ESC SCIENCE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the commercial provisions, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses incorporated by reference or in full text for an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. It details the requirements for offerors to submit proposals, including a phased evaluation process.

• Phased Evaluation Process:

  • Step 1: Focuses on Prime Contractor's recent/relevant experience (two case reports required), team structure, and qualifications. This step is mandatory for participation.
  • Step 2: Will evaluate additional experience subfactors, technical/management approach, past performance, and price. Detailed instructions for Step 2 will be provided via amendment.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically via email by the closing date and time. Specific formatting and content requirements are detailed.

• Team Structure: SDVOSB offerors are encouraged to propose team arrangements. Team members cannot be changed after Step 1.

• Key Clauses: Includes provisions related to System for Award Management (SAM), representations and certifications, security prohibitions, safeguarding of contractor information systems, and nondiscrimination.

• Contract Type: Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: The contract will be ordered from the date of award through five years from the date of award, with a maximum delivery date of July 31, 2031.

• Maximum Order Amount: $15,000,000.00.

• Guaranteed Minimum: The government shall order at least the stated minimum quantity for each individual line item, or a minimum totaling a Task Order 1 value if no minimums are stated.

• Evaluation Factors: Non-price factors are significantly more important than price. Factors include Experience (partially evaluated in Step 1), Technical/Management, and Past Performance.

• Submission Instructions: Specific instructions for Step 1 are provided, including page limits and required content for case reports and team introductions.

• Deadlines: Step 1 submission period is approximately five days. Step 2 will have a 20-25 day proposal cycle after advisory notices.

• This acquisition is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

• Offerors are cautioned against embedding pricing information in non-price sections of their submission.

• Detailed RFP Step 2 proposal instructions will be released via amendment.

• Security requirements, including background investigations and DOI Access Cards, are detailed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "ICT Accessibility Requirements Statement per Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act," outlines the accessibility standards that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) items must meet. It serves as a guide for offerors to understand and comply with Section 508 requirements.

• Hardware (E206): Components must conform to Chapter 4 requirements.
• Support Documentation and Services (E208): Documentation and services must conform to Chapter 6 requirements.
• Functional Performance Criteria (E302): Details specific criteria related to vision, color perception, hearing, speech, manipulation, reach, strength, and cognitive/learning abilities.
• Applications (503): Applications must conform to Section 503.
• Support Documentation (602): Documentation must conform to Section 602.
• Support Services (603): ICT support services must conform to Section 603.

Offerors are instructed to provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each ICT item offered, using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) Version 2.1 or later. The ACR must detail how each ICT item meets the applicable Section 508 requirements referenced in the Work Statement. Bidders must explain conformance in remarks/explanations, address "Not Applicable" responses, and describe evaluation methods. The government reserves the right to test ICT items to validate conformance claims. Bidders must also describe their approach to universal design and plans for features that may not fully conform to Section 508 standards, including typical user scenarios and tasks for individuals with disabilities. The government may require remediation if conformance claims are inaccurate.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines IT security guidelines and requirements that are incorporated into the Statement of Work/Performance Work Statement for services provided under this contract. It details various IT security-related tasks and obligations for contractors working with USGS systems and data.

• Background Investigations: Contractors must undergo background investigations as per "Security Requirements: Facility Access and Information Technology."

• Non-disclosure Agreements: Required for employees accessing USGS IT systems, especially those containing sensitive or proprietary data.

• Privacy Act Compliance: Contractors must safeguard personal information protected by the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. Section 552a) and are not permitted to respond to data requests or make release decisions.

• Training: Employees must complete DOI end-user computer security awareness training annually and sign a Statement of Responsibility.

• Personnel Changes: Immediate notification to the COR is required when an employee working on a DOI system is reassigned or leaves.

• Contractor Location: Services performed outside the United States require express written permission from the Contracting Officer.

• Applicable Standards: Contractors must follow DOI System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), NIST SP 800-64, and the DOI SDLC Security Integration Guide.

• Asset Valuation-Security Categorization: The Government is responsible for security categorization of USGS systems accessed by the contractor.

• Property Rights: Governed by FAR clause 52.227-17 or FAR 52.227-19, whichever is greater.

• Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V): The Government is responsible for IV&V prior to production, or the contractor must ensure IV&V on contractor-managed systems with USGS data.

