Incorporating FAR Subcontractor Flowdown Terms in Government - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

incorporating far subcontractor flowdown terms in
SMART_READER_LITE
LIVE PREVIEW

Incorporating FAR Subcontractor Flowdown Terms in Government - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presenting a live 90-minute webinar with interactive Q&A Incorporating FAR Subcontractor Flowdown Terms in Government Contracts: Guidance for Primes and Subs THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain |


slide-1
SLIDE 1

Incorporating FAR Subcontractor Flowdown Terms in Government Contracts: Guidance for Primes and Subs

Today’s faculty features:

1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific

The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the telephone or by using your computer's

  • speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you

have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 1.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Presenting a live 90-minute webinar with interactive Q&A Cara A. Wulf, Esq., McCarter & English, Boston Micah T . Zomer , Special Counsel, Foley & Lardner, Washington, D.C.

slide-2
SLIDE 2

Tips for Optimal Quality

Sound Quality If you are listening via your computer speakers, please note that the quality

  • f your sound will vary depending on the speed and quality of your internet

connection. If the sound quality is not satisfactory, you may listen via the phone: dial 1-866-961-8499 and enter your PIN when prompted. Otherwise, please send us a chat or e-mail sound@straffordpub.com immediately so we can address the problem. If you dialed in and have any difficulties during the call, press *0 for assistance. Viewing Quality To maximize your screen, press the F11 key on your keyboard. To exit full screen, press the F11 key again.

FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

slide-3
SLIDE 3

Continuing Education Credits

In order for us to process your continuing education credit, you must confirm your participation in this webinar by completing and submitting the Attendance Affirmation/Evaluation after the webinar. A link to the Attendance Affirmation/Evaluation will be in the thank you email that you will receive immediately following the program. For additional information about continuing education, call us at 1-800-926-7926

  • ext. 2.

FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

slide-4
SLIDE 4

Program Materials

If you have not printed the conference materials for this program, please complete the following steps:

  • Click on the ^ symbol next to “Conference Materials” in the middle of the left-

hand column on your screen.

  • Click on the tab labeled “Handouts” that appears, and there you will see a

PDF of the slides for today's program.

  • Double click on the PDF and a separate page will open.
  • Print the slides by clicking on the printer icon.

FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

slide-5
SLIDE 5

1.6”h x 1.65”w.

“Disclaimer – contact info”

Key Considerations for Subcontract Flowdowns

Micah Zomer mzomer@foley.com

slide-6
SLIDE 6

Agenda

  • FAR Basics
  • Definition of Subcontract Flowdowns
  • Prime and Subcontractor Perspectives
  • Mandatory Flowdowns
  • Non-Mandatory Flowdowns
  • Commercial Item Flowdowns
  • Approaches to Drafting Flowdowns
  • Identifying Applicable Version
  • Defining Terms/Parties

6

slide-7
SLIDE 7

FAR Basics

  • Formation and administration of U.S. Government prime contracts is

subject to and governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and 20+ agency FAR supplements

– e.g., Department of Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS), Department

  • f Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR), etc.
  • FAR codified at Title 48, Chapter 1 of the Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR); agency supplemental regulations are codified at subsequent chapters (e.g., DFARS codified at Title 48, Chapter 2)

  • FAR and supplemental regulations can be accessed through various

websites:

– www.acquisition.gov – www.farsite.hill.af.mil

7

slide-8
SLIDE 8

FAR Basics

8

slide-9
SLIDE 9

FAR Basics

  • FAR Subpart 52.2 (and DFARS Subpart 252.2) contains the text of

the clauses that are included in government solicitations and contracts

  • Prescription before each clause cites to the “enabling” provision,

which dictates when the clause should be included in a solicitation or contract

– Application of clause depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Contract type (e.g., fixed-price, cost reimbursement, commercial

item, etc.)

  • Type of work to be performed (e.g., sale of goods, provision of

services, construction, architect-engineer, etc.)

