R6--OPTION - Language Support Services

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. The solicitation number is 70FBR222Q00000098 and is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), unless otherwise indicated herein. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-07. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541930 with a small business size standard of $7.50M. This requirement is a Small Business Set-Aside and only qualified sellers may submit bids.

The solicitation pricing on https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com will start on the date this solicitation is posted, and, unless otherwise displayed at https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com, will end on:

2022-09-17 14:00:00.0 Eastern Time. This time supersedes the Offers Due Time listed above.

FOB Destination shall be , null null

The DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency requires the following items, Purchase Description Determined by Line Item, to the following:
Base Period of Performance: 09/19/2022 - 12/18/2022
LI 001: Interpretation Services: American Sign Language (ASL), Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL), Spoken Language (English/Spanish) (per hour), 200, hours;
LI 002: Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART) services (per hour), 35, hours;
LI 003: Travel Costs - mileage billed at a rate of $0.59 per mile (as per Federal Travel Regulations), 3500, each;
Option 1 Period of Performance: 12/19/2022 - 03/18/2023
LI 001: Interpretation Services: American Sign Language (ASL), Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL), Spoken Language (English/Spanish) (per hour), 100, hours;
LI 002: Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART) services (per hour), 5, hours;
LI 003: Travel Costs - mileage billed at a rate of $0.59 per mile (as per Federal Travel Regulations), 500, each;
Option 2 Period of Performance: 03/19/2023 - 06/18/2023
LI 001: Interpretation Services: American Sign Language (ASL), Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL), Spoken Language (English/Spanish) (per hour), 50, hours;
LI 002: Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART) services (per hour), 5, hours;
LI 003: Travel Costs - mileage billed at a rate of $0.59 per mile (as per Federal Travel Regulations), 500, each;
Option 3 Period of Performance: 06/19/2023 - 09/18/2023
LI 001: Interpretation Services: American Sign Language (ASL), Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL), Spoken Language (English/Spanish) (per hour), 50, hours;
LI 002: Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART) services (per hour), 5, hours;
LI 003: Travel Costs - mileage billed at a rate of $0.59 per mile (as per Federal Travel Regulations), 500, each;

Solicitation and Buy Attachments

***Question Submission: Interested Offerers must submit any questions concerning the solicitation at the earliest time possible to enable the Buyer to respond. Questions must be submitted by using the 'Submit a Question' feature at https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com. Questions not received within a reasonable time prior to close of the solicitation may not be considered.***

For this solicitation, DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to conduct an online competitive reverse auction to be facilitated by the third-party reverse auction provider, Unison Marketplace. Unison Marketplace has developed an online, anonymous, browser based application to conduct the reverse auction. An Offeror may submit a series of pricing bids, which descend in price during the specified period of time for the aforementioned reverse auction. DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency is taking this action in an effort to improve both vendor access and awareness of requests and the agency's ability to gather multiple, competed, real-time bids. All responsible Offerers that respond to this solicitation MUST submit the pricing portion of their bid using the online exchange located at https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com. There is no cost to register, review procurement data or make a bid on https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com. Offerers that are not currently registered to use https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com should proceed to https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com to complete their free registration. Offerers that require special considerations or assistance may contact Marketplace Support at 1.877.933.3243 or via email at marketplacesupport@unisonglobal.com. Offerers may not artificially manipulate the price of a transaction on https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com by any means. It is unacceptable to place bad faith bids, to use decoys in the https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com process or to collude with the intent or effect of hampering the competitive https://marketplace.unisonglobal.com process. Should Offerers require additional clarification, notify the point of contact or Marketplace Support at 1.877.933.3243 or marketplacesupport@unisonglobal.com.Use of Unison Marketplace: Buyers and Sellers agree to conduct this transaction through Unison Marketplace in compliance with the Unison Marketplace Terms of Use. Failure to comply with the below terms and conditions may result in offer being determined as non-responsive.
This solicitation requires registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time an offer or quotation is submitted, excluding the exceptions outlined in FAR 4.1102(a). Registration information can be found at www.sam.gov. Registration must be "ACTIVE" at the time of award.

