Solicitation_-_STC10017R0005.pdf

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STC10017R0005

SECTION B

PART I: PRICE - GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

B.1. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE SERVICES

The Contractor (Insurance Company) shall provide the Group Life Insurance services to the locally employed staff (U.S. Embassy, Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General, Dubai) of the

Government of the United States of America in the United Arab Emirates as described in Section

C and the Exhibits in Section J.

B.1.1. Official Residence Expense (ORE) Staff, employees of American Embassy Employees

Association (AEEA) and U.S. Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment are covered under a rider to the contract. The employing officer, not the U.S. Government (USG) is responsible for the employer’s share of the premium expenses for ORE, AEEA and MSG Detachment employees. The Contractor shall separately bill the Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General (for ORE Staff), the American Embassy Employees Association (AEEA) and MSG Detachment for their employees’ premium expenses as described in Section G.5.4, G.5.5 and G.5.6.

B.2. PRICES

B.2.1 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.

B.2.2 GROUP LIFE INSURANCE RATES

This is a 5-year fixed price with economic price adjustment requirements type contract under which firm, fixed-price task orders will be issued. The fixed prices/premium rates for the life insurance services as specified in Section C are as follows:

B.2.3. Base Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates per Employee

Type of Insurance

Premium (per

AED 1,000 of

Salary)

Estimated Payroll

(Bi-Weekly in

Thousands)

Bi-Weekly

Total in AED

a. Basic Life

b. Accidental Death & Dismemberment

c. Partial & Total Disability

d. Subtotal (a + b + c)

e. Total Price for Base Year (d x 26)

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B.2.4. First Option Year of Contract

Type of Insurance

Premium (per

AED 1,000 of

Salary)

Estimated Payroll

(Bi-Weekly in

Thousands)

Bi-Weekly

Total in AED

a. Basic Life

b. Accidental Death & Dismemberment

c. Partial & Total Disability

B.2.5. Second Option Year of Contract

Type of Insurance

Premium (per

AED 1,000 of

Salary)

Estimated Payroll

(Bi-Weekly in

Thousands)

Bi-Weekly

Total in AED

a. Basic Life

b. Accidental Death & Dismemberment

c. Partial & Total Disability

B.2.6. Third Option Year of Contract

Type of Insurance

Premium (per

AED 1,000 of

Salary)

Estimated Payroll

(Bi-Weekly in

Thousands)

Bi-Weekly

Total in AED

a. Basic Life

b. Accidental Death & Dismemberment

c. Partial & Total Disability

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B.2.7. Fourth Option Year of Contract

Type of Insurance

Premium (per

AED 1,000 of

Salary)

Estimated Payroll

(Bi-Weekly in

Thousands)

Bi-Weekly

Total in AED

a. Basic Life

b. Accidental Death & Dismemberment

c. Partial & Total Disability

B.2.8. Grand Total of Base plus All Option Years

Base Period

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4

Grand Total of Base plus All Option Years (in AED):

B.3. ADMINISTRATIVE RETENTION AMOUNTS

B.3.1 If the Contractor requests a price adjustment under B.4 below, the Contractor must 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.3. 3. 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 claimant.

B.3. 2 sets forth the retention amounts per premium paid for each category of premium and for each period of performance.

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NOTE TO OFFEROR: Fill in the fixed retention amounts for each period of performance and for each category of premium. This fixed amount must 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. 3 Retention Amounts per Separate Premium Paid per Employee:

Period of

Performance

Basic Life Accidental Death Partial and Total

Disability Coverage

Base Period

First Option Year

Second Option Year

Third Option Year

Fourth Option Year

B.4. ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (EPA)-LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS

B.4.1. Premium Adjustment Based on Experience: For life insurance, prices may be adjusted upward or downward based on the experience rating of the Mission(s) covered by this contract, and it specifically excludes all riders in B.1.1. No adjustment will be allowed during the first twelve months. After such time, the Contractor or the Government may request an adjustment in premiums on an annual basis. Adjustments are not retroactive to previous contract terms.

