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Part 352--Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses, continued

HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)

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Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 40 U.S.C. 121(c)(2).

[Changed by APM 2010-01]

[Changed by FAC 2005-45]

[Technical Correction 09-2010]

352.242-70 Key personnel.

As prescribed in 342.302(c)(2), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Key Personnel (January 2006)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the contractor or Government.

(End of clause)

 352.242-71 Tobacco-free facilities.

As prescribed in 342.302(c)(3), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Tobacco-free Facilities (January 2006)

In accordance with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, the Contractor and its staff are prohibited from using tobacco products of any kind (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco) while on any HHS property, including use in personal or company vehicles operated by Contractor employees while on an HHS property. This policy also applies to all subcontracts awarded under the contract or order. The term ‘‘HHS properties’’ includes all properties owned, controlled and/or leased by HHS when totally occupied by HHS, including all indoor and outdoor areas of such properties. Where HHS only partially occupies such properties, it includes all HHS-occupied interior space. Where HHS leases space in a multi-occupant building or complex, the tobacco-free HHS policy will apply to the maximum area permitted by both law and current lease agreements. The Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understand, and comply with this policy.

(End of clause)

 

 352.242-72 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

As prescribed in 342.302(c)(4), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (January 2006)

(a) Public Law 101–601, dated November 16, 1990, also known as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, imposes certain responsibilities on individuals and organizations when they discover Native American cultural items (including human remains) on federal or tribal lands.

(b) In the event the Contractor discovers Native American cultural items (including human remains, associated funerary objects, unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects and cultural patrimony), as defined in the Act during contract performance, the Contractor shall—

     (i) Immediately cease activity in the area of the discovery;

     (ii) Notify the Contracting Officer of the discovery; and

     (iii) Make a reasonable effort to protect the items discovered before resuming such activity. Upon receipt of the Contractor’s discovery notice, the Contracting Officer will notify the appropriate authorities as required by the Act.

(c) Unless otherwise specified by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor may resume activity in the area on the 31st calendar day following the date that the appropriate authorities certify receipt of the discovery notice. The Contracting Officer shall provide to the Contractor the date that the appropriate authorities certify receipt of the discovery notice and the date on which the Contractor may resume activities.

(End of clause)

352.242-73 Withholding of contract payments.

As prescribed in 342.7003-1(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Withholding of Contract Payments (January 2006)

Notwithstanding any other payment provisions of this contract, failure of the Contractor to submit required reports when due or failure to perform or deliver required work, supplies, or services, may result in the withholding of payments under this contract unless such failure arises out of causes beyond the control, and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor as defined by the clause entitled ‘‘Excusable Delays’’ or ‘‘Default,’’ as applicable. The Government will immediately notify the Contractor of its intention to withhold payment of any invoice or voucher submitted.

(End of clause)

352.242-74 Final decisions on audit findings.

As prescribed in 342.7003-1(b), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Final Decisions on Audit Findings (April 1984)

For the purpose of issuing final decisions under the Disputes clause of this contract concerning monetary audit findings, the Contracting Officer is the individual authorized to make such decisions.

(End of clause)

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352.270-1 Accessibility of meetings, conferences, and seminars to persons with disabilities.

As prescribed in 370.102(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Accessibility of Meetings, Conferences, and Seminars to
Persons with Disabilities (January 2001)

The Contractor agrees as follows:

(a) Planning. The Contractor shall develop a plan to assure that any meeting, conference, or seminar held pursuant to this contract will meet or exceed the minimum accessibility standards set forth in 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A: ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The Contractor shall submit the plan to the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for approval prior to initiating action. (The Contractor may submit a consolidated or master plan for contracts requiring numerous meetings, conferences, or seminars in lieu of separate plans.)

(b) Facilities. Any facility the Contractor intends to utilize for meetings, conferences, or seminars in performance of this contract shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A. The Contractor shall determine, by an on-site inspection, that the facility meets these requirements.
     (1) Parking. Parking shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

     (2) Entrances. Entrances shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

     (3) Meeting Rooms. Meeting rooms, including seating arrangements, shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A. In addition, stages, speaker platforms, etc. which are to be used by persons in wheelchairs must be accessible by ramps or lifts. When used, the ramp may not necessarily be independently negotiable if space does not permit. However, the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative must approve any slope over 1:12, and the Contractor must provide assistance to negotiate access to the stage or platform.

     (4) Restrooms. Restrooms shall be in compliance with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

     (5) Eating Facilities. Eating facilities in the meeting facility must also comply with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

     (6) Overnight Facilities. If overnight accommodations are required, the facility providing the overnight accommodations shall also comply with
28 CFR 36.101-36.500
and Appendix A.
     (7) Water Fountains. Water fountains shall comply with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

     (8) Telephones. Public telephones shall comply with 28 CFR 36.101-36.500 and Appendix A.

