US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

(a) Definitions.

Approved program means a program determined to be necessary or appropriate for priorities and allocation support to promote the national defense by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, or the Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response under the authority of the Defense Production Act, the Stafford Act, and Executive Order 12919, or the Selective Service Act and related statutes, and Executive Order 12742. See Schedule 1 of 15 CFR part 700 for a list of Delegate Agencies, approved programs, and program identification symbols at http://www.bis.doc.gov/DefenseIndustrialBasePrograms/OSIES/DPAS/Default.htm).

Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) means the regulation published at 15 CFR part 700 that requires preferential treatment for certain contracts and orders placed by a Delegate Agency in support of an approved program.

Delegate Agency means an agency of the U.S. Government authorized by delegation from the Department of Commerce (DOC) to place priority ratings on contracts or orders needed to support approved programs.

Rated order means, for the purpose of this contract, a delivery or task order issued in accordance with the provisions of the DPAS regulation (15 CFR part 700).

(b) Rated Order Requirement. From time to time, the Contractor may receive a rated order under this contract from a Delegate Agency. The Contractor must give preferential treatment to rated orders as required by the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) regulation (15 CFR part 700). The existence of previously accepted unrated or lower rated orders is not sufficient reason to reject a rated order. Rated orders take preference over all unrated orders as necessary to meet required delivery dates. There are two levels of ratings designated by the symbol of either “DO” or “DX.” All “DO” rated orders have equal priority with each other and take preference over unrated orders. All “DX” rated orders have equal priority with each other and take preference over “DO” rated orders and unrated orders. The rating designation is followed by a program identification symbol. Program identification symbols indicate which approved program is supported by the rated order (see Schedule 1 of 15 CFR part 700 for a list of Delegate Agencies, approved programs, and program identification symbols).

(c) Additional information. Additional information may be obtained at the DOC DPAS website http://www.bis.doc.gov/DefenseIndustrialBasePrograms/OSIES/DPAS/Default.htm or by contacting the designated Administrative Contracting Officer.

(a) All documents and publications (such as, but not limited to, manuals, handbooks, codes, standards and specifications) cited in this contract for the purpose of establishing requirements applicable to equipment, materials, or workmanship under this contract, shall be deemed to be incorporated herein as fully as if printed and bound with the specifications of this contract, in accordance with the following:

(1) Wherever reference is made to Standard Specifications of the Public Buildings Service, Interim Federal Specifications, Interim Amendments to Federal Specifications, Interim Federal Standards, or Interim Amendments to Federal Standards, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements set out in the issue or edition identified in this contract.

(2) Wherever reference is made to any such document other than those specified in subparagraph (1) above, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements set out in the edition specified in this contract, or if not specified, the latest edition or revision thereof, as well as the latest amendment or supplement thereto, in effect on the date of the solicitation on this project, except as modified by, as otherwise provided in, or as limited to type, class or grade, by the specifications of this contract.

(b) Upon request the Contractor shall make available at the job site within a reasonable time, a copy of each trade manual and standard which is incorporated by reference in this contract and which governs quality and workmanship.

If military or other drawings are made a part of this contract, any reference in the drawings to Federal specifications or standards will be considered to be a reference to the date of such Federal specification or standard identified in the contract. If the date of the Federal specification or standard is not identified in the contract, the edition, including revisions thereto, in effect on the date the solicitation is issued will apply.

(a) General requirements. Interior packages, if any, and exterior shipping containers shall be marked as specified elsewhere in the contract. Additional marking requirements may be specified on delivery orders issued under the contract. If not otherwise specified, interior packages and exterior shipping containers shall be marked in accordance with the following standards:

(1) Deliveries to civilian activities. Supplies shall be marked in accordance with Federal Standard 123, edition in effect on the date of issuance of the solicitation.

(2) Deliveries to military activities. Supplies shall be marked in accordance with Military Standard 129, edition in effect on the date of issuance of the solicitation.

(b) Improperly marked material. When Government inspection and acceptance are at destination, and delivered supplies are not marked in accordance with contract requirements, the Government has the right, without prior notice to the Contractor, to perform the required marking, by contract or otherwise, and charge the Contractor therefor at the rate specified elsewhere in this contract. This right is not exclusive, and is in addition to other rights or remedies provided for in this contract.

The rate provided for in paragraph (b) of 552.211–73, Marking, is $____* per man-hour or fraction thereof.

Unless otherwise specified, all items shall be preserved, packaged, and packed in accordance with normal commercial practices, as defined in the applicable commodity specification. Packaging and packing shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Freight Classification and the National Motor Freight Classification (issue in effect at time of shipment) and each shipping container of each item in a shipment shall be of uniform size and content, except for residual quantities. Where special or unusual packing is specified in an order, but not specifically provided for by the contract, such packing details must be the subject of an agreement independently arrived at between the ordering agency and the Contractor.

If supplies shipped to a GSA wholesale distribution center are not packaged and packed in accordance with contract requirements, the Government has the right, without prior notice to the Contractor, to perform the required repackaging/repacking, by contract or otherwise, and charge the Contractor therefore at the rate of $__*__ per man-hour or fraction thereof. The Contractor will also be charged for material costs, if incurred. This right is not exclusive, and is in addition to other rights or remedies provided for in this contract.

(a) A packing list or other suitable shipping document shall accompany each shipment and shall indicate:

(1) Name and address of the consignor;

(2) Name and complete address of the consignee;

(3) Government order or requisition number;

(4) Government bill of lading number covering the shipment (if any); and

(5) Description of the material shipped, including item number, quantity, number of containers, and package number (if any).

(b) When payment will be made by Government commercial credit card, in addition to the information in (a) above, the packing list or shipping document shall include:

(1) Cardholder name and telephone number and

(2) The term “Credit Card.”

(b) When payment will be made by Ordering activity commercial credit card, in addition to the information in (a) above, the packing list or shipping document shall include:

(1) Cardholder name and telephone number; and

(2) The term “Credit Card.”

(a) Time of Delivery. The Contractor shall deliver to destination within the number of calendar days after receipt of order (ARO) in the case of F.O.B. Destination prices, or to place of shipment in transit in the case of F.O.B. Origin prices, as set forth below. Offerors shall insert in the “Time of Delivery (days ARO)” column in the schedule of Items a definite number of calendar days within which delivery will be made. In no case shall the offered delivery time exceed the Contractor's normal commercial practice. The Government requires the Contractor's normal commercial delivery time, as long as it is less than the “STATED” delivery time(s) shown below. If the Offeror does not insert a delivery time in the schedule of items, the Offeror will be deemed to offer delivery in accordance with the Government's stated delivery time as stated below:

The supplies furnished under this contract shall not be more than __ months old, beginning with the first full month after the date of manufacture marked on the container. For the purpose of this clause, supplies shall be considered to be furnished (1) when they are offered to the Government for inspection and testing, or (2) on the date of shipment if shipment is authorized to be made without prior inspection by the Government. If the age of the supplies furnished under this contract is greater than the specified period, the Government may exercise its right to reject the supplies.

Included in the description of each shelf-life item is a statement regarding the “age on delivery.” The age of the item(s) shall not exceed the number of months shown in the item description, counted from the first day of the month after the month of manufacture to the date of delivery to the specified delivery point(s). If the age of the supplies delivered under this contract is greater than the number of months shown, the Government may exercise its right to reject the supplies.

Shipment is required within ___ calendar days after receipt of order.

If specified in an order placed under this contract, the Contractor shall, at the time each shipment is made on such order, furnish a notice of shipment to either the consignee or the ordering office or both, as specified. This requirement may be satisfied by completion and return of appropriate forms furnished by the ordering office or by the furnishing of copies of bills of lading, freight bills, or similar documents in accordance with normal commercial practice if such document clearly identifies the order number, items and quantities shipped, date of shipment, point of origin, method of shipment and routing, and the name of initial carrier.

(a) The Government requires that the supplies be made available for inspection and testing within ____*____ calendar days after receipt of [Insert “Notice of Award” or “order”], and be [Insert “shipped” or “delivered”] within ____*____ calendar days after receipt of (1) notice of approval and release by the Government inspector or (2) authorization to ship without Government inspection.

(b) Failure to make supplies available for inspection and testing or to [Insert “ship” or “deliver”] as required by this clause may result in termination of this contract for default.

*Entries are normally the same number of days specified for availability.

In the event the Contractor, after receiving written notice from the Contracting Officer of non-compliance with any requirement of this contract, fails to initiate promptly such action as may be appropriate to comply with the specified requirement within a reasonable period of time, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to order the Contractor to stop any or all work under the contract until the Contractor has complied or has initiated such action as may be appropriate to comply within a reasonable period of time. The Contractor will not be entitled to any extension of contract time or payment for any costs incurred as a result of being ordered to stop work for such cause.

(a) Definitions. Concession, as used in this solicitation, means a benefit, enhancement or privilege (other than a discount), which either reduces the overall cost of a customer's acquisition or encourages a customer to consummate a purchase. Concessions include, but are not limited to freight allowance, extended warranty, extended price guarantees, free installation and bonus goods.

Discount, as used in this solicitation, means a reduction to catalog prices (published or unpublished). Discounts include, but are not limited to, rebates, quantity discounts, purchase option credits, and any other terms or conditions other than concessions) which reduce the amount of money a customer ultimately pays for goods or services ordered or received. Any net price lower than the list price is considered a “discount” by the percentage difference from the list price to the net price.

(b) For each Special Item Number (SIN) included in an offer, the Offeror shall provide the information outlined in paragraph (c). Offerors may provide a single response covering more than one SIN, if the information disclosed is the same for all products under each SIN. If discounts and concessions vary by model or product line, offerors shall ensure that information is clearly annotated as to item or items referenced.

(c) Provide information described below for each SIN:

(1) Two copies of the offeror's current published (dated or otherwise identified) commercial descriptive catalogs and/or price list(s) from which discounts are offered. If special catalogs or price lists are printed for the purpose of this offer, such descriptive catalogs or price lists shall include a statement indicating the special catalog or price list represent a verbatim extract from the Offeror's commercial catalog and/or price list and identify the descriptive catalog and/or price list from which the information has been extracted.

(2) Next to each offered item in the commercial catalog and/or price list, the Offeror shall write the special item number (SIN) under which the item is being offered. Unless a special catalog or price list is submitted, all other items shall be marked “excluded,” lined out, and initiated by the offeror.

(3) The discount(s) offered under this solicitation. The description of discounts offered shall include all discounts, such as prompt payment discounts, quantity/dollar volume discounts (indicate whether models/products can be combined within the SIN or whether SINs can be combined to earn discounts), blanket purchase agreement discounts, or purchase option credits. If the terms of sale appearing in the commercial catalogs or price list on which an offer is based are in conflict with the terms of this solicitation, the latter shall govern.

(4) A description of concessions offered under this solicitation which are not granted to other customers. Such concessions may include, but are not limited to, an extended warranty, a return/exchange goods policy, or enhanced or additional services.

(5) If the Offeror is a dealer/reseller or the Offeror will use dealers to perform any aspect of contract awarded under this solicitation, describe the functions, if any, that the dealer/reseller will perform.

The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement agency policy applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The provision or clause in effect based on the applicable regulation cited on the date the solicitation is issued applies unless otherwise stated herein. The following provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference:

[The contracting officer should either check the provisions and clauses that apply or delete the provisions and clauses that do not apply from the list. The contracting officer may add the date of the provision or clause if desired for clarity.]

(a) Provisions.

__552.237–70  Qualifications of Offerors

(b) Clauses.

__552.203–71  Restriction on Advertising

__552.211–73  Marking

__552.2215–70  Examination of Records by GSA

__552.215–71  Examination of Records by GSA (Multiple Award Schedule)

__552.215–72  Price Adjustment—Failure to Provide Accurate Information

__552.219–70  Allocation of Orders—Partially Set-Aside Items

__552.228–70  Workers' Compensation Laws

__552.229–70  Federal, State, and Local Taxes

__552.232–8  Discounts for Prompt Payment

__552.232–23  Assignment of Claims

__552.232–71  Adjusting Payments

__552.232–72  Final Payment

__552.232–73  Availability of Funds

__552.232–78  Payment Information

__552.237–71  Qualifications of Employees

__552.238–71  Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS Schedule Price List

__552.238–74  Industrial Funding Fee and Sales Reporting

__552.238–75  Price Reductions

__552.242–70  Status Report of Orders and Shipments

__552.243–72  Modifications  (Multiple Award Schedule)

__552.246–73  Warranty—Multiple  Award Schedule

__552.246–76  Warranty of Pesticides

The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive Orders applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The provision or clause in effect based on the applicable regulation cited on the date the solicitation is issued applies unless otherwise stated herein. The following provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference:

[The contracting officer should either check the provisions and clauses that apply or delete the provisions and clauses that do not apply from the list. The contracting officer may add the date of the provision or clause if desired for clarity.]

(a) Provisions.

__552.223–72  Hazardous Material Information

(b) Clauses.

__552.223–70  Hazardous Substances

__552.223–71  Nonconforming Hazardous Material

__552.238–70  Identification of Electronic Office Equipment Providing Accessibility for the Handicapped

__552.238–72  Identification of Products That Have Environmental Attributes

(a) The Government may make multiple awards for the supplies or services offered in response to this solicitation that meet the definition of a “commercial item” in FAR 52.202–1. Awards may be made to those responsible offerors that offer reasonable pricing, conforming to the solicitation, and will be most advantageous to the Government, taking into consideration the multiplicity and complexity of items of various manufacturers and the differences in performance required to accomplish or produce required end results, production and distribution facilities, price, compliance with delivery requirements, and other pertinent factors. By providing a selection of comparable supplies or services, ordering activities are afforded the opportunity to fulfill their requirements with the item(s) that constitute the best value and that meet their needs at the lowest overall cost.

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

(a) Unless awards in the aggregate are specifically precluded in this solicitation, the Government reserves the right to evaluate offers and make awards on all “all or none” basis as provided below.

(b) An offer submitted on an “all or none” or similar basis will be evaluated as follows: The lowest acceptable offer exclusive of the “all or none” offer will be selected with respect to each item (or group of items when the solicitation provides for aggregate awards) and the total cost of all items thus determined shall be compared with the total of the lowest acceptable “all or none” offer. Award will be made to result in the lowest total cost to the Government.

(a) Monthly quantity allocation.

(1) Set forth below are the Government's estimated annual and monthly requirements for each stock item covered by this solicitation. Offerors shall indicate, in the spaces provided, the monthly quantity which they are willing to furnish of any item or group of items involving the use of the same production facilities. In making monthly allocations, offerors are urged to group as many items as possible. Such groupings will make it possible for the Government to make fullest use of the production capabilities of each offeror.

(2) Offerors need not limit their monthly allocations to the Government's estimated monthly requirements, since additional unanticipated needs may occur during the period of the contract. If an offeror does not insert monthly allocation quantities, it will be deemed to offer to furnish all of the Government's requirements, even though they may exceed the stated estimated requirements.

This provision supplements FAR 52.214–20, which is incorporated by reference. Samples shall be from the production of the manufacturer whose products will be supplied under resultant contracts.

(a) Two bid samples are required for each of the following items in this solicitation:

(b) Two representative samples shall be submitted for each of the following items upon which a bid is submitted:

The Contractor agrees that the Administrator of General Services or any duly authorized representatives shall, until the expiration of 3 years after final payment under this contract, or of the time periods for the particular records specified in Subpart 4.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR 4.7), whichever expires earlier, have access to and the right to examine any books, documents, papers, and records of the Contractor involving transactions related to this contract or compliance with any clauses thereunder. The Contractor further agrees to include in all its subcontracts hereunder a provision to the effect that the subcontractor agrees that the Administrator of General Services or any authorized representatives shall, until the expiration of 3 years after final payment under the subcontract, or of the time periods for the particular records specified in Subpart 4.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR 4.7), whichever expires earlier, have access to and the right to examine any books, documents, papers, and records of such subcontractor involving transactions related to the subcontract or compliance with any clauses thereunder. The term “subcontract” as used in this clause excludes (a) purchase orders not exceeding $100,000 and (b) subcontracts or purchase orders for public utility services at rates established for uniform applicability to the general public.

The Contractor agrees that the Administrator of General Services or any duly authorized representative shall have access to and the right to examine any books, documents, papers and records of the contractor involving transactions related to this contract for overbillings, billing errors, compliance with the Price Reduction clause and compliance with the Industrial Funding Fee and Sales Reporting clause of this contract. This authority shall expire 3 years after final payment. The basic contract and each option shall be treated as separate contracts for purposes of applying this clause.

(a) The Government, at its election, may reduce the price of this contract or contract modification if the Contracting Officer determines after award of this contract or contract modification that the price negotiated was increased by a significant amount because the Contractor failed to:

(1) Provide information required by this solicitation/contract or otherwise requested by the Government; or

(2) Submit information that was current, accurate, and complete; or

(3) Disclose changes in the Contractor's commercial pricelist(s), discounts or discounting policies which occurred after the original submission and prior to the completion of negotiations.

(b) The Government will consider information submitted to be current, accurate and complete if the data is current, accurate and complete as of 14 calendar days prior to the date it is submitted.

(c) If any reduction in the contract price under this clause reduces the price for items for which payment was made prior to the date of the modification reflecting the price reduction, the Contractor shall be liable to and shall pay the United States—

(1) The amount of the overpayment; and

(2) Simple interest on the amount of such overpayment to be computed from the date(s) of overpayment to the Contractor to the date the Government is repaid by the Contractor at the applicable underpayment rate effective each quarter prescribed by the Secretary of Treasury under 26 U.S.C. 6621(a)(2).

(d) Failure to agree on the amount of the decrease shall be resolved as a dispute.

(e) In addition to the remedy in paragraph (a) of this clause, the Government may terminate this contract for default. The rights and remedies of the Government specified herein are not exclusive, and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this contract.

Price adjustments include price increases and price decreases. Adjustments will be considered as follows:

(a) Contractors shall submit price decreases anytime during the contract period in which they occur. Price decreases will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Price Reduction Clause.

(b) Contractors may request price increases under the following conditions:

(1) Increases resulting from a reissue or other modification of the Contractor's commercial catalog/pricelist that was used as the basis for the contract award.

(2) Only three increases will be considered during the contract period.

(3) Increases are requested after the first 30 days of the contract period and prior to the last 60 days of the contract period.

(4) At least 30 days elapse between requested increases.

(c) The aggregate of the increases in any contract unit price under this clause shall not exceed ___* percent of the original contract unit price. The Government reserves the right to raise this ceiling where changes in market conditions during the contract period support an increase.

(d) The following material shall be submitted with the request for a price increase:

(1) A copy of the commercial catalog/pricelist showing the price increase and the effective date for commercial customers.

(2) Commercial Sales Practice format regarding the Contractor's commercial pricing practice relating to the reissued or modified catalog/price-list, or a certification that no change has occurred in the data since completion of the initial negotiation or a subsequent submission.

(3) Documentation supporting the reasonableness of the price increase.

(e) The Government reserves the right to exercise one of the following options:

(1) Accept the Contractor's price increases as requested when all conditions of (b), (c), and (d) of this clause are satisfied;

(2) Negotiate more favorable discounts from the new commercial prices when the total increase requested is not supported; or,

(3) Remove the product(s) from contract involved pursuant to the Cancellation Clause of this contract, when the increase requested is not supported.

(f) The contract modification reflecting the price adjustment shall be signed by the Government and made effective upon receipt of notification from the Contractor that the new catalog/pricelist has been mailed to the addresses previously furnished by the Contracting Officer, provided that in no event shall such price adjustment be effective prior to the effective date of the commercial price increases. The increased contract prices shall apply to delivery orders issued to the Contractor on or after the effective date of the contract modification.

(1) Increases resulting from a reissue or other modification of the Contractor's commercial catalog/pricelist that was used as the basis for the contract award.

(2) No more than three increases will be considered during each succeeding 12-month period of the contract. (For succeeding contract periods of less than 12 months, up to three increases will be considered subject to the other conditions of this subparagraph (b)).

(3) Increases are requested before the last 60 days of the contract period.

(4) At least 30 days elapse between requested increases.

(c) In any contract period during which price increases will be considered, the aggregate of the increases during any 12-month period shall not exceed *____ percent of the contract unit price in effect at the end of the preceding 12-month period. The Government reserves the right to raise the ceiling when market conditions during the contract period support such a change.

(a) “Producer Price Index” (PPI), as used in this clause, means the originally released index, not seasonally adjusted, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) for product code ____ found under Table ____.

