Health Insurance Services for Locally Employed Staff at U.S. Mission Portugal

The Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO) Frankfurt hereby issues this Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Locally Employed Staff Health Insurance Services for U.S. Embassy Lison, Portugal.  

(i) GENERAL Description  

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 12 (RFO deviation) procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. 

Solicitation 19GE5026Q0035 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Competition is full and open. All interested and responsible sources may submit a quotation in accordance with the instructions, terms and conditions contained in this solicitation and its attachments. 

The Government intends to award a firm-fixed price Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the duration of the base year and four (4) one-year optional periods as a result of this solicitation. Services shall commence no later than January 1, 2027. 

This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns. 

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov/overhaul  

(ii) Schedule of Supplies and Services:  The contract line-item numbers (CLIN) of this requirement are structured to reflect the coverage category and performance period of 12 months for each year. See CLINs in Attachment 3 – Price Schedule.  

(iii) Description of requirements: 

The U.S. Government requires comprehensive group Health and Life Insurance services for its Locally Employed Staff (LES) and their eligible dependents at the United States Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. 

Type of Contract: This acquisition will result in a fixed-price Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract featuring an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) provision based on experience ratings and host-nation law changes. Annual firm-fixed-price task orders will be issued against this IDIQ framework. 

Period of Performance: The contract structure consists of a one (1) year base period and four (4) consecutive one-year option periods. Services are scheduled to commence no later than January 1, 2027. 

Estimated Quantities: All headcounts and personnel volumes specified in the solicitation are estimates for pricing purposes only. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized task orders actually placed. 

Quoters are responsible for reviewing the entire solicitation package and all its following attachments: 

Attachment 1 – Statement of Work 

Attachment 2 – Employee and Salary Statistics  

Attachment 3 – Price Schedule 

Attachment 4 - Representations and Certifications 

Attachment 5 - IRS Form W-14 

Attachment 6 - Instructions to IRS Form W-14 

Attachment 7 – Quick Registration Guide (SAM)  

(iv) Period and Place of Performance: 

Period of Performance: The IDIQ contract is established for a total period of five (5) years consisting of one (1) base year and four (4) one-year option periods. Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) are structured by 12-month performance periods to align with annual pricing. Service performance shall commence no later than January 01, 2027. 

Place of performance: Due to host-country regulatory requirements and the necessity for in-country claims administration, provider network management, and direct coordination with local medical providers, the contactor must maintain an operational presence in Portugal at the time of award or demonstrate a detailed plan to establish such presence before the commencement of performance.  

(v) Solicitation Provisions:  

FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)  

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The Offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the Offeror and submitted with its proposal. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the Offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its proposal. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul and www.acquisition.gov/dosar  

The following provisions are provided by reference: 

Citation 

Title 

Date 

52.212-1 

Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.203-11 

Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions 

Sep 2024 

52.203-18 

Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation  

Jan 2017 

52.209-12 

Certification Regarding Tax Matters 

Oct 2025 

52.204-7 

System for Award Management—Registration 

JAN 2026 DEVIATION 

52.240-90 

Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications 

JAN 2026 DEVIATION 

52.214-34 

Submission of Quotations in the English Language  

Apr 1991 

52.233-2 

Service of Protest  

JAN 2026 DEVIATION 

652.225-70 

Arab League Boycott of Israel 

Aug 1999 

652.206-70 

Advocate for Competition/Ombudsman 

Feb 2015 

The following solicitation provisions addenda are provided in full text: 

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 - INSTRUCTIONS to OFFERORS 

-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2026 DEVIATION) 

1. Period for Acceptance of offers is extended to 90 calendar days. 

TAB A – Mandatory Minimum REQUIREMENTS 

The quoter must provide the following documents as part of TAB A: 

1. Proof of “active” SAM registration (FAR 52.204-7). NOTE:  

Offerors must be “active” in SAM (www.sam.gov) at time of quotation submission. If a contractor is not yet registered on www.sam.gov, it shall register as soon as possible and submit proof of active SAM registration with their quotation in order for their quotation to be considered. Quoters may refer to Attachment 7 for a quick SAM registration guide.   