Before any such adjustment is made, the Contractor agrees to provide the Government a balance sheet showing three main components for the time period: (1) receipts (premiums received) minus the retention amount, (2) number of insurance plans and (3) claims paid. The information shall be provided per type of premium, i.e., per line item. The retention amount is not subject to adjustment. The Government reserves the right to select an independent third party to review the balance sheet and claims and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the requested adjustment. Any adjustment shall be subject to mutual agreement of the parties and shall result in a written modification to the contract. Mutually agreed to adjustments shall be effective thirty days after complete information is received by the Government. Any failure to reach agreement under this clause shall be subject to the procedures in the Disputes clause.

B.4.2 Premium Adjustment Based on Law: The rates may also be adjusted during the performance period of the contract as a result of laws enacted by the host Government, if such change in the laws has a direct impact on the cost to the Contractor to perform this contract at the rate contracted for herein. In that event, the Contracting Officer may enter into negotiations with the Contractor to modify the contract to adjust the premium rate. The Contractor agrees to provide all documentation necessary to support any requested adjustment.

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SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

PART I: GROUP LIFE INSURANCE

C.1. Description/Service Overview

The Government of the United States of America requires group life insurance coverage for its

Locally Employed (LE) Staff of the U.S. Mission in UAE (U.S. Embassy, Abu Dhabi and U.S.

Consulate General, Dubai). The Government has determined that the prevailing practice by employers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is that group life insurance coverage is representative of locally prevailing compensation practice and that the cost of such insurance protection is usually borne by the employer (100%). Therefore, the Government desires to adopt such locally prevailing practice as part of its compensation plan for its LE Staff employees as further described in para C.2 below.

C.2. Group Life Insurance Coverage/Benefits Plan

C. 2.1 The Contractor (Insurance Company) shall provide the Group Life Insurance Services

(within the scope of the group life insurance benefits as described herein in para 2.3 below) to

LE Staff of the U.S. Mission in UAE (U.S. Embassy, Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General, Dubai). The groups of employees who shall be provided this insurance are listed in Exhibit A of

Section J.

C. 2.2 Official Residence Expense (ORE) Staff, employees of American Embassy Employees

Association/Employee Association (AEEA/EA) and U.S. Marine Security Guard (MSG)

Detachment are covered under a rider to the contract. The employing officer, not the U.S.

Government (USG) is responsible for the employer’s share of the premium expenses for ORE, EA and MSG Detachment employees. The Contractor shall separately bill the Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General (for ORE Staff), the American Embassy

Employees Association (EA) and MSG Detachment for their employees’ premium expenses. The groups of employees who shall be provided this insurance under a rider are listed in Exhibit B, C and D of Section J.

C. 2.3 Premium Costs:

The U.S. Government will pay 100% of the premium costs.

C. 2.4 Life Insurance Coverage/Benefits:

The amount of life insurance coverage is as follows:

C.2.4.1 Death Benefits:

The following benefit will be paid to the participant’s named beneficiaries or estate upon the death of the participant:

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(1) Natural Death: 24 times the monthly basic salary.

(2) Accidental or work related death: 48 times the monthly basic salary.

C.2.4.2 Disability Benefits:

(1) Total Disability: 24 times the monthly basic salary for entitlement outlined in the occupational diseases in Schedule (1) and indemnity of disability in Schedule (2) of the UAE labor laws (Appendix A).

(2) Partial Disability: 24 times the monthly basic salary for entitlement outlined in the occupational diseases in Schedule (1) and indemnity of disability in Schedule (2) of the UAE labor laws (Appendix A).

C.2.4.3 Conditions and Limitations:

Conditions and limitations on the entitlement to life insurance benefits under this contract are as follows:

No benefits shall be payable if an employee’s death or other insurance events was caused directly or indirectly by war. War shall be defined as declared or non-declared war or any martial operations or invasion, hostile acts of foreign powers, rebellion, riot, civil war, uprising, mutiny, operations by military or usurpatory authorities, martial law or state of siege or any other similar event or reason for declaring martial law or war. A terrorist attack shall not be considered war.

