US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

(a) Substitute the following as paragraph (a):

“(a) The term “Secretary” or “Head of the Agency” (also called “Agency Head”) means the Secretary, Under Secretary, or any Assistant Secretary, Administrator or Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services; and the term “his/her duly authorized representative” means any person, persons, or board authorized to act for the Secretary.”

(b) Add the following paragraph (h) or its alternate, as appropriate:

“(h) The term “Project Officer” means the person representing the Government for the purpose of technical monitoring of contract performance. The Project Officer is not authorized to issue any instructions or directions which effect any increases or decreases in the scope of work or which would result in the increase or decrease of the price of this contract or a change in the delivery dates or performance period of this contract.”

    or

Alternate:

“(h) The term “Project Officer” means the person representing the Government for the purpose of technical monitoring of contract performance. The Project Officer is not authorized to issue any instructions or directions which effect any increases or decreases in the scope of work or which would result in the increase or decrease of the cost of this contract or a change in performance period of this contract. In addition, the Project Officer is not authorized to receive or act upon the Contractor's notification of a revised cost estimate pursuant to the Limitation of Cost or Limitation of Funds clause of this contract.”

Unless disclosure is required by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended, (the Act) as determined by Freedom of Information (FOI) officials of the Department of Health and Human Services, data contained in the portions of this proposal which have been specifically identified by page number, paragraph, etc. by the offeror as containing restricted information shall not be used or disclosed except for evaluation purposes.

The offeror acknowledges that the Department may not be able to withhold a record (data, document, etc.) nor deny access to a record requested pursuant to the Act and that the Department's FOI officials must make that determination. The offeror hereby agrees that the Government is not liable for disclosure if the Department has determined that disclosure is required by the Act.

If a contract is awarded to the offeror as a result of, or in connection with, the submission of this proposal, the Government shall have right to use or disclose the data to the extent provided in the contract. Proposals not resulting in a contract remain subject to the Act.

The offeror also agrees that the Government is not liable for disclosure or use of unmarked data and may use or disclose the data for any purpose, including the release of the information pursuant to requests under the Act. The data subject to this restriction are contained in pages (insert page numbers, paragraph designations, etc. or other identification).

(2) In addition, the offeror should mark each page of data it wishes to restrict with the following statement:

“Use or disclosure of data contained on this page is subject to the restriction on the cover sheet of this proposal or quotation.”

(3) Offerors are cautioned that proposals submitted with restrictive legends or statements differing in substance from the above legend may not be considered for award. The Government reserves the right to reject any proposal submitted with a nonconforming legend.

Notwithstanding the procedures contained in FAR 52.215–1(c)(3) of the provision of this solicitation entitled Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition, a proposal received after the date specified for receipt may be considered if it offers significant cost or technical advantages to the Government; and it was received before proposals were distributed for evaluation, or within five calendar days after the exact time specified for receipt, whichever is earlier.

(a) Bid and proposal costs. (1) Bid and proposal costs are the immediate costs of preparing bids, proposals, and applications for potential Federal and non-Federal contracts, grants, and agreements, including the development of scientific, cost, and other data needed to support the bids, proposals, and applications.

(2) Bid and proposal costs of the current accounting period are allowable as indirect costs.

(3) Bid and proposal costs of past accounting periods are unallowable in the current period. However, if the organization's established practice is to treat these costs by some other method, they may be accepted if they are found to be reasonable and equitable.

(4) Bid and proposal costs do not include independent research and development costs covered by the following paragraph, or preaward costs covered by paragraph 38 of Attachment B to OMB Circular A–122.

(b) Independent research and development costs. (1) Independent research and development is research and development conducted by an organization which is not sponsored by Federal or non-Federal contracts, grants, or other agreements.

(2) Independent research and development shall be allocated its proportionate share of indirect costs on the same basis as the allocation of indirect costs to sponsored research and development.

(3) The cost of independent research and development, including its proportionate share of indirect costs, are unallowable.

(a) To help ensure the protection of the life and health of all persons, and to help prevent damage to property, the Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations applicable to the work being performed under this contract. These laws are implemented and/or enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other agencies at the Federal, State and local levels (Federal, State and local regulatory/enforcement agencies).

(b) Further, the Contractor shall take or cause to be taken additional safety measures as the Contracting Officer, in conjunction with the project or other appropriate officers, determines to be reasonably necessary. If compliance with these additional safety measures results in an increase or decrease in the cost or time required for performance of any part of work under this contract, an equitable adjustment will be made in accordance with the applicable “Changes” clause set forth in this contract.

