Last updated on December 6th, 2021 at 10:09 pm
Title 48 – Federal Acquisition Regulations System–Volume 6
CHAPTER 15 – ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
SUBCHAPTER A – GENERAL
PART 1500 [RESERVED]
PART 1501 – GENERAL
1501.000 Scope of part.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation System brings together, in title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the acquisition regulations applicable to all executive agencies of the Government. This part establishes a system of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acquisition regulations, referred to as the EPAAR, for the codification and publication of policies and procedures of EPA which implement and supplement the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Subpart 1501.1 – Purpose, Authority, Issuance
1501.101 Purpose.
This subpart establishes Chapter 15, the Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR), within Title 48, the Federal Acquisition Regulations System.
1501.104 Applicability.
The FAR (48 CFR chapter 1) and the EPAAR (48 CFR chapter 15) apply to all EPA acquisitions as defined in part 2 of the FAR, except where expressly excluded.
1501.105 Issuance.
1501.105-1 Publication and code arrangement.
The EPAAR will be published in: (a) The
1501.105-2 Arrangement of regulations.
(a) References and citations. This regulation may be referred to as the Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation or the EPAAR. References to EPAAR materials shall be made in a manner similar to that prescribed by FAR 1.105-2(c).
1501.105-3 Copies.
Copies of the EPAAR in
Subpart 1501.3 – Agency Acquisition Regulations
1501.301 Policy.
The EPAAR is prescribed by the Director, Office of Acquisition Management.
1501.370 OMB approvals under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
The information collection activities contained in the EPAAR sections listed below have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been issued OMB numbers in accordance with section 3504(h) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
| 48 CFR citation | OMB control No. |
|---|---|
| Specification, Standards and other Purchase Descriptions | |
| 1511.011-70 and 1511.011-72 | 2030-0005 |
| 1510.011-80 through 1510.011-81 | 2030-0023 |
| Contract delivery or performance 1512.104 | 2030-0023 |
| Small Purchase and Other Simplified Purchase Procedures | |
| 1513.505 through 1513.570 | 2030-0007 |
| Contract Financing | |
| 1532.170(a) | 2030-0016 |
| Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses | |
| 1552.209-71 | 2030-0023 |
| 1552.209-73 through 1552.209-74 | 2030-0023 |
| 1552.211-72 | 2030-0005 |
| 1552.210-80 | 2030-0023 |
| 1552.212-71 | 2030-0023 |
| 1552.215-72 through 1552.215-76 | 2030-0006 |
| 1552.227-76 | 2030-0023 |
Subpart 1501.4 – Deviations
1501.401 Definition.
A deviation to the EPAAR is defined in the same manner as a deviation to the FAR (see FAR 1.401).
1501.403 Individual deviations.
Requests for individual deviations from the FAR and the EPAAR shall be submitted to the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for approval. Requests submitted shall cite the specific part of the FAR or EPAAR from which it is desired to deviate, shall set forth the nature of the deviation(s), and shall give the reasons for the action requested.
1501.404 Class deviations.
Requests for class deviations to the FAR and the EPAAR shall be submitted to the HCA for processing in accordance with FAR 1.404 and this section. Requests shall include the same type of information prescribed in 1501.403 for individual deviations.
Subpart 1501.6 – Contracting Authority and Responsibilities
(a) Applicability. The provisions of this section apply to all unauthorized commitments, whether oral or written and without regard to dollar value. Examples of unauthorized commitments are;
(1) Ordering supplies or services by an individual without contracting authority;
(2) Unauthorized direction of work through assignment of orders or tasks;
(3) Unauthorized addition of new work;
(4) Unauthorized direction of contractors to subcontract with particular firms; or
(5) Any other unauthorized direction which changed the terms and conditions of the contract.
(b)(1) Ratification Approval. The Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) as defined in 1502.100 is the ratifying official for all ratification actions $25,000 and above.
(2) The Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) as defined in 1502.100 is delegated authority to be the ratifying official for all ratification actions below $25,000.
(3) The CCOs defined in 1502.100 for purposes of ratification authority only must meet the following criteria:
(i) Must possess a contracting officer’s warrant and be in the 1102 job series;
(ii) Are prohibited from re-delegating their ratification authority;
(iii) Are prohibited from approving a ratification if he/she acted as a contracting officer in preparing the determination and findings required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section; and
(iv) Must abide by the other limitations on ratification of unauthorized commitments set forth in FAR 1.602-3(c) and the EPAAR.
(2) The CCOs defined in 1502.100 for purposes of ratification authority only must meet the following criteria:
(i) Must possess a contracting officer’s warrant and be in the 1102 job series;
(ii) Are prohibited from re-delegating their ratification authority;
(iii) Must submit copies of ratification actions to the cognizant Office of Acquisition Management Division Director at Headquarters; and
(iv) As with other ratifying officials, must abide by the other limitations on ratification of unauthorized commitments set forth in FAR 1.602-3(c) and the EPAAR.
(c) Procedures. (1) The program office shall notify the cognizant contracting office by memorandum of the circumstances surrounding an unauthorized commitment. The notification shall include:
(i) All relevant documents and records;
(ii) Documentation of the necessity for the work and benefit derived by the Government;
(iii) A statement of the delivery status of the supplies or services associated with the unauthorized commitment;
(iv) A list of the procurement sources solicited (if any) and the rationale for the source selected;
(v) If only one source was solicited, a justification for other than full and open competition (JOFOC) as required by FAR 6.302, FAR 6.303, and 1506.303, or for simplified acquisition procedures exceeding the competition threshold in FAR 13.106, a sole source justification as required by 1513.170;
(vi) A statement of steps taken or proposed to prevent reoccurrence of any unauthorized commitment.
(2) The Division Director (or equivalent) of the responsible office shall approve the memorandum. If expenditure of funds is involved, the program office shall include a Procurement Request/Order, EPA Form 1900-8, with funding sufficient to cover the action. The appropriation data cited on the 1900-8 shall be valid for the period in which the unauthorized commitment was made.
(3) Upon receiving the notification, the Contracting Officer shall prepare a determination and findings regarding ratification of the unauthorized commitment for the ratifying official. The determination and findings shall include sufficient detail to support the recommended action. If ratification of the unauthorized commitment is recommended, the determination and findings shall include a determination that the price is fair and reasonable. To document the determination, additional information may be required from the Contractor. Concurrence by the Office of General Counsel is not mandatory, but shall be sought in difficult or unusual cases.
(4) The ratifying official may inform the Inspector General (IG) of the action by memorandum through the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA). For ratification actions exceeding the small purchase limitation, the ratifying official shall submit a memorandum to the Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management through the HCA for transmittal to the Assistant, Associate, or Regional Administrator (or equivalent level) of the person responsible for the unauthorized commitment. This memorandum should contain a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized commitment, recommend corrective action, and include a copy of any memorandum sent to the IG. Submission of a memorandum to the appropriate Assistant, Associate, or Regional Administrator for unauthorized commitments at or below the small purchase limitation is optional and may be accomplished at the discretion of the ratifying official.
(d) Paid Advertisements. (1) EPA is generally not authorized to ratify improperly ordered paid advertisements. The ratifying official, however, may determine payment is proper subject to the limitations in FAR 1.602-3(c) if the individual responsible for the unauthorized commitment acted in good faith to comply with Agency acquisition policies and procedures.
(2) The paying office shall forward invoice claims received in its office for improper paid advertisements to the cognizant ratifying official for a determination regarding ratification of the action.
(3) If the ratifying official determines that an unauthorized commitment cannot be ratified by the Agency, the ratifying official shall instruct the submitter to present its claim to the General Accounting Office in accordance with the instructions contained in 4 CFR part 31, Claims Against the United States, General Procedures.
(e) Payment of Properly Ratified Claims. After the unauthorized commitment is ratified, the Contractor must submit an invoice (or resubmit an invoice if one was previously submitted) citing the appropriate contract or purchase order number.
1501.603 Selection, appointment, and termination of appointment.
1501.603-1 General.
EPA Contracting Officers shall be selected and appointed and their appointments terminated in accordance with the Contracting Officer warrant program specified in EPA Acquisition Guide (EPAAG) subsection 1.6.4.
PART 1502 – DEFINITION OF WORDS AND TERMS
Subpart 1502.1 – Definitions
1502.100 Definitions.
Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) means the Office of Acquisition Management Division Directors at Headquarters, Research Triangle Park and Cincinnati. For purposes of ratification authority only, CCO also includes Regional Acquisition Managers. (See 1501.602-3(b)(3) for the criteria for this ratification authority).
Commercial supplier agreements (CSAs) mean terms and conditions customarily offered to the public by vendors of supplies or services that meet the definition of “commercial item” set forth in FAR 2.101 and intended to create a binding legal obligation on the end user. CSAs are common in information technology acquisitions, including acquisitions of commercial computer software and commercial technical data, and they may apply to any supply or service. CSAs may apply regardless of the format or style of the document (for example, a CSA may be styled as standard terms of sale or lease, Terms of Service (TOS), End User License Agreement (EULA), or another similar legal instrument or agreement, and may be presented as part of a proposal or quotation responding to a solicitation for a contract or order). CSAs may also apply regardless of the media or delivery mechanism used (for example, a CSA may be presented as one or more paper documents, or may appear on a computer or other electronic device screen during a purchase, software installation, product delivery, registration for a service, or other transaction).
Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) means the Director, Office of Acquisition Management.
Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) means the Director, Office of Acquisition Management.
PART 1503 – IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
1503.000 Scope of part.
This part implements FAR part 3, cites EPA regulations on employee responsibilities and conduct, establishes responsibility for reporting violations and related actions, and provides for authorization of exceptions to policy.
Subpart 1503.1 – Safeguards
1503.101-370 Financial conflicts of interest and loss of impartiality.
(a) Each EPA employee (including special government employees as defined by 18 U.S.C. 202 and 1503.600-71(b)) engaged in source evaluation and selection is required to abide by and be familiar with the conflict of interest statutes codified in Title 18 of the United States Code, as well as the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, 5 CFR part 2635.
(b) Pursuant to the financial conflict of interest statute, 18 U.S.C. 208 and 5 CFR part 2635, subparts D and E, each employee must abide by ethics requirements regarding financial conflict of interest and impartiality in performing official duties. The employee shall inform his or her Deputy Ethics Official and the Source Selection Authority (SSA) in writing if his/her participation in the source evaluation and selection process may raise possible or apparent conflict of interest or impartiality concerns. The employee must cease work on the source evaluation and selection process until the appropriate ethics official makes a determination. Please note that only the Office of General Counsel can direct employees to divest of financial interests or to recommend any waivers of the financial conflict of interest standards.
1503.104-4 Disclosure, protection, and marking of contractor bid or proposal information and source selection information.
(a)(1) The Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) is the designated official to make the decision whether support contractors are used in proposal evaluation (as authorized at FAR 15.305(c) and restricted at FAR 37.203(d)).
(2) The following written certification and agreement shall be obtained from non-Government evaluator prior to the release of any proposal to that evaluator:
1. I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, no conflict of interest exists that may diminish my capacity to perform an impartial, technically sound, objective review of this proposal(s) or otherwise result in a biased opinion or unfair competitive advantage.
2. I agree to use any proposal information only for evaluation purposes. I agree not to copy any information from the proposal(s), to use my best effort to safeguard such information physically, and not to disclose the contents of nor release any information relating to the proposal(s) to anyone outside of the evaluation team assembled for this acquisition or individuals designated by the Contracting Officer.
3. I agree to return to the Government all copies of proposals, as well as any abstracts, upon completion of the evaluation.
(b) Information contained in proposals will be protected and disclosed to the extent permitted by law, and in accordance with FAR 3.104-4, 15.207, and Agency procedures at 40 CFR part 2.
Subpart 1503.6 – Contracts With Government Employees or Organizations Owned or Controlled by Them
1503.600-70 Scope of subpart.
This subpart implements and supplements FAR subpart 3.6 and sets forth EPA policy and procedures for identifying and dealing with conflicts of interest and improper influence or favoritism in connection with contracts involving current or former EPA employees. This subpart does not apply to agreements with other departments or agencies of the Federal Government, nor to contracts awarded to State or local units of Government.
1503.600-71 Definitions.
(a) Employee means an EPA officer and an individual who is appointed in the civil service and engaged in the performance of a Federal function under authority of law or an Executive act. See 5 U.S.C. 2105.
(b) Special government employee means an officer or employee of EPA who is retained, designated, appointed or employed to perform, with or without compensation, for not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days, temporary duties either on a full-time or intermittent basis. See 18 U.S.C. 202.
1503.601 Policy.
(a) No contract may be awarded without competition to a former employee or special government employee (or to a business concern or other organization owned or substantially owned or controlled by a former employee) whose employment terminated within 365 calendar days before submission of a proposal to EPA.
(b) No contract shall be awarded without competition to a firm which employs, or proposes to employ, a current employee or special government employee, or a former EPA employee or special government employee, whose employment terminated within 365 calendar days before submission of a proposal to EPA, if either of the following conditions exists:
(1) The current or former EPA employee or special government employee is or was involved in development or negotiating the proposal for the prospective contractor; or
(2) The current or former EPA employee or special government employee will be involved directly or indirectly in the management, administration, or performance of the contract.
1503.602 Exceptions.
The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Administration and Resources Management may authorize an exception, in writing, to the policy in FAR 3.601 and 1503.601 for the reasons stated in FAR 3.602, if the exception would not involve a violation of 18 U.S.C. 203, 18 U.S.C. 205, 18 U.S.C. 207, 18 U.S.C. 208, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch at 5 CFR part 2635, or the EPA supplemental regulations at 5 CFR part 6401. The Assistant Administrator shall consult with the Designated Agency Ethics Official before authorizing any exceptions.
1503.670 Disclosure provision.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the provision at 1552.203-70, Current/Former Agency Employee Involvement Certification, in all solicitations for sole-source acquisitions.
Subpart 1503.9 – Whistleblower Protections for Contractor Employees
1503.905 Procedures for investigating complaints.
The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Administration and Resources Management is designated as the recipient of the written report of findings by the Inspector General. The Assistant Administrator shall ensure that the report of findings is disseminated in accordance with FAR 3.905(c).
Subpart 1503.10 – Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
1503.1002 Policy.
Government contractors must conduct themselves with the highest degree of integrity and honesty. Contractors should have standards of conduct and internal control systems that:
(a) Are suitable to the size of the company and the extent of their involvement in Government contracting;
(b) Promote such standards;
(c) Facilitate timely discovery and disclosure of improper conduct in connection with Government contracts; and
(d) Ensure corrective measures are promptly instituted and carried out.
1503.1003 Requirements.
(a) A contractor’s system of management controls should provide for:
(1) A written code of business ethics and conduct and an ethics training program for all employees;
(2) Periodic reviews of company business practices, procedures, policies and internal controls for compliance with standards of conduct and the special requirements of Government contracting;
(3) A mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of improper conduct, and instructions that encourage employees to make such reports;
(4) Internal and/or external audits, as appropriate;
(5) Disciplinary action for improper conduct;
(6) Timely reporting to appropriate Government officials of any suspected or possible violation of law in connection with Government contracts or any other irregularities in connection with such contracts; and
(7) Full cooperation with any Government agencies responsible for either investigation or corrective actions.
(b) Contractors who are awarded an EPA contract of $1 million or more must display EPA Office of Inspector General Hotline Posters unless the contractor has established an internal reporting mechanism and program as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
1503.1004 Contract clause.
As required by EPAAR 1503.1003(b), the contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1552.203-71, Display of EPA Office of Inspector General Hotline Poster, in all contracts valued at $1,000,000 or more, including all contract options.
1503.1070 Scientific integrity.
The EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy is based on a Presidential Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, Subject Line: Scientific Integrity, Dated: March 9, 2009. The memorandum directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to work with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and agencies to develop policies to ensure all scientific work developed and used by the Government is done with scientific integrity. OSTP issued further guidance in the Scientific Integrity memorandum dated December 17, 2010. This section and clause complement the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy.
1503.1071 Contract clause.
Contracting Officers, with advisement from the program office, must insert the contract clause at 1552.203-72 – Scientific Integrity, in solicitations and contracts when the Contractor may be required to perform, communicate, or supervise scientific activities, or use scientific information to perform advisory and assistance services. Examples of such scientific activities include, but are not limited to, computer modeling, economic analysis, field sampling, laboratory experimentation, demonstrating new technology, statistical analysis, and writing a review article on a scientific issue.
PART 1504 – ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Subpart 1504.6 – Contract Reporting
1504.670 [Reserved]
Subpart 1504.8 – Contract Files
1504.804 Closeout of contract files.
1504.804-5 Detailed procedures for closing out contract files.
In addition to those procedures set forth in FAR 4.804-5, the contracting office shall, before final payment is made under a cost reimbursement type contract, verify the allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs claimed. Verification of total costs incurred should be obtained from the Office of Audit through the Financial Analysis and Oversight Service Center in the form of a final audit report. Similar verification of actual costs shall be made for other contracts when cost incentives, price redeterminations, or cost-reimbursement elements are involved. Termination settlement proposals shall be submitted to the Financial Analysis and Oversight Service Center for review by the Office of Audit as prescribed by FAR 49.107. All such audits will be coordinated through the cost advisory group in the contracting office. Exceptions to these procedures are the quick close-out procedures as described in FAR 42.708 and EPA Acquisition Guide (EPAAG) subsection 4.8.1.
SUBCHAPTER B – ACQUISITION PLANNING
PART 1505 – PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS
1505.000 Scope of part.
This part provides instructions on publicizing contract opportunities and response time, instructions on information to include in the synopses of proposed contracts, instructions on publicizing orders under GSA schedule contracts, policy references relative to release of information, and procedures for obtaining information on previous Government contracts.
Subpart 1505.2 – Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions
1505.202 Exceptions.
The Contracting Officer need not submit the notice required by FAR 5.201 when the Contracting Officer determines in writing that the contract is for the services of experts for use in preparing or prosecuting a civil or criminal action under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
1505.203 Publicizing and response time.
(a) The Contracting Officer may, at his/her discretion under certain circumstances, elect to transmit a synopsis to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) of a proposed contract action that falls within an exception to the synopsis requirement in FAR 5.202(a). For those contract actions, the Contracting Officer may provide for a lesser time period than the 15 days required by FAR 5.203(a) and the 30 days required by FAR 5.203 (c) or (d), and the 45 days required by FAR 5.203(e). The Contracting Officer must identify the basis for the lesser time periods for response in the synopsis.
(b) The authority for paragraph (a) does not extend to the synopsis of contract actions falling within the exception in FAR 5.202(a)(7), if to do so would disclose the originality of thought or innovativeness of the proposed research.
1505.271 [Reserved]
Subpart 1505.5 – Paid Advertisement [Reserved]
PART 1506 – COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
1506.000 Scope of part.
This part implements FAR part 6. It prescribes the Environmental Protection Agency policies and procedures in obtaining full and open competition in the acquisition process.
Subpart 1506.2 – Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources [Reserved]
Subpart 1506.3 – Other Than Full and Open Competition
1506.302-5 Authorized or required by statute.
(a) Authority. Section 109(e) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) is cited as authority.
(b) Application. (1) The contracting officer may use other than full and open competition to acquire the services of experts for use in preparing or prosecuting a civil or criminal action under SARA whether or not the expert is expected to testify at trial. The contracting officer need not provide any written justification (e.g., under FAR 6.303, 8.405-6, or 13.501) for the use of other than full and open competitive procedures when acquiring expert services under the authority of section 109(e) of SARA. The contracting officer shall document the official contract file when using this authority.
(2) The contracting officer shall give notice to the Agency’s Competition Advocate whenever a contract award is made using other than full and open competitition under this authority. The notice shall contain a copy of the contract and the summary of negotiations.
1506.303-2 Content.
The documentation requirements in this section apply only to acquisitions processed using other than small purchase procedures. (Refer to 1513.170 for documentation for small purchase acquisitions).
(a) The initiating office shall prepare a written justification for other than full and open competition (JOFOC) that documents the facts and circumstances substantiating the infeasibility of full and open competition for each recommended limited sources or sole source acquisition when required by FAR 6.302.
(b) The recommendation shall be entitled “Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition” and shall be signed at the programmatic Division Director or comparable office level prior to submission with the procurement request. The JOFOC shall contain the information prescribed in FAR 6.303-2 (a) and (b).
(c) If unusual and compelling urgency (see FAR 6.303-2) is a basis for the JOFOC, then the following applies. Explain the circumstances that led to the need for an urgent contractual action. Explain why the requirement could not have been processed in sufficient time to permit full and open competition. It should be noted that the existence of legislation, court order, or Presidential mandate is not, of itself, a sufficient basis for a JOFOC. However, the circumstances necessitating legislation, court order, or Presidential mandate may justify contractual action on an other than full and open competition basis.
(d) If the proposed acquisition has been synopsized in accordance with the applicable requirements in FAR subpart 5.2, the Contracting Officer must incorporate the evaluation of responses to the synopsis in the JOFOC. (See 1506.371(d) for contents of the evaluation document).
PART 1508 – REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLY
.
Subpart 1508.8 – Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies
1508.870 Contract clause.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.208-70, Printing, in all contracts which require printing, duplication, binding, reproduction, and related services and are subject to the provisions of the Government Printing and Binding Regulations published by the Joint Committee on Printing, Congress of the United States.
PART 1509 – CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
1509.000 Scope of part.
This part implements FAR part 9 and provides policy and procedures pertaining to contractor’s responsibility; debarment, suspension, and ineligibility; and organizational conflicts of interest.
Subpart 1509.4 – Debarment, Suspension and Ineligibility
1509.403 Definitions.
The “Debarring Official” and the “Suspending Official” as defined in FAR 9.403 is a designated individual located in the Office of Grants and Debarment. This Agency official is authorized to make the determinations and provide the notifications required under FAR subpart 9.4 or this subpart, except for the determinations required by FAR 9.405-1(a) which are to be made by the Head of the Contracting Activity. All compelling reason determinations to be made by the Debarring or Suspending Official under FAR subpart 9.4 or this subpart will be made only after coordination and consultation with the Head of the Contracting Activity. See also 2 CFR part 1532.
1509.406 Debarment.
1509.406-3 Procedures.
(a) Investigation and referral – (1) Contracting officer responsibility. (i) When contracting personnel discover information which indicates that a cause for debarment may exist, they shall promptly report such information to the cognizant Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO). Purchasing agents in simplified acquisition activities which do not come under the direct cognizance of a CCO shall report such information by memorandum, through their immediate supervisor, and addressed to the cognizant CCO responsible for their office’s contract acquisitions.
(ii) Contracting officers shall review “The List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs” to ensure that the Agency does not solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with listed contractors.
(2) Chief of the Contracting Office responsibility. When the Chief of the Contracting Office determines that sufficient information is available to indicate that a cause for debarment may exist, such information shall be promptly reported by memorandum to the HCA. The memorandum provides the Chief of the Contracting Office’s assessment of the information, any investigative report or audit, and any additional information he/she has discovered.
(3) HCA responsibility. Upon receipt of a report of a suspected debarment situation, the HCA shall take the following actions:
(i) Notify the Director, Suspension and Debarment Division, that investigation of a potential debarment has been initiated.
(ii) Review the reported information.
(iii) Investigate as necessary to verify or develop additional information.
(iv) Refer the matter through the Suspension and Debarment Division to the Debarring Official for consideration of debarment; request that the Suspension and Debarment Division evaluate the information and, if appropriate, refer the matter to the Debarring Official for consideration of debarment; or recommend to the Suspension and Debarment Division that the matter be closed without further action because the facts do not warrant debarment.
(v) Obtain legal counsel’s opinion on referrals or recommendations made to the Debarring Official.
(vi) Notify EPA Contracting Officers of those Contractors who are ineligible for solicitation, award, or subcontracting but who do not appear on the GSA Consolidated List; e.g., those who are ineligible based on a settlement reached by the Debarring Official under which the Contractor has agreed to voluntarily exclude itself from participation in Government contracting/subcontracting for a specified period or because of a Notice of Proposal to Debar.
(4) Any official. When information is discovered which may indicate potential criminal or civil fraud activity, such information must be referred promptly to the EPA Office of Inspector General.
(5) Debarring Official’s responsibility. The Debarring Official shall:
(i) Review referrals from the HCA together with the HCA’s recommendations, if any, and determine whether further consideration by the Debarring Official is warranted and take such actions as are required by FAR subpart 9.4;
(ii) Obtain the HCA’s recommendation prior to reaching a voluntary exclusion settlement with a Contractor in lieu of debarment;
(iii) Promptly notify the HCA of Contractors with whom a settlement in lieu of debarment has been reached under which the Contractor voluntarily excludes itself from or restricts its participation in Government contracting/subcontracting for a specified period; and of Contractors who have received a Notice of Proposal to Debar.
(b) [Reserved]
1509.407 Suspension.
1509.407-3 Procedures.
The procedures prescribed in 1509.406-3(a) shall be followed under conditions which appear to warrant suspension of a Contractor.
Subpart 1509.5 – Organizational Conflicts of Interests
1509.500 Scope of subpart.
This subpart establishes EPA policy and procedures for identifying, evaluating, and resolving organizational conflicts of interest. EPA’s policy is to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate organizational conflicts of interest. If EPA is unable to neutralize or mitigate the effects of a potential conflict of interest, EPA will disqualify the prospective contractor or will terminate the contract when potential or actual conflicts are identified after award.
1509.502 Applicability.
This subpart applies to all EPA contracts except agreements with other Federal agencies. However, this subpart applies to contracts with the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the 8(a) program.
1509.503 Waiver.
The Head of the Contracting Activity may waive any general rule or procedure of this subpart by determining that its application in a particular situation would not be in the Government’s interest. Any request for waiver must be in accordance with FAR 9.503. The Assistant General Counsel for Contracts and Information Law shall be consulted on such waiver requests.
1509.505-4 Obtaining access to proprietary information.
Contractors gaining access to confidential business information of other companies in performing advisory services for EPA shall comply with the special requirements of 40 CFR part 2 and the provisions of their contracts relating to the treatment of confidential business information.
1509.505-70 Information sources.
(a) Disclosure. Prospective EPA Contractors responding to solicitations or submitting unsolicited proposals shall provide information to the Contracting Officer for use in identifying, evaluating, or resolving potential organizational conflicts of interest. The submittal may be a certification or a disclosure, pursuant to paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section.
(1) If the prospective contractor is not aware of any information bearing on the existence of any organizational conflict of interest, it may so certify.
(2) Prospective contractors not certifying in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section must provide a disclosure statement which describes concisely all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or planned interests relating to the work to be performed and bearing on whether they, including their chief executives, directors, or any proposed consultant or subcontractor, may have a potential organizational conflict of interest.
(b) Failure to disclose information. Any prospective contractor failing to provide full disclosure, certification, or other required information will not be eligible for award. Nondisclosure or misrepresentation of any relevant information may also result in disqualification from award, termination of the contract for default, or debarment from Government contracts, as well as other legal action or prosecution. In response to solicitations, EPA will consider any inadvertent failure to provide disclosure certification as a “minor informality” (as explained in FAR 14.405); however, the prospective contractor must correct the omission promptly.
(c) Exception. Where the Contractor has previously submitted a conflict of interest certification or disclosure for a contract, only an update of such statement is required when the contract is modified.
1509.507-1 Solicitation provisions.
(a) Advance notice of limitations. The Contracting Officer shall alert prospective contractors by placing a notice in the solicitation whenever a particular acquisition might create an organizational conflict of interest. The notice will:
(1) Include the information prescribed in FAR 9.507-1;
(2) Refer prospective contractors to this subpart; and
(3) Require proposers to disclose relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interests relating to the work described in the solicitation.
(b) Required solicitation provision. The Contracting Officer shall include the provisions at 1552.209-70 and 1552.209-72 in all solicitations, except where the following applies:
(1) An Organizational Conflict of Interest provision is drafted for a particular acquisition (see Section 1509.507-1(a));
(2) When the procurement is with another Federal agency (however, the provision is included in solicitations issued under the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) program); and
(3) When the procurement is accomplished through simplified acquisition procedures, use of the provision is optional.
1509.507-2 Contract clause.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall include the clause at 1552.209-71, in all Superfund contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold and, as appropriate, in simplified acquisitions for Superfund work. Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (e).
(b) The Contracting Officer shall include the clause at 1552.209-73, in all solicitations and contracts for Superfund work in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold and, as appropriate, in simplified acquisitions for Superfund work. Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (d).
(c) The Contracting Officer shall include the clause at 1552.209-74 or its alternates in the following solicitations and contracts for Superfund work in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold and, as appropriate, in simplified acquisitions procedures for Superfund work. The Contracting Officer shall include the clause at 1552.209-74 in all Response Action Contract (RAC) solicitations and contracts, except Site Specific solicitations and contracts. The term “RAC” in the Limitation of Future Contracting clauses includes not only RAC solicitations and contracts but other long term response action solicitations and contracts that provide professional architect/engineer, technical, and management services to EPA to support remedial response, enforcement oversight and non-time critical removal activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act of 1986; and the Robert T. Stafford Natural Disaster Act pursuant to the Federal Response Plan and other laws to help address and/or mitigate endangerment to the public health, welfare or environment during emergencies and natural disasters, and to support States and communities in preparing for the responses to releases of hazardous substances.
(1) Alternate I shall be used in all Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) solicitations and contracts, except site specific solicitations and contracts. The term “ERRS” in the Limitation of Future Contracting clauses includes not only ERRS solicitations and contracts but other emergency response type solicitations and contracts that provide fast responsive environmental cleanup services for hazardous substances/wastes/contaminants/material and petroleum products/oil. Environmental cleanup response to natural disasters and terrorist activities may also be required. ERRS pilot scale studies are included in the term “treatability studies.”
(2) Alternate II shall be used in all Superfund Technical Assistance and Removal Team (START) solicitations and contracts. The term “START” in the Limitation of Future Contracting clauses include not only START solicitations and contracts but other site removal and technical support solicitations and contracts that include activities related to technical analyses in determining the nature and extent of contamination at a site and making recommendations regarding response technologies.
(3) Alternate III shall be used in all Environmental Services Assistance Team (ESAT) solicitations and contracts.
(4) Alternate IV shall be used in all Enforcement Support Services (ESS) solicitations and contracts. The term “ESS” in the Limitation of Future Contracting clauses not only includes ESS solicitation and contracts but other enforcement support type solicitations and contracts that involve removal actions, mandatory notices to Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), penalty assessments, public comment periods, negotiations with PRPs, and statutes of limitations for pursuing cost recovery. The enforcement support services required under the contract may be conducted to support EPA enforcement actions under any environmental statute.
(5) Alternate V shall be used in all Superfund Headquarters Support solicitations and contracts. The Contracting Officer is authorized to modify paragraph (c) of Alternate V to reflect any unique limitations applicable to the program requirements.
(6) Alternate VI shall be used in all Site Specific solicitations and contracts.
(d) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.209-75 in Superfund solicitations and contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, where the solicitation or contract does not include (EPAAR) 48 CFR 1552.211-74, Work Assignments, Alternate I, or a similar clause requiring conflict of interest certifications during contract performance. This clause requires an annual conflict of interest certification from contractors when the contract does not require the submission of other conflict of interest certifications during contract performance. Contracts requiring annual certifications include: Site Specific contracts, the Contract Laboratory Program (CLP), and the Sample Management Office (SMO) contracts. The annual certification requires a contractor to certify that all organizational conflicts of interest have been reported, and that its personnel performing work under EPA contracts or relating to EPA contracts have been informed of their obligation to report personal and organizational conflicts of interest to the Contractor. The annual certification shall cover the one-year period from the date of contract award for the initial certification, and a one-year period starting from the previous certification for subsequent certifications. The certification must be received by the Contracting Officer no later than 45 days after the close of the certification period covered.
PART 1511 – DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS
1511.000 Scope of part.
This part implements FAR part 11 and provides policy and procedures for describing Agency needs.
1511.011 Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses.
1511.011-70 Reports of work.
Contracting officers shall insert one of the contract clauses at 1552.211-70 when the contract requires the delivery of reports, including plans, evaluations, studies, analyses and manuals. The basic clause should be used when reports are specified in a contract attachment. Alternate I is used to specify reports in the contract schedule.
1511.011-71 [Reserved]
1511.011-72 Monthly progress report.
Contracting Officers shall insert a contract clause substantially the same as the clause at 1552.211-72 when monthly progress reports are required.
1511.011-73 Level of effort.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.211-73, Level of Effort – Cost Reimbursement Contract, in cost-reimbursement contracts including cost contracts without fee, cost-sharing contracts, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contracts, cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts (CPIF), and cost-plus-award-fee contracts (CPAF).
1511.011-74 Work assignments.
(a) Policy. When issuing work assignments, the independent government cost estimate shall not be released to the contractor. In most cases the Contracting Officer (CO) should authorize the contractor to expend only the estimated labor hours necessary to develop the work plan and to initiate preliminary tasks which must be performed before work plan approval can be made. However, in cases where the uncertainties involved in the effort are of such a magnitude that there is no reasonable expectation that the contractor can estimate the level of effort required by the tasks, objectives, or outcomes of the requirement, the CO may provide a ceiling level of effort for the entire work assignment at the time of its issuance. In such cases, the specific uncertainties precluding reasonable estimation of the required level of effort on the contractor’s part must be documented in the contract file.
(b) Contract Clause. The CO shall insert the contract clause at 1552.211.74, Work Assignments, in cost-reimbursement contracts when work assignments are used.
(1) For Superfund contracts, except for contracts which require annual conflict of interest certificates (e.g., Site-Specific contracts, the Contract Laboratory Program (CLP), Sample Management Office (SMO) contracts), the CO shall use the clause with either Alternate I or Alternate II. Alternate I shall be used for contractors who have at least three (3) years of records that may be searched for certification purposes. Alternate II shall be used for contractors who do not have at least three (3) years of records that may be searched.
(2) For non-Superfund contracts, the CO shall use the clause with either Alternate III or Alternate IV. Alternate III shall be used for contractors who have at least three (3) years of records that may be searched for certification purposes. Alternate IV shall be used for contractors who do not have at least three (3) years of records that may be searched.
1511.011-75 Working files.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.211-75 in all applicable EPA contracts where accurate working files on all work documentation is required in the performance of the contract.
1511.011-76 Legal analysis.
Contracting Officers shall insert the clause at 1552.211-76 when it is determined that the contract involves legal analysis.
1511.011-77 Final reports.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.211-77 when a contract requires both a draft and a final report.
1511.011-78 Advisory and assistance services.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.211-78 in all contracts for advisory and assistance services.
1511.011-79 Information resources management.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.211-79, Compliance with EPA Policies for Information Resource Management, in all solicitations and contracts.
PART 1512 – ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS
Subpart 1512.1 – Special Requirements for the Acquisition of Commercial Items
EPA deviates from FAR 52.212-4 by using the term Commercial Supplier Agreements (defined in 1502.100) for commercial contracts instead of supplier license agreements. Paragraph (u) of clause 1552.332-39 (FAR DEVIATION) prevents violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341) for the acquisition of supplies or services subject to a Commercial Supplier Agreement.
1512.1070 Contract clause.
EPA deviates from FAR 52.212-4 by revising paragraphs (s) and (u) and adding paragraph (w). Contracting officers shall use clause 1552.332-39, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (FAR DEVIATION), for acquisitions of commercial items in lieu of 52.212-4 or 52.212-4 Alternate I. The contracting officer may tailor this clause in accordance with FAR 12.302.
SUBCHAPTER C – CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES
PART 1513 – SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
1513.000 Scope of part.
This part prescribes EPA policies and procedures for the acquisition of supplies, nonpersonal services, and construction from commercial sources, the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
Subpart 1513.1 – General
1513.170 Competition exceptions and justification for sole source simplified acquisition procedures.
1513.170-1 Contents of sole source justifications.
The program office submitting the procurement request must submit, as a separate attachment, a brief written statement in support of sole source acquisitions exceeding the micro-purchase threshold. The statement must cite one or more of the circumstances in FAR 6.302 and the necessary facts to support each circumstance. Although program offices may not cite the authority in FAR 6.302-7, the public interest may be used as a basis to support a sole source acquisition. If the acquisition has been synopsized as a notice of proposed sole source acquisition, the statement must include the results of the evaluation of responses to the synopsis.
Subpart 1513.4 – Imprest Fund [Reserved]
Subpart 1513.5 – Purchase Orders
Contracting Officers may use the EPA Form 1900-8, Procurement Request/Order, in lieu of Optional Forms 347 and 348 for individual purchases prepared in accordance with the instructions printed on the reverse thereof (see 1553.213-70).
1513.507 Contract clauses.
(a)(i) It is the general policy of the Environmental Protection Agency that contractor or vendor prescribed leases or maintenance agreements for equipment shall not be executed.
(ii) The contracting officer shall, where appropriate, insert the clause at 1552.213-70, Notice to Suppliers of Equipment, in orders for purchases or leases of automatic data processing equipment, word processing, and similar types of commercially available equipment for which vendors, as a matter of routine commercial practice, have developed their own leases and/or customer service maintenance agreements.
(b) Where the supplies or services are offered under a Commercial Supplier Agreement (as defined in 1502.100), the purchase order or modification shall incorporate clause 1552.332-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (FAR DEVIATION), in lieu of nondeviated clause 52.232-39, and clause 1552.232-75, Commercial Supplier Agreements-Unenforceable Clauses.