• Certification & Accreditation (C&A): For custom applications, the contractor performs C&A. For user access or IT support services, the Government or its contractors conduct C&A. For on-site/off-site contractor support, systems must be compliant with NIST SP 800-18, 800-30, 800-37, etc.

• Internet Logon Banner: Required for all employees accessing DOI information systems.

• Incident Reporting: Contractors must report computer security incidents per the DOI Computer Incident Response Guide.

• Quality Control: Purchased software/hardware must be free of malicious code.

• Self-Assessment: Contractors must conduct annual self-assessments.

• Vulnerability Analysis: Conducted by the Government or its contractors.

• Security Controls: Compliance with NIST SP 800-53, Rev.1, FIPS 199, and NIST SP 800-60 is required.

• Contingency Plan: Required for IT Support Services, following NIST SP 800-34 and DOI IT Systems Contingency Plan Guide.

• Compliance with various NIST and DOI security guidelines and clauses.

• Annual renewal of training.

• Immediate notification of personnel changes.

• Submission of contingency plans as required.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, but services performed outside the U.S. require specific permission.

• Strict adherence to IT security protocols, data protection, and reporting requirements.

• Use of specific NIST and DOI standards for system development, security, and incident response.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for providing a broad range of scientific software development, data science, and IT services to support the USGS Earthquake Science Center (ESC). The ESC conducts earthquake hazard and mitigation research, ground motion monitoring, and earthquake notification efforts.

The contract will be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type. Task Orders (TOs) will be issued for specific services, which may include:

• Scientific Software Development: Full software development lifecycle support, maintenance, upgrades, migration to cloud environments, and documentation for geophysical applications.

• Scientific Application Support: Operation and performance analysis of scientific computer systems, including configuration, backup, installation, and security audits.

• Database Development and Integration: Design, development, and administration of databases, including cloud-native services and integration standards.

• Message-Oriented Middleware: Installation, configuration, and maintenance of MOM platforms for reliable messaging in scientific monitoring systems.

• Full-Stack Development: Building and maintaining scientific web applications, visualization tools, and implementing secure coding practices.

• DevOps: Software deployment, infrastructure management, and CI/CD pipelines for mission-critical scientific applications.

• Data Science and Analytics: Data stewardship, preservation, metadata management, data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence integration.

• Scientific IT Infrastructure Services: System administration, IT security support, and network administration for scientific monitoring systems.

• Telemetry Support: Computer networking, network administration, and device configuration for geophysical instrumentation.

• Support is required Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with potential for on-call requirements (24/7/365) for some task orders.

• Work may be performed remotely or at USGS facilities, with principal on-site locations including Pasadena, CA; Moffett Field, CA; and Seattle, WA.

• Specific performance measures and metrics will be included in each task order.

• Deliverables may include status reports, presentations, analyses, project plans, delivered applications, and documentation.

• Contractor will be responsible for implementing quality programs and managing performance levels.

• Contract Type: Task Orders will be issued on a Performance-Based Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) or Time and Materials (T&M) – Labor Hour (LH) basis.

• Staffing: Contractor shall provide professional and highly skilled technical and scientific personnel.

• Security: Contractor employees require background investigations and must sign non-disclosure agreements. Compliance with federal cybersecurity regulations (FISMA, NIST SP 800-53) is mandatory.

• Section 508 Compliance: Acquired resources must meet applicable accessibility standards.

• Government Furnished Property: The Government may provide facilities, equipment (laptops, etc.), and materials.

• Deliverables: All software developed will become the property of the U.S. Government and will be made available as open source where possible.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Science and Technical Support Services for the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center. The procurement is for a single-source Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year ordering period. The estimated ceiling for this contract is $15,000,000.00.

• Science and Technical Support Services.

• Applicable labor categories are subject to Wage Determination found at: https://sam.gov/wage-determinations.

• Product/Service Code: DD01

• Product/Service Description: IT AND TELECOM - SERVICE DELIVERY SUPPORT SERVICES: ITSM, OPERATIONS CENTER, PROJECT/PM (LABOR).