  • Total anticipated contract value (inclusive of all options)

9

slide-10
SLIDE 10

FAR Basics

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures. As prescribed in 3.502-3, insert the following clause: ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (MAY 2014) 3.502-3 Contract clause. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.203- 7, Anti-Kickback Procedures, in solicitations and contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold,

  • ther than those for commercial items (see Part 12).

10

slide-11
SLIDE 11

Definition of Subcontract Flowdowns

  • Subcontract flowdowns are the FAR 52.2 clauses

that a prime contractor must or should “flow down” to its subcontractors

  • Some flowdowns, as with standard terms and

conditions, are a method of allocating risks between the parties

  • Other flowdowns are required for a higher-tiered

contractor (Prime) to comply with its prime contract / subcontract

11

slide-12
SLIDE 12

Prime’s Perspective

  • There are some clauses in the prime contract that must be flowed-

down, or the Prime will be in breach

  • But, not all provisions must be or even can be flowed-down

– EFT Payment Provisions through the System for Award

Management (SAM)

– Disputes Clause

  • Since the subcontract is likely only for a subset of the Prime’s

requirements, some provisions are likely not applicable

  • There are other clauses which, while not mandatory, should be

modified and flowed-down in order to protect the Prime’s interests (e.g., Termination Clauses, Stop-Work Order, Changes)

12

slide-13
SLIDE 13

Subcontractor’s Perspective

  • Subcontractor needs to accept the clauses the Prime must

include to cover its legitimate risk (e.g., termination, warranty, etc.)

  • Subcontractor needs to be able to identify the clauses that are

not mandatory flowdowns, that do not cover a Prime’s legitimate risk, or that cause a burden on the subcontractor

  • Challenge for the subcontractor is to convince the Prime that

these superfluous clauses add unnecessary costs, are overly burdensome to the subcontractor, or are just unfair

  • Subcontractor needs to consider whether, once accepted, it will

be able to flow down clauses to its own lower-tier subcontractors

13

slide-14
SLIDE 14

Mandatory Flowdown Clauses

  • Mandatory flowdown clauses are those that a

Prime is required to include in subcontracts, as required by the clause

– Inclusion of these clauses is non-negotiable

  • The flow down of “mandatory” clauses is often

conditional based on:

– Contract type – Type of work to be performed – Total anticipated subcontract value (including all options)

14

slide-15
SLIDE 15

Mandatory Flowdown Clauses

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (c) The Contractor shall insert this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts. 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (l) Subcontracts. The Contractor agrees to insert this clause in all subcontracts subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute. 252.225-7016 Restriction on Acquisition of Ball and Roller Bearings (f) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (f), in all subcontracts, except those for— (1) Commercial items; or (2) Items that do not contain ball or roller bearings.

15

slide-16
SLIDE 16

Non-Mandatory Flowdown Clauses

  • There are a number of clauses that, while not

mandatory, should be modified and flowed-down in

  • rder to protect the Prime’s interest

– Examples include:

  • Changes
  • Termination for Convenience
  • Termination for Default
  • Stop-Work Order
  • DPAS

16

slide-17
SLIDE 17

Non-Mandatory Flowdown Clauses

  • Changes Clauses (FAR 52.243-1 – Fixed-Price)

– Prime’s Perspective

  • Prime needs to flow down the ability to make unilateral changes

with its subcontractors in the event of a government unilateral change

  • Prime should shorten the notice time period referenced at

paragraph (c) of the clause from 30 days to 15 days

– Subcontractor’s Perspective

  • Subcontractor should draw a distinction between a government-

directed change and a Prime-directed change

17

slide-18
SLIDE 18

Non-Mandatory Flowdown Clauses

  • Termination for Convenience (FAR 52.249-2 – Fixed-Price Supply and

Service)