In addition to providing pricing at www.unisonmarketplace.com for this solicitation, each Offeror must provide any required, NON-PRICING responses (e.g. technical proposal, representations and certifications, etc.) so that they are received no later than the closing date and time for this solicitation. Submissions can be sent to marketplacesupport@unisonglobal.com.

Unless the Buyer indicates otherwise within a particular line item description, each Seller shall include in its online Bid individual pricing for all required line items in order to be considered for award (i.e., Do not use the “Included in another line item” function when pricing each line item). If a line item cannot be separately priced, you must notify the buyer through the Unison ‘Submit a Question’ feature regarding which line item(s) should be included in which other line item(s) and request reposting. Failure to comply with this term may result in the Bid being determined to be non-responsive.

Q&A -Please submit all questions by using the 'Submit a Question' button. This buy will then be reposted with Q&A based on the questions that come in (if applicable).

For Exact Match Services Buys Only- In order for a sellers bid to be 'responsive' and considered for award, the seller is REQUIRED to document exactly how they intend to meet the requirements of the SOW. They shall document statement detailing the service for evaluation. Failure to do this may be cause for termination. This information is REQUIRED in order for a sellers bid to be deemed 'responsive' and to be considered for award.

Bid MUST be good for 30 calendar days after close of Buy.

Under this requirement, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to award a commercial, Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract.

In accordance with the IPP clause; ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS - INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP) (JAN 2016), payment requests for all new awards must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP). The Contractor must use IPP for contracts and orders awarded April 11, 2016 or later. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), "Payment documentation and process" and the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in this contract. The IPP website address is: https:// www.ipp.gov. Contractor assistance with IPP enrollment can be obtained by contacting IPPCustomerSupport@fms.treas.gov or phone (866) 973-3131. If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the contracting officer.

Sellers understand that the Marketplace ranks all Bids by price; however, pursuant to applicable acquisition regulations and/or departmental guidelines, Buyers may use criteria other than price to evaluate offers. Accordingly, please note that, unless otherwise specified in the Buy Terms, below, to the extent required by applicable regulations and/or guidelines, an award will be made to the responsive, responsible offeror who provides the best-valued solution to the Government. In performing the best value analysis, all non-cost evaluation criteria, when combined are: (X) significantly more important than cost or price; () approximately equal to cost or price; or () significantly less important than cost or price.

The Government intends to select for award the one responsible quote which conforms to the Bidding Requirements and Buy Terms in the auction, proposes a price that is fair and reasonable, and provides the Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote meeting the specifications of the requirement. If the lowest priced quote is not found to be Technically Acceptable, the government will evaluate the next lowest priced quote, and so on. Quotes determined to be incomplete, unreasonable, or unrealistic will not be considered for award.

The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions, which are incorporated herein by reference: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition; FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items - the selected offeror must submit a completed copy of the listed representations and certifications; FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, paragraph (a) and the following clauses in paragraph (b): 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-13, 52.232-34. The full text of the referenced FAR clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services, FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract, FAR 52.203-17 - Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights. FAR 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area.