(c) The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of, and promptly report to the Contracting Officer, all accidents or incidents resulting in the exposure of persons to toxic substances, hazardous materials or hazardous operations; the injury or death of any person; and/or damage to property incidental to work performed under the contract and all violations for which the Contractor has been cited by any Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency. The report shall include a copy of the notice of violation and the findings of any inquiry or inspection, and an analysis addressing the impact these violations may have on the work remaining to be performed. The report shall also state the required action(s), if any, to be taken to correct any violation(s) noted by the Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency and the time frame allowed by the agency to accomplish the necessary corrective action.

(d) If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply with the Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency's directive(s) regarding any violation(s) and prescribed corrective action(s), the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action (as approved by the Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agencies) has been taken and documented to the Contracting Officer. No part of the time lost due to any stop work order shall be subject to a claim for extension of time or costs or damages by the Contractor.

(e) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in each subcontract involving toxic substances, hazardous materials, or hazardous operations. Compliance with the provisions of this clause by subcontractors will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

(a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means information or data of a personal nature about an individual, or proprietary information or data submitted by or pertaining to an institution or organization.

(b) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the “Disputes” clause.

(c) If it is established elsewhere in this contract that information to be utilized under this contract, or a portion thereof, is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act.

(d) Confidential information, as defined in paragraph (a) of this clause, that is information or data of a personal nature about an individual, or proprietary information or data submitted by or pertaining to an institution or organization, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution, or organization.

(e) Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of this clause, the Contractor should obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

(f) Contracting Officer determinations will reflect the result of internal coordination with appropriate program and legal officials.

(g) The provisions of paragraph (d) of this clause shall not apply when the information is subject to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State, or local laws.

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) immediately following, or in paragraph (h) of this clause (if the clause has a paragraph (h)), the Contractor shall provide and maintain workers' compensation, employer's liability, comprehensive general liability (bodily injury), 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 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 performance of this contract and for which the Contractor seeks reimbursement.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this clause (if the clause has a paragraph (h)), the Contractor shall be reimbursed:

(1) For that portion of the reasonable cost of insurance allocable to this contract, and required or approved under this clause; and

(2) For certain liabilities (and expenses incidental to such liabilities) to third persons not compensated by insurance or otherwise within the funds available under the Limitation of Cost or the Limitation of Funds clause of this contract. These liabilities must arise out of the performance of this contract, whether or not caused by the negligence of the Contractor or the Contractor's agents, servants, or employees, and must be represented by final judgments or settlements approved in writing by the Government. These liabilities are for:

(i) Loss of or damage to property (other than property owned, occupied, or used by the Contractor, rented to the Contractor, or in the care, custody, or control of the Contractor); or

(ii) Death or bodily injury.

(d) The Government's liability under paragraph (c) of this clause is limited to the amounts reflected in final judgements, or settlements approved in writing by the Government, but in no event to exceed the funds available under the Limitation of Cost or Limitation of Funds clause of this contract. Nothing in this contract shall be construed as implying that, at a later date, the Government will request, or the Congress will appropriate, funds sufficient to meet any deficiencies.

(e) The Contractor shall not be reimbursed for liabilities (and expenses incidental to such liabilities):

(1) For which the Contractor is otherwise responsible under the express terms of any clause specified in the Schedule or elsewhere in the contract:

(2) For which the Contractor has failed to insure or to maintain insurance as required by the Contracting Officer; or

(3) That result from willful misconduct or lack of good faith on the part of the Contractor's directors, officers, managers, superintendents, or other representatives who have supervision or direction of:

(i) All or substantially all of the Contractor's business;

(ii) All or substantially all of the Contractor's operations at any one plant or separate location in which this contract is being performed; or

(iii) A separate and complete major industrial operation in connection with the performance of this contract.

(f) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this clause shall not restrict the right of the Contractor to be reimbursed for the cost of insurance maintained by the Contractor in connection with the performance of this contract, other than insurance required in accordance with this clause; provided, that such cost is allowable under the Allowable Cost and Payment clause of this contract.