– Permits the Government to unilaterally terminate for convenience the

prime contract at any time

– Prime’s Perspective

  • Should flow down this clause to all subcontractors
  • Should shorten the 1-year termination settlement proposal period,

so that the Prime can include any subcontractor proposals in the Prime’s proposal to the government

– Subcontractor’s Perspective

  • Limit application so that the Prime may only terminate for

convenience the subcontract only when the prime contract has been terminated for convenience by the government

18

slide-19
SLIDE 19

Commercial Item Flowdowns

  • The FAR limits the clauses a Prime may flow down

to subcontracts for commercial items

– FAR 52.212-5(e)(1) and FAR 52.244-6(c)(1) list clauses

that a Prime is required to include in its commercial item subcontracts; many of these “required” clauses only apply under certain conditions

– FAR 52.212-5(e)(2) and FAR 52.244-6(c)(2) both provide

that, in addition to the listed clauses, a Prime may flow- down to subcontracts for commercial items “a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.”

19

slide-20
SLIDE 20

Commercial Item Flowdowns

  • The DFARS similarly limits the clauses a Prime

may flow down to subcontracts for commercial items

– DFARS 252.224-7000, “Subcontracts for Commercial

Items”:

  • (a) The Contractor is not required to flow down the terms of any

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause in subcontracts for commercial items at any tier under this contract, unless so specified in the particular clause.

  • (b) While not required, the Contractor may flow down to

subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligation.

20

slide-21
SLIDE 21

Commercial Item Flowdowns

  • Additional limits on the clauses that may be flowed down to

commercial item subcontracts

– FAR 12.504 and DFARS 212.504: Lists laws that are not

applicable to subcontracts at any tier for the acquisition of commercial items

– Exemptions for commercial item subcontracts are identified

directly in some of the clauses themselves, for example:

  • FAR 52.203-14, “Display of Hotline Poster(s)”
  • FAR 52.219-9, “Small Business Subcontracting Plan”
  • Given the limitations on flowdown clauses in commercial item

subcontracts, it is important to for the Prime and Subcontractor to determine upfront whether the supplies/services at issue are “commercial items” as defined at FAR 2.101

21

slide-22
SLIDE 22

Approaches to Drafting Flowdowns

  • Incorporation by reference versus in full

text

–FAR 52.102: Clauses should be

incorporated by reference to the maximum practical extent, rather than being incorporated in full text

22

slide-23
SLIDE 23

Approaches to Drafting Flowdowns

  • The FAR contemplates that Primes develop

flowdowns on a contract-by-contract basis

– Requires a great deal of time and resources; not feasible

for most companies

  • More common method is for the Prime to develop a

document (or documents) that contains the FAR, DFARS, and supplemental acquisition regulation flowdowns from all of its prime contracts and then separate those clauses into various categories

23

slide-24
SLIDE 24

Approaches to Drafting Flowdowns

  • Categories of Clauses

– Based on Value

  • The following clauses apply to subcontracts/orders with a value of

$150,000 or more

– Based on Type of Work

  • The following clauses apply to subcontracts/orders for services

– Based on Contract Type

  • The following clauses apply to cost-reimbursement subcontracts/orders
  • The following clauses apply to non-commercial item subcontracts/orders

– Hybrid

  • The following clauses apply to non-commercial item subcontracts/orders

with a values of $150,000 or more

24

slide-25
SLIDE 25

Approaches to Drafting Flowdowns

  • Include language next to clause identifying the

conditions under which the clause applies

– These conditions, if any, are usually (but not always) set

forth in the flowdown paragraph of the clause

  • Identifying applicability conditions provides

guidance to subcontractors as to which clauses apply to them, which helps streamline the negotiation process

