Marine Safety Instructor Training

Q&A # 1 posted as attachment on 3/1/22

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COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

Marine Safety Instructor Training Refresher Course - SEE ATTACHED SF18 RFQ FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

(I)            This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(II)          The solicitation number for this procurement is  1333MF22QNFFK0011 and is hereby issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(III)        The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-03(JAN 2022) (Deviation 2020-11) (AUG 2020).

(IV)         This procurement is unrestricted and open to all sources.  The associated NAICS code is 611699.  The small business size standard is $12.0 Mil. 

(V)          This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services: The Contractor shall provide and retain the necessary qualified personnel, material, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to conduct marine safety instructor training in support of NOAA Fisheries’ observer programs.  The contractor shall conduct up to 2 (two) trainings per year. The Contractor will be required to offer the NOAA Fisheries the option of in-person or virtual/remote training classes or a hybrid approach with both in-person and virtual elements. The in-person trainings will be at different locations. The locations should be chosen as to reduce travel and cost to the federal government. The provider will be given at a minimum 2 (two) months’ notice before a safety instructor training class is to be scheduled.  Scheduling may vary and is dependent on observer program needs.  The contractor will coordinate with the NOAA Fisheries, to ensure all logistics for training are met, e.g. use of pool, vessels, and other facilities as needed.

(VI)         Description of requirements is as follows:

See attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) which applies to the base period and all four option periods.

Line Item 0001 – Base Year; Services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the attached SF18 and Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a base period of twelve months.

Line Item 1001 – Option Year 1; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 2001 – Option Year 2; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 3001 – Option Year 3; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 4001 – Option Year 4; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

(VII)       Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance: Delivery shall be with a hybrid approach of both in-person and virtual as set forth in the attached PWS.

Period of performance shall be:

Base Year for a twelve month period 04/01/22 through 03/3/2023. 

Option Period 1 for a twelve month period 04/01/23 through 03/3/20234

Option Period 2 for a twelve month period 04/01/24 through 03/3/2025.

Option Period 3 for a twelve month period 04/01/25 through 03/3/2026.

Option Period 4 for a twelve month period 04/01/26 through 03/3/2027.

(VIII)  FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (Nov. 2021), applies to this acquisition.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS:  Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed.  Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive.  Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Quotes shall be fully executed and returned on the Standard Form (SF) 18 and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30.
2. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation.  Only Email quotes are acceptable and can be sent to Suzanne.Johnston@noaa.gov.
3. Vendors response to this Request for Quote shall consist of the documents outlined in the Combined Synopsis Solicitation and outlined in the Contents of a Bid Package included in the SF18.
4. Provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with 52.212-2 in this package.
5. In accordance with Federal COVID-19 protocols, all on-site contractor employees will be required to complete the non-Federal Employee and Visitor Certification Form attached and carry a copy with them when reporting to any Department of Commerce (DOC) worksite. Additionally, those who do not certify they are fully vaccinated, or who decline to provide vaccination status, must obtain a negative COVID-19 test in order to access a DOC operating location or facility, per attached Senior Procurement Executive Message. Contractors are required to attest to their CO/COR or TPOC, in writing, that all on-site contractor employees are following this guidance

"THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF QUOTES.  IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE RECEIPT".

CAM 1352.215-72 Inquiries (APR 2010)

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION IN WRITING TO Suzanne.Johnston@noaa.gov.  QUESTIONS SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 10 AM PST 03/03/2022. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract. 

(End of clause)

(IX)  FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition.  Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a).  The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.   Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on:

                a) Technical Approach - The proposal will be evaluated on how the offeror intends to organize, staff and manage the contract and the means that will be used to accomplish the contract requirements. The degree to which the quotation demonstrates an understanding of the requirements will be evaluated, as well as the offeror's planned management of consultants and subcontractors, if applicable.

                b) Experience - The offeror's background, experience, and qualifications will be assessed to determine the likelihood that that offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements and the degree of the risk of non-performance.

                c) Key Personnel - The education, experience, and accomplishments of key personnel will be evaluated to determine the degree to which they possess the qualifications to perform their proposed duties under the contract.

                d) Past Performance - The offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, effective management of subcontractors, cost management, level of communication between the contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction.