(g) If any suit or action is filed or any claim is made against the Contractor, the cost and expense of which may be reimbursable to the Contractor under this contract, and the risk of which is then uninsured or is insured for less than the amount claimed, the Contractor shall:

(1) Immediately notify the Contracting Officer and promptly furnish copies of all pertinent papers received;

(2) Authorize Government representatives to collaborate with counsel for the insurance carrier in settling or defending the claim when the amount of the liability claimed exceeds the amount of coverage; and

(3) Authorize Government representatives to settle or defend the claim and to represent the Contractor in or to take charge of any litigation, if required by the Government, when the liability is not insured or covered by the bond. The Contractor may, at its own expense, be associated with the Government representatives in any such claim or litigation.

(1) The Government does not assume any liability to third persons, nor will the Government reimburse the Contractor for its liability to third persons, with respect to loss due to death, bodily injury, or damage to property resulting in any way from the performance of this contract or any subcontract under this contract; and

(2) The Contractor need not provide or maintain insurance coverage as required by paragraph (a) of this clause; provided, that the Contractor may obtain any insurance coverage deemed necessary, subject to approval by the Contracting Officer as to form, amount, and duration. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for the cost of such insurance and, to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, to liabilities to third persons for which the Contractor has obtained insurance coverage as provided in this paragraph, but for which such coverage is insufficient in amount.

(b) If any suit or action is filed, or if any claim is made against the Contractor, the cost and expense of which may be reimbursable to the Contractor under this contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and promptly furnish copies of all pertinent papers received by the Contractor. The Contractor shall, if required by the Government, authorize Government representatives to settle or defend the claim and to represent the Contractor in or take charge of any litigation. The Contractor may, at its own expense, be associated with the Government representatives in any such claims or litigation.

Notwithstanding any other payment provisions of this contract, failure of the Contractor to submit required reports when due or failure to perform or deliver required work, supplies, or services, will result in the withholding of payments under this contract unless such failure arises out of causes beyond the control, and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor as defined by the clause entitled “Excusable Delays” or “Default”, as applicable. The Government shall promptly notify the Contractor of its intention to withhold payment of any invoice or voucher submitted.

(a) It is estimated that the total cost to the Government for full performance of this contract will be $___, of which the sum of $___ represents the estimated reimbursable costs and $___ represents the fixed-fee.

(b) Total funds currently available for payment and allotted to this contract are $___, of which $___ represents the estimated reimbursable costs and $___ represents the fixed-fee. For further provisions on funding, see the Limitation of Funds clause.

(c) It is estimated that the amount currently allotted will cover performance of Phase I which is scheduled to be completed by (date)___.

(d) The Contracting Officer may allot additional funds to the contract without the concurrence of the Contractor.

(a) It is the Government's intention to negotiate and award a contract using the incremental funding concepts described in the clause entitled Limitation of Funds. Under the clause, which will be included in the resultant contract, initial funds will be obligated under the contract to cover the first year of performance. Additional funds are intended to be allotted to the contract by contract modification, up to and including the full estimated cost of the contract, to accomplish the entire project. While it is the Government's intention to progressively fund this contract over the entire period of performance up to and including the full estimated cost, the Government will not be obligated to reimburse the Contractor for costs incurred in excess of the periodic allotments, nor will the Contractor be obligated to perform in excess of the amount allotted.

(b) The Limitation of Funds clause to be included in the resultant contract shall supersede the Limitation of Cost clause found in the General Provisions.

The Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer immediate notice in writing of any action, including any proceeding before an administrative agency, filed against the Contractor arising out of the performance of this contract, including, but not limited to the performance of any subcontract hereunder; and any claim against the Contractor the cost and expense of which is allowable under the clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment.” Except as otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish immediately to the Contracting Officer copies of all pertinent papers received by the Contractor with respect to such action or claim. To the extent not in conflict with any applicable policy of insurance, the Contractor may, with the Contracting Officer's approval, settle any such action or claim. If required by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall effect an assignment and subrogation in favor of the Government of all the Contractor's rights and claims (except those against the Government) arising out of any such action or claim against the Contractor; and authorize representatives of the Government to settle or defend any such action or claim and to represent the Contractor in, or to take charge of, any action. If the settlement or defense of an action or claim is undertaken by the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all reasonable assistance in effecting a settlement or asserting a defense. Where an action against the Contractor is not covered by a policy of insurance, the Contractor shall, with the approval of the Contracting Officer, proceed with the defense of the action in good faith. The Government shall not be liable for the expense of defending any action or for any costs resulting from the loss thereof to the extent that the Contractor would have been compensated by insurance which was required by law or regulation or by written direction of the Contracting Officer, but which the Contractor failed to secure through its own fault or negligence. In any event, unless otherwise expressly provided in this contract, the Contractor shall not be reimbursed or indemnified by the Government for any liability loss, cost or expense, which the Contractor may incur or be subject to by reason of any loss, injury or damage, to the person or to real or personal property of any third parties as may accrue during, or arise from, the performance of this contract.