1. Written confirmation on ability to provide the minimum premiums provided in the SOW for a total period of 5 years and 6 months. 

1. Authorization and Licensing: 

In accordance with DOSAR 652.242-73, Authorization and Performance (AUG 1999), the quoter shall demonstrate that it is authorized to conduct business and provide health insurance services in Portugal. 

The quoter must provide: 

1. Evidence that the quoter is duly licensed, registered, accredited, or otherwise authorized by the Government of the Portugal (or the appropriate regulatory authority) to write, administer, and provide the health insurance services required under this solicitation within Portugal. Acceptable evidence includes a notarized copy of the current license, certificate, accreditation, or other official authorization.  

1. The quoter must also demonstrate that such authorization under part (a) will remain valid through the end of the base performance period or, if renewal is required, that it will maintain the required authorization throughout the contract period, including any exercised option periods. 

1. A statement disclosing any current suspension, probation, material disciplinary action, or regulatory restriction imposed by the applicable regulatory authority that could affect the Quoter's ability to perform this contract. If none exist, the quoter must so state. 

1. The quoter’s permanent physical business address and telephone number in Portugal. If the quoter does not currently maintain an office in Portugal, it shall provide a detailed plan demonstrating how it will establish the required operational presence 30 calendar days before contract performance begins. 

1. The Quoter must provide a copy of its current Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate (or local equivalent), if applicable, and its most recent tax clearance certificate issued by Portugal. 

These requirements apply equally to all proposed subcontractors and joint venture partners performing health insurance services under this contract. 

Failure to submit all above listed documents may result in the QUOTATION being determined ineligible for award. 

NOTE FOR JOINT VENTTURES: 

JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENTS 

Joint Venture Offerors shall furnish with their quotation a notarized legal document that establishes the Joint Venture in the English language. The Joint Venture Agreement shall take effect upon the submission of the quotation and remain irrevocable until one (1) year after the work has been finally inspected and accepted by the Government. The Government reserves the right to evaluate the JV structure for compliance with applicable laws and contract requirements. 

The Joint Venture shall include the warrant required in accordance with DOSAR 652.242-73, Authorization and Performance. A joint venture offeror must also have an active SAM registration pursuant to FAR 52.204-7. 

TAB B — VOLUME 1: PRICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS 

Quoters are required to submit firm fixed price quotation to perform the service. Even though the service shall be priced and performance authorized through fixed price task orders issued by the Government, quoters shall submit adequate pricing data to be sufficient to allow complete analysis and evaluation of quoted prices for price reasonableness. 

Volume 1 shall include the following: 

1. TAB B.1 – Completed Attachment 3 – Price Schedule 

1. TAB B.2 – Completed Attachment 4 – Representation, Certification, and Other Statement of Offerors 

1. TAB B.3 – IRS Form W-14, if applicable (see attachments 5 and 6) 

In Detail: 

TAB B.1 - Completed Attachment 3 – Price Schedule 

      Provide firm fixed-prices and totals for each year.   

TAB B.3 – Attachment 4 - Representations and Certifications, and Other Statements of   Offerors: 

1. Complete as required. 

1. Add in your quotation certification regarding trafficking in persons compliance plan as required and described in FAR provision 52.222-56.  

TAB B.4 – IRS Form W-14, if applicable 

Non-U.S. quoters that claim an exemption from, or a reduced rate of, U.S. withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty must submit a completed IRS Form W-14, Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments, provided as Attachment 5 - IRS Form W-14. 