Subpart 1513.6 – Actions at or Below the Micro-Purchase Threshold
PART 1514 – SEALED BIDDING
Subpart 1514.2 – Solicitation of Bids
1514.201 Preparation of invitations for bids.
1514.201-6 Solicitation provisions.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the solicitation provision at 1552.214-71, Contract Award-Other Factors-Sealed Bidding, in invitations for bids when it is appropriate to describe other factors that will be used in evaluating bids for award.
1514.201-7 Contract clauses.
The CCO is authorized to waive the inclusion of the clauses at FAR 52.214-27 and 52.214-28, in accordance with FAR 14.201-7.
1514.205 Solicitation mailing lists.
When a solicitation and all amendments are posted on the Internet with a synopsis providing information as to how to access the solicitation and all amendments, the CO will need to maintain a mailing list of only those individuals requesting paper copies from the contract service center/branch. When possible, the CO should also build an electronic “mailing list” of companies downloading the solicitation from the Internet.
Subpart 1514.4 – Opening of Bids and Award of Contract
1514.404 Rejection of bids.
1514.406 Mistakes in bids.
PART 1515 – CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION
1515.000 Scope of part.
This part implements and supplements FAR part 15. It prescribes the Environmental Protection Agency policies and procedures for contracting for supplies and services by negotiation.
Subpart 1515.2 – Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information
1515.209 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1552.215-75, Past Performance Information, or a clause substantially the same as 1552.215-75, in all competitively negotiated acquisitions with an estimated value in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold.
Subpart 1515.4 – Contract Pricing
1515.404-4 Profit.
This section implements FAR 15.404-4 and prescribes the EPA structured approach for establishing profit or fee prenegotiation objectives.
1515.404-470 Policy.
(a) The Agency’s policy is to utilize profit to attract contractors who possess talents and skills necessary to the accomplishment of the objectives of the Agency, and to stimulate efficient contract performance. In negotiating profit/fee, it is necessary that all relevant factors be considered, and that fair and reasonable amounts be negotiated which give the contractor a profit objective commensurate with the nature of the work to be performed, the contractor’s input to the total performance, and the risks assumed by the contractor.
(b) The purpose of EPA’s structured approach is:
(1) To provide a standard method of evaluation;
(2) To ensure consideration of all relevant factors;
(3) To provide a basis for documentation and explanation of the profit or fee negotiation objective; and
(4) To allow contractors to earn profits commensurate with the assumption of risk.
(c) The profit-analysis factors prescribed in the EPA structured approach for analyzing profit or fee include those prescribed by FAR 15.404(d)(1), and additional factors authorized by FAR 15.404(d)(2) to foster achievement of program objectives. These profit or fee factors are prescribed in 1515.404-471.
1515.404-471 EPA structured approach for developing profit or fee objectives.
(a) General. To properly reflect differences among contracts, and to select an appropriate relative profit/fee in consideration of these differences, weightings have been developed for application by the contracting officer to standard measurement bases representative of the prescribed profit factors cited in FAR 15.404(d) and EPAAR 1515.404-471(b)(1). Each profit factor or subfactor, or its components, has been assigned weights relative to their value to the contract’s overall effort, and the range of weights to be applied to each profit factor.
(b)(1) Profit/fee factors. The factors set forth in this paragraph, and the weighted ranges listed after each factor, shall be used in all instances where the profit/fee is negotiated.
Contractor’s Input to Total Performance
| Weight Range (Percent) | |
|---|---|
| Direct material | 1 to 4. |
| Professional/technical labor | 8 to 15. |
| Professional/technical overhead | 6 to 9. |
| General labor | 5 to 9. |
| General overhead | 4 to 7. |
| Subcontractors | 1 to 4. |
| Other direct costs | 1 to 3. |
| General and administrative expenses | 5 to 8. |
| Contractor’s assumption of contract cost risk | 0 to 6. |
(2) The contracting officer shall first measure the “Contractor’s Input to Total Performance” by the assignment of a profit percentage within the designated weight ranges to each element of contract cost. Such costs are multiplied by the specific percentages to arrive at a specific dollar profit or fee.
(3) The amount calculated for facilities capital cost of money (FCCM) shall not be included as part of the cost base for computation of profit or fee. The profit or fee objective shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of facilities capital cost of money allowed. A complete discussion of the determination of facilities capital cost of money and its application and administration is set forth in FAR 31.205-10, and the appendix to the FAR (see 48 CFR 9904.414).
(4) After computing a total dollar profit or fee for the Contractor’s Input to Total Performance, the contracting officer shall calculate the specific profit dollars assigned for cost risk and performance. This is accomplished by multiplying the total Government cost objective, exclusive of any FCCM, by the specific weight assigned to cost risk and performance. The contracting officer shall then determine the profit or fee objective by adding the total profit dollars for the Contractor’s Input to Total Performance to the specific dollar profits assigned to cost risk and performance. The contracting officer shall use EPA Form 1900-2 in hardcopy or electronic copy equivalent to facilitate the calculation of the profit or fee objective.
(5) The weight factors discussed in this section are designed for arriving at profit or fee objectives for other than nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations are addressed as follows:
(i) Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations are defined as those business entities organized and operated:
(A) Exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes;
(B) Where no part of the net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual;
(C) Where no substantial part of the activities is for propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation or participating in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office; and
(D) Which are exempt from Federal income taxation under Section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code. (26 U.S.C.)
(ii) For contracts with nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations where fees are involved, special factor of −3 percent shall be assigned in all cases.
(c) Assignment of values to specific factors – (1) General. In making a judgment on the value of each factor, the contracting officer should be governed by the definition, description, and purpose of the factors, together with considerations for evaluation set forth in this paragraph.
(2) Contractor’s input to total performance. This factor is a measure of how much the contractor is expected to contribute to the overall effort necessary to meet the contract performance requirements in an efficient manner. This factor, which is separate from the contractor’s responsibility for contract performance, takes into account what resources are necessary, and the creativity and ingenuity needed for the contractor to perform the statement of work successfully. This is a recognition that within a given performance output, or within a given sales dollar figure, necessary efforts on the part of individual contractors can vary widely in both value, quantity, and quality, and that the profit or fee objective should reflect the extent and nature of the contractor’s contribution to total performance. Greater profit opportunity should be provided under contracts requiring a high degree of professional and managerial skill and to prospective contractors whose skills, facilities, and technical assets can be expected to lead to efficient and economical contract performance. The evaluation of this factor requires an analysis of the cost content of the proposed contract as follows:
(i) Direct material (purchased parts and other material). (A) Analysis of these cost items shall include an evaluation of the managerial and technical effort necessary to obtain the required material. This evaluation shall include consideration of the number of orders and suppliers, and whether established sources are available or new sources must be developed. The contracting officer shall also determine whether the contractor will, for example, obtain the materials by routine orders or readily available supplies (particularly those of substantial value in relation to the total contract costs), or by detailed subcontracts for which the prime contractor will be required to develop complex specifications involving creative design.
(B) Consideration should be given to the managerial and technical efforts necessary for the prime contractor to administer subcontracts, and to select subcontractors, including efforts to break out subcontracts from sole sources, through the introduction of competition.
(C) Recognized costs proposed as direct material costs such as scrap charges shall be treated as material for profit evaluation.
(D) If intracompany transfers are accepted at price, in accordance with FAR 31.205-26(e), they should be excluded from the profit or fee computation. Other intracompany transfers shall be evaluated by individual components of cost, i.e., material, labor, and overhead.
(ii) Professional/technical and general labor. Analysis of labor should include evaluation of the comparative quality and level of the talents and experience to be employed. In evaluating labor for the purpose of assigning profit dollars, consideration should be given to the amount of notable scientific talent or unusual or scarce talent needed, in contrast to journeyman effort or supporting personnel. The diversity, or lack thereof, of scientific and engineering specialties required for contract performance, and the corresponding need for supervision and coordination, should also be evaluated.
(iii) Overhead and general and administrative expenses. (A) Where practicable, analysis of these overhead items of cost should include the evaluation of the individual elements of these expenses, and how much they contribute to contract performance. This analysis should include a determination of the amount of labor within these overhead pools, and how this labor would be treated if it were considered as direct labor under the contract. The allocable labor elements should be given the same profit consideration as if they were direct labor. The other elements of indirect cost pools should be evaluated to determine whether they are routine expenses such as utilities, depreciation, and maintenance, and therefore given less profit consideration.
(B) The contractor’s accounting system need not break down its overhead expenses within the classification of professional/technical overhead, general overhead and general and administrative expenses.
(iv) Subcontractors. (A) Subcontract costs should be analyzed from the standpoint of the talents and skills of the subcontractors. The analysis should consider if the prime contractor normally should be expected to have people with comparable expertise employed as full-time staff, or if the contract requires skills not normally available in an employer-employee relationship. Where the prime contractor is using subcontractors to perform labor which would normally be expected to be done in-house, the rating factor should generally be at or near 1 percent. Where exceptional expertise is retained, or the prime contractor is participating in the mentor-protégé program, the assigned weight should be nearer to the high end of the range.
(v) Other direct costs. The analysis of these costs should be similar to the analysis of direct material.
(3) Contractor’s assumption of contract cost risk. (i) The risk of contract costs should be shifted to the fullest extent practicable to contractors, and the Government should assign a rating that reflects the degree of risk assumption. Evaluation of this risk requires a determination of the degree of cost responsibility the contractor assumes, the reliability of the cost estimates in relation to the task assumed, and the chance of the contractor’s success or failure. This factor is specifically limited to the risk of contract costs. Thus, such risks of losing potential profits in other fields are not within the scope of this factor.
(ii) The first determination of the degree of cost responsibility assumed by the contractor is related to the sharing of total risk of contract cost by the Government and the contractor, depending on selection of contract type. The extremes are a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requiring only that the contractor use its best efforts to perform a task, and a firm-fixed-price contract for a complex item. A cost-plus-fixed-fee contract would reflect a minimum assumption of cost responsibility by the contractor, whereas a firm-fixed-price contract would reflect a complete assumption of cost responsibility by the contractor. Therefore, in the first step of determining the value given for the contractor’s assumption of contract cost risk, a lower rating would be assigned to a proposed cost-plus-fixed-fee best efforts contract, and a higher rating would be assigned to a firm-fixed-price contract.
(iii) The second determination is that of the reliability of the cost estimates. Sound price negotiation requires well-defined contract objectives and reliable cost estimates. An excessive cost estimate reduces the possibility that the cost of performance will exceed the contract price, thereby reducing the contractor’s assumption of contract cost risk.
(iv) The third determination is that of the difficulty of the contractor’s task. The contractor’s task may be difficult or easy, regardless of the type of contract.
(v) Contractors are likely to assume greater cost risks only if the contracting officer objectively analyzes the risk incident to the proposed contract, and is willing to compensate contractors for it. Generally, a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract would not justify a reward for risk in excess of 1 percent, nor would a firm-fixed-price contract normally justify a reward of less than 4 percent. Where proper contract type selection has been made, the reward for risk by contract type would usually fall into the following percentage ranges:
| Type of contract | Percentage ranges |
|---|---|
| Cost-plus-fixed-fee | 0 to 1. |
| Prospective price determination | 4 to 5. |
| Firm-fixed-price | 4 to 6. |
(A) These ranges may not be appropriate for all acquisitions. The contracting officer might determine that a basis exists for high confidence in the reasonableness of the estimate, and that little opportunity exists for cost reduction without extraordinary efforts. The contractor’s willingness to accept ceilings on their burden rates should be considered as a risk factor for cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts.
(B) In making a contract cost risk evaluation in an acquisition that involves definitization of a letter contract, consideration should be given to the effect on total contract cost risk as a result of partial performance under a letter contract. Under some circumstances, the total amount of cost risk may have been effectively reduced by the existence of a letter contract. Under other circumstances, it may be apparent that the contractor’s cost risk remained substantially as great as though a letter contract had not been used. Where a contractor has begun work under an anticipatory cost letter, the risk assumed is greater than normal. To be equitable, the determination of a profit weight for application to the total of all recognized costs, both those incurred and those yet to be expended, must be made with consideration to all relevant circumstances, not just to the portion of costs incurred or percentage of work completed prior to definitization.
1515.404-472 Other methods.
(a) Contracting officers may use methods other than those prescribed in 1515.404-470 for establishing profit or fee objectives under the following types of contracts and circumstances:
(1) Architect-engineering contracts;
(2) Personal service contracts;
(3) Management contracts, e.g., for maintenance or operation of Government facilities;
(4) Termination settlements;
(5) Services under labor-hour and time and material contracts which provide for payment on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis, and where the contractor’s contribution constitutes the furnishing of personnel.
(6) Construction contracts; and
(7) Cost-plus-award-fee contracts.
(b) Generally, it is expected that such methods will:
(1) Provide the contracting officer with a technique that will ensure consideration of the relative value of the appropriate profit factors described under “Profit Factors,” in FAR 15.404-4(d) and
(2) Serve as a basis for documentation of the profit or fee objective.
1515.404-473 Limitations.
(a) In addition to the limitations established by statute (see FAR 15.404-4(b)(4)(i)), no administrative ceilings on profits or fees shall be established, except those otherwise identified in the EPAAR.
(b) The contracting officer shall not consider any known subcontractor profit/fee as part of the basis for determining the contractor profit/fee.
1515.404-474 Waivers.
Under unusual circumstances, the SCM may specifically waive the requirement for the use of the guidelines. Such exceptions shall be justified in writing, and authorized only in situations where the guidelines method is unsuitable.
1515.404-475 Cost realism.
The EPA structured approach is not required when the contracting officer is evaluating cost realism in a competitive acquisition.
1515.408 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
(a) In addition to those provisions and clauses prescribed in FAR 15.408, when an exception to FAR 15.403-1 does not apply and no other means available can be used to ascertain whether a fair and reasonable price can be determined, the contracting officer may insert in negotiated solicitations the provisions at –
(1) 1552.215-72 when requesting information other than cost or pricing data, for cost-reimbursable, level-of-effort-contracts. Use Alternate I for cost-reimbursable, level-of-effort contracts when the Government’s requirement is for fully dedicated staff for a twelve month period(s) of performance and performance is on a Government facility; Alternate II for acquisitions for cost-reimbursable, level-of-effort contracts when the Government’s requirement is for fully dedicated staff for a twelve month period(s) of performance and performance is not on a Government facility; and Alternate III if the Government’s requirement is for the acquisition of supplies or equipment. The contracting officer may make revisions, deletions, or additions to 1552.215-72 and its Alternates I-III as needed to fit an individual acquisition, and
(2) 1552.215-73, General Financial and Organizational Information.
(b) If uncompensated overtime is proposed, the resultant contract shall include the provisions at FAR 52.237-10 and include the provision at 1552.215-74. The contracting officer may use provisions substantially the same as 1552.215-74 without requesting a deviation to the EPAAR.
Subpart 1515.6 – Unsolicited Proposals
1515.604 Agency points of contact.
The Director, Grants Administration Division (3903R), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, is the Agency contact point established to coordinate the receipt and handling of unsolicited proposals.
1515.606-70 Contracting methods.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development-Independent Agencies Appropriation Act contains a requirement that none of the funds provided in the Act may be used for payment through grants or contracts to recipients that do not share in the cost of conducting research resulting from proposals that are not specifically solicited by the Government. Accordingly, contracts for research which result from unsolicited proposals shall provide for the contractor to bear a portion of the cost of performance for work subject to the Act. The extent of the cost sharing shall reflect the mutuality of interest of the contractor and the Government. Therefore, where there is no measurable gain to the performing organization, cost sharing is not required.
PART 1516 – TYPES OF CONTRACTS
Subpart 1516.3 – Cost-Reimbursement Contracts
1516.301-70 Payment of fee.
The policy of EPA for cost-reimbursement, term form contracts is to make provisional payment of fee (i.e. the fixed fee on cost-plus-fixed-fee type contracts or the base fee on cost-plus-award-fee type contracts) on a percentage of work completed basis, when such a method will not prove detrimental to proper contract performance. Percentage of work completed is the ratio of the direct labor hours performed in relation to the direct labor hours set forth in the contract in clause 48 CFR 1552.211-73, Level of Effort – Cost Reimbursement Contract. Provisional payment of fee will remain subject to withholding provisions, such as in FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee.
1516.303 Cost-sharing contracts.
1516.303-71 Definition.
Cost-sharing is a generic term denoting any situation where the Government does not fully reimburse a contractor for all allowable costs necessary to accomplish the project under the contract. This term encompasses cost-matching and cost-limitations, in addition to cost-sharing. Cost-sharing does not include usual contractual limitations such as indirect cost ceilings in accordance with FAR 42.707, or ceilings on travel or other direct costs. Cost-sharing contracts may be required as a result of Congressional mandate.
1516.303-72 Policy.
(a) The Agency shall use cost-sharing contracts where the principal purpose is ultimate commercialization and utilization of technologies by the private sector. There should also be a reasonable expectation of future economic benefits for the contractor and the Government beyond the Government’s contract.
(b) Cost-sharing may be accomplished by a contribution to either direct or indirect costs, provided such costs are reasonable, allocable and allowable in accordance with the cost principles of the contract. Allowable costs which are absorbed by the contractor as its share of contract costs may not be charged directly or indirectly to the Agency or the Federal Government.
(c) Unsolicited proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Contracting Officer as to the appropriateness of cost-sharing.
1516.303-73 Types of cost-sharing.
(a) Cost-sharing may be accomplished in various forms or combinations. These include, but are not limited to: cash outlays, real property or interest therein, personal property or services, cost matching, or other in-kind contributions.
(b) In-kind contributions represent non-cash contributions provided by the performing contractor which would normally be a charge against the contract. While in-kind contributions are an acceptable method of cost-sharing, should the booked costs of property appear unrealistic, the fair market value of the property shall be determined pursuant to 1516.303-74 of this chapter.
(c) In-kind contributions may be in the form of personal property (equipment or supplies) or services which are directly beneficial, specifically identifiable and necessary for the performance of the contract. In-kind contributions must meet all of the following criteria before acceptance.
(1) Be verifiable from the contractor’s books and records;
(2) Not be included as contributions under any other Federal contract;
(3) Be necessary to accomplish project objectives;
(4) Provide for types of charges that would otherwise be allowable under applicable Federal cost principles appropriate to the contractor’s organization; and
(5) Not be paid for by the Federal Government under any contract, agreement or grant.
1516.303-74 Determining the value of in-kind contributions.
In-kind contributions accepted from a contractor will be addressed on a case-by-case basis provided the established values do not exceed fair market values.
(a) Where the Agency receives title to donated land, building, equipment or supplies and the property is not fully consumed during performance of the contract, the Contracting Officer should establish the property’s value based on the contractor’s booked costs (i.e., acquisition cost less depreciation, if any) at the time of donation. If the booked costs reflect unrealistic values when compared to current market conditions, the Contracting Officer may establish another appropriate value if supported by an independent appraisal of the fair market value of the donated property or property in similar condition and circumstances.
(b) The Contracting Officer will monitor reports of in-kind costs as they are incurred or recognized during the contract period of performance to determine that the value of in-kind services does not exceed fair market values.
(c) The value of any services or the use of personal or real property donated by a contractor should be established when necessary in accordance with generally accepted accounting policies and Federal cost principles.
1516.303-75 Amount of cost-sharing.
(a) Contractors should contribute a reasonable amount of the total project cost covered under the contract. The ratio of cost participation should correlate to the apparent advantages available to performers and the proximity of implementing commercialization, i.e., the higher the potential for future profits, the higher the contractor’s share should be.
(b) Fee will not be paid to the contractor or any member of the contractor team (subcontractors and consultants) which has a substantial and direct interest in the contract, or is in a position to gain long term benefits from the contract. A vulnerability the Contracting Officer should consider in reviewing a prime contractor’s request for consent to subcontract is whether subcontractors under prime cost-sharing contracts have a significant direct interest in the contract to gain long-term benefits from the contract.
(c) The Contracting Officer, with the input of technical experts, may consider the following factors in determining reasonable levels of cost sharing:
(1) The availability of the technology to competitors;
(2) Improvements in the contractor’s market share position;
(3) The time and risk necessary to achieve success;
(4) If the results of the project involve patent rights which could be sold or licensed;
(5) If the contractor has non-Federal sources of funds to include as cost participation; and
(6) If the contractor has the production and other capabilities to capitalize the results of the project.
(d) A contractor’s cost participation can be provided by other subcontractors with which it has contractual arrangements to perform the contract as long as the contractor’s cost-sharing goal is met.
1516.303-76 Fee on cost-sharing contracts by subcontractors.
(a) Subcontractors under prime cost-sharing contracts who do not have a significant direct interest in the contract or who are not in a position to gain long-term benefits from the contract may earn a fee.
(b) Contracting Officers should be alert to a potential vulnerability for the Government under cost-sharing contracts when evaluating proposed subcontractors or consenting to a subcontract during contract administration, where the subcontractor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the prime. The vulnerability consists of the subsidiary earning a large amount of fee, which could be returned to the prime through stock dividends or other intercompany transactions. This could circumvent the objective of a cost-sharing contract.
1516.303-77 Administrative requirements.
(a) The initial Procurement Request shall reflect the total estimated cost of the cost-sharing contract. The face page of the contract award shall indicate the total estimated cost of the contract, the Contractor’s share of the cost, and the Government’s share of the cost.
(b) The manner of cost-sharing and how it is to be accomplished shall be set forth in the contract. Additionally, contracts which provide for cost-sharing shall require the contractor to maintain records adequate to reflect the nature and extent of their cost-sharing as well as those costs charged the Agency. Such records may be subject to an Agency audit.
1516.307 Contract clauses.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause in 1552.216-71, Date of Incurrence of Cost, in cost-reimbursement contracts when an anticipatory cost letter has been issued on the project.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.216-74, Payment of Fee, in solicitations and contracts where a cost-reimbursement term form contract is contemplated, unless the Contracting Officer determines that such a provision would be detrimental to ensuring proper contract performance.
(c) The Contracting Officer shall insert a clause substantially the same as 48 CFR 1552.216-76, Estimated Cost and Cost-Sharing, in solicitations and contracts where the total incurred costs are shared by the contractor on a straight percentage basis. The Contracting Officer may develop other clauses, as appropriate, following the same approach, but reflecting different cost-sharing arrangements negotiated on specific contract actions.
1516.370 Solicitation provision.
The solicitation document shall state whether any cost-sharing is required, and may set forth a target level of cost-sharing. Although technical considerations are normally most important, the degree of cost-sharing may be considered in a selection decision when cost becomes a determinative factor in a selection decision.
Subpart 1516.4 – Incentive Contracts
1516.401-1 General.
1516.401-70 Award term incentives.
(a) Award term incentives enable a contractor to become eligible for additional periods of performance under a current contract by achieving prescribed performance measures under that contract.
(b) Award term incentives are designed to motivate contractors to provide superior performance. Superior performance must be defined in the Award Term Incentive Plan. Accordingly, the prescribed performance measures, i.e., acceptable quality levels (AQL), which must be achieved by a contractor to become eligible for an award term will be in excess of the AQLs necessary for Government acceptance of contract deliverables, unless rationale is documented that such service is beyond the contractor’s capability or control.
(c) The Award Term Incentive Plan sets forth the evaluation process, including the evaluation criteria and performance measures, and serves as the basis for award term decisions. The Award Term Incentive Plan may be unilaterally revised by the Government.
(d) Award term incentives may be used in conjunction with options. The Federal Acquisition Regulation does not prescribe a level of performance for the exercise of options, as contrasted with award term incentives, which should require superior performance as discussed in paragraph (b) of this subsection. Award term incentive periods will follow any option periods.
(e)(1) The Government has the unilateral right not to grant or to cancel award term incentive periods and the associated award term incentive plans if –
(i) The Contracting Officer has failed to initiate an award term incentive period, regardless of whether the contractor’s performance permitted the Contracting Officer to consider initiating the award term incentive period; or
(ii) The contractor has failed to achieve the performance measures for the corresponding evaluation period; or
(iii) The Government notifies the contractor in writing it does not have funds available for the award term; or
(iv) The Government no longer has a need for the award term incentive period at or before the time an award term incentive period is to commence.
(2) When an award term incentive period is not granted or cancelled, any –
(i) Prior award term incentive periods for which the contractor remains otherwise eligible are unaffected.
(ii) Subsequent award term incentive periods are thereby also cancelled.
(f) Award term incentives may be appropriate for any type of service contract.
1516.401-270 Definition.
Acceptable quality level (AQL) as used in this subpart means the minimum percent of deliverables which are compliant with a given performance standard that would permit a contractor to become eligible for an award term incentive. The performance necessary for eligibility for the award term incentive must be in excess of that necessary for the Government acceptance of contract deliverables. The AQLs associated with the award term incentive shall exceed the AQLs associated with the acceptance of contract deliverables. For example, under contract X, acceptable performance is 75 percent of reports submitted to the Government within five days. However, to be eligible for an award term incentive, 85 percent of reports must be submitted to the Government within five days.
1516.405-2 Cost-plus-award-fee contracts.
1516.405-270 Definitions.
(a) Performance Evaluation Board (PEB). Group of Government officials responsible for assessing the quality of contract performance and recommending the appropriate fee.
(b) Fee Determination Official. Individual responsible for reviewing the recommendations of the PEB and making the final determination of the amount of award fee to be awarded to the contractor.
1516.405-271 Limitations.
(a) No award fee may be earned if the Fee Determination Official determines that contractor performance has been satisfactory or less than satisfactory. A contractor may earn award fee only for performance rated above satisfactory or excellent. All award fee plans shall disclose to offerors the numerical rating necessary to be deemed “above satisfactory” or “excellent” for award fee purposes.
(b) The base fee shall not exceed three percent of the estimated cost of the contract, exclusive of the fee.
(c) Unearned award fee may not be carried forward from one performance period into a subsequent performance period unless approved by the FDO.
(d) The payment of award fee on a provisional basis is not authorized.
1516.405-272 Waiver.
The Chief of the Contracting Office may waive the limitations in paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of 1516.404-273 on a case-by-case basis when unusual or compelling circumstances exist. The waiver shall be supported by a justification and coordinated with the Acquisition Policy and Training Service Center in the Office of Acquisition Management.
1516.406 Contract clauses.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.216-70, Award fee (MAY 2000), in solicitations and contracts where a cost-plus-award-fee contract is contemplated.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert the provision at 48 CFR 1552.216-75, Base Fee and Award Fee Proposal, in all solicitations which contemplate the award of cost-plus-award-fee contracts. The Contracting Officer shall insert the appropriate percentages.
(c) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clauses at 1552.216-77, Award Term Incentive, 1552.216-78, Award Term Incentive Plan, and 1552.216-79, Award Term Availability of Funds, in solicitations and contracts when award term incentives are contemplated. The clauses at 1552.216-77 and 1552.216-78 may be used on substantially the same-as basis.
(d) If the Contracting Officer wishes to use the ratings set forth in the Department of Defense Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System on the contract at hand as the basis for contractor eligibility for an award term incentive, the Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.216-78.
Subpart 1516.5 – Indefinite-Delivery Contracts
1516.505 Contract clauses.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause in 1552.216-72, Ordering – By Designated Ordering Officers, or a clause substantially similar to the subject clause, in indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type solicitations and contracts. The Contracting Officer shall insert Alternate I when formal input from the Contractor will not be obtained prior to order issuance.
(b) The contracting officer shall insert clause substantially the same as 1552.216-73, Fixed Rates for Services – Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract, in solicitations and contracts to specify fixed rates for services. Contracting officers may use Alternate I for procurements that will have order performance periods longer than one year. Alternate I has a different paragraph (c) from the Basic form. Contracting officers must use the Basic form as prescribed for procurements that will have orders with performance periods of one year or less. Contracting officers may use both the Basic form and Alternate I for procurements that will have mixed-length orders, where some are for one year or less, and others are for longer than one year. In such cases contracting officers must include procurement language that the Basic form applies to orders less than one year, and Alternate I applies to orders longer than one year.
Subpart 1516.6 – Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, and Letter Contracts
1516.603 Letter Contracts.
1516.603-1 What is a Notice to Proceed?
(a) A Notice to Proceed (NTP) is a type of letter contract issued pursuant to FAR 16.603 under which an EPA Federal Classification Series 1102 (FCS) contracting officer or a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with delegated procurement authority may initiate, in certain defined situations and subject to certain limitations and conditions, contracting actions to respond to certain situations as described in CERCLA section 104(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 9604(a)(1)) and the Clean Water Act sections 311(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B) (33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B)). An NTP may be utilized as a contractual instrument for certain –
(1) Actions that EPA is authorized to undertake under CERCLA section 104(a)(1), 42 U.S.C. 9604(a)(1), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR part 300), to respond to situations where any hazardous substance has been released or there is a substantial threat of such a release into the environment, or there is a release or substantial threat of release into the environment of any pollutant or contaminant which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare, and
(2) Actions that EPA is authorized to undertake under sections 311(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR part 300), to respond when there is a discharge, or a substantial threat of a discharge (to or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, the contiguous zone, or natural resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive management of the United States), of oil or a hazardous substance from a vessel, onshore facility, or offshore facility that is a substantial threat to the public health or welfare. Pursuant to a class Justification For Other Than Full and Open Competition executed under the authority of FAR 6.302-2 and 6.303-1(c), an NTP may be issued on a non-competitive basis.
(b) What do subsections 1516.603-1 and 1516.603-2 cover? EPAAR 1516.603-1 and 1516.603-2 contain information and procedures relating to issuance and definitization of an NTP. An NTP is subject to, and must comply with, the applicable requirements for letter contracts in FAR 16.603 and the requirements in this section, and be definitized by an EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer.
1516.603-2 What are the requirements for use of an NTP?
(a) An EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority may issue an NTP so long as it does not exceed the limits of his or her procurement authority and only when all of the following conditions have been met:
(1) A written determination has been made by the Federal on-scene coordinator that –
(i) As authorized by and consistent with CERCLA section 104(a)(1), 42 U.S.C. 9604(a)(1), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR part 300), the EPA must take action to respond to a hazardous substance release or substantial threat of such a release into the environment, or a release or substantial threat of a release into the environment of any pollutant or contaminant which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare, or
(ii) As authorized by and consistent with the Clean Water Act sections 311(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B), 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2) and (e)(1)(B), and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (40 CFR part 300), the EPA must take action to respond to a discharge, or a substantial threat of a discharge (to or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, the contiguous zone, or natural resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive management of the United States), of oil or a hazardous substance from a vessel, offshore facility, or onshore facility that is of such a size and character as to pose a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States; and
(2) Before a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority may issue an NTP, he or she must confirm that an EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer is not available to provide the required contracting support by the time the Federal on-scene coordinator requires the response action to be undertaken; and
(3) A written determination is made by an EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority that there is no other existing contracting mechanism available to provide the required contracting support by the time required, including the inability of an existing emergency response contractor or other existing contract vehicle to respond in the required time frame. These conditions, as well as any other requirements applicable to NTPs or letter contracts contained in the FAR or EPAAR , must be met before an NTP can be issued by an EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority.
(b) What should be included in an NTP? (1) Since an NTP is a type of letter contract, it is subject to the requirements of FAR 16.603. All of the relevant requirements of FAR 16.603 apply to NTP’s including FAR 16.603-2, 16.603-3, and 16.603-4, and an NTP will include all appropriate FAR and EPAAR contract clauses. An NTP should also include an overall price ceiling and be as complete and definite as possible under the circumstances. To the extent NTPs require modification of any FAR or EPAAR prescribed procedures or clauses, an appropriate FAR or EPAAR deviation will be prepared.
(2) The EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority shall include in each NTP the clauses required by the FAR or EPAAR for the type of definitive contract contemplated and any additional clauses known to be appropriate for it. In addition, the following clauses must be inserted in the solicitation (if one is issued) and the NTP when an NTP is used:
(i) The clause at FAR 52.216-23, Execution and Commencement of Work, except that the term on-scene coordinator may be used in place of the term contracting officer;
(ii) The clause at FAR 52.216-24, Limitation of Government Liability, with dollar amounts completed in a manner consistent with FAR 16.603-2(d); and
(iii) The clause at FAR 52.216-25, Contract Definitization, with its paragraph (b) completed in a manner consistent with FAR 16.603-2(c) or any applicable FAR deviation. The clause at FAR 52.216-26, Payment of Allowable Costs Before Definitization, shall also be included in a solicitation (if one is issued) and NTPs if a cost-reimbursement definitive contract is contemplated.
(3) Each NTP shall, as required by the clause at FAR 52.216-25, Contract Definitization, contain a negotiated definitization schedule that includes:
(i) Dates for submission of the contractor’s price proposal, required cost and pricing data, and if required, make-or-buy and subcontracting plans;
(ii) The date for the start of negotiations; and
(iii) A target date for definitization which shall be the earliest practicable date for definitization (an NTP must be definitized by an EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer). The schedule will provide for definitization of the NTP within 90 calendar days after the date of the NTP award. However, the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer may, in extreme cases and according to agency procedures, authorize an additional period. If, after exhausting all reasonable efforts, the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer and the contractor cannot negotiate a definitive contract because of failure to reach agreement as to price or fee, the clause at 52.216-25 requires the contractor to proceed with the work and provides that the contracting officer may, with the approval of the head of the contracting activity, determine a reasonable price or fee in accordance with subpart 15.4 and part 31 of the FAR, subject to appeal as provided in the Disputes clause.
(4) The maximum liability of the Government inserted in the clause at 52.216-24, Limitation of Government Liability, shall, as approved by the official who authorized the NTP, be the estimated amount necessary to cover the contractor’s requirements for funds to complete the work to be performed under the NTP. However, it shall not exceed the estimated cost of the definitive contract.
(c) Are there any financial or monetary limitations on the use of an NTP? In addition to the requirements for issuance of an NTP set forth elsewhere in this subpart –
(1) The total definitized dollar value of an individual NTP shall not exceed $200,000.00, and
(2) The applicable Program Office must commit and make available appropriate funding for the emergency response action taken under the NTP prior to NTP issuance.
(d) Are there any other procedural requirements for issuance of an NTP? An NTP must be issued in writing by the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or the duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority using a Standard Form 33. In addition, the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or the EPA on-scene coordinator awarding the NTP must ensure that the NTP complies with all applicable requirements for letter contracts set forth in the FAR and the requirements of this section, includes all relevant provisions and clauses, and that all actual or potential conflict of interest or other contracting issues are identified and resolved prior to NTP issuance. To assist the EPA on-scene coordinator and EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer in their responsibilities regarding NTP award, an NTP checklist will be completed by the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer or EPA on-scene coordinator prior to issuance of the NTP.
(e) What happens after an NTP is awarded to a contractor? (1) If an NTP is issued by a duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinator with a delegation of procurement authority, he or she must notify the cognizant EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer of the NTP award, and provide the NTP checklist to the contracting officer, as soon as possible but in no event later than the next working day after NTP issuance.
(2) Within 5 working days of the EPA on-scene coordinator’s award of an NTP, the on-scene coordinator shall provide to the cognizant EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer all NTP documents, materials, and information necessary for the contracting officer to definitize the contract, and should retain a copy for his/her records. An EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer will be responsible for definitization of the NTP consistent with the definitization procedures set forth in this subpart. During the process of definitizing the NTP, the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer will send the contractor the “Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors” for completion. The contractor will complete this information, and any other required information, and submit it to the EPA FCS 1102 contracting officer prior to definitization of the NTP.
(f) The CCO, who is authorized by EPAAR 1516.603-3 to make the determination to use a letter contract, shall make a class determination and findings authorizing EPA FCS 1102 contracting officers and duly authorized EPA on-scene coordinators with delegations of procurement authority to award NTPs pursuant to the conditions set forth in this subpart.
1516.603-3 Limitations.
The CCO is authorized to make the determination in FAR 16.603-3.
PART 1517 – SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS
Subpart 1517.2 – Options
1517.204 Contracts.
The SCM may approve a contract with a base contract period and option periods which total in excess of five (5) years, unless otherwise prohibited by statute.
1517.207 Exercise of options.
(a) Unless otherwise approved by the Chief of the Contracting Office, contracts for services employing option periods shall require that a preliminary written notice of the Government’s intention to exercise the option be furnished to the Contractor a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days prior to the date for the exercise of the option. Failure to provide such preliminary notice within the timeframe established in the contract waives the Government’s right to unilaterally exercise the option and requires the negotiation of a bilateral contract modification in order to extend the period of performance, where such an extension is authorized.
(b) When the term of the service contract coincides with the fiscal year and delays in receipt of authority to obligate funds for the new fiscal year are anticipated, the Contracting Officer, if the contract so provides (see FAR 17.204(d)), may, within 60 days after the end of the fiscal year, unilaterally exercise an option to extend the term of the contract. The option may be exercised only if funds become available within the 60-day period. In the event that sufficient funding is not available within the 60 day period, the Government waives the right to exercise the option, thereby rendering any additional requirements subject to full and open competition requirements.
(c) The Contracting Officer, if the contract so provides, may, subject to the conditions in FAR 17.204(d), 32.703-2, and 32.705-1(a), exercise an option contingent upon the availability of funds. To exercise such an option, the contract must contain the clause in FAR 52.232-18, Availability of Funds. Under no circumstances shall any action be taken which could be construed as creating a legal liability on the part of the Government until a formal notice of availability of funds in the form of a contract modification has been issued by the Contracting Officer.
1517.208 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the provision at 48 CFR 1552.217-70, Evaluation of Contract Options, in solicitations containing options.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-71, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract – Cost-Type Contract, when applicable.
(c) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-72, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract – Cost-Plus-Award-Fee Contract, when applicable.