For the purpose of issuing final decisions under the Disputes clause of this contract concerning monetary audit findings, the Contracting Officer shall be that person with ultimate responsibility for making that decision in accordance with Chapter 1–105, Resolution of Audit Findings, of the Department's Grants Administration Manual.

(a) Except with respect to failures of subcontractors, the Contractor shall not be considered to have failed in performance of this contract if such failure arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor.

(b) Such causes may include, but are not restricted to, acts of God or of the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, and unusually severe weather, but in every case the failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor. If the failure to perform is caused by the failure of a subcontractor to perform, and if such failure arises out of causes beyond the control of both the Contractor and subcontractor, and without the fault or negligence of either of them, the Contractor shall not be deemed to have failed in performance of the contract, unless: the supplies or services to be furnished by the subcontractor were obtainable from other sources, the Contracting Officer shall have ordered the Contractor in writing to procure such supplies or services from such other sources, and the Contractor shall have failed to comply reasonably with such order. Upon request of the Contractor, the Contracting officer shall ascertain the facts and extent of such failure and, if he/she shall determine that any failure to perform was occasioned by any one or more of the said causes, the delivery schedule shall be revised accordingly, subject to the rights of the Government under the termination clause hereof. (As used in this clause, the terms “subcontractor” and “subcontractors” mean subcontractor(s) at any tier.)

The Contractor agrees as follows:

(a) Planning. The Contractor will develop a plan to assure that any meeting, conference, or seminar held pursuant to this contract will meet or exceed the minimum accessibility standards set forth in 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A: ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The plan shall be submitted to the project officer for approval prior to initiating action. ( A consolidated or master plan for contracts requiring numerous meetings, conferences, or seminars may be submitted in lieu of separate plans.)

(b) Facilities. Any facility to be utilized for meetings, conferences, or seminars in performance of this contract shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A. The Contractor shall determine, by an on-site inspection, that the facility meets these requirements.

(1) Parking. Parking shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(2) Entrances. Entrances shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(3) Meeting Rooms. Meeting rooms, including seating arrangements, shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A. In addition, stages, speaker platforms, etc. which are to be used by persons in wheelchairs must be accessible by ramps or lifts. When used, the ramp may not necessarily be independently negotiable if space does not permit. However, any slope over 1:12 must be approved by the Project Officer and the Contractor must provide assistance to negotiate access to the stage or platform.

(4) Restrooms. Restrooms shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(5) Eating Facilities. Eating facilities in the meeting facility must also comply with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(6) Overnight Facilities. If overnight accommodations are required, the facility providing the overnight accommodations shall also comply with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(7) Water Fountains. Water fountains shall comply with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(8) Telephones. Public telephones shall comply with 28 CFR 36.101–36.500 and Appendix A.

(c) Provisions of Services for Attendees with Sensory Impairments. (1) The Contractor, in planning the meeting, conference, or seminar, shall include in all announcements and other materials pertaining to the meeting, conference, or seminar a notice indicating that services will be made available to persons with sensory impairments attending the meeting, if requested within five (5) days of the date of the meeting, conference, or seminar. The announcement(s) and other material(s) shall indicate that persons with sensory impairments may contact a specific person(s), at a specific address and phone number(s), to make their service requirements known. The phone number(s) shall include a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD).

(2) The Contractor shall provide, at no additional cost to the individual, those services required by persons with sensory impairments to insure their complete participation in the meeting, conference, or seminar.

(3) As a minimum, when requested in advance, the Contractor shall provide the following services:

(i) For persons with hearing impairments, qualified interpreters. Also, the meeting rooms will be adequately illuminated so signing by interpreters can be easily seen.

(ii) For persons with vision impairments, readers and/or cassette materials, as necessary, to enable full participation. Also, meeting rooms will be adequately illuminated.

(iii) Agenda and other conference material(s) shall be translated into a usable form for persons with sensory impairments. Readers, braille translations, large print text, and/or tape recordings are all acceptable. These materials shall be available to individuals with sensory impairments upon their arrival.

