual cap.

Orthodontia: Treatment is covered only if treatment begins before age 18, or if required as the result of an accident. A maximum of four years of orthodontia treatment will be covered per covered individual up to a maximum of USD 2,400 lifetime limit. 80% Minimum Coverage; with contract lifetime cap.

C.1.1.12 Reproductive Health: Minimum Coverage - 80%

Prescribed contraceptive devices, preventive care and routine examinations, voluntary sterilization, and diagnosis and treatment of conditions which may cause infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), fertility treatments, and reversal of sterilization are not covered (see Exclusions to Coverage).

C.1.1.13 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care: Minimum Coverage - 50%

Inpatient and outpatient care provided to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder. This includes behavioral health treatment, counseling, and psychotherapy. Services must be provided by a licensed psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, psychologist, or psychiatric social worker. Inpatient care for alcohol and substance abuse must be provided at a facility licensed for detoxification and rehabilitation.

C.1.1.14 Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices:

Minimum Coverage - 50%

Rehabilitative services (e.g., recovering skills, such as speech therapy after a stroke or physical therapy after an accident) and habilitative services (e.g., developing skills, such as speech therapy for children, etc.) that help develop skills needed for everyday life. Devices to help gain or recover mental or physical skills lost due to injury, disability or a chronic condition, and devices needed for habilitative reasons.

C.1.1.15 HIV/AIDS: 100% up to USD 10,000 per contract year per covered individual

Medications to suppress opportunistic infections (such as tuberculosis or toxoplasmosis for covered individuals who have HIV/AIDS). Brief courses of anti-retroviral drugs during childbirth to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS to the child. Generally, excludes medication for the long-term suppression of HIV/AIDS through the combination of anti-retroviral drugs in locations with inadequate local healthcare infrastructures.

C.1.1.17 Out-of-Country Medical Treatment:

Medical expenses incurred out-of-country will be covered at the same benefit levels and subject to the same total maximum annual limit as for medical expenses incurred in-country.

C.1.1.18 Out-of-Country Medical Travel: 80% Reimbursement

Transportation for out-of-country medical treatment will be a covered expense for covered employees and eligible family members. To be considered a covered expense, the attending certified health care provider must certify in advance that the treatment is medically necessary and unavailable locally. 80% of covered individual’s transportation expenses by the least expensive, appropriate means of transportation to the nearest city with adequate medical facilities will be covered. 80% of the transportation expenses of an attendant will also be covered, but only if the covered individual's attending certified health care provider certifies that an attendant for the patient is necessary, (e.g., a parent in the case of a patient who is a minor, or a family member to make medical decisions in the case of a patient who is unwell or unconscious). All coverage for transportation for out-of-country medical treatment is subject to the total maximum annual limit. Transportation to a neighboring country without the attending certified health care provider certifying that the treatment is medically necessary and unavailable locally will not be covered.

C.1.1.19 180 Day Coverage for Dependents After Employee’s Death

At the time of a covered employee’s death, his/her eligible dependents covered under post’s medical plan are eligible to continue receiving the same level of medical coverage for up to 180 days. This optional benefit is subject to availability of funds at post and no extensions are permitted.

C.1.1.20 Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

RESERVED

C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

RESERVED

There is no coverage for elective cosmetic surgery; spa cures; rejuvenation cures; massage; exercise therapy; long-term rehabilitative therapy; non-medical hospital charges (e.g., telephone, television, etc.); home help, family help, or similar household assistance; fees of persons who are not certified health care providers; advanced reproductive technology (e.g., in-vitro fertilization, intra-cellular sperm injection, artificial insemination, microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, testicular sperm extraction, cryopreservation, etc.); or services or supplies which have not been prescribed or approved by a certified health care provider. Exclusions to coverage may be amended if provided in an off the shelf plan and is the lowest-cost and technically acceptable. Removal of any exclusions require prior authorization.

There is no coverage for expenses that will be reimbursed or paid directly under a host country medical program or workers' compensation program, the U.S. workers’ compensation program, or post’s LE Staff workers’ compensation program.

C.1.4 ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

C.1.4.1 Identification of Eligible Employees and Dependents: U.S. Mission Montenegro will provide a list of all eligible employees and dependents with relationship to employee (self/spouse/child) and DOB for each. Updates will be provided to add or remove individuals on a bi-weekly/monthly basis.

C.1.4.1.1 Definition of Dependents

C1.4.1.1.1 Spouse: a limit of one legal spouse as defined by local law per employee will be covered.