25

slide-26
SLIDE 26

Identifying Applicable Version

  • Primes are required to flow down the version of the clause that is

in the Prime’s contract

  • Important for parties to understand which version of clause

applies

– Subcontractor’s substantive compliance obligations may differ

based on version of the clause

  • e.g., March 2015 version of FAR 52.222-50, Combatting Trafficking

in Persons, requires some contractors to develop compliance plan; no such requirement in earlier versions of the clause – Flowdown obligations may differ based on the version of the

clause, as flowdown thresholds change

  • e.g., FAR 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and

Conduct, flowdown threshold increased from $5M to $5.5M

26

slide-27
SLIDE 27

Identifying Applicable Version

  • Prime’s Perspective

– Best practice is to specifically identify the date of the applicable

version for each applicable prime contract

– Other option is to include the version of the clause that applies

most broadly and provides the Prime with the most protection

  • e.g., Should choose the version of the clause with lower

dollar threshold

  • Subcontractor’s Perspective

– Subcontractor should ensure that it knows which version

applies; do not assume it’s the current version

  • Earlier versions of FAR clauses can be accessed at the

“Archives” tab of www.acquisiton.gov website

27

slide-28
SLIDE 28

Identifying Applicable Version

28

slide-29
SLIDE 29

Defining Terms/Parties

  • FAR/DFARS clauses include terms which are geared to

prime contracts

  • When flowing down the clauses, the Prime should alter

these terms to fit the subcontract

– “Contract” means “Subcontract” – “Contracting Officer” means an authorized representative

  • f Buyer

– “Contractor” means “Seller” – “Government” means “Buyer” – “Disputes clause” means the disputes clause of the

subcontract

29

slide-30
SLIDE 30

Defining Terms/Parties

  • Substitution of parties is not appropriate for some clauses

– For the intellectual property clauses, the rights and

responsibilities should be between the Subcontractor and the Government, not between the Subcontractor and the Prime

30

slide-31
SLIDE 31

Takeaways

  • Read the text of the clauses to determine whether the clauses are

mandatory flowdowns and identify any conditions under which the flowdowns apply

  • Flow down and modify those clauses necessary to mitigate and allocate

legitimate risks (e.g., Changes and Termination clauses)

  • Determine early on whether the supplies/services at issue are

“commercial items” and identify those clauses inapplicable to commercial item subcontracts

  • Identify the approach to drafting flowdowns appropriate for your

company

  • Clearly identify which version of the clause applies
  • Include language defining the terms/parties so that the clauses make

sense in the context of the subcontract

31

slide-32
SLIDE 32

BOSTON | HARTFORD | STAMFORD | NEW YORK | NEWARK | EAST BRUNSWICK | PHILADELPHIA | WILMINGTON | WASHINGTON, DC

www.mccarter.com McCarter & English, LLP

Incorporating FAR Subcontractor Flowdown Terms in Government Contracts: Guidance for Primes and Subs

Cara A. Wulf cwulf@mccarter.com

slide-33
SLIDE 33

Cara A. Wulf McCarter & English, LLP 265 Franklin St. Boston, MA 02110 (617) 449-6583 cwulf@mccarter.com

33

slide-34
SLIDE 34

Outline

  • What is a Subcontractor?
  • Common Types of Subcontracts
  • The Christian Doctrine
  • Representations and Certifications
  • Subcontract Negotiation Techniques

34

slide-35
SLIDE 35

“Subcontract/or” Defined

  • Several definitions in the FAR – importantly, FAR 2.101 (the overall

FAR definitional provision) does not define “Subcontract” or “Subcontractor” – but it does define “Contract”:

– Contract means a mutually binding legal relationship obligating the seller to furnish the supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them. It includes all types of commitments that obligate the Government to an expenditure of appropriated funds and that, except as otherwise authorized, are in writing. In addition to bilateral instruments, contracts include (but are not limited to) awards and notices of awards; job orders or task letters issued under basic ordering agreements; letter contracts; orders, such as purchase orders, under which the contract becomes effective by written acceptance or performance; and bilateral contract modifications. Contracts do not include grants and cooperative agreements covered by 31 U.S.C. 6301, et seq. For discussion of various types of contracts, see part 16.