• The following documents are attached and form part of the requirement:

  • Performance Based Statement of Work (25 pages)
  • Commercial Provisions & Clauses (37 pages)
  • Section 508 (4 pages)
  • FISMA (6 pages)
  • ATTACHMENT EXP Case Report Template (2 pages)

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Estimated to be 08/01/2026 to 07/31/2031.

• Estimated Ceiling: $15,000,000.00.

• This acquisition will be a multiphase solicitation with a two-step submission process and a phased evaluation.

• Step 1: Proposal Response. The closing date and time for the mandatory Step 1 Proposal Response is noted in Block 8. Late proposals for Step 1 will not be accepted.

• Step 2: After Step 1 proposals are received, the Government will amend the solicitation to establish the closing date and time for the remaining proposal information and provide additional instructions for Step 2 submissions.

• Offerors who do not participate in Step 1 may not participate in subsequent steps.

• For Step 1 submission, offerors shall fill in Block 17 firm information and sign Block 30 of SF1449. No other information on the SF1449 is required for Step 1.

• Questions will be made available during the Step 2 phase.

• This opportunity is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• The solicitation number is 140G0326R0003.

• The Solicitation Issue Date is 05/18/2026.

• The Offer Due Date/Local Time is 05/28/2026 0900 ED.

• Contracting Officer: Charlan Fejarang, EMAIL: CHARLAN_FEJARANG@IOS.DOI.GOV.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Step 1 Submission Reference Information Sheet – Contract Summary Data," is a form required for bidders to provide details about their prior experience. It is designed to be duplicated for each contract reference cited.

Part 1: General Contract Information – Prior Experience

• Contract Number & Project or Contract Name
• Set Aside Type
• Type of Award (Stand alone, IDV, etc.)
• Type of Competition (Sole Source, 8a Direct Award, Competitive/Fair Opportunity)
• Solicitation Number
• Complete Name and Address of Contract Reference
• Date of Contract Award and Date Work Began
• Contract Status (Ongoing or Complete/Completion Date)
• Customer Technical and Contracting Points of Contact (Name, Phone, Email)
• Initial and Final/Current Contract Ceiling
• Final Invoiced Amount or Amount Invoiced to Date

Part 2: Contract Scope, Size, and Relevancy Information

• Required Attachments:
  • Signed contract face page (1 page).
  • Contract's SOW/PWS requirements section relevant to the RFP. Bidders should only include technical IT science support requirements comparable to the opportunity's needs, excluding unnecessary material. Annotation/highlighting is permitted.
• Summary of Work Performed (Max 3 Pages): A summary of actual work performed, focusing on completed tasks and describing the nature, scope, and relevance to the current requirement.
• Optional Attachment (Max 1 Page): A chart or table summarizing or linking case reports.

This form is crucial for bidders to document their relevant past performance. The information provided in this "Step 1 Submission" will be used in the evaluation of Factor C - Past Performance. Bidders must carefully select and summarize their experience, ensuring it aligns with the requirements of the current opportunity. All submitted information is protected as "Source Selection Sensitive," but bidders are responsible for redacting sensitive information and must not submit classified information.

Presolicitation Notice

This notice serves as a pre-solicitation announcement for Science and Technical Support Services for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earthquake Science Center (ESC). The full solicitation package, including the SF-1449 and Statement of Work, is expected to be posted on SAM.gov around May 6, 2026. This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation; no responses are required at this time.

The USGS requires mission-critical technical support in the following areas:

• Geophysical monitoring network operations
• Integrated scientific software and IT infrastructure
• Ground-motion monitoring networks
• Product generation, data delivery, and 24/7/365 system availability

Specific services to be provided by the contractor include:

• Customized scientific software/application development
• Database development and administration
• Systems administration
• Seismic network engineering
• DevOps engineering
• Support for sensor networks, field telemetry, data-processing centers, and alert-distribution systems operated jointly by USGS and university partners.

Supported programs include the Earthquake Notification System (ENS), Northern California Seismic Network (NCSN), Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN), and the USGS ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) Project.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Contract Duration: Five-year single-award contract

• Planned Start Date: August 1, 2026

• This acquisition will be solicited as a total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• NAICS: 541512 (size standard $34M)

• PSC: DA01

• Contracting Officer: Charlan Fejarang

• Department: Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Geological Survey Acquisition Team (GSAT)

• Email: charlan_fejarang@ios.doi.gov

• Phone: 916-278-9329