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— “Covered article” means any hardware, software, or service that– (1) Is developed or provided by a covered entity; (2) Includes any hardware, software, or service developed or provided in whole or in part by a covered entity; or (3) Contains components using any hardware or software developed in whole or in part by a covered entity. “Covered entity” means– (1) Kaspersky Lab; (2) Any successor entity to Kaspersky Lab; (3) Any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with Kaspersky Lab; or (4) Any entity of which Kaspersky Lab has a majority ownership. (b) Prohibition. Section 1634 of Division A of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91) prohibits Government use of any covered article. The Contractor is prohibited from— (1) Providing any covered article that the Government will use on or after October 1, 2018; and (2) Using any covered article on or after October 1, 2018, in the development of data or deliverables first produced in the performance of the contract. (c) Reporting requirement. (1) In the event the Contractor identifies covered article provided to the Government during contract performance, or the Contractor is notified of such by a subcontractor at any tier or by any other source, the Contractor shall report, in writing, via email, to the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and the Enterprise Security Operations Center (SOC) at NDAA_Incidents@hq.dhs.gov, with required information in the body of the email. In the case of the Department of Defense, the Contractor shall report to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil. For indefinite delivery contracts, the Contractor shall report to the Enterprise SOC, Contracting Officer for the indefinite delivery contract and the Contracting Officer(s) and Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) for any affected order or, in the case of the Department of Defense, identify both the indefinite delivery contract and any affected orders in the report provided at https://dibnet.dod.mil. (2) The Contractor shall report the following information pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this clause: (i) Within 1 business day from the date of such identification or notification: the contract number; the order number(s), if applicable; supplier name; brand; model number (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number); item description; and any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. (ii) Within 10 business days of submitting the report pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this clause: any further available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. In addition, the Contractor shall describe the efforts it undertook to prevent use or submission of a covered article, any reasons that led to the use or submission of the covered article, and any additional efforts that will be incorporated to prevent future use or submission of covered articles. (c) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts, including subcontracts for the acquisition of commercial items. (End of clause)

52.204–24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. As prescribed in 4.2105(a), insert the following provision: 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) Representations. 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.

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— “Backhaul” means intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network, and the small subnetworks at the edge of the network (e.g., connecting cell phones/towers to the core telephone network). Backhaul can be wireless (e.g., microwave) or wired (e.g., fiber optic, coaxial cable, Ethernet). “Covered foreign country” means The People’s Republic of China. “Covered telecommunications equipment or services” means– (1) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities); (2) For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities); (3) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or (4) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country. “Critical technology” means– (1) Defense articles or defense services included on the United States Munitions List set forth in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations under subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) Items included on the Commerce Control List set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations under subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, and controlled- (i) Pursuant to multilateral regimes, including for reasons relating to national security, chemical and biological weapons proliferation, nuclear nonproliferation, or missile technology; or (ii) For reasons relating to regional stability or surreptitious listening; (3) Specially designed and prepared nuclear equipment, parts and components, materials, software, and technology covered by part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to assistance to foreign atomic energy activities); (4) Nuclear facilities, equipment, and material covered by part 110 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to export and import of nuclear equipment and material); (5) Select agents and toxins covered by part 331 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part 121 of title 9 of such Code, or part 73 of title 42 of such Code; or (6) Emerging and foundational technologies controlled pursuant to section 1758 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4817). “Interconnection arrangements” means arrangements governing the physical connection of two or more networks to allow the use of another’s network to hand off traffic where it is ultimately delivered (e.g., connection of a customer of telephone provider A to a customer of telephone company B) or sharing data and other information resources. “Reasonable inquiry” means an inquiry designed to uncover any information in the entity’s possession about the identity of the producer or provider of covered telecommunications equipment or services used by the entity that excludes the need to include an internal or third-party audit. “Roaming” means cellular communications services (e.g., voice, video, data) received from a visited network when unable to connect to the facilities of the home network either because signal coverage is too weak or because traffic is too high. “Substantial or essential component” means any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a piece of equipment, system, or service. (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. The Contractor is prohibited from providing to the Government 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, unless an exception at paragraph (c) of this clause applies or the covered telecommunication equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in FAR 4.2104. (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, unless an exception at paragraph (c) of this clause applies or the covered telecommunication equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in FAR 4.2104. 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. (c) Exceptions. This clause does not prohibit contractors from providing— (1) A service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or (2) Telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. (d) Reporting requirement. (1) In the event the Contractor identifies covered telecommunications equipment or services used as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, during contract performance, or the Contractor is notified of such by a subcontractor at any tier or by any other source, the Contractor shall report the information in paragraph (d)(2) of this clause in writing via email to the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and the Enterprise Security Operations Center (SOC) at NDAA_Incidents@hq.dhs.gov, with required information in the body of the email. In the case of the Department of Defense, the Contractor shall report to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil. For indefinite delivery contracts, the Contractor shall report to the Enterprise SOC, Contracting Officer for the indefinite delivery contract and the Contracting Officer(s) and Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) for any affected order or, in the case of the Department of Defense, identify both the indefinite delivery contract and any affected orders in the report provided at https://dibnet.dod.mil. (2) The Contractor shall report the following information pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this clause (i) Within one business day from the date of such identification or notification: the contract number; the order number(s), if applicable; supplier name; supplier unique entity identifier (if known); supplier Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code (if known); brand; model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number); item description; and any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. (ii) Within 10 business days of submitting the information in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this clause: any further available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. In addition, the Contractor shall describe the efforts it undertook to prevent use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services, and any additional efforts that will be incorporated to prevent future use or submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services. (e) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in all subcontracts and other contractual instruments, including subcontracts for the acquisition of commercial items.