(4) The Contractor is responsible for making a reasonable effort to ascertain the number of individuals with sensory impairments who plan to attend the meeting, conference, or seminar. However, if it can be determined that there will be no person with sensory impairment in attendance, the provision of those services under paragraph (c) of this clause for the nonrepresented group, or groups, is not required.

(a) The Contractor agrees to give preference in employment opportunities under this contract to Indians who can perform required work, regardless of age (subject to existing laws and regulations), sex, religion, or tribal affiliation. To the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract, the Contractor further agrees to give preference in employment and training opportunities under this contract to Indians who are not fully qualified to perform regardless of age (subject to existing laws and regulations), sex, religion, or tribal affiliation. The Contractor also agrees to give preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises in the awarding of any subcontracts to the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract. The Contractor shall maintain statistical records as are necessary to indicate compliance with this paragraph.

(b) In connection with the Indian employment preference requirements of this clause, the Contractor shall provide opportunities for training incident to such employment. Such training shall include on-the-job, classroom or apprenticeship training which is designed to increase the vocational effectiveness of an Indian employee.

(c) If the Contractor is unable to fill its employment and training opportunities after giving full consideration to Indians as required by this clause, those needs may be satisfied by selection of persons other than Indians in accordance with the clause of this contract entitled “Equal Opportunity.”

(d) If no Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises are available under reasonable terms and conditions, including price, for awarding of subcontracts in connection with the work performed under this contract, the Contractor agrees to comply with the provisions of this contract involving utilization of small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns, and women-owned small business concerns.

(e) As used in this clause:

(1) “Indian” means a person who is a member of an Indian Tribe. If the Contractor has reason to doubt that a person seeking employment preference is an Indian, the Contractor shall grant the preference but shall require the individual to provide evidence within thirty (30) days from the Tribe concerned that the person is a member of the Tribe.

(2) “Indian Tribe” means an Indian Tribe, pueblo, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

(3) “Indian organization” means the governing body of any Indian Tribe or entity established or recognized by such governing body in accordance with the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 77; 25 U.S.C. 1451); and

(4) “Indian-owned economic enterprise” means any Indian-owned commercial, industrial, or business activity established or organized for the purpose of profit, provided that such Indian ownership shall constitute not less than 51 percent of the enterprise, and that ownership shall encompass active operation and control of the enterprise.

(f) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (f) of this clause, in each subcontract awarded at any tier under this contract.

(g) In the event of noncompliance with this clause, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract in whole or in part or may impose any other sanctions authorized by law or by other provisions of the contract.

(a) In addition to the requirements of the clause of this contract entitled “Indian Preference,” the Contractor agrees to establish and conduct an Indian preference program which will expand opportunities for Indians to receive preference for employment and training in connection with the work to be performed under this contract, and which will expand the opportunities for Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises to receive a preference in the awarding of subcontracts. In this connection, the Contractor shall:

(1) Designate a liaison officer who will maintain liaison with the Government and the Tribe(s) on Indian preference matters; supervise compliance with the provisions of this clause; and administer the Contractor's Indian preference program.

(2) Advise its recruitment sources in writing and include a statement in all advertisements for employment that Indian applicants will be given preference in employment and training incident to such employment.

(3) Not more than twenty (20) calendar days after award of the contract, post a written notice in the Tribal office of any reservations on which or near where the work under this contract is to be performed that sets forth the Contractor's employment needs and related training opportunities. The notice shall include the approximate numbers and types of employees needed; the approximate dates of employment; the experience or special skills required for employment, if any; training opportunities available; and other pertinent information necessary to advise prospective employees of any other employment requirements. The Contractor shall also request the Tribe(s) on or near whose reservation(s) the work is to be performed to provide assistance to the Contractor in filling its employment needs and training opportunities. The Contracting Officer will advise the Contractor of the name, location, and phone number of the Tribal officials to contact in regard to the posting of notices and requests for Tribal assistance.