(d) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-73, Option for Increased Quantity – Cost-Type Contract, when applicable.
(e) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-74, Option for Increased Quantity – Cost-Plus-Award-Fee Contract, when applicable.
(f) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-75, Option to Extend the Effective Period of the Contract – Time and Materials or Labor Hour Contract, when applicable.
(g) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-76, Option to Extend the Effective Period of the Contract – Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract, when applicable.
(h) The Contracting officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.217-77, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract – Fixed Price, when applicable.
SUBCHAPTER D – SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS
PART 1519 – SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Subpart 1519.2 – Policies
1519.201 Policy.
Each program’s Assistant or Associate Administrator shall be responsible for developing its socioeconomic goals on a fiscal year basis. The goals shall be developed in collaboration with the supporting Chiefs of Contracting Offices (CCOs) or Regional Acquisition Managers (RAMs), the assigned Small Business Specialist (SBS), and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). The goals will be based on advance procurement plans and past performance. The goals shall be submitted to the Director of OSDBU, at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the fiscal year.
1519.201-71 Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
The Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) provides guidance and advice, as appropriate, to Agency program and contracts officials on small business programs. The OSDBU Director is the central point of contact for inquiries concerning the small business programs from industry, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Congress; and shall advise the Administrator and staff of such inquiries as required. The OSDBU Director shall represent the Agency in the negotiations with the other Government agencies on small business programs matters.
1519.201-72 Small business specialists.
(a) Small Business Specialists (SBSs) shall be appointed in writing. Regional SBSs will normally be appointed from members of staffs of the appointing authority. The appointing authorities for regional SBSs are the RAMs. The SBSs for EPA headquarters, Research Triangle Park (RTP), and Cincinnati shall be appointed by the OSDBU Director. The SBS is administratively responsible directly to the appointing authority and, on matters relating to small business programs activities, receives technical guidance from the OSDBU Director.
(b) A copy of each appointment and termination of all SBSs shall be forwarded to the OSDBU Director. In addition to performing the duties outlined in paragraph (c) of this section that are normally performed in the activity to which assigned, the SBS shall perform such additional functions as may be prescribed from time to time in furtherance of overall small business programs goals. The SBS may be appointed on either a full- or part-time basis; however, when appointed on a part-time basis, small business duties shall take precedence over collateral responsibilities.
(c) The SBS appointed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall perform the following duties as appropriate:
(1) Maintain a program designed to locate capable small business sources for current and future acquisitions;
(2) Coordinate inquiries and requests for advice from small business concerns on acquisition matters;
(3) Review all proposed solicitations in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, assure that small business concerns will be afforded an equitable opportunity to compete, and, as appropriate, initiate recommendations for small business set-asides, or offers of requirements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the 8(a) program, and complete EPA Form 1900-37, “Record of Procurement Request Review,” as appropriate;
(4) Take action to assure the availability of adequate specifications and drawings, when necessary, to obtain small business participation in an acquisition. When small business concerns cannot be given an opportunity on a current acquisition, initiate action, in writing, with appropriate technical and contracting personnel to ensure that necessary specifications and/or drawings for future acquisitions are available;
(5) Review proposed contracts for possible breakout of items or services suitable for acquisition from small business concerns;
(6) Participate in the evaluation of a prime contractor’s small business subcontracting programs;
(7) Assure that adequate records are maintained, and accurate reports prepared, concerning small business participation in acquisition programs;
(8) Make available to SBA copies of solicitations when so requested; and
(9) Act as liaison with the appropriate SBA office or representative in connection with matters concerning the small business programs including set-asides.
1519.202-5 [Reserved]
1509.203–1519.204 [Reserved]
Subpart 1519.5 – Set-Asides for Small Business
1519.501 Review of acquisitions.
(a) If no Small Business Administration (SBA) representative is available, the Small Business Specialist (SBS) shall initiate recommendations to the contracting officer for small business set-asides with respect to individual acquisitions or classes of acquisitions or portions thereof.
(b) When the SBS has recommended that all, or a portion, of an individual acquisition or class of acquisitions be set aside for small business, the contracting officer shall:
(1) Promptly concur in the recommendation; or
(2) Promptly disapprove the recommendation, stating in writing the reasons for disapproval. If the contracting officer disapproves the recommendation of the SBS, the SBS may appeal to the appropriate appointing authority, whose decision shall be final.
1519.503 Class set-aside for construction.
(a) Each proposed acquisition for construction estimated to cost between $10,000 and $1,000,000 shall be set-aside for exclusive small business participation. Such set-asides shall be considered to be unilateral small business set-asides, and shall be withdrawn in accordance with the procedure of FAR 19.506 only if found not to serve the best interest of the Government.
(b) Small business set-aside preferences for construction acquisitions in excess of $1,000,000 shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Subpart 1519.6 [Reserved]
Subpart 1519.7 – The Small Business Subcontracting Program
1519.705-2 Determining the need for a subcontract plan.
One copy of the determination required by FAR 19.705-2(c) shall be placed in the contract file and one copy provided to the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
1519.705-4 Reviewing the subcontracting plan.
In determining the acceptability of a proposed subcontracting plan, the contracting officer shall obtain advice and recommendations from the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, which shall in turn coordinate review by the Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative (if any).
1519.705-70 Synopsis of contracts containing Pub. L. 95-507 subcontracting plans and goals.
The synopsis of contract award, where applicable, shall include a statement identifying the contract as one containing Public Law 95-507 subcontracting plans and goals.
PART 1520 – LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS
Subpart 1520.1 – General [Reserved]
Subpart 1520.3 – Labor Surplus Area Subcontracting Program [Reserved]
PART 1522 – APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS
Subpart 1522.8 – Equal Employment Opportunity
1522.803 Responsibilities.
If the applicability of E.O. 11246 and implementing regulations are questioned, the Contracting Officer shall route the matter through the CCO to the EPA Office of Civil Rights.
1522.804 Affirmative action programs.
1522.804-2 Construction.
Each contracting office having construction contract responsibility shall maintain a list of geographical areas subject to affirmative action requirements. The list can be obtained from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor.
Subpart 1522.10 – Service Contract Act of 1965 [Reserved]
Subpart 1522.13 – Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans [Reserved]
Subpart 1522.14 – Employment of the Handicapped [Reserved]
PART 1523 – ENVIRONMENTAL, CONSERVATION, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Subpart 1523.3 – Hazardous Material and Material Safety Data
1523.303 Contract clause.
1523.303-70 Protection of human subjects.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.223-70 when the contract involves human test subjects.
1523.303-71 Decontamination of Government-furnished property.
Contracting Officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.245-70, Decontamination of Government-Furnished Property, when it is anticipated that a Contractor will use Government-furnished or Contractor-acquired property in the clean-up of hazardous or toxic substances in the environment.
1523.303-72 Use and care of laboratory animals.
Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 1552.223-72, Use and Care of Laboratory Animals, in all contracts involving the use of animals in testing, research or training.
Subpart 1523.7 – Contracting for Environmentally Preferable Products and Services
1523.703 Policies and procedures.
1523.703-1 Acquisition of environmentally preferable meeting and conference facilities and services.
(a) Scope. This section establishes the policy and the procedures for acquiring environmentally preferable meeting and conference facilities and services. For purposes of this section, the term “contracting officer” refers to any EPA employee with purchasing authority. For purposes of this section, the terms “meeting and conference facilities” or “conference facilities” refer to any off-site commercial facility which is purchased for the use of an EPA conference or event, whether the purpose of the event is a meeting, conference, training session, or other official purpose.
(b) Conference facilities. EPA conducts government events at facilities owned and operated by private, third-party vendors. These facilities –
(1) May provide conference participants with lodging, food and beverage, and other on-site event support services.
(2) Demonstrate they are environmentally preferable by their responses to the 17 questions in 1552.223-71(c) highlighting environmental performance. These questions address, among other things, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the production and disposal of solid waste, the use of and exposure to toxic chemicals/materials, and the depletion of natural resources including water.
(c) Policy. Contracting officers shall purchase environmentally preferable meeting and conference facilities and services to the greatest extent practicable. Environmentally preferable is defined at FAR 2.101 and shall be considered in all purchases of meeting and conference facilities and services.
(d) Procedures for micropurchases. The contracting officer shall request that potential third party conference facility vendors respond to the 17 questions in 1552.223-71(c) or language substantially the same as these questions, in order to evaluate their environmental performance.
(e) Procedures for purchases of conference facilities exceeding the micropurchase threshold. The contracting officer shall request that potential third party conference facility vendors respond to the 17 questions in 1552.223-71(c) or language substantially the same as these questions, in order to evaluate their environmental performance. The contracting officer shall notify vendors that the basis for award will be best value with price and other factors considered. Environmental preferability, as determined by evaluating the information submitted in response to the questions and specifications at 1552.223-71(c) or information submitted in response to substantially similar questions and specifications, shall be considered among the other factors. The contracting officer shall determine the relative importance of price and other factors as appropriate to the acquisition, but in all cases shall consider environmental preferability as a significant factor.
(f) Contractor support for meetings and conferences. A contract, order, work assignment or purchasing agreement that includes contractor support for meeting and conference planning and logistics must include requirements to make use of environmentally preferable meeting and conference facilities and services. The contracting officer shall ensure language is included in the tasking document work statement that requires the contractor to use the provisions at 1552.223-71 or language approved by the contracting officer that is substantially the same as the provisions, when soliciting quotes or offers for meeting and conference services on behalf of the EPA.
(g) Solicitation provision. The contracting officer shall insert provisions or language substantially the same as the provisions at 1552.223-71 EPA Green Meetings and Conferences, in solicitations for meeting and conference services. Contracting officers issuing an oral solicitation must also use these provisions, though they may be provided to the vendor orally or electronically. Contractors soliciting quotes or offers for meeting and conference services on behalf of EPA shall use the provisions, or language approved by the contracting officer that is substantially the same as the provisions.
PART 1524 – PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Subpart 1524.1 – Protection of Individual Privacy
1524.104 Solicitation provisions.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the provision at 1552.224-70, Social Security Numbers of Consultants and Certain Sole Proprietors and Privacy Act Statement, in all solicitations.
Subpart 1524.2 – Freedom of Information Act [Reserved]
PART 1525 – FOREIGN ACQUISITION
Subpart 1525.1 – Buy American Act – Supplies [Reserved]
SUBCHAPTER E – GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS
PART 1527 – PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS
Subpart 1527.4 – Rights in Data and Copyrights
1527.404 Basic rights in data clause.
The Contracting Officer shall insert in the Limited Rights Notice when using Alternate II of FAR 52.227-14 the following purposes for disclosure of limited data outside the Government.
(a) Use (except for manufacture) by support service contractors;
(b) Evaluation by nongovernment evaluators;
(c) Use (except for manufacture) by other contractors participating in the Government’s program of which the specific contract is a part, for information and use in connection with the work performed under each contract;
(d) Emergency repairs or overhaul work;
(e) Release to a foreign government, or instrumentality thereof, as the interests of the United States Government may require, for information or evaluation, or for emergency repair or overhaul work by such government.
1527.409 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause in 1552.227-76 in all Superfund solicitations and contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold and, as appropriate, in simplified acquisitions for Superfund work. The clause may be used in other contracts if considered necessary by the Contracting Officer. Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (d).
PART 1528 – BONDS OF INSURANCE
Subpart 1528.3 – Insurance
1528.301 Insurance liability to third persons.
Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 1552.228-70, Insurance Liability to Third Persons, in cost-reimbursement solicitations and contracts, except those for construction and architect-engineer services.
This clause may be used in contracts awarded utilizing architect-engineer services such as requirements for Superfund cleanups (e.g., response action contracts). The clause does not apply to Superfund indemnification for third party pollution liability or coverage for commercial pollution liability insurance as prescribed by section 119 of CERCLA as amended by SARA.
PART 1529 – TAXES
Subpart 1529.3 – State and Local Taxes
1529.303 Application of State and local taxes to Government contractors and subcontractors.
Contractors are responsible for determining the availability of State and local tax exemptions and obtaining such exemptions, if available, unless the Contracting Officer determines under FAR 31.205-41(b)(3) that the administrative burden outweighs the corresponding benefit. Contractors are responsible for ensuring that subcontractors also seek and obtain such exemptions, if available.
Subpart 1529.4 [Reserved]
PART 1530 – COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Subpart 1530.3 – CAS Contract Requirements [Reserved]
PART 1531 – CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES
Subpart 1531.1 – Applicability [Reserved]
PART 1532 – CONTRACT FINANCING
1532.003 Simplified acquisition procedures financing.
(a) Scope. This subpart provides for authorization of advance and interim payments on commercial item orders not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. Advance payments are payments that are made prior to performance. Interim payments are payments that are made during the order period according to a payment schedule.
(b) Procedures for micropurchases. Contracting officers may authorize advance and interim payments on orders for commercial items only at or below the micropurchase threshold.
(c) Procedures for purchases exceeding micropurchase threshold. Contracting officers must secure approval at one level above the contracting officer, on a case-by-case basis, for advance and interim payments on orders for commercial items exceeding the micropurchase threshold and not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer shall submit a recommendation for approval of financing terms, along with the supporting rationale for the action, to one level above the contracting officer. Remote simplified acquisition contracting officers (SACO) without one level above contracting officers at their locations shall forward recommendations through their OAM Advisors to secure one level above approval.
(d) Supporting rationale. Regardless of dollar value, the contracting officer shall document the file with supporting rationale demonstrating that the purchase meets the conditions of FAR 32.202-1(b)(1), (3) and (4).
(e) Administration. Regardless of dollar value, the contracting officer is responsible for ensuring that supplies or services have been delivered. The contracting officer shall document the file with evidence of receipt of supplies or services throughout the order period as appropriate to the acquisition.
(f) Clause. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1552.232-74, Payments – Simplified Acquisition Procedures Financing, in solicitations and orders that will provide simplified acquisition procedures financing.
1532.006 Reduction or suspension of contract payments upon finding of fraud.
1532.006-1 General.
(a)-(b) [Reserved]
(c) Agency responsibilities and determinations under FAR 32.006 are, consistent with FAR 32.006-1(c), delegated to the Head of the Contracting Activity, if that individual is not below Level IV of the Executive Schedule. If the Head of the Contracting Activity is below Level IV of the Executive Schedule, then Agency responsibilities and determinations under FAR 32.006 are delegated to the Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management.
1532.006-2 Definitions.
The Remedy Coordination Official for EPA is the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations.
1532.006-3 Responsibilities.
(a) EPA shall use the procedures in FAR 32.006-4 when determining whether to reduce or suspend further payments to a contractor when there is a report from the Remedy Coordination Official finding substantial evidence that the contractor’s request for advance, partial or progress payments is based on fraud and recommending that the Agency reduce or suspend such payments to the contractor.
(b) [Reserved]
Subpart 1532.1 – General
1532.102 Description of contract financing methods.
Progress payments based on a percentage or stage of completion are authorized for use as a payment method under EPA contracts or subcontracts for construction and alteration or repair of buildings, structures, or other real property.
1532.111 Contract clauses.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.232-73, Payments – Fixed Rate Services Contract, in solicitations and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts when services are being acquired on a fixed-rate basis.
1532.170 Forms.
(a) EPA Form 1900-10 Contractor’s Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation, at 1553.232-74, shall be used for an accounting of the cumulative charges and costs for cost-reimbursement contracts from inception of the contract to completion. It shall be submitted by the Contractor upon submission of the completion voucher.
(b) EPA Form 1900-68, Notice of Contract Costs Suspended and/or Disallowed, at 1553.232-75, shall be inserted in all cost-reimbursement type and fixed-rate type contracts.
Subpart 1532.2 – Commercial Item Purchase Financing
Authority for making the determination under FAR 32.201 is delegated to a level above the Contracting Officer.
Subpart 1532.4 – Advance Payments [Reserved]
Subpart 1532.8 – Assignment of Claims
1532.805 Procedure.
1532.805-70 Forms.
(a) EPA Form 1900-3, Assignee’s Release, at 1553.232-70 is required to be submitted by the assignee for cost-reimbursement contracts prior to final payment under the contract.
(b) EPA Form 1900-4, Assignee’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, Credits, and Other Amounts, at 1553.232-71 must accompany the assignee’s release prior to final payment under cost-reimbursement contracts.
(c) EPA Form 1900-5, Contractor’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates and Credits, at 1553.232-72 must be prepared by the Contractor prior to final payment under cost-reimbursement contracts and must accompany the Contractor’s Release.
(d) EPA Form 1900-6, Contractor’s Release, at 1553.232-73 must be submitted by the Contractor prior to final payment under cost-reimbursement contracts.
Subpart 1532.9 – Prompt Payment
1532.908 Contract clauses.
The Contracting Officer shall insert a clause substantially the same as that at 1552.232-70 in all solicitations and contracts for cost reimbursable acquisitions. If a non-commercial time and materials type contract is contemplated, the Contracting Officer shall use the clause with its Alternate I.
1532.1070 Contract Clauses.
(a) The contracting officer shall utilize the clause at 1552.332-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (FAR DEVIATION) in all solicitations and contracts in lieu of nondeviated FAR 52.232-39.
(b) The contracting officer shall utilize the clause at 1552.232-75, Commercial Supplier Agreements-Unenforceable Clauses, in all procurements where supplies or services are offered under a commercial supplier agreement (CSA).
PART 1533 – PROTESTS, DISPUTES AND APPEALS
Subpart 1533.1 – Protests
1533.103 Protests to the Agency.
Protests to the Agency are processed pursuant to the requirements of FAR 33.103. Contracting Officers must include in every solicitation the provision at 1552.233-70, Notice of Filing Requirements for Agency Protests.
Subpart 1533.2 – Disputes and Appeals
1533.203 Applicability.
The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) will hear appeals from final decisions of EPA Contracting Officers issued pursuant to the Contracts Disputes Act. The rules and regulations of the CBCA appear in 48 CFR chapter 61.
SUBCHAPTER F – SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING
PART 1535 – RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING
1535.007 Solicitations.
(a) Contracting officers shall insert the provision at 48 CFR 1552.235-73, Access to Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Confidential Business Information, in all solicitations when the contracting officer has determined that EPA may furnish the contractor with confidential business information which EPA had obtained from third parties under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
(b) Contracting officers shall insert the provision at 48 CFR 1552.235-75, Access to Toxic Substances Control Act Confidential Business Information, in all solicitations when the contracting officer has determined that EPA may furnish the contractor with confidential business information which EPA had obtained from third parties under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.).
(c) Contracting officers shall insert the provision at 48 CFR 1552.235-81, Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern-Representation, when notified in the Advance Procurement Plan (APP) or by an EPA funding/requesting office, in accordance with the Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern (iDURC) EPA Order 1000.19, Policy and Procedures for Managing Dual Use Research of Concern, in solicitations that will result in a contract under which EPA funding will be used by the recipient to conduct or sponsor “life sciences research”.
1535.007-70 Contract clauses.
The following clauses are prescribed for research and development (R&D) contracts. They may also be used in other than R&D contracts when applicable (see 1537.110).
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the contract clause at 1552.235-70, Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality, in contracts when the Contracting Officer has determined that during performance of this contract, the Contractor may be required to collect information to perform the work required under this contract. Some of the information may consist of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that would be considered as proprietary or confidential by the business that has the right to the information.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.235-71, Treatment of Confidential Business Information, in solicitations and contracts when the Contracting Officer has determined that in the performance of the contract, EPA may furnish confidential business information to the contractor obtained from third parties under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and the provision at 48 CFR 1552.235-70, Release of Contractor Confidential Business Information. EPA regulations on confidentiality of business information in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B require that the contractor agree to the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” before any confidential business information may be furnished to the contractor.
(c) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.235-76, Treatment of Confidential Business Information (TSCA), in solicitations and contracts when the Contracting Officer has determined that in the performance of the contract, EPA may furnish the contractor with confidential business information obtained from third parties under the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.). EPA regulations on confidentiality of business information in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B require that the contractor agree to the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” before any confidential business information may be furnished to the contractor.
(d) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.235-77, Data Security for Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Confidential Business Information, when the contract involves access to confidential business information related to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and the Treatment of Confidential Business Information clause (48 CFR 1552.235-71) and the Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality clause (48 CFR 1552.235-70) are included.
(e) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1552.235-78, Data Security for Toxic Substances Control Act Confidential Business Information, when the contract involves access to confidential business information related to the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Treatment of Confidential Business Information clause (48 CFR 1552.235-76) and Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality clause (48 CFR 1552.235-70) are included.
(f) Contracting Officers shall insert the clause 48 CFR 1552.235-79, Release of Contractor Confidential Business Information, in all solicitations and contracts in order to authorize the Agency to release confidential business information under certain circumstances.
(g) Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 1552.235-80, Access to Confidential Business Information (CBI), in all types of contracts when it is possible that it will be necessary for the contractor to have access to CBI during the performance of tasks required under the contract.
(h) Contracting officers shall insert 48 CFR 1552.235-82 – “Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern” into all solicitations containing 48 CFR 1552.235-81 and in existing contracts that are bilaterally modified at the request of an EPA funding/requesting office in accordance with EPA Order 1000.19.
PART 1536 – CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS
Subpart 1536.2 – Special Aspects of Contracting for Construction
1536.209 Construction contracts with architect-engineer firms.
(a) The provisions of FAR 36.209 do not apply to subcontractors performing treatability studies.
(b) The provisions of FAR 36.209 also do not apply to subcontractors whose input during the design phase does not substantially affect the course of the design work.
(c) Approval under FAR 36.209 is not required for subcontractors under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. Approval for all other subcontractors and prime contractors may be granted by the Chief of the Contracting Office. In reviewing requests for approval, the Chief of the Contracting Office shall consider factors such as the availability of other firms to perform the necessary construction or Superfund remedial action work, the estimated cost to the Government, and the policy of the Agency to promote the use of innovative technology.
Subpart 1536.5 – Contract Clauses
1536.521 Specifications and drawings for construction.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.236-70, Samples and Certificates, in soliciations and contracts when a fixed price construction contract is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold limitation. The clause may be inserted in solicitations and contracts when the contract is expected to be within the simplified acquisition threshold limitation.
Subpart 1536.6 – Architect-Engineer Services
1536.602 Selection of firms for architect-engineer contracts.
1536.602-2 Establishment of evaluation boards.
(a) The Environmental Protection Agency Architect-Engineer Evaluation Board is established as a central permanent Board located at Headquarters EPA under authority delegated to the Director, Office of Acquisition Management, which may be re-delegated.
(b) The Service Center Manager (SCM) is delegated the authority to appoint either one or two additional voting members as may be appropriate for a particular project.
(c) In the event of an emergency or extended absence, a member may designate, in writing, with the concurrence of the Chairperson, an alternate experienced in architecture, engineering, or construction to serve in his/her absence.
(d) The duties of the advisory member shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Assuring that the criteria set forth in the public notice are applied in the evaluation process; and
(2) Assuring that actions taken during the evaluation process do not compromise subsequent procurement actions.
PART 1537 – SERVICE CONTRACTING
Subpart 1537.1 – Service Contracts – General
1537.110 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
The following clauses are prescribed for service contracts. They may also be used in research and development contracts when applicable (see 1535.007-70).
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.237-70, Contract Publication Review Procedures, in solicitations and contracts when the products of the contract are subject to contract publication review.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert a clause substantially the same as the clause at 1552.237-71, Technical Direction, in solicitations and contracts where the Contracting Officer intends to delegate authority to issue technical direction to the Contracting Officer’s Representative(s).
(c) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.237-72, Key Personnel, in solicitations and contracts when it is necessary for contract performance to identify Contractor key personnel. Contracting Officers have the flexibility to identify the required number of days of key personnel commitment during the early stages of contractor performance. The length of time will be based on the requirements of individual acquisitions when continued assignment is essential to the successful implementation of the program’s mission. Therefore, Contracting Officers may use a clause substantially the same as in 48 CFR 1552.237-72, regarding substitution of key personnel. Contracting Officers may include a different number of days in excess of the ninety (90) days included in this clause, if approved at one level above the Contracting Officer.
(d) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.237-74, Publicity, in solicitations and contracts pertaining to the removal or remedial activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
(e) The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause at 1552.237-75, Paperwork Reduction Act, in solicitations and contracts requiring the collection of identical information from (10) or more public respondents.
(f) To ensure that Agency contracts are administered so as to avoid creating an improper employer-employee relationship, contracting officers shall insert the contract clause at 1552.237-76, “Government-Contractor Relations”, in all solicitations and contracts for non-personal services that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
PART 1539 – ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Subpart 1539.1 – Commercial Supplier Agreements
Subpart 1539.2 – Open Source Software
§ 1539.2071 Contract clause.
(a) Contracting Officers shall use clause 1552.239-71, Open Source Software, for all procurements where open-source software development/custom development of software will be required; including, but not limited to, multi-agency contracts, Federal Supply Schedule orders, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts, interagency agreements, cooperative agreements and student services contracts.
(b) In addition to clause 1552.239-71, Contracting Officers must also select the appropriate version * of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.227-14, Rights in Data – General, to include in the subject procurement in accordance with FAR 27.409. (* Important note: Alternate IV of clause 52.227-14 is NOT suitable for open-source software procurement use because it gives the contractor blanket permission to assert copyright.)
SUBCHAPTER G – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
PART 1542 – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Subpart 1542.7 – Indirect Cost Rates
1542.703-2 Certificate of indirect costs.
The Head of the Contracting Activity may waive the certification requirement set forth in FAR 42.703-2.
1542.705 Final indirect cost rates.
(a) The EPA shall use the Contracting Officer determination procedure for all business units for which it shall be required to negotiate final indirect cost rates.
(b) Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 1552.242-72, Financial Administrative Contracting officers (FACO), in cost-reimbursement contracts when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the cognizant federal agency and a FACO will be assigned.
1542.705-70 Solicitation and contract clause.
The Contracting Officer shall insert the clause in 1552.242-70, Indirect Costs, in solicitations and contracts where indirect costs apply, unless contracting with an educational institution where there are approved predetermined final indirect cost rates.
Subpart 1542.12 – Novation and Change of Name Agreements
1542.1200 Scope of subpart.
This subpart implements FAR subpart 42.12 and provides policies and procedures for executing and processing novation and change-of-name agreements.
1542.1202 Responsibility for executing agreements.
(a) Any EPA contracting office upon being notified of a successor in interest to, or change of name of, one of its Contractors shall promptly report such information by memorandum to the Director, Policy, Training and Oversight Division (POTD).
(b) To avoid duplication of effort on the part of EPA contracting offices in preparing and executing agreements to recognize a change of name or successor in interest, only one supplemental agreement will be prepared to effect necessary changes for all contracts between EPA and the Contractor involved. The Chief of the Procurement Policy Branch, Policy, Training and Oversight Division (PTOD), will, in each case, designate the Contracting Office responsible for taking all necessary and appropriate action with respect to either recognizing or not recognizing a successor in interest, or recognizing a change of name agreement.
1542.1203 Processing agreements.
(a) The responsible contracting office shall:
(1) Obtain from the Contractor a list of all affected contracts, the names and addresses of the contracting offices responsible for these contracts, and the required documentary evidence.
(2) Verify the accuracy of the list of contracts through the Contract Information System.
(3) Draft and execute a supplemental agreement to one of the contracts affected but covering all applicable outstanding and incomplete contracts affected by the transfer of assets or change of name. A supplemental agreement number need not be obtained for contracts other than for the one under which the supplemental agreement is written. The supplemental agreement will contain a list of the contracts affected and, for distribution purposes, the names and addresses of the contracting offices having contracts subject to the supplemental agreement.
(b) Agreements and supporting documents covering successors in interest shall be reviewed for legal sufficiency by legal counsel.
(c) After execution of the supplemental agreement, the designated office shall forward an authenticated copy of the supplemental agreement to the Director, Policy, Training and Oversight Division, and to each affected contract office.
PART 1545 – GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
Subpart 1545.1 – General
1545.107 Government property clauses.
(a) The Contracting Officer shall insert the contract clause at 1552.245-70:
(1) When it is anticipated that a Contractor will use Government-furnished or Contractor-acquired property in the cleanup of hazardous material as defined in Federal Standard No. 313, or, the toxic chemicals listed 40 CFR 372.65, in the environment.
(2) In all cost-type solicitations and contracts regardless of whether Government Property is initially provided, and in all fixed-price solicitations and contracts whenever Government furnished property is provided.
(b) The Contracting Officer shall insert the contract clause at 1552.245-71, Government-Furnished Data, in any contract in which the Government is to furnish data to the Contractor. The data to be provided shall be identified in the clause.
Subpart 1545.3 – Providing Government Property to Contractors
1545.309 Providing Government production and research property under special restrictions.
Government production and research property, other than foundations and similar improvements necessary for installing special tooling, special test equipment, or plant equipment, shall not be installed or constructed on land not owned by the Government in such fashion as to be nonseverable unless the contract under which the property is provided contains –
(a) One of the provisions in FAR 45.309(a);
(b) A requirement that the Government will have the right to abandon in place all nonseverable Government property provided; and
(c) A requirement that the Government will not have any obligation to disassemble or remove the property or to restore or to rehabilitate the premises on which the property is located.
PART 1546 – QUALITY ASSURANCE
Subpart 1546.7 – Warranties
1546.704 Authority for use of warranties.
The Contracting Officer shall ensure that the use of a warranty clause in a contract has the concurrence of the Project Officer.
PART 1548 – VALUE ENGINEERING [RESERVED]
SUBCHAPTER H – CLAUSES AND FORMS
PART 1552 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
Subpart 1552.2 – Texts of Provisions and Clauses
1552.203-70 Current/former agency employee involvement certification.
As prescribed in 1503.670, insert the following provision in all EPA solicitations for sole-source acquisitions.
The offeror (quoter) hereby certifies that:
(a) He/She is [ ] is not [ ] a former employee or special government employee whose EPA employment terminated within one year prior to submission of this offer (quote).
(b) He/She does [ ] does not [ ] employ or propose to employ a current/former employee or special government employee whose EPA employment terminated within one year prior to submission of this offer (quote) and who has been or will be involved, directly or indirectly, in developing or negotiating this offer (quote) for the offeror (quoter), or in the management, administration or performance of any contract resulting from this offer (quote).
(c) He/She does [ ] does not [ ] employ or propose to employ as a consultant or subcontractor under any contract resulting from this offer (quote) a current/former employee or special government employee whose EPA employment terminated within one year prior to submission of this offer (quote).
(d) A former employee or special government employee whose EPA employment terminated within one year prior to submission of this offer (quote) or such former employee’s spouse or minor child does [ ] does not [ ] own or substantially own or control the offeror’s (quoter’s) firm.
(e) See EPAAR part 1503.600-71 for definitions of the terms “employee” and “special government employee.”
1552.203-71 Display of EPA Office of Inspector General Hotline poster.
As prescribed in 1503.1004, insert the following clause in all contracts valued at $1,000,000 or more including all contract options.
(a) For EPA contracts valued at $1,000,000 or more including all contract options, the contractor shall prominently display EPA Office of Inspector General Hotline posters in contractor facilities where the work is performed under the contract.
(b) Office of Inspector General hotline posters may be obtained from the EPA Office of Inspector General, ATTN: OIG Hotline (2443), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460, or by accessing the OIG Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/oig/hotline.html.
(c) The Contractor need not comply with paragraph (a) of this clause if it has established a mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of improper conduct, and has provided instructions that encourage employees to make such reports.
1552.203-72 Scientific integrity.
As prescribed in § 1503.1071, insert the following clause:
(a) Applicability. This contract will require the Contractor to perform, communicate, or supervise scientific activities or use scientific information to perform advisory and assistance services. When performing, communicating, supervising, or utilizing scientific activities or scientific information, the Contractor must adhere to the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply:
Advisory and assistance services (see 48 CFR 2.101).
Scientific activities means those activities leading to the systematic knowledge of the physical or material world, largely consisting of observation and experimentation. It also includes the supervision, utilization, and communication of these activities.
Scientific information means factual inputs, data, models, analyses, technical information, or scientific assessments related to such disciplines as the behavioral and social sciences, public health and medical sciences, life and earth sciences, engineering, or physical sciences. This includes any communication or representation of knowledge, such as facts or data, in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual forms. This definition includes information that an agency disseminates from a web page but does not include the provision of hyperlinks on a web page to information that others disseminate. This definition excludes opinions, where the agency’s presentation makes clear that an individual’s opinion, rather than a statement of fact or of the agency’s findings and conclusions, is being offered.
Scientific Integrity means the adherence to professional values and practices, that is, the codes of ethics and behaviors in the scientists’ fields of study, when conducting, supervising, communicating, and utilizing the results of science and scholarship. It ensures objectivity, clarity, reproducibility, and utility. It also provides insulation from bias, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, improper outside interference, and censorship.
(c) Compliance with policy. Prior to beginning performance under this contract, the Contractor must ensure that all personnel within their organization, including subcontractors and consultants, that perform, communicate, or supervise scientific activities, or use scientific information to perform advisory and assistance services under this contract, have read and understand their compliance responsibilities with the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy. This requirement applies to any personnel that will supervise, conduct, utilize, or communicate scientific activities or scientific information. Examples of such scientific activities include, but are not limited to, computer modeling, economic analysis, field sampling, laboratory experimentation, demonstrating new technology, statistical analysis, and writing a review article on a scientific issue.
(1) Consistent with the objective of promoting a culture of scientific integrity and transparency, as discussed in the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy, the Contractor agrees to:
(i) Produce scientific products of the highest quality, rigor, and objectivity, by adhering to applicable EPA information quality policy, quality assurance policy, and peer review policy;
(ii) Prohibit suppressing, altering, or otherwise impeding the timely release of scientific findings or conclusions;
(iii) Adhere to the Peer Review Handbook, current edition, for the peer review of scientific and technical work products generated through this contract;
(iv) Act honestly and refrain from acts of research misconduct, including publication or reporting, as described in EPA Order 3120.5 Policy and Procedures for Addressing Research Misconduct. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion;
(v) Require that reviews of the content of a scientific product be based only on scientific quality considerations, e.g., the methods used are clear and appropriate, the presentation of results and conclusions is impartial;
(vi) Ensure scientific findings are generated and disseminated in a timely and transparent manner, including scientific research performed by subcontractors and consultants who assist with developing or applying the results of scientific activities;
(vii) Include an explication of underlying assumptions, accurate contextualization of uncertainties, and a description of the probabilities associated with both optimistic and pessimistic projections when communicating scientific findings, if applicable;
(viii) Document the use of independent validation of scientific methods; and
(ix) Document any independent review of the Contractor’s scientific facilities and testing activities, as occurs with accreditation by a nationally or internationally recognized sanctioning body.
(2) To assure protection of Contractor staff supported by this contract, consistent with the objectives described in the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy, the Contractor agrees to:
(i) Prohibit attempted or actual intimidation or coercion of scientists to alter scientific data, findings, or professional opinions or non-scientific influence of scientific advisory boards. In addition, the Contractor agrees to inform its employees, subcontractors, and consultants, including scientists and managers, of their responsibility not to knowingly misrepresent, exaggerate, or downplay areas of scientific uncertainty; and
(ii) Prohibit retaliation or other punitive actions toward employees who uncover or report allegations of scientific and research misconduct, or who express a differing scientific opinion. The Contractor must afford employees who have allegedly engaged in scientific or research misconduct the due process protections provided by law, regulation, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, prior to any action. The Contractor must ensure that all employees, subcontractors, and consultants are familiar with these protections and avoid the appearance of retaliatory actions.
(d) Loss of Scientific Integrity. If during performance of this contract the Contractor becomes aware of an actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity, the Contractor must immediately inform the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative with a description of the actual or suspected issue in writing. If the actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity is by an EPA employee, the Contractor may inform the Agency’s Scientific Integrity Official, in addition to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative. The Contractor must ensure that its employees are aware of their responsibility to immediately report any actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity to the Contractor, who must communicate it to the EPA in writing. The Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative must consult with the Agency’s Scientific Integrity Official on all issues related to an actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity under this contract and with the EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG), in accordance with EPA Order 3120.5 Policy and Procedures for Addressing Research Misconduct, on all issues related to research misconduct. The Agency’s Scientific Integrity Official and/or OIG must advise the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative on the appropriate remedy for any actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity. The Contractor bears the primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct and for the inquiry, investigation, and adjudication of research misconduct alleged to have occurred under the contract in association with its own institution. However, the EPA retains the ultimate oversight authority for the EPA-supported research. The Contractor must take the actions required as described in EPA Order 3120.5 Policy and Procedures for Addressing Research Misconduct when research misconduct is suspected or found under its contract.
(e) Remedies. The Contracting Officer in consultation with the Scientific Integrity Official and OIG, if applicable, will make the final determination on any remedy to an actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity. Potential remedies include:
(1) Acceptance of the Contractor’s proposed mitigation plan to the scientific integrity issue;
(2) Acceptance of an alternate mitigation plan negotiated by the parties listed in the first paragraph of this section;
(3) Termination for convenience, in whole or in part, if no mitigation plan will adequately resolve the actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity; or
(4) Termination for default or cause, in whole or in part, if the Contractor was aware of an actual or suspected loss of scientific integrity under this contract and did not disclose it or misrepresented relevant information to the EPA. Additionally, the Government may debar or suspend the Contractor from Government contracting or pursue other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.
(5) Opportunity to Respond – If the party who has been accused of a loss of scientific integrity feels that the Agency has reached an incorrect conclusion or the Contracting Officer has applied an inappropriate remedy, the party may provide a written response to the Contracting Officer, Scientific Integrity Official, and/or OIG.