Pursuant to FAR 52.229-11, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation, the United States Government is required to collect tax-related information prior to award. Quoters must ensure that IRS Form W-14 is accurate and complete prior to submission. Instructions for completing the form are provided in Attachment 6 - Instructions to IRS Form W-14. Failure to submit IRS Form W-14 when applicable will result in tax withholding at the full statutory rate. 

TAB C — VOLUME 2: TECHNICAL QUOTATION 

The Technical Quotation must demonstrate the quoter’s capability to meet the requirements of the solicitation and the performance standards described in the SOW. No pricing information shall appear in this volume. 

The Technical Quotation must consist of the following: 

• Tab C.1 – Organizational Capability and Technical Approach 

• Tab C.2 – Staffing Approach 

• Tab C.3 – Past Performance  

In Detail: 

TAB C.1 - Organizational Capability and Technical Approach 

The quoter must provide a detailed narrative describing its organizational capability to administer a comprehensive health insurance program for approximately 209 covered individuals. At a minimum, the narrative shall include: 

1. Entity: Legal name, business address, type of entity, and official licensure as a health insurance carrier authorized to operate in Portugal. 

1. Description: A comprehensive description of the quoter’s experience administering health insurance programs in Portugal, either through a physical presence or a representative office, for corporate, government, or similarly sized organizations. This description should include relevant examples that demonstrate the quoter’s capability to provide services comparable to the requirements of this solicitation. For each example, the quoter should identify the client type, approximate number of covered employees and dependents, scope of coverage and services provided (e.g., claims processing, provider network management, customer support), period of performance, geographic area of coverage, and the quoter’s specific responsibilities. 

1. Ability to operate: The quoter must demonstrate the ability to effectively operate within Portugal and support beneficiaries locally, including: 

• Capability to provide in-person informational sessions to employees on benefits and claims submission procedures. 

• An established network of qualified and credentialed medical providers across multiple disciplines, including procedures for maintaining provider availability and continuity of care. 

• Demonstrated ability to contract with at least one state or private clinic in Portugal to provide services through direct billing arrangements. Covered services should include, at a minimum, laboratory testing, annual health examinations, and authorized dental care. 

• An established panel of credentialed specialist physicians capable of delivering quality care within Portugal. The quoter must be willing to consider physician recommendations submitted by the Mission and retain such providers on the approved panel, subject to continued compliance with quality standards, even if they change practice locations. 

• The quoter must demonstrate its ability to receive payments from the U.S. Government through authorized banking channels and maintain a bank account capable of receiving international payments, if required. The quoter must provide evidence of its banking arrangements, including applicable SWIFT/BIC information or other documentation demonstrating its ability to process payments in accordance with Portuguese banking and currency regulations. 

1.  Technology Platform and Accessibility: The quoter must provide a reliable and user-friendly technology platform that includes: 

• A functional online system for submission and processing of reimbursement claims.  

• A user interface available, preferably in multiple languages, but at a minimum in English and Portuguese. 

• A secure self-service portal enabling beneficiaries to independently access and track coverage, claims, and benefit limits. 

• Real-time or near real-time data accuracy with timely updates on claims and account status. 

1. Claims Administration: The quoter must describe its claims processing approach, including claims review, adjudication, reimbursement procedures, fraud prevention controls, appeals process, and methods to ensure compliance with the response and payment standards identified in the SOW. 

1. Medical Evacuation Support: The quoter must demonstrate a clear understanding of when out-of-country medical treatment is medically necessary and shall describe its medical necessity determination process, including coordination with certified healthcare providers, working knowledge of regional medical facilities capable of providing care unavailable in Portugal, and 24/7 emergency contact capability to authorize and coordinate medical evacuation in accordance with SOW. 

1. Mandatory Benefits: Confirmation that the proposed benefits meet or exceed the requirements set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW). The quoter shall provide a clear side-by-side comparison table demonstrating compliance with the mandatory benefits.  