(4) Establish and conduct a subcontracting program which gives preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers under this contract. The Contractor shall give public notice of existing subcontracting opportunities and, to the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract, shall solicit bids or proposals only from Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises. The Contractor shall request assistance and information on Indian firms qualified as suppliers or subcontractors from the Tribe(s) on or near whose reservation(s) the work under the contract is to be performed. The Contracting Officer will advise the Contractor of the name, location, and phone number of the Tribal officials to be contacted in regard to the request for assistance and information. Public notices and solicitations for existing subcontracting opportunities shall provide an equitable opportunity for Indian firms to submit bids or proposals by including: A clear description of the supplies or services required, including quantities, specifications, and delivery schedules which facilitate the participation of Indian firms; A statement indicating that preference will be given to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises in accordance with section 7(b) of Public Law 93–638 (88 Stat. 2205; 25 U.S.C. 450e(b)); Definitions for the terms “Indian organization” and “Indian-owned economic enterprise” as prescribed under the “Indian Preference” clause of this contract; A statement to be completed by the bidder or offeror that it is an Indian organization or Indian-owned economic enterprise; and A closing date for receipt of bids or proposals which provides sufficient time for preparation and submission of a bid or proposal. If after soliciting bids or proposals from Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises, no responsive bid or acceptable proposal is received, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (d) of the “Indian Preference” clause of this contract. If one or more responsible bids or acceptable proposals are received, award shall be made to the low responsible bidder or acceptable offeror if the price is determined to be reasonable. If the low responsive bid or acceptable proposal is determined to be unreasonable as to price, the Contractor shall attempt to negotiate a reasonable price and award a subcontract. If a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (d) of the “Indian Preference” clause of this contract.

(5) Maintain written records under this contract which indicate: The numbers of Indians seeking employment for each employment position available under this contract; The number and types of positions filled by Indians and non-Indians, and the total number of Indians employed under this contract; For those positions where there are both Indian and non-Indian applicants, and a non-Indian is selected for employment, the reason(s) why the Indian applicant was not selected; Actions taken to give preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises for subcontracting opportunities which exist under this contract; Reasons why preference was not given to Indian firms as subcontractors or suppliers for each requirement where it was determined by the Contractor that such preference would not be consistent with the efficient performance of the contract; and The number of Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises contacted, and the number receiving subcontract awards under this contract.

(6) Submit to the Contracting Officer for approval a quarterly report which summarizes the Contractor's Indian preference program and indicates the number and types of available positions filled by Indians and non-Indians, and the dollar amounts of all subcontracts awarded to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises, and to all other firms.

(7) Maintain records pursuant to this clause and keep them available for review by the Government until expiration of one (1) year after final payment under this contract, or for such longer period as may be required by any other clause of this contract or by applicable law or regulation.

(b) For purposes of this clause, the following definitions of terms shall apply:

(1) The terms “Indian,” “Indian Tribe,” “Indian Organization,” and “Indian-owned economic enterprise” are defined in the clause of this contract entitled “Indian Preference.”

(2) “Indian reservation” includes Indian reservations, public domain Indian Allotments, former Indian reservations in Oklahoma, and land held by incorporated Native groups, regional corporations, and village corporations under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688; 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)

(3) “On or near an Indian Reservation” means on a reservation or reservations or within that area surrounding an Indian reservation(s) where a person seeking employment could reasonably be expected to commute to and from in the course of a work day.

(c) Nothing in the requirements of this clause shall be interpreted to preclude Indian Tribes from independently developing and enforcing their own Indian preference requirements. Such requirements must not conflict with any Federal statutory or regulatory requirement dealing with the award and administration of contracts.

(d) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in each subcontract awarded at any tier under this contract and to notify the Contracting Officer of such subcontracts.

(e) In the event of noncompliance with this clause, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract in whole or in part or may impose any other sanctions authorized by law or by other provisions of the contract.

When costs are a factor in determination of a contract price adjustment pursuant to the “Changes” clause or any provision of this contract, such costs shall be determined in accordance with the applicable cost principles and procedures set forth below:

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------                Principles                     Types of organizations------------------------------------------------------------------------(a) Subpart 31.2 of the Federal             Commercial. Acquisition Regulation.(b) Subpart 31.3 of the Federal             Educational. Acquisition Regulation.(c) Subpart 31.6 of the Federal             State, local, and federally Acquisition Regulation.                     recognized Indian tribal                                             governments.(d) 45 CFR Part 74 Appendix E.............  Hospitals (permforming                                             research and development                                             contracts only.(e) Subpart 31.7 of the Federal             Other nonprofit Acquisition Regulation.                     institutions.------------------------------------------------------------------------

