a. The prices, terms and conditions stated under Special Item Number 132-51 Information Technology Professional Services apply exclusively to IT Services within the scope of this Information Technology Schedule.

b. Systems Engineering Solutions, Inc. (SESI) shall provide services at the Contractor’s facility and/or at the Government location, as agreed to by SESI and the ordering office.

a. Procedures for IT professional services priced on GSA schedule at hourly rates.

(1) FAR 8.402 contemplates that GSA may occasionally find it necessary to establish special ordering procedures for individual Federal Supply Schedules or for some Special Item Numbers (SINs) within a Schedule. GSA has established special ordering procedures for IT professional services (SIN 132-51) that are priced on schedule at hourly rates. These special ordering procedures which are outlined herein take precedence over the procedures in FAR 8.404.

(2) The GSA has determined that the rates for IT professional services contained in this pricelist are fair and reasonable. However, the ordering office using this contract is responsible for considering the level of effort and mix of labor proposed to perform a specific task being ordered and for making a determination that the total firm-fixed price or ceiling price is fair and reasonable.

(3) When ordering IT professional services ordering offices shall –

(i) Prepare a Request for Quotation:

(A) A performance-based statement of work that outlines, at a minimum, the work to be performed, location of work, period of performance, deliverable schedule, applicable standards, acceptance criteria, and any special requirements (i.e., security clearances, travel, special knowledge, etc.) should be prepared.

(B) A request for quotation should be prepared which includes the performance-based statement of work and requests the contractors submit either a firm-fixed price or a ceiling price to provide the services outlined in the statement of work. A firm-fixed price order shall be requested, unless the ordering office makes a determination that it is not possible at the time of placing the order to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to anticipate cost with any reasonable degree of confidence. When such a determination is made, a labor hour or time-and-materials proposal may be requested. The firm-fixed price shall be based on the hourly rates in the schedule contract and shall consider the mix of labor categories and level of effort required to perform the services described in the statement of work. The firm-fixed price of the order should also include any travel costs or other incidental costs related to performance of the services ordered, unless the order provides for reimbursement of travel costs at the rates provided in the Federal Travel or Joint Travel Regulations. A ceiling price must be established for labor hour and time and material orders.

(C) The request for quotation may request the contractors, if necessary or appropriate, submit a project plan for performing the task and information on the contractor’s experience and/or past performance performing similar tasks.

(D) The request for quotation shall notify the contractors what basis will be used for selecting the contractor to receive the order. The notice shall include the basis for determining whether the contractors are technically qualified and provide an explanation regarding the intended use of any experience and/or past performance information in determining technical acceptability of responses. If consideration will be limited to schedule contractors who are small business concerns as permitted by paragraph (ii)(A) below, the request for quotations shall notify the contractors that will be the case.

(ii) Transmit the Request for quotation to Contractors:

(A) Based upon an initial evaluation of catalogs and pricelists, the ordering office should identify the contractors that appear to offer the best value (considering the scope of services offered, hourly rates and other factors such as contractors’ locations, as appropriate). When buying IT professional services under SIN 132-51 ONLY, the ordering office, at its discretion, may limit consideration to those schedule contractors that are small business concerns. This limitation is not applicable when buying supplies and/or services under other SINs as well as SIN 132-51. The limitation may only be used when at least three (3) small businesses that appear to offer services that will meet the agency’s needs are available, if the order is estimated to exceed the micro-purchase threshold.

(B) The request for quotation should be to three (3) contractors if the proposed order is estimated to exceed the micro-purchase threshold, but not to exceed the maximum order threshold. For proposed orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, the request for quotation should be provided to additional contractors that offer services that will meet the agency’s needs. Ordering offices should strive to minimize the contractors’ costs associated with responding to requests for proposals for specific orders. Requests should be tailored to the minimum level necessary for adequate evaluation and selection for order placement.

(iii) Evaluate proposals and select the contractor to receive the order:

After responses have been evaluated against the factors identified in the request for quotation, the order should be placed with the schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special qualifications, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.

(4) The establishment of Federal Supply Schedule Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for recurring services is permitted when the procedures outlined herein are followed. All BPAs for services must define the services that may be ordered under the BPA, along with delivery or performance time frames, billing procedures, etc. The potential volume of orders under BPAs, regardless of the size of individual orders, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure volume discounts. When establishing BPAs ordering offices shall – 

(i) Inform contractors in the request for quotation (based on the agency’s requirement) if a single BPA or multiple BPAs will be established, and indicate the basis that will be used for selecting the contractors to be awarded the BPAs.