C.1.4.1.1.2 Children: a child is defined as the LE Staff’s natural, adopted, stepchild, or foster child. The child must be unmarried and financially dependent upon the LE Staff. A child will be covered until the end of the contract year in which s/he reaches age 26. An unmarried child determined to be incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental condition will continue to be eligible to participate in the medical plan as long as the condition persists, the child remains unmarried, and the LE Staff maintains coverage.

C.1.4.2 Location of Employment: The eligible employees covered by C.1.4.1 must be employed within the geographic boundaries of Montenegro by: Department of State, Department of Defense, department of Justice (ICITAP), Office of Defense Cooperation, Bilateral Affairs Office, Marine Security Guard Program, Office of Building Operations.

C.1.4.3 Participants Covered Under a Rider

a. All current active ORE Staff personally employed by the Chief of Mission and the Deputy Chief of Mission and assigned to their respective official Government residences and paid under an ORE account. All costs for coverage of ORE Staff are the responsibility of the Chief of Mission and the Deputy Chief of Mission, not the U.S. Government.

C.1.5 ELIGIBILITY

C.1.5.1 Term of Eligibility and Effective Date

Each current active eligible employee and their eligible dependents are enrolled for health benefits under this contract upon award and thereafter during the performance period of this contract. Each new eligible employee and eligible dependents will be enrolled upon entering on duty with the United States Government. An employee is considered active ("on the rolls") whenever such employee is on approved leave, whether paid or unpaid.

C.1.6 Brochure Requirement

C.1.6.1 The Contractor shall provide a document (brochure/pamphlet/other written document) in Montenegrin that sets forth a complete listing of the health insurance benefits to be provided under this contract. This brochure shall be provided in sufficient quantities so that each covered employee receives a copy. The Contractor shall furnish all copies of the brochures to the COR, who will ensure that appropriate distribution is made.

C.1.6.2 The Contractor shall provide the document described in C.1.6.1 to the COR not later than 30 days after date of contract award. The Contractor shall provide additional brochures for new employees within ten (10) business days of the COR’s request.

C.1.6.3 The Contractor assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the document described in C.1.6.1 accurately reflects the requirements, coverage, and contract terms of the contract, as implemented by the Contractor’s technical proposal. In all cases, the contract shall take precedence. Should the COR discover that the document contains inaccuracies, the Contractor will be notified in writing; however, failure on the part of the U.S. Government to notice any inaccuracies shall in no way limit, revise or otherwise affect the requirement under this contract for the Contractor to fully comply with all contract terms.

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

(RESERVED)

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. 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. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION CLAUSE(S) IS/ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

E.2. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective Contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Services Performs all the insurance services set forth in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

C.1.0 thru C.1.6

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month

E.2.1 Surveillance. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

E.2.2 Standard. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action.

E.2.3 Procedures

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed, they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complaint.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. 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. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION CLAUSES ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The performance period of this contract is one year beginning in 30 days following contract award [with four one-year options to renew.

F.3 OPTIONS

(a) The Government may extend this contract in accordance with the option clause at Section I, clause I.2, FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text (FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract), which also specifies the total potential duration of the contract.

(b) The Government may exercise the option set forth at Section I, "FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services".

F.4 REPORTS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

All reports and other deliverables required under this contract shall be delivered to the following address:

US Embassy Podgorica

Dzona Dzeksona 2

81000 Podgorica, Montnegro

Management, HRO

SECTION G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. 652.242-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (AUG 1999)

(a) The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one Government employee, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this contract. This designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Such designation shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided, that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation.

(b) The COR for this contract is the Human Resources Specialist.

G.2 COR DUTIES

G.2.1 The COR is responsible for inspection and acceptance of services. These duties include review of Contractor invoices, including the supporting documentation required by the contract. The COR may provide technical advice, substantive guidance, inspections, invoice approval, and other purposes as deemed necessary under the contract.

G.2.2 In addition, the COR shall maintain updated list of employees and dependents insured, which will supersede the initial list provided under this contract and as reported to the insurer, without prejudice to the ineligibility clause.

G.2.3. The COR has the additional responsibility of maintaining the eligible listing of employees and dependents for insurance coverage.

G.2.4 The COR may not change the terms and conditions of the contract. While the COR is authorized to provide the Contractor with updated listings of eligible employees and dependents, only the Contracting Officer may modify existing task orders or issue new task orders, reflecting these changes, since only the Contracting Officer can obligate funding and commit the Government.