(End of clause) 352.270-5   Key personnel. top Insert the following clause in all solicitations and resultant cost-reimbursement contracts. Key Personnel (APR 1984) The personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer; provided, that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause. The contract may be modified from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel, as appropriate. (End of clause) 352.270-6   Publications and publicity. top Insert the following clause in all solicitations and resultant contracts. Publications and Publicity (JUL 1991) (a) Unless otherwise specified in this contract, the Contractor is encouraged to publish the results of its work under this contract. A copy of each article submitted by the Contractor for publication shall be promptly sent to the Project Officer. The Contractor shall also inform the Project Officer when the article or other publication is published, and furnish a copy of it as finally published. (b) The Contractor shall include in any publication resulting from work performed under this contract a disclaimer reading as follows: The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.” (End of clause) 352.270-7   Paperwork Reduction Act. top Insert the following clause in all solicitations and contracts. Paperwork Reduction Act (JAN 2001) (a) In the event that it subsequently becomes a contractual requirement to collect or record information calling either for answers to identical questions from 10 or more persons other than Federal employees, or information from Federal employees which is outside the scope of their employment, for use by the Federal government or disclosure to third parties, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) shall apply to this contract. No plan, questionnaire, interview guide or other similar device for collecting information (whether repetitive or single-time) may be used without first obtaining clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Contractors and Project Officers should be guided by the provisions of 5 CFR Part 1320, Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public, and seek the advice of the HHS operating division or Office of the Secretary Reports Clearance Officer to determine the procedures for acquiring OMB clearance. (b) The Contractor shall obtain the required OMB clearance through the Project Officer before expending any funds or making public contracts for the collection of data. The authority to expend funds and proceed with the collection of information shall be in writing by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must plan at least 120 days for OMB clearance. Excessive delays caused by the Government which arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor will be considered in accordance with the Excusable Delays or Default clause of this contract. (End of clause) 352.270-8   Protection of human subjects. top (a) The following provision shall be included in solicitations expected to involve human subjects: Notice to Offerors of Requirements of 45 CFR Part 46, Protection of Human Subjects (JAN 2001) (a) Copies of the Department of Health and Human Services (Department) regulations for the protection of human subjects, 45 CFR Part 46, are available from the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), Bethesda, Maryland 20892. The regulations provide a systematic means, based on established ethical principles, to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals who participate as subjects in research activities supported or conducted by the Department. (b) The regulations define a human subject as a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information. The regulations extend to the use of human organs, tissue, and body fluids from individually identifiable human subjects as well as to graphic, written, or recorded information derived from individually identifiable human subjects. The use of autopsy materials is governed by applicable State and local law and is not directly regulated by 45 CFR Part 46. (c) Activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the categories set forth in 45 CFR 46.101(b)(1–6) are exempt from coverage. (d) Inappropriate designations of the noninvolvement of human subjects or of exempt categories of research in a project may result in delays in the review of a proposal. The OpDiv will make a final determination of whether the proposed activities are covered by the regulations or are in an exempt category, based on the information provided in the proposal. In doubtful cases, prior consultation with OPRR, (telephone: 301–496–7014), is recommended. (e) In accordance with 45 CFR Part 46, prospective Contractors being considered for award shall be required to file with OPRR an acceptable Assurance of Compliance with the regulations, specifying review procedures and assigning responsibilities for the protection of human subjects. The initial and continuing review of a research project by an institutional review board shall assure that the rights and welfare of the human subjects involved are adequately protected, that the risks to the subjects are reasonable in relation to the potential benefits, if any, to the subjects and the importance of the knowledge to be gained, and that informed consent will be obtained by methods that are adequate and appropriate. The contracting officer will direct the offeror/contractor to the OHRP IRB Registration and Assurance Filing website, found at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/ or to the physical address if the offeror/contractor cannot access the Internet. HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects may be found at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_01/45cfr46_01.html (f) It is recommended that OPRR be consulted for advice or guidance concerning either regulatory requirements or ethical issues pertaining to research involving human subjects. (End of provision) (b) The following clause shall be included in solicitations and resultant contracts involving human subjects: Protection of Human Subjects (JAN 2001) (a) The Contractor agrees that the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research under this contract shall be protected in accordance with 45 CFR Part 46 and with the Contractor's current Assurance of Compliance on file with the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Contractor further agrees to provide certification at least annually that the Institutional Review Board has reviewed and approved the procedures, which involve human subjects in accordance with 45 CFR Part 46 and the Assurance of Compliance. (b) The Contractor shall bear full responsibility for the performance of all work and services involving the use of human subjects under this contract in a proper manner and as safely as is feasible. The parties hereto agree that the Contractor retains the right to control and direct the performance of all work under this contract. Nothing in this contract shall be deemed to constitute the Contractor or any subcontractor, agent or employee of the Contractor, or any other person, organization, institution, or group of any kind whatsoever, as the agent or employee of the Government. 