Next Generation Self Locating Datum Marker Buoys

1. Action Code: K 2. Send to Fed Biz Ops: Yes 3. Date: 26 July 2012 4. Classification Code: 42 Fire Fighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment 5. NAICS Code: 334519 Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing 6. Contracting Office Address: USCG, Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) Engineering Services Division (ESD) 1664 Weeksville Road Elizabeth City, NC 27909 7. Title: Self Locating Datum Marker Buoys 8. Response Date: 15 August 2012 9. Primary Point of Contact: Belinda Watkins, telephone responses will NOT be accepted. E-mail quotes or facsimile transmissions are acceptable and may be sent to: contact@example.gov or faxed to +1 (555) 000-0000. 10. Secondary Point of Contact: Linda Stulick at: contact@example.gov 11. Solicitation Number: HSCG38-12-R-500016 DESCRIPTION: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with (IAW) the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, utilizing the procedures of FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number HSCG38-12-R-500016 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-60, effective July 26, 2012. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 334519. The small business size standard associated with this NAICS code is 500 employees. This solicitation is 100 percent, set aside for small business concerns. All responsible small business sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. The USCG plans to make multiple awards to responsible small businesses that comply with the requirements of this solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to limit the number of awards, to make a single award or to make no award. The USCG is currently using the Second Generation Self Locating Datum Marker Buoys (SLDMBs), which use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for positioning and satellite telemetry for data receipt. The USCG is making significant changes to the specifications for the next generation SLDMB and is planning to upgrade to a new generation with more advanced technology in the future. The USCG is planning to use the buoys purchased under this order to define future specifications. See the attached documents titled "HSCG38-12-R-500016 Product Definitions" and "SOW SLDMB" for additional information. Deliver to: USCG Aviation Logistics Center 1664 Weeksville Road Receiving Section, Bldg. 63 Elizabeth City, NC 27909-5001. The following clauses and provisions are included: PROVISIONS 52.212-1 -- Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (Feb 2012) 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items (Jan 1999) The provision at FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation of Commercial Items is applicable to this solicitation. The Government will award a contract resulting from this RFP to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the RFP will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: EVALUATION CRITERIA (In descending order of importance) 1. Technical Capability 2. Past Performance 3. Delivery 4. Price Technical Capability: Technical capability will be evaluated on the ability of the offeror to provide the required items that best meets the USCG's requirements listed in the attached document titled "HSCG38-12-R-500016 Product Definitions". Offeror's proposals must address each of the listed requirements and state whether or not their SLDMB meets each requirement. Any deviations from the stated requirement must be clearly annotated. Past Performance: The offeror shall provide three past performance references that reflect relevant experience performed within the past three years. Relevant experience includes similar supplies provided. The following information shall be provided for each reference listed: Name of Contracting Activity Contract Number Contract Type Contract Amount Short Description of Work Performed Contracting Officer and Telephone Number Technical Point of Contact and Telephone Number The Government may also use other information available from Government sources to evaluate an offeror's past performance. The Government reserves the right to limit or expand the number of references it decides to contact and to contact references other than those provided by the offeror. If past performance information is not available, a neutral rating will be assigned for this evaluation factor. Delivery If offeror proposes F.O.B. Origin, the quote must also include estimated shipping costs for each line item. The shipping costs will be used in evaluation of price to arrive at a total cost to the Government. Offerors that can meet the Government's required delivery date will be rated higher than offers that are unable to deliver on time. Offerors that can deliver sooner than the Government's required delivery date will be rated the highest. Price: The offeror shall provide firm fixed pricing for the requested items. Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Apr 2012) (X) Alternate I of 52.212-3. (Apr 2011) An offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov. If an offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the ORCA website, the offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (m) of this provision. (End of Provision) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (Feb 1999) The offeror represents that -- (a) It __ has, __ has not participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation; (b) It __ has, __ has not filed all required compliance reports; and (c) Representations indicating submission of required compliance reports, signed by proposed subcontractors, will be obtained before subcontract awards. (End of Provision) CLAUSES 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Feb 2012) Addendum: In accordance with FAR Part 12.302 (b) this addendum reflects tailoring to the basic FAR clause 52.212-4. (a) INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE Inspection and acceptance shall be performed at destination, by Government representatives and shall be, but not limited to, end-item assembly, count, condition, proper packaging, and documentation. Components found to have deficiencies will be reported on Standard Form "SF368", Product Quality Deficiency Report, to the contractor for investigation. The contractor shall report