MASTER_PWS_portable_Toilet__2018.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PORTABLE LATRINES AND HAND WASH STATIONS

01 June 2018

Camp Atterbury Edinburgh Indiana

COMMERCIAL ITEM LEASE / RENTAL

1. PORTABLE LATRINES. The contractor shall provide portable latrines manufactured in accordance with industry standards. The unit will be on a skid mounted platform. Standard portable toilet w/ urinal enclosed unit with a door that can be locked from the inside to include occupancy usage indicator. Doors need to be capable of being pad locked during times of non-use as determined “out of service” by the designated government official. Dimensions of unit are approx. 4' wide x 4' deep x 7.5' high, made from injection molded plastic. Has 1 toilet seat over a 50 – 60+ gal holding tank which contains approx. 5 gal of liquid chemical for breaking down waste. Contains a vent stack sized in accordance with health codes. Stocked with toilet paper (2 rolls min) and waterless hand cleaner. Optional - Stabilizing stakes for high-wind areas / landing zone.

2. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PORTABLE TOILET. The contractor shall provide portable handicapped latrines specifically designed and manufactured for handicapped individuals in accordance with industry standards. Enclosed unit with a ramped door that can be locked from the inside. The door shall have an occupancy usage indicator, Dimensions are approx. 5' wide x 5' deep x 7.5' high, made from injection molded plastic with non-slip floor liner. Unit shall have grab bars and support rails. Has 1 toilet seat and urinal over a 50 – 60+ gal holding tank which contains approx. 5 gal of liquid chemical for breaking down waste. Stocked with seat covers, toilet paper and waterless hand cleaner. The portable handicapped latrine shall have ample ventilation as designated by health codes. The toilet paper dispenser shall hold sufficient sheets of toilet paper. (2 rolls min) Optional - Stabilizing stakes available for high-wind areas / landing zones.

3. FOOT-OPERATED PORTABLE HAND WASH UNITS The contractor shall provide 2 types of hand wash units. (A) Dual sink with hands-free fresh water foot pump for water supply. Approx. 22 gallon fresh water, 24 gallon waste water capacity. (B) Single sink with hands-free fresh water foot pump for water supply with approx. 16 gallon fresh water, 19 gallon waste water capacity. Vendor is required to have at least 75 hand wash stations available to Camp Atterbury and/MUTC Butlerville at all times. Sinks shall not leach into the ground, they must be sealed and leak-proof. Sinks shall comply with industry standards. Portable hand wash stations will include paper towel dispensers that are protected from the environment and liquid soap dispensers.

4. GREY WATER REMOVAL. Gray water is water that has been used for cooking, washing, dishwashing, or bathing and contains soap, detergent, food scraps, or food residue. “On call” within 12 business hours, Greywater shall be pumped from government mobile field kitchen unit’s large sump tanks or bladders as well as portable showers etc. Greywater must be removed off site where it is to be processed per governmental and industry standards.

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

1. BASIC SERVICES. The contractor shall provide, deliver, replace, repair portable latrines, portable handicapped latrines, portable hand wash sink units, waterless hand cleaners and grey water removal in an efficient economical manner within 2 hours after being notified for emergencies and within 24 hours for regular service (Weekly/Monthly). The portable latrines will be used for military exercises and special events. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all portable latrines and hand wash stations are fully serviceable, clean, and uniform in design, color and appearance within established industry standards. Camp Atterbury Edinburgh Indiana and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) Butlerville Indiana as well as select locations in and around Indianapolis Indiana, will require regular industry standard style latrines, Handicap latrines, hand-sanitizer stations and hand wash stations as well as grey water removal.

2. SPECIAL EVENTS. Special events may occur each year that require an extra effort on the part of the contractor. The Contracting Officer (KO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) may require the contractor to provide additional portable latrines and hand wash stations for special events. The contractor will be notified by the COR at least 24 hours prior to the event and plan appropriate course of action. The contractor shall deliver fully serviceable portable latrines, portable handicapped latrines and hand wash stations to the special event site and remove at the end of the event. Servicing shall be accomplished at least 3 times an event day or as required due to high usage. Additional work required for special events shall not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to perform existing scheduled required service on weekly or monthly rentals.

3. EMERGENCY SERVICES. Only the Contracting Officer (KO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) have the authority to deem a requirement as an emergency service. Accomplish task within 2 hours after notification. Tipped over contractor owned equipment will be reported by COR and require service and cleaning 12 business hours after notification.