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 judgement or otherwise, as an independent contractor without imputing liability on the part of the Government for the acts of the Contractor or its employees. (c) If at any time during the performance of this contract, the Contracting officer determines, in consultation with the OPRR, NIH, that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements and/or standards stated in paragraphs (a) and (b) 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. Notice of the suspension may be communicated by telephone and confirmed 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, in consultation with OPRR, NIH, terminate this contract in a whole or in part, and the Contractor's name may be removed form the list of those contractors with approved Health and Human Services Human Subject Assurances. (End of clause) [66 FR 4255, Jan. 17, 2001, as amended at 70 FR 41, Jan. 3, 2005] 352.270-9   Care of laboratory animals. top (a) The following provision shall be included in solicitations expected to involve vertebrate animals: Notice to Offerors of Requirement for Compliance with the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Revised 1986, Reprinted 2000) The PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions establishes a number of requirements for research activities involving animals. Before award may be made to an applicant organization, the organization shall file, with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), National Institutes of Health (NIH), a written Animal Welfare Assurance which commits the organization to comply with the provisions of the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions, the Animal Welfare Act, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. In accordance with the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by Awardee Institutions, applicant organizations must establish a committee, qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, to oversee the institution's animal program, facilities and procedures. No award involving the use of animals shall be made unless the Animal Welfare Assurance has been approved by OPRR. Prior to award, the Contracting Officer will notify Contractor(s) selected for projects that involve live vertebrate animals that an Animal Welfare Assurance is required. The Contracting Officer will request that OPRR negotiate an acceptable Animal Welfare Assurance with those Contractor(s). For further information, OPRR may be contacted at NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 (301–496–7041). (End of provision) (b) The following clause shall be included in all solicitations and resultant contracts involving research on vertebrate animals: Care of Live Vertebrate Animals (JAN 2001) (a) Before undertaking performance of any contract involving animal related activities, the Contractor shall register with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 2136 and 9 CFR sections 2.25 through 2.28. The Contractor shall furnish evidence of the registration to the Contracting Officer. (b) The Contractor shall acquire vertebrate animals used in research from a dealer licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture under 7 U.S.C. 2133 and 9 CFR Sections 2.1–2.11, or from a source that is exempt from licensing under those sections. (c) The Contractor agrees that the care and use of any live vertebrate animals used or intended for use in the performance of this contract will conform with the PHS Policy on Humane Care of Use of Laboratory Animals, the current Animal Welfare Assurance, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals prepared by the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources and the pertinent laws and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (see 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq. and 9 CFR Subchapter A, Parts 1–4). In case of conflict between standards, the more stringent standard shall be used. (d) If at any time during performance of this contract, the Contracting Officer determines, in consultation with the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements and/or standards stated in paragraphs (a) through (c) 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. Notice of the suspension may be communicated by telephone and confirmed 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, in consultation with OPRR, NIH, terminate this contract in whole or in part, and the Contractor's name may be removed from the list of those contractors with approved PHS Animal Welfare Assurances. Note: Note: The Contractor may request registration of its 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 its research facility is located. The location of the appropriate APHIS Regional Office, as well as information concerning this program may be obtained by contacting the Animal Care Staff, USDA/APHIS, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737. (End of clause) [66 FR 4255, Jan. 17, 2001, as amended at 70 FR 41, Jan. 3, 2005] 352.333-7001   Choice of Law (Overseas). top As prescribed in 333.215–70, use the following clause: Choice of Law (Overseas) This contract shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the substantive laws of the United States of America. By the execution of this contract, the contractor expressly agrees to waive any rights to invoke the jurisdiction of local national courts where this contract is performed and agrees to accept the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the United States Court of Federal Claims for hearing and determination of any and all disputes that may arise under the Disputes clause of this contract. [70 FR 41, Jan. 3, 2005] Browse Next ChanRobles Legal Resources: Jurisprudence, Laws, Statutes & Codes Philippine Laws, Statutes & Codes Philippine Supreme Court Decisions Significant Legal Resources WorldWide Legal Recources US Federal Laws, Statutes & Codes US Supreme Court Decisions The Business Page ChanRobles Virtual Law Library ChanRobles On-Line Bar Review ChanRobles MCLE On-line