findings of the investigation within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of quality deficiency exhibit to the Contracting Officer. Failure to submit the appropriate certificate shall constitute an improper invoice and result in nonpayment. Additional Invoicing Instructions - The Contractor shall submit an original electronic invoice to: Chief, Fiscal Branch, USCG, ALC, contact@example.gov. Reimbursable Transportation Material shall be delivered FOB supplier's plant with shipment to be made to destination(s) subject to reimbursement. The transportation cost is shown on the invoice as a separate item. If shipping charges exceed $100.00, the charge must be accompanied by a certified carrier freight bill. Parcel Post shipment requires a notification on the invoice giving the mailing rate and parcel zone. PACKAGING 1. Packaging requirements are best commercial procedures in compliance with ASTM D 3951-98 (2004) and CFR 49 with exceptions referenced below. 2. The U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center is a supply depot, therefore material will be stored and transhipped to various users. The container shall be packed and labeled suitable for shipment via land, air or sea. 3. Packaging material shall not consist of the following materials: popcorn, shredded paper, Styrofoam of any type or peanut packaging. 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items. Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (JUL 2012) (a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: (1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). 0Alternate I (Aug 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). (2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553). (3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78). (b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] 1 (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402). 0 (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (Pub. L. 110-252, Title VI, Chapter 1 (41 U.S.C. 251 note)). 0 (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (June 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.) 0 (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Feb 2012) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). 0 (5) 52.204-11, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-Reporting Requirements (Jul 2010) (Pub. L. 111-5). Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (Applies to contracts over $30,000). (Not applicable to subcontracts for the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items). 0 (7) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matter (FEB 2012)(41 U.S.C. 2313). 0 (8) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (section 740 of Division C of Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Division D of Pub. L. 111-8, and section 745 of Division D of Pub. L. 110-161). (15 U.S.C. 657a). 0 (10) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). 0 (11) [Reserved] 1 (12)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644). 0 (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-6. 0 (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011) of 52.219-6. 0 (13)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644). 0 (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7. 0 (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7. 1 (14) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Jan 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)). 0 (15)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jan 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)). 0 (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9. 0 (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9. 0 (iv) Alternate III (Jul 2010) of 52.219-9. 1 (16) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)). 1 (17) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)). 0 (18) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)). 0 (19)(i) 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns (OCT 2008) (10 U.S.C. 2323) (if the offeror elects to waive the adjustment, it shall so indicate in its offer). 0 (ii) Alternate I (June 2003) of 52.219-23. 0 (20) 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program-Disadvantaged Status and Reporting (Dec 2010) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323). 0 (21) 52.219-26, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program- Incentive Subcontracting (Oct 2000) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323). 0 (22) 52.219-27, Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657 f). 1 (23) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Apr 2012) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)). 0 (24) 52.219-29 Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (Apr 2012) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)). 0 (25) 52.219-30 Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (APR 2012) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)). 1 (26) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). 1 (27) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Mar 2012) (E.O. 13126). 1 (28) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999). 1 (29) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246). 1 (30) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Sep 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 1 (31) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793). 1 (32) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (SEP 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 1 (33) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). 0 (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (JUL 2012). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.) 0 (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.) 0 (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.) 0 (36) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b). 0 (37)(i) 52.223-16, IEEE 1680 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products (DEC 2007) (E.O. 13423). 0 (ii) Alternate I (DEC 2007) of 52.223-16. 1 (38) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) (E.O. 13513). 1 (39) 52.225-1, Buy American Act-Supplies (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d). 