1. Transition Plan: The quoter must describe its approach for transitioning beneficiaries from the current health insurance provider, including enrollment, communication, claims continuity, implementation activities required to begin performance, estimated transition period (in calendar days) required to achieve operational readiness, and whether any transition-related costs will be charged separately to the Government. 

Tab C.2 – Staffing Approach 

The quoter must describe its proposed staffing approach for the dedicated team supporting the U.S. Mission Portugal account, including: 

1. organizational structure and reporting relationships (organizational chart); 

1. number, roles, and language proficiency (English and Portuguese required) of personnel assigned to claims adjudication, customer service, pre-authorization, and medical evacuation support coordination; 

1. supervision methods and quality-control oversight; 

1. surge and backup coverage to maintain the response-time standards (1–4 hours for urgent requests; 24-48 hours for routine requests); and 

1. qualifications and résumés with language proficiency (English and Portuguese required) of any personnel proposed to serve as the primary account manager or single point of contact for the COR. 

Tab C.3 – Past Performance  

The quoter must demonstrate successful performance of a minimum of three (3) comparable health insurance or healthcare administration projects performed within the past five (5) years that are similar in scope, scale, complexity. For each reference, provide: 

• Project title and description of services 

• Customer name and type (government, commercial, non-profit) 

• Contract/project value (approximate) 

• Period of performance 

• Location 

• Point of contact name, title, email, and phone number 

If the quoter is a newly formed entity or joint venture, the quoter may provide past performance information for predecessor companies or joint venture partners. The quoter must clearly identify the relationship. 

Note: The Government may contact references not provided by the quoter and may use other sources of past performance information, including CPARS and other government databases. 

Failure to furnish and deliver all requested information in accordance with these instructions or who reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation, may result in exclusion from further consideration pursuant to FAR 52.212-1(a). The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 USC 1001. 

(End of Volume I and II) 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

To be eligible for award, the quoter shall: 

• Be legally authorized to conduct business in the country of performance.  

• Possess all required licenses, registrations, and insurance.  

• Demonstrate the capability and financial resources to perform the contract.  

• Have relevant experience providing comparable health insurance services.  

• Be able to communicate effectively in English.  

• Not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible for award.  

(End of Addendum) 

The following provisions are provided in full text: 

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2026 Deviation) 

(a) Evaluation factors. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations: 

1. Technical Capability (Conformity to specifications) 

2. Past Performance 

3. Price 

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that a quote is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. The evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). 

(c) Notice of award. A written notice of award or acceptance of a quotation furnished to the successful quoter within the time for acceptance specified in the quotation, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the quotation’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an quotation (or part of an quotation), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. 

(End of provision) 

Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2026 Deviation) 

Evaluation factors 

The Government will issue an Indefinite Quantity / Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quotation, conforming to the solicitation, is determined to be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors identified below considered. 

The evaluation will be conducted in two phases: 

Phase 1 – Compliance Review 

Phase 2 – Comparative Evaluation 

To be acceptable and eligible for evaluation, quotations shall be prepared in accordance with 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services with its addendum and shall meet all the requirements set forth in other sections of this solicitation.  

Phase 1 – Compliance Review 

Phase 1 is a pass/fail review to determine whether the quotation complies with the solicitation’s submission requirements. The Compliance Review includes verification that: 

1. All volumes have been completely submitted.  

1. All required representation and certifications have been completely submitted.  

1. All mandatory minimum requirements listed within the Addendum of FAR 52.212-1 under Tab A meet the requirements.  

The Government may request clarification of minor ambiguities or administrative errors. However, failure to submit required minimum documentation or to satisfy a Mandatory Minimum Requirement may render the quotation ineligible for further evaluation. 

Only quotations determined acceptable under the Compliance Review will advance to Phase 2. 

Phase 2 – Comparative Evaluation 

Quotations that successfully complete Phase 1 will be comparatively evaluated using the following factors: 

Factor 1 - Technical Capability: The Government will comparatively evaluate each quoter’s demonstrated capability to successfully perform the Statement of Work based on the information submitted in Volume 2. 