Offeror shall provide at least three (3) past performance references.  Provide name, address, phone number, and description of the project.

                e) Price - The proposed prices/costs will be evaluated.  The cost evaluation will determine whether the proposed costs are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed costs must be entirely compatible with the technical approach.

The Government intends to issue a firm fixed price award based on the best value to the government on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30. 

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

The clauses/provisions contained in the SF18 are also applicable to this acquisition.

(X) 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021) (DEVIATION 2020-11) (AUG 2020)

The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically in System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

(XI)  The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition.

(XII)  The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2022) (Deviation 2021-06) (Sept 2021) (Deviation 2020-11) (Aug 2020) (Deviation 2020-05) (Apr 2020) (Deviation 2017-05)(Sept 2017) applies to this acquisition. 

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

           (1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

           (2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

           (3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

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

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

           (6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

     [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

            __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

            __ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509)).

            __ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

            XX (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

            __ (5) [Reserved].

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

            __ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

            XX (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

            __ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

            __ (10) [Reserved].

            __ (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

            __ (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

            __ (13) [Reserved]

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

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

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

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

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

          __ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

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

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

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

                  __ (v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

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

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

            __ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

            __ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

            __ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

          XX (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

                  __ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

            __ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

            __ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

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

            __ (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

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

            __ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2022) (E.O.13126).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

          XX (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

            __ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) . (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302Note).

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

            __ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

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

            __ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

            XX (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

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

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

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

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

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

          __ (63) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

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

                  __ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

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

     [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

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

            __ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206  and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            XX (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

            __ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

            __ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

      (d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

           (1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

           (2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

           (3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

      (e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

                (i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

                (ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

                (iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

                (iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

                (v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

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

                (vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

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

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

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

                (xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

                (xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xiii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

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

                (xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) (E.O. 12989).

                (xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

                (xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

                (xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

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

                (xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

                (xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

                (xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

           (2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

Alternate I (Feb 2000). As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(i), delete paragraph (d) from the basic clause, redesignate paragraph (e) as paragraph (d), and revise the reference to "paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this clause" in the redesignated paragraph (d) to read "paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this clause".

Alternate II (Jan 2022) . As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(ii), substitute the following paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) for paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) of the basic clause as follows:

(d)(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, an appropriate Inspector General appointed under section 3 or 8 G of the Inspector General Act of 1978 ( 5 U.S.C. App.), or an authorized representative of either of the foregoing officials shall have access to and right to—

(i) Examine any of the Contractor’s or any subcontractors’ records that pertain to, and involve transactions relating to, this contract; and

(ii) Interview any officer or employee regarding such transactions.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services, other than—

(i) Paragraph (d) of this clause. This paragraph flows down to all subcontracts, except the authority of the Inspector General under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) does not flow down; and

(ii) Those clauses listed in this paragraph (e)(1). Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(A) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(B) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5).

(C) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(D) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(E) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

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

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

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

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

(J) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(K) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(L) ___ (1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78  and E.O 13627).

___ (2) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(M) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(N) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(O) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) (Executive Order 12989).

(P) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(Q) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(R) (1) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

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

(S) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(T) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(U) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(XIII)  The following clauses are also applicable to this acquisition:

PROVISIONS:

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it “does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument” in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

      (a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

      Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

      (b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

                (i)Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

                (ii)Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

           (2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

                (i)Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

                (ii)Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

      (c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

      (d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

           (1)It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds “will” in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

           (2)After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

          It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does” in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

      (e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “will” in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

                (i)For covered equipment—

                     (A)The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

                     (B)A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

                     (C)Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

                (ii)For covered services—

                     (A)If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

                     (B)If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

           (2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does” in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

                (i)For covered equipment—

                     (A)The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

                     (B)A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

                     (C)Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

                (ii)For covered services—

                     (A)If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

                     (B)If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CLAUSES - FOR FULL TEXT OF A COMMERCE ACQUISITION REGULATION, CLAUSE OR PROVISION YOU MAY GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE,

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bf6e18a9476188ddcae1efa1cc9fcabd&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48cfr1352_main_02.tpl

CAR 1352.201-70, CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY (APRIL 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73, COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS (APRIL 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74, ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APRIL 2010)

1352.233-70 Agency Protests (Apr 2010)

                (a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) the contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 Fed. Reg. 16,651 (April 6, 1999)

                (b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: Suzanne Johnston, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

                (c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

                (d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority.