As prescribed in 4.2105(c), insert the following provision: COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-REPRESENTATION (DEC 2019) (a) Definitions. As used in this provision, “covered telecommunications equipment or services” has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (b) 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”. (c) Representation. The Offeror represents that it □ does, □ 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.

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement to determine the total evaluated price. This includes options under FAR clause 5 2.217-8, Option to Extend Services, which applies to this solicitation. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed six (6) months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within three (3) days. Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers or quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement to determine the total evaluated price. This includes options under FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, which applies to this solicitation. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

The Basis for Evaluation of this Option is that the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. To account for the option periods possible under 52.217-8 (maximum of six months), Options to Extend Services, the Government will evaluate the option to extend services by adding six months of the offeror’s final option period price to the offeror’s total price. This amount will be the total evaluated price. The Government may choose to exercise the Option to Extend Services at the end of any performance period (base or option periods). Prices for the base and option periods, including the 6-month option available under FAR 52.217-8, will be evaluated to ensure that they are fair and reasonable for performance of the requirements established in the solicitation and as proposed in the technical submission. The price for the effort associated with FAR 52.217-8 will not be included in the total awarded value at contract award. If, at the end of the contract’s/order’s period of performance (the end of the base period or any option period) and within the time period established in the clause, the Government chooses to exercise this option, the pricing will be pursuant to the rates specified in the contract for the preceding performance period.

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within three (3) days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least three (3) days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension. (b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause. (c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed eighteen (18) months.

PROPOSALS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED FROM COMPANIES RESIDING OR DOING BUSINESS PRIMARILY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO. Potential offerors must meet the requirements for FAR 52.226-3, FAR 52.226-4, and FAR 52.226-5 and be operating within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which will be verified upon selection for award or otherwise will be determined ineligible for award. Local vendor determination will be based on SAM registration as defined by FAR 52.226-3(c). If the offeror does not meet representation criteria per FAR 52.226-3(c), the offeror shall furnish documentation to support its representation IAW FAR 52.226-3(c).

The contractor shall work primarily at their offices. If a particular task requires the contractor’s presence in FEMA’s field office located in Puerto Rico, it will be informed upon tasking which could be in a timely manner and/or short notice. Travel to and work at such FEMA permanent or temporary facilities as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Contracting Officer in fulfillment of the terms of the contract may be authorized.

This solicitation is set-aside for local firms. In this case "local firms" is defined as those companies residing or doing business primarily in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This local area set-aside is in accordance with FAR 26.202 and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (42 U.S.C. 5121), which states preference shall be given, to the extend feasible and practicable, to local firms when awarding emergency response contracts during a major disaster.