(b) During the term of the contract, the award price may be adjusted once upward or downward a maximum of *____ percent. Any price adjustment for the product code shall be based upon the percentage change in the PPI released in the month prior to the initial month of the contract period specified in the solicitation for sealed bidding or the month prior to award in negotiation (the base index) and the PPI released 12 months later (the updated index). The formula for determining the Adjusted Contract Price (ACP) applicable to shipments for the balance of the contract period is—

(c) If the PPI is not available for the month of the base index or the updated index, the month with the most recently published PPI prior to the month determining the base index or updated index shall be used.

(d) If a product code is discontinued, the Government and the Contractor will mutually agree to substitute a similar product code. If Labor designates an index with a new title and/or code number as continuous with the product code specified above, the new index shall be used.

(e) Unless the Contractor's written request for a price adjustment resulting from the application of the formula in (b) above is received by the Contracting Officer within 30 calendar days of the release of the updated index, the Contractor shall have waived its right to an upward price adjustment for the balance of the contract. Alternatively, the Contracting Officer will unilaterally adjust the award price downward when appropriate using the updated index defined in (b) above.

(f) Price adjustments shall be effective upon execution of a contract modification by the Government or on the 31st day following the release of the updated index, whichever is later, shall indicate the updated index and percent of change as well as the ACP, and shall not apply to delivery orders issued before the effective date.

(1) For the first option period, any price adjustment for the product code shall be based upon the percentage change in the PPI released in the month prior to the initial month of the contract period specified in the solicitation for sealed bidding or the month prior to award in negotiation (the base index) and the PPI released in the third month before completion of the initial contract period stated in the solicitation (the updated index). This initial contract period may be less than 12 months. The formula for determining the Adjusted Contract Price (ACP) applicable to shipments during the first option period is—

(2) For any subsequent option period, the price adjustment shall be the percentage change between the previously updated index (the new base index) and the PPI released 12 months later (the most recent updated index). This percentage shall be applied to the Current Contract Price (CCP). The formula for determining the ACP applicable to shipments for the subsequent option period(s) is—

(e) Unless the Contractor's written request for a price adjustment resulting from the application of the formulas in (b) (1) or (2) above is received by the Contracting Officer within 30 calendar days of the date of the Government's preliminary written notice of its intent to exercise the option, the Contractors shall have waived its right to an upward price adjustment for that option period. Alternatively, the Contracting Officer in its written notice shall exercise the option at the CCP or at a reduced price when appropriate using the formulas in (b) (1) or (2) above.

(f) Price adjustments shall be effected by execution of a contract modification by the Government indicating the most recent updated index and percent of change and shall apply to delivery orders placed on or after the first day of the option period.

(a) Delivery orders (orders) will be placed by:

[Contracting Officer insert names of Federal agencies]

(b) Orders may be placed through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or mailed in paper form. EDI orders shall be placed using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X12 Standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) format.

(c) If the Contractor agrees, GSA's Federal Supply Service (FSS) will place all orders by EDI using computer-to-computer EDI. If computer-to-computer EDI is not possible, FSS will use an alternative EDI method allowing the Contractor to receive orders by facsimile transmission. Subject to the Contractor's agreement, other agencies may place orders by EDI.

(d) When computer-to-computer EDI procedures will be used to place orders, the Contractor shall enter into one or more Trading Partner Agreements (TPA) with each Federal agency placing orders electronically in order to ensure mutual understanding by the parties of certain electronic transaction conventions and to recognize the rights and responsibilities of the parties as they apply to this method of placing orders. The TPA must identify, among other things, the third party provider(s) through which electronic orders are placed, the transaction sets used, security procedures, and guidelines for implementation. Federal agencies may obtain a sample format to customize as needed from the office specified in (g) below.

(e) The Contractor shall be responsible for providing its own hardware and software necessary to transmit and receive data electronically. Additionally, each party to the TPA shall be responsible for the costs associated with its use of third party provider services.

(f) Nothing in the TPA will invalidate any part of this contract between the Contractor and the General Services Administration. All terms and conditions of this contract that otherwise would be applicable to a mailed order shall apply to the electronic order.

(g) The basic content and format of the TPA will be provided by:

General Services Administration, Acquisition Operations and Electronic Commerce Center (FCS), Washington, DC 20406

Telephone: [Contracting officer insert appropriate telephone numbers]

FAX:

(b) All orders shall be placed by Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X12 Standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) format.

(c) If the Contractor agrees, transmission will be computer-to-computer EDI. If computer-to-computer EDI is not possible, FSS will use an alternative EDI method allowing the Contractor to receive orders by facsimile transmission.

(d) When computer-to-computer EDI procedures will be used to place orders, the Contractor shall enter into a Trading Partner Agreement (TPA) with FSS in order to ensure mutual understanding by the parties of certain electronic transaction conventions and to recognize the rights and responsibilities of the parties as they apply to this method of placing orders. The TPA must identify among other things, the third party provider(s) through which electronic orders are placed, the transaction sets used, security procedures, and guidelines for implementation.

(1) Executive agencies.

(2) Other Federal agencies.

(3) Mixed-ownership Government corporations.

(4) The District of Columbia.

(5) Government contractors authorized in writing by a Federal agency pursuant to 48 CFR 51.1.

(6) Other activities and organizations authorized by statute or regulation to use GSA as a source of supply.

                   *                 *                 *                 *                 *

(c) If the Contractor agrees, GSA's Federal Supply Service (FSS) will place orders for eligible ordering activities, as defined in paragraph (a) of the clause at 552.238–78, by EDI using computer-to-computer EDI. If computer-to-computer EDI is not possible, FSS will use an alternative EDI method allowing the Contractor to receive orders by facsimile transmission. Subject to the Contractor's agreement, other eligible ordering activities, as defined in paragraphs (a) and (d) of the clause at 552.238–78, may also place orders by EDI.

(d) When computer-to-computer EDI procedures will be used to place orders, the Contractor shall enter into one or more Trading Partner Agreements (TPA) with each ordering activity placing orders electronically in order to ensure mutual understanding by the parties of certain electronic transaction conventions and to recognize the rights and responsibilities of the parties as they apply to this method of placing orders. The TPA must identify, among other things, the third party provider(s) through which electronic orders are placed, the transaction sets used, security procedures, and guidelines for implementation. Ordering activities may obtain a sample format to customize as needed from the office specified in paragraph (g) of this clause.

(a) In accordance with the Placement of Orders clause of this solicitation, the offeror elects to receive orders placed by GSA's Federal Supply Service (FSS) by either o facsimile transmission or o computer-to-computer Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

(b) An offeror electing to receive computer-to-computer EDI is requested to indicate below the name, address, and telephone number of the representative to be contacted regarding establishment of an EDI interface.

(c) An offeror electing to receive orders by facsimile transmission is requested to indicate below the telephone number(s) for facsimile transmission equipment where orders should be forwarded.

(d) For mailed orders, the offeror is requested to include the postal mailing address(es) where paper form orders should be mailed.

Yes (  )    No (  )

If “yes” is checked, ordering information to be inserted above shall reflect that in addition to offeror's name, address, and facsimile transmission telephone number, orders can be addressed to the offeror's name, c/o nearest local dealer. In this event, two copies of a list of participating dealers shall accompany this offer, and shall also be included in Contractor's Federal Supply Schedule pricelist.

(a) The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by determining the lowest base period price. When option year pricing is based on a formula (e.g., changes in the Producer Price Index or other common standard); option year pricing is automatically considered when evaluating the base year price, as any change in price will be uniformly related to changes in market conditions. All options are therefore considered to be evaluated. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(b) The Government will reject the offer if exceptions are taken to the price provisions of the Economic Price Adjustment clause, unless the exception results in a lower maximum option year price. Such offers will be evaluated without regard to the lower option year(s) maximum. However, if the offeror offering a lower maximum is awarded a contract, the award will reflect the lower maximum.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has included an option to [Insert “purchase additional quantities of supplies or services” or “extend the term of this contract” or “purchase additional quantities of supplies or services and to extend the term of this contract”] in order to demonstrate the value it places on quality performance by providing a mechanism for continuing a contractual relationship with a successful Offeror that performs at a level which meets or exceeds GSA's quality performance expectations as communicated to the Contractor, in writing, by the Contracting Officer or designated representative. When deciding whether to exercise the option, the Contracting Officer will consider the quality of the Contractor's past performance under this contract in accordance with 48 CFR 517.207.

Where the set-aside portion of an item or group of items is awarded to a Contractor other than the one receiving the award on the corresponding non-set-aside portion, the Government will divide the requirements to be ordered between the two Contractors with the objective of achieving, as nearly as possible, a 50/50 division of the total value of orders placed after the award of the set-aside portion. In no case will this division vary by more than a 60/40 division (with either the non-set-aside or set-aside Contractor receiving the larger portion) from the time of the award of the set-aside portion.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is committed to assuring that maximum practicable opportunity is provided to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns to participate in the performance of this contract consistent with its efficient performance. GSA expects any subcontracting plan submitted pursuant to FAR 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, to reflect this commitment. Consequently, an offeror, other than a small business concern, before being awarded a contract exceeding $500,000 ($1,000,000 for construction), must demonstrate that its subcontracting plan represents a creative and innovative program for involving small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns as subcontractors in the performance of this contract.

(a) An offeror, other than a small business concern, submitting an offer that exceeds $500,000 ($1,000,000 for construction) shall submit a subcontracting plan with its initial offer. The subcontracting plan will be negotiated concurrently with price and any required technical and management proposals, unless the offeror submits a previously-approved commercial plan.

(b) Maximum practicable utilization of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns as subcontractors is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits. The General Services Administration (GSA) expects that an offeror's subcontracting plan will reflect a commitment to assuring that small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns are provided the maximum practicable opportunity, consistent with efficient contract performance, to participate as subcontractors in the performance of the resulting contract. An offeror submitting a commercial plan can reflect this commitment through subcontracting opportunities it provides that relate to the offeror's production generally; i.e., for both its commercial and Government business.

(c) GSA believes that this potential contract provides significant opportunities for the use of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns as subcontractors. Consequently, in addressing the eleven elements described at FAR 52.219–9(d) of the clause in this contract entitled Small Business Subcontracting Plan, the offeror shall:

(1) Demonstrate that its subcontracting plan represents a creative and innovative program for involving small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns in performing the contract.

(2) Include a description of the offeror's subcontracting strategies used in any previous contracts, significant achievements, and how this plan will build upon those earlier achievements.

(3) Demonstrate through its plan that it understands the small business subcontracting program's objectives and GSA's expectations, and it is committed to taking those actions necessary to meet these goals or objectives.

(d) In determining the acceptability of any subcontracting plan, the Contracting Officer will take each of the following actions:

(1) Review the plan to verify that the offeror demonstrates an understanding of the small business subcontracting program's objectives and GSA's expectations with respect to the program and has included all the information, goals, and assurances required by FAR 52.219–9.

(2) Consider previous goals and achievements of contractors in the small industry.

(3) Consider information and potential sources obtained from agencies administering national and local preference programs and other advocacy groups in evaluating whether the goals stated in the plan adequately reflect the anticipated potential for subcontracting to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns.

(4) Review the offeror's description of its strategies, historical performance and significant achievements in placing subcontracts for the same or similar products or services with small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. The offeror's description can apply to commercial as well as previous Government contracts.

(e) Failure to submit an acceptable subcontracting plan and/or correct deficiencies in a plan within the time specified by the Contracting Officer shall make the offeror ineligible for award.

(a) Maximum practicable utilization of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns as subcontractors is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

(1) The General Service Administration's (GSA's) commitment to ensuring that maximum practicable opportunity is provided to small, HUBZone small, small disdvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns to participate as subcontractors in the performance of this contract, consistent with its efficient performance, must be reflected in the offeror's subcontracting plan submitted pursuant to the clause of this contract at FAR 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

(2) In addressing the eleven elements described at FAR 52.219–9(d), the offeror shall demonstrate that its subcontracting plan represents a creative and innovative program for involving small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns in performing this contract. An offeror submitting a commercial plan can demonstrate its commitment in providing maximum practicable opportunities through subcontracting opportunities it provides to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns that relate to the offeror's production generally; i.e., for both its commercial and Government business.

(3) The subcontracting plan shall include a description of the offeror's subcontracting strategies used in previous contracts and significant achievements, with an explanation of how this plan will build upon those earlier achievements. Additionally, the offeror shall demonstrate through its plan that it understands the small business subcontracting program's objectives, GSA's expectations, and is committed to taking those actions necessary to meet these goals or objectives.

(b) GSA believes that this contract provides significant opportunities for the use of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns as subcontractors. Accordingly, it is anticipated that an acceptable subcontracting plan will contain at least the following goals:

(a) This contract is issued as a direct award between the contracting activity and the 8(a) Contractor pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the General Services Administration. SBA retains the responsibility for 8(a) certifications, 8(a) eligibility determinations, and related issues, and will provide counseling and assistance to the 8(a) contractor under the 8(a) program. The cognizant SBA district office is: [Complete at time of award]

(b) The contracting activity is responsible for administering the contract and taking any action on behalf of the Government under the terms and conditions of the contract. However, the contracting activity shall give advance notice to SBA before it issues a final notice terminating performance, either in whole or in part, under the contract. The contracting activity shall also coordinate with SBA prior to processing any advance payments or novation agreements. The contracting activity may assign contract administration functions to a contract administration office.

(c) The Contractor agrees:

(1) To notify the Contracting Officer, simultaneous with its notification to SBA (as required by SBA's 8(a) regulations), when the owner or owners upon whom 8(a) eligibility is based plan to relinquish ownership or control of the concern. Consistent with 15 U.S.C. 637(a)(21), transfer of ownership or control shall result in termination of the contract for convenience, unless SBA waives the requirement for termination prior to the actual relinquishing of ownership and control.

(2) To the requirements of 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

(a) If the packaged items to be delivered under this contract are of a hazardous substance and ordinarily are intended or considered to be for use as a household item, this contract is subject to the Federal Hazardous Materials Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1261–1276), implementing regulations thereof (16 CFR Chapter II), and Federal Standard No. 123, Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies), issue in effect on the date of this solicitation.

(b) The packaged items to be delivered under this contract are subject to the preparation of shipping documents, the preparation of items for transportation, shipping container construction, package making, package labeling, when required, shipper's certification of compliance, and transport vehicle placarding in accordance with Parts 171 through 178 of 49 CFR and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

(c) The minimum packaging acceptable for packaging Department of Transportation regulated hazardous materials shall be those in 49 CFR 173.

(a) Nonconforming supplies that contain hazardous material or that may expose persons who handle or transport the supplies to hazardous material and which require replacement under the inspection and/or warranty clauses of this contract shall be reshipped to the Contractor at the Contractor's expense. The Contractor agrees to accept return of these nonconforming supplies and to pay all costs occasioned by their return.

(b) “Hazardous materials,” as used in this clause, includes any material defined as hazardous under the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 (including revisions adopted during the term of the contract).

(c) If the Contractor fails to provide acceptable disposition instructions for the nonconforming supplies within 10 days from the date of the Government's request (or such longer period as may be agreed to between the Contracting Officer and the Contractor), or fails to accept return of the reshipped nonconforming supplies, such failure:

(1) may be interpreted as a willful failure to perform,

(2) may result in termination of the contract for default and

(3) shall be considered by the Contracting Officer in determining the responsibility of the Contractor for any future award (see FAR 9.104–3(b) and 9.406–2).

(d) Pending final resolution of any dispute, the Contractor shall promptly comply with the decision of the Contracting Officer.

Offeror shall indicate for each national stock number (NSN) the following information:

(a) Awards under this solicitation will only be made to offerors that will furnish hand or measuring tools or stainless steel flatware that are domestic end products. Pursuant to the requirements of the current Department of Defense Appropriations Act, GSA has determined, in accordance with Section 6–104.4 of the Armed Services Procurement Regulation (6/15/70)(32 CFR 6–104.4), that it is in the national interest to reject foreign products.

As used in this clause, a “domestic end product” is—

(1) Any hand or measuring tool, except for an electric or air-motor driven hand tool, or stainless steel flatware, wholly produced or manufactured, including all components, in the United States or its possessions; or

(2) Any electric or air-motor driven hand tool if the cost of its components produced or manufactured in the United States exceeds 75 percent of the cost of all its components.

(b) Tool kits or sets, being procured under this solicitation, will not be considered domestic end products if any individual tool classified in FSC Group 51 or 52 and included in a tool kit or set is not a domestic end product as defined in paragraph (a) of this clause. The restrictions of this clause do not apply to individual hand or measuring tools that are contained in the tool kit or set but are not classified in FSC Group 51 or 52.

The Government shall have unlimited rights in all drawings, designs, specifications, notes and other works developed in the performance of this contract, including the right to use same on any other Government design or construction without additional compensation to the Contractor. The Contractor hereby grants to the Government a paid-up license throughout the world to all such works to which he may assert or establish any claim under design patent or copyright laws. The Contractor for a period of three years after completion of the project agrees to furnish the original or copies of all such works on the request of the Contracting Officer.

All designs, drawings, specifications, notes and other works developed in the performance of this contract shall become the sole property of the Government and may be used on any other design or construction without additional compensation to the Contractor. The Government shall be considered the “person for whom the work was prepared” for the purpose of authorship in any copyrightable work under Section 201(b) of Title 17, United States Code. With respect thereto, the Contractor agrees not to assert or authorize others to assert any rights nor establish any claim under the design patent or copyright laws. The Contractor for a period of three years after completion of the project agrees to furnish all retained works on the request of the Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the Contractor shall have the right to retain copies of works beyond such period.

The Act of June 25, 1936, 49 Stat. 1938 (40 U.S.C. 290) authorizes the constituted authority of the several States to apply their workers' compensation laws to all lands and premises owned or held by the United States.

The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes. No adjustment will be made to cover taxes which may subsequently be imposed on this transaction or changes in the rates of currently applicable taxes. However, the Government will, upon the request of the Contractor, furnish evidence appropriate to establish exemption from any tax from which the Government is exempt and which was not included in the contract price.

If the District of Columbia cites an Internal Revenue Tax Exempt Certificate Number on orders placed under this contract, the Contractor shall bill shipments to the District of Columbia at prices exclusive of Federal excise tax and show the amount of such tax on the invoice.

(a) The Government shall pay the Contractor, without submission of invoices or vouchers, 30 days after the service period, the prices stipulated in this contract for supplies delivered and accepted or services rendered and accepted, less any deductions provided in this contract.

(b) Unless otherwise specified in this contract, the Government will make payment on partial deliveries accepted by the Government if either:

(1) The amount due on the deliveries warrants it.

(2) The Contractor requests it and the amount due on the deliveries is at least $1,000 or 50 percent of the total contract price.

(c) When processing payment, GSA's Finance Office will automatically generate the 12 digit invoice number using the ACT number assigned to the contract, followed by an abbreviated month and year of service (e.g., 84261554JUN7, for June 1997). The ACT number appears on the contract award document.

(a) Discounts for early payment (hereinafter referred to as “discounts” or “the discount”) will be considered in evaluating the relationship of the offeror's concessions to the Government vis-a-vis the offeror's concessions to its commercial customers, but only to the extent indicated in this clause.

(b) Discounts will not be considered to determine the low offeror in the situation described in the “Offers on Identical Products” provision of this solicitation.

(c) Uneconomical discounts will not be considered as meeting the criteria for award established by the Government. In this connection, a discount will be considered uneconomical if the annualized rate of return for earning the discount is lower than the “value of funds” rate established by the Department of the Treasury and published quarterly in the Federal Register. The “value of funds” rate applied will be the rate in effect on the date specified for the receipt of offers.

(d) Agencies required to use the resultant schedule will not apply the discount in determining the lowest delivered price pursuant to the FPMR, 41 CFR 101–26.408, if the agency determines that payment will probably not be made within the discount period offered. The same is true if the discount is considered uneconomical at the time of placement of the order.

(e) Discounts for early payment may be offered either in the original offer or on individual invoices submitted under the resulting contract. Discounts offered will be taken by the Government if payment is made within the discount period specified.

(f) Discounts that are included in offers become a part of the resulting contracts and are binding on the Contractor for all orders placed under the contract. Discounts offered only on individual invoices will be binding on the Contractor only for the particular invoice on which the discount is offered.

(g) In connection with any discount offered for prompt 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 date on which an electronic funds transfer was made.