G.3. Payment shall be made in EURO

G.4 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES AND PAYMENT

G.4.1. Invoices for U.S. Government employees shall be submitted in an original and three (3) copies to the following address (designated billing office only for the purpose of submitting invoices):

US Embassy Podgorica

FMO

Dzona Dzeksona 2

81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

E-mail: PodgoricaInvoices@state.gov

ALTERNATE A – Payments at End of Covered Period

G.4.2. Frequency of Payments. All funds under this contract for non-rider coverage will be obligated by issuance of task orders, as described in H.3. Each task order will fund a specific period of time and number of employees, and the task orders will be issued at the frequency described in H.3. All payments under this contract will be made at the conclusion of the period covered. Invoices may be submitted monthly with payments being made monthly by the Government.

G.4.3. U.S. Government Employees. The Government shall make payments directly to the Contractor for all Government employees, whether or not the employee is contributing to the basic premium amount.

G.4.4 Riders:

a. ORE. The Chief of Mission and/or Deputy Chief of Mission will make payment directly to the Contractor for the entire premium amount of the ORE staff, whether or not the ORE employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.5 REFUNDS TO THE GOVERNMENT

RESERVED

G.6 VALUE ADDED TAX

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT). The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for VAT under this contract. The Contractor shall not include a line for VAT on Invoices as the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate with the host government.

SECTION H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 SECURITY. On occasion, a Contractor employee may require entry into U.S. Government-owned or -operated facilities. If so, the Contractor should be prepared to provide the necessary identification to permit escorted access within that facility.

H.2 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. The Contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, cleanliness, appearance, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to employees as may be necessary. Each Contractor employee is to adhere to standards that reflect credit on themselves, their employer, and the United States Government.

H.3 ORDERING PROCEDURES. The Government will issue a task order as soon as possible after contract award to identify all employees to be covered by the insurance described in this contract and the coverage selected by each employee, including dependents to be covered. The COR will make subsequent additions or deletions to this list in writing and provide the revised list to the Contractor. All such revisions shall be consolidated, and a new or modified task order will be issued by the Contracting Officer. If any changes have been made to the coverage listing, the Government anticipates issuance of a new task order on [ ] monthly, [x] quarterly basis. This new task order will include all changes made since the previous task order was issued and will include any increase or decrease in necessary funding. The changes to the list of eligible individuals will supersede the initial list provided under prior task orders without prejudice to the ineligibility clause. Task orders will indicate the effective date of employment, for purposes of calculating the premium due.

H.3.1 Riders are not included under the task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Because their coverage is under a rider, either their employer are themselves are responsible for directly interacting with the Contractor to order any coverage. When contacted, the Contractor shall advise the person of the paperwork and payment that will be necessary to order coverage for the identified individuals. The Contractor may be contacted by more than one individual.

H.4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY IN CLAIMS AND REIMBURSEMENT TO CLAIMANTS

General.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all planning, estimating, programming, project management, scheduling, dispatching, supervision, and inspection of work. The Contractor shall maintain his own reference library of technical reference works and local laws and regulations, including current tariffs and registries. The Contractor shall treat the information provided by the Embassy concerning employee' personal data, medical information, and salaries as highly sensitive and not divulge any employee information to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall establish procedures for handling medical insurance claims as follows:

(a) Administrative Records

(1) The Contractor shall maintain medical insurance files for each covered employee and each covered dependent including receipts and proof of paid claims, requests for claim reimbursements, and accounting of paid benefits with balances of amounts remaining in the annual per person reimbursement ceiling.

(2) The Contractor shall provide the COR with the necessary claim forms for each type of benefit that can be claimed under the contract. These forms shall specify a list of documents required to be appended to each claim and otherwise provide instructions for claim filing.

(3) The Contractor shall use the English spelling of the employees' names in all transactions, including reimbursement checks.

(4) The Contractor shall send employee claim reimbursement checks to employees not later than two weeks after a claim is submitted.

(b) Medical Insurance Claims. Settlement of medical insurance shall be completed as follows:

(1) All medical claims shall be submitted directly to the Contractor by employees, through a drop box in the COR's office. The claims shall be picked up from the COR each Tuesday.

(2) The Contractor shall date stamp and screen all claims submitted on the day of receipt. If there are any missing documents or information thereby disallowing said claim to be payable, the Contractor shall notify the employee within two days, with a copy to the COR (if notification is written).

(3) The Contractor shall settle the claims no later than two weeks from the date the claim is submitted to the Contractor.

(4) Settlement shall be by issuance of checks in the name of the employee for each claim submitted. Each check shall be accompanied by a form providing details of the amount reimbursed with an explanation of deductions, if any.

(5) The Contractor shall accept the employee's or dependent's choice to go for surgery to hospitals designated by the Contractor in order that the Contractor will pay the expenses directly to the hospitals.