(f) Subcontractors and Consultants. The Contractor agrees to insert language in any subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder which must conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (f), unless otherwise authorized in advance in writing by the Contracting Officer.
(g) Additional Resources. For more information about the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy, an introductory video can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/FQJCy8BXXq8. A training video is available at: https://youtu.be/Zc0T7fooot8.
1552.204-70 [Reserved]
1552.208-70 Printing.
As prescribed in 1508.870, insert the following clause:
(a) Definitions. “Printing” is the process of composition, plate making, presswork, binding and microform; or the end items produced by such processes and equipment. Printing services include newsletter production and periodicals which are prohibited under EPA contracts.
“Composition” applies to the setting of type by hot-metal casting, photo typesetting, or electronic character generating devices for the purpose of producing camera copy, negatives, a plate or image to be used in the production of printing or microform.
“Camera copy” (or “camera-ready copy”) is a final document suitable for printing/duplication.
“Desktop Publishing” is a method of composition using computers with the final output or generation of a camera copy done by a color inkjet or color laser printer. This is not considered “printing.” However, if the output from desktop publishing is being sent to a typesetting device (i.e., Linotronic) with camera copy being produced in either paper or negative format, these services are considered “printing.”
“Microform” is any product produced in a miniaturized image format, for mass or general distribution and as a substitute for conventionally printed material. Microform services are classified as printing services and include microfiche and microfilm. The contractor may make up to two sets of microform files for archival purposes at the end of the contract period of performance.
“Duplication” means the making of copies on photocopy machines employing electrostatic, thermal, or other processes without using an intermediary such as a negative or plate.
“Requirement” means an individual photocopying task. (There may be multiple requirements under a Work Assignment or Delivery Order. Each requirement would be subject to the duplication limitation of 5,000 copies of one page or 25,000 copies of multiple pages in the aggregate per requirement).
“Incidental” means a draft and/or proofed document (not a final document) that is not prohibited from printing under EPA contracts.
(b) Prohibition. (1) The contractor shall not engage in, nor subcontract for, any printing in connection with the performance of work under this contract. Duplication of more than 5,000 copies of one page or more than 25,000 copies of multiple pages in the aggregate per requirement constitutes printing. The intent of the printing limitation is to eliminate duplication of final documents.
(2) In compliance with EPA Order 2200.4a, EPA Publication Review Procedure, the Office of Communications, Education, and Media Relations is responsible for the review of materials generated under a contract published or issued by the Agency under a contract intended for release to the public.
(c) Affirmative Requirements. (1) Unless otherwise directed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall use double-sided copying to produce any progress report, draft report or final report.
(2) Unless otherwise directed by the contracting officer, the contractor shall use recycled paper for reports delivered to the Agency which meet the minimum content standards for paper and paper products as set forth in EPA’s Web site for the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines at: http://www.epa.gov/cpg/.
(d) Permitted Contractor Activities. (1) The prohibitions contained in paragraph (b) do not preclude writing, editing, or preparing manuscript copy, or preparing related illustrative material to a final document (camera-ready copy) using desktop publishing.
(2) The contractor may perform a requirement involving the duplication of less than 5,000 copies of only one page, or less than 25,000 copies of multiple pages in the aggregate, using one color (black), such pages shall not exceed the maximum image size of 10
(3) The contractor may perform a requirement involving the multi-color duplication of no more than 100 pages in the aggregate using color copier technology, such pages shall not exceed the maximum image size of 10
(4) The contractor may perform the duplication of no more than a total of 500 units of an electronic information storage device (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, thumb drives
(e) Violations. The contractor may not engage in, nor subcontract for, any printing in connection with the performance of work under the contract. The cost of any printing services in violation of this clause will be disallowed, or not accepted by the Government.
(f) Flowdown Clause. The contractor shall include in each subcontract which may involve a requirement for any printing/duplicating/copying a provision substantially the same as this clause.
1552.209-70 Organizational conflict of interest notification.
As prescribed in 1509.507-1(b) insert the following solicitation provision in all solicitations.
(a) The prospective Contractor certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it is not aware of any information bearing on the existence of any potential organizational conflict of interest. If the prospective Contractor cannot so certify, it shall provide a disclosure statement in its proposal which describes all relevant information concerning any past, present, or planned interests bearing on whether it (including its chief executives and directors, or any proposed consultant or subcontractor) may have a potential organizational conflict of interest.
(b) Prospective Contractors should refer to FAR subpart 9.5 and EPAAR part 1509 for policies and procedures for avoiding, neutralizing, or mitigating organizational conflicts of interest.
(c) If the Contracting Officer determines that a potential conflict exists, the prospective Contractor shall not receive an award unless the conflict can be avoided or otherwise resolved through the inclusion of a special contract clause or other appropriate means. The terms of any special clause are subject to negotiation.
1552.209-71 Organizational conflicts of interest.
As prescribed in 1509.507-2, insert the following contract clause in all contracts except:
(a) When specific clauses are required per EPAAR part 1509;
(b) When the procurement is with another Federal agency (however, the provision is included in contracts with SBA and its subcontractor under the 8(a) program); and
(c) When the procurement is accomplished through simplified acquisition procedures, use of the clause is optional.
(a) The Contractor warrants that, to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which could give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as defined in FAR subpart 9.5, or that the Contractor has disclosed all such relevant information.
(b) Prior to commencement of any work, the Contractor agrees to notify the Contracting Officer immediately that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, no actual or potential conflict of interest exists or to identify to the Contracting Officer any actual or potential conflict of interest the firm may have. In emergency situations, however, work may begin but notification shall be made within five (5) working days.
(c) The Contractor agrees that if an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest is identified during performance, the Contractor will immediately make a full disclosure in writing to the Contracting Officer. This disclosure shall include a description of actions which the Contractor has taken or proposes to take, after consultation with the Contracting Officer, to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict of interest. The Contractor shall continue performance until notified by the Contracting Officer of any contrary action to be taken.
(d) Remedies – The EPA may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to avoid an organizational conflict of interest. If the Contractor was aware of a potential organizational conflict of interest prior to award or discovered an actual or potential conflict after award and did not disclose it or misprepresented relevant information to the Contracting officer, the Government may terminate the contract for default, debar the Contractor from Government contracting, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.
(e) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (e), unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
Alternate I (SEP 1998). Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (e).
(e) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph, unless otherwise authorized by the contracting officer.
1552.209-72 Organizational conflict of interest certification.
As prescribed in 1509.507-1(b), insert the following provision in all solicitation documents when applicable.
The offeror [ ] is [ ] is not aware of any information bearing on the existence of any potential organizational conflict of interest. If the offeror is aware of information bearing on whether a potential conflict may exist, the offeror shall provide a disclosure statement describing this information. (See section L of the solicitation for further information.)
1552.209-73 Notification of conflicts of interest regarding personnel.
As prescribed in 1509.507-2(b) insert the following clause:
(a) In addition to the requirements of the contract clause entitled “Organizational Conflicts of Interest,” the following provisions with regard to employee personnel performing under this contract shall apply until the earlier of the following two dates: the termination date of the affected employee(s) or the expiration date of the contract.
(b) The Contractor agrees to notify immediately the EPA Contracting Officer’s Representative and the Contracting Officer of (1) any actual or potential personal conflict of interest with regard to any of its employees working on or having access to information regarding this contract, or (2) any such conflicts concerning subcontractor employees or consultants working on or having access to information regarding this contract, when such conflicts have been reported to the Contractor. A personal conflict of interest is defined as a relationship of an employee, subcontractor employee, or consultant with an entity that may impair the objectivity of the employee, subcontractor employee, or consultant in performing the contract work.
(c) The Contractor agrees to notify each Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contracting Officer prior to incurring costs for that employee’s work when an employee may have a personal conflict of interest. In the event that the personal conflict of interest does not become known until after performance on the contract begins, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer of the personal conflict of interest. The Contractor shall continue performance of this contract until notified by the Contracting Officer of the appropriate action to be taken.
(d) The Contractor agrees to insert in any subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d), unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
Alternate I (JAN 2015). Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (d).
(d) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d), unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
1552.209-74 Limitation of future contracting.
As prescribed in 1509.507-2(c), insert the following clause or alternate:
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) The Contractor will be ineligible to enter into a contract for remedial action projects for which the Contractor has developed the statement of work or the solicitation package.
(c) The following applies when work is performed under this contract: Unless prior written approval is obtained from the cognizant EPA Contracting Officer, the Contractor, during the life of the work assignment, task order, or tasking document and for a period of five (5) years after the completion of the work assignment, task order, or tasking document, agrees not to enter into a contract with or to represent any party, other than EPA, with respect to: (1) Any work relating to CERCLA activities which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for EPA under this contract; or (2) any work that may jeopardize CERCLA enforcement actions which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for the EPA under this contract.
(d) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(e) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(f) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(g) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (g) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(h) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(i) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime Contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(c) Unless prior written approval is obtained from the cognizant EPA Contracting Officer, the Contractor, during the life of the delivery order or tasking document and for a period of five (5) years after the completion of the delivery order or tasking document, agrees not to enter into a contract with or to represent any party, other than EPA, with respect to: (1) any work relating to CERCLA activities which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for EPA under this contract; or (2) any work that may jeopardize CERCLA enforcement actions which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for the EPA under this contract.
(d) During the life of this contract, including any options, the Contractor agrees that unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer:
(1) It will not provide any Superfund Technical Assistance and Removal Team (START); type activities (e.g., START contracts) to EPA within the Contractor’s ERRS assigned geographical area(s), either as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or consultant.
(2) It will not provide any START type activities (e.g., START contracts) to EPA as a prime contractor, subcontractor or consultant at a site where it has performed or plans to perform ERRS work.
(3) It will be ineligible for award of START type activities contracts for sites within its respective ERRS assigned geographical area(s) which result from a CERCLA administrative order, a CERCLA or RCRA consent decree or a court order.
(e) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(f) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(g) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(h) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (h) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(i) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(j) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime Contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(c) Unless prior written approval is obtained from the cognizant EPA Contracting Officer, the Contractor, during the life of the technical direction document and for a period of five (5) years after the completion of the technical direction document, agrees not to enter into a contract with or to represent any party, other than EPA, with respect to: (1) Any work relating to CERCLA activities which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for EPA under this contract; or (2) any work that may jeopardize CERCLA enforcement actions which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for the EPA under this contract.
(d) During the life of this contract, including any options, the Contractor agrees that unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer:
(1) It will not provide to EPA cleanup services (e.g., Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contracts) within the Contractor’s START assigned geographical area(s), either as a prime Contractor, subcontractor, or consultant.
(2) Unless an individual design for the site has been prepared by a third party, it will not provide to EPA as a prime contractor, subcontractor or consultant any remedial construction services at a site where it has performed or plans to perform START work. This clause will not preclude START contractors from performing construction management services under other EPA contracts.
(3) It will be ineligible for award of ERRS type activities contracts for sites within its respective START assigned geographical area(s) which result from a CERCLA administrative order, a CERCLA or RCRA consent decree or a court order.
(e) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(f) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(g) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(h) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (h) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(i) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(j) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime Contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(c) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(d) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(e) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (e) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(f) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(g) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) During the performance period of this contract, the Contractor will be ineligible to enter into any contract for remedial planning and/or implementation projects for sites within the assigned geographical area(s) covered by this contract without the prior written approval of the EPA Contracting Officer.
(c) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime Contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(d) Unless prior written approval is obtained from the cognizant EPA Contracting Officer, the Contractor, during the life of the work assignment and for a period of seven (7) years after the completion of the work assignment, agrees not to enter into a contract with or to represent any party, other than EPA, with respect to: (1) Any work relating to CERCLA activities which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for EPA under this contract; or (2) any work that may jeopardize CERCLA enforcement actions which pertain to a site where the Contractor previously performed work for the EPA under this contract.
(e) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(f) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(g) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(h) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (h) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(i) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(j) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime Contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(c) The Contractor, during the life of this contract, will be ineligible to enter into a contract with EPA to perform response action work (e.g., Response Action Contract (RAC), Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS), Superfund Technical Assistance and Removal Team (START), and Enforcement Support Services (ESS) contracts), unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
(d) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(e) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(f) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (f) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(g) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(h) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
(a) The parties to this contract agree that the Contractor will be restricted in its future contracting in the manner described below. Except as specifically provided in this clause, the Contractor shall be free to compete for contracts on an equal basis with other companies.
(b) If the Contractor, under the terms of this contract, or through the performance of work pursuant to this contract, is required to develop specifications or statements of work and such specifications or statements of work are incorporated into an EPA solicitation, the Contractor shall be ineligible to perform the work described in that solicitation as a prime contractor or subcontractor under an ensuing EPA contract.
(c) Unless prior written approval is obtained from the cognizant EPA Contracting Officer, the Contractor, during the life of the contract and for a period of five (5) years after the expiration of the contract agrees not to enter into a contract with or to represent any party, other than EPA, with respect to: (1) any work relating to CERCLA activities which pertain to the site where the Contractor previously performed work for EPA under this contract; or (2) any work that may jeopardize CERCLA enforcement actions which pertain to the site where the Contractor previously performed work for the EPA under this contract.
(d) During the life of this contract, including any options, the Contractor agrees that unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer:
(1) It will not provide any Superfund Technical Assistance and Removal Team (START) type activities (e.g., START contracts) to EPA on the site either as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or consultant.
(2) It will be ineligible for award of contracts pertaining to this site which result from a CERCLA administrative order, a CERCLA or RCRA consent decree or a court order.
(e) The Contractor and any subcontractors, during the life of this contract, shall be ineligible to enter into an EPA contract or a subcontract under an EPA contract, which supports EPA’s performance of Superfund Headquarters policy work including support for the analysis and development of regulations, policies, or guidance that govern, affect, or relate to the conduct of response action activities, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. Examples of such contracts include, but are not limited to, Superfund Management and Analytical support contracts, and Superfund Technical and Analytical support contracts.
(f) The Contractor agrees in advance that if any bids/proposals are submitted for any work that would require written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into a contract subject to the restrictions of this clause, then the bids/proposals are submitted at the Contractor’s own risk. Therefore, no claim shall be made against the Government to recover bid/proposal costs as a direct cost whether the request for authorization to enter into the contract is denied or approved.
(g) To the extent that the work under this contract requires access to proprietary or confidential business or financial data of other companies, and as long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the Contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure.
(h) Contractors who are performing nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including construction work, may request a waiver from or modification to this clause by submitting a written request to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer shall make the determination regarding whether to waive or modify the clause on a case-by-case basis.
(i) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services, including treatability studies, well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (i) unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may request in writing that the Contracting Officer exempt from this clause a particular subcontract or consultant agreement for nondiscretionary technical or engineering services not specifically listed above, including laboratory analysis. The Contracting Officer will review and evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis before approving or disapproving the request.
(j) If the Contractor seeks an expedited decision regarding its initial future contracting request, the Contractor may submit its request to both the Contracting Officer and the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization.
(k) A review process available to the Contractor when an adverse determination is received shall consist of a request for reconsideration to the Contracting Officer or a request for review submitted to the next administrative level within the Contracting Officer’s organization. An adverse determination resulting from a request for reconsideration by the Contracting Officer will not preclude the Contractor from requesting a review by the next administrative level. Either a request for review or a request for reconsideration must be submitted to the appropriate level within 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial adverse determination.
1552.209-75 Annual certification.
As prescribed in 1509.507-2(d), insert the following clause:
The Contractor shall submit an annual conflict of interest certification to the Contracting Officer. In this certification, the Contractor shall certify annually that, to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, all actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest have been reported to EPA. In addition, in this annual certification, the Contractor shall certify that it has informed its personnel who perform work under EPA contracts or relating to EPA contracts of their obligation to report personal and organizational conflicts of interest to the Contractor. Such certification must be signed by a senior executive of the company and submitted in accordance with instructions provided by the Contracting Officer. The initial certification shall cover the one-year period from the date of contract award, and all subsequent certifications shall cover successive annual periods thereafter, until expiration or termination of the contract. The certification must be received by the Contracting Officer no later than 45 days after the close of the certification period covered.
1552.210-71 [Reserved]
1552.210-73–1552.210-74 [Reserved]
1552.211-70 Reports of work.
As prescribed in 1511.011-70, insert one of the contract clauses in this subsection when the contract requires the delivery of reports, including plans, evaluations, studies, analyses and manuals. The basic clause should be used when reports are specified in a contract attachment. Alternate I is to be used to specify reports in the contract schedule.
The Contractor shall prepare and deliver reports, including plans, evaluations, studies, analyses and manuals in accordance with Attachment ________. Each report shall cite the contract number, identify the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the sponsoring agency, and identify the name of the Contractor preparing the report.
The OMB clearance number for progress reports delivered under this contract is 2030-0005.
Alternate I (OCT 2000). The Contractor shall prepare and deliver the below listed reports, including plans, evaluations, studies, analyses and manuals to the designated addressees. Each report shall cite the contract number, identify the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the sponsoring agency, and identify the name of the Contractor preparing the report.
The OMB clearance number for progress reports delivered under this contract is 2030-0005. Required reports are:
| Reports description | No. copies | Addressees |
|---|---|---|
1552.211-72 Monthly progress report.
As prescribed in 1511.011-72, insert the following clause:
(a) The Contractor shall furnish __ copies of the combined monthly technical and financial progress report stating the progress made, including the percentage of the project completed, and a description of the work accomplished to support the cost. If the work is ordered using work assignments or delivery orders, include the estimated percentage of task completed during the reporting period for each work assignment or delivery order.
(b) Specific discussions shall include difficulties encountered and remedial action taken during the reporting period, and anticipated activity with a schedule of deliverables for the subsequent reporting period.
(c) The Contractor shall provide a list of outstanding actions awaiting Contracting Officer authorization, noted with the corresponding work assignment, such as subcontractor consents, overtime approvals, and work plan approvals.
(d) The report shall specify financial status at the contract level as follows:
(1) For the current reporting period, display the amount claimed.
(2) For the cumulative period and the cumulative contract life display: the amount obligated, amount originally invoiced, amount paid, amount suspended, amount disallowed, and remaining approved amount. The remaining approved amount is defined as the total obligated amount, less the total amount originally invoiced, plus total amount disallowed.
(3) Labor hours.
(i) A list of employees, their labor categories, and the numbers of hours worked for the reporting period.
(ii) For the current reporting period display the expended direct labor hours (by EPA contract labor category), and the total loaded direct labor costs.
(iii) For the cumulative contract period display: The negotiated and expended direct labor hours (by EPA labor category) and the total loaded direct labor costs.
(iv) Display the estimated direct labor hours and costs to be expended during the next reporting period.
(4) Display the current dollar ceilings in the contract, net amount invoiced, and remaining amounts for the following categories: Direct labor hours, total estimated cost, award fee pool (if applicable), subcontracts by individual subcontractor, travel, program management, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).
(5) Unbilled allowable costs. Display the total costs incurred but unbilled for the current reporting period and cumulative for the contract.
(6) Average total cost per labor hour. For the current contract period, compare the actual cost per hour to date with the average total cost per hour of the approved work plans.
(e) The report shall specify financial status at the work assignment or delivery order level as follows:
(1) For the current period, display the amount claimed.
(2) For the cumulative period display: amount shown on workplan, or latest work assignment/delivery order amendment amount (whichever is later); amount currently claimed; amount paid; amount suspended; amount disallowed; and remaining approved amount. The remaining approved amount is defined as: the workplan amount or latest work assignment or delivery order amount (whichever is later), less total amounts originally invoiced, plus total amount disallowed.
(3) Labor hours.
(i) A list of employees, their labor categories, and the number of hours worked for the reporting period.
(ii) For the current reporting period display the expended direct labor hours (by EPA contract labor category), and the total loaded direct labor hours.
(iii) For the cumulative reporting period and the cumulative contract period display: The negotiated and expended direct labor hours (by EPA labor hour category) and the loaded direct labor rate.
(iv) Display the estimated direct labor hours and costs to be expended during the next reporting period.
(v) Display the estimates of remaining direct labor hours and costs required to complete the work assignment or delivery order.
(4) Unbilled allowable costs. Display the total costs incurred but unbilled for the current reporting period and cumulative for the work assignment.
(5) Average total cost labor hour. For the current contract period, compare the actual total cost per hour to date with the average total cost per hour of the approved workplans.
(6) A list of deliverables for each work assignment or delivery order during the reporting period.
(f) This submission does not change the notification requirements of the “Limitation of Cost” or “Limitation of Funds” clauses requiring separate written notice to the Contracting Officer.
(g) The reports shall be submitted to the following addresses on or before the __ of each month following the first complete reporting period of the contract. See EPAAR 1552.232-70, Submission of Invoices, paragraph (e), for details on the timing of submittals. Distribute reports as follows:
| No. of copies | Addressee | Address (email and/or shipping) |
|---|---|---|
| Contracting Officer’s Representative. | ||
| Contracting Officer |
1552.211-73 Level of effort – cost-reimbursement contract.
As prescribed in 1511.011-73, the contracting officer shall insert the following contract clause in cost-reimbursement contracts including cost contracts without fee, cost-sharing contracts, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contracts, cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts (CPIF), and cost-plus-award-fee contracts (CPAF).
(a) The Contractor shall perform all work and provide all required reports within the level of effort specified below. The Contractor shall provide up to ____ direct labor hours for the base period. The Government’s best estimate of the level of effort to fulfill these requirements is provided for advisory and estimating purposes. The Government is only obligated to pay for direct labor hours ordered and corresponding fixed fee for labor hours completed.
(b) Direct labor includes personnel such as engineers, scientists, draftsmen, technicians, statisticians, and programmers, and not support personnel such as company management or data entry/word processing/accounting personnel even though such support personnel are normally treated as direct labor by the Contractor. The level of effort specified in paragraph (a) of this section includes Contractor, subcontractor, and consultant non-support labor hours.
(c) If the Contractor provides less than 90 percent of the level of effort specified for the base period or any optional period exercised, an equitable downward adjustment of the fixed fee, if any, for that period will be made. The downward adjustment will reduce the fixed fee by the percentage by which the total expended level of effort is less than 100% of that specified in paragraph (a). (For instance, if a hypothetical base-period LOE of 100,000 hours is being reduced to 70,000, the fixed fee shall also be reduced by the same 30%. Using a corresponding hypothetical base-period fixed fee pool of $300,000, the reduced fixed-fee amount is calculated as: $300,000 × (70,000 hours/100,000 hours) = $210,000.)
(d) The Government may require the Contractor to provide additional effort up to 110 percent of the level of effort for any period until the estimated cost for that period has been reached. However, this additional effort shall not result in any increase in the fixed fee, if any.
(e) If this is a cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF) contract, the term “fee” in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section means “base fee and incentive fee.” If this is a cost-plus-award-fee (CPAF) contract, the term “fee” in paragraphs (c) and (d) means “base fee and award fee.”
(f) If the level of effort specified to be ordered during a given base or option period is not ordered during that period, that level of effort may not be accumulated and ordered during a subsequent period.
(g) These terms and conditions do not supersede the requirements of either the “Limitation of Cost” or “Limitation of Funds” clauses.
1552.211-74 Work assignments.
As prescribed in 1511.011-74, insert the following contract clause in cost-reimbursement contracts when work assignments are to be used.
(a) The contractor shall perform work under this contract as specified in written work assignments issued by the Contracting Officer.
(b) Each work assignment may include (1) a numerical designation, (2) approved workplan labor hours or an estimated initial level of effort provided in accordance with 1511.011-74, (3) the period of performance and schedule of deliverables, and (4) the description of the work.
(c) The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of each work assignment by returning to the Contracting Officer a signed copy of the work assignment within _ calendar days after its receipt. The Contractor shall begin working on a work plan immediately upon receipt of a work assignment. Within _ calendar days after receipt of a work assignment, the Contractor shall submit _ copies of a work plan to the Contract-level Contracting Officer’s Representative and _ copies to the Contracting Officer. The work plan shall include a detailed technical and staffing plan and a detailed cost estimate. Within _ calendar days after receipt of the work plan, the Contracting Officer will provide written approval or disapproval of it to the Contractor. The Contractor is not authorized to start work without an approved work plan unless approved by the Contracting Officer or otherwise specified. Also, if the Contracting Officer disapproves a work plan, the Contractor shall stop work until the problem causing the disapproval is resolved. In either case, the Contractor shall resume work only when the Contracting Officer approves the work plan.
(d) This clause does not change the requirements of the “Level of Effort” clause, nor the notification requirements of either the “Limitation of Cost” or “Limitation of Funds” clauses.
(e) Work assignments shall not allow for any change to the terms or conditions of the contract. Where any language in the work assignment may suggest a change to the terms or conditions, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer.
Alternate I (APR 1984). As prescribed in 1511.011-74(b)(1), modify the existing clause by adding the following paragraph (f) to the basic clause:
(f) Within 20 days of receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document, the Contractor shall provide a conflict of interest (COI) certification. Where work assignments or similar tasking documents are issued under this contract for work on or directly related to a site, the Contractor is only required to provide a COI certification for the first work assignment issued for that site. For all subsequent work on that site under this contract, the Contractor has a continuing obligation to search and report any actual or potential COIs, but no additional COI certifications are required.
Before submitting the COI certification, the Contractor shall search its records accumulated, at a minimum, over the past three years immediately prior to the receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document. In the COI certification, the Contractor must certify to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief that all actual or potential organizational COIs have been reported to the Contracting Officer, or that to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, no actual or potential organizational COIs exist. In addition, the Contractor must certify that its personnel who perform work under this work assignment or relating to this work assignment have been informed of their obligation to report personal and organizational COIs to the Contractor. The COI certification shall also include a statement that the Contractor recognizes its continuing obligation to identify and report any actual or potential COI arising during performance of this work assignment or other work related to this site.
Alternate II (APR 1984). As prescribed in 1511.011-74(b)(1), modify the existing clause by adding the following paragraph (f) to the basic clause:
(f) Within 20 days of receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document, the Contractor shall provide a conflict of interest (COI) certification. Where work assignments or similar tasking documents are issued under this contract for work on or directly related to a site, the Contractor is only required to provide a COI certification for the first work assignment issued for that site. For all subsequent work on that site under this contract, the Contractor has a continuing obligation to search and report any actual or potential COIs, but no additional COI certifications are required.
Before submitting the COI certification, the Contractor shall initially search through all of its available records to identify any actual or potential COIs. During the first three years of this contract, the Contractor shall search through all records created since the beginning of the contract plus the records of the Contractor prior to the award of the contract until a minimum of three years of records are accumulated. Once three years of records have accumulated, prior to certifying, the Contractor shall search its records accumulated, at a minimum, over the past three years immediately prior to the receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document. In the COI certification, the Contractor must certify to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, that all actual or potential organizational COIs have been reported to the Contracting Officer, or that to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, no actual or potential organizational COIs exist. In addition, the Contractor must certify that its personnel who perform work under this work assignment or relating to this work assignment have been informed of their obligation to report personal and organizational COIs to the Contractor. The COI certification shall also include a statement that the Contractor recognizes its continuing obligation to identify and report any actual or potential COI arising during performance of this work assignment or other work related to this site.
Alternate III (DEC 2014). As prescribed in 1511.011-74(b)(2), modify the existing clause by adding the following paragraph (f) to the basic clause:
(f) Within 20 days of receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document, the Contractor shall provide a conflict of interest (COI) certification.
Before submitting the COI certification, the Contractor shall search its records accumulated, at a minimum, over the past three years immediately prior to the receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document. In the COI certification, the Contractor must certify to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief that all actual or potential organizational COIs have been reported to the Contracting Officer, or that to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, no actual or potential organizational COIs exist. In addition, the Contractor must certify that its personnel who perform work under this work assignment or relating to this work assignment have been informed of their obligation to report personal and organizational COIs to the Contractor. The COI certification shall also include a statement that the Contractor recognizes its continuing obligation to identify and report any actual or potential COI arising during performance of this work assignment.
Alternate IV (DEC 2014). As prescribed in 1511.011-74(b)(2), modify the existing clause by adding the following paragraph (f) to the basic clause:
(f) Within 20 days of receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document, the Contractor shall provide a conflict of interest (COI) certification.
Before submitting the COI certification, the Contractor shall initially search through all of its available records to identify any actual or potential COIs. During the first three years of this contract, the Contractor shall search through all records created since the beginning of the contract plus records of the Contractor prior to the award of the contract until a minimum of three years of records have accumulated. Once three years of records have accumulated, prior to certifying, the Contractor shall search its records, at a minimum, over the past three years immediately prior to the receipt of the work assignment or similar tasking document. In the COI certification, the Contractor must certify to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief that all actual or potential organizational COIs have been reported to the Contracting Officer, or that to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, no actual or potential organizational COIs exist. In addition, the Contractor must certify that its personnel who perform work under this work assignment or relating to this work assignment have been informed of their obligation to report personal and organizational COIs to the Contractor. The COI certification shall also include a statement that the Contractor recognizes its continuing obligation to identify and report any actual or potential COI arising during performance of this work assignment.
1552.211-75 Working files.
As prescribed in 1511.011-75, insert the following clause in all applicable EPA contracts.
The Contractor shall maintain accurate working files (by task or work assignment) on all work documentation including calculations, assumptions, interpretations of regulations, sources of information, and other raw data required in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall provide the information contained in the contractor’s working files upon request of the Contracting Officer.
1552.211-76 Legal analysis.
As prescribed in 1511.011-76, insert this contract clause when it is determined that the contract involves legal analysis.
The Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer’s Representative one (1) copy of any draft legal analysis. The Government will provide a response to the Contractor within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt. The Contractor shall not finalize the analysis until the Government has given approval.
1552.211-77 Final reports.
As prescribed in 1511.011-77, insert this contract clause when a contract requires both a draft and a final report.
(a) “Draft Report” The Contractor shall submit a copy of the draft final report on or before (date) to the Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contracting Officer in electronic format, unless specified otherwise by the Government. The draft shall be double-spaced or space-and-a-half and shall include all pertinent material required in the final report. The Government will review for approval or disapproval the draft and provide a response to the Contractor within __ calendar days after receipt. If the Government does not provide a response within the allotted review time, the Contractor immediately shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing.
(b) “Final Report” – The Contractor shall deliver a final report on or before the last day of the period of performance specified in the contract. Distribution is as follows:
| No. of copies | Addressee | Address (email and/or shipping) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPA Library | |
| 1 | Contracting Officer | |
| 1 | Contracting Officer’s Representative |
(c) The electronic format of the draft and final report shall be in accordance with the current EPA policy and procedures.
1552.211-78 Advisory and assistance services.
As prescribed in 1511.011-78, insert the following contract clause in all contracts for advisory and assistance services.
All reports containing recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency shall include the following information on the cover of each report: (a) Name and business address of the contractor; (b) contract number; (c) contract dollar amount; (d) whether the contract was subject to full and open competition or a sole source acquisition; (e) name of the EPA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the COR’s office identification and location; and (f) date of report.
1552.211-79 Compliance with EPA policies for information resources management.
As prescribed in 1511.011-79, insert the following clause:
(a) Definition. Information Resources Management (IRM) is defined as any planning, budgeting, organizing, directing, training, promoting, controlling, and managing activities associated with the burden, collection, creation, use and dissemination of information. IRM includes both information itself and the management of information and related resources such as personnel, equipment, funds, and technology. Examples of these services include but are not limited to the following:
(1) The acquisition, creation, or modification of a computer program or automated data base for delivery to EPA or use by EPA or contractors operating EPA programs.
(2) The analysis of requirements for, study of the feasibility of, evaluation of alternatives for, or design and development of a computer program or automated data base for use by EPA or contractors operating EPA programs.
(3) Services that provide EPA personnel access to or use of computer or word processing equipment, software, or related services.
(4) Services that provide EPA personnel access to or use of: Data communications; electronic messaging services or capabilities; electronic bulletin boards, or other forms of electronic information dissemination; electronic record-keeping; or any other automated information services.
(b) General. The Contractor shall perform any IRM-related work under this contract in accordance with the IRM policies, standards, and procedures set forth on the Office of Environmental Information policy Web site. Upon receipt of a work request (i.e. delivery order, task order, or work assignment), the Contractor shall check this listing of directives. The applicable directives for performance of the work request are those in effect on the date of issuance of the work request. The 2100 Series (2100-2199) of the Agency’s Directive System contains the majority of the Agency’s IRM policies, standards, and procedures.
(c) Section 508 requirements (accessibility). Contract deliverables are required to be compliant with Section 508 requirements (accessibility for people with disabilities). The Environmental Protection Agency policy for 508 compliance can be found at www.epa.gov/accessibility.
(d) Electronic access. A complete listing, including full text, of documents included in the 2100 Series of the Agency’s Directive System is maintained on the EPA Public Access Server on the Internet at http://www2.epa.gov/irmpoli8/current-information-directives.
1552.213-70 Notice to suppliers of equipment.
As prescribed in 1513.507(b), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following contract clause in orders for or lease of commercially available equipment.
(a) It is the general policy of the Environmental Protection Agency that Contractor or vendor prescribed leases or maintenance agreements for equipment will NOT be executed.
(b) Performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the vendor’s commercial lease, or customer service maintenance agreement, unless specified in the Schedule, may render the vendor’s performance unacceptable, thereby permitting the Government to apply such contractual remedies as may be permitted by law, regulation, or the terms of this order.
1552.214-71 Contract award – other factors – formal advertising.
As prescribed in 1514.201-6(b), insert the following solicitation provision in invitations for bids (IFB) when it is appropriate to describe other factors that will be used in evaluating bids for award. This provision is used to describe the other factors mentioned in the solicitation provisions “Contract Award – Formal Advertising” (FAR 52.214-10), and “Contract Award – Construction” (FAR 52.214-19). All other evaluation provisions in the IFB (e.g., evaluation of options) should be cross-referenced in this provision. The other factors set forth in the provision should represent a consolidated statement of the exact basis upon which bids will be evaluated for award.
The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation as stated in the “Contract Award” provision. The other factors that will be considered are:
1552.215-70–1552.215-71 [Reserved]
1552.215-72 Instructions for the Preparation of Proposals.
As prescribed in 1515.408(a)(1) insert the following provision:
(a) Other than cost proposal instructions. (1) Submit proposal for than cost factors as a separate part of the total proposal package. Omit all cost or pricing details from this proposal.
(2) Special proposal instructions:
(b) Cost or pricing proposal instructions. The offeror shall prepare and submit cost or pricing information data and supporting attachments in accordance with Table 15-2 of FAR 15.408. In addition to a hard copy of the information, to expedite review of the proposal, submit an IBM-compatible software or storage device (e.g., USB flash drive or card reader) containing the financial data required, if this information is available using a commercial spreadsheet program on a personal computer. Submit this information using Microsoft Exchange 365, if available. Identify which version of Microsoft Exchange used. If the offeror used another spreadsheet program, indicate the software program used to create this information. Offerors should include the formulas and factors used in calculating the financial data. Although submission of a compatible software or device will expedite review, failure to submit a disk will not affect consideration of the proposal.
(1) General – Submit cost or pricing information prepared in accordance with FAR Table 15-2, Instructions for Submitting Cost/Price Proposals When Cost or Pricing Information Are Required and the following:
(i) Clearly identify separate cost or pricing information associated with any:
(A) Options to extend the term of the contract;
(B) Options for the Government to order incremental quantities; and/or
(C) Major tasks, if required by the special instructions.
(ii) If the contract schedule includes a “Fixed Rate for Services” clause, please provide in the cost proposal a schedule duplicating the format in the clause and include proposed fixed hourly rates per labor category for the base and any optional contract periods.
(iii) If the contract includes the clause at FAR 52.232-7, “Payments Under Time and Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts,” include in the cost proposal the estimated costs and burden rate to be applied to materials, other direct costs, or subcontracts. The Government will include these costs as part of its cost proposal evaluation.
(iv) If other divisions, subsidiaries, a parent or affiliated companies will perform work, provide the name and location of such affiliate and offeror’s intercompany pricing policy. Separately identify costs and supporting data for each entity proposed.
(v) The realism of costs, including personnel compensation rates (including effective hourly rates due to uncompensated overtime) will be part of the proposal evaluation. Any reductions to proposed costs or differences between proposed and known EPA/DCAA recommended rates must be fully explained. If an offeror makes a reduction which makes its offer or portions of its offer below anticipated costs, the offeror shall identify where (i.e., which elements of costs) the proposed reductions will be made. Unsubstantiated rates may result in an upward or downward adjustment of the cost proposals to reflect more realistic costs. Based on this analysis, a projected cost for the offeror will be calculated to reflect the Government’s estimate of the offeror’s probable costs. Any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between the promised performance and cost or price should be explained. The burden of proof for cost credibility rests with the offeror.
(2) Direct labor. (i) The direct technical labor hours (level-of-effort) appearing in the solicitation are for professional and technical labor only. These hours do not include management at a level higher than project management, e.g., corporate and day-to-day management, nor do they include clerical and support staff at a level lower than technician. If it is the offeror’s normal practice to charge these types of costs as direct costs, include these costs along with an estimate of the directly chargeable labor-hours for these personnel. These direct charges are to be shown separately from the technical (level-of-effort) effort. If this type of effort is normally included in the offeror’s indirect cost allocations, no estimate is required. However, direct charging of these on any resulting contract will not be allowed. Additionally the direct technical labor hours are the workable hours required by the Government and do not include release time (i.e., holidays, vacation, etc.) Submit the proposal utilizing the labor categories and distribution of the level-of-effort specified in the solicitation. These are approximate distribution levels and do not necessarily represent the actual levels which may be experienced during contract performance.