Factor 2 - Past Performance: The Government will evaluate the relevance and quality of the quoter’s recent past performance to assess confidence in successful contract performance. If a quoter has no relevant past performance, the Government will assign a neutral assessment. A neutral assessment will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably. 

Factor 3 – Price: The Government will evaluate the total evaluated price, including all option years, for completeness and price reasonableness. 

Technical Capability and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. 

Separate Charges 

The Government solicits a single, all-inclusive firm-fixed price for all products and services required under this solicitation. Separate or supplemental charges or any type not solicited will not be accepted. 

Responsibility Determination  

Responsibility will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The Government will determine whether the apparent successful quoter is responsible in accordance with FAR 9.104-1. The determination may be based on information contained in the quotation and information obtained from the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), and other reliable sources. A quoter determined to be nonresponsible will not be eligible for award. 

Basis for Award 

Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation represents the best value to the Government, based on a comparative evaluation of quotations against the evaluation factors set forth in this solicitation. The Government may award to other than the lowest-priced quoter or other than the highest technically rated quoter if the Contracting Officer determines that doing so is in the Government's best interest.  

The Government reserves the right to seek clarifications or communicate with quoters to resolve minor omissions or ambiguities when deemed necessary. 

(End of addendum) 

FAR 52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Quotations (Feb 2000) 

If the Government receives Quotations in more than one currency, the Government will evaluate Quotations by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using Department of State’s foreign currency exchange rate in effect as follows: 

1. For acquisitions conducted using sealed bidding procedures, on the date of bid opening. 

1. For acquisitions conducted using negotiation procedures-  

1. On the date specified for receipt of Quotations, if award is based on initial Quotations; otherwise 

1. On the date specified for receipt of proposal revisions. 

(End of provision) 

(vi) Clauses:  

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)  

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul and www.acquisition.gov/dosar  

The following clauses are provided by reference: 

FAR Citation 

Title 

Date 

52.202-1 

Definitions 

Jun 2020 

52.203-3 

Gratuities 

Apr 1984 

52.212-4 

Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.203-6 Alt I 

Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government 

Jun 2020 

52.203-12 

Limitations on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions 

Jun 2020 

52.203-17 

Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights  

Nov 2023 

52.203-19 

Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements 

Jan 2017 

52.204-13 

System for Award Management—Maintenance  

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.204-19 

Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications  

Dec 2014 

52.209-6 

Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded  

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.209-9 

Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.209-10 

Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.217-5 

Evaluation of Options 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.222-50 

Combating Trafficking in Persons 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.225-5 

Trade Agreements 

Nov 2023 

52.224-2 

Privacy Act  

Apr 1984 

52.225-5 

Trade Agreements 

Nov 2023 

52.224-1 

Privacy Act Notification 

Apr 1984 

52.225-14 

Inconsistency between English Version and Translation of Contract  

Feb 2000 

52.226-8 

Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving  

May 2024 

52.229-6 

Taxes-Foreign Fixed-Price Contracts 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.229-12 

Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements 

Feb 2021 

52.232-17 

Interest 

May 2014 

52.232-18  

Availability of funds 

Apr 1984 

52.232-24 

Prohibition of Assignment of Claims 

May 2014 

52.232-33 

Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management 

Oct 2018 

52.232-39 

Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations 

Jun 2013 

52.232-40 

Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors 

Mar 2023 

52.233-1 

Disputes 

May 2014 

52.233-3 

Protest after Award 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.233-4 

Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim 

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.237-3 

Continuity of Services  

Jan 1991 

52.240-91 

Security Prohibitions and Exclusions  

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.240-93 

Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems  

Jan 2026 

52.242-13 

Bankruptcy 

Jul 1995 

52.244-6 

Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services  

Jan 2026 Deviation 

52.246-4 

Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price 

Aug 1996 

52.249-2 

Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price)  

