One rigid hull aluminum foam-collared boat equipped with twin 115-150hp outboard motors. Boat length overall (LOA) is to be 23 - 24 feet () with a beam of no more than 8.5, capable of carrying up to 6 persons and 1500 lbs. of equipment.

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION One rigid hull aluminum foam-collared boat equipped with twin 115-150hp outboard motors. (I) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (II) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number NFFS73002202870DR. (III) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-07 (AUG 2022) (Deviation 2020-11)(AUG 2020) (IV) This solicitation is being REISSUED AS AN UNRESTIRCTED AND OPEN TO ALL SOURCES. The associated NAICS code is 336612. The small business size standard is 1,000. (V) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services: Line Item 0001 - The intent of this procurement request is to obtain one rigid hull aluminum foam-collared boat equipped with twin 115-150hp outboard motors. Boat length overall (LOA) is to be 23 - 24 feet () with a beam of no more than 8.5, capable of carrying up to 6 persons and 1500 lbs. of equipment. (VI) Description of requirements is as follows: SPECIFICATIONS PURPOSE: The intent of this procurement request is to obtain one rigid hull aluminum foam-collared boat equipped with twin 115-150hp outboard motors. Boat length overall (LOA) is to be 23 - 24 feet () with a beam of no more than 8.5, capable of carrying up to 6 persons and 1500 lbs. of equipment. Background: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is one of several bureaus that comprise the U.S. Department of Commerce, a cabinet level agency of the executive branch of the United States of America. NOAA Fisheries provides science-based conservation and management for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and their habitats. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) conducts field and laboratory research on marine mammal populations, their life history, population dynamics, habitats, ecological interactions, and impacts of human activities. A vessel is needed to support a variety of research on cetaceans, especially Cook Inlet beluga whales. 2. Scope: The Service Provider (SP) shall build/provide one (1) rigid hull aluminum foam-collared center console boat per the salient characteristics called out below (see section 3). The boat's primary mission will be conducting research on Cook Inlet beluga whales. 3. Technical Specifications and Requirements: General: Provide a heavy-duty rigid hull aluminum foam-collared center console boat for use in conducting research in offshore waters in Alaska. Operations may include an estimated cargo of 1500 lbs and 6 total person's weight (185lbs per person). Desired dimensions are 23 - 24 feet () LOA with a beam of no more than 8.5. The hull design should maximize directional stability and slow speed maneuvering while minimizing wind drag. Useful forward deck and work area shall be maximized. The forward deck shall have a minimum of 30 sq ft of useful space. The vessel shall meet stability and drainage requirements in accordance with 46 CFR Part 178 (Intact Stability and Seaworthiness) for EXPOSED WATERS or equivelant. The proposed boat shall be of an existing, proven design. Current production models with reasonable modifications in materials, arrangement or dimensions may satisfy this requirement. The hull form and construction methods shall be traceable to at least three (3) production boats of the same design, or same family of designs, with at least one of these boats having a minimum of one year in successful commercial or government service. All equipment shall be installed according to the equipment manufacturer's specifications and requirement. 316 stainless steel fasteners and hardware shall be used throughout the construction of the vessel. The stainless steel hardware shall be insulated from the aluminum hull wherever applicable. Vessel construction shall meet American Boating and Yachting Club (ABYC) Standards, unless otherwise specified in requirements listed within. Installations and/or inspection by appropriately certified ABYC technicians is required Vessel mechanical components shall be suitable for a marine environment and/or protected from the marine environment. The vendor shall provide documentation that demonstrates that the maximum weight capacity and stability of the boat meets or exceeds the requirements in ABYC H-5 and provide measurements and calculation used. The vendor shall provide documentation that demonstrates that the maximum weight capacity and stability of the boat meets or exceeds the requirements in USCG Subchapter S for offshore waters. Boat must be able to maintain positive buoyancy in the event of the vessel swamping or capsizing. The vendor shall provide drawings of the hull design. Hull, Structure, and Fittings: Hull plating shall be 5083 and/or 5086 welded aluminum construction with minimum 0.250 bottom and 0.188 side plating thickness. 6061 may be used for extruded aluminum as appropriate. Hull should contain multiple water-tight compartments. Hull should include a full-length foam collar floatation system. Cathode protection shall be provided per ABYC specifications using aluminum anodes. Boat shall have a center console with an aluminum T-top with a laminated safety glass windshield with blow-out resistant gasket. T-top shall be able to carry a 90lb life raft, GPS antenna, and VHF antenna. The center console/helm shall be equipped with (2) chairs. A laptop station shall be provided that is accessible at the non-helm chair. The boat shall have self-bailing decks with high-volume scupper drains. The bow should contain a storage/anchor locker. There should be a seat/ storage locker forward of the console. 