4. BASIC CLEANING SERVICES. Currently Camp Atterbury and MUTC have approximately 61 portable latrines (see attached historical usage) throughout the base at all times. Each portable latrine shall be serviced in accordance with industry standards predicated on the amount of usage. The servicing of the portable latrines shall include but not limited to: the complete removal of sanitary sewer effluent and debris such as cans, bottles, etc. in the waste tank; the cleaning the waste tank interior; the recharging of the waste tank with sufficient quantity of chemicals to insure that units shall be free of objectionable odors; the cleaning of the toilet seat with commercial grade cleaner; the flushing of the urinal with sufficient quantity of chemicals to insure that units shall be free of objectionable odors; the cleaning of the walls, floors, hand rails and door handles as required; and the filling of the toilet paper dispensers. The floors may require additional cleaning due to weather conditions. The servicing of the wash sinks and portable hand wash units shall include but limited to: the removal of the waste water; the flushing of the sink with sufficient quantity of chemicals to insure that units are clean; the addition of fresh water in the water tank; and filling of the waterless hand cleaner and paper towel dispensers. It is incumbent upon the contractor to maintain the portable latrines and hand washing units in accordance with local, State, and federal health regulations and codes. Contractor shall pick up all trash in and around portable latrines and hand wash stations during drop off, servicing and pick up. All required work will be coordinated through the appointed Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

5. LANDING ZONE AREAS require contractor to fully secure all contractor owned equipment at contractors own expense. Government will not be responsible for Lack of securing equipment at landing zones.

6. INDIVIDUALLY MARKED UNITS For identification purposes, all rental units must be marked with a unique identification number clearly visible at least 50 feet away. For government inspection purposes, a cleaning service log must be accompanied with each rental unit and remain accessible to government inspectors at all times.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. CONTRACT QUALITY ASSURANCE. When acquiring commercial items (see FAR Part 12), the Government shall rely on contractors’ existing quality assurance systems as a substitute for Government inspection and testing before tender for acceptance unless customary market practices for the commercial item being acquired include in-process inspection. Any in-process inspection by the Government shall be conducted in a manner consistent with commercial practice.

7.1 Quality Assurance: The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the COR must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the Contractor or designated on-site representative to initial the observation to acknowledge the defective performance. The acknowledgement of the observation does not necessarily constitute Contractor concurrence with the observation, only that the Contractor has been made aware of the defective performance.

2. SAFETY. The contractor shall be responsible for providing services under this contract IAW all base, local, State and federal occupational safety requirements including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as steel toed boots, gloves, goggles while pumping waste and mask while pumping waste in accordance with OSHA standard. For more information visit www.osha-safety.net.

3. INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS. In the situation where the Contractor or Contractor’s Employees sustains an injury while on Camp Atterbury or MUTC the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer or Contracting officer Representative immediately and must file an AF Form 978 (Mishap Report). In the case of a vehicle accident, the Contractor shall notify the KO or COR immediately. Security Forces must be notified and a Vehicle Accident Form must be accomplished.

4. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES: The Government shall provide, without cost, potable water and electricity from existing sources at both Atterbury and MUTC

5. NORMAL HOURS OF OPERATION. The Government’s normal duty hours are five days per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 (1600) P.M. Vendor is authorized to service units earlier or later as seen fit.

6. RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS. The contractor is not required, nor be allowed, to provide service on the following days (note: Any of the below holidays falling on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday; holidays falling on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday): New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

7. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. Contractor Personnel shall comply with base regulations and shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Identifying uniform, badges and/or company issued identification with employee name and photo shall be displayed on the identification. The contractor is required to comply with all applicable base, local, state and federal environment laws and regulations including Camp Atterbury and MUTC in effect at the time of performance. The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with any required operating permits. The contractor shall be responsible and liable for penalties and fines, or environmental damage claims that may be required or assessed by the local, state or federal governments as a result of contractor’s performance, or failure to perform. All work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The Contracting Officer may require, in writing, that the Contractor remove from the work any employee the Contracting Officer deems incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.

8. DISPOSAL OF WASTE. The contractor shall be responsible for any enforcement action that may be taken by the State of Indiana, or other federal government related to handling, transportation and proper disposal of waste materials.

9. CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR): The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: Assures that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; performs inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintains written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issues written interpretations of technical requirements, including government drawings, designs, specifications; monitors Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinates availability of government furnished property, and provides site entry of Contractor personnel.

52.212-4 -- Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items.

As prescribed in 12.301(b)(3), insert the following clause:

Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items (Jan 2017)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights --

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C.3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71,Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include --

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt Payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period at fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause.

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.

(9) The specification.

(t) System for Award Management (SAM).

(1) Unless exempted by an addendum to this contract, the Contractor is responsible during performance and through final payment of any contract for the accuracy and completeness of the data within the SAM database, and for any liability resulting from the Government’s reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data. To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates its information in the SAM database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the SAM does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(2)

(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, “doing business as” name, or division name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in Subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day’s written notification of its intention to:

(A) Change the name in the SAM database;

(B) Comply with the requirements of Subpart 42.12 of the FAR;

(C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor must provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.

(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (t)(2)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (t)(2)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the SAM information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of Payment” paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of this contract.

(3) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the SAM record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see FAR Subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the SAM database. Information provided to the Contractor’s SAM record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the “Suspension of payment” paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.

(4) Offerors and Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via SAM accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End Use License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause)

Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions Contractors performing on service contracts in excess of $2,500 to which no predecessor contractor’s collective bargaining agreement applies shall pay their employees at least the wages and fringe benefits found by the Department of Labor to prevail in the locality or, in the absence of a wage determination, the minimum wage set forth in the Fair Labor Standards Act. 52.222-41 -- Service Contract Labor Standards.