No benefit shall be payable under this contract if the employee’s bodily injuries have been caused directly or indirectly and totally or partially by:

(1) Violating the law or in resisting detention or arrest.

(2) Participation in competitions involving the use of wheeled vehicles, horses, boats or water skis.

(3) An accident resulting from the employee being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other toxic substance unless administered by a physician.

Death as a result of a disease or physical or mental infirmities and medical or surgical treatment thereof (except pyogenic infection due to an accidental cut or wound) shall be considered a natural and not an accidental death. Suicide will not be covered.

C.2.4.4 Definitions:

(1) Salary: Monthly salary is one-twelfth of the employee’s annual basic salary, exclusive of premium pay, allowances, bonuses, or any other separate payments.

(2) Currency: Premium and benefits will be paid in local currency.

C.2.4.5 Eligible Employees/Participants:

The employees eligible for the group life insurance coverage include the following:

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Eligible employees are Locally Employed (LE) Staff who are (1) working on a full-time or part-time basis under non-temporary direct-hire (DH) appointments or under Personal Services Agreement/Contracts (PSA/PSC) that are not time limited to less than one year and (2) paid under the terms of the Local

Compensation Plan (LCP).

C.2.4.6 Location of Employment:

The individuals covered must be employed within the geographic boundaries of the

United Arab Emirates (UAE) by U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi or U.S. Consulate General, Dubai.

C.2.4.7 Participants Covered Under a Rider:

The following categories of employees may also be covered under a rider:

(1) All current active employees of the Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Consul General assigned to their respective official Government residences and paid under an ORE account are also covered under a rider. All premium costs for ORE employees are the responsibility of the employing officer, not the U.S.

Government.

(2) All current active employees of the Employee Association (EA) at

Embassy/Consulate in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE whose residency visas are sponsored by the Mission (Embassy/Consulate). All premium costs for such EA employees are the responsibility of the EA, not the U.S. Government.

(3) All current active employees of the Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment at

Embassy/Consulate in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE whose residency visas are sponsored by the Mission (Embassy/Consulate). All premium costs for such

MSG Detachment employees are the responsibility of the MSG Detachment, not the U.S. Government.

C.2.4.8 Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage:

The following categories of persons are not covered by this insurance:

Dependents and Retirees

C.2.4.9 Individuals Not Eligible for Coverage:

Non eligible individuals are LE staff working under temporary appointments; those working under a PSA or PSC that is time limited to less than one year; those with a When

Actually Employed (WAE) workweek schedule; non-personal services contract and their employees, supplied by an independent contractor licensed to do business in the United

Arab Emirates who provide services to other local organizations as well as to the U.S.

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Mission; employees of USAID institutional contractors; and Peace Corps personal services contracts as indicated in MS 743. Dependents of eligible employees and retirees.

C.2.5. Other Eligible Participants

The following additional categories of persons are covered by this insurance:

(Reserved)

C.2.6 Eligibility and Effective Date

C.2.6.1. Term of Eligibility and Effective Date

Each current active eligible employee is enrolled for group life insurance and disability benefits under this contract upon award and thereafter during the performance period of this contract.

Each new eligible employee will be enrolled upon entering on duty (date the employee reports to work and pay starts) with the United States Government. An employee is considered active (“on the rolls”) whenever such employee is on approved leave, whether paid or unpaid.

During a period of extended (beyond one pay period) of Leave Without Pay (LWP) or unpaid leave, the employee is responsible for the full cost of the insurance premiums. The Mission will pay the premiums directly to the Contractor, and will collect the full cost from the employee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the employee may elect to have coverage cease if that employee prefers not to pay the premium.

C.2.6.2. Period of Ineligibility

Employees are not entitled to life insurance and disability benefits hereunder during any period of employment for which premiums are not paid.