0 (40)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American Act-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Mar 2012) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, and 110-138, and Pub. L. 112-41). 0 (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3. 0 (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3. 0 (iv) Alternate III (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3 0 (41) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Mar 2012) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note). 1 (42) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). 0 (43) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150). 0 (44) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150). 0 (45) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 255(f), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)). 0 (46) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 255(f), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)). 1 (47) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). 0 (48) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than Central Contractor Registration (May 1999) (31 U.S.C. 3332). 0 (49) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (Feb 2010) (31 U.S.C. 3332). 0 (50) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a). 0 (51)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). 0 (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64. (c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] 0 (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 0 (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 1989) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 0 (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 0 (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act-Price Adjustment (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 0 (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (Nov 2007) (41 351, et seq.). 0 (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 0 (7) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Mar 2009) (Pub. L. 110-247). 0 (8) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (Sept 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)). (d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation. (1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract. (2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved. (3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law. (e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause- (i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (Pub. L. 110-252, Title VI, Chapter 1 (41 U.S.C. 251 note)). (ii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Dec 2010) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $650,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities. (iii) [Reserved] (iv) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246). (v) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Sep 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (vi) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793). (vii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40. (viii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (ix) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). 0Alternate I (Aug 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). (x) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (xi) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (xii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (JAN 2009). (xiii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Mar 2009) (Pub. L. 110-247). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6. (xiv) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64. 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html. FAR 52.203-3 Gratuities (Apr 1984) FAR 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain (Oct 2010) Federal Transactions FAR 52.204-4 Printed Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer (May 2011) Fiber Content Paper FAR 52.246-13 Bankruptcy (Jul 1995) FAR 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Nov 1991) Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) Clause 3052.209-70 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTS WITH CORPORATE EXPATRIATES (JUN 2006) (a) Prohibitions. Section 835 of the Homeland Security Act, 6 U.S.C. 395, prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from entering into any contract with a foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation as defined in this clause, or with any subsidiary of such an entity. The Secretary shall waive the prohibition with respect to any specific contract if the Secretary determines that the waiver is required in the interest of national security. (b) Definitions. As used in this clause: Expanded Affiliated Group means an affiliated group as defined in section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (without regard to section 1504(b) of such Code), except that section 1504 of such Code shall be applied by substituting `more than 50 percent' for at least 80 percent each place it appears. Foreign Incorporated Entity means any entity which is, or but for subsection (b) of section 835 of the Homeland Security Act, 6 U.S.C. 395, would be, treated as a foreign corporation for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Inverted Domestic Corporation. A foreign incorporated entity shall be treated as an inverted domestic corporation if, pursuant to a plan (or a series of related transactions)- (1) The entity completes the direct or indirect acquisition of substantially all of the properties held directly or indirectly by a domestic corporation or substantially all of the properties constituting a trade or business of a domestic partnership; (2) After the acquisition at least 80 percent of the stock (by vote or value) of the entity is held- (i) In the case of an acquisition with respect to a domestic corporation, by former shareholders of the domestic corporation by reason of holding stock in the domestic corporation; or (ii) In the case of an acquisition with respect to a domestic partnership, by former partners of the domestic partnership by reason of holding a capital or profits interest in the domestic partnership; and (3) The expanded affiliated group which after the acquisition includes the entity does not have substantial business activities in the foreign country in which or under the law of which the entity