(ii) Explain the basis of the proposed labor rates, including a complete justification for all judgmental factors used to develop weights applied to company’s category or individual rates that comprise the rates for labor categories specified in the solicitation. This explanation should describe how technical approach coincides with the proposed costs. If the proposed direct labor rates are based on an average of the individuals proposed to work on the contract, provide a list of the individuals proposed and the hours associated with each individual in deriving the rates. If the proposed direct labor rates are based on an average of company category rates, identify and describe the labor categories and the percentages associated with each category in deriving the rates, explaining in detail the basis for the percentages assigned.
(iii) Describe for each labor category proposed, the company’s qualifications and experience requirements. If individual rates are used, provide the employee’s name. If specific individuals are identified in the technical proposal, correlate these individuals with the labor categories specified in the solicitation.
(iv) Provide a matrix summarizing the effort proposed, including the subcontracts, by professional and technical level specified in the solicitation.
(v) Indicate whether current rates or escalated rates are used. If escalation is included, state the degree (percent) and methodology. The methodology shall include the effective date of the base rates and the policy on salary reviews (e.g. anniversary date of employee or salary reviews for all employees on a specific date).
(vi) State whether any additional direct labor (new hire or temporary hires) will be required during the performance period of this acquisition. If so, state the number required, the professional or technical level and the methodology used to estimate proposed labor rates.
(vii) With respect to educational institutions, include the following information for those professional staff members whose salary is expected to be covered by a stipulated salary support agreement pursuant to OMB Circular A-21.
(A) Individual’s name;
(B) Annual salary and the period for which the salary is applicable;
(C) List of other research Projects or proposals for which salaries are allocated, and the proportionate time charged to each; and
(D) Other duties, such as teaching assignments, administrative assignments, and other institutional activities. Show the proportionate time charged to each. (Show proportionate time charges as a percentage of 100% of time for the entire academic year, exclusive of vacation or sabbatical leave.)
(viii) Uncompensated overtime. The decision to propose uncompensated overtime is the offeror’s decision. Should the offeror, however, elect to propose uncompensated overtime, the offeror must propose a methodology that is consistent with their cost accounting practices and company policy. If proposed, provide an estimate of any uncompensated overtime proposed for exempt personnel working at the offeror’s facilities. This estimate should identify the number of uncompensated labor hours and the percentage of compensated labor. Uncompensated labor hours are defined as hours for exempt personnel in excess of regular hours for a pay period which are actually worked and recorded in accordance with company policy. Provide a copy of the company policy on uncompensated overtime. Provide historical percentages of uncompensated overtime for the past three years. If proposed for subcontractors, provide separately with subcontractor information.
(ix) For labor rate contracts, for each fixed labor rate, offerors shall identify the basis for the loaded fixed hourly rate for each contract period for example, the rate might consist of the following cost elements: raw wage or salary rate, plus fringe benefits (if applicable), plus overhead rate (if applicable), plus G&A expense rate (if applicable), plus profit.
When determining the composite raw wage for a labor category, the offeror shall:
(A) provide in narrative form the basis for the raw wage for each labor category. If actual wages of current employees are used, the basis for the projections should be explained.
(B) If employees are subject to the Service Contract Act or Davis Bacon Act, they must be compensated at least at the minimum wage rate required by the applicable Wage Determination.
(3) Indirect costs (fringe, overhead, general, and administrative expenses). (i) If the rates have been recently approved, include a copy of the rate agreement. If the agreement does not cover the projected performance period of the proposed effort, provide the rationale and any estimated rate calculations for the proposed performance period.
(ii) Submit supporting documentation for rates which have not been approved or audited. Indicate whether computations are based upon historical or projected data.
(iii) Provide actual pool expenses, base dollars, or hours (as applicable for the past five years). Include the actual indirect rates for the past five years including the indirect rates proposed, the actual indirect rates experienced and, if available, the final negotiated rate. Indicate the amount of unallowable costs included in the historical data.
(iv) Offerors who propose indirect rates for new or substantially reorganized cost centers should consider offering to accept ceilings on the indirect rates at the proposed rates. Similarly, offerors whose subcontractors propose indirect rates for new or substantially reorganized cost centers should likewise consider offering to accept ceilings on the subcontractors’ indirect rates at the proposed rates.
The Government reserves the right to adjust an offeror’s or its subcontractor’s estimated indirect costs for evaluation purposes based on the Agency’s judgment of the most probable costs up to the amount of any stated ceiling.
(v) If the employees are subject to the Service Contract Act or Davis Bacon Act, employees must receive the minimum level of benefits stated in the applicable Wage Determination.
(4) Travel expense. (i) If the solicitation specifies the amount of travel costs, this amount is exclusive of any applicable indirect costs and fee.
(ii) If the solicitation does not specify the amount of travel costs, attach a schedule illustrating how travel was computed. Include a breakdown indicating number of trips, number of travelers, destinations from and to, purpose and cost, e.g., mileage, transportation costs, subsistence rates.
(5) Equipment, facilities and special equipment, including tooling. (i) If direct charges for use of existing contractor equipment are proposed, provide a description of these items, including estimated usage hours, rates, and total costs.
(ii) If equipment purchases are proposed, provide a description of these items, and a justification as to why the Government should furnish the equipment or allow its purchase with contract funds. (Unless specified elsewhere in this solicitation, FAR 45.302-1 requires contractors to furnish all facilities in performance of contracts with certain limited exceptions.)
(iii) Identify Government-owned property in the possession of the offeror or proposed to be used in the performance of the contract, and the Government agency which has cognizance over the property.
(iv) Submit proposed rates or use charges for equipment, along with documentation to support those rates.
(v) If special purposes facilities or equipment are being proposed, provide a description of these items, details for the proposed costs including competitive prices, and justification as to why the Government should furnish the equipment or allow its purchase with contract funds.
(vi) If fabrication by the prime contractor is contemplated, include details of material, labor, and overhead.
(6) Other Direct Costs (ODC). (i) If the solicitation specifies the amount of other direct costs, this amount is exclusive of any applicable indirect cost and fee.
(ii) If the amount is not specified in the solicitation, attach a schedule detailing how other direct costs were computed. Identify the major ODC items that under the accounting system would be a direct charge on any resulting contract.
(iii) If any of the cost elements identified as part of the specified other direct costs are recovered as an indirect cost, in accordance with the offeror’s accounting system, those costs should not be included as a direct cost. Complete explanation of this adjustment and the contractor’s practice should be provided.
(iv) Provide historical other direct costs dollars per level of effort hour on similar contracts or work assignments.
(7) Team subcontracts. When the cost of a subcontract is substantial (5 percent of the total estimated contract dollar value or $100,000, whichever is less), the offeror shall include the following subcontractor information:
(i) Provide details of subcontract costs in the same format as the prime contractor’s costs. This detailed information may be provided separately to the EPA if the subcontractor does not wish to provide this data to the prime contractor. Cost data provided separately by a contractor must be received by the time, date and at the location specified for the receipt of proposals. The subcontractor’s package should be clearly marked with the RFP number, the name of the prime offeror, and a statement that the package is subcontractor data relevant to the proposal from the prime offeror. If submitted with the prime contractor’s proposal, identify the subcontractors. State the amount of service estimated to be required and the quoted daily or hourly rate. Offerors are encouraged to provide letters of intent, signed by subcontractors, agreeing to a specified rate for life of the contract. Include a cost or price analysis of the subcontractor cost showing the reasons why the costs are considered reasonable;
(ii) Describe how the prospective team subcontractors were chosen as part of the offeror’s proposed team; and rationale for selection;
(iii) Describe the necessity for the subcontractor’s effort as either a supplement or complement to the offeror’s in-house expertise;
(iv) Identify the areas of the scope of work and the level of effort the subcontractors are anticipated to perform. Provide a reconciliation summary of the proposed hours and ODCs for the prime contractor and proposed subcontractor(s).
(v) Describe the prime contractor’s management structure and internal controls to ensure efficient and quality performance of team subcontractors.
(8) Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCM). When an offeror elects to claim FCCM as an allowable cost, the offeror must submit Form CASB-CNF and show calculation of the proposed amount. FCCM will be an allowable cost under the contemplated contract, if the criteria for allowability at FAR 31.205-10(a)(2) are met.
Alternate I (AUG 1999). If the Government’s requirement is a fully dedicated staff person for a twelve month period(s) for each specified position and performance is on a Government facility, add the following paragraph (b)(2)(x) to the basic provision:
(x) The level of effort for each position is to be proposed in work years. A work year is considered to consist of 2080 hours inclusive of direct and indirect time (40 hours per week × 52 weeks per year = 2080 hours). The proposal must identify proposed work years and clearly identify how many hours in each work year are direct (i.e., productive working hours) and how many are indirect (i.e., paid absences). If the company policy includes a different base work week, the total available hours would be different. For example, if the company’s policy calls for a 37.5 hour work week, offeror would deduct paid absences from 1950 hour (37.5 hours/week × 52 weeks/year = 1950 hours). Offeror should clearly identify the paid absences as to how many hours are for holiday and how many hours are for vacation and sick leave. The amount of indirect time (paid absences) identified in the proposal must be consistent with company policy and must allow for the ten Federal government holidays.
Alternate II (AUG 1999). If the Government’s requirement is a fully dedicated staff person for a twelve month period(s) for each specified position and performance is not on a Government facility; add the following paragraph (b)(2)(x) to the basic provision:
(x) The level of effort for each position is to be proposed in work years. A work year is considered to consist of 2080 hours inclusive of direct and indirect time (40 hours per week × 52 weeks per year = 2080 hours). The proposal must identify proposed work years and clearly identify how many hours in each work year are direct (i.e., productive working hours) and how many are indirect (i.e., paid absences). If the company policy includes a different base work week, the total available hours would be different. For example, if the company’s policy calls for a 37.5 hour work week, offeror would deduct paid absences from 1950 hour (37.5 hours/week × 52 weeks/year = 1950 hours). Offeror should clearly identify the paid absences as to how many hours are for holiday and how many hours are for vacation and sick leave.
Alternate III (AUG 1999). If the requirement is for the acquisition of supplies or equipment, substitute the following paragraphs (a)(iv)-(viii) and add (a)(ix) and (b).
(iv) Provide information as to how the proposed supplies or equipment meet the salient characteristics required by the contract line item;
(v) Provide published brochures, catalogs, or other technical literature by contract line item;
(vi) Meet any interface or compatibility requirements by contract line item;
(vii) Describe warranty services and how delivered by contract line item;
(viii) Assumptions, deviations and exceptions (as necessary); and
(ix) Additional information.
(b) Supplies – Provide unit pricing by contract line items for:
(i) each line item;
(ii) delivery;
(iii) installation;
(iv) sets of operating manuals;
(v) training;
(vi) warranty;
(vii) maintenance; and
(viii) volume discounts.
1552.215-73 General financial and organizational information.
As prescribed in 1515.408(a)(2), insert the following provision:
Offerors or quoters are requested to provide information regarding the following items in sufficient detail to allow a full and complete business evaluation. If the question indicated is not applicable or the answer is none, it should be annotated. If the offeror has previously submitted the information, it should certify the validity of that data currently on file at EPA and to whom and where it was submitted or update all outdated information on file.
(b) Address (If financial records are maintained at some other location, show the address of the place where the records are kept):
(e) Cognizant Government:
(f)(1) Work Distribution for the Last Completed Fiscal Accounting Period:
| Sales: | |
| Government cost-reimbursement type prime contracts and subcontracts | $____ |
| Government fixed-price prime contracts and subcontracts | $____ |
| Commercial Sales | $____ |
| Total Sales | $____ |
| (2) Total Sales for first and second fiscal years immediately preceding last completed fiscal year. |
| Total Sales for First Preceding Fiscal Year | $____ |
| Total Sales for Second Preceding Fiscal Year | $____ |
| (g) Is company a separate rate entity or division? | |
| Yes _ | |
| No _ |
If a division or subsidiary corporation, name parent company:
(i) Manpower:
(k) Attach a current organizational chart of the company.
(l) Description of Contractor’s system of estimating and accumulating costs under Government contracts. (Check appropriate blocks.)
| Estimated/actual cost | Standard cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimating System: | ||
| Job Order | ___ | ___ |
| Process | ___ | ___ |
| Accumulating System: | ||
| Job Order | ___ | ___ |
| Process | ___ | ___ |
Has your cost estimating system been approved by any Government agency?
If yes, give name, date or approval, and location of agency:
Has your cost accumulation system been approved by any Government agency?
If yes, give name, date of approval, and address of agency:
(m) What is your fiscal year period? (Give month-to-month dates):
What were the indirect cost rates for your last completed fiscal year?
| Fiscal year | Indirect cost rate | Basis of allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Fringe Benefits | ___ | ___ |
| Overhead | ___ | ___ |
| G&A Expense | ___ | ___ |
| Other | ___ | ___ |
(n) Have the proposed indirect cost rate(s) been evaluated and accepted by any Government agency?
If yes, give name, date of approval, and location of the Government agency:
Date of last preaward audit review by a Government agency:
If the answer is no, data supporting the proposed rates must accompany the cost or price proposal. A breakdown of the items comprising overhead and G&A must be furnished.
(o) Cost estimating is performed by:
(p) Has system of control of Government property been approved by a Government agency?
If yes, give name, date of approval, and location of the Government agency:
(q) Purchasing System: FAR 44.302 requires EPA, where it is the cognizant Government agency, to conduct a Contractor Purchasing System Review for each contractor whose sales to the Government, using other than sealed bid procedures, are expected to exceed $25 million (annual billings) during the next twelve months. The $25 million sales threshold is comprised of prime contracts, subcontractors under Government prime contracts, and modifications (except when the negotiated price is based on established catalog or market prices or is set by law or regulation).
Has your purchasing system been approved by a Government agency?
If yes, name and location of the Government agency:
If no, do you estimate that your negotiated sales to the Government during the next twelve months will meet the $25 million threshold? Yes _ No _
If you responded yes to the $25 million threshold question, is EPA the cognizant agency for your organization based on the preponderance of Government contract dollars?
If EPA is not your cognizant Government agency, provide the name and location of the cognizant agency _________________
Are your purchasing policies and procedures written?
(r) Does your firm have an established written incentive compensation or bonus plan?
(s) Additionally, offerors shall submit current financial statements, including a Balance Sheet, Statement of Income (Loss), and Cash Flow for the last two completed fiscal years. Specify resources available to perform the contract without assistance from any outside source. If sufficient resources are not available, indicate in proposal the amount required and the anticipated source (i.e., bank loans, letter or lines of credit, etc.).
1552.215-74 Advanced understanding – uncompensated time.
As prescribed in 1515.408(b), insert the following provision or one substantially the same as the following provision:
(a) The estimated cost of this contract is based upon the Contractor’s proposal which specified that exempt personnel identified to work at the Contractor’s facilities will provide uncompensated labor hours to the contract totaling __ percent of compensated labor. (Note: the commitment for uncompensated time, and the formula elements in paragraph (b) below, apply only to exempt personnel working at the Contractor’s facilities and does not include non-exempt personnel or exempt personnel working at other facilities.) Uncompensated labor hours are defined as hours of exempt personnel in excess of regular hours for a __ pay period which are actually worked and recorded in accordance with the company policy, entitled, __________.
(b) Recognizing that the probable cost to the Government for the labor provided under this contract is calculated assuming a proposed level of uncompensated labor hours, it is hereby agreed that in the event the proposed level of uncompensated labor hours are not provided, an adjustment, calculated in accordance with the following formula will be made to the contract amount.
Formula:
Adjustment equals estimated value of uncompensated time hours not provided.
Target uncompensated time percent minus __ percent.
Shortage of uncompensated time percent minus actual cost percent.
Estimated value of uncompensated time hours not provided equals shortage of uncompensated time percent times total exempt applicable direct labor costs (including applicable indirect costs).
(c) Within three weeks after the end of the contract, the Contractor shall submit a statement concerning the amount of uncompensated time hours delivered during the contract. In the event there is a shortage of uncompensated time hours provided, a calculation, utilizing the above formula will be made and this calculation will be the basis for an adjustment in the contract amount.
(d) In the event adjustments are made to the contract, the adjusted amounts shall not be allowable as a direct or indirect cost to this or any other Government contract.
1552.215-75 Past performance information.
As prescribed in 1515.209(c), insert the following clause:
(a) Offerors shall submit the information requested below as part of their proposal for both the offeror and any proposed subcontractors for subcontracts expected to exceed $ * . The information may be submitted prior to other parts of the proposal in order to assist the Government in reducing the evaluation period.
(b) Offerors shall submit a list of all or at least * contracts and subcontracts completed in the last * years, and all contracts and subcontracts currently in process, which are similar in nature to this requirement.
(1) The contracts and subcontracts listed may include those entered into with Federal, State and local governments, and commercial businesses, which are of similar scope, magnitude, relevance, and complexity to the requirement which is described in the RFP. Include the following information for each contract and subcontract listed:
(a) Name of contracting activity.
(b) Contract number.
(c) Contract title.
(d) Contract type.
(e) Brief description of contract or subcontract and relevance to this requirement.
(f) Total contract value.
(g) Period of performance.
(h) Contracting officer, telephone number, and E-mail address (if available).
(i) Program manager/project officer, telephone number, and E-mail address (if available).
(j) Administrative Contracting officer, if different from (h) above, telephone number, and E-mail address (if available).
(k) List of subcontractors (if applicable).
(l) Compliance with subcontracting plan goals for small disadvantaged business concerns, monetary targets for small disadvantaged business participation, and the notifications submitted under FAR 19.1202-4 (b), if applicable.
(c) Offerors should not provide general information on their performance on the identified contracts and subcontracts. General performance information will be obtained from the references.
(1) Offerors may provide information on problems encountered and corrective actions taken on the identified contracts and subcontracts.
(2) References that may be contacted by the Government include the contracting officer, program manager/project officer, or the administrative contracting officer identified above.
(3) If no response is received from a reference, the Government will make an attempt to contact another reference identified by the offeror, to contact a reference not identified by the offeror, or to complete the evaluation with those references who responded. The Government shall consider the information provided by the references, and may also consider information obtained from other sources, when evaluating an offeror’s past performance.
(4) Attempts to obtain responses from references will generally not go beyond two telephonic messages and/or written requests from the Government, unless otherwise stated in the solicitation. The Government is not obligated to contact all of the references identified by the offeror.
(d) If negative feedback is received from an offeror’s reference, the Government will compare the negative response to the responses from the offeror’s other references to note differences. A score will be assigned appropriately to the offeror based on the information. The offeror will be given the opportunity to address adverse past performance information obtained from references on which the offeror has not had a previous opportunity to comment, if that information makes a difference in the Government’s decision to include the offeror in or exclude the offeror from the competitive range. Any past performance deficiency or significant weakness will be discussed with offerors in the competitive range during discussions.
(e) Offerors must send Client Authorization Letters (see Section J of the solicitation) to each reference listed in their proposal to assist in the timely processing of the past performance evaluation. Offerors are encouraged to consolidate requests whenever possible (i.e., if the same reference has several contracts, send that reference a single notice citing all applicable contracts). Offerors may send Client Authorization Letters electronically to references with copies forwarded to the contracting officer.
(1) If an offeror has no relevant past performance history, an offeror must affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance history.
(2) Client Authorization Letters should be mailed or E-mailed to individual references no later than five (5) working days after proposal submission. The offeror should forward a copy of the Client Authorization Letter to the contracting officer simultaneously with mailing to references.
(f) Each offeror may describe any quality awards or certifications that indicate the offeror possesses a high-quality process for developing and producing the product or service required. Such awards or certifications include, for example, the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award, other Government quality awards, and private sector awards or certifications.
(1) Identify the segment of the company (one division or the entire company) which received the award or certification.
(2) Describe when the award or certification was bestowed. If the award or certification is over three years old, present evidence that the qualifications still apply.
(g) Past performance information will be used for both responsibility determinations and as an evaluation factor for award. The Past Performance Questionnaire identified in section J will be used to collect information on an offeror’s performance under existing and prior contracts/subcontracts for products or services similar in scope, magnitude, relevance, and complexity to this requirement in order to evaluate offerors consistent with the past performance evaluation factor set forth in section M. References other than those identified by the offeror may be contacted by the Government and used in the evaluation of the offeror’s past performance.
(h) Any information collected concerning an offeror’s past performance will be maintained in the official contract file.
(i) In accordance with FAR 15.305 (a) (2) (iv), offerors with no relevant past performance history, or for whom information on past performance is not available, will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably on past performance.
1552.215-76 [Reserved]
1552.216-70 Award Fee.
As prescribed in 1516.406(a), insert the following clause:
(a) The Government shall pay the contractor a base fee, if any, and such additional fee as may be earned, as provided in the award fee plan incorporated into the Schedule.
(b) Award fee determinations made by the Government under this contract are unilaterally determined by the Fee Determination Official (FDO). The amount of the award fee to be paid is determined by the Government’s judgmental evaluation of the contractor’s performance in terms of the criteria stated in the contract. This determination and the methodology for determining the award fee are unilateral decisions made solely at the discretion of the Government.
(c) The Government may unilaterally change the award fee plan at any time, via contract modification, at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the beginning of the applicable evaluation period. Changes issued in a unilateral modification are not subject to equitable adjustments, consideration, or any other renegotiation of the contract.
1552.216-71 Date of incurrence of cost.
At prescribed in 1516.307, insert the following contract clause in cost-reimbursement contracts when an anticipatory cost letter has been issued on the project. The beginning dates and the not-to-exceed amount to be inserted in the clause should be those in the anticipatory cost letter.
The Contractor is entitled to reimbursement for allowable, allocable costs incurred during the period of _________ to the award date of this contract in an amount not to exceed
1552.216-72 Ordering – by designated ordering officers.
As prescribed in 1516.505(a), insert the subject clause, or a clause substantially similar to the subject clause, in indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type solicitations and contracts.
(a) The Government will order any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract by issuing task/delivery orders on Optional Form 347, or an agency prescribed form, from ___ through ___. In addition to the Contracting Officer, the following individuals are authorized ordering officers.
(b) A Standard Form 30 will be the method of amending task/delivery orders.
(c) The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of each order by having an authorized company officer sign either a copy of a transmittal letter or signature block on page 3 of the task/delivery order, depending upon which is provided, within __ calendar days of receipt.
(d) Prior to the placement of any task/delivery order, the Contractor will be provided with a proposed Performance Work Statement/Statement of Work and will be asked to respond with detailed technical and cost proposals within __ calendar days or less. The technical proposal will delineate the Contractor’s interpretation for the execution of the PWS/SOW, and the pricing proposal will be the Contractor’s best estimate for the hours, labor categories and all costs associated with the execution. The proposals are subject to negotiation. The Ordering Officer and the Contractor shall reach agreement on all the material terms of each order prior to the order being issued.
(e) Each task/delivery order issued will incorporate the Contractor’s technical and cost proposals as negotiated with the Government, and will have a ceiling price which the contractor shall not exceed. When the Contractor has reason to believe that the labor payment and support costs for the order which will accrue in the next thirty (30) days will bring total cost to over 85 percent of the ceiling price specified in the order, the Contractor shall notify the Ordering Officer.
(f) Under no circumstances will the Contractor start work prior to the issue date of the task/delivery order unless specifically authorized to do so by the Ordering Officer. Any verbal authorization will be confirmed in writing by the Ordering Officer or Contracting Officer within __ calendar days.
Alternate I (JUL 2014). As prescribed in 1516.505(a), insert the subject clause, or a clause substantially similar to the subject clause, in indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts when formal input from the Contractor will not be obtained prior to order issuance.
(a) The Government will order any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract by issuing task/delivery orders on Optional Form 347, or any agency prescribed form, from __ through __. In addition to the Contracting Officer, the following individuals are authorized ordering officers:
(b) A Standard Form 30 will be the method of amending task/delivery orders.
(c) The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of each order and shall prepare and forward to the Ordering Officer within __ calendar days the proposed staffing plan for accomplishing the assigned task within the period specified.
(d) If the Contractor considers the estimated labor hours or specified work completion date to be unreasonable, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Ordering Officer and Contracting Officer in writing within __ calendar days, stating why the estimated labor hours or specified completion date is considered unreasonable.
(e) Each task/delivery order will have a ceiling price, which the Contractor may not exceed. When the Contractor has reason to believe that the labor payment and support costs for the order, which will accrue in the next thirty (30) days, will bring total cost to over 85 percent of the ceiling price specified in the order, the Contractor shall notify the Ordering Officer.
(f) Paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this clause apply only when services are being ordered.
1552.216-73 Fixed rates for services – indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
As prescribed in 1516.505(b), insert the following clause:
(a) The following fixed rates shall apply for payment purposes for the duration of the contact.
| Personnel classification | Skill level | Fixed hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
(b) The rate, or rates, set forth in paragraph (a) of this section cover all expenses, including report preparation, salaries, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit.
(c) The Contractor shall voucher for only the time of the personnel whose services are applied directly to the work called for in individual Orders and accepted by the EPA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Government shall pay the Contractor for the life of the Order at rates in effect when the Order was issued, even if performance under the Order crosses into another period. The Contractor shall maintain time and labor distribution records for all employees who work under the contract. These records must document time worked and work performed by each individual on all Orders.
Alternate I (date). As prescribed in 1515.505(b), modify the Basic form of the clause by changing paragraph (c) to the following:
(c) The Contractor shall voucher for only the time of the personnel whose services are applied directly to the work called for in individual Orders and accepted by the EPA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Government shall pay the Contractor at rates in effect when the work is performed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall maintain time and labor distribution records for all employees who work under the contract. These records must document time worked and work performed by each individual on all Orders.
1552.216-74 Payment of fee.
As prescribed in 1516.307(b), insert the following clause:
(a) The term fee in this clause refers to either the fixed fee under a cost-plus-fixed-fee type contract, or the base fee under a cost-plus-award-fee type contract.
(b) The Government will make provisional fee payments on the basis of percentage of work completed. Percentage of work completed is the ratio of direct labor hours performed to the direct labor hours set forth in clause 1552.211-73, Level of Effort – Cost-Reimbursement Term Contract.
1552.216-75 Base fee and award fee proposal.
As prescribed in 1516.406(b), insert the following provision:
For the purpose of this solicitation, offerors shall propose a combination of base fee and award fee. Base fee shall not exceed 3% of the estimated cost, excluding fee, and the award fee shall not be less than __% of the total estimated cost, excluding fee. The combined percentages of base and award fee shall not exceed __% of the total estimated cost, excluding fee.
1552.216-76 Estimated cost and cost-sharing.
As prescribed in 1516.307(c), insert the following clause:
(a) The total estimated cost of performing the work under this contract is $____. The Contractor’s share of this cost shall not exceed $____. The Government’s share of this cost shall not exceed $____.
(b) For performance of the work under the contract, the Contractor shall be reimbursed for not more than __ percent of the cost of performance determined to be allowable under the Allowable Cost and Payment clause. The remaining balance of allowable cost shall constitute the Contractor’s share.
(c) Fee shall not be paid to the prime contractor under this cost-sharing contract.
(d) The Contractor shall maintain records of all costs incurred and claimed for reimbursement as well as any other costs claimed as part of its cost share. Those records shall be subject to audit by the Government.
(e) Costs contributed by the Contractor shall not be charged to the Government under any other contract, grant or agreement (including allocation to other contracts as part of an independent research and development program) nor be included as contributions under any other Federal contract.
1552.216-77 Award term incentive.
As prescribed in 1516.406(c), insert a clause substantially the same as follows:
(a) General. This contract may be extended as set forth in paragraph (b) based on overall contractor performance as evaluated in accordance with the Clause entitled “Award Term Incentive Plan,” provided the Agency has a need for the effort at or before the time an award term is to commence, and if the contractor receives notice of the availability of funding for an award term period pursuant to the “Award Term Availability of Funds” clause. The Contracting Officer is responsible for the overall award term evaluation and award term decision. The Contracting Officer will unilaterally decide whether or not the contractor is eligible for an award term extension, and in conjunction with the Contracting Officer’s Representative, will determine the need for continued performance and funding availability.
(b) Period of performance. Provided the contractor has achieved the performance measures, e.g., acceptable quality levels, set forth in the clause “Award Term Incentive Plan,” the Contracting Officer may extend the contract by exercising ____ [insert the total award term incentive periods] additional award term incentive period(s) of ____ [insert the award term incentive period] months each. The total maximum period of performance under this contract, if the Government exercises any option periods and all award term incentive periods is ____ [insert the total of the base period, option periods (if any), and award term incentive periods] years.
(c) Right not to grant or cancel the award term incentive. (1) The Government has the unilateral right not to grant or to cancel award term incentive periods and the associated award term incentive plans if –
(i) The Contracting Officer has failed to initiate an award term incentive period, regardless of whether the contractor’s performance permitted the Contracting Officer to consider initiating the award term incentive period; or
(ii) The contractor has failed to achieve the performance measures for the corresponding evaluation period; or
(iii) The Government notifies the contractor in writing it does not have funds available for the award term incentive periods; or
(iv) The Government no longer has a need for the award term incentive period at or before the time an award term incentive period is to commence.
(2) When an award term incentive period is not granted or cancelled, any –
(i) Prior award term incentive periods for which the contractor remains otherwise eligible are unaffected.
(ii) Subsequent award term incentive periods are thereby also cancelled.
(d) Cancellation of an award term incentive period that has not yet commenced for any of the reasons set forth in paragraph (c) of this clause shall not be considered either a termination for convenience or termination for default, and shall not entitle the contractor to any termination settlement or any other compensation. If the award term incentive is cancelled, a unilateral modification will cite this clause as the authority.
(e) Award term incentive administration. The award term incentive evaluation(s) will be completed in accordance with the schedule in the Award Term Incentive Plan. The contractor will be notified of the results and their eligibility to be considered for the respective award term incentive no later than 120 days after an evaluation period.
(f) Review process. The contractor may request a review of an award term incentive evaluation which has resulted in the contractor being ineligible for the award term incentive. The request shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer within 15 days after notification of the results of the evaluation.
1552.216-78 Award term incentive plan.
As prescribed in 1516.406(c), insert a clause substantially the same as follows:
(a) The Award Term Incentive Plan provides for the evaluation of performance, and, together with Agency need and availability of funding, serves as the basis for award term decisions. The Award Term Incentive Plan may be unilaterally revised by the Government. Any changes to the Award Term Incentive Plan will be made in writing and incorporated into the contract through a unilateral modification citing this clause. The Government will consult with the contractor prior to the issuance of a revised Award Term Incentive Plan, but is not required to obtain the contractor’s consent to the revisions.
(b) [describe the evaluation periods and associated award term incentive periods, e.g., months 1-18 for award term incentive period I, and months 19-36 for award term incentive period II]
(c) [describe the evaluation schedule, e.g., 90 days after the end of the evaluation period]
(d) In order to be eligible for an award term incentive period the contractor must achieve all of the acceptable quality levels (AQL) for the evaluated tasks, both individual and aggregate, for that evaluation period. Failure to achieve any AQL renders the contractor ineligible for the associated award term incentive period. [identify the most significant tasks. Describe the AQL for each task as well as an overall AQL for the associated evaluation periods, e.g., an AQL of 90% each for tasks 1 and 3, and an AQL of 85% for task 7, and an overall AQL of 90% for the months 1-18 evaluation period]
(e) [If the contract will contain a quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP), reference the QASP, e.g., attachment 2. Typically, the performance standards and AQLs will be defined in the QASP]
Alternate 1 (FEB 2008) As prescribed in 1516.406(d), substitute paragraphs substantially the same as following paragraphs (b) through (e) for paragraphs (b) through (e) in the basic clause:
(b) At the conclusion of each contract year, an average contract rating shall be determined by using the numerical ratings entered into the Department of Defense Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for this contract. The CPARS is an interactive database located on the Internet which EPA uses to record contractor performance evaluations.
(c) The contract year average rating shall be obtained by dividing the combined ratings by the number of ratings, for example:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Quality of Product or Service | 5. |
| Cost Control | 4. |
| Timeliness of Performance | 4. |
| Business Relations | 5. |
| 18 (combined rating). | |
| / 4 (number of ratings). | |
| = 4.5 contract year average rating. |
(d) The contractor shall be evaluated for performance from the start of the contract through Year __ [identify the evaluation period, e.g., year three]. The average rating for each contract year (as derived in paragraph (c) above) will be combined and divided by [insert the number of evaluation periods] to obtain an overall average rating, for example:
| Evaluation period | Average rating |
|---|---|
| Year One | 4.5. |
| Year Two | 4.75. |
| Year Three | 4.75. |
| 14 (combined average rating). | |
| / 3 (number of evaluation periods). | |
| = 4.66 overall average rating. |
(e) Based on the overall average rating as determined under paragraph (d), provided that no individual rating, i.e., Quality of Product or Service, Cost Control, Timeliness of Performance, or Business Relations is below a 3, the contractor shall be eligible for the following award term periods:
(1) Overall average rating of 4.6 to 5.0 – Two award term incentive periods of __ [insert the number of months] months.
(2) Overall average rating of 4.0 to 4.6 – One award term incentive period of __ [insert the number of months] months.
1552.216-79 Award term availability of funds.
As prescribed in 1516.406(c), insert the following clause:
Funds are not presently available for any award term. The Government’s obligation under any award term is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any award term payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for an award term and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.
1552.217-70 Evaluation of contract options.
As prescribed in 1517.208(a), insert the following solicitation provision in Requests for Proposals when the solicitation contains options.
For award purposes, in addition to an offeror’s response to the basic requirement, the Government will evaluate its response to all options, both technical and cost. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the options. For this solicitation the options are as specified in section H.
1552.217-71 Option to extend the term of the contract – cost-type contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(b), insert this contract clause in cost-reimbursement type term form contracts when applicable. If only one option period is used, enter “NA” in the proper places of the clause. If more than two option periods apply, the clause may be modified accordingly.
The Government has the option to extend the term of this contract for ___ additional period(s). If more than 60 days remain in the contract period of performance, the Government, without prior written notification, may exercise this option by issuing a contract modification. To exercise this option within the last 60 days of the period of performance, the Government must provide to the Contractor written notification prior to that last 60-day period. This preliminary notification does not commit the Government to exercising the option. The Government’s estimated level of effort is ___ direct labor hours for the first option period and ___ for the second. Use of an option will result in the following contract modifications:
(a) The “Period of Performance” clause will be amended to cover a base period from _____________ to ______________ and option periods from ______________ to _____________ and ______________ to ______________.
(b) Paragraph (a) of the “Level of Effort” clause will be amended to reflect a new and separate level of effort of _________________ for the first option period and a new and separate level of effort of ______________ for the second option period.
(c) The “Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee” clause will be amended to reflect increased estimated costs and fixed fee for each option period as follows:
| Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | ||
| Fixed fee | ||
| Total |
(d) If the contract contains “not to exceed amounts” for elements of other direct costs (ODC), those amounts will be increased as follows:
| Other direct cost item | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
1552.217-72 Option to extend the term of the contract – cost-plus-award-fee contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(c), insert this contract clause in cost-plus-award-fee term contracts when applicable. If only one option period is used, enter “NA” in the proper places of the clause. If more than two option periods apply, modify the clause accordingly.
(a) The Government has the option to extend the term of this contract for __ additional periods. If more than 60 days remain in the contract period of performance, the Government, without prior written notification, may exercise this option by issuing a contract modification. To exercise this option within the last 60 days of the period of performance, the Government must provide to the Contractor written notification prior to that last 60-day period. This preliminary notification does not commit the Government to exercising the option. The Government’s estimated level of effort is __ direct labor hours for the first option period and __ for the second. Use of an option will result in the following contract modifications:
(b) The “Period of Performance” clause will be amended to cover a base period from ___________ to __________ and option periods from ___________ to __________ and ___________ to ___________.
(c) Paragraph (a) of the “Level of Effort” clause will be amended to reflect a new and separate level of effort of ________ for the first option period and a new and separate level of effort of __________ for the second option period.
(d) The “Estimated Cost Base Fee and Award Fee” clause will be amended to reflect increased estimated costs and base fee and award fee pool for each option period as follows:
| Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | ||
| Base fee | ||
| Award fee pool | ||
| Total |
(e) If this contract contains “not to exceed amounts” for elements of other direct costs (ODC), those amounts will be increased as follows:
| Other direct cost item | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
1552.217-73 Option for increased quantity – cost-type contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(d), insert this contract clause in cost-reimbursement type term form contracts when applicable. If only one option period is used, enter “NA” in the proper places of the clause. If more than two option periods apply, modify the clause accordingly.
(a) By issuing a contract modification, the Government may increase the estimated level of effort by __ direct labor hours during the base period, __ during the first option period, and __ during the second option period. The Government may issue a maximum of __ orders to increase the level of effort in blocks of __ hours during any given period. The estimated cost and fixed fee of each block of hours is as follows:
| Base period | Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | |||
| Fixed fee | |||
| Total |
(b) When these options are exercised, paragraph (a) of the “Level of Effort” clause and the “Estimated Cost and Fixed Fee” clause will be modified accordingly.
(c) If this contract contains “not to exceed amounts” for elements of other direct costs (ODCs), those amounts will be increased as follows:
| Other direct cost item | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
1552.217-74 Option for increased quantity – cost-plus-award-fee contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(e), insert this contract clause in cost-plus-award-fee term contracts when applicable. If only one option period is used, enter “NA” in the proper places of the clause. If more than two option periods apply, the clause may be modified accordingly.