Apr 2012 

52.249-4 

Termination for Convenience of the Government (Services) (Short Form) 

Apr 1984 

52.252-5 

Authorized Deviations in Provisions 

(Jan 2026) 

DOSAR Citation 

Title 

Date 

652.211-70 

Branding and Marking 

(Sep 2025) 

652.215-70 

Examination of Records 

(Jan 2022 

652.242-73 

Authorization and Performance 

Aug 1999 

652.243-70 

Notices 

Aug 1999 

652.225-71 

Section 8(a) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as Amended 

Aug 1999 

652.229-71 

Personal Property Disposition at Posts Abroad 

Aug 1999 

652.232-72  

Limitation of funds 

Aug 1999 

The following clauses are provided in full text: 

FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020) 

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from date of award through base period or option periods if exercised. 

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control. 

 (c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when- 

           (1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail; 

           (2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor's fax number; or 

           (3) If sent electronically, the Government either— 

                (i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or 

                (ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor's email address. 

 (d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract. 

(End of clause) 

FAR 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) 

(a)  Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than USD 5,000.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract. 

(b)  Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor-- 

1.  Any order for a single item in excess of USD 5,000,000.00 (or equivalent in local currency) 

1. Any order for a combination of items in excess of USD 5,000,000.00 (or equivalent in local currency); or 

1. A series of orders from the same ordering office within 3 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (1) or (2) above. 

(c)  If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirement clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) above. 

(d)  Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) above, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within five (5) days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons.  Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source. 

(End of clause) 

FAR 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995) 

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. 

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum." 

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations. 

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after six months following its expiration. 

(End of clause) 

FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999) 

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 calendar days before expiration of the exercised year. 

(End of clause) 

FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)  

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor at any time prior to the expiration of the current contract period; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension. 

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause. 

(c)  The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years and 6 months. 

(End of clause) 

FAR 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)  

Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year. The Government's obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond September 30 of the current calendar year, until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for performance and until the Contractor receives notice of availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer. 

(End of clause) 

DOSAR 652.216-71 PRICE ADJUSTMENT (AUG 1999) 

(a) The contract price may be increased or decreased in actual costs of direct service labor which result directly from laws enacted and effective during the term of this contract by the Portuguese Government. Direct service labor costs include only the costs of wages and direct benefits (such as social security, health insurance, unemployment compensation insurance) paid to or incurred for the direct benefit of personnel performing services under one of the categories listed in Section I of this contract. Price adjustments will include only changes in direct service labor costs incurred in order to comply with the requirements of the law. No adjustment will be made under this clause with respect to labor costs of personnel not performing direct service labor under the categories of Section I, nor for overhead, profit, general and administrative (G&A) costs, taxes or any other costs whatsoever. 

(b) For the contracting officer to consider any request for adjustment, the contractor shall demonstrate in writing: 

(1) That the change in the law occurred during the term of this contract and subsequent to the award date of this contract; and, 

(2) That the change in the law could not have been reasonably anticipated prior to contract award; and, 

(3) How the change in the law directly affects the contractor's costs under this contract. 

(c) The contractor shall present data that clearly supports any request for adjustment. This data shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days after the changes in the law have been made public. This data shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 

(1) The calculation of the amount of adjustment requested; and, 

(2) Documentation which identifies and provides the appropriate portions of the text of the particular law from which the request is derived. 

(d) In order to establish the change between the requested adjusted rate and the original rate, the contractor shall support the appropriate data and composition of the original rate and the requested adjusted rate. This shall include details regarding specific hourly rates paid to individual employees. For contracts paid in U.S. dollars, the contractor's request for price adjustment shall present data reflecting: 

(1) The exchange rate in effect on the date of the contractor's proposal that was accepted for the basic contract; and 

(2) The current exchange rate and its effect on payment of workers in local currency. The allowable adjustment shall be limited to the extent to which increases in direct service labor costs due to host country law changes are not offset by exchange rate gains. 

