On-Ramp_Basic Ordering Agreement Sustainment Track (BOAST) Program

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides official Government responses to common questions received regarding the Basic Ordering Agreement Sustainment Track (BOAST) program solicitation (W912CH-26-R-0001).

• Scope: The BOAST program covers a broad range of Class IX supplies, but the current solicitation is only to establish the Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). Specific items and weapon systems will be detailed in future Requests for Order Proposals (RFOPs). A pre-synopsis notice's forecasted supply list was for informational purposes only and is not binding.
• Inclusions: Parachutes and major aerial delivery equipment are generally Class VII and out of scope, but individual repair parts for them may be within the Class IX scope.
• DLA vs. BOAST: ACC-DTA (BOAST) and DLA are separate. The Army's supply chain strategy determines which organization procures an NSN. BOAST is an ACC-DTA vehicle for competing Class IX requirements.
• Submission Requirements: A fully completed and signed BOA document is required. No separate capabilities package, product list, or past performance information is needed. All "fill-in" information must be completed.
• Terms & Conditions: Proposed changes or "redlining" of the BOA terms and conditions are not accepted. Submittals must be as-is.
• NAICS Codes: No single mandatory NAICS code is required for BOA eligibility; the program covers a broad range.
• Future Orders: "Best value" determination for future orders will be defined in each RFOP (Price Only, LPTA, or Best Value Tradeoff). Pricing proposed for an RFOP applies only to that specific order; there are no pre-priced line items in the master BOA.
• Notification: Future opportunities (RFOPs) will be posted as "Special Notices" on SAM.gov.
• Obligation: Holding a BOA makes a company eligible to compete for future orders but does not obligate them to bid on every RFOP.

This Q&A document clarifies the scope, submission process, and future order procedures for the BOAST program. It emphasizes that the current solicitation is for establishing the BOA, not for specific parts, and that future RFOPs will detail specific requirements and evaluation criteria. Holding a BOA is a prerequisite for competing in future BOAST-related procurements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment is administrative in nature and serves to update the solicitation to align with current acquisition policy under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). It also makes administrative changes to resolve a system validation issue in the Government's contract writing system prior to award.

The following clauses are deleted from the solicitation:

• FAR 52.216-18, ORDERING (AUG 2020)
• FAR 52.204-23, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED ENTITIES (DEC 2023)
• FAR 52.212-3, OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2023)

These changes are for administrative purposes only. All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain in full force and effect. No impact on proposal deadlines or submission requirements is indicated.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 0002 - FAR Part 13 (Simplified Procedures for Non-Commercial Acquisitions)," lists various clauses and provisions applicable to simplified acquisition procedures for non-commercial items. It serves as a reference for bidders to understand the regulatory framework and specific contractual requirements that may apply to this opportunity.

The attachment is a spreadsheet containing a list of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) clauses and provisions. Each entry includes a clause number and its title. Examples include:

• Compensation and Whistleblower Rights: Clauses related to former DoD officials' compensation and employee whistleblower rights.
• Information Disclosure and Safeguarding: Provisions concerning the disclosure of information, control of government personnel work product, and safeguarding covered defense information.
• Acquisition Restrictions: Clauses related to Buy American, Trade Agreements, and prohibitions on acquiring certain telecommunications equipment or services.
• Submission and Payment: Instructions for electronic submission of proposals and payment requests.
• Small Business Programs: Provisions related to post-award small business program re-representation and the non-manufacturer rule.

Bidders should review this list to identify specific clauses and provisions that will be incorporated into the contract. Understanding these requirements is crucial for accurately preparing proposals, ensuring compliance, and assessing the overall scope and obligations of the potential contract. Pay close attention to clauses related to Buy American, Trade Agreements, data safeguarding, and submission instructions, as these often have significant implications for offerors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 0003 - FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation)," serves as a reference for Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses relevant to contracting by negotiation. It lists specific FAR and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses that may be incorporated into solicitations and contracts.

• FAR Part 15 Clauses: Includes numerous clauses related to contracting by negotiation, such as "Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition" (52.215-1), "Audit and Records—Negotiation" (52.215-2), and "Only One Offer" (252.215-7008).
• DFARS Clauses: Lists various DFARS clauses covering areas like "Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting" (252.204-7012), "Buy American and Balance of Payments Program" (252.225-7001), and "Trade Agreements" (252.225-7021).
• Other FAR Clauses: Includes general FAR clauses on topics such as "System for Award Management" (52.204-7), "Payments" (52.232-1), and "Termination for Convenience of the Government" (52.249-2).
• Acronym Key: Provides a reference for understanding the meaning of abbreviations used for provisions and clauses (e.g., FAR, DFARS, IBR).