Disaster or Emergency Area Representation (Nov 2007) (a) Set-aside area. The area covered in this contract is: Puerto Rico (b) Representations. The offeror represents that it □ does □ does not reside or primarily do business in the designated set-aside area. (c) An offeror is considered to be residing or primarily doing business in the set-aside area if, during the last twelve months- (1) The offeror had its main operating office in the area; and (2) That office generated at least half of the offeror’s gross revenues and employed at least half of the offeror’s permanent employees. (d) If the offeror does not meet the criteria in paragraph (c) of this provision, factors to be considered in determining whether an offeror resides or primarily does business in the set-aside area include- (1) Physical location(s) of the offeror’s permanent office(s) and date any office in the set-aside area(s) was established; (2) Current state licenses; (3) Record of past work in the set-aside area(s) (e.g., how much and for how long); (4) Contractual history the offeror has had with subcontractors and/or suppliers in the set-aside area; (5) Percentage of the offeror’s gross revenues attributable to work performed in the set-aside area; (6) Number of permanent employees the offeror employs in the set-aside area; (7) Membership in local and state organizations in the set-aside area; and (8) Other evidence that establishes the offeror resides or primarily does business in the set-aside area. For example, sole proprietorships may submit utility bills and bank statements. (e) If the offeror represents it resides or primarily does business in the set-aside area, the offeror shall furnish documentation to support its representation if requested by the Contracting Officer. The solicitation may require the offeror to submit with its offer documentation to support the representation. Please include the submission of FAR Clause 52.226-3 with the quote.

Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area set-Aside (Nov 2007) (a) Set-aside area. Offers are solicited only from businesses residing or primarily doing business in Puerto Rico (all municipalities). Offers received from other businesses shall not be considered. (b) This set-aside is in addition to any small business set-aside contained in this contract.

Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022) (a) Definitions . As used in this clause— United States means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Johnston Island, Wake Island, and the outer Continental Shelf as defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331, et seq.). Worker – (1) (i) Means any person engaged in performing work on, or in connection with, a contract covered by Executive Order 14026, and– (A) Whose wages under such contract are governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act ( 29 U.S.C. chapter 8), the Service Contract Labor Standards statute ( 41 U.S.C. chapter 67), or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute ( 40 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter IV); (B) Other than individuals employed in a bona fide executive , administrative, or professional capacity, as those terms are defined in 29 CFR part 541; and (C) Regardless of the contractual relationship alleged to exist between the individual and the employer. (ii) Includes workers performing on, or in connection with, the contract whose wages are calculated pursuant to special certificates issued under 29 U.S.C. 214(c). (iii) Also includes any person working on, or in connection with, the contract and individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship or training program registered with the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, or with a State Apprenticeship Agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship. (2) (i) A worker performs on a contract if the worker directly performs the specific services called for by the contract ; and (ii) A worker performs in connection with a contract if the worker 's work activities are necessary to the performance of a contract but are not the specific services called for by the contract . (b) Executive Order Minimum wage rate. (1) The Contractor shall pay to workers, while performing in the United States , and performing on, or in connection with, this contract , a minimum hourly wage rate of $15.00 per hour beginning January 30, 2022. (2) The Contractor shall adjust the minimum wage paid, if necessary, beginning January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, to meet the applicable annual E.O. minimum wage. The Administrator of the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (the Administrator) will publish annual determinations in the Federal Register no later than 90 days before the effective date of the new E.O. minimum wage rate. The Administrator will also publish the applicable E.O. minimum wage on https://www.sam.gov (or any successor website), and a general notice on all wage determinations issued under the Service Contract Labor Standards statute or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute, that will provide information on the E.O. minimum wage and how to obtain annual updates. The applicable published E.O. minimum wage is incorporated by reference into this contract . (3) (i) The Contractor may request a price adjustment only after the effective date of the new annual E.O. minimum wage determination. Prices will be adjusted only for increased labor costs (including subcontractor labor costs) as a result of an increase in the annual E.O. minimum wage, and for associated labor costs (including those for subcontractors). Associated labor costs shall include increases or decreases that result from changes in social security and unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation insurance , but will not otherwise include any amount for general and administrative costs, overhead, or profit. (ii) Subcontractors may be entitled to adjustments due to the new minimum wage, pursuant to paragraph (b)(2). Contractors shall consider any subcontractor requests for such price adjustment. (iii) The Contracting Officer will not adjust the contract price under this clause for any costs other than those identified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this clause, and will not provide duplicate price adjustments with any price adjustment under clauses implementing the Service Contract Labor Standards statute or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute. (4) The Contractor warrants that the prices in this contract do not include allowance for any contingency to cover increased costs for which adjustment is provided under this clause. (5) A pay period under this clause may not be longer than semi-monthly, but may be shorter to comply with any applicable law or other requirement under this contract establishing a shorter pay period. Workers shall be paid no later than one pay period following the end of the regular pay period in which such wages were earned or accrued. (6) The Contractor shall pay, unconditionally to each worker , all wages due free and clear without subsequent rebate or kickback . The Contractor may make deductions that reduce a worker ’s wages below the E.O. minimum wage rate only if done in accordance with 29 CFR 23.230, Deductions. (7) The Contractor shall not discharge any part of its minimum wage obligation under this clause by furnishing fringe benefits or, with respect to workers whose wages are governed by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, the cash equivalent thereof. (8) Nothing in this clause shall excuse the Contractor from compliance with any applicable Federal or State prevailing wage law or any applicable law or municipal ordinance or any applicable contract establishing a minimum wage higher than the E.O. 14026 minimum wage. However, wage increases under such other laws or municipal ordinances are not subject to price adjustment under this subpart. (9) The Contractor shall pay the E.O. minimum wage rate whenever it is higher than any applicable collective bargaining agreement(s) wage rate. (10) The Contractor shall follow the policies and procedures in 29 CFR 23.240(b) and 23.280 for treatment of workers engaged in an occupation in which they customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. (c) (1) This clause applies to workers as defined in paragraph (a). As provided in that definition – (i) Workers are covered regardless of the contractual relationship alleged to exist between the contractor or subcontractor and the worker ; (ii) Workers with disabilities whose wages are calculated pursuant to special certificates issued under 29 U.S.C. 214(c) are covered; and (iii) Workers who are registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program or training program registered with the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, or with a State Apprenticeship Agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship, are covered. (2) This clause does not apply to– (i) Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)-covered individuals performing in connection with contracts covered by the E.O., i.e. those individuals who perform duties necessary to the performance of the contract , but who are not directly engaged in performing the specific work called for by the contract , and who spend less than 20 percent of their hours worked in a particular workweek performing in connection with such contracts; (ii) Individuals exempted from the minimum wage requirements of the FLSA under 29 U.S.C. 213(a) and 214(a) and (b), unless otherwise covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute. These individuals include but are not limited to- (A) Learners, apprentices, or messengers whose wages are calculated pursuant to special certificates issued under 29 U.S.C. 214(a) ; (B) Students whose wages are calculated pursuant to special certificates issued under 29 U.S.C. 214(b) ; and (C) Those employed in a bona fide executive , administrative, or professional capacity (29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) and 29 CFR part 541). (d) Notice. The Contractor shall notify all workers performing work on, or in connection with, this contract of the applicable E.O. minimum wage rate under this clause. With respect to workers covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute, the Contractor may meet this requirement by posting, in a prominent and accessible place at the worksite, the applicable wage determination under those statutes. With respect to workers whose wages are governed by the FLSA, the Contractor shall post notice, utilizing the poster provided by the Administrator, which can be obtained at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts, in a prominent and accessible place at the worksite. Contractors that customarily post notices to workers electronically may post the notice electronically provided the electronic posting is displayed prominently on any Web site that is maintained by the contractor , whether external or internal, and customarily used for notices to workers about terms and conditions of employment. (e) Payroll Records. (1) The Contractor shall make and maintain records, for three years after completion of the work, containing the following information for each worker : (i) Name, address, and social security number; (ii) The worker ’s occupation(s) or classification(s); (iii) The rate or rates of wages paid; (iv) The number of daily and weekly hours worked by each worker ; (v) Any deductions made ; and (vi) Total wages paid. (2) The Contractor shall make records pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this clause available for inspection and transcription by authorized representatives of the Administrator. The Contractor shall also make such records available upon request of the Contracting Officer . (3) The Contractor shall make a copy of the contract available, as applicable, for inspection or transcription by authorized representatives of the Administrator. (4) Failure to comply with this paragraph (e) shall be a violation of 29 CFR 23.260 and this contract . Upon direction of the Administrator or upon the Contracting Officer 's own action, payment shall be withheld until such time as the noncompliance is corrected. (5) Nothing in this clause limits or otherwise modifies the Contractor ’s payroll and recordkeeping obligations, if any, under the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute, the Fair Labor Standards Act, or any other applicable law. (f) Access. The Contractor shall permit authorized representatives of the Administrator to conduct investigations, including interviewing workers at the worksite during normal working hours. (g) Withholding. The Contracting Officer , upon his or her own action or upon written request of the Administrator, will withhold funds or cause funds to be withheld, from the Contractor under this or any other Federal contract with the same Contractor , sufficient to pay workers the full amount of wages required by this clause. (h) Disputes. Department of Labor has set forth in 29 CFR 23.510, Disputes concerning contractor compliance, the procedures for resolving disputes concerning a contractor ’s compliance with Department of Labor regulations at 29 CFR part 23. Such disputes shall be resolved in accordance with those procedures and not the Disputes clause of this contract . These disputes include disputes between the Contractor (or any of its subcontractors) and the contracting agency , the Department of Labor, or the workers or their representatives. (i) Antiretaliation. The Contractor shall not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any worker because such worker has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to compliance with the E.O. or this clause, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding. (j) Subcontractor compliance. The Contractor is responsible for subcontractor compliance with the requirements of this clause and may be held liable for unpaid wages due subcontractor workers. (k) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (k) in all subcontracts, regardless of dollar value, that are subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute or the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction ) statute, and are to be performed in whole or in part in the United States.