Because this is a requirements or indefinite quantity contract under which more than one agency may place orders, paragraph (a) of the Assignment of Claims clause (FAR 52.232–23) is inapplicable and the following is substituted therefor:

In order to prevent confusion and delay in making payment, the Contractor shall not assign any claim(s) for amounts due or to become due under this contract. However, the Contractor is permitted to assign separately to a bank, trust company, or other financial institution, including any Federal lending agency, under the provisions of the Assignment of Claims Act, as amended, 31 U.S.C. 3727, 41 U.S.C. 15 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”), all amounts due or to become due under any order amounting to $1,000 or more issued by any Government agency under this contract. Any such assignment takes effect only if and when the assignee files written notice of the assignment together with a true copy of the instrument of assignment with the contracting officer issuing the order and the finance office designated in the order to make payment. Unless otherwise stated in the order, payments to an assignee of any amounts due or to become due under any order assigned may, to the extent specified in the Act, be subject to reduction or set-off.

Notwithstanding any other payment clause in this contract, the Government will make invoice payments and contract financing payments under the terms and conditions specified in this clause. Payment shall be considered as being made on the day a check is dated or the date of an electronic funds transfer. Definitions of pertinent terms are set forth in section 32.902 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. All days referred to in this clause are calendar days, unless otherwise specified. (However, see subparagraph (a)(4) of this clause concerning payments due on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.)

(a) Invoice payments. (1) The due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office is:

(i) For orders placed electronically by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Service (FSS), and to be paid by GSA through electronic funds transfer (EFT), the later of the following two events:

(A) The 10th day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. If the designated billing office fails to annotate the invoice with the date of receipt at the time of receipt, the invoice payment due date shall be the 10th day after the date of the Contractor's invoice; provided the Contractor submitted a proper invoice and no disagreement exists over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with contract requirements.

(B) The 10th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed by the Contractor.

(ii) For all other orders, the later of the following two events:

(A) The 30th day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. If the designated billing office fails to annotate the invoice with the date of receipt at the time of receipt, the invoice payment due date shall be the 30th day after the date ofthe Contractor's invoice; provided the Contractor submitted a proper invoice and no disagreement exists over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with contract requirements.

(B) The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed by the Contractor.

(iii) On a final invoice, if the payment amount is subject to contract settlement actions, acceptance occurs on the effective date of the contract settlement.

(2) The General Services Administration will issue payment on the due date in (a)(1)(i) above if the Contractor complies with full cycle electronic commerce. Full cycle electronic commerce includes all the following elements:

(i) The Contractor must receive and fulfill electronic data interchange (EDI) purchase orders (transaction set 850).

(ii) The Contractor must generate and submit to the Government valid EDI invoices (transaction set 810) or submit invoices through the GSA Finance Center Internet-based invoice process. Internet-based invoices must be submitted using procedures provided by GSA.

(iii) The Contractor's financial institution must receive and process, on behalf of the Contractor, EFT payments through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.

(iv) The EDI transaction sets in (i) through (iii) above must adhere to implementation conventions provided by GSA.

(3) If any of the conditions in(a)(2) above do not occur, the 10 day payment due dates in (a)(1) become 30 day payment due dates.

(4) Certain food products and other payments.

(i) Due dates on Contractor invoices for meat, meat food products, or fish; perishable agricultural commodities; and dairy products, edible fats or oils, and food products prepared from edible fats or oils are—

(A) For meat or meat food products, as defined in section 2(a)(3) of the Packers and Stockyard Act of 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182 (3)), and as further defined in Pub. L. 98–181, including any edible fresh or frozen poultry meat, any perishable poultry meat food product, fresh eggs, an any perishable egg product, as close as possible to, but not later than, the 7th day after product delivery.

(B) For fresh or frozen fish, as defined in section 204(3) of the Fish and Seafood Promotion Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 4003(3)), as close as possible to, but not later than, the 7th day after product delivery.

(C) For perishable agricultural commodities, as defined in section 1(4) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930 (7 U.S.C. 499a(4)), as close as possible to, but not later than, the 10th day after product delivery, unless another date is specified in the contract.

(D) For daily products, as defined in section 111(e) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4502(e)), edible fats or oils, and food products prepared from edible fats or oils, as close as possible to, but not later than, the 10th day after the date on which a proper invoice has been received. Liquid milk, cheese, certain processed cheese products, butter, yogurt, ice cream, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and other similar products, fall within this classification. Nothing in the Act limits this classification to refrigerated products. When questions arise regarding the proper classification of a specific product, prevailing industry practices will be followed in specifying a contract payment due date. The burden of proof that a classification of a specific product is, in fact, prevailing industry practice is upon the Contractor making the representation.

(ii) If the contract does not require submission of an invoice for payment (e.g., periodic lease payments), the due date will be as specified in the contract.

(5) Contractor's invoice. The Contractor shall prepare and submit invoices to the designated billing office specified in the contract. Notwithstanding paragraph (g) of the clause at FAR 52.212–4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, if the Contractor submits hard-copy invoices, submit only an original invoice. No copies of the invoice are required. A proper invoice must include the items listed in subdivisions (a)(5)(i) through (a)(5)(viii) of this clause. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, it shall be returned within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish; 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, edible fats or oils, and food products prepared from edible fats or oils), with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. Untimely notification will be taken into account in computing any interest penalty owed the Contractor in the manner described in subparagraph (a)(5) of this clause.

(i) Name and address of the Contractor.

(ii) Invoice date. (The Contractor is encouraged to date invoices as close as possible to the date of the mailing or transmission.)

(iii) Contract number or other authorization for supplies delivered or services preformed (including order number and contract line item number).

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, an extended prices of supplies delivered or services performed.

(v) Shipping and payment terms (e.g., shipment number and date of shipment, prompt payment discount terms). Bill of lading number and weight of shipment will be shown for shipments on Government bills or lading.

(vi) Name and address of Contractor official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the contract or in a proper notice of assignment).

(vii) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and mailing address of person to be notified in the event of a defective invoice.

(viii) Any other information or documentation required by the contract (such as evidence of shipment).

(ix) While not required, the Contractor is strongly encouraged to assign an identification number to each invoice.

(6) Interest penalty. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically by the designated payment office, without request from the Contractor, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed in subdivisions (a)(6)(i) through (a)(6)(iii) of this clause are met, if applicable. However, when the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday when Federal Government offices are closed and Government business is not expected to be conducted, payment may be made on the following business day without incurring a late payment interest penalty.

(i) A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.

(ii) A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed, and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with any contract term or condition.

(iii) In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the Contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further contract settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

(7) Computing penalty amount. The interest penalty shall be at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 12 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 611) that is in effect on the day after the due date, except where the interest penalty is prescribed by other governmental authority (e.g., tariffs). This rate is referred to as the “Renegotiation Board Interest Rate,” and it is published in the Federal Register semiannually on or about January 1 and July 1. The interest penalty shall accrue daily on the invoice principal payment amount approved by the Government until the payment date of such approved principal amount; and will be compounded in 30-day increments inclusive from the first day after the due date through the payment date. That is, interest accrued at the end of any 30-day period will be added to the approved invoice principal payment amount and will be subject to interest penalties if not paid in the succeeding 30-day period. If the designated billing office failed to notify the Contractor of a defective invoice within the periods prescribed in subparagraph (a)(5) of this clause, the due date on the corrected invoice will be adjusted by subtracting from such date the number of days taken beyond the prescribed notification of defects period. Any interest penalty owed the Contractor will be based on this adjusted due date. Adjustments will be made by the designated payment office for errors in calculating interest penalties.

(i) For the sole purpose of computing an interest penalty that might be due the Contractor, Government acceptance shall be deemed to have occurred constructively on the 7th day (unless otherwise specified in this contract) after the Contractor delivered the supplies or performed the services in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, unless there is a disagreement over quantity, quality or Contractor compliance with a contract provision. In the event that actual acceptance occurs within the constructive acceptance period, the determination of an interest penalty shall be based on the actual date of acceptance. The constructive acceptance requirement does, not however, compel Government officials to accept supplies or services, perform contract administration functions, or make payment prior to fulfilling their responsibilities.

(ii) The following periods of time will not be included in the determination of an interest penalty:

(A) The period taken to notify the Contractor of defects in invoices submitted to the Government, but this may not exceed 7 days (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish; 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils, and food products prepared from edible fats or oils).

(B) The period between the defects notice and resubmission of the corrected invoice by the Contractor.

(C) For incorrect electronic funds transfer (EFT) information, in accordance with the EFT clause of this contract.

(iii) Interest penalties will not continue to accrue after the filing of a claim for such penalties under the clause at 52.233–1, Disputes, or for more than 1 year. Interest penalties of less than $1 need not be paid.

(iv) Interest penalties are not required on payment delays due to disagreement between the Government and the Contractor over the payment amount or other issues involving contract compliance or on amounts temporarily withheld or retained in accordance with the terms of the contract. Claims involving disputes, and any interest that may be payable, will be resolved in accordance with the clause at 52.233–1, Disputes.

(8) Prompt payment discounts. An interest penalty also shall be paid automatically by the designated payment office, without request from the Contractor, if a discount for prompt payment is taken improperly. The interest penalty will be calculated as described in subparagraph (a)(7) of this clause on the amount of discount taken for the period beginning with the first day after the end of the discount period through the date when the Contractor is paid.

(9) Additional interest penalty.

(i) If this contract was awarded on or October 1, 1989, a penalty amount, calculated in accordance with subdivision (a)(9)(iii) of this clause, shall be paid in addition to the interest penalty amount if the Contractor—

(A) Is owed an interest penalty of $1 or more;

(B) Is not paid the interest penalty within 10 days after the date the invoice amount is paid; and

(C) Makes a written demand to the designated payment office for additional penalty payment, in accordance with subdivision (a)(9)(ii) of this clause, postmarked not later than 40 days after the invoice amount is paid.

(ii)(A) Contractors shall support written demands for additional penalty payments with the following data. No additional data shall be required. Contractors shall—

(1) Specifically assert that late payment interest is due under a specific invoice, and request payment of all overdue late payment interest penalty and such additional penalty as may be required;

(2) Attach a copy of the invoice on which the unpaid late payment interest was due; and

(3) State that payment of the principal has been received, including the date of receipt.

(B) Demands must be postmarked on or before the 40th day after payment was made, except that—

(1) If the postmark is illegible or nonexistent, the demand must have been received and annotated with the date of receipt by the designated payment office on or before the 40th day after payment was made; or

(2) If the postmark is illegible or nonexistent and the designated payment office fails to make the required annotation, the demand's validity will be determined by the date the Contractor has placed on the demand; provided such date is no later than the 40th day after payment was made.

(iii)(A) The additional penalty shall be equal to 100 percent of any original late payment interest penalty, except—

(1) The additional penalty shall not exceed $5,000;

(2) The additional penalty shall never be less than $25; and

(3) No additional penalty is owed if the amount of the underlying interest penalty is less than $1.

(B) If the interest penalty ceases to accrue in accordance with the limits stated in subdivision (a)(5)(iii) of this clause, the amount of the additional penalty shall be calculated on the amount of interest penalty that would have accrued in the absence of these limits, subject to the overall limits on the additional penalty specified in subdivision (a)(7)(iii)(A) of this clause.

(C) For determining the maximum and minimum additional penalties, the test shall be the interest penalty due on each separate payment made for each separate contract. The maximum and minimum additional penalty shall not be based upon individual invoices unless the invoices are paid separately. Where payments are consolidated for disbursing purposes, the maximum and minimum additional penalty determination shall be made separately for each contract therein.

(D) The additional penalty does not apply to payments regulated by other Government regulations (e.g., payments under utility contracts subject to tariffs and regulation).

(b) Contract financing payments. (1) Due dates for recurring financing payments. If this contract provides for contract financing, requests for payment shall be submitted to the designated billing office as specified in this contract or as directed by the Contracting Officer. Contract financing payments shall be made on the [insert day as prescribed by Agency head; if not prescribed, insert 30th day] day after receipt of a proper contract financing request by the designated billing office. In the event that an audit or other review of a specific financing request is required to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract, the designated payment office is not compelled to make payment by the due date specified.

(2) Due dates for other contract financing. For advance payments, loans, or other arrangements that do not involve recurring submissions of contract financing requests, payment shall be in accordance with the corresponding contract terms or as directed by the Contracting Officer.

(3) Interest penalty not applicable. Contract financing payments shall not be assessed an interest penalty for payment delays.

(c) Fast payment procedure due dates. If this contract contains the clause at 52.213–1, Fast Payment Procedure, payments will be made within 15 days after the date of receipt of the invoice.

(a) Invoices shall be submitted in an original only, unless otherwise specified, to the designated billing office specified in this contract or order.

(b) Invoices must include the Accounting Control Transaction (ACT) number provided below or on the order.

ACT Number (Contracting Officer insert number)

(c) In addition to the requirements for a proper invoice specified in the Prompt Payment clause on this contract or order, the following information or documentation must be submitted with each invoice:

(Contracting Officer list additional requirements.)

(a) Under the Inspection of Services clause of this contract, payments may be adjusted if any services do not conform with contract requirements. The Contracting Office or a designated representative will inform the Contractor, in writing, of the type and dollar amount of proposed deductions by the 10th workday of the month following the performance period for which the deductions are to be made.

(b) The Contractor may, within 10 working days of receipt of the notification of the proposed deductions, present to the Contracting Officer specific reasons why any or all of the proposed deductions are not justified. Reasons must be solidly based and must provide specific facts that justify reconsideration and/or adjustment of the amount to be deducted. Failure to respond within the 10-day period will be interpreted to mean that the Contractor accepts the deductions proposed.

(c) All or a portion of the final payment may be delayed or withheld until the Contracting Officer makes a final decision on the proposed deduction. If the Contracting Officer determines that any or all of the proposed deductions are warranted, the Contracting Officer shall so notify the Contractor, and adjust payments under the contract accordingly.

Before final payment is made, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a release of all claims against the Government relating to this contract, other than claims in stated amounts that are specifically excepted by the Contractor from the release. If the Contractor's claim to amounts payable under the contract has been assigned under Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S. 3727, 41 U.S.C. 15), a release may also be required of the assignee.

The authorization of performance of work under this contract during the initial contract period and any option or extension period(s) is contingent upon the appropriation of funds to procure this service. If the contract is awarded, extended, or option(s) exercised, the Government's obligation beyond the end of the fiscal year (September 30), in which the award or extension is made or option(s) exercised, is contingent upon the availability of funds from which payment for the contract services can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for payment of any money beyond the end of the each fiscal year (September 30) shall arise unless or until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for this procurement and written notice of such availability is given to the Contractor.

(a) The due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office is:

(1) For orders placed electronically by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Service (FSS), and to be paid by GSA through electronic funds transfer (EFT), the later of the following two events:

(i) The 10th day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. If the designated billing office fails to annotate the invoice with the date of receipt at the time of receipt, the invoice payment due date shall be the 10th day after the date of the Contractor's invoice; provided the Contractor submitted a proper invoice and no disagreement exists over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with contract requirements.

(ii) The 10th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed by the Contractor.

(2) For all other orders, the later of the following two events:

(i) The 30th day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice from the Contractor. If the designated billing office fails to annotate the invoice with the date of receipt at the time of receipt, the invoice payment due date shall be the 30th day after the date of the Contractor's invoice; provided the Contractor submitted a proper invoice and on disagreement exists over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with contract requirements.

(ii) The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed by the Contractor.

(3) On a final invoice, if the payment amount is subject to contract settlement actions, acceptance occurs on the effective date of the contract settlement.

(b) The General Services Administration will issue payment on the due date in (a)(1) above if the Contractor complies with full cycle electronic commerce. Full cycle electronic commerce includes all the following elements:

(1) The Contractor must receive and fulfill electronic data interchange (EDI) purchase orders (transaction set 850).

(2) The Contractor must generate and submit to the Government valid EDI invoices (transaction set 810) of submit invoices through the GSA Finance Center Internet-based invoice process. Internet-based invoices must be submitted using procedures provided by GSA.

(3) The Contractor's financial institution must receive and process, on behalf of the Contractor, EFT payments through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.

(4) The EDI transaction sets in (b)(1) through (b)(3) above must adhere to implementation conventions provided by GSA.

(c) If any of the conditions in (b) above do not occur, the 10-day payment due dates in (a)(1) become 30-day payment due dates.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (g) of the clause at FAR 52.212–4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, if the Contractor submits hard-copy invoices, submit only an original invoice. No copies of the invoice are required.

(e) All other provisions of the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–125, Prompt Payment, apply.

The Government will make payments under the terms and conditions specified in this clause. Payment shall be considered as being made on the day a check is dated or an electronic funds transfer is made. All days referred to in this clause are calendar days, unless otherwise specified.

(a) Payment due date.

(1) Rental Payments. Rent shall be paid monthly in arrears and will be due on the first workday of each month, and only as provided for by the lease.

(i) When the date for commencement of rent falls on the 15th day of the month or earlier, the initial monthly rental payment under this contract shall become due on the first workday of the month following the month in which the commencement of the rent is effective.

(ii) When the date for commencement of rent falls after the 15th day of the month, the initial monthly rental payment under this contract shall become due on the first workday of the second month following the month in which the commencement of the rent is effective.

(2) Other payments. The due date for making payments other than rent shall be the later of the following two events:

(i) The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice from the Contractor.

(ii) The 30th day after Government acceptance of the work or service. However, if the designated billing office fails to annotate the invoice with the actual date of receipt, the invoice payment due date shall be deemed to be the 30th day after the Contractor's invoice is dated, provided a proper invoice is received and there is no disagreement over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance with contract requirements.

(b) Invoice and inspection requirements for payments other than rent.

(1) The Contractor shall prepare and submit an invoice to the designated billing office after completion of the work. A proper invoice shall include the following items:

(i) Names and address of the Contractor.

(ii) Invoice date.

(iii) Lease number.

(iv) Government's order number or other authorization.

(v) Description, price, and quantity of work or services delivered.

(vi) Name and address of Contractor official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the remittance address in the lease or the order).

(vii) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and mailing address of person to be notified in the event of a defective invoice.

(2) The Government will inspect and determine the acceptability of the work performed or services delivered within 7 days after the receipt of a proper invoice or notification of completion of the work or services unless a different period is specified at the time the order is placed. If actual acceptance occurs later, for the purpose of determining the payment due date and calculation of interest, acceptance will be deemed to occur on the last day of the 7 day inspection period. If the work or service is rejected for failure to conform to the technical requirements of the contract, the 7 days will be counted beginning with receipt of a new invoice or notification. In either case, the Contractor is not entitled to any payment or interest unless actual acceptance by the Government occurs.

(c) Interest Penalty. (1) An interest penalty shall be paid automatically by the Government, without request from the Contractor, if payment is not made by the due date.

(2) The interest penalty shall be at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury under Section 12 of the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 611) that is in effect on the day after the due date. This rate is referred to as the “Renegotiation Board Interest Rate,” and it is published in the Federal Register semiannually on or about January 1 and July 1. The interest penalty shall accrue daily on the payment amount approved by the Government and be compounded in 30-day increments inclusive from the first day after the due date through the payment date.

(3) Interest penalties will not continue to accrue after the filing of a claim for such penalties under the clause at 52.233–1, Disputes, or for more than 1 year. Interest rates penalties of less than $1.00 need not be paid.

(4) Interest penalties are not required on payment delays due to disagreement between the Government and Contractor over the payment amount or other issues involving contract compliance or on amounts temporarily withheld or retained in accordance with the terms of the contract. Claims involving disputes, and any interest that may be payable, will be resolved in accordance with the clause at 52.233–1, Disputes.

(a) The Government will make payments under this lease by electronic funds transfer (EFT). The Lessor must, no later than 30 days before the first payment:

(1) Designate a financial institution for receipt of EFT payments.

(2) Submit this designation to the Contracting Officer or other Government official, as directed.

(b) The Lessor must provide the following information:

(1) The American Bankers Association 9-digit identifying number for Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers of the financing institution receiving payment if the institution has access to the Federal Reserve Communications System.

(2) Number of account to which funds are to be deposited.

(3) Type of depositor account (“C” for checking, “S” for savings).

(4) If the Lessor is a new enrollee to the EFT system, the Lessor must complete and submit a “Payment Information Form,” SF 3881, before payment can be processed.

(c) If the Lessor, during the performance of this contract, elects to designate a different financial institution for the receipt of any payment, the appropriate Government official must receive notice of such change and the required information specified above no later than 30 days before the date such change is to become effective.

(d) The documents furnishing the information required in this clause must be dated and contain the:

(1) Signature, title, and telephone number of the Lessor or the Lessor's authorized representative.

(2) Lessor's name.

(3) Lease number.

(e) Lessor's failure to properly designate a financial institution or to provide appropriate payee bank account information may delay payments of amounts otherwise properly due.

(a) Definitions. “Governmentwide commercial purchase card” means a uniquely numbered credit card issued by a contractor under GSA's Governmentwide Contract for Fleet, Travel, and purchase Card Services to named individual Government employees or entities to pay for official Government purchases.