Bidders should review this attachment to understand the specific FAR and DFARS clauses that will govern the contract. This includes requirements related to proposal submission, cost principles, subcontracting, data security, Buy American provisions, and contract administration. Familiarity with these clauses is crucial for preparing compliant proposals and understanding contractual obligations.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to Solicitation W912CH-26-R-0001 is administrative in nature and aims to update the solicitation and its attachments to align with current acquisition policies mandated by the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO).

Specifically, the following changes have been made:

• Deleted Clauses: The following clauses have been removed from the Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) and all applicable attachments:

  • FAR 52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting
  • FAR 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application
  • FAR 52.211-8, Time of Delivery

• Added Clauses: The following clauses have been added to the BOA and all applicable attachments:

  • FAR 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements
  • FAR 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule
  • FAR 52.232-39, Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations
  • FAR 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions
  • FAR 52.240-93, Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems
  • FAR 52.204-91, Contractor Identification

• The clauses listed above are affected.

• The BOA W912CH-26-R-0001 is conformed by reference to revised attachments.

• Acknowledgment of this administrative amendment is not required.

• All submitted offers will be evaluated against the solicitation as modified.

• All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 0001 - FAR Part 12_Acquisition of Commercial Items.xlsx", lists various clauses and provisions relevant to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services under FAR Part 12. It serves as a reference for bidders to understand the contractual terms and conditions that will apply to this opportunity.

The attachment contains a comprehensive list of FAR and DFARS clauses, including but not limited to:

• Clauses related to compensation, prohibitions, and disclosures (e.g., 252.203-7000, 52.203-12).
• Clauses concerning information safeguarding, cyber incident reporting, and NIST SP 800-171 requirements (e.g., 252.204-7012, 252.204-7019, 252.204-7020).
• Clauses related to Buy American, Trade Agreements, and other socioeconomic programs (e.g., 252.225-7001, 252.225-7021, 252.226-7001).
• Clauses pertaining to contract terms, conditions, and administration (e.g., 52.212-1, 52.212-4, 52.232-25).
• Clauses related to small business utilization and subcontracting (e.g., 52.119-8, 52.244-6).

Bidders should review this attachment to understand the specific regulatory and contractual requirements that will govern any resulting contract. Familiarity with these clauses is crucial for preparing compliant proposals and ensuring adherence to all terms and conditions throughout the contract lifecycle. Pay close attention to clauses related to data security, socioeconomic program requirements, and submission instructions, as these often have significant implications for proposal content and contract performance.

Attachment

This attachment, titled "FAR Part 15_Contracting by Negotiation," provides a comprehensive list of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses and provisions. It is specifically relevant to the Basic Ordering Agreement Sustainment Track (BOAST) and contracts awarded through negotiation under FAR Part 15. The document also includes an 'Acronym Key' to define various contracting terms and conditions.

• Extensive Clause List: A detailed compilation of FAR and DFARS clauses and provisions, identified by their regulation number and title (e.g., 52.246-2 Inspection of Supplies—Fixed-Price, 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting).
• Acronym Key: Definitions for terms such as 'Provision or Clause' (P or C), 'Incorporation by reference authorized?' (IBR), 'Uniform Contract Format Section' (UCF), various 'Contract Types' (Fixed-price, Cost-reimbursement), 'Contract Purpose' (Noncommercial Supply, Service, R&D), and 'Contracting Methods' (Negotiating, Simplified Acquisition Procedures).
• Applicability Notes: Guidance within the 'Acronym Key' on when clauses are required, required when applicable, optional, or authorized for incorporation by reference, including specific conditions for commercial items (CI) and COTS.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the specific regulatory requirements and contractual obligations that will likely be incorporated into any resulting contract under the BOAST program, particularly those negotiated under FAR Part 15. It helps in identifying compliance requirements across various domains, including supply chain, cybersecurity, payment, and ethical conduct. The 'Acronym Key' provides essential context for interpreting the applicability of these clauses, which is vital for accurate proposal preparation and understanding potential contract terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 0001 - FAR Part 12_Acquisition of Commercial Items.xlsx", lists various FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) clauses and provisions relevant to the acquisition of commercial items. It serves as a reference for bidders to understand the regulatory framework governing this procurement.