Notice to Offerors Statement of Contractor Assurance By submitting this offer, the offeror certifies that, at the time of submission, they have adequate financial resources to perform the contract; they have the capability to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule; and otherwise meet or exceed the general standards required by FAR 9.104-1. The offeror shall disclose any filings for bankruptcy, fines levied by governmental agencies, or legal proceeding against any participating organization, employees, corporate officer, or entity that might have a material effect on the proposer’s ability to implement the proposed project, as required by FAR [52.209-5 or 52.212-3(h)*], Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. Instructions for Submitting Contractor Assurance Information The offeror shall submit information supporting this certification to the CO at the time proposals are due. This submission will only be reviewed by the CO in making a determination of responsibility. This information will not be reviewed as part of a technical evaluation and will not count against page limits for technical proposals. At a minimum, offerors shall include: 1) the offeror’s delivery plans, including, but not limited to, any agreements and/or arrangements with suppliers, providing as much detail necessary to explain how the statement of work will be accomplished within this working relationship; 2) a description of the offeror’s ability to adequately meet the financial demands of the requirement, including current relationships with lending and/or financial institutions or equity sources which have demonstrated interest in providing financing for the proposed project; and 3) at the offeror’s discretion, any additional information the offeror believes supports the above certification and will assist the CO in making the determination of responsibility for the offeror and its subcontractors.

Please refer to https://www.dhs.gov/publication/current-far-deviations for additional information regarding the following FAR Class Deviations 20-07. 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (DEVIATION 20-07); 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies. (DEVIATION 20-07); 52.225-3 Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (DEVIATION 20-07); 52.225-4 Buy American—Free Trade Agreement—Israeli Trade Act Certificate (DEVIATION 20-07); 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (DEVIATION 20-07); 52.225-11 Buy American—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements (DEVIATION 20-07); and 52.225-23 Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods—Buy American Statute—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements (DEVIATION 20-07).