“Oral order” means an order placed orally either in person or by telephone.

(b) At the option of the Government and if agreeable to the Contractor, payments of ___*_ or less for oral or written orders may be made using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card.

(c) The Contractor shall not process a transaction for payment through the credit card clearinghouse until the purchased supplies have been shipped or services performed. Unless the cardholder requests correction or replacement of a defective or faulty item under other contract requirements, the Contractor must immediately credit a cardholder's account for items returned as defective or faulty.

(d) Payments made using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card are not eligible for any negotiated prompt payment discount. Payment made using a Government debit card will receive the applicable prompt payment discount.

(c) The Contractor and the ordering agency may agree to use the Governmentwide commercial purchase card for dollar amounts over the micro-purchase threshold, and the Government encourages the Contractor to accept payment by the purchase card. The dollar value of a purchase card action must not exceed the ordering agency's established limit. If the Contractor will not accept payment by the purchase card for an order exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, the Contractor must so advise the ordering agency within 24 hours of receipt of the order.

The General Services Administration (GSA) makes information on contract payments available electronically at http://www.finance.gsa.gov. The Contractor may register at the site and review its record of payments. This site provides information only on payments made by GSA, not by other agencies.

(a) Definitions.

Credit card means any credit card used to pay for purchases, including the Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card.

Governmentwide commercial purchase card means a uniquely numbered credit card issued by a Contractor under GSA's Governmentwide Contract for Fleet, Travel, and Purchase Card Services to named individual Government employees or entities to pay for official Government purchases.

Oral order means an order placed orally either in person or by telephone.

(b) The Contractor must accept the credit card for payments equal to or less than the micro-purchase threshold (see Federal Acquisition Regulation 2.101) for oral or written orders under this contract.

(c) The Contractor and the ordering agency may agree to use the credit card for dollar amounts over the micro-purchase threshold, and the Government encourages the Contractor to accept payment by the purchase card. The dollar value of a purchase card action must not exceed the ordering agency's established limit. If the Contractor will not accept payment by the purchase card for an order exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, the Contractor must so advise the ordering agency within 24 hours of receipt of the order.

(d) The Contractor shall not process a transaction for payment through the credit card clearinghouse until the purchased supplies have been shipped or services performed.

Unless the cardholder requests correction or replacement of a defective or faulty item under other contract requirements, the Contractor must immediately credit a cardholder's account for items returned as defective or faulty.

(e) Payments made using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card are not eligible for any negotiated prompt payment discount. Payment made using an ordering activity debit card will receive the applicable prompt payment discount.

If eligible non-federal ordering activities are subject to a State prompt payment law, the terms and conditions of the applicable State law apply to the orders placed under this contract by such activities. If eligible non-federal ordering activities are not subject to a State prompt payment law, the terms and conditions of the Federal Prompt Payment Act as reflected in Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.232–25, Prompt Payment, or 52.212–4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, apply to such activities in the same manner as to Federal ordering activities.

(a) Payment by electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the preferred method of payment. However, under certain conditions, the ordering activity may elect to make payment by check. The offeror shall indicate below the payment address to which checks should be mailed for payment of proper invoices submitted under a resultant contract.

(b) Offeror shall furnish by attachment to this solicitation, the remittance (payment) addresses of all authorized participating dealers receiving orders and accepting payment by check in the name of the Contractor in care of the dealer, if different from their ordering address(es) specified elsewhere in this solicitation. If a dealer's ordering and remittance address differ, both must be furnished and identified as such.

(c) All offerors are cautioned that if the remittance (payment) address shown on an actual invoice differs from that shown in paragraph (b) of this provision or on the attachment, the remittance address(es) in paragraph (b) of this provision or attached will govern. Payment to any other address, except as provided for through EFT payment methods, will require an administrative change to the contract.

The Contractor is required to perform all billings made pursuant to this contract. However, if the Contractor has dealers that participate on the contract and the billing/payment process by the Contractor for sales made by the dealer is a significant administrative burden, the following alternative procedures may be used. Where dealers are allowed by the Contractor to bill ordering activities and accept payment in the Contractor's name, the Contractor agrees to obtain from all dealers participating in the performance of the contract a written agreement, which will require dealers to—

(1) Comply with the same terms and conditions regarding prices as the Contractor for sales made under the contract;

(2) Maintain a system of reporting sales under the contract to the manufacturer, which includes—

(i) The date of sale;

(ii) The ordering activity to which the sale was made;

(iii) The service or product/model sold;

(iv) The quantity of each service or product/model sold;

(v) The price at which it was sold, including discounts; and

(vi) All other significant sales data.

(3) Be subject to audit by the Government, with respect to sales made under the contract; and

(4) Place orders and accept payments in the name of the Contractor in care of the dealer.

An agreement between a Contractor and its dealers pursuant to this procedure will not establish privity of contract between dealers and the Government.

(a) The following definitions apply in this provision:

“Agency Protest Official for GSA” means the official in the Office of Acquisition Policy designated to review ad decide procurement protests filed with GSA.

“Deciding official” means the person chosen by the protester to decide the agency protest. The deciding official may be either the Contracting Officer or the Agency Protest Official.

(b) The filing time frames in FAR 33.103(e) apply. An agency protest is filed when the protest complaint is received at the location the solicitation designates for serving protests. GSA's hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Protests delivered after 4:30 p.m. will be considered received and filed the following business day.

(c) A protest filed directly with the General Services Administration (GSA) must:

(1) Indicate that it is a protest to the agency.

(2) Be filed with the Contracting Officer.

(3) State whether the protester chooses to have the Contracting Officer or the Agency Protest Official for GSA decide the protest. If the protest is silent on this matter, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

(4) Indicate whether the protester prefers to make an oral presentation, a written presentation, or an oral presentation confirmed in writing, of arguments in support of the protest to the deciding official.

(5) Include the information required by FAR 33.103(d)(2):

(i) Name, address, fax number, and telephone number of the protester.

(ii) Solicitation or contract number.

(iii) Detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest, to include a description of resulting prejudice to the protester.

(iv) Copies of relevant documents.

(v) Request for a ruling by the agency.

(vi) Statement as to the form of relief requested.

(vii) All information establishing that the protester is an interested party for the purpose of filing a protest.

(viii) All information establishing the timeliness of the protest (see paragraph (b) of this provision).

(d) An interested party filing a protest with GSA has the choice of requesting either that the Contracting Officer or the Agency Protest Official for GSA decide the protest.

(e) The decision by the Agency Protest Official for GSA is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer. The Agency Protest Official for GSA will not consider appeals from the Contracting Officer's decision on an agency protest.

(f) The deciding Official must conduct a scheduling conference with the protester within three (3) days after the protest is filed. The scheduling conference will establish deadlines for oral or written arguments in support of the agency protest and for agency officials to present information in response to the protest issues. The deciding official may hear oral arguments in support of the agency protest at the same time as the scheduling conference, depending on availability of the necessary parties.

(g) Oral conferences may take place either by telephone or in person. Other parties (e.g., representatives of the program office) may attend at the discretion of the deciding official.

(h) The following procedures apply to information submitted in support of or in response to an agency protest:

(1) The protester and the agency have only one opportunity to support or explain the substance of the protest (either orally, in writing, or orally confirmed in writing).

(2) GSA procedures do not provide for any discovery.

(3) The deciding official has discretion to request additional information from either the agency or the protester. However, the deciding official will normally decide protests on the basis of information provided by the protester and the agency.

(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5)(ii) below, the parties are encouraged, but not required, to exchange information submitted to the Agency Protest Official for GSA.

(5) If the agency makes a written response to the protest, the following filling requirements apply unless the deciding official approves other arrangements:

(i) The agency must file its response to the protest with the deciding official within five (5) days after the filing of the protest.

(ii) The agency must also provide the protester with a copy of the response on the same day it files the response with the deciding official. If the agency believes it needs to redact or withhold any information in the response from the protester, it must obtain the approval of the deciding official.

(i) The deciding official will resolve the protest through informal presentations or meetings to the maximum extent practicable.

(j) An interested party may represent itself or be represented by legal counsel. GSA will not reimburse the party for any legal fees related to the agency protest.

(k) GSA will stay award or suspend contract performance in accordance with FAR 33.103(f). The stay or suspension, unless over-ridden, remains in effect until the protest is decided, dismissed, or withdrawn.

(l) The deciding official will make a best effort to issue a decision on the protest within twenty-eight (28) days after the filing date. The decision may be oral or written. If the decision is communicated orally to the protester, the deciding official will confirm in writing within three (3) days after the decision.

(m) GSA may dismiss or stay proceedings on an agency protest if a protest on the same or similar basis is filed with a protest forum outside of GSA.

The requirements of the Disputes clause at FAR 52.233–1 are supplemented to provide that matters involving the interpretation of tariffed retail rates, tariff rate schedules, and tariffed terms provided under this contract are subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the utility rate commission having jurisdiction.

The terms “Administration” and “Service” as used in this contract shall mean the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Public Buildings Service (PBS), respectively.

(a) All work shall be performed under the general direction of the Contracting Officer, who alone shall have the power to bind the Government and to exercise the rights, responsibilities, authorities and functions vested in him by the contract documents, except that he shall have the right to designate authorized representatives to act for him. Wherever any provision in this contract specifies an individual (such as, but not limited to, Construction Engineer, Resident Engineer, Inspector or Custodian) or organization, whether governmental or private, to perform any act on behalf of or in the interests of the Government, that individual or organization shall be deemed to be the Contracting Officer's authorized representative under this contract but only to the extent so specified. The Contracting Officer may, at any time during the performance of this contract, vest in any such authorized representatives additional power and authority to act for him or designate additional representatives, specifying the extent of their authority to act for him; a copy of each document vesting additional authority in an authorized representative or designating an additional authorized representative shall be furnished to the Contractor.

(b) The Contractor shall perform the contract in accordance with any order (including but not limited to instruction, direction, interpretation, or determination) issued by an authorized representative in accordance with his authority to act for the Contracting Officer; but the Contractor assumes all the risk and consequences of performing the contract in accordance with any order (including but not limited to instruction, direction, interpretation, or determination) of anyone not authorized to issue such order.

The term “Specialist,” as used in the contract specification, shall mean an individual or firm of established reputation (or, if newly organized, whose personnel have previously established a reputation in the same field), which is regularly engaged in, and which maintains a regular force of workmen skilled in either (as applicable) manufacturing or fabricating items required by the contract, installing items required by the contract, or otherwise performing work required by the contract. Where the contract specification requires installation by a specialist, that term shall also be deemed to mean either the manufacturer of the item, an individual or firm licensed by the manufacturer, or an individual or firm who will perform the work under the manufacturer's direct supervision.

(a) The low bidder for purposes of award is the responsible bidder offering the lowest price for the base bid (consisting of the lump sum bid and any associated unit price bids extended by the applicable number of units shown on the bid form). See Standard Form 1442, Solicitation, Offer, and Award and the provision entitled “Contract Award—Sealed Bidding.”

(b) A bid may be rejected as nonresponsive if the bid is materially unbalanced as to bid prices. A bid is unbalanced when the bid is based on prices significantly less than cost for some work and significantly overstated for other work.

(c) Alternates will be added to the base bid in the order listed in the solicitation (see Standard Form 1442, Solicitation, Offer, and Award). If the addition of an alternate would make all bids exceed the funds available at bid opening, that alternate shall be skipped and the next subsequent alternate in a lower amount shall be added, provided that the aggregate of base bid and the selected alternates do not exceed the funds available at bid opening. For example, when the amount available is $100,000 and a bidder's base bid is $85,000, with its separate bids on four successive alternatives being $10,000, $8,000, $6,000, and $4,000, the aggregate amount of the bid for purposes of selecting the alternates would be $99,000 (base bid plus the first and four alternates). The second and third alternates are skipped because each of them would cause the aggregate of the base bid and alternates to exceed the $100,000 amount available when considered with the first alternate. All bids shall be evaluated on the basis of the same alternates.

(d) After the low bidder has been determined in accordance with paragraph (a), an award may be made to that low bidder on the base bid, plus any combination of alternates for which funds are available at the time of award, but only if the award amount does not exceed the amount offered by any other responsible bidder. If the base bid plus the proposed combination of alternates exceed the amount offered by any other responsible bidder for the same combination of alternates, the award cannot be made on that combination of alternates.

(c) Alternates will be added to the base bid in the order listed in the solicitation (see Standard Form 1442, Solicitation, Offer, or Award). If the addition of an alternate would make all bids exceed the funds available at bid opening, that alternate shall be skipped and the next subsequent alternate in a lower amount shall be added, provided that the aggregate of base bid and the selected alternates do not exceed the funds available at bid opening. For example, when the amount available is $100,000 and a bidder's base bid is $85,000, with its separate bids on four successive alternates being $10,000, $8,000, $6,000, and $4,000, the aggregate amount of the bid for purposes of selecting the alternates would be $99,000 (base bid plus the first and fourth alternates). The second and third alternates are skipped because each of them would cause the aggregate of the base bid and alternates to exceed the $100,000 amount available when considered with the first alternate. All bids shall be evaluated on the basis of the same alternates.

(d) After the low bidder has been determined in accordance with paragraph (a), award may be made to that low bidder on the base bid and evaluated options plus any combination of alternates for which funds are available at the time of award, but only if that low bidder is still low on the sum thereof plus any previously unevaluated options designated to be evaluated which are associated with proposed alternates that were skipped during the selection under paragraph (c). If that low bidder is not still low, award cannot be made on the proposed combination of alternates.

(a) It is contemplated that all work will be performed during the customary working hours of the trades involved unless otherwise specified in this contract. Work performed by the Contractor at his own volition outside such customary working hours shall be at no additional expense to the Government.

(b) Any requests received by the Contractor from occupants of existing buildings to change the hours of work shall be referred to the Contracting Officer for determination.

(a) If the premises are occupied, the Contractor, his subcontractors, and their employees shall comply with the regulations governing access to, operation of, and conduct while in or on the premises and shall perform the work required under this contract in such a manner as not to unreasonably interrupt or interfere with the conduct of Government business.

(b) Any request received by the Contractor from occupants of existing buildings to change the sequence of work shall be referred to the Contracting Officer for determination.

(c) If the premises are occupied, the Contractor, his subcontractors and their employees shall not have access to or be admitted into any building outside the scope of this contract except with official permission.

All dimensions shown of existing work and all dimensions required for work that is to connect with work now in place, shall be verified by the Contractor by actual measurement of the existing work. Any discrepancies between the contract requirements and the existing conditions shall be referred to the Contracting Officer before any work affected thereby has been performed.

The requirements of the clause entitled “Specifications and Drawings for Construction” at FAR 52.236–21, are supplemented as follows:

(a) In case of difference between small and large-scale drawings, the large-scale drawings shall govern. Schedules on any contract drawing shall take precedence over conflicting information on that or any other contract drawing. On any of the drawings where a portion of the work is detailed or drawn out and the remainder is shown in outline, the parts detailed or drawn out shall apply also to all other like portions of the work.

(b) Where the word “similar” occurs on the drawings, it shall have a general meaning and not be interpreted as being identical, and all details shall be worked out in relation to their location and their connection with other parts of the work.

(c) Standard Details or Specification Drawings are applicable when listed, bound with the specifications, noted on the drawings or referenced elsewhere in the specifications. Where the notes on the drawings indicate modifications, such modifications shall govern.

(d) In case of difference between Standard Details or Specification Drawings and the specifications, the specifications will govern. In case of difference between the Standard Details or Specification Drawings and their drawings prepared specifically for this contract, the later shall govern.

The requirements, of the clause entitled “Specifications and Drawings for Construction” at FAR 52.236–21, are supplemented as follows:

(a) The Contractor shall submit shop drawings, coordination drawings, and schedules for approval as required by the specifications or requested by the Contracting Officer as follows:

(b) Show drawings shall include fabrication, erection and setting drawings, schedule drawings, manufacturers' scale drawings, wriring and control diagrams, cuts or entire catalogs, pamphlets, descriptive literature, and performance and test data.

(c) Drawings and schedules, other than catalogs, pamphlets and similar printed material, shall be submitted in reproducible form with two prints made by a process approved by the Contracting Officer. Upon approval, the reproducible form will be returned to the Contractor who shall then furnish the number of additional prints, not to exceed 10, required by the specifications. The Contractor shall submit shop drawings in catalog, pamphlet and similar printed form in a minimum of four copies plus as many additional copies as the Contractor may desire or need for his use or use by subcontractors.

(d) Before submitting shop drawings on the mechanical and electrical work, the Contractor shall submit and obtain the Contracting Officer's approval of such lists of mechanical and electrical equipment and materials as may be required by the specifications.

(e) Each shop drawing or coordination drawing shall have a blank area 5 by 5 inches, located adjacent to the title block. The title block shall display the following:

Number and title of drawing

Date of drawing or revision

Name of project building or facility

Name of Contractor and (if appropriate) name of subcontractor submitting drawing

Clear identify of contents and location on the work

Project title and contract number

(f) Unless otherwise provided in this contract, or otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer, shop drawings, coordination drawings and schedules shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer, with a letter in triplicate, sufficiently in advance of construction requirements to permit no less than 10 working days for checking and appropriate action.

(g) Approval of drawings and schedules will be general and shall not be construed as permitting any departure from the contract requirements, or as approving departures from full-size details furnished by the Contracting Officer.

(a) After the award of the contract, the Contractor shall furnish for the approval of the Contracting Officer samples required by the specifications or by the Contracting Officer. Samples shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer or to the Architect as specified or as directed. The Contractor shall prepay all shipping charges on samples. Materials or equipment for which samples are required shall not be used in the work until approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Each sample shall have a label indicating:

(1) Name of project building or facility, project title and contract number.

(2) Name of Contractor and, if appropriate, name of subcontractor.

(3) Identification of material or equipment with specification requirement.

(4) Place of origin.

(5) Name of producer and brand (if any).

Samples of finished materials shall have additional markings that will identify them under the finish schedules.

(c) The Contractor shall mail under separate cover a letter in triplicate submitting each shipment of samples and containing the information required in paragraph (b) of this clause. He shall enclose a copy of this letter with the shipment and send a copy to the Government representative on the project. Approval of a sample shall be only for the characteristics or use named in such approval and shall not be construed to change or modify any contract requirement. Substitutions will not be permitted unless they are approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Approved samples not destroyed in testing will be sent to the Government representative at the project. Approved samples of hardware in good condition will be marked for identification and may be used in the work. Materials and equipment, incorporated in the work shall match the approved samples. Other samples not destroyed in testing or not approved will be returned to the Contractor at his expense if so requested at time of submission.

(e) Failure of any material to pass the specified tests will be sufficient cause for refusal to consider, under this contract, any further samples of the same brand or make of that material or equipment which previously has proved unsatisfactory in service.

(f) Samples of various materials or equipment delivered on the site or in place may be taken by the Government representative for testing. Samples failing to meet contract requirements, or there shall be a proper adjustment of the contract price as determined by the Contracting Officer.

(g) Unless otherwise specified, when tests are required only one test of each sample proposed for use will be made at the expense of the Government. Samples which do not meet specification requirements will be rejected. Testing of additional samples will be made by the Government at the expense of the Contractor.

Unless otherwise specified or unless already provided by the Government the Contractor shall;

(a) Provide heat, as necessary to protect all work, materials, and equipment against injury from dampness and cold;

(b) Protect, cover and/or heat as may be necessary, to provide and maintain a temperature of not less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (1) in the concrete during the placing, setting and curing of concrete, and (2) in the plaster during the application, setting and curing of plaster; and

(c) Provide heat as necessary in the area where work is to be done to provide the minimum temperature recommended by the supplier or manufacturer of the material, but in no case less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, for a period beginning 10 days before placing or interior finishes and finish materials and continuing until completion or beneficial occupancy of the area, whichever is earlier.

(a) The Government may take over and operate, with Government employees, such equipment as is necessary for heating or cooling such areas of the building as require the service, as soon as the installation is sufficiently complete.

(b) The Contracting Officer will advise the Contractor by letter, prior to the use of equipment, which items of equipment will be operated, and the date and time such operation will begin.

(c) Government operation of equipment will not relieve the Contractor of the one-year guarantee on materials and workmanship elsewhere provided for in this contract.

(d) The guarantee period, elsewhere provided for in this contact, for each piece of equipment shall be in accordance with the “Guarantees” clause of this contract.

(a) Nothing contained in the contract shall be construed as creating any contractual relationship between any subcontractor and the Government. The divisions or sections of the specifications are not intended to control the Contractor in dividing the work among subcontractors, or to limit the work performed by any trade.