During a period of extended (beyond one pay period) of Leave Without Pay (LWP) or unpaid leave, the employee is responsible for the full cost of the insurance premiums. The Mission will pay the premiums directly to the Contractor, and will collect the full cost from the employee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the employee may elect to have coverage cease if that employee prefers not to pay the premium.

C.3. Brochure Requirement:

The Contractor shall provide a document (brochure/pamphlet/other written document) in English that sets forth a complete listing of the life insurance and disability 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

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), who will ensure that appropriate distribution is made.

C. 3.1 The document described in clause C. 4 shall be provided to the COR no later than 30 calendar days after date of contract award. Thereafter, the Contractor shall provide any additional brochures for new employees within ten days of the COR’s request.

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C. 3.2 The Contractor assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the document described in clause C.4 accurately reflects the requirements 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 brochure contains inaccuracies, the Contractor will be notified in writing;

however, failure on the part of the 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.

C.4 Coverage after Retirement:

Retirees are not covered.

C.5 Service Location:

Life Insurance and disability benefits claim processing and administration services shall be performed at the facilities of the Contractor.

C.6 Legal Capacity:

Contractor shall maintain appropriate licensure/registration as a life insurance service provider under the laws of the UAE. The Contractor shall secure and keep in full force and effect during the term of this contract, without additional cost to the U.S. Government, all business licenses and permits required for the Contractor's performance of the Services contemplated herein. The

Contractor will be required to furnish a copy of documents evidencing such registration prior to or subsequent to the execution of a contract. The Contractor's failure to provide such documents upon demand will constitute grounds for a determination that the Contractor's proposal is "non-responsive" and contract will be deemed null and void and the Contractor will be required to refund premium.

C.7 Contract Performance:

Contractor shall maintain the organization and its staffing for implementing and operating the

Contract. This contract is a high priority and that the Contractor shall commit to supply any necessary resources to assure full performance of the contract. Staffing in fiscal and administrative services shall be sufficient to result in the effective conduct of the plan’s business.

C.8 Notice of Claim:

If an Insured incurs a loss that may result in a claim for benefits under this contract, written notice must be given to the Contractor and copy the Embassy’s Human Resources Office. This must be done within 30 days after the covered loss occurs. If notice cannot be given within that time, it must be given as soon as reasonably possible. This written notice must contain enough information to identify the claimant.

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C.9 Claim Forms:

Upon receiving written notice of a claim, the Contractor will send the claimant all necessary forms within 2 working days to file proof of loss.

C.10 Proof of Loss:

The Contractor will be provided claim forms along with written proof of loss within 90 calendar days after the date of the loss for which claim was made. If it can be shown that it was not reasonably possible to furnish such proof and that such proof was furnished as soon as reasonably possible, failure to furnish proof of loss within 90 days will not invalidate or reduce any claim.

However, except in the absence of legal capacity, proof of loss must be furnished no later than one (1) year from the date such proof is required.

C.11 Independent Medical Evaluation (IME):

Upon receipt of a disability claim, the Contractor may decide for an Independent Medical

Evaluation (IME). The IME doctor reviews the medical records and performs a medical examination of the employee. The IME doctor will then provide a disability rating based upon the results of the medical examination. The IME of an Insured will be at Contractor expense, at any reasonable time, but not more frequently than once every three months. If the attending physicians (treating physician(s) and IME doctor) agree that the employee has recovered enough to return to some type of employment, but will always be partially disabled, the employee will be classified under Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) and will be paid PPD benefits in accordance with the disability benefits outlined in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the UAE labor laws.

If the medical providers and IME doctors both agree that the employee will never be able to return to any type of employment due to work related injury, the employee will be classified under Permanent Total Disability (PTD) and will be paid PTD benefits equivalent to 24 times the entitlement outlined in the occupational diseases in Section 1 and indemnity of disability in

Section 2 of the UAE labor laws (as described in Appendix A).

In disability rating, the American Medical Association (AMA) guide will be used to evaluate the impairment.