(A) SINGLE BPA: Generally, a single BPA should be established when the ordering office can define the tasks to be ordered under the BPA and establish a firm-fixed price or ceiling price for individual tasks or services to be ordered. When this occurs, authorized users may place the order directly under the established BPA when the need for service arises. The schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency's needs should be awarded the BPA.

(B) MULTIPLE BPAs: When the ordering office determines multiple BPAs are needed to meet its requirements, the ordering office should determine which contractors can meet any technical qualifications before establishing the BPAs. When multiple BPAs are established, the authorized users must follow the procedure in (3)(ii)(B) above, and then place the order with the schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.

(ii) Review BPAs periodically. Such reviews shall be conducted at least annually. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the BPA still represents the best value (considering price, special qualifications, etc.) and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.

(5) The ordering office should give preference to small business concerns when two or more contractors can provide the services at the same firm-fixed price or ceiling price.

(6) When the ordering office’s requirement involves both products as well as IT professional services, the ordering office should total the prices for the products and the firm-fixed price for the services and select the contractor that represents the greatest value in terms of meeting the agency’s total needs.

(7) The ordering office, at a minimum, should document orders by identifying the contractor the services were purchased from, the services purchased, and the amount paid. If other than a firm-fixed price order is placed, such documentation should include the basis for the determination to use a labor-hour or time-and-materials order. For agency requirements in excess of the micro-purchase threshold, the order file should document the evaluation of schedule contractors’ proposals that formed the basis for the selection of the contractor that received the order and the rationale for any trade-offs made in making the selection.

b. Ordering Procedures for other services available on schedule at fixed prices for specifically defined services or tasks.

Orders placed pursuant to a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), using the procedures in FAR 8.404, are considered to be issued pursuant to full and open competition. Therefore, when placing orders under Federal Supply Schedules, ordering offices need not seek further competition, synopsize the requirement, make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing, or consider small business set-asides in accordance with subpart 19.5. GSA has already determined the prices of items under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. By placing an order against a schedule using the procedures outlined below, the ordering office has concluded that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.

(1) Orders placed at or below the micro-purchase threshold. Ordering offices can place orders at or below the micro-purchase threshold with any Federal Supply Schedule Contractor.

(2) Orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the maximum order threshold. Orders should be placed with the Schedule Contractor that can provide the supply or service that represents the best value. Before placing an order, ordering offices should consider reasonably available information about the service offered under MAS contracts by using the "GSA Advantage!" on-line shopping service, or by reviewing the catalogs/pricelists of at least three Schedule Contractors and selecting the delivery and other options available under the schedule that meets the agency’s needs. In selecting the service representing the best value, the ordering office may consider— (i) special features of the service that are required in effective program performance and that are not provided by a comparable service; and (ii) past performance.

(3) Orders exceeding the maximum order threshold. Each schedule contract has an established maximum order threshold. This threshold represents the point where it is advantageous for the ordering office to seek a price reduction. In addition to following the procedures in paragraph b, above, and before placing an order that exceeds the maximum order threshold, ordering offices shall--

(i) Review additional Schedule Contractors’ catalogs/pricelists or use the "GSA Advantage!" on-line shopping service;

(ii) Based upon the initial evaluation, generally seek price reductions from the Schedule Contractor(s) appearing to provide the best value (considering price and other factors); and

(iii) After price reductions have been sought, place the order with the Schedule Contractor that provides the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative. If further price reductions are not offered, an order may still be placed, if the ordering office determines that it is appropriate.

NOTE: For orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, SESI may:

(A) Offer a new lower price for this requirement (the Price Reductions clause is not applicable to orders placed over the maximum order in FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations);

(B) Offer the lowest price available under the contract; or

(C) Decline the order (orders must be returned in accordance with FAR 52.216-19).

(4) Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs). The establishment of Federal Supply Schedule BPAs is permitted when following the ordering procedures in FAR 8.404. All schedule contracts contain BPA provisions. Ordering offices may use BPAs to establish accounts with Contractors to fill recurring requirements. BPAs should address the frequency of ordering and invoicing, discounts, and delivery locations and times.

(5) Price reductions. In addition to the circumstances outlined in paragraph (3), above, there may be instances when ordering offices will find it advantageous to request a price reduction. For example, when the ordering office finds a schedule service elsewhere at a lower price or when a BPA is being established to fill recurring requirements, requesting a price reduction could be advantageous. The potential volume of orders under these agreements, regardless of the size of the individual order, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure greater discounts. Schedule Contractors are not required to pass on to all schedule users a price reduction extended only to an individual agency for a specific order.

(6) Small business. For orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, ordering offices should give preference to the items of small business concerns when two or more items at the same delivered price will satisfy the requirement.