                (e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

FAX: (202) 482-5858

(End of clause)

1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests (Apr 2010)

(a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed.

(b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.

(c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

FAX: (202) 482-5858

(End of clause)

NOAA ACQUISITION MANUAL (NAM) CONTRACT LANGUAGE

NAM 1330-52.270-304 NOAA ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE OMBUDSMAN (OCT 2016)

The NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Ombudsman is available to organizations to promote responsible and meaningful exchanges of information. Generally, the purpose of these exchanges will be to:

Allow contractors to better prepare for and propose on business opportunities.

Advise as to technologies and solutions within the marketplace that the Government may not be aware of, or is not fully benefiting from.

Identify constraints in transparency and process.

The AGO Ombudsman will objectively, reasonably, and responsibly collaborate with parties and recommend fair, impartial, and constructive solutions to the matters presented to him/her. Further, the AGO Ombudsman will maintain the reasonable and responsible confidentiality of the source of a concern, when such a request has been formally made by an authorized officer of an organization seeking to do business with, or already doing business with NOAA.

Before consulting with the AGO Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations with the respective contracting officer for resolution. However, direct access to the AGO Ombudsman may be sought when an interested party questions the objectivity or equity of a contracting officer's decision, or when there is a bona fide reason to believe that reasonable, responsible, and objective consideration will not be received from an assigned contracting officer.

There are several constraints to the scope of the AGO Ombudsman's authority, for instance:

1. Consulting with the AGO Ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines of any formal process (e.g., protests, claims, debriefings, employee employer actions, activities involving A-76 competition performance decisions, judicial or congressional hearings, or proposal, amendment, modification or deliverable due dates, etc.).
2. The AGO Ombudsman cannot participate in the evaluation of proposals, source selection processes, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.
3. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to generate or alter laws, judicial decisions, rules, policies, or formal guidance.
4. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to develop or alter opportunity announcements, solicitations, contracts, or their terms or conditions
5. The AGO Ombudsman cannot overrule the authorized decisions or determinations of the contracting officer.
6. The AGO Ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds AGO, NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Government.
7. The AGO Ombudsman is not NOAA's agent relative to the service of magistrate or judicial process and cannot be used to extend service of process to another party (whether federal, public, or a private entity).
8. After review and analysis of a filed concern or recommendation, the AGO Ombudsman may refer the interested party to another more suitable federal official for consideration. Moreover, concerns, disagreements, and/or recommendations that cannot be resolved by the AGO Ombudsman will need to be pursued through more formal venues.
9. The AGO Ombudsman is not to be contacted to request copies of forms and/or documents under the purview of a contracting officer. Such documents include Requests for Information, solicitations, amendments, contracts, modifications, or conference materials.
10. Questions regarding this solicitation and contract language shall be directed to Rafael Roman, NOAA AGO Ombudsman, at Rafael.Roman@noaa.gov.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

(XIV) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply.

(XV)  Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 10:00 A.M. PST on 03/10/2022.  All quotes must be emailed to the attention of Suzanne Johnston.  The email address is Suzanne.johnston@noaa.gov.

(XVI)  Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Suzanne Johnston at Suzanne.johnston@noaa.gov

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

Marine Safety Instructor Training Refresher Course - SEE ATTACHED SF18 RFQ FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

(I)            This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(II)          The solicitation number for this procurement is  1333MF22QNFFK0011 and is hereby issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(III)        The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-03(JAN 2022) (Deviation 2020-11) (AUG 2020).

(IV)         This procurement is unrestricted and open to all sources.  The associated NAICS code is 611699.  The small business size standard is $12.0 Mil. 

(V)          This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services: The Contractor shall provide and retain the necessary qualified personnel, material, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to conduct marine safety instructor training in support of NOAA Fisheries’ observer programs.  The contractor shall conduct up to 2 (two) trainings per year. The Contractor will be required to offer the NOAA Fisheries the option of in-person or virtual/remote training classes or a hybrid approach with both in-person and virtual elements. The in-person trainings will be at different locations. The locations should be chosen as to reduce travel and cost to the federal government. The provider will be given at a minimum 2 (two) months’ notice before a safety instructor training class is to be scheduled.  Scheduling may vary and is dependent on observer program needs.  The contractor will coordinate with the NOAA Fisheries, to ensure all logistics for training are met, e.g. use of pool, vessels, and other facilities as needed.

(VI)         Description of requirements is as follows:

See attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) which applies to the base period and all four option periods.

Line Item 0001 – Base Year; Services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the attached SF18 and Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a base period of twelve months.

Line Item 1001 – Option Year 1; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 2001 – Option Year 2; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 3001 – Option Year 3; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

Line Item 4001 – Option Year 4; Continued services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) & refresher courses with a hybrid approach per the original Performance Work Statement for the National Observer Program (NOP) with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, for a period of twelve months.

(VII)       Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance: Delivery shall be with a hybrid approach of both in-person and virtual as set forth in the attached PWS.

Period of performance shall be:

Base Year for a twelve month period 04/01/22 through 03/3/2023. 

Option Period 1 for a twelve month period 04/01/23 through 03/3/20234

Option Period 2 for a twelve month period 04/01/24 through 03/3/2025.

Option Period 3 for a twelve month period 04/01/25 through 03/3/2026.

Option Period 4 for a twelve month period 04/01/26 through 03/3/2027.

(VIII)  FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (Nov. 2021), applies to this acquisition.

NOTICE TO OFFERORS:  Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed.  Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive.  Offers that are non-responsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror.

1. Quotes shall be fully executed and returned on the Standard Form (SF) 18 and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30.
2. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation.  Only Email quotes are acceptable and can be sent to Suzanne.Johnston@noaa.gov.
3. Vendors response to this Request for Quote shall consist of the documents outlined in the Combined Synopsis Solicitation and outlined in the Contents of a Bid Package included in the SF18.
4. Provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with 52.212-2 in this package.
5. In accordance with Federal COVID-19 protocols, all on-site contractor employees will be required to complete the non-Federal Employee and Visitor Certification Form attached and carry a copy with them when reporting to any Department of Commerce (DOC) worksite. Additionally, those who do not certify they are fully vaccinated, or who decline to provide vaccination status, must obtain a negative COVID-19 test in order to access a DOC operating location or facility, per attached Senior Procurement Executive Message. Contractors are required to attest to their CO/COR or TPOC, in writing, that all on-site contractor employees are following this guidance

"THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF QUOTES.  IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE RECEIPT".

CAM 1352.215-72 Inquiries (APR 2010)

OFFERORS MUST SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS SOLICITATION IN WRITING TO Suzanne.Johnston@noaa.gov.  QUESTIONS SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 10 AM PST 03/03/2022. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract. 

(End of clause)

(IX)  FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition.  Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a).  The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.   Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on:

                a) Technical Approach - The proposal will be evaluated on how the offeror intends to organize, staff and manage the contract and the means that will be used to accomplish the contract requirements. The degree to which the quotation demonstrates an understanding of the requirements will be evaluated, as well as the offeror's planned management of consultants and subcontractors, if applicable.

                b) Experience - The offeror's background, experience, and qualifications will be assessed to determine the likelihood that that offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements and the degree of the risk of non-performance.

                c) Key Personnel - The education, experience, and accomplishments of key personnel will be evaluated to determine the degree to which they possess the qualifications to perform their proposed duties under the contract.

                d) Past Performance - The offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, effective management of subcontractors, cost management, level of communication between the contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction.

Offeror shall provide at least three (3) past performance references.  Provide name, address, phone number, and description of the project.

                e) Price - The proposed prices/costs will be evaluated.  The cost evaluation will determine whether the proposed costs are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed costs must be entirely compatible with the technical approach.

The Government intends to issue a firm fixed price award based on the best value to the government on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30. 

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

The clauses/provisions contained in the SF18 are also applicable to this acquisition.

(X) 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021) (DEVIATION 2020-11) (AUG 2020)

The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically in System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

(XI)  The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition.

(XII)  The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2022) (Deviation 2021-06) (Sept 2021) (Deviation 2020-11) (Aug 2020) (Deviation 2020-05) (Apr 2020) (Deviation 2017-05)(Sept 2017) applies to this acquisition. 

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

           (1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

           (2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

           (3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

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

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

           (6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

     [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

            __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

            __ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509)).

            __ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

            XX (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

            __ (5) [Reserved].

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

            __ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

            XX (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

            __ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. 2313).

            __ (10) [Reserved].

            __ (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

            __ (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) ( 15 U.S.C. 657a).

            __ (13) [Reserved]

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

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

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

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

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

          __ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

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

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

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

                  __ (v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

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

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

            __ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637s).

            __ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

            __ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 657f).

          XX (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

                  __ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

            __ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

            __ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Sep 2021) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

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

            __ (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) ( 15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

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

            __ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2022) (E.O.13126).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

          XX (35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

            __ (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) . (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (48) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

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

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

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

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

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

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

            __ (52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302Note).

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

            __ (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) ( 42 U.S.C. 5150).

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

            __ (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

            XX (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

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

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

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

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

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

          __ (63) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

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

                  __ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

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

     [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

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

            __ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206  and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            XX (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

            __ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

            __ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

            __ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792).

      (d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

           (1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

           (2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

           (3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

      (e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

                (i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

                (ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

                (iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

                (iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

                (v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

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

                (vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

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

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

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

                (xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

                (xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xiii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

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

                (xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

                (xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) (E.O. 12989).

                (xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

                (xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

                (xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

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

                (xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

                (xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

                (xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

           (2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

Alternate I (Feb 2000). As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(i), delete paragraph (d) from the basic clause, redesignate paragraph (e) as paragraph (d), and revise the reference to "paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this clause" in the redesignated paragraph (d) to read "paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this clause".

Alternate II (Jan 2022) . As prescribed in 12.301(b)(4)(ii), substitute the following paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) for paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) of the basic clause as follows:

(d)(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, an appropriate Inspector General appointed under section 3 or 8 G of the Inspector General Act of 1978 ( 5 U.S.C. App.), or an authorized representative of either of the foregoing officials shall have access to and right to—

(i) Examine any of the Contractor’s or any subcontractors’ records that pertain to, and involve transactions relating to, this contract; and

(ii) Interview any officer or employee regarding such transactions.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services, other than—

(i) Paragraph (d) of this clause. This paragraph flows down to all subcontracts, except the authority of the Inspector General under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) does not flow down; and

(ii) Those clauses listed in this paragraph (e)(1). Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(A) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) ( 41 U.S.C. 3509).

(B) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5).

(C) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(D) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(E) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

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

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

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

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

(J) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(K) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(L) ___ (1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78  and E.O 13627).

___ (2) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 ( 22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(M) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(N) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(O) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2021) (Executive Order 12989).

(P) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(Q) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(R) (1) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) ( 5 U.S.C. 552a).

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

(S) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(T) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (Jun 2020) ( 42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(U) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) ( 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(XIII)  The following clauses are also applicable to this acquisition:

PROVISIONS:

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Aug 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it “does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument” in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

      (a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

      Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

      (b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

                (i)Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

                (ii)Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

           (2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

                (i)Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

                (ii)Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

      (c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

      (d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

           (1)It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds “will” in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

           (2)After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

          It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does” in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

      (e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “will” in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

                (i)For covered equipment—

                     (A)The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

                     (B)A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

                     (C)Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

                (ii)For covered services—

                     (A)If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

                     (B)If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

           (2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does” in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

                (i)For covered equipment—

                     (A)The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

                     (B)A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

                     (C)Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

                (ii)For covered services—

                     (A)If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

                     (B)If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE CLAUSES - FOR FULL TEXT OF A COMMERCE ACQUISITION REGULATION, CLAUSE OR PROVISION YOU MAY GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE,

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bf6e18a9476188ddcae1efa1cc9fcabd&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48cfr1352_main_02.tpl

CAR 1352.201-70, CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY (APRIL 2010)

CAR 1352.209-73, COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS (APRIL 2010)

CAR 1352.209-74, ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APRIL 2010)

1352.233-70 Agency Protests (Apr 2010)

                (a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) the contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 Fed. Reg. 16,651 (April 6, 1999)

                (b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: Suzanne Johnston, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

                (c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

                (d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority.

                (e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

FAX: (202) 482-5858

(End of clause)

1352.233-71 GAO and Court of Federal Claims protests (Apr 2010)

(a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed.

(b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.

(c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows:

U.S. Department of Commerce

Office of the General Counsel

Chief, Contract Law Division

Room 5893

Herbert C. Hoover Building

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20230.

FAX: (202) 482-5858

(End of clause)

NOAA ACQUISITION MANUAL (NAM) CONTRACT LANGUAGE

NAM 1330-52.270-304 NOAA ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE OMBUDSMAN (OCT 2016)

The NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Ombudsman is available to organizations to promote responsible and meaningful exchanges of information. Generally, the purpose of these exchanges will be to:

Allow contractors to better prepare for and propose on business opportunities.

Advise as to technologies and solutions within the marketplace that the Government may not be aware of, or is not fully benefiting from.

Identify constraints in transparency and process.

The AGO Ombudsman will objectively, reasonably, and responsibly collaborate with parties and recommend fair, impartial, and constructive solutions to the matters presented to him/her. Further, the AGO Ombudsman will maintain the reasonable and responsible confidentiality of the source of a concern, when such a request has been formally made by an authorized officer of an organization seeking to do business with, or already doing business with NOAA.

Before consulting with the AGO Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations with the respective contracting officer for resolution. However, direct access to the AGO Ombudsman may be sought when an interested party questions the objectivity or equity of a contracting officer's decision, or when there is a bona fide reason to believe that reasonable, responsible, and objective consideration will not be received from an assigned contracting officer.

There are several constraints to the scope of the AGO Ombudsman's authority, for instance:

1. Consulting with the AGO Ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines of any formal process (e.g., protests, claims, debriefings, employee employer actions, activities involving A-76 competition performance decisions, judicial or congressional hearings, or proposal, amendment, modification or deliverable due dates, etc.).
2. The AGO Ombudsman cannot participate in the evaluation of proposals, source selection processes, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes.
3. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to generate or alter laws, judicial decisions, rules, policies, or formal guidance.
4. The AGO Ombudsman is not authorized to develop or alter opportunity announcements, solicitations, contracts, or their terms or conditions
5. The AGO Ombudsman cannot overrule the authorized decisions or determinations of the contracting officer.
6. The AGO Ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds AGO, NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Government.
7. The AGO Ombudsman is not NOAA's agent relative to the service of magistrate or judicial process and cannot be used to extend service of process to another party (whether federal, public, or a private entity).
8. After review and analysis of a filed concern or recommendation, the AGO Ombudsman may refer the interested party to another more suitable federal official for consideration. Moreover, concerns, disagreements, and/or recommendations that cannot be resolved by the AGO Ombudsman will need to be pursued through more formal venues.
9. The AGO Ombudsman is not to be contacted to request copies of forms and/or documents under the purview of a contracting officer. Such documents include Requests for Information, solicitations, amendments, contracts, modifications, or conference materials.
10. Questions regarding this solicitation and contract language shall be directed to Rafael Roman, NOAA AGO Ombudsman, at Rafael.Roman@noaa.gov.

(End of solicitation and contract language)

(XIV) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating does not apply.

(XV)  Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 10:00 A.M. PST on 03/10/2022.  All quotes must be emailed to the attention of Suzanne Johnston.  The email address is Suzanne.johnston@noaa.gov.

(XVI)  Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Suzanne Johnston at Suzanne.johnston@noaa.gov