(a) By issuing a contract modification, the Government may increase the estimated level of effort by __ direct labor hours during the base period, __ during the first option period, and __ during the second option period. The Government may issue a maximum of __ orders to increase the level of effort in blocks of __ hours during any given period. The estimated cost, base fee, and award fee pool of each block of hours is as follows:
| Base period | Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | |||
| Base fee | |||
| Award fee pool | |||
| Total |
(b) When these options are exercised, paragraph (a) of the “Level of Effort” clause and the “Estimated Cost, Base Fee, and Award Fee” clause will be modified accordingly.
(c) If this contract contains “not to exceed amounts” for elements of other direct costs (ODCs), those amounts will be increased as follows:
| Other direct cost item | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
1552.217-75 Option to extend the effective period of the contract – time and materials or labor hour contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(f), insert this clause in time and materials or labor hour type contracts when applicable. This clause will be modified to reflect the actual number of option periods for the acquisition. If only one option period is used, modify (c) accordingly.
(a) The Government has the option to extend the effective period of this contract for __ additional period(s). If more than sixty (60) days remain in the contract effective period, the Government, without prior written notification, may exercise this option by issuing a contract modification. To unilaterally exercise this option within the last 60 days of the effective period, the Government must issue written notification of its intent to exercise the option prior to that last 60-day period. This preliminary notification does not commit the Government to exercising the option.
(b) If the option(s) are exercised, the “Ceiling Price” clause will be modified to reflect a new and separate ceiling price of $____ for the first option period and a new and separate ceiling price of $____ for the second option period.
(c) The “Effective Period of the Contract” clause will be modified to cover a base period from __________ to _________ and option periods from __________ to _________ and __________ to ___________.
1552.217-76 Option to extend the effective period of the contract – indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
As prescribed in 1517.208(g), the following is used in indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contracts with options to extend the effective period of the contract. The clause may be adjusted depending upon the number of options. If only one option period is used, modify (b) and (c) accordingly.
(a) The Government has the option to extend the effective period of this contract for __ additional period(s). If more than sixty (60) days remain in the contract effective period, the Government, without prior written notification, may exercise this option by issuing a contract modification. To unilaterally exercise this option within the last 60 days of the effective period, the Government must issue written notification of its intent to exercise the option prior to that last 60-day period. This preliminary notification does not commit the Government to exercising the option.
(b) If the options are exercised, the “Minimum and Maximum Contract Amount” clause will be modified to reflect new and separate minimums of __ for the first option period and __ for the second option period, and new and separate maximums of __ for the first option period and __ for the second option period.
(c) The “Effective Period of the Contract” clause will be modified to cover a base period from __________ to _________ and option periods from __________ to _________ and __________ to ___________.
1552.217-77 Option to extend the term of the contract fixed price.
As prescribed in 1517.208(h), insert the following clause:
The Government has the option to extend the term of this contract for __ additional period(s). If more than __ days remain in the contract period of performance, the Government, without prior written notification, may exercise this option by issuing a contract modification. To exercise this option within the last __ days of the period of performance, the Government must provide to the Contractor written notification prior to that last __ -day period. This preliminary notification does not commit the Government to exercising the option. Use of an option will result in the following contract modifications:
(a) The “Period of Performance” clause will be amended as follows to cover the Base and Option Periods:
| Period | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|
(b) During the option period(s) the Contractor shall provide the services described below:
| Period | Attachment |
|---|---|
(c) The “Consideration and Payment” clause will be amended to reflect increased fixed prices for each option period as follows:
| Fixed price | Option period |
|---|---|
1552.219-70–1552.219-74 [Reserved]
1552.223-70 Protection of human subjects.
As prescribed in 1523.303-70, insert the following contract clause when the contract involves human test subjects.
(a) The contractor shall meet all EPA requirements for studies using human subjects prior to undertaking any work with human subjects in accordance with 40 CFR part 26 and EPA Order 1000.17 A1 Policy and Procedures on Protection of Human Research Subjects in EPA Conducted or Supported Research. Studies involving intentional exposure of human subjects who are children or pregnant or nursing women are prohibited. Requirements regarding observational studies involving children or pregnant women and fetuses are referenced in subparts C and D of 40 CFR part 26.
(b) The contractor’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must state that the contractor’s study meets the EPA’s regulations at 40 CFR part 26 and EPA Order 1000.17 A1. No work involving human subjects, including recruiting, may be initiated before the EPA has received a copy of the contractor’s IRB approval of the project and the EPA has also issued approval. Where human subjects are involved in the research, the contractor must provide evidence of subsequent IRB reviews, including amendments or minor protocol changes, as part of annual reports.
(c) The contractor shall bear full responsibility for the proper and safe performance of all work and services involving the use of human subjects under this contract and shall ensure that work is conducted in a proper manner and as safely as is feasible. The contractor agrees that it has entered into this contract and will discharge its obligations, duties, and undertakings and the work pursuant thereto, whether requiring professional judgment or otherwise, as an independent contractor without imputing liability on the part of the government for the acts of the contractor, its employees, sub-contractors, consultants, heirs, assignees, etc.
(d) If at any time during the performance of this contract, the contracting officer determines that the contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements and/or standards stated in above, the contracting officer may immediately suspend, in whole or in part, work and further payments under this contract until the contractor corrects the noncompliance. The contracting officer may communicate the notice of suspension by telephone with confirmation in writing. If the contractor fails to complete corrective action within the period of time designated in the contracting officer’s written notice of suspension, the contracting officer may terminate this contract in whole or in part.
1552.223-71 EPA Green Meetings and Conferences.
As prescribed in 1523.703-1, insert the following provision, or language substantially the same as the provision, in solicitations for meetings and conference facilities.
(a) The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. As such, all EPA meetings and conferences will be staged using as many environmentally preferable measures as possible. Environmentally preferable means products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.
(b) Potential meeting or conference facility providers for EPA shall provide information about the environmentally preferable features and practices identified by the checklist contained in paragraph (c) of this section, addressing sustainability for meeting and conference facilities including lodging and non-lodging oriented facilities.
(c) The following list of questions is provided to assist contracting officers in evaluating the environmental preferability of prospective meeting and conference facility providers. More information about EPA’s Green Meetings initiative may be found on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/p2/green-meetings.
(1) Does your facility track energy usage and/or GHG emissions through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (http://www.energystar.gov/benchmark) or some other calculator based on a recognized greenhouse gas tracking protocol? Y/N_
(2) If available for your building type, does your facility currently qualify for the Energy Star certification for superior energy performance? Y/N _, NA_
(3) Does your facility track water use through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or another equivalent tracking tool and/or undertake best management practices to reduce water use in the facility (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial)? Y/N_
(4) Do you use landscaping professionals who are either certified by a WaterSense recognized program or actively undertake the WaterSense “Water-Smart” landscaping design practices (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor)? Y/N_, NA_
(5) Based on the amount of renewable energy your buildings uses, does (or would) your facility qualify as a partner under EPA’s Green Power Partnership program (https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/green-power-partnership-basic-program-information)? Y/N_
(6) Do you restrict idling of motor vehicles in front of your facility, at the loading dock and elsewhere at your facility? Y/N_
(7) Does your facility have a default practice of not changing bedding and towels unless requested by guests? Y/N_, NA_
(8) Does your facility participate in EPA’s WasteWise (https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise) and/or Food Recovery Challenge (https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-frc) programs? Y/N_
(9) Do you divert from landfill at least 50% of the total solid waste generated at your facility? Y/N_
(10) Will your facility be able to divert from the landfill at least 75% of the total solid waste expected to be generated during this conference/event? Y/N_
(11) Do you divert from landfill at least 50% of the food waste generated at your facility (through donation, use as animal feed, recycling, anaerobic digestion, or composting)? Y/N_
(12) Will your facility be able to divert from landfill at least 75% of the food waste expected to be generated during this conference/event (through donation, use as animal feed, recycling, anaerobic digestion, or composting)? Y/N_
(13) Does your facility provide recycling containers for visitors, guests and staff (paper and beverage at minimum)? Y/N_
(14) With respect to any food and beverage prepared and/or served at your facility, does at least 50% of it on average meet sustainability attributes such as: Local, organic, fair trade, fair labor, antibiotic-free, etc.? Y/N_
(15) Will your facility be able to ensure that at least 75% of the food and beverage expected to be served during this conference/event meets sustainability attributes such as: Local, organic, fair trade, fair labor, antibiotic-free, etc.? Y/N_
(16) Does your facility use Design for the Environment (DfE) cleaning products (https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/history-safer-choice-and-design-environment), or similar products meeting other recognized standards for being `environmentally preferable’ (http://www.epa.gov/epp/) or more sustainable? Y/N_
(17) Is your facility prepared to document or demonstrate all of the claims you have made above? Y/N_
(d) The contractor shall include any additional “Green Meeting” information in their proposal which is believed is pertinent to better assist us in considering environmental preferability in selecting our meeting venue.
1552.223-72 Use and care of laboratory animals.
As prescribed in 1523.303-72, insert the following clause in all contracts involving the use of animals in testing, research or training:
(a) Use of laboratory animals. (1) Before undertaking performance of any contract involving the use of laboratory animals, the contractor shall register with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States in accordance with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (AWA), codified at 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq. and promulgated at 9 CFR parts 1-4. The contractor shall furnish evidence of such registration to the contracting officer.
(2) The contractor shall acquire animals used in research and development programs from a dealer licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture, or from exempted sources in accordance with 9 CFR 2.25-2.28. Animals shall not be acquired from any random source Class B dealer.
(3) The contractor may request registration of his/her facility and a current listing of licensed dealers from the Regional Office of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA, for the region in which his/her research facility is located. The location of the appropriate APHIS Regional Office as well as information concerning this program may be obtained at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/contact_us/.
(b) Care of laboratory animals. (1) In the care of any live animals used or intended for use in the performance of this contract, the contractor shall adhere to:
(i) The standards and practices incorporated in the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Research of the National Research Council of the National Academies (ILAR/NRC),
(ii) The Animal Welfare Regulations found in 9 CFR parts 1-4, and
(iii) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
(2) In case of conflict between standards, the higher standard shall be used.
(3) The contractor’s reports on portions of the contract in which animals were used shall contain a certificate stating that the animals were cared for in accordance with the principles enunciated in the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, prepared by the ILAR/NRC, and/or in the Animal Welfare Regulations found in 9 CFR parts 1-4.
1552.224-70 Social security numbers of consultants and certain sole proprietors and Privacy Act statement.
As prescribed in 1524.104, insert the following provision in all solicitations.
(a) Section 6041 of title 26 of the U.S. Code requires EPA to file Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099 with respect to individuals who receive payments from EPA under purchase orders or contracts. Section 6109 of title 26 of the U.S. Code authorizes collection by EPA of the social security numbers of such individuals for the purpose of filing IRS Form 1099. Social security numbers obtained for this purpose will be used by EPA for the sole purpose of filing IRS Form 1099 in compliance with section 6041 of title 26 of the U.S. Code.
(b) If the offeror or quoter is an individual, consultant, or sole proprietor and has no Employer Identification Number, insert the offeror’s or quoter’s social security number on the following line.
1552.227-76 Project employee confidentiality agreement.
As prescribed in 1527.409, insert the following clause:
(a) The Contractor recognizes that Contractor employees in performing this contract may have access to data, either provided by the Government or first generated during contract performance, of a sensitive nature which should not be released to the public without Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval. Therefore, the Contractor agrees to obtain confidentiality agreements from all of its employees working on requirements under this contract.
(b) Such agreements shall contain provisions which stipulate that each employee agrees that the employee will not disclose, either in whole or in part, to any entity external to EPA, the Department of Justice, or the Contractor, any information or data (as defined in FAR Section 27.401) provided by the Government or first generated by the Contractor under this contract, any site-specific cost information, or any enforcement strategy without first obtaining the written permission of the EPA Contracting Officer. If a contractor, through an employee or otherwise, is subpoenaed to testify or produce documents, which could result in such disclosure, the Contractor must provide immediate advance notification to the EPA so that the EPA can authorize such disclosure or have the opportunity to take action to prevent such disclosure. Such agreements shall be effective for the life of the contract and for a period of five (5) years after completion of the contract.
(c) The EPA may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of information to outside entities. If such a disclosure occurs without the written permission of the EPA Contracting Officer, the Government may terminate the contract, for default or convenience, or pursue other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.
(d) The Contractor further agrees to insert in any subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder, except for subcontracts or consultant agreements for well drilling, fence erecting, plumbing, utility hookups, security guard services, or electrical services, provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
Alternate I (JAN 2015). Contracts for other than Superfund work shall include Alternate I in this clause in lieu of paragraph (d).
(d) The Contractor agrees to insert in each subcontract or consultant agreement placed hereunder provisions which shall conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d), unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer.
1552.228-70 Insurance liability to third persons.
As prescribed in 1528.301, insert the following clause:
(a)(1) Except as provided in subparagraph (2) below, the Contractor shall provide and maintain workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, comprehensive general liability (bodily injury), and comprehensive automobile liability (bodily injury and property damage) insurance, and such other insurance as the Contracting officer may require under this contract.
(2) The Contractor may, with the approval of the Contracting officer, maintain a self-insurance program; provided that, with respect to workers’ compensation, the Contractor is qualified pursuant to statutory authority.
(3) All insurance required by this paragraph shall be in a form and amount and for those periods as the Contracting officer may require or approve and with insurers approved by the Contracting officer.
(b) The Contractor agrees to submit for the Contracting officer’s approval, to the extent and in the manner required by the Contracting officer, any other insurance that is maintained by the Contractor in connection with the performance of this contract and for which the Contractor seeks reimbursement.
(c) The Contractor shall be reimbursed for that portion of the reasonable cost of insurance allocable to this contract, and required or approved under this clause, in accordance with its established cost accounting practices.
1552.229-70 [Reserved]
1552.232-70 Submission of invoices.
As prescribed in 1532.908, insert the following clause:
(a) Electronic invoicing and the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) – (1) Definitions. As used in this clause –
Contract financing payment and invoice payment are defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 32.001.
Electronic form means an automated system that transmits information electronically from the initiating system to all affected systems. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests. However, scanned documents are acceptable when they are part of a submission of a payment request made using Invoice Processing Platform or another electronic form authorized by the Contracting Officer.
Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the Contractor under this contract.
(2)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit invoices using the electronic invoicing program Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), which is a secure web-based service provided by the U.S. Treasury that more efficiently manages government invoicing.
(ii) Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice: (This is a fill-in for acceptable types of required documentation, such as an SF 1034 and 1035, or an invoice/self-designed form on company letterhead that contains the required information.)
(iii) The Contractor’s Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in System for Award Management (SAM)) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the IPP. The Contractor must register within 3 to 5 days of receipt of such email from IPP.
(iv) Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (866) 973-3131.
(3) If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor shall submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may submit an invoice using other than IPP only when –
(i) The Contracting Officer administering the contract for payment has determined, in writing, that electronic submission would be unduly burdensome to the Contractor; and in such cases, the Contracting Officer shall modify the contract to include a copy of the Determination; or
(ii) When the Governmentwide commercial purchase card is used as the method of payment.
(4) The Contractor shall submit any non-electronic payment requests using the method or methods specified in Section G of the contract.
(5) In addition to the requirements of this clause, the Contractor shall meet the requirements of the appropriate payment clauses in this contract when submitting payment requests.
(6) Invoices submitted through IPP will be either rejected, or accepted and paid, in their entirety, and will not be paid on a partial basis.
(b) Invoice preparation. The Contractor shall prepare its invoice or request for contract financing payment in accordance with FAR 32.905 on the prescribed Government forms, or the Contractor may submit self-designed forms which contain the required information. Standard Form 1034, Public Voucher for Purchases and Services other than Personal, is prescribed for used by contractors to show the amount claimed for reimbursement. Standard Form 1035, Public Voucher for Purchases and Services other than Personal – Continuation Sheet, is prescribed for use to furnish the necessary supporting detail or additional information required by the Contracting Officer.
(c) Invoice content. (1) The Contractor shall prepare a contract level invoice or request for contract financing payment in accordance with the invoice preparation instructions. If contract work is authorized by an individual task order or delivery order (TO/DO), the invoice or request for contract financing payment shall also include a summary of the current and cumulative amounts claimed by cost element for each TO/DO and for the contract total, as well as any supporting data for each TO/DO as identified in the instructions.
(2) The invoice or request for contract financing payment shall include current and cumulative charges by major cost element such as direct labor, overhead, travel, equipment, and other direct costs. For current costs, each major cost element shall include the appropriate supporting schedule identified in the invoice preparation instructions. Cumulative charges represent the net sum of current charges by cost element for the contract period.
(d) Subcontractor charges. (1) The charges for subcontracts shall be further detailed in a supporting schedule showing the major cost elements for each subcontract.
(2) On a case-by-case basis, when needed to verify the reasonableness of subcontractor costs, the Contracting Officer may require that the contractor obtain from the subcontractor cost information in the detail set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. This information should be obtained through a means which maintains subcontractor confidentiality (for example, via sealed envelopes), if the subcontractor expresses Confidential Business Information (CBI) concerns.
(e) Period of performance indication. Invoices or requests for contract financing payment must clearly indicate the period of performance for which payment is requested. Separate invoices or requests for contract financing payment are required for charges applicable to the base contract and each option period.
(f) Invoice submittal. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of the clause of this contract at FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, invoices or requests for contract financing payment shall be submitted once per month unless there has been a demonstrated need and Contracting Officer approval for more frequent billings. When submitted on a monthly basis, the period covered by invoices or requests for contractor financing payments shall be the same as the period for monthly progress reports required under this contract.
(2) If the Contracting Officer allows submissions more frequently than monthly, one submittal each month shall have the same ending period of performance as the monthly progress report.
(3) Where cumulative amounts on the monthly progress report differ from the aggregate amounts claimed in the invoice(s) or request(s) for contract financing payments covering the same period, the contractor shall provide a reconciliation of the difference as part of the payment request.
(g) EPA Invoice Preparation Instructions – SF 1034. The information which a contractor is required to submit in its Standard Form 1034 is set forth as follows:
(1) U.S. Department, Bureau, or establishment and location – Insert the names and address of the servicing finance office, unless the contract specifically provides otherwise.
(2) Date Voucher Prepared – Insert date on which the public voucher is prepared and submitted.
(3) Contract/Delivery Order Number and Date – Insert the number and date of the contract and task order or delivery order, if applicable, under which reimbursement is claimed.
(4) Requisition Number and Date – Leave blank.
(5) Voucher Number – Insert the appropriate serial number of the voucher. A separate series of consecutive numbers, beginning with Number 1, shall be used by the contractor for each new contract. For an adjustment invoice, write “[invoice number] #Adj” at the voucher number. For a final invoice, put invoice number F. For a completion invoice, put invoice number #C.
(6) Schedule Number; Paid By; Date Invoice Received – Leave blank.
(7) Discount Terms – Enter terms of discount, if applicable.
(8) Payee’s Account Number – This space may be used by the contractor to record the account or job number(s) assigned to the contract or may be left blank.
(9) Payee’s Name and Address – Show the name of the contractor exactly as it appears in the contract and its correct address, except when an assignment has been made by the contractor, or the right to receive payment has been restricted, as in the case of an advance account. When the right to receive payment is restricted, the type of information to be shown in this space shall be furnished by the Contracting Officer.
(10) Shipped From; To; Weight Government B/L Number – Insert for supply contracts.
(11) Date of Delivery or Service – Show the month, day and year, beginning and ending dates of incurrence of costs claimed for reimbursement. Adjustments to costs for prior periods should identify the period applicable to their incurrence, e.g., revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, award fee, etc.
(12) Articles or Services – Insert the following: “For detail, see Standard Form 1035 total amount claimed transferred from Page _of Standard Form 1035.” Insert “COST REIMBURSABLE – PROVISIONAL PAYMENT” or “INDEFINITE QUANTITY/INDEFINITE DELIVERY – PROVISIONAL PAYMENT” on the Interim public vouchers. Insert “COST REIMBURSABLE – COMPLETION VOUCHER” or “INDEFINITE QUANTITY/INDEFINITE DELIVERY – COMPLETION VOUCHER” on the Completion public voucher. Insert “COST REIMBURSABLE – FINAL VOUCHER” or “INDEFINITE QUANTITY/INDEFINITE DELIVERY – FINAL VOUCHER” on the final public voucher. Insert the following certification, signed by an authorized official, on the face of the Standard Form 1034:
“I certify that all payments requested are for appropriate purposes and in accordance with the agreements set forth in the contract.”
(13) Quantity; Unit Price – Insert for supply contracts.
(14) Amount – Insert the amount claimed for the period indicated in paragraph (g)(11) of this clause.
(h) EPA Invoice Preparation Instructions – SF 1035. The information which a contractor is required to submit in its Standard Form 1035 is set forth as follows:
(1) U.S. Department, Bureau, or Establishment – Insert the name and address of the servicing finance office.
(2) Voucher Number – Insert the voucher number as shown on the Standard Form 1034.
(3) Schedule Number – Leave blank.
(4) Sheet Number – Insert the sheet number if more than one sheet is used in numerical sequence. Use as many sheets as necessary to show the information required.
(5) Number and Date of Order – Insert payee’s name and address as in the Standard Form 1034.
(6) Articles or Services – Insert the contract number as in the Standard Form 1034.
(7) Amount – Insert the latest estimated cost, fee (fixed, base, or award, as applicable), total contract value, and amount and type of fee payable (as applicable).
(8) A summary of claimed current and cumulative costs and fee by major cost element – Include the rate(s) at which indirect costs are claimed and indicate the base of each by identifying the line of costs to which each is applied. The rates invoiced should be as specified in the contract or by a rate agreement negotiated by EPA’s Cost and Rate Negotiation Team.
(9) Fee – The fee shall be determined in accordance with instructions appearing in the contract.
Note to paragraph (h) – Amounts claimed on vouchers must be based on records maintained by the contractor to show by major cost element the amounts claimed for reimbursement for each applicable contract. The records must be maintained based on the contractor’s fiscal year and should include reconciliations of any differences between the costs incurred and amounts claimed for reimbursement. A memorandum record reconciling the total indirect cost(s) claimed should also be maintained.
(i) Supporting Schedules for Cost Reimbursement Contracts. The following backup information is required as an attachment to the invoice as shown by category of cost:
(1) Direct Labor – Identify the number of hours (by contractor labor category and total) and the total loaded direct labor hours billed for the period in the invoice.
(2) Indirect Cost Rates – Identify by cost center, the indirect cost rate, the period, and the cost base to which it is applied.
(3) Subcontracts – Identify the major cost elements for each subcontract.
(4) Other Direct Costs – When the cost for an individual cost (e.g., photocopying, material and supplies, telephone usage) exceeds $1,000 per the invoice period, provide a detailed explanation for that cost category.
(5) Contractor Acquired Equipment (if authorized by the contract) – Identify by item the quantities, unit prices, and total dollars billed.
(6) Contractor Acquired Software (if authorized by the contract) – Identify by item the quantities, unit prices, and total dollars billed.
(7) Travel – When travel costs exceed $2,000 per invoice period, identify by trip, the number of travelers, the duration of travel, the point of origin, destination, purpose of trip, transportation by unit price, per diem rates on daily basis and total dollars billed. Detailed reporting is not required for local travel. The manner of breakdown, e.g., task order/delivery order basis with/without separate program management, contract period will be specified in the contract instructions.
– Any costs requiring advance consent by the Contracting Officer will be considered improper and will be disallowed, if claimed prior to receipt of Contracting Officer consent. Include the total cost claimed for the current and cumulative-to-date periods. After the total amount claimed, provide summary dollar amounts disallowed on the contract as of the date of the invoice. Also include an explanation of the changes in cumulative costs disallowed by addressing each adjustment in terms of: Voucher number, date, dollar amount, source, and reason for the adjustment. Disallowed costs should be identified in unallowable accounts in the contractor’s accounting system.
(j) Supporting Schedules for Time and Materials Contracts. The following backup information is required as an attachment to the invoice as shown by category of cost:
(1) Direct Labor – Identify the number of hours (by contractor labor category and total) and the total direct labor hours billed for the period of the invoice.
(2) Subcontracts – Identify the major cost elements for each subcontract.
(3) Other Direct Costs – When the cost for an individual cost (e.g., photocopying, material and supplies, telephone usage) exceeds $1,000 per the invoice period, provide a detailed explanation for that cost category.
(4) Indirect Cost Rates – Identify by cost center, the indirect cost rate, the period, and the cost base to which it is applied.
(5) Contractor Acquired Equipment – Identify by item the quantities, unit prices, and total dollars billed.
(6) Contractor Acquired Software – Identify by item the quantities, unit prices, and total dollars billed.
(7) Travel – When travel costs exceed $2,000 per invoice period, identify by trip, the number of travelers, the duration of travel, the point of origin, destination, purpose of trip, transportation by unit price, per diem rates on daily basis and total dollars billed. Detailed reporting is not required for local travel. The manner of breakdown, e.g., task order/delivery order basis with/without separate program management, contract period will be specified in the contract instructions.
– Any costs requiring advance consent by the Contracting Officer will be considered improper and will be disallowed, if claimed prior to receipt of Contracting Officer consent. Include the total cost claimed for the current and cumulative-to-date periods. After the total amount claimed, provide summary dollar amounts disallowed on the contract as of the date of the invoice. Also include an explanation of the changes in cumulative costs disallowed by addressing each adjustment in terms of: Voucher number, date, dollar amount, source, and reason for the adjustment. Disallowed costs should be identified in unallowable accounts in the contractor’s accounting system.
(k) Adjustment vouchers. Adjustment vouchers should be submitted if finalized indirect rates were received but the rates are not for the entire period of performance. For example, the base period of performance is for a calendar year but your indirect rates are by fiscal year. Hence, only part of the base period can be adjusted for the applicable final indirect rates. These invoices should be annotated with “adj” after the invoice number.
(l) Final vouchers. Final Vouchers shall be submitted if finalized rates have been received for the entire period of performance. For example, the base period of performance is for a calendar year but your indirect rates are by fiscal year. You have received finalized rates for the entire base period that encompass both fiscal years that cover the base period. In accordance with FAR 52.216-7, these invoices shall be submitted within 60 days after settlement of final indirect cost rates. They should be annotated with the word “Final” or “F” after the invoice number. Due to system limitations, the invoice number cannot be more than 11 characters to include spaces.
(m) Completion vouchers. In accordance with FAR 52.216-7(d)(5), a completion voucher shall be submitted within 120 days (or longer if approved in writing by the Contracting Officer) after settlement of the final annual indirect cost rates for all years of a physically complete contract. The voucher shall reflect the settled amounts and rates. It shall include settled subcontract amounts and rates. The prime contractor is responsible for settling subcontractor amounts and rates included in the completion invoice. Since EPA’s invoices must be on a period of performance basis, the contractor shall have a completion invoice for each year of the period of performance. This voucher must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for review and approval before final payment can be made on the contract. The Contracting Officer may request an audit of the completion vouchers before final payment is made. In addition, once approved, the Contracting Officer will request the appropriate closeout paperwork for the contract. For contracts separately invoiced by delivery or task order, provide a schedule showing final total costs claimed by delivery or task order and in total for the contract. In addition to the completion voucher, the contractor must submit the Contractor’s Release; Assignee’s Release, if applicable; the Contractor’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, Credits and other Amounts; the Assignee’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, Credits and other Amounts, if applicable; and the Contractor’s Affidavit of Waiver of Lien, when required by the contract.
Alternate I (MAY 2019) As prescribed in 1532.908, substitute the following paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) for paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) if used in a non-commercial time and materials type contract:
(c)(1) The Contractor shall prepare a contract level invoice or request for contract financing payment in accordance with the invoice preparation instructions. If contract work is authorized by individual task order or delivery order (TO/DO), the invoice or request for contract financing payment shall also include a summary of the current and cumulative amounts claimed by cost element for each TO/DO and for the contract total, as well as any supporting data for each TO/DO as identified in the instructions.
(2) The invoice or request for contract financing payment that employs a fixed rate feature shall include current and cumulative charges by contract labor category and by other major cost elements such as travel, equipment, and other direct costs. For current costs, each cost element shall include the appropriate supporting schedules identified in the invoice preparation instructions.
1552.232-71–1552.232-73 [Reserved]
1552.232-74 Payments – simplified acquisition procedures financing.
As prescribed in 1532.003, insert the following clause in solicitations and orders that will provide simplified acquisition procedures financing.
Simplified acquisition procedures financing in the form of ______ [contracting officer insert advance (prior to performance) and/or interim (according to payment schedule] payment(s)) will be provided under this commercial item order in accordance with the payment schedule below. If both advance and interim payments are to be made, the payment schedule shown below will specify the type of payment provided for each line item.
The Government shall pay the contractor as follows upon the submission of invoices or vouchers approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative: ____________ [insert payment schedule].
1552.232-75 Commercial supplier agreements – unenforceable clauses.
As prescribed in 1513.507(b) and 1532.1070 insert the following clause:
When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to a Commercial Supplier Agreement (CSA, as defined in 48 CFR 1502.100), the following language shall be deemed incorporated into the CSA. As used herein, “this agreement” means the CSA:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, when the end user is an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, the following shall apply:
(1) Applicability. This agreement is part of a contract between the commercial supplier and the U.S. Government for the acquisition of the supply or service that necessitates a license or other similar legal instrument (including all contracts, task orders, and delivery orders under FAR Parts 13, 14 or 15).
(2) End user. This agreement shall bind the ordering activity as end user but shall not operate to bind a Government employee or person acting on behalf of the Government in his or her personal capacity.
(3) Law and disputes. This agreement is governed by Federal law.
(i) Any language purporting to subject the U.S. Government to the laws of a U.S. state, U.S. territory, district, or municipality, or foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly provides for the application of such laws, is hereby deleted.
(ii) Any language requiring dispute resolution in a specific forum or venue that is different from that prescribed by applicable Federal law is hereby deleted.
(iii) Any language prescribing a different time period for bringing an action than that prescribed by applicable Federal law in relation to a dispute is hereby deleted.
(4) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor shall not unilaterally revoke, terminate or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by this contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the agreement, it shall pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while continuing performance as set forth in FAR 52.233-1, Disputes.
(5) Arbitration; equitable or injunctive relief. In the event of a claim or dispute arising under or relating to this agreement, a binding arbitration shall not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance, and equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs or interest, may be awarded against the U.S. Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., Prompt Payment Act or Equal Access to Justice Act).
(6) Updating terms. (i) After award, the contractor may unilaterally revise terms if they are not material. A material change is defined as:
(A) Terms that significantly change Government rights or obligations; and
(B) Terms that increase Government prices;
(C) Terms that decrease overall level of service; or
(D) Terms that limit any other Government right addressed elsewhere in this contract.
(ii) For revisions that will materially change the terms of the contract, the revised commercial supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification.
(iii) Any agreement terms or conditions unilaterally revised subsequent to award that are inconsistent with any material term or provision of this contract shall not be enforceable against the Government, and the Government shall not be deemed to have consented to them.
(7) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under this agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service shall not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express consent by an authorized Government representative.
(8) Indemnification. Any clause of this agreement requiring the commercial supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is hereby amended to provide that the U.S. Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.
(9) Audits. Any clause of this agreement permitting the commercial supplier or licensor to audit the end user’s compliance with this agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(i) Discrepancies found in an audit may result in a charge by the commercial supplier or licensor to the ordering activity. Any resulting invoice must comply with the proper invoicing requirements specified in the underlying Government contract or order.
(ii) This charge, if disputed by the ordering activity, will be resolved through the Disputes clause at FAR 52.233-1; no payment obligation shall arise on the part of the ordering activity until the conclusion of the dispute process.
(iii) Any audit requested by the contractor will be performed at the contractor’s expense, without reimbursement by the Government.
(10) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the commercial supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the underlying Government contract or order and, in any event, must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed to otherwise in the Government contract.
(11) Non-assignment. This agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government’s prior approval, except as expressly permitted under the clause at FAR 52.232-23, Assignment of Claims.
(12) Confidential information. If this agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is hereby amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, shall be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of this agreement.
(b) If any language, provision or clause of this agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the preceding paragraph (a) of this clause, the language, provisions, or clause of paragraph (a) shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency.
1552.233-70 Notice of filing requirements for agency protests.
As prescribed in 1533.103, insert the following provision in all types of solicitations:
Agency protests must be filed with the Contracting Officer in accordance with the requirements of FAR 33.103 (d) and (e). Within 10 calendar days after receipt of an adverse Contracting Officer decision, the protester may submit a written request for an independent review by the Head of the Contracting Activity. This independent review is available only as an appeal of a Contracting Officer decision on a protest. Accordingly, as provided in 4 CFR 21.2(a)(3), any protest to the GAO must be filed within 10 days of knowledge of the initial adverse Agency action.
1552.235-70 Screening business information for claims of confidentiality.
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(a), insert the following contract clause in all types of contracts when the Contracting Officer has determined that during performance of this contract, the Contractor may be required to collect information to perform the work required under this contract. Some of the information may consist of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that would be considered as proprietary or confidential by the business that has the right to the information. The following clause enables EPA to resolve any claims of confidentiality concerning the information that the Contractor will furnish under a contract. The clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” shall also be included in the contract:
(a) Whenever collecting information under this contract, the Contractor agrees to comply with the following requirements:
(1) If the Contractor collects information from public sources, such as books, reports, journals, periodicals, public records, or other sources that are available to the public without restriction, the Contractor shall submit a list of these sources to the appropriate program office at the time the information is initially submitted to EPA. The Contractor shall identify the information according to source.
(2) If the Contractor collects information from a State or local Government or from a Federal agency, the Contractor shall submit a list of these sources to the appropriate program office at the time the information is initially submitted to EPA. The Contractor shall identify the information according to source.
(3) If the Contractor collects information directly from a business or from a source that represents a business or businesses, such as a trade association:
(i) Before asking for the information, the Contractor shall identify itself, explain that it is performing contractual work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, identify the information that it is seeking to collect, explain what will be done with the information, and give the following notice:
(A) You may, if you desire, assert a business confidentiality claim covering part or all of the information. If you do assert a claim, the information will be disclosed by EPA only to the extent, and by means of the procedures, set forth in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B.
(B) If no such claim is made at the time this information is received by the Contractor, it may be made available to the public by the Environmental Protection Agency without further notice to you.
(C) The contractor shall, in accordance with FAR part 9, execute a written agreement regarding the limitations of the use of this information and forward a copy of the agreement to the Contracting Officer.
(ii) Upon receiving the information, the Contractor shall make a written notation that the notice set out above was given to the source, by whom, in what form, and on what date.
(iii) At the time the Contractor initially submits the information to the appropriate program office, the Contractor shall submit a list of these sources, identify the information according to source, and indicate whether the source made any confidentiality claim and the nature and extent of the claim.
(b) The Contractor shall keep all information collected from nonpublic sources confidential in accordance with the clause in this contract entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” as if it had been furnished to the Contractor by EPA.
(c) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Contracting Officer, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, prior to entering into any subcontract that will require the subcontractor to collect information. The Contractor agrees to include this clause, including this paragraph (c), and the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract that require the subcontractor collect information.
1552.235-71 Treatment of confidential business information.
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(b), insert the following contract clause in all types of contracts when the Contracting Officer has determined that in the performance of a contract, EPA may furnish confidential business information to the Contractor that EPA obtained under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), or the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.). EPA regulations on confidentiality of business information in 40 CFR part 2 subpart B require that the Contractor agree to the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” before any confidential business information may be furnished to the Contractor:
(a) The Contracting Officer, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, may disclose confidential business information to the Contractor necessary to carry out the work required under this contract. The Contractor agrees to use the confidential information only under the following conditions:
(1) The Contractor and Contractor’s Employees shall: (i) use the confidential information only for the purposes of carrying out the work required by the contract; (ii) not disclose the information to anyone other than EPA employees without the prior written approval of the Assistant General Counsel for Contracts and Information Law; and (iii) return to the Contracting Officer all copies of the information, and any abstracts or excerpts therefrom, upon request by the Contracting Officer, whenever the information is no longer required by the Contractor for the performance of the work required by the contract, or upon completion of the contract.
(2) The Contractor shall obtain a written agreement to honor the above limitations from each of the Contractor’s employees who will have access to the information before the employee is allowed access.
(3) The Contractor agrees that these contract conditions concerning the use and disclosure of confidential information are included for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, both EPA and any affected business having a proprietary interest in the information.
(4) The Contractor shall not use any confidential information supplied by EPA or obtained during performance hereunder to compete with any business to which the confidential information relates.
(b) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Contracting Officer, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, prior to entering into any subcontract that will involve the disclosure of confidential business information by the Contractor to the subcontractor. The Contractor agrees to include this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts awarded, pursuant to this contract, that require the furnishing of confidential business information to the subcontractor.
1552.235-72 [Reserved]
1552.235-73 Access to Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Confidential Business Information (APR 1996).
As prescribed in 1535.007(a), insert the following provision:
In order to perform duties under the contract, the Contractor will need to be authorized for access to Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) confidential business information (CBI). The Contractor and all of its employees handling CBI while working under the contract will be required to follow the procedures contained in the security manual entitled “FIFRA Information Security Manual.” These procedures include applying for FIFRA CBI access authorization for each individual working under the contract who will have access to FIFRA CBI, execution of confidentiality agreements, and designation by the Contractor of an individual to serve as a Document Control Officer. The Contractor will be required to abide by those clauses contained in EPAAR 1552.235-70, 1552.235- 71, and 1552.235-77 that are appropriate to the activities set forth in the contract.