The attachment contains a comprehensive list of clauses and their titles, categorized by their FAR or DFARS designation. Key clauses include those related to:

• Compensation of former DoD officials
• Prohibition on persons convicted of fraud
• Whistleblower rights
• Safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting
• Buy American and Balance of Payments programs
• Trade Agreements
• Instructions to Offerors for commercial products and services
• Contract terms and conditions for commercial products and services
• Payment instructions and requirements
• Small business utilization
• Termination and disputes

Bidders should review this attachment to identify all applicable clauses and provisions that will be incorporated into the resulting contract. Understanding these requirements is crucial for preparing compliant proposals, ensuring proper business practices, and meeting contractual obligations. Specific attention should be paid to clauses related to representations and certifications, data safeguarding, Buy American/Trade Agreements, and submission instructions, as these often have direct impacts on proposal content and evaluation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Solicitation (W912CH-26-R-0001) for the establishment of Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) for the procurement of Class IX supplies. These supplies are defined in DoD Joint Publication (JP) 4-09, Distribution Operations, and are intended for maintenance support of all Army equipment, excluding medical-peculiar repair parts. The BOAs will be established under the Sustainment Track (BOAST) program.

• The solicitation aims to establish Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) for Class IX supplies.

• Class IX supplies are categorized into various subclasses including Air, Ground Support Materiel, Administrative Vehicles, Tactical Vehicles, Missiles, Weapons, Special Weapons, Industrial Materiel, and Aircraft Engines.

• Orders placed under the BOAs will be for repair parts and components, including kits, assemblies, subassemblies, and reparable/consumable items.

• The BOAs will be valid for up to five (5) years from the effective date of execution.

• The contract type is specified as Firm Fixed Price for the BOAs.

• The Government is not obligated to order any specific quantity of supplies during the term of the agreement.

• Offers must be submitted electronically via email to specified addresses.

• Specific requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission deadlines will be detailed in individual Request for Order Proposals (RFOPs) issued via Special Notices on SAM.gov.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on factors that may include Price, Technical Capability, Past Performance, and/or other factors detailed in the applicable RFOP.

• Delivery Orders may be executed based on evaluation of price alone, Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), or best value tradeoff process.

• Key deadlines include the solicitation closing date and time, which is 2026-03-19 at 03:30 PM local time.

• Not explicitly stated in the provided sections, but the "Qualification and Eligibility for Basic Ordering Agreements Participation" section (Section M) outlines requirements for BOA establishment, including SAM.gov registration, acceptance of clauses, and not being debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment.

• All BOAST program announcements and opportunities will be publicized on the System for Award Management (SAM) website (https://www.SAM.gov).

• Technical Data Packages (TDPs) applicable to specific requirements will be released with future RFOPs and will be available through SAM.gov Special Notices.

• Interested contractors must submit a completed BOA via email to BOAST@army.mil and cc NICHOLAS.A.LANG.CIV@ARMY.MIL.

• No work is authorized under the BOA itself; all costs must be identified in individual Orders.

Form / Attachment

This document, titled "Attachment 0002: FAR PART 13_SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES," provides a comprehensive list of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses that are applicable to the Basic Ordering Agreement Sustainment Track (BOAST) under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13).

The attachment details a wide array of clauses, including:

• DFARS Clauses (252.xxx): Covering areas such as requirements relating to compensation of former DoD officials, whistleblower rights, disclosure of information, control of Government personnel work product, billing instructions, annual representations and certifications, safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting (including NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements), prohibition on acquisition of covered defense telecommunications equipment or services, Buy American and Trade Agreements programs, export-controlled items, prohibition regarding business operations with the Maduro Regime, prohibition on procurement of foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems, electronic submission of payment requests (Wide Area WorkFlow), and pilot programs for employee-owned businesses.
• FAR Clauses (52.xxx): Addressing topics like limitation on payments to influence federal transactions, prohibition on requiring certain internal confidentiality agreements, System for Award Management (SAM) registration and maintenance, commercial and government entity code reporting, prohibition on contracting for hardware/software by Kaspersky Lab and ByteDance, economic purchase quantity, prohibition on contracting with inverted domestic corporations, updates of publicly available information regarding responsibility matters, priority ratings for national defense, instructions to offerors, offeror representations and certifications, terms and conditions for simplified acquisitions, post-award small business program rerepresentation, combating trafficking in persons, hazardous material identification, place of manufacture, encouraging contractor policies to ban text messaging while driving, patent rights, assignment of claims, providing accelerated payments to small business subcontractors, protest after award, stop-work order, changes, subcontracts for commercial products and services, and clauses incorporated by reference.

Bidders must thoroughly review these clauses to understand the full scope of contractual obligations, compliance requirements, and administrative procedures that will govern any resulting contract under the BOAST. This includes understanding requirements related to cybersecurity, supply chain restrictions, domestic preference, payment processing, and various representations and certifications. Compliance with these clauses is critical for proposal preparation and contract performance.