35

slide-36
SLIDE 36

“Subcontract/or” Defined

FAR 44.101, Subcontracting Policies and Procedures; Definitions

  • Subcontract means any contract as defined in subpart

2.1 entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of a prime contract or a

  • subcontract. It includes but is not limited to purchase
  • rders, and changes and modifications to purchase
  • rders.
  • Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or

firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

36

slide-37
SLIDE 37

“Subcontract/or” Defined

FAR 19.701, Small Business Subcontracting; Definitions

  • Subcontract means any agreement (other

than one involving an employer-employee relationship) entered into by a Government prime contractor or subcontractor calling for supplies and/or services required for performance of the contract, contract modification, or subcontract.

37

slide-38
SLIDE 38

“Subcontract/or” Defined

FAR 3.502-1, Subcontractor Kickbacks

  • Subcontract, means a contract or contractual action entered

into by a prime contractor or subcontractor for the purpose of

  • btaining supplies, materials, equipment, or service of any

kind under a prime contract.

  • Subcontractor, (1) means any person, other than the prime

contractor, who offers to furnish or furnishes any supplies, materials, equipment, or services of any kind under a prime contract or a subcontract entered into in connection with such prime contract, and (2) includes any person who offers to furnish or furnishes general supplies to the prime contractor or a higher tier subcontractor.

38

slide-39
SLIDE 39

“Subcontract/or” Defined

  • Some more references…

– FAR 12.001, Commercial items; Definitions – FAR 15.401, Contract Pricing; Definitions – FAR 22.801, Equal Employment Opportunity; Definitions – FAR 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

39

slide-40
SLIDE 40

Does This Make You Feel ….?

40

slide-41
SLIDE 41

What Does It All Mean?

Technically, a “subcontractor” is any vendor providing supplies or services that are ultimately used in performance of a Government prime contract.

41

slide-42
SLIDE 42

Privity of Contract

  • Only a person that has a contracting relationship with

another person may claim rights to the relationship

  • This means Government subcontractors lack a direct

contractual relationship with the Government – No direct access to BCAs/Court of Federal Claims – No direct claim against Government – In some cases, subcontractors cannot even talk directly to the Government

42

slide-43
SLIDE 43

5 Typical Exceptions To The Doctrine Of Privity

  • 1. Government rights under Intellectual Property

clauses

  • 2. Government audit rights
  • 3. Rights granted by socioeconomic clauses
  • 4. Suspension and debarment proceedings
  • 5. Ethics and mandatory disclosures

43

slide-44
SLIDE 44

Types of Subcontracts

  • Firm-Fixed-Price
  • Cost Reimbursement
  • Incentive Contracts
  • Indefinite Delivery Contracts
  • Time and Materials Contracts

44

slide-45
SLIDE 45

Firm-Fixed-Price

FAR 16.202-1, Description

A firm-fixed-price contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. This contract type places upon the contractor maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or

  • loss. It provides maximum incentive for the contractor to control costs

and perform effectively and imposes a minimum administrative burden upon the contracting parties. The contracting officer may use a firm- fixed-price contract in conjunction with an award-fee incentive (see 16.404) and performance or delivery incentives (see 16.402-2 and 16.402-3) when the award fee or incentive is based solely on factors

  • ther than cost. The contract type remains firm-fixed-price when used

with these incentives.

45

slide-46
SLIDE 46

Firm-Fixed-Price

When is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract appropriate?

  • The supplies or services have reasonably definite

functional or detailed specifications;

  • The contracting officer can establish fair and reasonable

prices;

  • Uncertainties can be identified and their costs

reasonably estimated; and

  • The contractor is willing to assume the risks involved

46

slide-47
SLIDE 47

Firm-Fixed-Price

Advantages

  • “Certainty”
  • Typically fewer

administrative burdens Disadvantages

  • Maximum risk
  • Full responsibility for cost
  • verruns

47

slide-48
SLIDE 48

Cost Reimbursement

FAR 16.301-1, Description

Cost-reimbursement types of contracts provide for payment of allowable incurred costs, to the extent prescribed in the contract. These contracts establish an estimate of total cost for the purpose

  • f obligating funds and establishing a ceiling that

the contractor may not exceed (except at its own risk) without the approval of the contracting officer.