3.3 Propulsion, Controls, Fuel System: The vendor shall provide two new EPA compliant 4 stroke 115-150 hp outboard(s) with remote, electric start, power tilt & trim and single top mount binnacle control(s). Motor control cables, wiring harness, all wiring, circuit fuse block, with ground bus and cover to install the motor and gauges. Installation included for all motor, controls, wiring and 4-blade propellers. The propellers should be selected to maximize low-speed maneuverability and low-speed planing; top speed is not a priority as long as the boat can cruise easily at 25-30 mph. An "In-the-water" performance check shall be performed by the vendor after the motor is installed to ensure the engine mounting height and prop selection result in the engine's maximum RPM's being within the manufacturer's range for a light ship top speed of 35 mph. Installation and rigging of the propulsion system shall be in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations with hydraulic steering including electric power assist. The vendor shall provide a complete instrumentation package for the main engine(s) located in the helm console. Minimum instruments shall include: Tachometer, hour meter, tilt/trim indicator, voltmeter, and audible and visual engine alarms for oil pressure and coolant temperature. Electronic fuel gauge shall also be mounted near the instrumentation package. The workboat shall have a minimum 100 gallon capacity built in fuel tank(s), constructed of aluminum with fill, vent, and shutoff valves as per ABYC recommendations. Fuel tank shall be accessible via a water-tight quick acting hatch. Additional inspection ports shall be placed per ABYC to allow ease of access to valves, sending unit, and hose connections. Fuel filter and water separator shall be in a readily accessible location. All applicable ABYC Standards and Recommended practices. And all applicable requirements of 33 CFR 183 are incorporated into this specification unless otherwise not. 4 Electrical: The vendor shall provide battery enclosures to secure and protect a minimum of two (2) batteries, per ABYC standards. The enclosure shall be weatherproof and vented and the batteries shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance. The vendor shall provide a minimum two (2) 12V Marine/RV grade batteries in a house/back-up start configuration, isolated by an automatic charge relay. The battery switch shall be readily accessible yet in a protected location. A marine grade inverter system to allow for two (2) 15 amp AC outlets shall be installed inside the cabin/cockpit. One (1) 15 amp 12VDC and two (2) USB power ports at the helm console shall be provided. A 12VDC switch/breaker panel sufficient to operate all installed equipment plus 20% spare capacity shall be provided. All switches shall be labeled. An electric sounding device (horn) shall be provided per USCG requirements. All navigational lights shall be LED and located per U.S.C.G. regulations. All electrical and electronic conductors and connectors shall be provided per ABYC E-11. A 110VAC breaker panel sufficient to operate all installed equipment plus 20% spare capacity shall be provided. 3.5 Communications and Navigation: One (1) Marine VHF Radio shall be provided. The mount shall be located at the highest practicable location inside the cabin, just above the helm. Radios shall be integrated into the NMEA 2000 bus so that the radios, GPS, depth finder, and chart plotter all seamlessly communicate. One (1) 6 dB VHF antenna shall be located on the cabin roof and shall be capable of being lowered via ratcheting or similar type system. A GPS touchscreen plotter/depth sounder combination with a forward-looking transducer shall be provided and flush-mounted in the console/helm area. A Class B AIS transceiver that integrates with the plotter and VHF via NMEA 2000 should be provided. A flush mounted magnetic compass with internal light shall be mounted near the helm and as close to the centerline of the boat as practicable and away from any ferrous material. 3.6 Documentation and Labeling: All OEM operating manuals and any other documentation provided with the equipment's installation shall be provided. All documentation shall be organized as per each boat component's section. The vendor shall provide the personnel, engine, and total weight capacity plate of the boat mounted at the operator's console. 3.7 Trailer: An aluminum trailer of properly-rated capacity to accommodate the completed boat size and weight, including the fully rated load plus 15% safety margin shall be provided. Trailer components shall be suitable for saltwater use, stainless steel or other corrosion resistant materials to be used throughout. The bunks shall be synthetic material bolted with stainless steel bolts. An appropriate size ball/coupler with safety chains and hooks shall be provided. A drop leg jack equipped with wheel(s) shall be provided. Hydraulic surge disc brakes and stainless steel brake lines shall be installed. Side loading/unloading trailer guides shall be provided A corrosion-resistant bow winch with nylon strap and safety chain shall be provided. The tires must be light truck style. A spare tire mount and spare tire on the trailer A DOT compliant, submersible LED trailer lights and license plate holder shall be provided 3.8 Inspection/Trials: Upon completion of the boat and trailer, vendor shall perform a pre-delivery inspection and operational verification including items listed in a-f below: Inspect all systems for compliance with U.S.C.G. and ABYC requirements and standards. Ensure that the boat and trailer