H.5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide the following monthly report. The report shall be received by the COR no later than the 10th day of each month. The report shall report on the previous month's activities.

(a) Employee Claims Report. The report shall list all claims paid by the Contractor to a claimant, including the name of the claimant, date claim is received by the Contractor, and the amount claimed. This report shall also include all outstanding claims and a brief description of why claim has not been paid. The report shall not include any claims information for riders.

H.6. MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

H.6.1. General. The Contractor shall take all such steps as are necessary, and obtain and pay for all permits, taxes and fees as are required by the Montenegrin government to establish and/or operate a commercial venture locally. A contract with the U.S. Government conveys no special privileges or immunities to the Contractor. The Contractor is an independent commercial concern and not a part of the U.S. mission. The Contractor's employees are not U.S. Government employees. Registration of this contract with the Montenegrin government, if required by law, will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor, and any fees, taxes, or other duties shall be payable by the Contractor without recourse to the Government of the amounts thereof.

H.6.2. Licenses and Local Laws. The Contractor shall possess all permits, licenses, and any other appointments required for the prosecution of work under this contract, all at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall perform this contract in accordance with local laws.

H.7 ERRONEOUS PAYMENTS. If the Government becomes eligible for a refund of payment because of erroneous overpayment or other cause, the Contractor shall refund the amounts or use them to offset future payments owed by the Government, whichever the Government prefers. The Contractor shall refund any refunds not complete or discovered after the completion date of this contract.

H.8 REQUIRING ACTIVITY. The requiring activity under this contract is the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

SECTION I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1. 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. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

THE FOLLOWING FAR CLAUSES ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

CLAUSES TITLE AND DATE

52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (JUN 2020)

52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUN 2020)

52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

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 (JUN 2020)

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (NOV 2023)

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017)

52.204-4 RESERVED

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (NOV 2024)

52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (JUN 2020)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2014)

52.204-23 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED ENTITIES (DEC 2023)

52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATION AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED

APPLICATION (JUN 2023)

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (JAN 2025)

52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

52.210-1 MARKET RESEARCH (NOV 2021)

52.215-2 AUDIT AND RECORDS – NEGOTIATION (JUN 2020)

52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT

(OCT 1997)

52.215-11 PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA – MODIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

52.215-13 SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA – MODIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

52.215-21 REQUIREMENTS FOR COST OR PRICING DATA OR INFORMATION OTHER THAN COST OR PRICING DATA MODIFICATIONS

(NOV 2021)

52.222-50 COMBATTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (OCT 2025)

52.225-5 TRADE AGREEMENTS (NOV 2023)

52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS

(FEB 2021)

52.225-14 INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ENGLISH VERSION AND TRANSLATION OF CONTRACT (FEB 2000)

52.226-8 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (MAY 2024)

52.228-3 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE (Defense Base Act)

(JUL 2014)

52.228-5 INSURANCE-WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997)

52.229-6 TAXES - FOREIGN FIXED-PRICE CONTRACTS (FEB 2013)

52.232-1 PAYMENTS ( APR 1984)

52.232-8 DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (FEB 2002)

52.232-11 EXTRAS (APR 1984)

52.232-17 INTEREST (MAY 2014)

52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

52.232-22 LIMITATIONS OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

52.232-24 PROHIBITION OF ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (MAY 2014)

52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2017)

52.232-32 PERFORMANCE-BASED PAYMENTS (APR 2012)

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER - SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.232-34 PAYMENT BY EFT – OTHER THAN SAM (JULY 2013)

52.233-1 DISPUTES (MAY 2014) – Alternate I (DEC 1991)

52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

52.237-2 PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEGETATION (APR 1984)

52.237-3 CONTINUITY OF SERVICES (JAN 1991)

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JULY 1995)

52.243-1 CHANGES - FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1987) – Alternate I & II (APR 1984)

52.245-2 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY INSTALLATION OPERATION SERVICES (APR 2012)

52.245-9 USE AND CHARGES (APR 2012)

52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY – SERVICES (FEB 1997)

52.246-26 REPORTING NONFORMING ITEMS (JUN 2020)

52.248-1 VALUE ENGINEERING (JUN 2020)

52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE) (APR 2012)

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)

52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS (JAN 1991)

I.2. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) CLAUSES INCORPORATED IN FULL TEXT

52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from first day of the ongoing performance period through the last day of that performance period.

(b) All delivery orders or tsk orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered “issued” when –

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor’s fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either –

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor’s email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(e) (End of clause)

52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than 30 employees, the Government is…