(e) Only direct cost changes mandated by enacted laws shall be considered for adjustment under this contract. Changes for purposes of maintaining parity of pay between employees at the minimum mandated levels and employees already paid at levels above the newly mandated minimums shall not be considered. Therefore, if the contractor elects to increase payments to employees who are already being paid at or above the mandated amounts, such increased costs shall be borne solely by the contractor and shall not be justification for an increase in the hourly and monthly rates under this contract. 

(f) Any request for adjustment shall be presented by signature of an officer or general partner of the contractor having overall responsibility for the conduct of the contractor's affairs. 

(g) No adjustment shall be made to the contract price that relates to any indirect, overhead, or fixed costs, profit or fee. Only the changes in direct service labor wages (and any benefits based directly on wages) shall be considered by the U.S. Government as basis for contract price changes. 

(h) No request by the contractor for an adjustment under this clause shall be allowed if asserted after final payment has been made under this contract. 

(i) This clause shall only apply to laws enacted by the [insert name of country] Government meeting the criterion set forth above in paragraph (b). No adjustments shall be made due to currency fluctuations in exchange rates. 

(End of clause) 

DOSAR 652.232-70 PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND INVOICE SUBMISSION (FIXED-PRICE) (AUG 1999) 

a) General. The Government shall pay the contractor as full compensation for all work required, performed and accepted under this contract, inclusive of all costs and expenses, the firm fixed-price stated in Section B of this contract. 

 [Use paragraph (b) only if partial payments apply. Otherwise, paragraph (a) above assumes the contractor will be paid the full amount upon completion of all contractual requirements]. 

(b) Payment Schedule. Payments will be made on a quarterly basis. 

(c) Invoice Submission. Invoices shall be addressed to the office identified in Block 18b of the SF-1449 and shall be submitted in pdf format to the email addresses which will be provided on the contract. To constitute a proper invoice, the invoice must include all items per FAR clause 52.212-4(g) incorporated in this contract in full text. 

(d) Contractor Remittance Address. Payment shall be made to the contractor’s address as specified on the cover page of this contract, unless a separate remittance address is specified below: 

_______________________________________________________________  

_______________________________________________________________  

________________________________________________________________  

(End of clause) 

DOSAR 652.242-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (AUG 1999) 

(a)  The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one or more Government employees, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this contract. Each designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).  Such designation(s) shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided, that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation. 

(b)  The COR for this contract will be designated upon award. 

  

(End of clause) 

(VII) SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS AND QUOTATIONS  

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS 

Any questions, comments, exceptions, or clarifications concerning any aspect of the solicitation shall be prepared in writing and submitted to Contract Specialist Sarah Pfannkuche at email PfannkucheS@state.gov, no later than 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on October 08, 2026. The email subject line must read “Questions 19GE5026Q0035”. 

Late questions may not be considered. 

Quoters may rely ONLY upon written interpretations by the Contracting Officer.  

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF QUOTATIONS 

The quotation shall be submitted via email as soon as possible but not later than 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on October 22, 2026 to Sarah Pfannkuche at PfannkucheS@state.gov. The email subject line must read “Quotation 19GE5026Q0035”.  

Delivery via a cloud file storage service (eg. GoogleDrive, etc.) and via hyperlinks is NOT permitted.  

Electronic quotations shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, or Adobe PDF, as applicable.  

If the quotation is sent in multiple emails, the email shall be labeled accordingly (eg. file 1 of 2). Individual emails may not exceed 50MB. 

The Government shall not be responsible for a quotation being unable to successfully transmit emails due to any file size constraints of their email systems. Quoters shall ensure that emails have been transmitted and that messages have not been returned “undeliverable”. 

Late submissions shall not be considered. 

(viii) Other applicable information: 

This solicitation and the ensuring award are subject to laws and regulations of the United States of America.