are clean and absent of trash and other manufacturing debris Ensure that the boat and trailer are ready for delivery except final preparation for delivery. Ensure that the boat launches and retrieves correctly on the trailer. Ensure that the boat is seaworthy and that all components, equipment, and systems can safely operate under the maximum load operating conditions. Ensure vessel meets top speed performance specifications and successfully completes avoidance maneuver at full speed as per 33 CFR 183.53(4). NOAA representatives will inspect and participate in on-water/pre-delivery testing. Required milestone inspections shall be determined upon award of the contract and will be scheduled according to the construction process. The vendor shall provide a minimum of 20 days notice to NOAA prior to the anticipated test dates. The vendor shall provide a final cleaning and preparation prior to delivery to NOAA. 4. Payment The vendor shall develop assessment metrics to lay out a payment method for items/services that have been completed/received during the manufacturing process which then can be inspected by a NOAA representative and signed off on as accepted. After which a previously agreed upon incremental payment amount shall be dispersed to the vendor via EFT. 5. Requested Delivery Date/Period of Performance Delivery required on or before 5/15/2023. 6. Shipping Address and Delivery: If Vendor is more than 100 miles from Seattle, WA, vendor shall deliver boat and trailer to: 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA, 98115 Attention: Paul Wade FOB Destination: Cost of delivery must be incorporated in the quote. (VII) Place of performance/Delivery address: If Vendor is more than 100 miles from Seattle, WA, vendor shall deliver boat and trailer to: 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA, 98115 Attention: Paul Wade FOB Destination: Cost of delivery must be incorporated in the quote (VIII) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (Nov 2021) applies to this acquisition and is in full text in the RFQ SF18. NOTICE TO OFFERORS: Instructions for submitting quotations under this request for quote must be followed. Failure to provide all information to aid in the evaluation may be considered non-responsive. Offers that are nonresponsive may be excluded from further evaluation and rejected without further notification to the offeror. In addition to written price quotes, offers are instructed to provide: 1. Quotes shall be fully executed and returned on the Standard Form (SF) 18 and any acknowledgements of solicitation amendments on the SF 30 (if any are issued). 2. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the time specified in the solicitation. Email quotes are acceptable and can be sent to contact@example.gov. 3. At a minimum the contractor shall provide the following information: a) Point of contact name, telephone and E-mail address. b) Vendor Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov c) Cage Code 4. Provide all evaluation criteria in accordance with 52.212-2 in this package. 5. The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically in System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ in order to be considered for award. - THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR NON-RECEIPT OF QUOTES. IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF THE QUOTE CONTRACTORS MUST BE ACTIVE IN SAM IN ORDER FOR QUOTES TO BE ACCEPTABLE. (IX) FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021) applies to this acquisition. Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a) the Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on: 1) Technical Capability/Qualifications: - It is the contractor's responsibility to provide the quote, all necessary documentation and/or information for the government to make a determination that all specifications are met by the contractor. 2) Past Performance - quote shall include at least 2 references for similar services including the name, phone number, full address and email address. The government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from references provided by the offeror, the agency's knowledge of the contractor's performance, other government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases, and past performance will be based on responsiveness, timeliness, quality, and customer service. 3) Price. 4) Delivery - quote shall include delivery time The Government intends to award a best value trade-off, firm fixed-price purchase order on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30. (b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful 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. (End of provision) (X) FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL Products and Commercial Services (MAY 2022) (DEVIATION 2020-11) (AUG 2020) applies to this acquisition and is in full text in the RFQ SF-18 applies to this acquisition and is in full text in attachment/ The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically in System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1. The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v)) of this provision. The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically in System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ (XI) The clause at FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions'Commercial Items (NOV 2021) (Deviation 2017-02) (Aug 2017), applies to this acquisition and is in full text attached to the Request for Quote form SF18. (XII) FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders'Commercial Items (MAY 2022) (Deviation 2021-06) (Sept 2021) (Deviation 2020-11) (Aug 2020) (Deviation 