C.12 Disagreements/Disputes/Denial of Claims:

The Contractor shall continue to perform notwithstanding all disputes or disagreements with the insured/beneficiary. No work shall be delayed or postponed pending resolution of any disputes or disagreements except as the Contractor and insured/beneficiary may otherwise agree to in writing.

If the claim is denied, in whole or in part, the Contractor will be required to provide a written notice to the COR and Insured/Beneficiary giving the following:

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 12 of 55 the reason for the denial;

the Policy provisions on which the denial is based;

an explanation of what other information, if any, may be needed to process the claim and why it is needed;

the steps that the insured/beneficiary has to follow to have the claim reviewed;

Any denied claim may be appealed to the Contractor for a full and fair review. The insured/beneficiary/COR may:

a) request a review within 60 days of receipt of claim denial;

b) review pertinent documents; and

c) submit issues and comments in writing.

A decision must be made by the Contractor no more than 30 calendar days after receipt of the request for review, except in special circumstances (such as the need to obtain additional evidence), but in no case more than 120 days after the request for review is received. The written decision will include specific reasons for the decision and specific references to the Plan provisions on which the decision is based.

C.13 Claims Processing and Record Management:

The Contractor shall be responsible for all planning, estimating, programming, project management, scheduling, dispatching, supervision, and inspection of claims work. The

Contractor shall treat the information provided by the Embassy concerning employees' personal data/census, medical information, as highly sensitive and not divulge any employee/beneficiary information to unauthorized persons. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to meet all specifications and guidelines set forth in this contract. The Contractor shall establish procedures for handling life insurance/disability benefit claims as follows:

C.13.1 Claims Submission:

All claims shall be submitted directly to the Contractor by the claimant, copying the

COR's office (Human Resources Office).

The Contractor shall date stamp and screen all claims submitted on the day of receipt. If there are any missing documents, the Contractor shall notify the claimant and COR within two (2) working days.

The Contractor shall settle all natural, accidental death and dismemberment insurance claims no later than fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the claim documents are submitted to the Contractor.

The claims payout for Permanent Total Disability (PTD)/Permanent Partial Disability

(PPD) requiring IME shall not exceed 200 calendar days from the date of claims submission. All PTD/PPD claims must be rated by a qualified doctor.

The claims shall be settled by issuance of checks in the name of the “United State

Disbursing Officer” upon disability or death of the employees. Upon receipt of claim check, the Embassy will disburse the claim amount to the employee, beneficiary or estate.

C.14 Report Requirements:

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C.14.1 Claims Report:

The Contractor shall provide the following report on bi-annual basis:

The report will list all claims paid by the Contractor including the name of the claimant/employee, date claim is received by the Contractor, and the amount paid. The report shall also include any outstanding claims and a brief description of the denial.

C.14.2 Reports and Other Deliverables:

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

COR at the following address:

American Embassy

Human Resources Office

P.O. Box 4009

Abu Dhabi, UAE

C.15. Definitions:

FMO The Financial Management Officer or the paying office for all

U.S. Government Agencies except USAID.

COR Contracting Officer's Representative (Human Resources

Specialist at post).

Contributory Premium Insurance for which the employee contributes toward the premium.

Dependent A spouse, child, parent, or certain other relative to whom one contributes all or a major amount of necessary financial support.

Disability, Total and Permanent A physical or mental impairment which precludes the individual from performing ordinary motor or bodily functions and which requires separation from employment. If the impairment is the result of a previous impairment, it shall be considered a continuation of the prior impairment.

Employee/Participant An individual employed by the U.S. Government, under a direct-hire appointment, personal services contract, or personal services agreement, as further defined in para C.2.4.5 above.

This may also include an ORE Staff and/or EA and/or MSG

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Detachment employee, listed as participating under a rider and further defined in para C.2.4.7 above.

Beneficiary A person or group designated by the employee, in writing, to receive the insurance claim/proceed under this contract.

Employer The United States Government or in the case of ORE and

Employee Association and MSG Detachment employees, the

Chief of Mission/Deputy Chief of Mission/Consul General, American Employee Association or MSG Detachment, respectively.