Until EPA has approved the Contractor’s security plan, the Contractor may not be authorized for FIFRA CBI access away from EPA facilities.
1552.235-74 [Reserved]
1552.235-75 Access to Toxic Substances Control Act Confidential Business Information (APR 1996).
As prescribed in 1535.007(b), insert the following provision:
In order to perform duties under the contract, the Contractor will need to be authorized for access to Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) confidential business information (CBI). The Contractor and all of its employees handling CBI while working under the contract will be required to follow the procedures contained in the security manual entitled “TSCA Confidential Business Information Security Manual.” These procedures include applying for TSCA CBI access authorization for each individual working under the contract who will have access to TSCA CBI, execution of confidentiality agreements, and designation by the Contractor of an individual to serve as a Document Control Officer. The Contractor will be required to abide by those clauses contained in EPAAR 1552.235-70, 1552.235-71, and 1552.235-78 that are appropriate to the activities set forth in the contract.
Until EPA has inspected and approved the Contractor’s facilities, the Contractor may not be authorized for TSCA CBI access away from EPA facilities.
1552.235-76 Treatment of Confidential Business Information (APR 1996).
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(c), insert the following clause:
(a) The Project Officer (PO) or his/her designee, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, may disclose confidential business information (CBI) to the Contractor necessary to carry out the work required under this contract. The Contractor agrees to use the CBI only under the following conditions:
(1) The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall (i) use the CBI only for the purposes of carrying out the work required by the contract; (ii) not disclose the information to anyone other than properly cleared EPA employees without the prior written approval of the Assistant General Counsel for Information Law or his/her designee; and (iii) return the CBI to the PO or his/her designee, whenever the information is no longer required by the Contractor for performance of the work required by the contract, or upon completion of the contract.
(2) The Contractor shall obtain a written agreement to honor the above limitations from each of the Contractor’s employees who will have access to the information before the employee is allowed access.
(3) The Contractor agrees that these contract conditions concerning the use and disclosure of CBI are included for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, both EPA and any affected businesses having a proprietary interest in the information.
(4) The Contractor shall not use any CBI supplied by EPA or obtained during performance hereunder to compete with any business to which the CBI relates.
(b) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the CO, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, prior to entering into any subcontract that will involve the disclosure of CBI by the Contractor to the subcontractor. The Contractor agrees to include this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract that require the furnishing of CBI to the subcontractor.
1552.235-77 Data Security for Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Confidential Business Information (DEC 1997).
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(d), insert the following clause:
The Contractor shall handle Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) confidential business information (CBI) in accordance with the contract clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” and “Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality,” the provisions set forth below, and the Contractor’s approved detailed security plan.
(a) The Project Officer (PO) or his/her designee, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, may disclose FIFRA CBI to the contractor necessary to carry out the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall protect all FIFRA CBI to which it has access (including CBI used in its computer operations) in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall follow the security procedures set forth in the FIFRA Information Security Manual. The manual may be obtained from the Project Officer (PO) or the Chief, Information Services Branch (ISB), Program Management and Support Division, Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) (H7502C), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
(2) The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall follow the security procedures set forth in the Contractor’s security plan(s) approved by EPA.
(3) Prior to receipt of FIFRA CBI by the Contractor, the Contractor shall ensure that all employees who will be cleared for access to FIFRA CBI have been briefed on the handling, control, and security requirements set forth in the FIFRA Information Security Manual.
(4) The Contractor Document Control Officer (DCO) shall obtain a signed copy of the FIFRA “Contractor Employee Confidentiality Agreement” from each of the Contractor’s employees who will have access to the information before the employee is allowed access.
(b) The Contractor agrees that these requirements concerning protection of FIFRA CBI are included for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, both EPA and any affected business having a proprietary interest in the information.
(c) The Contractor understands that CBI obtained by EPA under FIFRA may not be disclosed except as authorized by the Act, and that any unauthorized disclosure by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees may subject the Contractor and the Contractor’s employees to the criminal penalties specified in FIFRA (7 U.S.C. 136h(f)). For purposes of this contract, the only disclosures that EPA authorizes the Contractor to make are those set forth in the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information.”
(d) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract that require the furnishing of CBI to the subcontractor.
(e) At the request of EPA or at the end of the contract, the Contractor shall return to the EPA PO or his/her designee all documents, logs, and magnetic media which contain FIFRA CBI. In addition, each Contractor employee who has received FIFRA CBI clearance will sign a “Confidentiality Agreement for Contractor Employees Upon Relinquishing FIFRA CBI Access Authority.” The Contractor DCO will also forward those agreements to the EPA PO or his/her designee, with a copy to the CO, at the end of the contract.
(f) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the Government changes the security requirements, the CO shall equitably adjust affected provisions of this contract, in accordance with the “Changes” clause when:
(1) The Contractor submits a timely written request for an equitable adjustment; and
(2) The facts warrant an equitable adjustment.
1552.235-78 Data Security for Toxic Substances Control Act Confidential Business Information (DEC 1997).
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(e), insert the following clause:
The Contractor shall handle Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) confidential business information (CBI) in accordance with the contract clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information” and “Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality.”
(a) The Project Officer (PO) or his/her designee, after a written determination by the appropriate program office, may disclose TSCA CBI to the contractor necessary to carry out the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall protect all TSCA CBI to which it has access (including CBI used in its computer operations) in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall follow the security procedures set forth in the TSCA CBI Security Manual. The manual may be obtained from the Director, Information Management Division (IMD), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Prior to receipt of TSCA CBI by the Contractor, the Contractor shall ensure that all employees who will be cleared for access to TSCA CBI have been briefed on the handling, control, and security requirements set forth in the TSCA CBI Security Manual.
(2) The Contractor shall permit access to and inspection of the Contractor’s facilities in use under this contract by representatives of EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management, and the TSCA Security Staff in the OPPT, or by the EPA Project Officer.
(3) The Contractor Document Control Officer (DCO) shall obtain a signed copy of EPA Form 7740-6, “TSCA CBI Access Request, Agreement, and Approval,” from each of the Contractor’s employees who will have access to the information before the employee is allowed access. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain from each employee who will be cleared for TSCA CBI access all information required by EPA or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for EPA to conduct a Minimum Background Investigation.
(b) The Contractor agrees that these requirements concerning protection of TSCA CBI are included for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, both EPA and any affected business having a proprietary interest in the information.
(c) The Contractor understands that CBI obtained by EPA under TSCA may not be disclosed except as authorized by the Act, and that any unauthorized disclosure by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees may subject the Contractor and the Contractor’s employees to the criminal penalties specified in TSCA (15 U.S.C. 2613(d)). For purposes of this contract, the only disclosures that EPA authorizes the Contractor to make are those set forth in the clause entitled “Treatment of Confidential Business Information.”
(d) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract that require the furnishing of CBI to the subcontractor.
(e) At the request of EPA or at the end of the contract, the Contractor shall return to the EPA PO or his/her designee, all documents, logs, and magnetic media which contain TSCA CBI. In addition, each Contractor employee who has received TSCA CBI clearance will sign EPA Form 7740-18, “Confidentiality Agreement for Contractor Employees Upon Relinquishing TSCA CBI Access Authority.” The Contractor DCO will also forward those agreements to the EPA OPPT/IMD, with a copy to the CO, at the end of the contract.
(f) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the Government changes the security requirements, the CO shall equitably adjust affected provisions of this contract, in accordance with the “Changes” clause, when:
(1) The Contractor submits a timely written request for an equitable adjustment; and,
(2) The facts warrant an equitable adjustment.
1552.235-79 Release of contractor confidential business information.
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(f), insert the following clause:
(a) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may find it necessary to release information submitted by the Contractor either in response to this solicitation or pursuant to the provisions of this contract, to individuals not employed by EPA. Business information that is ordinarily entitled to confidential treatment under existing EPA regulations (40 CFR part 2) may be included in the information released to these individuals. Accordingly, by submission of this proposal or signature on this contract or other contracts, the Contractor hereby consents to a limited release of its confidential business information (CBI). An EPA contractor may assert a business confidentiality claim covering part or all of the information submitted by the contractor in a manner that is consistent with 40 CFR 2.203(b). If no such CBI claim accompanies the information when it is received by EPA, it may be made available to the public by EPA without further notice to the EPA contactor, pursuant to 40 CFR 2.203(a), and will not require the additional measures set forth in this section.
(b) Possible circumstances where the EPA may release the Contractor’s CBI include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) To EPA contractors and other federal agencies and their contractors tasked with recovery, or assisting the Agency in the recovery, of Federal funds expended pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9607, as amended, (CERCLA or Superfund) and/or Sec. 311(c) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) (33 U.S.C. 1321(c));
(2) To the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and contractors employed by DOJ for use in advising the EPA and representing the EPA or other federal agencies in procedures for the recovery of Superfund expenditures and costs and damages to be deposited to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF);
(3) To the U.S. Department of the Treasury and contractors employed by that department for use in collecting costs to be deposited to the Superfund or the OSLTF;
(4) To parties liable, or potentially liable, for costs under CERCLA Sec. 107 (42 U.S.C. 9607), OPA Sec. 1002 (33 U.S.C. 2702), or CWA Sec. 311 (33 U.S.C. 1321) and their insurers or guarantors (`Potentially Responsible Parties’) for purposes of facilitating collection, settlement or litigation of claims against such parties;
(5) To EPA contractors who, for purposes of performing the work required under the respective contracts, require access to information that the Agency obtained under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); the CWA (33 U.S.C.1251 et seq.); the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.); the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.); CERCLA (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.); or the OPA (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.);
(6) To EPA contractors tasked with assisting the Agency in handling and processing information and documents in the administration of Agency contracts, such as providing both preaward and post award audit support and specialized technical support to the Agency’s technical evaluation panels;
(7) To employees of grantees working at EPA under the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program;
(8) To Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, or Chairman of a Congressional Committee or Subcommittee;
(9) To entities such as the United States Government Accountability Office, boards of contract appeals, and the Courts in the resolution of solicitation or contract protests and disputes;
(10) To EPA contractor employees engaged in information systems analysis, development, operation, and maintenance, including performing data processing and management functions for the EPA; and
(11) Pursuant to a court order or court-supervised agreement.
(c) The EPA recognizes an obligation to protect the contractor from competitive harm that may result from the release of such information to a competitor. (See also the clauses in this document entitled “Screening Business Information for Claims of Confidentiality” and “Treatment of Confidential Business Information.”) Except where otherwise provided by law, CBI shall be released under paragraphs (b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (10) of this clause only pursuant to a confidentiality agreement.
(d) With respect to EPA contractors, EPAAR § 1552.235-71 will be used as the confidentiality agreement. With respect to contractors for other federal agencies, EPA will expect these agencies to enter into similar confidentiality agreements with their contractors. With respect to Potentially Responsible Parties, such confidentiality agreements may permit further disclosure to other entities where necessary to further settlement or litigation of claims under CERCLA, the CWA, or the OPA. Such entities include, but are not limited to, accounting firms and technical experts able to analyze the information, provided that they also agree to be bound by an appropriate confidentiality agreement.
(e) This clause does not authorize the EPA to release the Contractor’s CBI to the public pursuant to a request filed under the Freedom of Information Act.
(f) The Contractor agrees to include this clause, including this paragraph (f), in all subcontracts at all levels awarded pursuant to this contract that require the furnishing of confidential business information by the subcontractor.
1552.235-80 Access to confidential business information.
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(g), insert the following clause.
It is not anticipated that it will be necessary for the contractor to have access to confidential business information (CBI) during the performance of tasks required under this contract. However, the following applies to any and all tasks under which the contractor will or may have access to CBI:
The contractor shall not have access to CBI submitted to EPA under any authority until the contractor obtains from the Project Officer a certification that the EPA has followed all necessary procedures under 40 CFR part 2, subpart B (and any other applicable procedures), including providing, where necessary, prior notice to the submitters of disclosure to the contractor.
1552.235-81 Institutional oversight of life sciences dual use research of concern – Representation.
As prescribed in 1535.007(c), insert the following solicitation provision:
(a) Definitions. As used in this provision –
Institution means any government agency (Federal, State, tribal, or local), academic institution, corporation, company, partnership, society, association, firm, sole proprietorship, or other legal entity conducting research.
Life Sciences research means a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge involving living organisms (e.g., microbes, human beings, animals, and plants) and their products, including all disciplines and methodologies of biology such as aerobiology, agricultural science, plant science, animal science, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, microbiology, synthetic biology, virology, molecular biology, environmental science, public health, modeling, engineering of living systems, and all applications of the biological sciences. The term is meant to encompass the diverse approaches to understanding life at the level of ecosystems, populations, organisms, organs, tissues, cells, and molecules. Life sciences research does not include routine product testing, quality control, mapping, collection of general-purpose statistics, routine monitoring and evaluation of an operational program, observational studies, and the training of scientific and technical personnel.
(b) Representation. By submission of its offer or quotation, the Offeror represents that if it is:
(1) An institution within the United States that conducts or sponsors life sciences research that involves one or more of the agents or toxins listed in section 6.2.1 of the “United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern” (iDURC Policy), even if the research is not supported by United States Government funds; or
(2) An institution outside of the United States that receives funds to conduct or sponsor research that involves one or more of the agents or toxins listed in section 6.2.1 of the iDURC Policy; then the Offeror will comply with the iDURC Policy.
(c) Resources. Information about dual use research in the life sciences, as well as specific details on the iDURC Policy can be found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dual Use Research of Concern page: http://www.phe.gov/s3/dualuse/Pages/default.aspx.
1552.235-82 Institutional oversight of life sciences dual use research of concern.
As prescribed in 1535.007-70(h), insert the following contract clause:
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause –
Institution means any government agency (Federal, State, tribal, or local), academic institution, corporation, company, partnership, society, association, firm, sole proprietorship, or other legal entity conducting research.
Life Sciences research means a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge involving living organisms (e.g., microbes, human beings, animals, and plants) and their products, including all disciplines and methodologies of biology such as aerobiology, agricultural science, plant science, animal science, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, microbiology, synthetic biology, virology, molecular biology, environmental science, public health, modeling, engineering of living systems, and all applications of the biological sciences. The term is meant to encompass the diverse approaches to understanding life at the level of ecosystems, populations, organisms, organs, tissues, cells, and molecules. Life sciences research does not include routine product testing, quality control, mapping, collection of general-purpose statistics, routine monitoring and evaluation of an operational program, observational studies, and the training of scientific and technical personnel.
(b) Compliance. The Contractor agrees that it shall comply with the “United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern” (iDURC Policy) during the period of performance of this contract, including all option periods or other extensions, if the Contractor:
(1) Is an institution within the United States that conducts or sponsors, or begins to conduct or sponsor life sciences research that involves one or more of the agents or toxins listed in Section 6.2.1 of the iDURC Policy, even if the research is not supported by United States Government funds; or
(2) Is an institution outside the United States that receives funds through this contract to conduct or sponsor research that involves one or more of the agents or toxins listed in Section 6.2.1 of the iDURC Policy.
(c) Resources. Information about dual use research in the life sciences as well as specific details on the iDURC Policy can be found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dual Use Research of Concern page: http://www.phe.gov/s3/dualuse/Pages/default.aspx.
1552.236-70 Samples and certificates.
As prescribed in 1536.521, insert the following contract clause in construction contracts.
When required by the specifications or the Contracting Officer, samples, certificates, and test data shall be submitted after award of the contract, prepaid, in time for proper action by the Contracting Officer or his/her designated representative. Certificates and test data shall be submitted in triplicate to show compliance of materials and construction specified in the contract performance requirements. Samples shall be submitted in duplicate by the Contractor, except as otherwise specified, to show compliance with the contract requirements. Materials or equipment for which samples, certifications or test data are required shall not be used in the work until approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.
1552.237-70 Contract publication review procedures.
As prescribed in 1537.110, insert the following contract clause when the products of the contract are subject to contract publication review.
(a) Material generated under this contract intended for release to the public is subject to the Agency’s publication review process in accordance with the EPA Order on this subject and the following.
(b) Except as indicated in paragraph (c) of this contract, the Contractor shall not independently publish or print material generated under this contract until after completion of the EPA review process. The Contracting Officer’s Representative will notify the Contractor of review completion within __ calendar days after the Contractor’s transmittal to the Contracting Officer’s Representative of material generated under this contract. If the Contractor does not receive Contracting Officer’s Representative notification within this period, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing.
(c) The Contractor may publish, in a scientific journal, material resulting directly or indirectly from work performed under this contract, subject to the following:
(1) The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative, at least 30 days prior to publication, a copy of any paper, article, or other dissemination of information intended for publication.
(2) The Contractor shall include the following statement in a journal article which has not been subjected to EPA review: “Although the research described in this article has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency contract (number) to (Name of Contractor), it has not been subject to the Agency’s review and therefore does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency, and no official endorsement should be inferred.”
(3) Following publication of the journal article, the Contractor shall submit five copies of the journal article to the Contracting Officer’s Representative, and one copy to the Contracting Officer.
(d) If the Government has completed the review process and agreed that the contract material may be attributed to EPA, the Contractor shall include the following statement in the document:
This material has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under contract (number) to (name). It has been subject to the Agency’s review, and it has been approved for publication as an EPA document. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
(e) If the Government has completed the review process, but decides not to publish the material, the Contractor may independently publish and distribute the material for its own use and its own expense, and shall include the following statement in any independent publication:
Although the information described in this article has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under contract (number) to (name), it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.
1552.237-71 Technical direction.
As prescribed in 1537.110, insert a clause substantially the same as the following:
(a) Definitions.
Contracting officer technical representative (COTR), means an individual appointed by the contracting officer in accordance with Agency procedures to perform specific technical and administrative functions.
Task order, as used in this clause, means work assignment, delivery order, or any other document issued by the contracting officer to order work under a service contract.
(b) The Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) may provide technical direction on contract or work request performance. Technical direction includes:
(1) Instruction to the contractor that approves approaches, solutions, designs, or refinements; fills in details; completes the general descriptions of work shifts emphasis among work areas or tasks; and
(2) Evaluation and acceptance of reports or other deliverables.
(c) Technical direction must be within the scope of work of the contract and any task order there under. The Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) does not have the authority to issue technical direction which:
(1) Requires additional work outside the scope of the contract or task order;
(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the “Changes” clause;
(3) Causes an increase or decrease in the estimated cost of the contract or task order;
(4) Alters the period of performance of the contract or task order; or
(5) Changes any of the other terms or conditions of the contract or task order.
(d) Technical direction will be issued in writing or confirmed in writing within five (5) days after oral issuance. The contracting officer will be copied on any technical direction issued by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.
(e) If, in the contractor’s opinion, any instruction or direction by the Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) falls within any of the categories defined in paragraph (c) of the clause, the contractor shall not proceed but shall notify the contracting officer in writing within 3 days after receiving it and shall request that the contracting officer take appropriate action as described in this paragraph. Upon receiving this notification, the contracting officer shall:
(1) Advise the contractor in writing as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after receipt of the contractor’s notification, that the technical direction is within the scope of the contract effort and does not constitute a change under the “Changes” clause of the contract;
(2) Advise the contractor within a reasonable time that the government will issue a written modification to the contract; or
(3) Advise the contractor that the technical direction is outside the scope of the contract and is thereby rescinded.
(f) A failure of the contractor and contracting officer to agree as to whether the technical direction is within the scope of the contract, or a failure to agree upon the contract action to be taken with respect thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of the clause entitled “Disputes” in this contract.
(g) Any action(s) taken by the contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the government or any government official other than the contracting officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative, shall be at the contractor’s risk.
1552.237-72 Key personnel.
As prescribed in 1537.110, insert the following contract clause when it is necessary for contract performance to identify Contractor key personnel.
(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:
(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) of this clause. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.
(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. This clause will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.
1552.237-73 [Reserved]
1552.237-74 Publicity.
As prescribed in 1537.110, insert the following contract clause in contracts pertaining to the removal or remedial activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (“Super Fund”) program. The term “on-scene coordinator” may be substituted with “Contracting Officer’s Representative.”
(a) The Contractor agrees to notify and obtain the verbal approval of the on-scene coordinator (or Contracting Officer’s Representative) prior to releasing any information to the news media regarding the removal or remedial activities being conducted under this contract.
(b) It is also agreed that the Contractor shall acknowledge EPA support whenever the work funded in whole or in part by this contract is publicized in any news media.
1552.237-75 Paperwork Reduction Act.
As prescribed in 1537.110, insert this contract clause in any contract requiring the collection of identical information from ten (10) or more public respondents.
If it is established at award or subsequently becomes a contractual requirement to collect identical information from ten (10) or more public respondents, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. applies. In that event, the Contractor shall not take any action to solicit information from any of the public respondents until notified in writing by the Contracting officer that the required Office of Management and Budget (OMB) final clearance was received.
1552.237-76 Government-Contractor Relations.
As prescribed in 1537.110(g), insert the following clause:
(a) The Government and the Contractor understand and agree that the services to be delivered under this contract by the contractor to the Government are non-personal services and the parties recognize and agree that no employer-employee relationship exists or will exist under the contract between the Government and the Contractor’s personnel. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the Government to afford both parties a full understanding of their respective obligations.
(b) Contractor personnel under this contract shall not:
(1) Be placed in a position where they are under the supervision, direction, or evaluation of a Government employee.
(2) Be placed in a position of command, supervision, administration or control over Government personnel, or over personnel of other Contractors under other EPA contracts, or become a part of the Government organization.
(3) Be used in administration or supervision of Government procurement activities.
(c) Employee relationship. (1) The services to be performed under this contract do not require the Contractor or his/her personnel to exercise personal judgment and discretion on behalf of the Government. Rather the Contractor’s personnel will act and exercise personal judgment and discretion on behalf of the Contractor.
(2) Rules, regulations, directives, and requirements that are issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under its responsibility for good order, administration, and security are applicable to all personnel who enter the Government installation or who travel on Government transportation. This is not to be construed or interpreted to establish any degree of Government control that is inconsistent with a non-personal services contract.
(d) Inapplicability of employee benefits. This contract does not create an employer-employee relationship. Accordingly, entitlements and benefits applicable to such relationships do not apply.
(1) Payments by the Government under this contract are not subject to Federal income tax withholdings.
(2) Payments by the Government under this contract are not subject to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act.
(3) The Contractor is not entitled to unemployment compensation benefits under the Social Security Act, as amended, by virtue of performance of this contract.
(4) The Contractor is not entitled to workman’s compensation benefits by virtue of this contract.
(5) The entire consideration and benefits to the Contractor for performance of this contract is contained in the provisions for payment under this contract.
(e) Notice. It is the Contractor’s, as well as, the Government’s responsibility to monitor contract activities and notify the Contracting Officer if the Contractor believes that the intent of this clause has been or may be violated.
(1) The Contractor should notify the Contracting Officer in writing promptly, within ____ (to be negotiated and inserted into the basic contract at contract award) calendar days from the date of any incident that the Contractor considers to constitute a violation of this clause. The notice should include the date, nature and circumstance of the conduct, the name, function and activity of each Government employee or Contractor official or employee involved or knowledgeable about such conduct, identify any documents or substance of any oral communication involved in the conduct, and the estimate in time by which the Government must respond to this notice to minimize cost, delay or disruption of performance.
(2) The Contracting Officer will promptly, within ____ (to be negotiated and inserted into the basic contract at contract award) calendar days after receipt of notice, respond to the notice in writing. In responding, the Contracting Officer will either:
(i) Confirm that the conduct is in violation and when necessary direct the mode of further performance,
(ii) Countermand any communication regarded as a violation,
(iii) Deny that the conduct constitutes a violation and when necessary direct the mode of further performance; or
(iv) In the event the notice is inadequate to make a decision, advise the Contractor what additional information is required, and establish the date by which it should be furnished by the Contractor and the date thereafter by which the Government will respond.
§ 1552.239-71 Open Source Software.
As prescribed in § 1539.2071, insert the following clause:
(a) Definitions.
“Custom-Developed Code” means code that is first produced in the performance of a federal contract or is otherwise fully funded by the federal government. It includes code, or segregable portions of code, for which the government could obtain unlimited rights under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 27 and relevant agency FAR Supplements. Custom-developed code also includes code developed by agency employees as part of their official duties. Custom-developed code may include, but is not limited to, code written for software projects, modules, plugins, scripts, middleware and Application Programming Interfaces (API); it does not, however, include code that is truly exploratory or disposable in nature, such as that written by a developer experimenting with a new language or library.
“Open Source Software (OSS)” means software that can be accessed, used, modified and shared by anyone. OSS is often distributed under licenses that comply with the definition of “Open Source” provided by the Open Source Initiative at https://opensource.org/osd or equivalent, and/or that meet the definition of “Free Software” provided by the Free Software Foundation at: https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html or equivalent.
“Software” means: (i) Computer programs that comprise a series of instructions, rules, routines or statements, regardless of the media in which recorded, that allow or cause a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations; and (ii) recorded information comprising source code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulas and related material that would enable the computer program to be produced, created or compiled. Software does not include computer databases or computer software documentation.
“Source Code” means computer commands written in a computer programming language that is meant to be read by people. Generally, source code is a higher-level representation of computer commands written by people, but must be assembled, interpreted or compiled before a computer can execute the code as a program.
(b)(1) Policy. It is the EPA policy that new custom-developed code be made broadly available for reuse across the federal government, subject to the exceptions provided in (b)(3). The policy does not apply retroactively so it does not require existing custom-developed code also be made available for Government-wide reuse or as OSS. However, making such code available for government-wide reuse or as OSS, to the extent practicable, is strongly encouraged. The EPA also supports the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Federal Source Code Policy provided in OMB Memorandum M-16-21, Federal Source Code Policy: Achieving Efficiency, Transparency, and Innovation through Reusable and Open Source Software, by:
(i) Providing an enterprise code inventory (e.g., code.json file) that lists new and applicable custom-developed code for, or by, the EPA;
(ii) Indicating whether the code is available for Federal reuse; or
(iii) Indicating if the code is available publicly as OSS.
(2) Exemption: Source code developed for National Security Systems (NSS), as defined in 40 U.S.C. 11103, is exempt from the requirements herein.
(3) Exceptions: Exceptions may be applied in specific instances to exempt EPA from sharing custom-developed code with other government agencies. Any exceptions used must be approved and documented by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or his or her designee for the purposes of ensuring effective oversight and management of IT resources. For excepted software, EPA must provide OMB a brief narrative justification for each exception, with redactions as appropriate. Applicable exceptions are as follows:
(i) The sharing of the source code is restricted by law or regulation, including – but not limited to – patent or intellectual property law, the Export Asset Regulations, the International Traffic in Arms Regulation and the federal laws and regulations governing classified information.
(ii) The sharing of the source code would create an identifiable risk to the detriment of national security, confidentiality of government information or individual privacy.
(iii) The sharing of the source code would create an identifiable risk to the stability, security or integrity of EPA’s systems or personnel.
(iv) The sharing of the source code would create an identifiable risk to EPA mission, programs or operations.
(v) The CIO believes it is in the national interest to exempt sharing the source code.
(c) The Contractor shall deliver to the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) the underlying source code, license file, related files, build instructions, software user’s guides, automated test suites, and other associated documentation as applicable.
(d) In accordance with OMB Memorandum M-16-21 the Government asserts its unlimited rights – including rights to reproduction, reuse, modification and distribution of the custom source code, associated documentation, and related files – for reuse across the federal government and as open source software for the public. These unlimited rights described above attach to all code furnished in the performance of the contract, unless the parties expressly agree otherwise in the contract.
(e) The Contractor is prohibited from reselling code developed under this contract without express written consent of the EPA Contracting Officer. The Contractor must provide at least 30 days advance notice if it intends to resell code developed under this contract.
(f) Technical guidance for EPA’s OSS Policy should conform with the “EPA’s Open Source Code Guidance” that will be maintained by the Office of Mission Support (OMS) at https://developer.epa.gov/guide/open-source-code/ or equivalent.
(g) The Contractor shall identify all deliverables and asserted restrictions as follows:
(1) The Contractor shall use open source license either:
(i) Identified in the contract, or
(ii) developed using one of the following licenses: (a) Creative Commons Zero (CC0); (b) MIT license; (c) GNU General Public License version 3 (GPL v3); (4) Lesser General Public License 2.1 (LGPL-2.1); (5) Apache 2.0 license; or (6) other open source license subject to Agency approval.
(2) The Contractor shall provide a copy of the proposed commercial license agreement to the Contracting Officer prior to contracting for commercial data/software.
(3) The Contractor shall identify any data that will be delivered with restrictions.
(4) The Contractor shall deliver the data package as specified by the EPA.
(5) The Contractor shall deliver the source code to the EPA-specified version control repository and source code management system.
(h) The Contractor shall comply with software and data rights requirements and provide all licenses for software dependencies as follows:
(1) The Contractor shall ensure all deliverables are appropriately marked with the applicable restrictive legends.
(2) The EPA is deemed to have received unlimited rights when data or software is delivered by the Contractor with restrictive markings omitted.
(3) If the delivery is made with restrictive markings that are not authorized by the contract, then the marking is characterized as “nonconforming.” In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 46.407, Nonconforming supplies or services, the Contractor will be given the chance to correct or replace the nonconforming supplies within the required delivery schedule. If the Contractor is unable to deliver conforming supplies, then the EPA is deemed to have received unlimited rights to the nonconforming supplies.
(i) The Contractor shall include this clause in all subcontracts that include custom-developed code requirements.
1552.242-70 Indirect costs.
As prescribed in 1542.705-70, insert the following clause in all cost-reimbursement and non-commercial time and materials type contracts. If ceilings are not being established, enter “not applicable” in paragraph (c) of the clause.
(a) In accordance with paragraph (d) of the “Allowable Cost and Payment” clause, the final indirect cost rates applicable to this contract shall be established between the Contractor and the appropriate Government representative (EPA, other Government agency, or auditor), as provided by FAR 42.703-1(a). EPA’s procedures require a Contracting Officer determination of indirect cost rates for its contracts. In those cases where EPA is the cognizant agency (see FAR 42.705-1), the final rate proposal shall be submitted to the cognizant audit activity and to the following designated Contracting Officer: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Manager, Financial Analysis and Oversight Service Center, Mail Code 3802R, Policy, Training Oversight Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Where EPA is not the cognizant agency, the final rate proposal shall be submitted to the above-cited address, to the cognizant audit agency, and to the designated Contracting Officer of the cognizant agency. Upon establishment of the final indirect cost rates, the Contractor shall submit an executed Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data (see FAR 15.406-2) applicable to the data furnished in connection with the final rates to the cognizant audit agency. The final rates shall be contained in a written understanding between the Contractor and the appropriate Government representative. Pursuant to the “Allowable Cost and Payment” clause, the allowable indirect costs under this contract shall be obtained by applying the final agreed upon rate(s) to the appropriate bases.
(b) Until final annual indirect cost rates are established for any period, the Government shall reimburse the contractor at billing rates established by the appropriate Government representative in accordance with FAR 42.704, subject to adjustment when the final rates are established. The established billing rates are currently as follows:
| Cost center | Period | Rate | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
These billing rates may be prospectively or retroactively revised by mutual agreement, at the request of either the Government or the Contractor, to prevent substantial overpayment or underpayment.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this clause, ceilings are hereby established on indirect costs reimbursable under this contract. The Government shall not be obligated to pay the Contractor any additional amount on account of indirect costs in excess of the ceiling rates listed below:
| Cost center | Period | Rate | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
1552.242-72 Financial administrative contracting officer.
As prescribed in 1542.705 (b), insert the following clause:
(a) A Financial Administrative Contracting Officer (FACO) is responsible for performing certain post-award functions related to the financial aspects of this contract when the EPA is the cognizant federal agency. These functions include the following duties:
(1) Review the contractor’s compensation structure and insurance plan.
(2) Negotiate advance agreements applicable to treatment of costs and to Independent Research & Development/Bid and Proposal costs.
(3) Negotiate changes to interim billing rates and establish final indirect cost rates and billing rates.
(4) Prepare findings of fact and issue decisions related to financial matters under the Disputes clause, if appropriate.
(5) In connection with Cost Accounting Standards:
(A) Determine the adequacy of the contractor’s disclosure statements;
(B) Determine whether the disclosure statements are in compliance with Cost Accounting Standards and FAR part 31;
(C) Determine the contractor’s compliance with Cost Accounting Standards and disclosure statements, if applicable; and
(D) Negotiate price adjustments and execute supplemental agreements under the Cost Accounting Standards clauses at FAR 52.230-3, 52.230-4, and 52.230-5.
(6) Review, approve or disapprove, and maintain surveillance of the contractor’s purchasing system.
(7) Perform surveillance, resolve issues, and establish any necessary agreements related to the contractor’s cost/schedule control system, including travel policies/procedures, allocation and cost charging methodology, timekeeping and labor distribution policies and procedures, subcontract payment practices, matters concerning relationships between the contractor and its affiliates and subsidiaries, and consistency between bid and accounting classifications.
(8) Review, resolve issues, and establish any necessary agreements related to the contractor’s estimating system.
(b) The FACO shall consult with the contracting officer whenever necessary or appropriate and shall forward a copy of all agreements/decisions to the contracting officer upon execution.
(c) The FACO for this contract is:
1552.245-70 Government property.
As prescribed in 1545.107(a), insert a clause substantially the same as follows:
(a) The contractor shall not fabricate or acquire, on behalf of the Government, either directly or indirectly through a subcontract, any item of property without prior written approval from the Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer authorizes the contractor to acquire and/or fabricate equipment for use in the performance of this contract, the equipment shall be subject to the provisions of the “Government Property” clause and listed on the contract via contract modification.
(b) If the Government provides item(s) of Government property to the contractor for use in the performance of this contract, this property shall be used and maintained by the contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” clause.
The “EPA Contract Property Administration Requirements” provided below apply to this contract.
1. Purpose. This document sets forth the requirements for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contractors performing Government property management responsibilities under EPA contracts. These requirements supplement those contained in the Government Property clause(s) and Part 45 Government Property of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
2. Contract Property Administration (CPAR)
a. EPA Delegation. EPA delegates all contract property administration to the EPA Contract Property Coordinator (CPC). The delegations apply to all EPA contracts issued with or that have the potential to receive, purchase or acquire Government Property or include the Government Property clauses. In addition to administering all contract property, the CPC provides technical expertise and assistance to the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) relative to Government Property.
b. DCMA Re-delegation. The CPC may request support for contract property management oversight, including property administration and plant clearance, from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). If DCMA agrees to provide support, DCMA will notify the contractor of the assigned property administrator (PA) and plant clearance officer (PLCO). The DCMA PA is available to the contractor for assistance in all matters of property administration. Notwithstanding the delegation, as necessary, the contractor may contact the EPA CO. In the event of a disagreement between the contractor and the DCMA PA, the contractor should seek resolution from the CO. Unless, otherwise directed in the contract, or this document, all originals of written information or reports, except direct correspondence between the contractor and the DCMA PA, relative to Government property, should be forwarded to the administrative CO assigned to this contract and the CPC.
c. Disagreements. Notwithstanding the delegation(s), as necessary, the contractor may contact the CO. In the event of a disagreement between the contractor and the PA or the CPC the contractor should seek resolution from the CO.
3. Requests for Government Property.
In accordance with FAR 45.102, the contractor shall furnish all property required for performing Government contracts. If a contractor believes that Government property is required for performance of the contract, the contractor shall submit a written request to the CO. At a minimum, the request shall contain the following elements:
a. Contract number for which the property is required.
b. An item(s) description, quantity and estimated cost.
c. Certification that no like contractor property exists which could be utilized.
d. A detailed description of the task-related purpose of the property.
e. Explanation of negative impact if property is not provided by the Government.
f. Lease versus purchase analysis shall be furnished with the request to acquire property on behalf of the Government, with the exception of requests for material purchases. The contractor may not proceed with acquisition of property on behalf of the Government until receipt of written authorization from the Contracting Officer.
4. Transfer of Government Property. The Contracting Officer initiates the transfer of the government property via a contract modification. The transferor (EPA or another contractor) shall provide to the transferee, the receiving contractor, the information needed to establish and maintain the property records required of FAR 52.245-1, as well as all of the applicable data elements required by Attachment 1 of this clause. The transferee, the receiving contractor, should perform a complete inventory of the property before signing the acceptance document for the property. Accountability will transfer to the receiving contractor upon receipt and acceptance of the property, in accordance with FAR 45.106.
5. Records of Government Property.
a. In accordance with FAR 52.245-1, the contractor shall create and maintain records of all Government property, regardless of value, including property provided to and in the possession of a subcontractor. Material provided by the Government or acquired by the contractor and billed as a direct charge to the contract is Government property and records must be established as such.
b. The Contractor shall identify all Superfund property and designate it as such both on the item and on the Government property record. If it is not practicable to tag the item, the contractor shall write the ID number on a tag, card or other entity that may be kept with the item or in a file.
c. Support documentation used for posting entries to the property record shall provide complete, current and auditable data. Entries shall be posted to the record in a timely manner following an action.
d. For Government vehicles, in addition to the data elements required by EPA, the contractor shall also comply with the General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Energy (DOE) record and report requirements supplied with all EPA provided motor vehicles. If the above requirements were not provided with the vehicle, the contractor shall notify the designated CPC and the Fleet Manager.
e. When Government property is disclosed to be in the management and/or control of the contractor but not provided under any contract, the contractor shall record and report the property in accordance with FAR 52.245-1.