48

slide-49
SLIDE 49

Cost Reimbursement

When is a cost reimbursement contract appropriate?

  • Circumstances do not allow the agency to define its

requirements sufficiently to allow for a fixed-price type contract; or

  • Uncertainties involved in contract performance do not

permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed-price contract.

49

slide-50
SLIDE 50

Cost Reimbursement

Advantages

  • Typically less risk
  • Flexible, allows for

changes in specifications

  • Allows for increased

costs as necessary to meet performance requirements Disadvantages

  • More administrative

burden

  • Limited certainty as to

final cost

50

slide-51
SLIDE 51

Incentive Contracts

FAR 16.401(a), General Incentive contracts…are appropriate when a firm-fixed-price contract is not appropriate and the required supplies or services can be acquired at lower costs and, in certain instances, with improved delivery or technical performance, by relating the amount of profit or fee payable under the contract to the contractor’s performance. Incentive contracts are designed to obtain specific acquisition objectives by— (1) Establishing reasonable and attainable targets that are clearly communicated to the contractor; and (2) Including appropriate incentive arrangements designed to— (i) motivate contractor efforts that might not otherwise be emphasized; and (ii) discourage contractor inefficiency and waste.

51

slide-52
SLIDE 52

Indefinite Delivery Contracts

FAR 16.501-1, Definitions “Delivery-order contract” means a contract for supplies that does not procure or specify a firm quantity of supplies (other than a minimum or maximum quantity) and that provides for the issuance of orders for the delivery of supplies during the period of the contract. “Task-order contract” means a contract for services that does not procure or specify a firm quantity of services (other than a minimum or maximum quantity) and that provides for the issuance of orders for the performance of tasks during the period of the contract. FAR 16.501-2(a), General There are three types of indefinite-delivery contracts: definite-quantity contracts, requirements contracts, and indefinite-quantity contracts [also known as “Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity” or “IDIQ”]. The appropriate type of indefinite-delivery contract may be used to acquire supplies and/or services when the exact times and/or exact quantities of future deliveries are not known at the time of contract award.

52

slide-53
SLIDE 53

Time and Materials Contracts

FAR 16.601, Time and Materials Contracts A time-and-materials contract provides for acquiring supplies or services on the basis of— (1) Direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages,

  • verhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit; and

(2) Actual cost for materials (except as provided for in 31.205-26(e) and (f)). A time-and-materials contract may be used only when it is not possible at the time of placing the contract to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to anticipate costs with any reasonable degree

  • f confidence.

53

slide-54
SLIDE 54

The Christian Doctrine

G.L. Christian and Associates v. U.S., 312 F.2d 418 (Ct. Cl. 1963) Parties to a contract are deemed to have agreed to a contract term required by law to be included in the contract.

54

slide-55
SLIDE 55

Representations and Certifications

FAR Subpart 4.12 Prospective contractors are required to complete electronic annual representations and certifications at SAM accessed via https://www.acquisition.gov as a part of required registration

  • Prime contractors may require subcontractors to

complete representations and certifications

  • Representations and certifications are critical and they

must be accurate

55

slide-56
SLIDE 56

Representations and Certifications – FAR 52.204-8

52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications.

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is __________________ [insert NAICS code]. (2) The small business size standard is _____________ [insert size standard]. (3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than

  • n a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself

manufacture, is 500 employees. (b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies. (2) If the provision at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and has completed the Representations and Certifications section of SAM electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the

  • solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

□ (i) Paragraph (d) applies. □ (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

56

slide-57
SLIDE 57

Representations and Certifications – FAR 52.204-8 (cont.)