is created or organized when compared to the total business activities of such expanded affiliated group. Person, domestic, and foreign have the meanings given such terms by paragraphs (1), (4), and (5) of section 7701(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, respectively. (c) Special rules. The following definitions and special rules shall apply when determining whether a foreign incorporated entity should be treated as an inverted domestic corporation. (1) Certain Stock Disregarded. For the purpose of treating a foreign incorporated entity as an inverted domestic corporation these shall not be taken into account in determining ownership: (i) Stock held by members of the expanded affiliated group which includes the foreign incorporated entity; or (ii) stock of such entity which is sold in a public offering related to the acquisition described in subsection (b)(1) of Section 835 of the Homeland Security Act, 6 U.S.C. 395(b)(1). (2) Plan Deemed In Certain Cases. If a foreign incorporated entity acquires directly or indirectly substantially all of the properties of a domestic corporation or partnership during the 4-year period beginning on the date which is 2 years before the ownership requirements of subsection (b)(2) are met, such actions shall be treated as pursuant to a plan. (3) Certain Transfers Disregarded. The transfer of properties or liabilities (including by contribution or distribution) shall be disregarded if such transfers are part of a plan a principal purpose of which is to avoid the purposes of this section. (d) Special Rule for Related Partnerships. For purposes of applying section 835(b) of the Homeland Security Act, 6 U.S.C. 395(b) to the acquisition of a domestic partnership, except as provided in regulations, all domestic partnerships which are under common control (within the meaning of section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) shall be treated as a partnership. (e) Treatment of Certain Rights. (1) Certain rights shall be treated as stocks to the extent necessary to reflect the present value of all equitable interests incident to the transaction, as follows: (i) warrants; (ii) options; (iii) contracts to acquire stock; (iv) convertible debt instruments; and (v) others similar interests. (2) Rights labeled as stocks shall not be treated as stocks whenever it is deemed appropriate to do so to reflect the present value of the transaction or to disregard transactions whose recognition would defeat the purpose of Section 835. (f) Disclosure. The offeror under this solicitation represents that [Check one]: __ it is not a foreign incorporated entity that should be treated as an inverted domestic corporation pursuant to the criteria of (HSAR) 48 CFR 3009.104-70 through 3009.104-73; __ it is a foreign incorporated entity that should be treated as an inverted domestic corporation pursuant to the criteria of (HSAR) 48 CFR 3009.104-70 through 3009.104-73, but it has submitted a request for waiver pursuant to 3009.104-74, which has not been denied; or __ it is a foreign incorporated entity that should be treated as an inverted domestic corporation pursuant to the criteria of (HSAR) 48 CFR 3009.104-70 through 3009.104-73, but it plans to submit a request for waiver pursuant to 3009.104-74. (g) A copy of the approved waiver, if a waiver has already been granted, or the waiver request, if a waiver has been applied for, shall be attached to the bid or proposal. (End of provision) Coast Guard Acquisition Procedures (CGAP) Subchapter 3033.103(a) NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS United States Coast Guard Ombudsman Program It is the policy of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to issue solicitations and make contract awards in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to investigate agency protest issues and resolve them without expensive and time-consuming litigation. OPAP is an independent reviewing authority that is empowered to grant a prevailing protester essentially the same relief as the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the USCG as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum rather than filing a protest with the GAO or some external forum. Interested parties may seek resolution of their concerns informally or opt to file a formal agency protest with the Contracting Officer or Ombudsman. Informal Forum with the Ombudsman. Interested parties who believe a specific USCG procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer is unable to satisfy their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Use of an informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a protest with the agency or other forum. In order to ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable). Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman. Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions. If the protester's concerns are unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest to either the Contracting Officer or as an alternative to that, the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless contract award or performance is justified, in writing, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government. The agency's goal is to resolve protests in less than 35 calendar days from the date of filing. Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.103(d) (2). If the protester fails to submit the required information, resolution of the protest may be delayed or the protest may be dismissed. To be timely protests must be filed within the period specified in FAR 33.103(e). Formal protests filed under the OPAP program should be submitted to: COMMANDANT (CG-9131) U S COAST GUARD OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM FOR AGENCY PROTESTS 2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7112 WASHINGTON DC 20593-7112 The Ombudsman Hotline telephone number is 202.372.36 Closing date and time for receipt of offers is 15 August 2012. Anticipated award date is on or about 22 September 2012. E-mail quotes are preferred and may be sent to contact@example.gov . Please indicate HSCG38-12-R-500016 in subject line. Quotes may also be faxed to +1 (555) 000-0000, or mailed to the following address: USCG ALC 1664 Weeksville Road ESD Building 78, HSCG38-12-R-500016 Attn: Belinda Watkins Elizabeth City, NC 27909