GSO General Services Officer in charge of the General Services

Office at Post (Embassy). This officer is usually the

Contracting Officer for this contract.

Maximum Benefit The total amount that will be paid to any one covered individual/beneficiary for covered life insurance/disability benefit.

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SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

(RESERVED)

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SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ or http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm

These addresses are subject to change. If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the locations indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at http://www.statebuy.state.gov/ to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo, 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

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - FIXED PRICE (AUG 1996)

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.

Performance Objective

PWS

Paragraph Performance Threshold

Services

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

C.1.0 thru

C.3.0

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.

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm http://www.statebuy.state.gov/

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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 to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996) or the appropriate

Inspection of Services clause), if any of the services exceed the standard.

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.

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SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

http://www.statebuy.state.gov/ to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an internet “search

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

F.2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The performance period of this contract is one year beginning no later than 10 days after 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:

Human Resources Office

Embassy of the United States of America

P.O. Box 4009

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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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 AED (Dirhams)

G.4. SUBMISSION OF INVOICES AND PAYMENT

G.4.1. Invoices for U.S. Government shall be submitted via email at US-Mission-UAE-

Invoices@state.gov referencing the Contract number (STC) on the subject line of your email.

G. 5. FREQUENCY OF PAYMENTS:

G.5.1 The Contracting Officer will issue a task order as soon as possible after contract award to identify all employees to be covered under this contract. The COR will make subsequent additions or deletions to this list in writing and provide the revised list to the Contractor. If any changes have been made to the coverage listing, the Contracting Officer anticipates issuance of a mailto:US-Mission-UAE-Invoices@state.gov mailto:US-Mission-UAE-Invoices@state.gov

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 20 of 55 new task order on annual 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. Task orders will indicate the effective date of employment, for purposes of calculating the prorated premium due.

G.5.2 All funds under this contract will be obligated by issuance of task orders, as described above and the premium/payment will be made on annual basis in advance. Each task order will fund a specific period of time and number of employees, and the task orders will be issued on annual basis. The Contractor will be required to submit invoices on annual basis. All the necessary adjustments (additions/deletions) will be made at the end of each contract year upon receipt of final invoice/Statement of Account. The final invoice/Statement of Account will be processed within two weeks’ time upon verification/scrutiny of all adjustments.

G.5.3 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 premium amount.

G.5.4 ORE Staff. The Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General 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.5.5 EA Staff. The Employee Association will make payment directly to the Contractor for the entire premium amount of the EA employee, whether or not the EA employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.5.6 MSG Detachment Staff. The MSG Detachment will make payment directly to the

Contractor for the entire premium amount of the MSG Detachment employee, whether or not the employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.6. REFUNDS TO THE GOVERNMENT

If at any time during performance of the contract the Government finds that the Contractor has been overpaid because the number of employees and/or dependents covered has decreased, the

Contracting Officer may either allow that overpayment to be credited to the Government’s account or require that the Contractor refund the overpayment. If the Contracting Officer requests a refund, the Contractor shall make that refund to the Government within ten calendar days of receipt of the request.

G.7. 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.

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 21 of 55

SECTION H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. SECURITY/PREMISES ACCESS: On occasion, a Contractor employee may require entry into U.S. Government-owned 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. 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 a [ ] monthly, [ ] quarterly or [X] annually 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. The ORE staff, EA staff and MSG Detachment staff under separate riders are not included under the task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Because their coverage is under a rider, their employer is responsible for directly interacting with the Contractor to order any coverage for their employees. When contacted by the employer, the Contractor shall advise the employer of the paperwork and payment that will be necessary to order coverage for the identified individuals. Because more than one employer may have ORE staff, the Contractor may be contacted by more than one employer (typically the Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of

Mission and Consul General).

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 life insurance claims as follows:

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 22 of 55

H.5. ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS

(1) The Contractor shall maintain claims record for each participant including 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 insured/beneficiary names in all transactions.