(7) Documentation. Orders should be documented, at a minimum, by identifying the Contractor the item was purchased from, the item purchased, and the amount paid. If an agency requirement in excess of the micro-purchase threshold is defined so as to require a particular brand name, product, or feature of a product peculiar to one manufacturer, thereby precluding consideration of a product manufactured by another company, the ordering office shall include an explanation in the file as to why the particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to satisfy the agency’s needs.

a. Agencies may use written orders, EDI orders, blanket purchase agreements, individual purchase orders, or task orders for ordering services under this contract. Blanket Purchase Agreements shall not extend beyond the end of the contract period; all services and delivery shall be made and the contract terms and conditions shall continue in effect until the completion of the order. Orders for tasks which extend beyond the fiscal year for which funds are available shall include FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year. The purchase order shall specify the availability of funds and the period for which funds are available.

b. All task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. In the event of conflict between a task order and the contract, the contract will take precedence.

4. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES

a. SESI shall commence performance of services on the date agreed to by SESI and the ordering office.

b. SESI agrees to render services only during normal working hours, unless otherwise agreed to by SESI and the ordering office.

c. The Agency should include the criteria for satisfactory completion for each task in the Statement of Work or Delivery Order. Services shall be completed in a good and workmanlike manner.

d. Any Contractor travel required in the performance of IT/EC Services must comply with the Federal Travel Regulation or Joint Travel Regulations, as applicable, in effect on the date(s) the travel is performed. Established Federal Government per diem rates will apply to all Contractor travel. Contractors cannot use GSA city pair contracts.

5. INSPECTION OF SERVICES

The Inspection of Services–Fixed Price (AUG 1996) clause at FAR 52.246-4 applies to firm-fixed price orders placed under this contract. The Inspection–Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour (JAN 1986) clause at FAR 52.246-6 applies to time-and-materials and labor-hour orders placed under this contract.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT

Subject to security regulations, the ordering office shall permit Contractor access to all facilities necessary to perform the requisite IT/EC Services.

8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

All IT/EC Services performed by SESI under the terms of this contract shall be as an independent Contractor, and not as an agent or employee of the Government.

9. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

a. Definitions.

"Contractor" means the person, firm, unincorporated association, joint venture, partnership, or corporation that is a party to this contract.

"Contractor and its affiliates" and "Contractor or its affiliates" refers to the Contractor, its chief executives, directors, officers, subsidiaries, affiliates, subcontractors at any tier, and consultants and any joint venture involving the Contractor, any entity into or with which SESI subsequently merges or affiliates, or any other successor or assignee of the Contractor.

An "Organizational conflict of interest" exists when the nature of the work to be performed under a proposed Government contract, without some restriction on activities by SESI and its affiliates, may either (i) result in an unfair competitive advantage to SESI or its affiliates or (ii) impair the Contractor’s or its affiliates’ objectivity in performing contract work.

b. To avoid an organizational or financial conflict of interest and to avoid prejudicing the best interests of the Government, ordering offices may place restrictions on the Contractors, its affiliates, chief executives, directors, subsidiaries and subcontractors at any tier when placing orders against schedule contracts. Such restrictions shall be consistent with FAR 9.505 and shall be designed to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate organizational conflicts of interest that might otherwise exist in situations related to individual orders placed against the schedule contract. Examples of situations, which may require restrictions, are provided at FAR 9.508.

10. INVOICES

The Contractor, upon completion of the work ordered, shall submit invoices for IT/EC services. Progress payments may be authorized by the ordering office on individual orders if appropriate. Progress payments shall be based upon completion of defined milestones or interim products. Invoices shall be submitted monthly for recurring services performed during the preceding month.

11. PAYMENTS

For firm-fixed price orders the Government shall pay the Contractor, upon submission of proper invoices or vouchers, the prices stipulated in this contract for service rendered and accepted. Progress payments shall be made only when authorized by the order. For time-and-materials orders, the Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts (Alternate I (APR 1984)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies to time-and-materials orders placed under this contract. For labor-hour orders, the Payment under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts (FEB 1997) (Alternate II (JAN 1986)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies to labor-hour orders placed under this contract.

12. RESUMES

Resumes shall be provided to the GSA Contracting Officer or the user agency upon request.

13. INCIDENTAL SUPPORT COSTS

Incidental support costs are available outside the scope of this contract. The costs will be negotiated separately with the ordering agency in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the FAR.

14. APPROVAL OF SUBCONTRACTS

The ordering activity may require that SESI receive, from the ordering activity's Contracting Officer, written consent before placing any subcontract for furnishing any of the work called for in a task order.