(b) The Contractor shall be responsible to the Government for acts and omissions of his own employees and of subcontractors and their employees. He shall also be responsible for the coordination of the work of the trades, subcontractors and suppliers.

(c) The Government will not undertake to settle any differences between or among the Contractor, subcontractors, or suppliers.

(a) Definition. “Project Labor Agreement” (PLA) means an agreement between the contractor, subcontractors, and the union(s) representing workers. Under a PLA, the contractor and subcontractors on a project and the union(s) agree on terms and conditions of employment for the project, establishing a framework for labor-management cooperation to advance the Government's procurement interest in cost, efficiency, and quality.

(b) The Contractor shall, after contract award, enter into a PLA for performance of [Insert project or contract name]. The PLA binds the Contractor and subcontractors of whatever tier engaged in onsite construction work. The PLA shall include all the following terms:

(1) Guarantees against strikes, lockouts, and similar work disruptions.

(2) Effective, prompt and mutually binding procedures for resolving labor disputes arising during the project.

(3) Other mechanisms for labor-management cooperation on matters of mutual interest and concern, including productivity, quality of work, safety, and health.

(4) The PLA shall fully conform to all applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.

(c) Any PLA reached under this clause shall not change the terms of this contract or provide for any pricing adjustment by the Government.

(d) The Government shall not participate in the negotiations of any PLA.

(e) Nothing in this clause precludes contractors or subcontractors from competing for contracts or subcontracts on this project without discrimination based on union or non-union status.

(a) Offers will be considered only from responsible organizations or individuals now or recently engaged in the performance of building service contracts comparable to those described in this solicitation. In order to determine an Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror may be requested to furnish a narrative statement listing comparable contracts which it has performed; a general history of its operating organization; and its complete experience. An Offeror may also be required to furnish a statement of its financial resources; show that it has the ability to maintain a staff of regular employees adequate to ensure continuous performance of the work; and, demonstrate that its equipment and/or plant capacity for the work contemplated is sufficient, adequate, and suitable.

(b) Competency in performing comparable building service contracts, demonstration of acceptable financial resources, personnel staffing, plant, equipment, and supply sources will be considered in determining whether an Offeror is responsible.

(c) Prospective Offerors are advised that in evaluating these areas involving any small business concern(s), any negative determinations are subject to the Certificate of Competency procedures set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(a) The contracting officer or a designated representative may require the Contractor to remove any employee(s) from GSA controlled buildings or other real property should it be determined that the individual(s) is either unsuitable for security reasons or otherwise unfit to work on GSA controlled property.

(b) The Contractor shall fill out and cause all of its employees performing work on the contract work to fill out, for submission to the Government, such forms as may be necessary for security or other reasons. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor and its employees shall be fingerprinted.

(c) Each employee of the Contractor shall be a citizen of the United States of America, or an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidenced by Alien Registration Receipt Card Form I–151, or, who presents other evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that employment will not affect his immigration status.

The Contractor must not, during the term of this contract, offer for hire “Quasi-Military Armed Forces” within the meaning of the court decision in United States ex. rel. Weinberger v. Equifax, 557 F.2d 456 (5th Cir. 1977).

(a) The Contractor shall, in the performance of this contract, keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor shall not publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part, in any manner or form, nor authorize or permit others to do so. The Contractor shall take such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information, while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a “need to know” basis. The Contractor shall immediately notify, in writing, the Contracting Officer in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(b) The Contractor shall not disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any person or individual unless the Contractor obtains prior written approval from the Contracting Officer.

(c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract under this contract.

(d) Any unauthorized disclosure of information may result in termination of this contract for cause.

(a) Definitions. “Electronic office equipment accessiblity” means the application/configuration of electronic office equipment (includes hardware, software and firmware) in a manner that accommodates the functional limitations of individuals with disabilities (i.e., handicapped individuals) so as to promote productivity and provide access to work related and/or public information resources.

“Handicapped individuals” mean qualified individuals with impairments as cited in 29 CFR 1613.702(f) who can benefit from electronic office equipment accessibility.

“Special peripheral” means a special needs aid that provides access to electronic equipment that is otherwise inaccessible to a handicapped individual.

(b) The offeror is encouraged to identify in its offer, and include in any commercial catalogs and pricelists accepted by the Contracting Officer, office equipment, including any special peripheral, that will facilitate electronic office equipment accessibility for handicapped individuals. Identification should include the type of disability accommodated and how the users with that disability would be helped.

(a) Definition. For the purposes of this clause, the Mailing List is [Contracting officer shall insert either: “the list of addressees provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer” or “the Contractor's listing of its Federal Government customers”].

(b) The Contracting Officer will return one copy of the Authorize FSS Schedule Pricelist to the Contractor with the notification of contract award.

(c)(1) The Contractor shall provide to the GSA Contracting Officer:

(i) Two paper copies of Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelist; and

(ii) The Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelist on a common-use electronic medium.

The Contracting Officer will provide detailed instructions for the electronic submission with the award notification. Some structured data entry in a prescribed format may be required.

(2) The Contractor shall provide to each addressee on the mailing list either:

(i) One paper copy of the Authorized FSS Schedule Price List; or

(ii) A self-addressed, postage-paid envelope or postcard to be returned by addressee that want to receive a paper copy of the pricelist. The Contractor shall distribute price lists within 20 calendar days after receipt of returned requests.

(3) The Contractor shall advise each addressee of the availability of pricelist information through the on-line Multiple Award Schedule electronic data base.

(d) The Contractor shall make all of the distributions required in paragraph (c) at least 15 calendar days before the beginning of the contract period, or within 30 calendar days after receipt of the Contracting Officer's approval for printing, whichever is later.

(e) During the period of the contract, the Contractor shall provide one copy of its Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelist to any authorized schedule user, upon request. Use of the mailing list for any other purpose is not authorized.

(a) Several laws, Executive orders, and Agency directives require Federal buyers to purchase products that are less harmful to the environment, when they are life cycle cost-effective (see FAR Subpart 23.7). The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) requires contractors to highlight environmental products under Federal Supply Service schedule contracts in various communications media (e.g., publications and electronic formats).

(b) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Energy-efficient product means a product that—

(1) Meets Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency criteria for use of the ENERGY STAR^® trademark label; or

(2) Is in the upper 25 percent of efficiency for all similar products as designated by the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program.

GSA Advantage! is an on-line shopping mall and ordering system that provides customers with access to products and services under GSA contracts.

Other environmental attributes refers to product characteristics that provide environmental benefits, excluding recovered materials and energy and water efficiency. Several examples of these characteristics are biodegradable, recyclable, reduced pollutants, ozone safe, and low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Post-consumer material means a material or finished product that has served its intended use and has been discarded for disposal or recovery, having completed its life as a consumer item. Post-consumer material is part of the broader category of “recovered material.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a list of EPA-designated products in their Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPGs) to provide Federal agencies with purchasing recommendations on specific products in a Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN). The RMAN contains recommended recovered and post-consumer material content levels for the specific products designated by EPA (40 CFR part 247 and http://www.epa.gov/cpg/).

Recovered materials means waste materials and by-products recovered or diverted from solid waste, but the term does not include those materials and by-products generated from, and commonly reused within, an original manufacturing process (Executive Order 13101 and 42 U.S.C. 6903(19) and http://www.epa.gov/cpg/). For paper and paper products, see the definition at FAR 11.301 (42 U.S.C. 6962(h)).

Remanufactured means factory rebuilt to original specifications.

Renewable energy means energy produced by solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass power.

Renewable energy technology means—

(1) Technologies that use renewable energy to provide light, heat, cooling, or mechanical or electrical energy for use in facilities or other activities; or

(2) The use of integrated whole-building designs that rely upon renewable energy resources, including passive solar design.

(c)(1) The offeror must identify products that—

(i) Are compliant with the recovered and post-consumer material content levels recommended in the Recovered Materials Advisory Notices (RMANs) for EPA-designated products in the CPG program (http://www.epa.gov/cpg/);

(ii) Contain recovered materials that either do not meet the recommended levels in the RMANs or are not EPA-designated products in the CPG program (see FAR 23.401 and http://www.epa.gov/cpg/);

(iii) Are energy-efficient, as defined by either ENERGY STAR^® and/or FEMP's designated top 25th percentile levels (see ENERGY STAR^® at http://www.energystar.gov/ and FEMP at http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/);

(iv) Are water-efficient;

(v) Use renewable energy technology;

(vi) Are remanufactured; and

(vii) Have other environmental attributes.

(2) These identifications must be made in each of the offeror's following mediums:

(i) The offer itself.

(ii) Printed commercial catalogs, brochures, and pricelists.

(iii) Online product website.

(iv) Electronic data submission for GSA Advantage! submitted via GSA's Schedules Input Program (SIP) software or the Electronic Data Inter-change (EDI). Offerors can use the SIP or EDI methods to indicate environmental and other attributes for each product that is translated into respective icons in GSA Advantage!.

(d) An offeror, in identifying an item with an environmental attribute, must possess evidence or rely on a reasonable basis to substantiate the claim (see 16 CFR part 260, Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims). The Government will accept an offeror's claim of an item's environmental attribute on the basis of—

(1) Participation in a Federal agency-sponsored program (e.g., the EPA and DOE ENERGY STAR^® product labeling program);

(2) Verification by an independent organization that specializes in certifying such claims; or

(3) Possession of competent and reliable evidence. For any test, analysis, research, study, or other evidence to be “competent and reliable,” it must have been conducted and evaluated in an objective manner by persons qualified to do so, using procedures generally accepted in the profession to yield accurate and reliable results.

Either party may cancel this contract in whole or in part by providing written notice. The cancellation will take effect 30 calendar days after the other party receives the notice of cancellation. If the Contractor elects to cancel this contract, the Government will not reimburse the minimum guarantee.

(a) Reporting of Federal Supply Schedule Sales. The Contractor shall report all contract sales under this contract as follows:

(1) The Contractor shall accurately report the dollar value, in U.S. dollars and rounded to the nearest whole dollar, of all sales under this contract by calendar quarter (January 1–March 31, April 1–June 30, July 1–September 30, and October 1–December 31). The dollar value of a sale is the price paid by the Schedule user for products and services on a Schedule task or delivery order. The reported contract sales value shall include the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF). The Contractor shall maintain a consistent accounting method of sales reporting, based on the Contractor's established commercial accounting practice. The acceptable points at which sales may be reported include—

(i) Receipt of order;

(ii) Shipment or delivery, as applicable;

(iii) Issuance of an invoice; or

(iv) Payment.

(2) Contract sales shall be reported to FSS within 30 calendar days following the completion of each reporting quarter. The Contractor shall continue to furnish quarterly reports, including “zero” sales, through physical completion of the last outstanding task order or delivery order of the contract.

(3) Reportable sales under the contract are those resulting from sales of contract items to authorized users unless the purchase was conducted pursuant to a separate contracting authority such as a Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC); a separately awarded FAR Part 12, FAR Part 13, FAR Part 14, or FAR Part 15 procurement; or a non-FAR contract. Sales made to state and local governments under Cooperative Purchasing authority shall be counted as reportable sales for IFF purposes.

(4) The Contractor shall electronically report the quarterly dollar value of sales, including “zero” sales, by utilizing the automated reporting system at an Internet website designated by the General Services Administration (GSA)'s Federal Supply Service (FSS). Prior to using this automated system, the Contractor shall complete contract registration with the FSS Vendor Support Center (VSC). The website address, as well as registration instructions and reporting procedures, will be provided at the time of award. The Contractor shall report sales separately for each National Stock Number (NSN), Special Item Number (SIN), or sub-item.

(5) The Contractor shall convert the total value of sales made in foreign currency to U.S. dollars using the “Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange” issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Financial Management Service. The Contractor shall use the issue of the Treasury report in effect on the last day of the calendar quarter. The report is available from Financial Management Service, International Funds Branch, Telephone: (202) 874–7994, Internet: http://www.fms.treas.gov/intn.html.

(b) The Contractor shall remit the IFF at the rate set by GSA's FSS.

(1) The Contractor shall remit the IFF to FSS in U.S. dollars within 30 calendar days after the end of the reporting quarter; final payment shall be remitted within 30 days after physical completion of the last outstanding task order or delivery order of the contract.

(2) The IFF represents a percentage of the total quarterly sales reported. This percentage is set at the discretion of GSA's FSS. GSA's FSS has the unilateral right to change the percentage at any time, but not more than once per year. FSS will provide reasonable notice prior to the effective date of the change. The IFF reimburses FSS for the costs of operating the Federal Supply Schedules Program and recoups its operating costs from ordering activities. Offerors must include the IFF in their prices. The fee is included in the award price(s) and reflected in the total amount charged to ordering activities. FSS will post notice of the current IFF at http://72a.fss.gsa.gov/ or successor website as appropriate.

(c) Within 60 days of award, an FSS representative will provide the Contractor with specific written procedural instructions on remitting the IFF. FSS reserves the unilateral right to change such instructions from time to time, following notification to the Contractor.

(d) Failure to remit the full amount of the IFF within 30 calendar days after the end of the applicable reporting period constitutes a contract debt to the United States Government under the terms of FAR Subpart 32.6. The Government may exercise all rights under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, including withholding or setting off payments and interest on the debt (see FAR clause 52.232–17, Interest). Should the Contractor fail to submit the required sales reports, falsify them, or fail to timely pay the IFF, this is sufficient cause for the Government to terminate the contract for cause.

(a) Before award of a contract, the Contracting Officer and the Offeror will agree upon (1) the customer (or category of customers) which will be the basis of award, and (2) the Government's price or discount relationship to the identified customer (or category of customers). This relationship shall be maintained through out the contract period. Any change in the Contractor's commercial pricing or discount arrangement applicable to the identified customer (or category of customers) which disturbs this relationship shall constitute a price reduction.

(b) During the contract period, the Contractor shall report to the Contracting Officer all price reductions to the customer (or category of customers) that was the basis of award. The Contractor's report shall include an explanation of the conditions under which the reductions were made.

(c)(1) A price reduction shall apply to purchases under this contract if, after the date negotiations conclude, the Contractor—

(i) Revises the commercial catalog, pricelist, schedule or other document upon which contract award was predicated to reduce prices;

(ii) Grants more favorable discounts or terms and conditions than those contained in the commercial catalog, pricelist, schedule or other documents upon which contract award was predicated; or

(iii) Grants special discounts to the customer (or category of customers) that formed the basis of award, and the change disturbs the price/discount relationship of the Government to the customer (or category of customers) that was the basis of award.

(2) The Contractor shall offer the price reduction to the Government with the same effective date, and for the same time period, as extended to the commercial customer (or category of customers).

(d) There shall be no price reduction for sales—

(1) To commercial customers under firm, fixed-price definite quantity contracts with specified delivery in excess of the maximum order threshold specified in this contract;

(2) To Federal agencies;

(3) Made to State and local government entities when the order is placed under this contract (and the State and local government entity is the agreed upon customer or category of customer that is the basis of award); or

(4) Caused by an error in quotation or billing, provided adequate documentation is furnished by the Contractor to the Contracting Officer.

(e) The Contractor may offer the Contracting Officer a voluntary Governmentwide price reduction at any time during the contract period.

(f) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of any price reduction subject to this clause as soon as possible, but not later than 15 calendar days after its effective date.

(g) The contractor will be modified to reflect any price reduction which becomes applicable in accordance with this clause.

(d)(2) To eligible ordering activities under this contract; or

Ordering activity (also called “ordering agency” and “ordering office”) means an eligible ordering activity (see 552.238–78) authorized to place orders under Federal Supply Schedule contracts.

(a) This solicitation is issued to establish contracts which may be used on a nonmandatory basis by the agencies and activities named below, as a source of supply for the supplies or services described herein, for domestic and/or overseas delivery. For Special Item Number 132–53, Wireless Services ONLY, limited geographic coverage (consistent with the Offeror's commercial practice) may be proposed.

(1) Executive agencies (as defined in FAR Subpart 2.1) including nonappropriated fund activities as prescribed in 41 CFR 101–26.000);

(2) Government contractors authorized in writing by a Federal agency pursuant to FAR 51.1;

(3) Mixed ownership Government corporations (as defined in the Government Corporation Control Act);

(4) Federal Agencies, including establishments in the legislative or judicial branch of government (except the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Architect of the Capitol and any activities under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol).

(5) The District of Columbia;

(6) Tribal governments when authorized under 25 U.S.C. 450j(k);

(7) Qualified Nonprofit Agencies as authorized under 40 U.S.C. 502(b); and

(8) Organizations, other than those identified in paragraph (d) of this clause, authorized by GSA pursuant to statute or regulation to use GSA as a source of supply.

(b) Definitions. Domestic delivery is delivery within the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and U.S. territories. Domestic delivery also includes a port or consolidation point, within the aforementioned areas, for orders received from overseas activities.

Overseas delivery is delivery to points outside of the 48 contiguous states, Washington, DC, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.

(c) Offerors are requested to check one of the following boxes:

o Contractor will provide domestic and overseas delivery.

o Contractor will provide overseas delivery only.

o Contractor will provide domestic delivery only.

(d) The following activities may place orders against information technology schedule 70 contracts and Consolidated Products and Services Schedule contracts containing information technology special item numbers, on an optional basis; PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts order(s) from such activities:

State and local government, includes any state, local, regional or tribal government or any instrumentality thereof (including any local educational agency or institution of higher learning).

(e) Articles or services may be ordered from time to time in such quantities as may be needed to fill any requirement, subject to the Order Limitations thresholds which will be specified in resultant contracts. Overseas activities may place orders directly with schedule contractors for delivery to CONUS port or consolidation point.

(f)(1) The Contractor is obligated to accept orders received from activities within the Executive branch of the Federal Government.

(2) The Contractor is not obligated to accept orders received from activities outside the Executive branch; however, the Contractor is encouraged to accept such orders. If the Contractor elects to accept such orders, all provisions of the contract shall apply, including clause 552.232–79, Payment by Credit Card. If the Contractor is unwilling to accept such orders, and the proposed method of payment is not through the Credit Card, the Contractor shall return the order by mail or other means of delivery within 5 workdays from receipt. If the Contractor is unwilling to accept such orders, and the proposed method of payment is through the Credit Card, the Contractor must so advise the ordering activity within 24 hours of receipt of order. (Reference clause 552.232–79, Payment by Credit Card.) Failure to return an order or advise the ordering activity within the time frames of this paragraph shall constitute acceptance whereupon all provisions of the contract shall apply.

(g) The Government is obligated to purchase under each resultant contract a guaranteed minimum of $2,500 (two thousand, five hundred dollars) during the contract term.

(a) If an entity identified in paragraph (d) of the clause at 552.238–78, Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities), elects to place an order under this contract, the entity agrees that the order shall be subject to the following conditions:

(1) When the Contractor accepts an order from such an entity, a separate contract is formed which incorporates by reference all the terms and conditions of the Schedule contract except the Disputes clause, the patent indemnity clause, and the portion of the Commercial Item Contract Terms and Conditions that specifies “Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts” (which applies only to contracts with entities of the Executive branch of the U.S. Government). The parties to this new contract which incorporates the terms and conditions of the Schedule contract are the individual ordering activity and the Contractor. The U.S. Government shall not be liable for the performance or nonperformance of the new contract. Disputes which cannot be resolved by the parties to the new contract may be litigated in any State or Federal court with jurisdiction over the parties, applying Federal procurement law, including statutes, regulations and case law, and, if pertinent, the Uniform Commercial Code. To the extent authorized by law, parties to this new contract are encouraged to resolve disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Likewise, a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), although not a contract, is an agreement that may be entered into by the Contractor with such an entity and the Federal Government is not a party.

(2) Where contract clauses refer to action by a Contracting Officer or a Contracting Officer of GSA, that shall mean the individual responsible for placing the order for the ordering activity (e.g., FAR 52.212–4 at paragraph (f) and FSS clause I-FSS-249 B.)

(3) As a condition of using this contract, eligible ordering activities agree to abide by all terms and conditions of the Schedule contract, except for those deleted clauses or portions of clauses mentioned in paragraph (a)(1) of this clause. Ordering activities may include terms and conditions required by statute, ordinance, regulation, order, or as otherwise allowed by State and local government entities as a part of a statement of work (SOW) or statement of objective (SOO) to the extent that these terms and conditions do not conflict with the terms and conditions of the Schedule contract. The ordering activity and the Contractor expressly acknowledge that, in entering into an agreement for the ordering activity to purchase goods or services from the Contractor, neither the ordering activity nor the Contractor will look to, primarily or in any secondary capacity, or file any claim against the United States or any of its agencies with respect to any failure of performance by the other party.

(4) The ordering activity is responsible for all payments due the Contractor under the contract formed by acceptance of the ordering activity's order, without recourse to the agency of the U.S. Government, which awarded the Schedule contract.

(5) The Contractor is encouraged, but not obligated, to accept orders from such entities. The Contractor may, within 5 days of receipt of the order, decline to accept any order, for any reason. The Contractor shall fulfill orders placed by such entities, which are not declined within the 5-day period.

(6) The supplies or services purchased will be used for governmental purposes only and will not be resold for personal use. Disposal of property acquired will be in accordance with the established procedures of the ordering activity for the disposal of personal property.

(b) If the Schedule Contractor accepts an order from an entity identified in paragraph (d) of the clause at 552.238–78, Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities), the Contractor agrees to the following conditions:

(1) The ordering activity is responsible for all payments due the Contractor for the contract formed by acceptance of the order, without recourse to the agency of the U.S. Government, which awarded the Schedule contract.

(2) The Contractor is encouraged, but not obligated, to accept orders from such entities. The Contractor may, within 5 days of receipt of the order, decline to accept any order, for any reason. The Contractor shall decline the order using the same means as those used to place the order. The Contractor shall fulfill orders placed by such entities, which are not declined within the 5-day period.

(c) In accordance with clause 552.238–74, Industrial Funding Fee and Sales Reporting, the Contractor must report the quarterly dollar value of all sales under this contract. When submitting sales reports, the Contractor must report two dollar values for each Special Item Number:

(1) The dollar value for sales to entities identified in paragraph (a) of the clause at 552.238–78, Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities), and

(2) The dollar value for sales to entities identified in paragraph (d) of clause 552.238–78.

(a) The Contractor shall furnish to the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) a report covering orders received and shipments made during each calendar month of contract performance. The information required by the Government shall be reported on GSA Form 1678, Status Report of Orders and Shipments, in accordance with instructions on the form. The information required by the GSA Form 1678 may also be submitted in an automated printout form if authorized by the ACO. Alternatively, the required information may be reported by electronic data interchange using ANSI standards. For further information, contact GSA, Contract Administration Division [Insert appropriate telephone number of FQC] Reports shall be forwarded to the ACO no later than the seventh workday of the succeeding month.

(b) An initial supply of GSA Form 1678 will be forwarded to the Contractor with the contract. Additional copies of the form, if needed, may be obtained from the ACO, or reproduced by the Contractor.

When costs are a factor in any determination of a contract price adjustment, such costs shall be in accordance with the contract cost principles and procedures in Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Part 31) in effect on the date of this contract.

(a) The provisions of the “Changes” clause prescribed by FAR 52.243–4 are supplemented as follows:

(1) Upon written request, the Contractor shall submit a proposal, in accordance with the requirements and limitations set forth in the “Equitable Adjustments” clause, for work involving contemplated changes covered by the request. The proposal shall be submitted within the time limit indicated in the request or any extension of such time limit as may be subsequently granted. The Contractor's written statement of the monetary extent of a claim for equitable adjustment shall be submitted in the following form:

(i) Proposals totaling $5,000 or less shall be submitted in the form of a lump sum proposal with supporting information to clearly relate elements of cost with specific items of work involved to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer, or his/her authorized representative.

(ii) For proposals in excess of $5,000, the claim for equitable adjustment shall be submitted in the form of a lump sum proposal supported with an itemized breakdown of all increases and decreases in the contract in at least the following detail:

Direct Costs

Material quantities by trades and unit costs

(Manufacturing burden associated with material fabrication performed will be considered to be part of the material costs of the fabricated item delivered to the job site)

Labor breakdown by trades and unit costs

(Identified with specific item of material to be placed or operation to be performed)

Construction equipment exclusively necessary for the change

Costs of preparation and/or revision to shop drawings resulting from the change

Workers' Compensation and Public Liability Insurance

Employment taxes under FICA and FUTA

Bond Costs—when size of change warrants revision

Overhead, Profit and Commission

(2) The allowable overhead shall be determined in accordance with the contract cost principles and procedures in Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR part 31) in effect on the date of this contract. The percentages for profit and commission shall be negotiated and may vary according to the nature, extent and complexity of the work involved, but in no case shall exceed the following unless the Contractor demonstrates entitlement to a higher percentage:

(a) General. The Contractor may request a contract modification by submitting a request to the Contracting Officer for approval, except as noted in paragraph (d) of this clause. At a minimum, every request shall describe the proposed change(s) and provide the rationale for the requested change(s).

(b) Types of Modifications.

(1) Additional items/additional SINs. When requesting additions, the following information must be submitted:

(i) Information requested in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the Commercial Sales Practice Format to add SINs.

(ii) Discount information for the new item(s) or new SIN(s). Specifically, submit the information requested in paragraphs 3 through 5 of the Commercial Sales Practice Format. This information is the same as the initial award, a statement to that effect may be submitted instead.

(iii) Information about the new item(s) or the item(s) under the new SIN(s) as described in 552.212–70, Preparation of Offer (Multiple Award Schedule) is required.

(iv) Delivery time(s) for the new item(s) or the items under the new SIN(s) must be submitted in accordance with 552.211–78, Commercial Delivery Schedule (Multiple Award Schedule).

(v) Production point(s) for the new item(s) or the item(s) under the new SIN(s) must be submitted if required by 52.215–6, Place of Performance.

(vi) Hazardous material information (if applicable) must be submitted as required by 52.223–3 (ALT I), Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data.

(vii) Any information requested by 52.212–3(f), Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, that may be necessary to assure compliance with FAR 52.225–1, Buy American Act—Balance of Payments Programs—Supplies.

(2) Deletions. The Contractor shall provide an explanation for the deletion. The Government reserves the right to reject any subsequent offer of the same item or a substantially equal item at a higher price during the same contract period, if the contracting officer finds the higher price to be unreasonable when compared with the deleted item.

(3) Price Reduction. The Contractor shall indicate whether the price reduction falls under item (i), (ii), or (iii) of paragraph (c)(1) of the Price Reductions clause at 552.238–75. If the price reduction falls under item (i), the Contractor shall submit a copy of the dated commercial price list. If the price reduction falls under item (ii) or (iii), the Contractor shall submit a copy of the applicable price list(s), bulletins or letters or customer agreements which outline the effective date, duration, terms and conditions of the price reduction.

(c) Effective Dates. The effective date of any modification is the date specified in the modification, except as otherwise provided in the Price Reductions clause at 552.238–75.

(d) Electronic File Updates. The Contractor shall update electronic file submissions to reflect all modifications. For additional items or SINs, the Contractor shall obtain the contracting officer's approval before transmitting changes. Contract modifications will not be made effective until the Government receives the electronic file updates. The Contractor may transmit price reductions, item deletions, and corrections without prior approval. However, the Contractor shall notify the contracting officer as set forth in the Price Reductions clause at 552.238–75.

(e) Amendments to Paper Supply Schedule Price Lists.

(1) The Contractor must provide supplements to its paper price lists, reflecting the most current changes. The Contractor may either:

(i) Distribute a supplemental paper Federal Supply Schedule Price List within 15 workdays after the effective date of each modification.

(ii) Distribute quarterly cumulative supplements. The period covered by a cumulative supplement is at the discretion of the Contractor, but may not exceed three calendar months from the effective date of the earliest modification. For example, if the first modification occurs in February, the quarterly supplement must cover February—April, and every 3 month period after. The Contractor must distribute each quarterly cumulative supplement within 15 workdays from the last day of the calendar quarter.

(2) At a minimum, the Contractor shall distribute each supplement to those ordering activities that previously received the basic document. In addition, the Contractor shall submit two copies of each supplement to the contracting officer, and one copy to the FSS Schedule Information Center.

(a) Definitions. “Acceptance,” as used in this clause, means the act of an authorized representative of the Government by which the Government assumes for itself, or as an agent of another, ownership of existing supplies, or approves specific services as partial or complete performance of the contract.

“Correction,” as used in this clause, means the elimination of a defect.

“Supplies,” as used in this clause, means the end item furnished by the Contractor and related services required under the contract. The word does not include “data.”

(b) Contractor's obligations.

(1) Notwithstanding inspection and acceptance by the Government of supplies furnished under this contract, or any condition of this contract concerning the conclusiveness thereof, the Contractor warrants that for ____*____

(i) All supplies furnished under this contract will be free from defects in material or workmanship and will conform with the requirements of this contract; and

(ii) The preservation, packaging, packing, and marking, and the preparation for, and method of, shipment of such applies will conform with the requirements of this contract.

(2) When return, correction, or replacement is required, the Contractor shall be responsible for all costs attendant to the return, correction or replacement of the nonconforming supplies. Any removal in connection with the above shall be done by the Contractor at its expense. However, the Contractor's liability for the transportation charges shall not exceed an amount equal to the cost of transportation by the usual commercial method of shipment between the place of delivery specified in the contract and the Contractor's plant, and return.

(3) Any supplies or parts thereof, corrected or furnished in replacement under this clause, shall also be subject to the terms of this clause to the same extent as supplies initially delivered. The warranty, with respect to supplies or parts thereof, shall be equal in duration to that in paragraph (b)(1) of this clause and shall run from the date of delivery of the corrected or replaced supplies.

(4) All implied warranties of merchantability and “fitness for a particular purpose” are excluded from any obligation contained in this contract.

(c) Remedies available to the Government.

(1) The Contracting Officer shall give written notice to the Contractor of any breach of warranties in paragraph (b)(1) of this clause with ____*____. This notice shall contain information concerning the deficiencies found, the location of the nonconforming supplies, and the quantity involved.

(2) Within a reasonable time after the notice, the Contracting Officer may either—

(i) Require, by written notice, the prompt correction or replacement of any supplies or parts thereof (including preservation, packaging, packing, and marking) that do not conform with the requirements of this contract within the meaning of paragraph (b)(1) of this clause; or

(ii) Retain such supplies and reduce the contract price by an amount equitable under the circumstances. When the nature of the defect in the nonconforming item is such that the defect affects an entire batch or lot of material, then the equitable price adjustment shall apply to the entire batch or lot of material from which the nonconforming item was taken.

(3)(i) If the contract provides for inspection of supplies by sampling procedures, conformance of supplies or components subject to warranty action shall be determined by the applicable sampling procedures in the contract. The Contracting Officer—

(A) May, for sampling purposes, group any supplies delivered under this contract;

(B) Shall require the size of the sample to be that required by sampling procedures specified in the contract for the quantity of supplies on which warranty action is proposed;

(C) May project warranty sampling results over supplies in the same shipment or other supplies contained in other shipments even though all of such supplies are not present at the point of reinspection; provided, that the supplies remaining are reasonably representative of the quantity on which warranty action is proposed; and

(D) Need not use the same lot size as on original inspection or reconstitute the original inspection lots.

(ii) Within a reasonable time after notice of any breach of the warranties specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this clause, the Contracting Officer may exercise one or more of the following options:

(A) Require an equitable adjustment in the contract price for any group of supplies.

(B) Screen the supplies grouped for warranty action under this clause at the Contractor's expense and return all nonconforming supplies to the Contractor for correction or replacement.

(C) Require the Contractor to screen the supplies at locations designated by the Government within the continental United States and to correct or replace all nonconforming supplies.

(D) Return the supplies grouped for warranty action under this clause to the Contractor (irrespective of the f.o.b. point or the point of acceptance) for screening and correction or replacement. All costs incurred by the Government in returning the nonconforming supplies, including costs to the freight carrier resulting from the Contractor's refusal to accept their return, shall be for the Contractor's account.

(4)(i) The Contracting Officer may, by contract or otherwise, correct or replace the nonconforming supplies with similar supplies from another source and charge to the Contractor the cost occasioned to the Government thereby if the Contractor—

(A) Fails to make redelivery of the corrected or replaced supplies within the time established for their return; or

(B) Fails either to accept return of the nonconforming supplies or fails to make progress after their return to correct or replace them so as to endanger performance of the delivery schedule, and in either of these circumstances does not cure such failure within a period of 10 days (or such longer period as the Contracting Officer may authorize in writing) after receipt of notice from the Contracting Officer specifying such failure.

(ii) Instead of correction or replacement by the Government, the Contracting Officer may require an equitable adjustment of the contract price for all nonconforming supplies, including batch or lot materials which either have been consumed or other disposition has been made. In addition, if the Contractor fails to furnish timely disposition instructions, the Contracting Officer may return the supplies for screening and correction or replacement under subparagraph (c)(3)(ii)(D) above; store the nonconforming supplies for the Contractor's account; sell the nonconforming supplies to the highest bidder on the open market and apply the proceeds against the accumulated storage and other costs, including the cost of the sale; or otherwise dispose of the nonconforming supplies for the Contractor's account in a reasonable manner. The Government is entitled to reimbursement from the Contractor, or from the proceeds of such disposal, for the reasonable expenses of the care and disposition of the nonconforming supplies, as well as for excess costs incurred or to be incurred.

(5) The rights and remedies of the Government provided in this clause are in addition to and do not limit any rights afforded to the Government by any other clause of this contract.

(6) Unless otherwise provided, this warranty is applicable both within and outside the continental limits of the United States.

(7) In addition to other marking requirements of this contract, the Contractor shall stamp or mark the supplies delivered or otherwise furnish notice with the supplies of the existence of the warranty. The marking should briefly include (i) a statement that the warranty exists, (ii) the substance of the warranty, (iii) its duration, and (iv) whom to notify if the supplies are found to be defective.

(i) Are of a quality to pass without objection in the trade under the contract description;

(ii) Are fit for the ordinary purposes for which the supplies are used;

(iii) Are within the variations permitted by the contract, and are of an even kind, quality, and quantity within each unit and among all units;

(iv) Are adequately contained, packaged, and marked as the contract may require; and

(v) Conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on the container.

(i) Conform to the specifications except that in the case of solvent systems, the viscosity may exceed the specified maximum by 10 Kreb Units, unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this contract; and

(ii) Are suitable for their intended purpose as stated in this contact.

(c) Government surveillance and testing.

(1) During this period, surveillance will be maintained on supplies warehoused in Government facilities; and the supplies will be tested periodically to determine their suitability for intended use. Sampling for surveillance testing will be in accordance with Military Standard No. 105, and such testing will be made after NORMAL MIXING, STIRRING, OR SHAKING, in accordance with directions either furnished with the supplies or as shown in the applicable specifications.

(2) Surveillance testing will be based on storage stability requirements set forth in the contract specification, or purchase description on the basis of salient characteristics (e.g., viscosity or sag flow, curing time, strip adhesion or tensile shear, etc.) established by GSA as appropriate to determine suitability for intended use. In the case of brand name items not covered by detailed purchase descriptions, surveillance testing may be based on salient characteristics included in the manufacturer's data sheets. If storage stability requirements showing allowable variations are not included in applicable specifications or elsewhere in the contract, material will be considered suitable for intended use if the salient characteristics vary not more than 20 percent from the originally specified values (i.e., those applicable to acceptance testing of the supplies) for noncritical end-use items, and not more then 10 percent for critical end-use items.

(a) Inspection system and inspection facilities.

(1) The inspection system maintained by the Contractor under the Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price clause (FAR 52.246–2) of this contract shall be maintained throughout the contract period and shall comply with all requirements of editions in effect on the date of the solicitation of either Federal Standard 368 or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9001 (ANSI/ASQC Q 91) (Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Design/Development, Production, Installation and Servicing), or ISO Standard 9002 (ANSI/ASQC Q 92) (Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Production and Installation). The ISO 9000 family of standards is a set of worldwide standards used to document, implement and demonstrate quality assurance systems. When using the ISO option the Contractor's quality system must be registered by a third party registrar accredited by either the Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB) or an organization recognized as equivalent. A written description of the inspection system shall be made available to the Government before contract award. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the designated GSA quality assurance office of any changes made in the inspection system during the contract period. As used herein, the term “inspection system” means the Contractor's own facility or any other facility acceptable to the Government that will be used to perform inspections or tests of materials and components before incorporation into end articles and for inspection of such end articles before shipment. When the manufacturing plant is located outside of the United States, the Contractor shall arrange delivery of the items from a plant or warehouse located in the United States (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) equipped to perform all inspections and tests required by the contract or specifications to evidence conformance therewith, or shall arrange with a testing laboratory or other facility in the United States, acceptable to the Government, to perform the required inspections and tests.

(2) In addition to the requirements in Federal Standard 368, ISO 9001 or ISO 9002 records shall include the date when inspection and testing were performed. These records shall be available for (i) 3 years after final payment; or (ii) 4 years from the end of the Contractor's fiscal year in which the record was created, whichever period expires first.

(3) Offerors are required to specify, in the space provided elsewhere in this solicitation, the name and address of each manufacturing plant or other facility where supplies will be available for inspection, indicating the item number(s) to which each applies.

(4) Within 10 calendar days after receipt of the written notice of award, the Contractor shall provide the Administrative Contracting Officer with the name of the individual and an alternate that will be responsible for inspecting each shipment under this contract.

(b) Inspection and receiving reports.

(1) For each shipment released, one of the officials named by the Contractor under paragraph (a)(4) above shall sign a Quality Approved Manufacturer Certificate certifying that supplies have been inspected and found to comply with contract requirements. The certification shall read as follows:

“I certify that all items in this shipment have been listed herein, and have been inspected and found to comply with all requirements of the contract.”

Signature of Certifying Official

(2) For shipments made to military facilities, the Contractor shall prepare and distribute the DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, or computer formatted equivalent of the form not later than the close of business the workday following shipment. The certification above shall be placed in block 16 on this form. The Contractor will be provided a supply of the DD Form 250 with complete instructions for preparation and distribution.

(3) For shipments made to civilian facilities only, the Contractor shall prepare and distribute not later than the close of business the workday following shipment a certification of inspection and conformance for the identified items, in accordance with instructions furnished at the time of award. The Contractor may furnish the requisite information on the DD Form 250 or computer formatted equivalent, company letterhead, or invoice document.

(c) Inspection by Government personnel.

(1) Although the Government will normally rely upon the Contractor's certification as to the quality of supplies shipped, it reserves the right under the Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price clause to inspect and test all supplies called for by this contract, before acceptance, at all times and places, including the point of manufacture. When the Government notifies the Contractor of its intent to inspect supplies before shipment, the Contractor shall notify or arrange for subcontractors to notify the designated GSA quality assurance office 7 workdays before the date when supplies will be ready for inspection. Shipment shall not be made until inspection by the Government is completed and shipment is authorized by the Government.

(2) Government inspection responsibility will be assigned the GSA quality assurance office which has jurisdiction over the State in which the Contractor's or subcontractor's plant or other designated point for inspection is located.

(3) During the contract period, a Government representative may periodically select samples of supplies produced under this contract for verification inspection and testing. Samples sent to a Government testing facility will be disposed of as follows: Samples from an accepted lot, not damaged in the testing process, will be returned promptly to the Contractor after completion of tests. Samples damages in the testing process will be disposed of as requested by the Contractor. Samples from a rejected lot will be returned to the Contractor or disposed of in a time and manner agreeable to both the Contractor and the Government.

(d) Quality deficiencies.

(1) Notwithstanding any other clause of this contract concerning the conclusiveness of acceptance by the Government, any supplies or production lots shipped under this contract found to be defective in material or workmanship, or otherwise not in conformity with the requirements of this contract within a period of ____*____ months after acceptance shall, at the Government's option, be replaced, repaired or otherwise corrected by the Contractor at no cost to the Government within 30 calendar days (or such longer period as the Government may authorize in writing) after receipt of notice to replace or correct. The Contractor shall remove, at its expense, supplies rejected or required to be replaced, repaired or corrected. When the nature of the defect affects an entire batch or lot of supplies, and the Contracting Officer determines that correction can best be accomplished by retaining the nonconforming supplies and reducing the contract price by an amount equitable under the circumstances, then the equitable price adjustment shall apply to the entire batch or lot of supplies from which the nonconforming item was taken.

(2) If supplies in process, shipped, or awaiting shipment to fill Government orders are found not to comply with contract requirements, or if deficiencies in either plant quality or process controls are found, the Contractor may be issued a Quality Deficiency Notice (QDN). Upon receipt of a QDN, the Contractor shall take immediate corrective action and shall suspend shipment of the supplies covered by the QDN until such time as corrective action has been completed. The Contractor shall notify the GSA quality assurance office, within 5 workdays, of corrective action taken or to be taken to permit on site verification by a Government representative. Shipments of nonconforming supplies will be returned at the Contractor's expense and may constitute cause for termination. Delays due to the insurance of a QDN do not constitute excusable delay under the Default clause. Failure to complete corrective action in a timely manner may result in termination of this contract.

(3) This contract may be terminated for default if subsequent Government inspection discloses that plant quality or process controls are not being maintained, supplies which do not meet the requirements of the specification are being shipped, or there is failure to comply with any other requirement of this clause.

(e) Additional cost for inspection and testing. The Contractor will be charged for any additional cost of inspection/testing or reinspecting/retesting supplies for the reasons stated in paragraph (e) of FAR 52.246–2, Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price. When inspection or testing is performed by or under the direction of GSA, charges will be at the rate of $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof if the inspection is at a GSA distribution center; $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof, plus travel costs incurred, if the inspection is at any other location; and $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof for laboratory testing, except that when a testing facility other than a GSA laboratory performs all or part of the required tests, the Contractor shall be assessed the actual cost incurred by the Government as a result of testing at such facility. When inspection is performed by or under the direction of any agency other than GSA, the charges indicated above may be used, or the agency may assess the actual cost of performing the inspection and testing.

(f) Responsibility for rejected supplies. When the Contractor fails to remove or provide instructions for the removal of rejected supplies under paragraph (d) above, pursuant to the Contracting Officer's instructions, the Contractor shall be liable for all costs incurred by the Government in taking such measures as are expedient to avoid unnecessary loss to the Contractor. In addition to the remedies provided in FAR 52.246–2, supplies may be—

(1) Stored for the Contractor's account;

(2) Reshipped to the Contractor at its expense (any additional expense incurred by the Government or the freight carrier caused by the refusal of the Contractor to accept their return also shall be for the Contractor's account); or

(3) Sold to the highest bidder on the open market and the proceeds applied against the accumulated storage and other costs, including the cost of the sale.

(g) Subcontracting requirements. The Contractor shall insert in any subcontracts the inspection or testing provisions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this clause and the Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price clause of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for compliance by any subcontractor with the provisions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this clause and the Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price clause.

(a) Inspection by Government personnel.

(1) Supplies to be furnished under this contract will be inspected at source by the Government before shipment from the manufacturing plant or other facility designated by the Contractor, unless the Contractor is otherwise notified in writing by the Contracting Officer or a designated representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Government may perform any or all tests contained in the contract specifications at a Government facility without prior written notice by the Contracting Officer before release of the supplies for shipment. Samples sent to a Government resting facility will be disposed of as follows: Samples from an accepted lot, not damaged in the testing process, will be returned promptly to the Contractor after completion of tests. Samples damaged in the testing process will be disposed of as requested by the Contractor. Samples from a rejected lot will be returned to the Contractor or disposed of in a time and manner agreeable to both the Contractor and the Government.

(2) Government inspection responsibility will be assigned to the GSA quality assurance office which has jurisdiction over the State in which the Contractor's subcontractor's plant or other designated point for inspection is located. The Contractor shall notify or arrange for subcontractors to notify the designated GSA quality assurance office 7 workdays before the date when supplies will be ready for inspection. Shipment shall not be made until after inspection by the Government is completed and shipment is authorized by Government.

(b) Inspection and receiving reports. For each shipment, the Contractor shall be responsible for preparation and distribution of inspection documents as follows: (1) DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report, or computer formatted equivalent for deliveries to military agencies; or (2) GSA Form 308, Notice of Inspection for deliveries to GSA or other civilian agencies. When required, the Contractor will be furnished a supply of GSA Form 308 and/or DD Form 250, and complete instructions for their reparation and distribution.

(c) Inspection facilities.

(1) The inspection system required to be maintained by the Contractor in accordance with FAR 52.246–2, Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price, may be the Contractor's own facilities or any other facilities acceptable to the Government. The facilities shall be utilized to perform all inspections and tests of materials and components before incorporation into end articles, and for the inspection of such end articles before shipment. The Government reserves the right to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the Contractor's inspection system before award and periodically during the contract period.

(2) Offerors are required to specify, in the spaces provided elsewhere in the solicitation, the name and address of each manufacturing plant or other facility where supplies will be available for inspection, indicating the item number(s) to which each applies.

(3) The Contractor shall deliver the items specified in this contract from a plant or warehouse located within the United States (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) that is equipped to perform all inspections and tests required by this contract or specifications to evidence conformance therewith, or shall arrange with a testing laboratory or other facility in the United States, acceptable to the Government, to perform the required inspections and tests.

(d) Availability of records.

(1) In addition to any other requirement of this contract, the Contractor shall maintain records showing the following information for each order received under the contract: (i) order number; (ii) date order received by the Contractor; (iii) quantity ordered; (iv) date scheduled into production; (v) batch or lot number, if applicable; (vi) date inspected and/or tested; (vii) date available for shipment; (viii) date shipped or date service completed; and (ix) National Stock Number (NSN), or if none is provided in the contract, the applicable item number or other contractual identification.

(2) These records should be maintained at the point of source inspection and shall be available to the Contracting Officer, or an authorized representative, for (i) 3 years after final payment; or (ii) 4 years from the end of the Contractor's fiscal year in which the record was created, whichever period expires first.

(e) Additional cost for inspection and testing. The Contractor will be charged for any additional cost for inspecting/testing or reinspection/retesting supplies for the reasons stated in paragraph (e) of FAR 52.246–2, Inspection of Supplies—Fixed Price. When inspection or testing is performed by or under the direction of GSA, charges will be at the rate of $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof if the inspection is at a GSA distribution center; $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof, plus travel costs incurred, if the inspection is at any other location; and $____*____ per man-hour or fraction thereof for laboratory testing, except that when a testing facility other than a GSA laboratory performs all or part of the required tests, the Contractor shall be assessed the actual cost incurred by the Government as a result of testing at such facility. When inspection is performed by or under the direction of any agency other than GSA, the charges indicated above may be used, or the agency may assess the actual cost of performing the inspection and testing.

(f) Responsibility for rejected supplies. When the Contractor fails to remove or provide instructions for the removal of rejected supplies under FAR 52.246–2(h) pursuant to the Contracting Officer's instructions, the Contractor shall be liable for all costs incurred by the Government in taking such measures as are expedient to avoid unnecessary loss to the Contractor. In addition to the remedies provided in FAR 52.246–2, supplies may be—

(1) Stored for the Contractor's account;

(2) Reshipped to the Contractor at its expense (any additional expense incurred by the Government or the freight carrier caused by the refusal of the Contractor to accept their return also shall be for the Contractor's account); or

(3) Sold to the highest bidder on the open market and the proceeds applied against the accumulated storage and other costs, including the cost of the sale.

The Contractor shall give written notice to the Contracting Officer at least 10 calendar days before the date the work will be completed and ready for final inspection and tests. Final inspection and tests will begin within 10 calendar days after the date specified in the Contractor's notice unless the Contracting Officer determines that the work is not ready for final inspection and so informs the Contractor.

(a) Applicable to domestic locations. Unless specified otherwise in this contract, the Contractor's standard commercial warranty as stated in the Contractor's commercial price list applies to this contract.

(b) Applicable to overseas destinations. Unless specified otherwise in this contract, the Contractor's standard commercial warranty as stated in the commercial price list applies to this contract, except as follows:

(1) The Contractor must provide, at a minimum, a warranty on all non-consumable parts for a period of 90 days from the date that the Government accepts the product.

(2) The Contractor must supply parts and labor required under the warranty provisions free of charge.

(3) The Contractor must bear the transportation costs of returning the products to and from the repair facility, or the costs involved with Contractor personnel traveling to The Government facility for the purpose of repairing the product onsite, during the 90-day warranty period.

(b)(3) The Contractor must bear the transportation costs of returning the products to and from the repair facility, or the costs involved with Contractor personnel traveling to the ordering activity facility for the purpose of repairing the product onsite, during the 90-day warranty period.

(a) Unless otherwise provided in the specifications, the Contractor guarantees all work to be in accordance with contract requirements and free from defective or inferior materials, equipment, and workmanship for 1 year after the date of final acceptance or the date the equipment or work was placed in use by the Government, whichever occurs first.

(b)(1) If, within any guarantee period, the Contracting Officer finds that guaranteed work requires repair or change because of defective or inferior materials, equipment, or workmanship or is not in accordance with contract requirements, the Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor in writing. The Contractor shall promptly, and without additional expense to the Government, correct:

(i) All guaranteed work;

(ii) All damage to equipment, the site, the building or its contents resulting from the unsatisfactory guaranteed work; and

(iii) Any work, materials, and equipment that are disturbed in fulfilling the guarantee, including any disturbed work, materials, and equipment that may have been guaranteed under another contract.

(2) If the Contractor fails to proceed promptly in accordance with the guarantee, the Government may have such work performed at the expense of the Contractor.

(c) Any special guarantees that may be required under the contract will be subject to paragraphs (a) and (b), insofar as they do not conflict with special guarantees.

(d) The Contractor shall furnish to the Government: (1) Each transferable guarantee or warranty of equipment, materials, or installation furnished by any manufacturer, supplier, or installer in the ordinary course of business; (2) All information required to make such guarantee or warranty legally binding and effective; and (3) The information and the guarantee or warranty in sufficient time to permit the Government to meet any time limit specified in the guarantee or warranty or, if no time limit is specified, prior to completion and acceptance of all work under this contract.

(a) Notwithstanding acceptance of pesticides by the Government, the Contractor warrants that for 1 year after the date of shipment, all pesticides furnished under this contract shall meet the requirements of Pub. L. 92–516, as amended, and shall be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

(b) If EPA takes action to stop sale, stop use, remove, seize, or cancel registration of a pesticide within 1 year after date of shipment, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer. The notification will include: (1) contract number; (2) identification of the pesticide; (3) reason for the EPA action against the pesticide; and (4) list of Government agencies and addresses to which it was delivered.

When a railcar is loaded in such a manner that it can be or should be unloaded from only one side, the Contractor shall place on the appropriate railcar door a placard reading “UNLOAD FROM THIS SIDE” and on the opposite door a placard reading “UNLOAD FROM OTHER SIDE.”

(a) Notwithstanding paragraph (c) of the clause in this contract titled 52.212–4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, the Government has the unilateral right to make changes at any time within the general scope of this contract in either the:

(1) Method of shipment or packing.

(2) Place of delivery.

(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of this contract, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the contract price, the delivery schedule, or both. The Contractor must assert its right to an adjustment under this clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of a delivery order.

(c) The Government shall make no adjustment when supplies are identically priced for delivery regionally or nationally and the place of delivery is changed within the area to which the identical price applies. In all other cases, adjustments for changes in transportation costs under this clause shall be determined as follows:

(1) If the contractor ships by contract or common carrier, price adjustments shall be determined by comparing the cost of shipments to the new destination(s), as evidenced by copy of paid freight bills supplied by the Contractor with the invoice, to one of the following:

(i) The cost of shipments to the standard contract destination, as evidenced by copy of appropriate paid freight bills supplied by the Contractor.

(ii) If no shipments have been made to the standard contract destination, the cost as evidenced by the applicable rates of a common or contract carrier. If carrier rates are not publicly filed with a regulatory body (e.g., interstate shipments moving by rail piggyback service), the Contractor shall provide a copy of the contract, letter agreement, or other written communication from the carrier(s) quoting the rates/charges that would have applied for shipments to the standard contract destination.

(2) If (i) shipments to the new destination are made by the Contractor's owned or leased trucks or (ii) shipments to the original destination were or would have been made by the Contractor's owned or leased trucks, the Government shall determine the adjustment by substituting a rate equal to 70 percent of the lowest applicable rate published in common carrier rates as of the date of shipment for the Contractor's actual rate or contemplated transportation costs.

(d) If the copies of paid freight bills for a diverted shipment do not show, or make readily available, each of the following items,the Contractor shall supply a written statement showing the item(s):

(1) Full name of each carrier in the routing.

(2) Number of containers.

(3) Gross shipping weight.

(4) Actual date of shipping.

(5) Freight description for the supplies as indicated in the “National Motor Freight Classification” or the “Uniform Freight Classification” (Rail).

(a) If the Government terminates this contract for convenience, the rights of the Government and the Contractor shall be determined under paragraph (b) unless there is a termination liability schedule, in which case the rights of the parties shall be determined under paragraph (c).

(b) The clause at [Contracting Officer inserts 52.249–1 or 52.249–2, as applicable] of the FAR shall apply to the supply portion of the contract and the clauses at 52.249–4 of the FAR shall apply to the service portion of the contract.

(c) If the Contractor specifies a schedule of termination liability charges that would be incurred by the Government if the Government terminates this lease contract without taking title to the equipment, the payment of such charges shall be the only responsibility of the Government to compensate the Contractor for such termination; except that, there shall be no termination liability for equipment installed after termination of this contract.

(a) An offeror may submit, as part of its proposal, a termination liability schedule to be applied if any resultant contract is terminated by the Government for reasons other than default. The offeror shall provide and explain the amount and method of computation of the termination liability charge(s).

(b) If submitted, the termination liability schedule will be incorporated into Part I, Section B of the contract document. If a termination liability schedule is not submitted and the Government terminates any resultant contract for its convenience, the rights of the parties shall be determined under paragraph (b) of the GSAR Termination for Convenience of the Government clause at 552.249–70.

(c) Any termination liability charges existing at the end of the evaluated contract period will be considered in the evaluation of offers.

(a) Deviations to FAR provisions.

(1) This solicitation indicates any authorized deviation to a Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) provision by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the provision, if the provision is not published in the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 5).

(2) This solicitation indicates any authorized deviation to a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision that is published in the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation by the addition of “(DEVIATION (FAR provision no.))” after the date of the provision.

(b) Deviations to GSAR provisions. This solicitation indicates any authorized deviation to a General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation provision by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the provision.

(c) “Substantially the same as” provisions. Changes in wording of provisions prescribed for use on a “substantially the same as” basis are not considered deviations.

(a) Deviations to FAR clauses.

(1) This solicitation or contract indicates any authorized deviation to a Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) clause by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the clause, if the clause is not published in the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 5).

(2) This solicitation indicates any authorized deviation to a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause that is published in the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation by the addition of “(DEVIATION (FAR clause no.))” after the date of the clause.

(b) Deviations to GSAR clauses: This solicitation indicates any authorized deviation to a General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation clause by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the clause.

(c) “Substantially the same as” clauses. Changes in wording of clauses prescribed for use on a “substantially the same as” basis are not considered deviations.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

“Discussions” are negotiations that occur after establishment of the competitive range that may, at the contracting Officer's discretion, result in the offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.

“In Writing” or “Written” means any worded or numbered expression which can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and includes electronically transmitted and stored information.

“Proposal modification” is a change made to a proposal before the solicitation's closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.

“Proposal revision” is a change to a proposal made after the solicitation closing date, at the request of as allowed by a Contracting Officer as the result or of negotiations.

“Time,” if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. However, if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next working day.

(b) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

(c) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

(1) Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages. Offers must be:

(i) Submitted on the forms prescribed and furnished by the Government as a part of this solicitation or on copies of those forms, and

(ii) Signed. The person signing an offer must initial each erasure or change appearing on any offer form. If the offeror is a partnership, the names of the partners composing the firm must be included with the offer.

(2) Late proposals and revisions.

(i) The Government will not consider any proposal received at the office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers unless it is received before the Government makes award and it meets at least one of the following conditions:

(A) It was sent by registered or certified mail not later than the 5th calendar day before the date specified for receipt of offers (e.g., an offer submitted in response to solicitation requiring receipt of offers by the 20th of the month must have been mailed by the 15th).

(B) It was sent by mail (or telegram or facsimile, if authorized) or hand-carried (including delivery by a commercial carrier) if it is determined by the Government that the late receipt was due primarily to Government mishandling after receipt at the Government installation.

(C) It was sent by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee, not later than 5:00 p.m. at the place of mailing two working days prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals. The term “working days” excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.

(D) It was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received at the initial point of entry of the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals.

(E) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the activity designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers, and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the procurement.

(F) It is the only proposal received.

(ii) Any modification or revision of a proposal or response to request for information, including any final proposal revision, is subject to the same conditions as in subparagraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) through (c)(2)(i)(E) of this provision.

(iii) The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late proposal or modification or revision sent either by registered or certified mail is the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service postmark both on the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service. Both postmarks must show a legible date or the proposal, response to a request for information, or modification or revision shall be processed as if mailed late. “Postmark” means a printed, stamped, or otherwise placed impression (exclusive of a postage meter machine impression) that is readily identifiable without further action as having been supplied and affixed by employees of the U.S. or Canadian Postal Service on the date of mailing. Therefore, offerors or respondents should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation bull's eye postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

(iv) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(v) The only acceptable evidence to establish the date of mailing of a late offer, modification or revision, or withdrawal sent by Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee is the date entered by the post office receiving clerk on the “Express Mail Next Day Service-Post Office to Addressee” label and the postmark on both the envelope or wrapper and on the original receipt from the U.S. Postal Service, “Postmark” has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this provision, excluding postmarks of the Canadian Postal Service. Therefore, offerors or respondents should request the postal clerk to place a legible hand cancellation bull's eye postmark on both the receipt and the envelope or wrapper.

(vi) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this provision, a late modification or revision of an otherwise successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(vii) An offeror may withdraw its proposal by written notice or telegram (including mailgram) received at any time before award. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals, an offeror may withdraw its proposal via facsimile received at any time before award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision entitled “Facsimile Proposals.” Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or an authorized representative, if the representative's identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

(viii) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated for receipt of proposals by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of proposals will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office.

(3) Any information given to a prospective offeror concerning this solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective offerors, if that information is necessary in submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to any other prospective offeror.

(4) Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at any time before award.

(5) Offerors may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed by the Contracting Officer.

(6) The Government will construe an offer to be in full and complete with this solicitation unless the offer describes any deviation in the offer.

(7) Offerors may submit proposals that depart from stated requirements. Such a proposal shall clearly identify why the acceptance of the proposal would be advantageous to the Government. The proposal must clearly identify and explicitly define any deviations from the terms and conditions of the solicitation, as well as the comparative advantage to the Government. The Government reserves the right to amend the solicitation to allow all offerors an opportunity to submit revised proposals based on the revised requirements.

(d) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. An offeror that includes in its proposal data that it does not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or use by the Government except for evaluation purposes, must meet both of the following conditions:

(1) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a lease is awarded to this offeror as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets].

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

(e) Lease award.

(1) The Government intends to award a lease resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

(2) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government's interest.

(3) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

(4) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a lease after conducting discussions with offerors whose proposals have been determined to be within the competitive range. If the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals. Therefore, the offeror's initial proposal should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

(5) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

(6) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the price proposed are materially unbalanced between line terms or subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly overstated or understand as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

(7) The unconditional written acceptance of an offer establishes a valid contract.

(8) The Government may disclose the following information in postaward debriefings to other offerors:

(i) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful offeror;

(ii) The overall making of all offerors, when any making was developed by the agency during source selection; and

(iii) A summary of the rationale for award.

(a) The Government will give preference to offers of space in historic properties following this hierarchy of consideration:

(1) Historic properties within historic districts.

(2) Non-historic developed and non-historic undeveloped sites within historic districts.

(3) Historic properties outside of historic districts.

(b) Definitions. (1) Determination of eligibility means a decision by the Department of the Interior that a district, site, building, structure or object meets the National Register criteria for evaluation although the property is not formally listed in the National Register (36 CFR 60.3(c)).

(2) Historic district means a geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development. A district may also comprise individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history (36 CFR 60.3(d)). The historic district must be included in or be determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

(3) Historic property means any pre-historic or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or been determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the Secretary of the Interior (36 CFR 800.16(l)).

(4) National Register of Historic Places means the National Register of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture that the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to expand and maintain under the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 60.1).

(c) The offer of space must meet the terms and conditions of this solicitation. The Contracting Officer has discretion to accept alternatives to certain architectural characteristics and safety features defined elsewhere in this solicitation to maintain the historical integrity of an historic building, such as high ceilings and wooden floors, or to maintain the integrity of an historic district, such as setbacks, floor-to-ceiling heights, and location and appearance of parking.

(d) When award will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process, the Government will give a price evaluation preference, based on the total annual square foot (ANSI/BOMA Office Area) cost to the Government, to historic properties as follows:

(1) First to suitable historic properties within historic districts, a 10 percent price preference.

(2) If no suitable historic property within an historic district is offered, or the 10 percent preference does not result in such property being the lowest price technically acceptable offer, the Government will give a 2.5 percent price preference to suitable non-historic developed or undeveloped sites within historic districts.

(3) If no suitable non-historic developed or undeveloped site within an historic district is offered, or the 2.5 percent preference does not result in such property being the lowest price technically acceptable offer, the Government will give a 10 percent price preference to suitable historic properties outside of historic districts.

(4) Finally, if no suitable historic property outside of historic districts is offered, no historic price preference will be given to any property offered.

(e) When award will be based on the best value tradeoff source selection process, which permits tradeoffs among price and non-price factors, the Government will give a price evaluation preference, based on the total annual square foot (ANSI/BOMA Office Area) cost to the Government, to historic properties as follows:

(1) First to suitable historic properties within historic districts, a 10 percent price preference.

(2) If no suitable historic property within a historic district is offered or remains in the competition, the Government will give a 2.5 percent price preference to suitable non-historic developed or undeveloped sites within historic districts.

(3) If no suitable non-historic developed or undeveloped site within an historic district is offered or remains in the competition, the Government will give a 10 percent price preference to suitable historic properties outside of historic districts.

(4) Finally, if no suitable historic property outside of historic districts is offered, no historic price preference will be given to any property offered.

(f) The Government will compute price evaluation preferences by reducing the price(s) of the offerors qualifying for a price evaluation preference by the applicable percentage provided in this provision. The price evaluation preference will be used for price evaluation purposes only. The Government will award a contract in the amount of the actual price(s) proposed by the successful offeror and accepted by the Government.

(g) To qualify for a price evaluation preference, offerors must provide satisfactory documentation in their offer that their property qualifies as one of the following:

(1) An historic property within an historic district.

(2) A non-historic developed or undeveloped site within an historic district.

(3) An historic property outside of an historic district.

(a) If the lease is executed by an attorney, agent, or trustee on behalf of the Lessor, an authenticated copy of his power of attorney, or other evidence to act on behalf of the Lessor, shall accompany the lease.

(b) If the Lessor is a partnership, the lease shall be signed with the partnership name, followed by the name of the legally authorized partner signing the same, and, if requested by the Government, a copy of either the partnership agreement or current Certificate of Limited Partnership shall accompany the lease.

(c) If the Lessor is a corporation, the lease shall be signed with the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the officer or other person signing the lease on its behalf, duly attested, and, if requested by the Government, evidence of this authority to so act shall be furnished.

The following terms and phrases (except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this lease shall have the respective meanings hereinafter specified:

(a) “Commencement Date” means the first day of the term.

(b) “Contract” and “Contractor” means “Lease” and “Lessor,” respectively.

(c) “Contracting Officer” means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

(d) “Delivery Date” means the date specified in or determined pursuant to the provisions of this lease for delivery of the premises to the Government, improved in accordance with the provisions of this lease and substantially complete, as such date may be modified in accordance with the provisions of this lease.

(e) “Delivery Time” means the number of days provided by this lease for delivery of the premises to the Government, as such number may be modified in accordance with the provision so this lease.”

(f) “Excusable Delays” means delays arising without the fault or negligence of Lessor and Lessor's subcontractors and suppliers at any tier, and shall include, without limitation:

(1) acts of God or of the public enemy,

(2) acts of the United States of America in either its sovereign or contractual capacity,

(3) acts of another contractor in the performance of a contract with the Government,

(4) fires,

(5) floods,

(6) epidemics,

(7) quarantine restrictions,

(8) strikes,

(9) freight embargoes,

(10) unusually severe weather, or

(11) delays of subcontractors or suppliers at any tier arising from unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of both the Lessor and any such subcontractor or supplier.

(g) “Lessor” means the sub-lessor if this lease is a sublease.

(h) “Lessor shall provide” means the Lessor shall furnish and install at Lessor's expense.

(i) “Notice” means written notice sent by certified or registered mail, Express Mail or Comparable service, or delivered by hand. Notice shall be effective on the date delivery is accepted or refused.

(j) “Premises” means the space described in this lease.

(k) “Substantially complete” and “substantial completion” means that the work, the common and other areas of the building, and all other things necessary for the Government's access to the premises and occupancy, possession, use and enjoyment thereof, as provided in this lease, have been completed or obtained, excepting only such minor matters as do not interfere with or materially diminish such access, occupancy, possession, use of enjoyment.

(l) “Usable square feet” means the ANSI/BOMA Z65.1–1996 definition for BOMA usable office area, which means “The area where a tenant normally houses personnel and/or furniture, for which a measurement is to be computed.”

(m) “Work” means all alterations, improvements, modifications, and other things required for the preparation or continued occupancy of the premises by the Government as specified in this lease.

The Government may sublet any part of the premises but shall not be relieved from any obligations under this lease by reason of any such subletting. The Government may at any time assign this lease, and be relieved from all obligations to Lessor under this lease excepting only unpaid rent and other liabilities, if any that have accrued to the date of said assignment. Any assignment shall be subject to prior written consent of Lessor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Except in case of damage arising out of the willful act or negligence of a Government employee, Lessor shall maintain the premises, including the building and all equipment, fixtures, and appurtenances furnished by the lessor under this lease, in good repair and condition so that they are suitable in appearance and capable of supplying such heat, air conditioning, light, ventilation, access and other things to the premises, without reasonably preventable or recurring disruption, as is required for the Government's access to, occupancy, possession, use and enjoyment of the premises as provided in this lease. For the purpose of so maintaining the premises, the Lessor may at reasonable times enter the premises with the approval of the authorized Government representative in charge.

If the entire premises are destroyed by fire or other casualty, this lease will immediately terminate. In case of partial destruction or damage, so as to render the premises untenantable, as determined by the Government, the Government may terminate the lease by giving written notice to the Lessor within 15 calendar days of the fire or other casualty; if so terminated, no rent will accrue to the Lessor after such partial destruction or damage; and if not so terminated, the rent will be reduced proportionately by supplemental agreement hereto effective from the date of such partial destruction or damage. Nothing in this lease shall be construed as relieving Lessor from liability for damage to or destruction of property of the United States of America caused by the willful or negligent act or omission of Lessor.

Lessor shall comply with all Federal, state and local laws applicable to the Lessor as owner or lessor, or both, of the building or premises, including, without limitation, laws applicable to the construction, ownership, alteration or operation of both or either thereof, and will obtain all necessary permits, licenses and similar items at Lessor's expense. The Government will comply with all Federal, state and local laws applicable to and enforceable against it as a tenant under this lease; provided that nothing in this lease shall be construed as a waiver of any sovereign immunity of the Government. This lease shall be governed by Federal law.

(a) At any time and from time to time after receipt of an offer (until the same has been duly withdrawn or rejected), after acceptance thereof and during the term, the agents, employees and contractors of the Government may, upon reasonable prior notice to Offeror or Lessor, enter upon the offered premises or the premises, and all other areas of the building access to which is necessary to accomplish the purposes of entry, to determine the potential or actual compliance by the Offeror or Lessor with the requirements of the solicitation or this lease, which purposes shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Inspecting, sampling and analyzing suspected asbestos-containing materials and air monitoring for asbestos fibers;

(2) Inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, maintenance records, and mechanical rooms for the offered premises or the premises;

(3) Inspecting for any leaks, spills, or other potentially hazardous conditions which may involve tenant exposure to hazardous or toxic substances; and

(4) Inspecting for any current or past hazardous waste operations, to ensure that appropriate mitigative actions were taken to alleviate any environmentally unsound activities in accordance with Federal, State and local law.

(b) Nothing in this clause shall be construed to create a Government duty to inspect for toxic materials or to impose a higher standard of care on the Government than on other lessees. The purpose of this clause is to promote the ease with which the Government may inspect the building. Nothing in this clause shall act to relieve the Lessor of any duty to inspect or liability which might arise as a result of Lessor's failure to inspect for or correct a hazardous condition.

The covenant to pay rent and the covenant to provide any service, utility, maintenance, or repair required under this lease are interdependent. In the event of any failure by the Lessor to provide any service, utility, maintenance, repair or replacement required under this lease the Government may, by contract or otherwise, perform the requirement and deduct from any payment or payments under this lease, then or thereafter due, the resulting cost to the Government, including all administrative costs. If the Government elects to perform any such requirement, the Government and each of its contractors shall be entitled to access to any and all areas of the building, access to which is necessary to perform any such requirement, and the Lessor shall afford and facilitate such access. Alternatively, the Government may deduct from any payment under this lease, then or thereafter due, an amount which reflects the reduced value of the contract requirement not performed. No deduction from rent pursuant to this clause shall constitute a default by the Government under this lease. These remedies are not exclusive and are in addition to any other remedies which may be available under this lease or at law.

This lease shall bind, and inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

The Government shall have the right during the existence of this lease to make alterations, attach fixtures, and erect structures or signs in or upon the premises hereby leased, which fixtures, additions or structures so placed in, on, upon, or attached to the said premises shall be and remain the property of the Government and may be removed or otherwise disposed of by the Government. If the lease contemplates that the Government is the sole occupant of the building, for purposes of this clause, the leased premises include the land on which the building is sited and the building itself. Otherwise, the Government shall have the right to tie into or make any physical connection with any structure located on the property as is reasonably necessary for appropriate utilization of the leased space.

(a) The Contracting Officer may, from time to time during the term of this lease, require changes to be made in the work or services to be performed and in the terms or conditions of this lease. Such changes will be required under the Changes clause.

(b) If the Contracting Officer makes a change within the general scope of the lease, the Lessor shall submit, in a timely manner, an itemized cost proposal for the work to be accomplished or services to be performed when the cost exceeds $100,000. The proposal, including all subcontractor work, will contain at least the following details—

(1) Material quantities and unit costs;

(2) Labor costs (identified with specific item or material to be placed or operation to be performed);

(3) Equipment costs;

(4) Worker's compensation and public liability insurance;

(5) Overhead;

(6) Profit; and

(7) Employment taxes under FICA and FUTA.

(c) The following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions also apply to all proposals exceeding $500,000 in cost—

(1) The Lessor shall provide cost or pricing data including subcontractor cost or pricing data (48 CFR 15.403–4); and

(2) The Lessor's representative, all Contractors, and subcontractors whose portion of the work exceeds $500,000 must sign and return the “Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data” (48 CFR 15.406–2).

(d) Lessors shall also refer to 48 CFR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles, for information on which costs are allowable, reasonable, and allocable in Government work.

(a) The Contracting Officer may at any time, by written order, make changes within the general scope of this lease in any one or more of the following:

(1) Specifications (including drawings and designs).

(2) Work or services.

(3) Facilities or space layout.

(4) Amount of space, provided the Lessor consents to the change.

(b) If any such change causes an increase or decrease in Lessor's cost of or the time required for performance under this lease, whether or not changed by the order, the Contracting Officer shall modify this lease to provide for one or more of the following:

(1) A modification of the delivery date.

(2) An equitable adjustment in the rental rate.

(3) A lump sum equitable adjustment.

(4) An equitable adjustment of the annual operating costs per usable square foot specified in this lease.

(c) The Lessor must assert its right to an adjustment under this clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of the change order and must submit a proposal for adjustment. Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under the Disputes clause. However, nothing in this clause excuses the lessor from proceeding with the change as directed.

(d) Absent such written change order, the Government is not liable to Lessor under this clause.

In case of failure on the part of the Lessor to complete the work within the time fixed in the lease contract or letter of award, the Lessor shall pay the Government as fixed and agreed liquidated damages, pursuant to this clause, the sum $___ for each and every calendar day that the delivery is delayed beyond the date specified for delivery of all the space ready for occupancy by the Government. this remedy is not exclusive and is in addition to any other remedies which may be available under this lease or at law.

(a) If the Government fails to occupy any portion of the leased premises or vacates the premises in whole or in part before the lease term expires, the rental rate will be reduced.

(b) The rental rate will be reduced by that portion of the costs per usable square foot of operating expenses not required to maintain the space. The reduction takes effect 30 calendar days after the Government gives notice to the Lessor, and continues in effect until the Government occupies the premises or the lease expires or is terminated.

(a) Unless the Government elects to have the space occupied in increments, the space must be delivered ready for occupancy as a complete unit. The Government reserves the right to determine when the space is substantially complete.

(b) If the premises do not in every respect comply with the provisions of this lease the Contracting Officer may, in accordance with the Failure in Performance clause of this lease, elect to reduce the rent payments.

(a) With respect to Lessor's obligation to deliver the premises substantially complete by the delivery date, time is of the essence. If the Lessor fails to work diligently to ensure its substantial completion by the delivery date or fails to substantially complete the work by such date, the Government may by notice to the Lessor terminate this lease. Such termination is effective when received by Lessor. The Lessor and the Lessor's sureties, if any, are jointly and severally liable for any damages to the Government resulting from such termination, as provided in this clause. The Government is entitled to the following damages:

(1) The Government's aggregate rent, estimated real estate tax, and operating cost adjustments for the firm term and all option terms of its replacement lease or leases, in excess of the aggregate rent and estimated real estate tax and operating cost adjustments for the term. If the Government procures replacement premises for a term (including all option terms) in excess of this lease term, the Lessor is not liable for excess Government rent or adjustments during such excess lease term.

(2) All administrative and other costs the Government incurs in procuring a replacement lease or leases.

(3) Other, additional relief provided for in this lease, at law, or in equity.

(b) Damages to which the Government is entitled under this clause are due and payable thirty (30) days following the date Lessor receives notice from the Contracting Officer specifying such damages.

(c) Delivery by Lessor of less than the minimum usable square footage required by this lease shall in no event be construed as substantial completion, except as the Contracting Officer permits.

(d) The Government shall not terminate this lease under this clause nor charge the Lessor with damages under this clause, if (1) the delay in substantially completing the work arises from excusable delays, and (2) the Lessor within 10 days from the beginning of any such delay (unless extended in writing by the Contracting Officer) provides notice to the Contracting Officer of the causes of delay. The Contracting Officer shall ascertain the facts and the extent of delay. If the facts warrant, the Contracting Officer shall extend the delivery date, to the extent of such delay at no additional costs to the Government. A time extension is the sole remedy of the Lessor.

The Government shall have the right to elect to occupy the space in partial increments prior to the substantial completion of the entire leased premises, and the Lessor agrees to schedule its work so as to deliver the space incrementally as elected by the Government. The Government shall pay rent commencing with the first business day following substantial completion of the entire leased premise unless the Government has elected to occupy the leased premises incrementally. In case of incremental occupancy, the Government shall pay rent pro rata upon the first business day following substantial completion of each incremental unit. Rental payments shall become due on the first workday of the month following the month in which an increment of space is substantially complete, except that should an increment of space be substantially completed after the fifteenth day of the month, the payment due date will be the first workday of the second month following the month in which it was substantially complete. The commencement date of the firm lease term will be a complete determined from all rent commencement dates.

(a) When space is offered and accepted, usable square footage delivered will be confirmed by either:

(1) The Government's measurement of plans submitted by the successful offeror as approved by the Government, and an inspection of the space to verify that the delivered space conforms with such plans.

(2) A mutual on-site measurement of the space if the Contracting Officer determines it necessary.

(b) The Government will not pay for space in excess of the amount of usable square footage stated in the lease.

(c) If the amount of usable square footage delivered is less than the amount agreed to in the lease, the lease will be modified to reflect the amount of usable space delivered and the annual rental will be adjusted as follows:

Usable square feet (USF) not delivered multiplied by one plus the common area factor (CAF), multiplied by the rate per rentable square foot (RSF). That is:

USF × (1+CAF) × Rate per RSF = Reduction in Annual Rent.

Neither the Government's acceptance of the premises for occupancy, nor the Government's occupancy thereof, shall be construed as a waiver of any requirement of or right of the Government under this Lease, or as otherwise prejudicing the Government with respect to any such requirement or right.

(a) Each of the following shall constitute a default by Lessor under this lease:

(1) Failure to maintain, repair, operate or service the premises as and when specified in this lease, or failure to perform any other requirement of this lease as and when required provided any such failure shall remain uncured for a period of thirty (30) days next following Lessor's receipt of notice thereof from the Contracting Officer or an authorized representative.

(2) Repeated and unexcused failure by Lessor to comply with one or more requirements of this lease shall constitute a default notwithstanding that one or all such failures shall have been timely cured pursuant to this clause.

(b) If a default occurs, the Government may, by notice to Lessor, terminate this lease for default and if so terminated, the Government shall be entitled to the damages specified in the Default in Delivery-Time Extensions clause.

(a) Lessor warrants that it holds such title to or other interest in the premises and other property as is necessary to the Government's access to the premises and full use and enjoyment thereof in accordance with the provisions of this lease. Government agrees, in consideration of the warranties and conditions set forth in this clause, that this lease is subject and subordinate to any and all recorded mortgages, deeds of trust and other liens now or hereafter existing or imposed upon the premises, and to any renewal, modification or extension thereof. It is the intention of the parties that this provision shall be self-operative and that no further instrument shall be required to effect the present or subsequent subordination of this lease. Government agrees, however, within twenty (20) business days next following the Contracting Officer's receipt of a written demand, to execute such instruments as Lessor may reasonably request to evidence further the subordination of this lease to any existing or future mortgage, deed of trust or other security interest pertaining to the premises, and to any water, sewer or access easement necessary or desirable to serve the premises or adjoining property owned in whole or in part by Lessor if such easement does not interfere with the full enjoyment of any right granted the Government under this lease.

(b) No such subordination, to either existing or future mortgages, deeds of trust or other lien or security instrument shall operate to affect adversely any right of the Government under this lease so long as the Government is not in default under this lease. Lessor will include in any future mortgage, deed of trust or other security instrument to which this lease becomes subordinate, or in a separate nondisturbance agreement, a provision to the foregoing effect. Lessor warrants that the holders of all notes or other obligations secured by existing mortgages, deeds of trust or other security instruments have consented to the provisions of this clause, and agrees to provide true copies of all such consents to the Contracting Officer promptly upon demand.

(c) In the event of any sale of the premises or any portion thereof by foreclosure of the lien of any such mortgage, deed of trust or other security instrument, or the giving of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the Government will be deemed to have attorned to any purchaser, purchasers, transferee or transferees of the premises or any portion thereof and its or their successors and assigns, and any such purchasers and transferees will be deemed to have assumed all obligations of the Lessor under this lease, so as to establish direct privity of estate and contract between Government and such purchasers or transferees, with the same force, effect and relative priority in time and right as if the lease had initially been entered into between such purchasers or transferees and the Government; provided, further, that the Contracting Officer and such purchasers or transferees shall, with reasonable promptness following any such sale or deed delivery in lieu of foreclosure, execute all such revisions to this lease, or other writings, as shall be necessary to document the foregoing relationship.

(d) None of the foregoing provisions may be deemed or construed to imply a waiver of the Government's rights as a sovereign.

(a) The Contracting Officer will, within thirty (30) days next following the Contracting Officer's receipt of a joint written request from Lessor and a prospective lender or purchaser of the building, execute and deliver to Lessor a letter stating that the same is issued subject to the conditions stated in this clause and, if such is the case, that (1) the lease is in full force and effect; and (2) the date to which the rent and other charges have been paid in advance, if any; and (3) whether any notice of default has been issued.

(b) Letters issued pursuant to this clause are subject to the following conditions:

(1) That they are based solely upon a reasonably diligent review of the Contracting Officer's lease file as of the date of issuance;

(2) That the Government shall not be held liable because of any defect in or condition of the premises or building;

(3) That the Contracting Officer does not warrant or represent that the premises or building comply with applicable Federal, State and local law; and

(4) That the Lessor, and each prospective lender and purchaser are deemed to have constructive notice of such facts as would be ascertainable by reasonable prepurchase and precommitment inspection of the Premises and Building and by inquiry to appropriate Federal, State and local Government officials.

The Government may, at any time and from time to time, substitute any Government agency or agencies for the Government agency or agencies, if any, named in the lease.

No failure by either party to insist upon the strict performance of any provision of this lease or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, and no acceptance of full or partial rent or other performance by either party during the continuance of any such breach shall constitute a waiver of any such breach of such provision.

This Lease, upon execution, contains the entire agreement of the parties and no prior written or oral agreement, express or implied, shall be admissible to contradict the provisions of the Lease.

The obligations and covenants of the Lessor, and the Government's obligation to pay rent and other Government obligations and covenants, arising under or related to this Lease, are interdependent. The Government may, upon issuance of and delivery to Lessor of a final decision asserting a claim against Lessor, set off such claim, in whole or in part, as against any payment or payments then or thereafter due the Lessor under this lease. No setoff pursuant to this clause shall constitute a breach by the Government of this lease.

(a) When the Lessor has completed all alterations, improvements, and repairs necessary to meet the requirements of the lease, the Lessor shall notify the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer or designated representative shall promptly inspect the space.

(b) The Government will accept the space and the lease term will begin after determining that the space is substantially complete and contains the required usable square footage as indicated in Paragraph 1.1, Amount and Type of Space, of this solicitation.