6. Inventories of Government Property. The contractor shall conduct a complete physical inventory of EPA property at least once per year. The contractor shall report the results of the inventory, including any discrepancies, to the CO. Reconciliation of discrepancies shall be completed in accordance with the schedule negotiated with the CO. See section 10 herein, Contract Closeout, for information on final inventories.
7. Reports of Government Property. EPA requires an annual summary report, for each contract, by contract number, of Government property in the contractor’s possession. The annual summary is due as of September 30th of each year, and upon contract termination or expiration.
a. For each classification listed on the EPA Property Report form, with the exception of material, the contractor shall provide the total acquisition cost and total quantity. If there are zero items in a classification, or if there is an ending balance of zero, the classification must be listed with zeros in the quantity and acquisition cost columns.
b. For material, the contractor shall provide the total acquisition cost only.
c. Property classified as Plant Equipment, Superfund and Special Test Equipment must be reported on two separate lines. The first line shall include the total acquisition cost and quantity of all items or systems with a unit acquisition cost of $25,000 or more. The second line shall include the total acquisition cost and quantity of all items with a unit acquisition cost of less than $25,000.
d. For items comprising a system, which is defined as “a group of interacting items functioning as a complex whole,” the contractor may maintain the record as a system noting all components of the system under the main component or maintain individual records for each item. However, for the annual report of Government property the components must be reported as a system with one total dollar amount for the system, if that system total is $25,000 or more.
e. The reports are to be received at EPA by the CPC by October 5th of each year.
f. Distribution shall be as follows:
g. Contractors are required to comply with GSA and DOE special reporting requirements for motor vehicles. A statement of these requirements will be provided by the EPA Facility Management and Services Division (FMSD) concurrent with receipt of each vehicle.
h. The contractor shall provide detailed reports on an as-needed basis, as may be requested by the CO or the CPC.
8. Disposition of Government Property. The disposition process is composed of three distinct phases: identification, reporting, and final disposition.
a. Identification. The disposition process begins with the contractor identifying Government property that is no longer required for contract performance. Effective contract property management systems provide for identification of excess as it occurs. Once Government property has been determined to be excess to the accountable contract, it must be screened against the contractor’s other EPA contracts for further use. If the property may be reutilized, the contractor shall notify the CO in writing. Government property will be transferred via contract modifications to other contracts only when the COs on both the current contract and the receiving contract authorize the transfer.
b. Reporting.
(i) EPA. Government property shall be reported in accordance with FAR 52.245-1. The Standard Form, SF 1428, Inventory Disposal Schedule, provides the format for reporting excess Government property. Instructions for completing and when to use the form may be found at FAR 52.245-1(j). Forward the completed SF 1428 to the CPC. The SF 1428 is available at http://www.arnet.gov/far/current/html/FormsStandard54.html. Superfund property must contain a Superfund notification and the following language must be displayed on the form: “Note to CO: Reimbursement to the EPA Superfund is required.”
(ii) DCMA. If the EPA contract has been re-delegated to DCMA, the excess items will be entered into the Plant Clearance Automated Reutilization Screening System (PCARSS). Access and information pertaining to this system may be addressed to the DCMA Plant Clearance Officer (PLCO).
c. Disposition Instructions.
(i) Retention. When Government property is identified as excess, the CO may direct the contractor in writing to retain all or part of the excess Government Property under the current contract for possible future requirements.
(ii) Return to EPA. When Government property is identified as excess, the CO may direct the contractor in writing to return those items to EPA inventory. The contractor shall ship/deliver the property in accordance with the instructions provided by the CO.
(iii) Transfer. When Government property is identified as excess, the CO may direct the contractor in writing to transfer the property to another EPA contractor. The contractor shall transfer the property by shipping it in accordance with the instructions provided by the CO. To effect transfer of accountability, the contractor shall provide the recipient of the property with the applicable data elements set forth in Attachment 1 of this clause.
(iv) Sale. If GSA or the DCMA PLCO conducts a sale of the excess Government property, the contractor shall allow prospective bidders access to property offered for sale.
(v) Abandonment. Abandoned property must be disposed of in a manner that does not endanger the health and safety of the public. If the contract is delegated to DCMA and the contractor has input EPA property into the PCARSS system, the EPA Property Utilization Officer (PUO) shall notify the CO. The CO shall notify the contractor in writing of those items EPA would like to retain, have returned or transferred to another EPA contractor. The contractor shall notify the DCMA PLCO and request withdrawal of those items from the inventory schedule. The contractor shall update the Government property record to indicate the disposition of the item and to close the record. The contractor shall also obtain either a signed receipt or proof of shipment from the recipient. The contractor shall notify the CO when all actions pertaining to disposition have been completed. The contractor shall complete an EPA Property report with changes, to include supporting documentation of completed disposition actions and submit it to the CPC.
9. Decontamination. In addition to the requirements of the “Government Property” clause and prior to performing disposition of any EPA Government Property, the contractor shall certify in writing that the property is free from contamination by any hazardous or toxic substances.
10. Contract Closeout. The contractor shall complete a physical inventory of all Government property at contract completion and the results, including any discrepancies, shall be reported to the CO. If the contract is delegated to DCMA, the physical inventory report will be submitted to the EPA CO and a copy submitted to the DCMA PA. In the case of a terminated contract, the contractor shall comply with the inventory requirements set forth in the applicable termination clause. The results of the inventory, as well as a detailed inventory listing, must be forwarded to the CO and if delegated, a copy to the DCMA PA. In order to expedite the disposal process, contractors may be required to, or may elect to submit to the CPC, an inventory schedule for disposal purposes up to six (6) months prior to contract completion. If such an inventory schedule is prepared, the contractor must indicate the earliest date that each item may be disposed. The contractor shall update all property records to show disposal action. The contractor shall notify the CO, and, if delegated, the DCMA PA, in writing, when all work has been completed under the contract and all Government property accountable to the contract has been disposed. The contractor shall complete a FINAL EPA Property report with all supporting documentation to the CPC.
Required Data Element – In addition to the requirements of FAR 52.245-1(f)(vi), Reports of Government Property, the contractor is required to maintain, and report the following data elements for EPA Government property (all elements are not applicable to material): Name and address of the administrative Contracting Officer; Name of the contractor representative; Business type; Name and address of the contract property coordinator; Superfund (Yes/No); No. of Subcontractor/Alternate Locations.
For items comprising a system which is defined as, “a group of interacting items functioning as a complex whole,” the contractor may maintain the record as a system noting all components of the system under the main component or maintain individual records for each item. However, for the Annual Report of Government Property, the components must be reported as a system with one total dollar amount for the system, if that system total is $25,000 or more.
1552.245-71 Government-furnished data.
As prescribed in 1545.107(b), insert the following contract clause in any contract that the Government is to furnish the Contractor data. Identify in the clause the data to be provided.
(a) The Government shall deliver to the Contractor the Government-furnished data described in the contract. If the data, suitable for its intended use, is not delivered to the Contractor, the Contracting Officer shall equitably adjust affected provisions of this contract in accordance with the “Changes” clause when:
(1) The Contractor submits a timely written request for an equitable adjustment; and
(2) The facts warrant an equitable adjustment.
(b) Title to Government-furnished data shall remain in the Government.
(c) The Contractor shall use the Government-furnished data only in connection with this contract.
(d) The following data will be furnished to the Contractor on or about the time indicated:
Subpart 1552.3 – FAR and EPAAR Class Deviations
1552.312-4 Contract terms and conditions – commercial items (far deviation).
As prescribed in 1512.1070, the contracting officer shall insert clause 1552.332-39, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (FAR DEVIATION), for acquisitions of commercial items in lieu of 52.212-4 or 52.212-4 Alternate I. The contracting officer may tailor this clause in accordance with FAR 12.302.
(a) Inspection/acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights –
(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and
(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.
(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.
(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.
(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.
(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.
(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.
(g) Invoice. (1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include –
(i) Name and address of the Contractor;
(ii) Invoice date and number;
(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;
(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;
(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;
(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;
(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;
(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and
(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.
(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.
(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.
(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.
(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.
(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.
(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.
(i) Payment – (1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.
(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.
(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.
(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.
(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall –
(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the –
(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);
(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;
(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and
(D) Contractor point of contact.
(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.
(6) Interest. (i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.
(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.
(iii) Final decisions: The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if –
(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;
(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or
(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).
(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.
(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:
(A) The date fixed under this contract.
(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.
(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on –
(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;
(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or
(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.
(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.
(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:
(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or
(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.
(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.
(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.
(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.
(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.
(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.
(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.
(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.
(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.
(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:
(1) The schedule of supplies/services.
(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, Unauthorized Obligations, and Commercial Supplier Agreements-Unenforceable Clauses paragraphs of this clause.
(3) The clause at 52.212-5.
(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any commercial supplier agreements as amended by the Commercial Supplier Agreements – Unenforceable Clauses provision.
(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.
(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.
(7) The Standard Form 1449.
(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.
(9) The specification.
(t) [Reserved]
(u) Unauthorized Obligations. (1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any commercial supplier agreement (as defined in 1502.100) that includes any language, provision, or clause requiring the Government to pay any future fees, penalties, interest, legal costs or to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:
(i) Any such language, provision, or clause is unenforceable against the Government.
(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the commercial supplier agreement. If the commercial supplier agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.
(iii) Any such language, provision, or clause is deemed to be stricken from the commercial supplier agreement.
(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification or any other payment by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.
(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.
(w) Commercial Supplier Agreements – unenforceable clauses. When any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to a Commercial Supplier Agreement (as defined in 48 CFR 1502.100), the following language shall be deemed incorporated into the commercial supplier agreement. As used herein, “this agreement” means the Commercial Supplier Agreement:
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, when the end user is an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, the following shall apply:
(i) Applicability. This agreement is a part of a contract between the commercial supplier and the U.S. Government for the acquisition of the supply or service that necessitates a license or other similar legal instrument (including all contracts, task orders, and delivery orders under FAR Part 12).
(ii) End user. This agreement shall bind the ordering activity as end user but shall not operate to bind a Government employee or person acting on behalf of the Government in his or her personal capacity.
(iii) Law and disputes. This agreement is governed by Federal law.
(A) Any language purporting to subject the U.S. Government to the laws of a U.S. state, U.S. territory, district, or municipality, or a foreign nation, except where Federal law expressly provides for the application of such laws, is hereby deleted.
(B) Any language requiring dispute resolution in a specific forum or venue that is different from that prescribed by applicable Federal law is hereby deleted.
(C) Any language prescribing a different time period for bringing an action than that prescribed by applicable Federal law in relation to a dispute is hereby deleted.
(iv) Continued performance. The supplier or licensor shall not unilaterally revoke, terminate or suspend any rights granted to the Government except as allowed by this contract. If the supplier or licensor believes the ordering activity to be in breach of the agreement, it shall pursue its rights under the Contract Disputes Act or other applicable Federal statute while continuing performance as set forth in paragraph (d) of this clause.
(v) Arbitration; equitable or injunctive relief. In the event of a claim or dispute arising under or relating to this agreement, a binding arbitration shall not be used unless specifically authorized by agency guidance, and equitable or injunctive relief, including the award of attorney fees, costs or interest, may be awarded against the U.S. Government only when explicitly provided by statute (e.g., Prompt Payment Act or Equal Access to Justice Act).
(vi) Updating terms. (A) After award, the contractor may unilaterally revise terms if they are not material. A material change is defined as:
(1) Terms that change Government rights or obligations;
(2) Terms that increase Government prices;
(3) Terms that decrease overall level of service; or
(4) Terms that limit any other Government right addressed elsewhere in this contract.
(B) For revisions that will materially change the terms of the contract, the revised commercial supplier agreement must be incorporated into the contract using a bilateral modification.
(C) Any agreement terms or conditions unilaterally revised subsequent to award that are inconsistent with any material term or provision of this contract shall not be enforceable against the Government, and the Government shall not be deemed to have consented to them.
(vii) No automatic renewals. If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under this agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service shall not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express consent by an authorized Government representative.
(viii) Indemnification. Any clause of this agreement requiring the commercial supplier or licensor to defend or indemnify the end user is hereby amended to provide that the U.S. Department of Justice has the sole right to represent the United States in any such action, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 516.
(ix) Audits. Any clause of this agreement permitting the commercial supplier or licensor to audit the end user’s compliance with this agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(A) Discrepancies found in an audit may result in a charge by the commercial supplier or licensor to the ordering activity. Any resulting invoice must comply with the proper invoicing requirements specified in the underlying Government contract or order.
(B) This charge, if disputed by the ordering activity, will be resolved in accordance with paragraph (d) of this clause; no payment obligation shall arise on the part of the ordering activity until the conclusion of the dispute process.
(C) Any audit requested by the contractor will be performed at the contractor’s expense, without reimbursement by the Government.
(x) Taxes or surcharges. Any taxes or surcharges which the commercial supplier or licensor seeks to pass along to the Government as end user will be governed by the terms of the underlying Government contract or order and, in any event, must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for a determination of applicability prior to invoicing unless specifically agreed to otherwise in the Government contract.
(xi) Non-assignment. This agreement may not be assigned, nor may any rights or obligations thereunder be delegated, without the Government’s prior approval, except as expressly permitted under paragraph (b) of this clause.
(xii) Confidential information. If this agreement includes a confidentiality clause, such clause is hereby amended to state that neither the agreement nor the contract price list, as applicable, shall be deemed “confidential information.” Issues regarding release of “unit pricing” will be resolved consistent with the Freedom of Information Act. Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, the Government may retain any confidential information as required by law, regulation or its internal document retention procedures for legal, regulatory or compliance purposes; provided, however, that all such retained confidential information will continue to be subject to the confidentiality obligations of this agreement.
(2) If any language, provision, or clause of this agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with paragraph (w)(1) of this clause, the language, provisions, or clause of paragraph (w)(1) shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency.
As prescribed in 1513.507(b) and 1532.1070, use clause 1552.332-39 (FAR DEVIATION) instead of the nondeviated version for purchase orders, modifications and contracts that include commercial supplier agreements.
(a) Except as stated in paragraph (b) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any commercial supplier agreement (as defined in 1502.100) that includes any language, provision, or clause requiring the Government to pay any future fees, penalties, interest, legal costs or to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:
(1) Any such language, provision, or clause is unenforceable against the Government.
(2) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such language, provision, or clause by virtue of it appearing in the commercial supplier agreement. If the commercial supplier agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.
(3) Any such language, provision, or clause is deemed to be stricken from the commercial supplier agreement.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this clause does not apply to indemnification or any other payment by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.
PART 1553 – FORMS
1553.000 Scope of part.
This part prescribes Agency forms for use in acquisitions and contains requirements and information generally applicable to the forms.
Subpart 1553.2 – Prescription of Forms
1553.213 Simplified acquisition procedures.
1553.213-70 EPA Form 1900-8, Procurement Request/Order.
As prescribed in 1513.505-2, EPA Form 1900-8 may be used in lieu of Optional Forms 347 and 348 for individual purchases.
1553.216 Types of contracts.
1553.216-70 EPA Form 1900-41A, CPAF Contract Summary of Significant Performance Observation.
As prescribed in 1516.404-278, EPA Form 1900-41A shall be used to document significant performance observations under CPAF contracts.
1553.216-71 EPA Form 1900-41B, CPAF Contract Individual Performance Event.
As prescribed in 1516.404-278, EPA Form 1900-41B shall be used to document individual performance events under CPAF contracts.
1553.232 Contract financing.
1553.232-70 EPA Form 1900-3, Assignee’s Release.
As prescribed in 1532.805-70(a), the EPA Form 1900-3 is required to be submitted by the assignee for cost-reimbursement contracts prior to final payment under the contract.
1553.232-71 EPA Form 1900-4, Assignee’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, Credits and Other Amounts.
As prescribed in 1532.805-70(b), the EPA Form 1900-4 must accompany the assignee’s release prior to final payment under cost-reimbursement contracts.
1553.232-72 EPA Form 1900-5, Contractor’s Assignment of Refunds, Rebates, and Credits.
As prescribed in 1532.805-70(c), the EPA Form 1900-5 must be prepared by the Contractor prior to final payment under cost-reimbursement contracts and must accompany the Contractor’s release.
1553.232-73 EPA Form 1900-6, Contractor’s Release.
As prescribed in 1532.805-70(d), the EPA Form 1900-6 must be submitted by the Contractor under cost-reimbursement contracts prior to final payment thereunder.
1553.232-74 EPA Form 1900-10, Contractor’s Cumulative Claim and Reconciliation.
As prescribed in 1532.170(a), the EPA Form 1900-10 shall be used for an accounting of the cumulative charges and costs for cost-reimbursement contracts from the inception of the contract to completion. It shall be submitted by the Contractor along with the completion voucher.
1553.232-75 EPA Form 1900-68, notice of contract costs suspended and/or disallowed.
As prescribed in 1532.170(b), the Contracting Officer shall insert EPA Form 1900-68 in all cost-reimbursement type and fixed-rate type contracts.
1553.232-76 [Reserved]
PARTS 1554-1599 [RESERVED]
CHAPTER 16 – OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS ACQUISITION REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER A – GENERAL
PART 1600 [RESERVED]
PART 1601 – FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
Subpart 1601.1 – Purpose, Authority, Issuance
1601.101 Purpose.
(a) This subpart establishes chapter 16, Office of Personnel Management Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation, within title 48, the Federal Acquisition Regulation System, of the Code of Federal Regulations. The short title of this regulation shall be FEHBAR.
(b) The purpose of the FEHBAR is to implement and supplement the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specifically for acquiring and administering contracts with health insurance carriers in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).
1601.102 Authority.
(a) The FEHBAR is issued by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management in accordance with the authority of 5 U.S.C. chapter 89 and other applicable law and regulation.
(b) The FEHBAR does not replace or incorporate regulations found at 5 CFR part 890, which provides the substantive policy guidance for administration of the FEHBP under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 89. The following is the order of precedence in interpreting a contract provision under the FEHBP:
(1) 5 U.S.C. Chapter 89;
(2) 5 CFR part 890;
(3) 48 CFR Chapters 1 and 16;
(4) The FEHBP contract.
1601.103 Applicability.
The FAR is generally applicable to contracts negotiated in the FEHBP pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 89. The FEHBAR implements and supplements the FAR where necessary to identify basic and significant acquisition policies unique to the FEHBP.
1601.104 Issuance.
1601.104-1 Publication and code arrangement.
(a) The FEHBAR and its subsequent changes are published in
(1) Daily issues of the
(2) Cumulative form of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) The FEHBAR is issued as chapter 16 of title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
1601.104-2 Arrangement of regulation.
(a) General. The FEHBAR conforms with the arrangement and numbering system prescribed by FAR 1.104. However, when a FAR part or subpart is adequate for use without further OPM implementation or supplementation, there will be no corresponding FEHBAR part, subpart, etc. The FEHBAR is to be used in conjunction with the FAR and the order for use is:
(1) FAR;
(2) FEHBAR.
(b) Citation. (1) In formal documents, such as legal briefs, citation of chapter 16 material that has been published in the
(2) In informal documents, any section of chapter 16 may be identified as “FEHBAR” followed by the section number.
1601.106 OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) requires Federal agencies to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before collecting information from ten or more members of the public. The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the OMB. The following OMB control numbers apply.
| Provision | Control No. |
|---|---|
| FEHBAR 1604.705 | 3206-0145 |
| FAR 9.1 | 3206-0145 |
Subpart 1601.3 – Agency Acquisition Regulation (FEHBAR)
1601.301 Policy.
(a) Procedures, contract clauses, and other aspects of the acquisition process for contracts in the FEHBP shall be consistent with the principles of the FAR. Changes to the FAR that are otherwise authorized by statute or applicable regulation, dictated by the practical realities associated with the unique nature of health care procurements, or necessary to satisfy specific needs of the Office of Personnel Management shall be implemented as amendments to the FEHBAR and published in the
(b) Internal procedures, instructions, and guides that are necessary to clarify or implement the FEHBAR within OPM may be issued by agency officials specifically designated by the Director, OPM. Normally, such designations will be specified in the OPM Administrative Manual, which is routinely available to agency employees and will be made available to interested outside parties upon request. Clarifying or implementing procedures, instructions, and guides issued pursuant to this section of the FEHBAR must –
(1) Be consistent with the policies and procedures contained in this regulation as implemented and supplemented from time to time; and
(2) Follow the format, arrangement, and numbering system of this regulation to the extent practicable.
PART 1602 – DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS
1602.000-70 Scope of part.
This part defines words and terms commonly used in this regulation.
Subpart 1602.1 – Definitions of FEHBP Terms
1602.170 Definition of terms.
In this chapter, unless otherwise indicated, the following terms have the meaning set forth in this subpart.
1602.170-1 Carrier.
Carrier means a voluntary association, corporation, partnership, or other nongovernmental organization which is lawfully engaged in providing, delivering, paying for, or reimbursing the cost of health care services under group insurance policies or contracts, medical or hospital service agreements, membership or subscription contracts, including a health maintenance organization, a nonprofit hospital and health service corporation, or any other entity providing a plan of health insurance, health benefits or health services, in consideration of premiums or other periodic charges payable to the carrier.
1602.170-2 Community rate.
(a) Community rate means a rate of payment based on a per member per month capitation rate or its equivalent that applies to a combination of the subscriber groups for a comprehensive medical plan carrier. References in this subchapter to “a combination of cost and price analysis” relating to the applicability of policy and contract clauses refer to comprehensive medical plan carriers using community rates.
(b) Adjusted community rate means a community rate which has been adjusted for expected use of medical resources of the FEHBP group. An adjusted community rate is a prospective rate and cannot be retroactively revised to reflect actual experience, utilization, or costs of the FEHBP group, except as described in § 1615.402(c)(4).
1602.170-3 Comprehensive medical plan.
Comprehensive Medical Plan means a plan as defined under 5 U.S.C. 8903(4).
1602.170-4 Contractor.
Contractor means carrier.
1602.170-5 Cost or pricing data.
(a) Experience-rated carriers. Cost or pricing data for experience-rated carriers includes:
(1) Information such as claims data;
(2) Actual or negotiated benefits payments made to providers of medical services for the provision of healthcare, such as capitation not adjusted for specific groups, including mental health benefits capitation rates, per diems, and Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) payments;
(3) Cost data;
(4) Utilization data; and
(5) Administrative expenses and retentions, including capitated administrative expenses and retentions.
(b) Community rated carriers. Cost or pricing data for community rated carriers is the specialized rating data used by carriers in computing a rate that is appropriate for the Federal group and similarly sized subscriber groups (SSSGs). Such data include, but are not limited to, capitation rates; prescription drug, hospital, and office visit benefits utilization data; trend data; actuarial data; rating methodologies for other groups; standardized presentation of the carrier’s rating method (age, sex, etc.) showing that the factor predicts utilization; tiered rates information; “step-up” factors information; demographics such as family size; special benefit loading capitations; and adjustment factors for capitation. After the 2012 plan year, reconciled rates for community rated carriers, other than those required by state law to use Traditional Community Rating (TCR), will be required to meet an FEHB-specific medical loss ratio threshold published annually in OPM’s rate instructions to FEHB carriers.
1602.170-6 Director.
Director means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
1602.170-7 Experience-rate.
Experience-rate means a rate for a given group that is the result of that group’s actual paid claims, administrative expenses (including capitated administrative expenses), retentions, and estimated claims incurred but not reported, adjusted for benefit modifications, utilization trends, and economic trends. Actual paid claims include any actual or negotiated benefits payments made to providers of services for the provision of healthcare such as capitation not adjusted for specific groups, including mental health benefits capitation rates, per diems, and DRG payments.
1602.170-8 FEHBP.
FEHBP means the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
1602.170-9 Health benefits plan.
Health benefits plan means a group insurance policy, contract, medical or hospital service agreement, membership or subscription contract, or similar group arrangements provided by a carrier for the purpose of providing, arranging for, delivering, paying for, or reimbursing any of the costs of health care services.
1602.170-10 Letter of credit.
Letter of credit means the method by which certain carriers, and their underwriters if authorized, receive recurring premium payments and contingency reserve payments by drawing against a commitment (certified by a responsible OPM official) which specifies a dollar amount available. For each carrier participating in the letter of credit arrangement for payment under this part, the terms “carrier reserves,” and “special reserves” include any balance in the carrier’s letter of credit account.
1602.170-11 Negotiated benefits contracts.
Negotiated benefits contracts are FEHBP contracts in which benefits provided and subscription income are based on either community rating or experience rating.
1602.170-12 OPM.
OPM means the Office of Personnel Management.
§ 1602.170-13 Similarly sized subscriber groups.
(a) A Similarly sized subscriber group (SSSG) is a non-FEHB employer group that:
(1) As of the date specified by OPM in the rate instructions, has a subscriber enrollment closest to the FEHBP subscriber enrollment;
(2) Uses traditional community rating; and,
(3) Meets the criteria specified in the rate instructions issued by OPM.
(b) Any group with which an entity enters into an agreement to provide health care services is a potential SSSG (including groups that are traditional community rated and covered by separate lines of business, government entities, groups that have multi-year contracts, and groups having point-of-service products) except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
(1) An entity’s subscriber groups may be included as an SSSG if the entity is any of the following:
(i) The carrier;
(ii) A division or subsidiary of the carrier;
(iii) A separate line of business or qualified separate line of business of the carrier; or
(iv) An entity that maintains a contractual arrangement with the carrier to provide healthcare benefits.
(2) A subscriber group covered by an entity meeting any of the criteria under paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be included for comparison as a SSSG if the entity meets any of the following criteria:
(i) It reports financial statements on a consolidated basis with the carrier; or
(ii) Shares, delegates, or otherwise contracts with the carrier, any portion of its workforce that involves the management, design, pricing, or marketing of the healthcare product.
(c) The following groups must be excluded from SSSG consideration:
(1) Groups the carrier rates by the method of retrospective experience rating;
(2) Groups consisting of the carrier’s own employees;
(3) Medicaid groups, Medicare-only groups, and groups that receive only excepted benefits as defined at 26 U.S.C. 9832(c);
(4) A purchasing alliance whose rate-setting is mandated by the State or local government;
(5) Administrative Service Organizations (ASOs);
(6) Any other group excluded from consideration as specified in the rate instructions issued by OPM.
(d) OPM shall determine the FEHBP rate by selecting the lowest rate derived by using rating methods consistent with those used to derive the SSSG rate.
(e) In the event that a State-mandated TCR carrier has no SSSG, then it will be subject to the FEHB specific MLR requirement.
1602.170-14 FEHB-specific medical loss ratio threshold calculation.
(a) Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) means the ratio of plan incurred claims, including the carrier’s expenditures for activities that improve health care quality, to total premium revenue determined by OPM, as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services in 45 CFR part 158.
(b) The FEHB-specific MLR will be calculated on an annual basis. This FEHB-specific MLR will be measured against an FEHB-specific MLR threshold to be put forth by OPM no later than 12 calendar months before the beginning of plan years 2014 and beyond. OPM will publish the FEHB-specific MLR threshold no later than 8 months before the beginning of plan year 2013.
(c) In place of the credibility adjustment at 45 CFR 158.230-158.232, OPM will set a separate credibility adjustment to account for the special circumstances of small FEHB plans in annual rate instructions to carriers.
1602.170-15 Subcontractor.
Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor, except for providers of direct medical services or supplies pursuant to the Carrier’s health benefits plan.
1602.170-16 Large Provider Agreement.
(a) Large Provider Agreement means an agreement between –
(1) An FEHB carrier, at least 25 percent of which total contracts are FEHB enrollee contracts, and
(2) A vendor of services or supplies such as mail order pharmacy services, pharmacy benefit management services, mental health and/or substance abuse management services, preferred provider organization services, utilization review services, and/or large case or disease management services. This representative list includes organizations that own or contract with direct providers of healthcare or supplies, or organizations that process claims or manage patient care. A hospital is not considered to be a vendor for purposes of this chapter.
(i) Where the total costs charged to the FEHB carrier for a contract term for FEHB members, including benefits and services, are reasonably expected to exceed 5 percent of the carrier’s total FEHB benefits costs, or
(ii) Where the total administrative costs charged to the FEHB carrier for the contract term for FEHB members are reasonably expected to exceed 5 percent of the carrier’s total FEHB administrative costs (applicable to agreements where the provider is not responsible for FEHB benefits costs).
(3) As used in this section, the term “carrier” does not include local health plans that serve under an umbrella arrangement with an FEHB carrier.
(b) The FEHB Program Annual Accounting Statement for the FEHB Plan for the prior contract year will be used to determine the 5 percent threshold under Large Provider Agreements.
(c) Large Provider Agreements based on cost analysis are subject to the provisions of FAR 52.215-2, “Audit and Records-Negotiation.”
(d) Large Provider Agreements based on price analysis are subject to the provisions of 48 CFR 1646.301 and 1652.246-70.
PART 1603 – IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Subpart 1603.70 – Misleading, Deceptive, or Unfair Advertising
1603.7001 Policy.
(a) OPM prepares and distributes or makes available to Federal employees and annuitants a comparison booklet which presents summary information and a benefits brochure which details benefits, limitations, and premium rates for all participating plans. OPM does not encourage, support, or reimburse participating carriers for the costs of advertisements. However, while OPM believes that advertising is unnecessary, it recognizes that the decision to use advertising rests with each carrier.
(b) OPM discourages advertising that is misleading or deceptive. This includes advertising that is directed at other carriers’ plans participating in the Program and which uses incomplete or inappropriate comparisons or disparaging or minimizing techniques. Such unfair practices are prejudicial to the interests of the vast majority of carriers whose advertising is fair and accurate.
(c) Failure to conform to the requirements of this subpart shall be a material breach of the contract and may result in withdrawal of approval to continue participation in the FEHB Program.
1603.7002 Additional guidelines.
Any advertisements which identify a carrier’s participation in the FEHBP shall –
(a) Be limited to the merits of the carrier’s FEHBP plan and shall be limited to factual statements of the benefits and rates offered by that plan. The official document for benefit and rate comparisons among FEHBP plans is the comparison chart issued by OPM.
(b) Not use the FEHBP logo.
(c) Recognize that the officially approved plan brochure is the sole contractual statement of benefits, limitations, and exclusions. All advertisements that in any way discuss plan benefits shall contain the following statement:
This is a summary (or brief description) of the features of the (plan’s name). Before making a final decision, please read the plan’s officially approved brochure, (brochure number). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the official brochure.
(d) Set forth the rates for the plan, if the advertisements discuss benefits.
(e)(1) Not give instructions on enrollment. Statements on enrollment procedures, requirements, or eligibility shall be limited to those such as: To sign up, fill out a Health Benefits Election Form (Standard Form 2809) from your personnel office indicating the enrollment you want or use your agency’s electronic enrollment system.
(2) The enrollment codes for (plan’s name) are:
(3) The form must then be returned to your personnel office before the (date) deadline. Your (plan’s name) coverage will begin the first pay period in January, (year). If you are a retired Federal employee and need forms, contact the Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street NW, Attn: Retirement Benefits Branch, Washington, DC 20415 or visit www.opm.gov/forms.
1603.7003 Contract clause.
The clause at 1652.203-70 shall be inserted in all FEHBP contracts.
PART 1604 – ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Subpart 1604.7 – Contractor Records Retention
1604.703 Policy.
In view of the unique payment schedules of FEHBP contracts and the compelling need for records retention periods sufficient to protect the Government’s interest, contractors shall be required to maintain records for periods determined in accordance with the provisions of FAR 4.703(b)(1).
1604.705 Specific retention periods.
Unless the contracting officer determines that there exists a compelling reason to include only the contract clause specified by FAR 52.215-2 “Audit & Records – Negotiation,” the contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1652.204-70 in all FEHBP contracts.
Subpart 1604.9 – Taxpayer Identification Number
1604.970 Taxpayer Identification Number.
Insert the clause at section 1652.204-73 in all FEHBP contracts.
Subpart 1604.70 – Coordination of Benefits
1604.7001 Coordination of benefits clause.
OPM expects all FEHBP plans to coordinate benefits. Accordingly, the clause set forth at 1652.204-71 shall be inserted in all FEHBP contracts.
Subpart 1604.71 – Disputed Health Benefit Claims
1604.7101 Filing health benefit claims/court review of disputed claims.
Guidelines for a Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program covered individual to file a claim for payment or service and for legal actions on disputed health benefit claims are found at 5 CFR 890.105 and 890.107, respectively. The contract clause at 1652.204-72 of this chapter, reflecting this guidance, must be inserted in all FEHB Program contracts.
Subpart 1604.72 – Large Provider Agreements
1604.7201 FEHB Program Large Provider Agreements.
The following provisions apply to all experience-rated carriers participating in the FEHB Program:
(a) Notification and information requirements. (1) All experience-rated carriers must provide notice to the contracting officer of their intent to enter into or to make a significant modification to a Large Provider Agreement. Significant modification means a 20% increase or more in the amount of the Large Provider Agreement:
(i) Not less than 60 days before entering into any Large Provider Agreement; and
(ii) Not less than 60 days before exercising renewals or other options, or making a significant modification.
(2) The carrier’s notification to the contracting officer must be in writing and must, at a minimum:
(i) Describe the supplies and/or services the proposed provider agreement will require;
(ii) Identify the proposed basis for reimbursement;
(iii) Identify the proposed provider agreement, explain why the carrier selected the proposed provider, and, where applicable, what contracting method it used, including the kind of competition obtained;
(iv) Describe the methodology the carrier used to compute the provider’s profit; and, (v) Describe the provider risk provisions.
(3) The contracting officer may request from the carrier any additional information on a proposed provider agreement and its terms and conditions prior to a Large Provider award and during the performance of the agreement.
(4) Within 30 days of receiving the carrier’s notification, the contracting officer will either give the carrier written comments or written notice that there will be no comments. If the contracting officer comments, the carrier must respond in writing within 10 calendar days and explain how it intends to address any concerns.
(5) When computing the carrier’s annual service charge, the contracting officer will consider how well the carrier complies with the provisions of this section, including the advance notification requirements, as an aspect of the carrier’s performance factor.
(6) The contracting officer’s review of any Large Provider agreement, option, renewal, or modification will not constitute a determination of the acceptability of terms or conditions of any provider agreement or the allowability of any costs under the carrier’s contract, nor will it relieve the carrier of any responsibility for performing the contract.
(b) Records and inspection. The carrier must insert in all Large Provider Agreements the requirement that the provider will retain and make available to the Government all records relating to the agreement as follows:
(1) Records that support the annual statement of operations – Retain for 6 years after the agreement term ends.
(2) Enrollee records, if applicable – Retain for 6 years after the agreement term ends.
(c) Large Provider Agreements based on cost analysis are subject to the provisions of FAR 52.215-2, “Audit and Records-Negotiation.”
(d) Large Provider Agreements based on price analysis are subject to the provisions of 48 CFR 1646.301 and 1652.246-70.
1604.7202 Large Provider Agreement clause.
The contracting officer will insert the clause set forth at section 1652.204-74 in all experience-rated FEHB Program contracts.
SUBCHAPTER B – ACQUISITION PLANNING
PART 1605 – PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS
1605.000 Applicability.
FAR part 5 has no practical application to the FEHBP because OPM does not issue solicitations. Eligible contractors (i.e., qualified health benefits carriers) are identified in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8903. Offerors voluntarily come forth in accordance with procedures provided in 5 CFR part 890.
PART 1606 – COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
1606.001 Applicability.
FAR part 6 has no practical application to FEHBP contracts in view of the statutory exception provided by 5 U.S.C. 8902.
PART 1609 – CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Subpart 1609.4 – Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility
1609.470 Notification of Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility.
(FAR) 48 CFR, part 9, subpart 9.4 is supplemented as set out in the certification required in 1609.471 by converting the FAR “offeror’s” certification at (FAR) 48 CFR 52.209-5 into a carrier’s certification. This change reflects the FEHBP’s statutory exemption from competitive bidding (5 U.S.C. 8902), which obviates the issuance of solicitations.
1609.471 Contractor certification.
All FEHBP carriers and applicant carriers are required to submit the following certification. Applicant carriers must submit the certification prior to OPM’s determination on the application for approval to participate in the FEHBP. Current carriers must submit the certification once, along with their benefit and rate proposals for the 1995 contract year.
The Carrier certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that –
(a) The Carrier and/or any of its Principals –
(1) Are ( ) are not ( ) presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency;
(2) Have ( ) have not ( ), within a 3-year period preceding this certification, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: Commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; and
(3) Are ( ) are not ( ) presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in subdivision (a)(2) of this clause.
(4) The Carrier has ( ) has not ( ), within a 3-year period preceding this certification, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any Federal agency.
(b) Principals, for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).
This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the Carrier subject to prosecution under section 1001, title 18, United States Code.
(c) The Carrier shall provide immediate written notice to the Contracting Officer if, at any time, the Carrier learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
(d) A Carrier’s certification that any of the actions mentioned in the certification exists will not necessarily result in termination of the contract. However, the certification, or the Carrier’s failure to provide such additional information as requested by the Contracting Officer, will be considered in connection with a determination of the Carrier’s responsibility under subpart 1609.70, Minimum Standards for Health Benefits Carriers.
(e) Nothing contained in the certification shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by this section. The knowledge and information of the Carrier is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
(f) The certification in this section is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed by the Contracting Officer. If it is later determined that the Carrier knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Government, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract for default.