(4) The Contractor shall send employee claim reimbursement checks to the

Human Resources Office for onward disbursement via FMO to the employees/beneficiaries not later than two weeks after a claim is submitted.

H.6. Payment of Life Insurance Benefits to Beneficiaries: The Contractor shall settle life insurance claims as follows:

(1) The Contractor shall provide forms for the designation of beneficiaries for the life insurance benefits to the COR. The COR shall have all enrolled eligible employees complete designation of beneficiary forms and keep them in their personnel folders, ORE staff folders, and EA and MSG Detachment staff folders. Upon the death of an enrolled employee, the COR shall provide this form to the Contractor.

(2) The Contractor shall pay the employee's named beneficiary, legal heir, or estate the total amount of the claim within 60 days from the date the Contractor receives a completed dismemberment or death claim. Payment shall be computed on the basis of the coverage as defined in Section C.2.0 and its subparagraphs.

H.7. REPORT REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide the following reports on bi-annual basis. All reports must be received by the COR no later than the 10th day of every seventh month. These reports shall be included on the previous six month's activities.

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

H.8. MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

H.8.1. 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 United Arab Emirates 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

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 23 of 55 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 United Arab Emirates 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.8.2 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.9. 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.10. REQUIRING ACTIVITY. The requiring activity under this contract is the U.S.

Embassy/Consulate.

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 24 of 55

SECTION I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

http://www.statebuy.state.gov/ to see the links to the FAR. You may also use a network “search

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (NOV 2013)

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

(SEPT 2006)

52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (MAY 2014)

52.203-8 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS FOR

ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (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)

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND

REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER

RIGHTS (APR 2014)

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER

CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 25 of 55

52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER

SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (OCT 2015)

52.204-12 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM NUMBER MAINTENANCE

(DEC 2012)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (JULY 2013)

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE

(JUL 2016)

52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2014)

52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST WHEN

SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED,

OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (OCT 2015)

52.209-9 UPDATES OF INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(JULY 2013)

52.210-1 MARKET RESEARCH (APR 2011)

52.215-2 AUDIT AND RECORDS - NEGOTIATION (OCT 2010)

52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

52.215-11 PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING

DATA – MODIFICATIONS (AUG 2011)

52.215-13 SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA -

MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

52.215-21 REQUIREMENTS FOR COST OR PRICING DATA OR INFORMATION

OTHER THAN COST OR PRICING DATA--MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR – COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES

(FEB 2016)

52.222-50 COMBATTING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (MAR 2015)

52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING

WHILE DRIVING (AUG 2011)

52.224-1 PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION (APR 1984)

52.224-2 PRIVACY ACT (APR 1984)

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 26 of 55

52.225-5 TRADE AGREEMENTS (FEB 2016)

52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (JUN 2008)

52.225-14 INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN ENGLISH VERSION AND TRANSLATION

OF CONTRACT (FEB 2000)

52.228-4 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND WAR-HAZARD INSURANCE

OVERSEAS (APR 1984)

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 (OCT 2010)

52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

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

52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (JULY 2013)

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER - SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT (JULY 2013)

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

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 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)

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JULY 1995)

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 27 of 55

52.243-1 CHANGES (AUG 1987) – Alternate I (APR 1984)

52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTOR AND COMMERCIAL ITEMS (SEPT 2016))

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

52.248-1 VALUE ENGINEERING (OCT 2010)

52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED

PRICE) (APRIL 2012)

52.249-8 DEFAULT - FIXED PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE (APR 1984)

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

FULL TEXT

52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

(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 the first day of the ongoing performance period through the last day of that performance period. See F.2.

(b) All delivery orders or task 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) If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the

Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

(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 200 employees, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of 1000 employees.

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of 1000 employees or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within two days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (1) or (2) above.

LES Group Life Insurance Services Solicitation Page 28 of 55

(c) If this is a requirements contract (such as, includes the Requirement clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement…