Title Services for Ohio Easement Programs

Title Services for Ohio Easement Programs United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 121A2318Q0011 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number 121A2318Q0011 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The acquisition procedures at FAR Part 13.5 are being utilized. The Government anticipates this solicitation will result in a Five (5) Year Firm Fixed Priced Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), to the responsible Contractors whose quote conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the government. The Government reserves the right not to award any BPA under this solicitation. The estimated award date of the BPA is on or around April 2, 2018. The government will be obligated only to the extent of authorized call orders placed against the resulting BPA(s) and does not guarantee any orders. The government will make awards without negotiations using pricing set forth in the resultant BPAs awarded. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-97 effective January 24, 2018 which can be found at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html under the current FAR section. This acquisition is a 100% small business set aside. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541191, Title Abstract and Settlement Offices. The small business size standard is $11 million. For more information on size standards, please visit http://www.sba.gov/size. Questions MUST be submitted to the Contracting Officer via e-mail - [email protected]. E-mail questions MUST include solicitation 121A2318Q0011 in the subject line to avoid oversight. All quotations are due not later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 22, 2018 and must be addressed to Mrs. Gay Mullen-Brown (Contracting Officer) via e-mail at [email protected]. Submitting quotes via e-mail is considered acceptable. List of contract line items: see Attachment 2 - Quote Submittal Worksheet. Description of Requirement: The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Easement Support Services (ESS), is seeking contractors to provide title services for the execution and recordation of conservation easements on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Services will be performed for conservation easement acquisitions in the State of Ohio. See Attachment 1, Statement of Work, for a detailed description of the required services. The individual calls will not exceed the SAT. Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance. The period of performance for each task is detailed in Attachment 1, Statement of Work. ESS will have 14 calendar days after receipt of any submittals to review and make acceptance of submittals or identify how the submittal does not meet the Statement of Work and all applicable attachments. Place of delivery will typically be the e-mail address of the assigned Realty Specialist identified on each order. The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial (JAN 2017), applies to this acquisition. FAR provision 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. (a) The Government will award a contract (BPA) resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Quoter whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes: (1) Technical capability. Technical capability includes qualifications, relevant experience, capacity, and management capability if subcontractors are proposed. (2) Price. (3) Past performance. Technical capability and past performance, when combined, are equal as compared to price. Pricing that is unrealistically low may be considered an indication that the Quoter does not possess adequate understanding of the requirement or the requisite technical capability to successfully perform the work. Quoters are required to complete the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (NOV 2017). This must be completed at the System for Award Management, www.sam.gov and the registration be in an "Active" status. Quoters may also complete this provision provided in Attachment 2. The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (JAN 2017), applies to this acquisition and addenda are not added. The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (JAN 2018), applies to this acquisition and the following additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to this acquisition. 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2018) (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 items: (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) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015). (3) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553). (4) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)(Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)). (b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402). __ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509)). __ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (June 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.) __ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2016) (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). __ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Oct 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). __ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313). __ (10) [Reserved]. __ (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a). __ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-3. __ (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). __ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4. __ (13) [Reserved] XX (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644). __ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011). __ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011). __ (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644). __ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7. __ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7. __ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2016) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)). __ (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jan 2017) (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 (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9. __ (v) Alternate IV (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9. __ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)). __ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)). __ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcon-tracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)). __ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657 f). __ (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)). __ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Dec 2015) (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 (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)). XX (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). XX (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2018) (E.O. 13126). XX (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015). __ (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O. 11246). __ (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015)(38 U.S.C. 4212). __ (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793). __ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (FEB 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212). __ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). XX (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) (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). __ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.) __ (35)(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.) __ (36) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693). __ (37) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693). __ (38)(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. __ (39)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514). __ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-14. __ (40) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b). __ (41)(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 (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) (E.O. 13513). __ (43) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693). __ (44) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693). __ (45)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a). __ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3. __ (46) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83). __ (47)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 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 (May 2014) of 52.225-3. __ (iii) Alternate II (May 2014) of 52.225-3. __ (iv) Alternate III (May 2014) of 52.225-3. __ (48) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (OCT 2016) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note). XX (49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). __ (50) 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). __ (51) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150). __ (52) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150). __ (53) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)). __ (54) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)). XX (55) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332). __ (56) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332). __ (57) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332). __ (58) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a). __ (59) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(12)). __ (60)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). __ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64. (c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014)(E.O. 13495). __ (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). XX (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67). __ (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67). __ (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67). __ (6) 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). __ (7) 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). __ (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015). __ (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706). __ (10) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). __ (11) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (Sept 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)). (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, 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 items. 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 (Oct 2015) (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) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2016) (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 $700,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities. (iv) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17. (v) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015) (vi) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O. 11246). (vii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (viii) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793). (ix) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212) (x) 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. (xi) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). (xii) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627). Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627). (xiii) 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). (xiv) 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). (xv) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015) (E.O. 12989). (xvi) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015). (xvii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706). (xviii)(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a). (B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3. (xix) 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). (xx) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6. (xxi) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) 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 items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations. (End of clause) PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES The following additional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses apply to this solicitation and any resultant contract award. The following provisions also apply: 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. (Feb 2016) (a) As required by sections 744 and 745 of Division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), and similar provisions, if contained in subsequent appropriations acts, the Government will not enter into a contract with any corporation that- (1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or (2) Was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. (b) The Offeror represents that- (1) It is ? is not ? a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; and (2) It is ? is not ? a corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under a Federal law within the preceding 24 months. (End of provision) PURCHASE LIMITATION: The dollar limitation for each individual call order issued under this BPA is $50,000. The total estimated amount of this BPA is $250,000 over the course of 5 years. INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE UNDER THIS BPA: All warranted Contracting Officers within NRCS can place calls against the resultant BPA. 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 or 5332. This Statement is for Information Only: Employee Class Monetary Wage Fringe Benefits Legal Instrument Examiner, GS-0963-07 $18.96/hour $5.69/hour AGAR 452.224-70 Confidentiality of Information (Feb 1988) (a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means - (1) information or data of a personal nature, proprietary about an individual, or (2) information or data submitted by or pertaining to an organization. (b) In addition to the types of confidential information described in (a)(1) and (2) above, information which might require special consideration with regard to the timing of its disclosure may derive from studies or research, during which public disclosure of primarily invalidated findings could create an erroneous conclusion which might threaten public health or safety if acted upon. (c) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause. (d) If it is established that information to be utilized under this contract is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act. (e) Confidential information, as defined in (a)(1) and (2) above, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution or organization. (f) Written advance notice of at least 45 days will be provided to the Contracting Officer of the Contractor's intent to release findings of studies or research, which have the possibility of adverse effects on the public or the Federal agency, as described in (b) above. If the Contracting Officer does not pose any objections in writing within the 45 day period, the contractor may proceed with disclosure. Disagreements not resolved by the Contractor and Contracting Officer will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause. (g) Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of this clause, the Contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication. (h) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this clause shall not apply when the information is subject to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State or local laws. AGAR 452.237-75 Restrictions against Disclosure (Feb 1988) (a) The Contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor also agrees not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part in any manner or form, or to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify in writing, the Contracting Officer, named herein, in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement. (b) The Contractor agrees not to disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder. AGAR 452.246-70 Inspection and Acceptance (Feb 1988) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract. Work that, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, does not meet data quality standards will be returned to the Contractor for correction. Inconsistencies/edits may be reviewed, resolved and approved via communications. NRCS 4I-4.71-Conservation Cooperator Acknowledgement The 2008 Farm Bill (Public Law 100-246, Section 1619; codified at 7 U.S.C. 8791) prohibits the disclosure of certain information by the USDA and its cooperators (including contractors) as it relates to Farm Bill programs. This includes: (a) information provided by an agricultural producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself, in order to participate in programs of the Department; or (b) geospatial information otherwise maintained by the Secretary about agricultural land or operations for which information described in subparagraph (a) is provided. NRCS Conservation Cooperators are contractors, individuals, or organizations (governmental or nongovernmental) that assist the NRCS with providing conservation program related services. This includes any service where a contractor may have access to the information described above that has been provided either 1) directly from NRCS; 2) directly from the producer or owner as part of the process required to enable a producer or owner to participate in a USDA program; or 3) in another manner with the producer's permission. The contractor must complete the Conservation Cooperator Acknowledgement (Attachment 4) upon contract award. Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Payment Platform (IPP) Invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Payment Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use the IPP website (https://www.ipp.gov) to register, access, and use IPP for submitting invoices. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by calling (866) 973-3131. Invoices submitted by means other than IPP will not be accepted unless the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing. Invoices may be submitted up to once a month. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING QUOTES. Attachment 2, Quote Submittal Worksheet has been developed to facilitate preparation of quotes. Quoters shall utilize Attachment 2 to this solicitation to submit pricing quotations and to complete the following two required representations and certifications: FAR 52.212-3 and AGAR 452.209-70. The Quoter must complete the two certifications by reading and checking the appropriate box(es). Evaluation Factors, see Attachment 2. Contractors shall submit a written narrative that addresses the two non-price evaluation factors. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration All Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management, or SAM, prior to award of a Federal Contract. For information regarding registration visit https://www.sam.gov/ The below List of Attachments are incorporated and made part of this solicitation and award: Attachment 1 - Statement of Work Attachment 2 - Quote Submittal Sheet Attachment 3 - Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determinations Attachment 4 - Conservation Cooperator Acknowledgement. Quotes are due by 2 p.m. Eastern Time 3/22/2018 and shall be sent as an email attachment to the point of contact below: Gay Mullen-Brown, Contracting Officer [email protected] END OF SOLICITATION