2020-05) (Apr 2020) (Deviation 2017-05)(Sept 2017) applies to this acquisition and is in full text in the RFQ SF18. (XIII) The following clauses/provisions are also applicable to this acquisition: FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services'Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3. (a) Definitions. As used in this provision Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to (i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or (ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. (2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to (i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or (ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. (c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services". (d) Representation. The Offeror represents that (1) It ? will, ? will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and (2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that It ? does, ? does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. (e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer: (i) For covered equipment (A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known); (B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and (C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision. (ii) For covered services (A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or (B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision. (2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer: (i) For covered equipment (A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known); (B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and (C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision. (ii) For covered services (A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or (B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision. (End of provision) DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACQUISITION CLAUSE OR PROVISION (CAR) FOR FULL TEXT GO TO http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/acquistion_management/policy/default.htm 1352.201-70, Contracting Officer's Authority (Apr 2010) (Reference) 1352.209-73 Compliance With the Laws (Apr 2010) (Reference) 1352.209-74 Organizational Conflict of Interest (Apr 2010) (Reference) CAR 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010) Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to contact@example.gov. Questions should be received no later than September 12, 2022. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract. (End of clause) CAR 1352.233-70 AGENCY PROTESTS (APR 2010) (a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) The contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 FR 16,651 (April 6, 1999). (b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: Chad Hepp, Director NOAA/AGO Western Acquisition Division-Boulder 325 Broadway SOU6 Boulder, CO 80305 email: contact@example.gov (c) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: Barry Berkowitz Senior Procurement Executive and Director, Office of Acquisition Management U.S. Department of Commerce Room 6422 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20230 FAX: +1 (555) 000-0000 (d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority. (e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20230 FAX: +1 (555) 000-0000. (End of clause) CAR 1352.233-71 GAO AND COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS PROTESTS (APR 2010) (a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed. (b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims. (c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20230 FAX: +1 (555) 000-0000. (End of clause) NOAA ACQUISITION MANUAL (NAM) FOR FULL TEXT GO TO https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/document/2020/Mar/noaa_Acquisition_Manual_8.0.pdf 1330-52.270-304 NOAA ACQUISITION AND GRANTS OFFICE OMBUDSMAN (OCT 2016) The NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) Ombudsman is available to organizations to promote responsible and meaningful exchanges of information. Generally, the purpose of these exchanges will be to: Allow contractors to better prepare for and propose on business opportunities. Advise as to technologies and solutions within the marketplace that the Government may not be aware of, or is not fully benefiting from. Identify constraints in transparency and process. The AGO Ombudsman will objectively, reasonably, and responsibly collaborate with parties and recommend fair, impartial, and constructive solutions to the matters presented to him/her. Further, the AGO Ombudsman will maintain the reasonable and responsible confidentiality of the source of a concern, when such a request has been formally made by an authorized officer of an organization seeking to do business with, or already doing business with NOAA. Before consulting with the AGO Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations with the respective contracting officer for resolution. However, direct access to the AGO Ombudsman may be sought when an interested party questions the objectivity or equity of a contracting officer's decision, or when there is a bona fide reason to believe that reasonable, responsible, and objective consideration will not be received from an assigned contracting officer. There are several constraints to the scope of the AGO Ombudsman's authority, for instance: Consulting with the AGO Ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines of any formal process (e.g., protests, claims, debriefings, employee employer actions, activities involving A-76 competition performance decisions, judicial or congressional hearings, or proposal, amendment, modification or deliverable ...