(c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated: (i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed- price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless— (A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13; (B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or (C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation. (ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000. (iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations. (iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204- 7, System for Award Management. (v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that— (A) Are not set aside for small business concerns; (B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and (C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (vi) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation. (vii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. (viii) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations. (ix) 52.214-14, Place of Performance—Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

57

slide-58
SLIDE 58

Representations and Certifications – FAR 52.204-8 (cont.)

(x) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government. (xi) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard. (B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard. (xii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. (xiii) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity. (xiv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity. (xv) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items. (xvi) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA–designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. (xvii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA–designated items. (xviii) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals–Representation. This provision applies to solicitation that include the clause at 52.204-7. (xix) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

58

slide-59
SLIDE 59

Representations and Certifications – FAR 52.204-8 (cont.)

(xx) 52.225-4, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3. (A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies. (B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies. (C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $80,317, the provision with its Alternate II applies. (D) If the acquisition value is $80,317 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies. (xxi) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5. (xxii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan—Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations. (xxiii) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran- Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations. (xxiv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions. (2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror. __ (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror. __ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products. __ (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment- Certification. __ (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Certification.

59

slide-60
SLIDE 60

Representations and Certifications – FAR 52.204-8 (cont.)

__ (vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Products (Alternate I only). __ (vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information. __ (A) Basic. __(B) Alternate I. __ (viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software. (d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM website accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this

  • ffer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below

[offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date

  • f this offer.

FAR Clause # Title Date Change ____________ _________ _____ _______ Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

60

slide-61
SLIDE 61

Representations and Certifications – Consequences for False Statements

15 U.S.C. 645(d)(1)-(2)

(1) Whoever misrepresents the status of any concern or person as a “small business concern”, a “qualified HUBZone small business concern”, a “small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals”, or a “small business concern owned and controlled by women”, in order to obtain for oneself or another any-- (A) prime contract to be awarded pursuant to section 638, 644, or 657a of this title; (B) subcontract to be awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title; (C) subcontract that is to be included as part or all of a goal contained in a subcontracting plan required pursuant to section 637(d) of this title; or (D) prime or subcontract to be awarded as a result, or in furtherance, of any other provision of Federal law that specifically references section 637(d) of this title for a definition of program eligibility, shall be subject to the penalties and remedies described in paragraph (2). (2) Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall-- (A) be punished by a fine of not more than $500,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both; (B) be subject to the administrative remedies prescribed by the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986 (31 U.S.C. 3801-3812); (C) be subject to suspension and debarment as specified in subpart 9.4 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation); and (D) be ineligible for participation in any program or activity conducted under the authority of this chapter or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) for a period not to exceed 3 years.

61

slide-62
SLIDE 62

Representations and Certifications – Consequences for False Statements

18 U.S.C. 1001(a)

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully-- (1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; (2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or (3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry; shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331), imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both. If the matter relates to an offense under chapter 109A, 109B, 110, or 117, or section 1591, then the term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be not more than 8 years.

62

slide-63
SLIDE 63

Representations and Certifications – Consequences for False Statements

False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729-3733) any person who-- (A) knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval; (B) knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim; … is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000, as adjusted by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note; Public Law 104-4101), plus 3 times the amount of damages which the Government sustains because of the act of that person.

63

slide-64
SLIDE 64

Subcontract Negotiation Techniques

  • Keep written records of everything
  • Understand who has the leverage
  • Understand “Mandatory” vs. “Necessary”

flowdowns

  • Protect your intellectual property
  • Be prepared to walk away
  • Ensure that the negotiator doesn’t have final

“approval” authority (avoid spontaneous decisions)

  • Only argue when it makes sense

64

slide-65
SLIDE 65

Cara A. Wulf McCarter & English, LLP 265 Franklin St. Boston, MA 02110 (617) 449-6583 cwulf@mccarter.com

65