(c) Provisions of Services for Attendees with Sensory Impairments.

     (1) The Contractor, in planning the meeting, conference, or seminar, shall include in all announcements and other materials pertaining to the meeting, conference, or seminar a notice indicating that services will be made available to persons with sensory impairments attending the meeting, if requested within five (5) days of the date of the meeting, conference, or seminar. The announcement(s) and other material(s) shall indicate that persons with sensory impairments may contact a specific person(s), at a specific address and phone number(s), to make their service requirements known. The phone number(s) shall include a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD).

     (2) The Contractor shall provide, at no additional cost to the individual, those services required by persons with sensory impairments to ensure their complete participation in the meeting, conference, or seminar.

     (3) At a minimum, when requested in advance, the Contractor shall provide the following services:

(i) For persons with hearing impairments, qualified interpreters. Also, the meeting rooms shall be adequately illuminated so signing by interpreters can be easily seen.

 (ii) For persons with vision impairments, readers and/or cassette materials, as necessary, to enable full participation. Also, meeting rooms shall be adequately illuminated.

  (iii) Agenda and other conference material(s) shall be translated into a usable form for persons with sensory impairments. Readers, Braille translations, large print text, and/or tape recordings are all acceptable. These materials shall be available to individuals with sensory impairments upon their arrival.

     (4) The Contractor shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the number of individuals with sensory impairments who plan to attend the meeting, conference, or seminar. However, if the Contractor can determine that there will be no person with sensory impairment in attendance, the provision of those services under paragraph (c) of this clause for the non-represented group, or groups, is not required.

(End of clause)

352.270-2 Indian preference.

As prescribed in 370.202(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Indian Preference (April 1984)

(a) The Contractor agrees to give preference in employment opportunities under this contract to Indians who can perform required work, regardless of age (subject to existing laws and regulations), sex, religion, or tribal affiliation. To the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract, the Contractor further agrees to give preference in employment and training opportunities under this contract to Indians who are not fully qualified to perform regardless of age (subject to existing laws and regulations), sex, religion, or tribal affiliation. The Contractor also agrees to give preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises in the awarding of any subcontracts to the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract. The Contractor shall maintain statistical records as are necessary to indicate compliance with this paragraph.

(b) In connection with the Indian employment preference requirements of this clause, the Contractor shall provide opportunities for training incident to such employment. Such training shall include on-the-­job, classroom or apprenticeship training which is designed to increase the vocational effectiveness of an Indian employee.

(c) If the Contractor is unable to fill its employment and training opportunities after giving full consideration to Indians as required by this clause, the Contractor may satisfy those needs by selecting persons other than Indians in accordance with the clause of this contract entitled "Equal Opportunity."

(d) If no Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises are available under reasonable terms and conditions, including price, for awarding of subcontracts in connection with the work performed under this contract, the Contractor agrees to comply with the provisions of this contract involving utilization of small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; women-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses.

(e) As used in this clause,

(1) "Indian" means a person who is a member of an Indian Tribe. If the Contractor has reason to doubt that a person seeking employment preference is an Indian, the Contractor shall grant the preference but shall require the individual to provide evidence within 30 days from the Tribe concerned that the person is a member of the Tribe.

     (2) "Indian Tribe" means an Indian Tribe, pueblo, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

     (3) "Indian organization" means the governing body of any Indian Tribe or entity established or recognized by such governing body in accordance with the Indian Financing Act of 1974 (88 Stat. 77; 25 U.S.C. 1451).

     (4) "Indian-owned economic enterprise" means any Indian-owned commercial, industrial, or business activity established or organized for the purpose of profit, provided that such Indian ownership shall constitute not less than 51 percent of the enterprise, and that ownership shall encompass active operation and control of the enterprise.

(f) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (f) of this clause, in each subcontract awarded at any tier under this contract.

(g) In the event of noncompliance with this clause, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract in whole or in part or may impose any other sanctions authorized by law or by other provisions of the contract.

(End of clause)

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352.270-3 Indian preference program.

As prescribed in 370.202(b), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Indian Preference Program (January 2006)

(a) In addition to the requirements of the clause of this contract entitled ‘‘Indian Preference,’’ the Contractor agrees to establish and conduct an Indian preference program which will expand opportunities for Indians to receive preference for employment and training in connection with the work to be performed under this contract, and which will expand the opportunities for Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises to receive a preference in the awarding of subcontracts. In this connection, the Contractor shall perform the following:

     (1) Designate a liaison officer who will maintain liaison with the Government and the Tribe(s) on Indian preference matters; supervise compliance with the provisions of this clause; and administer the Contractor’s Indian preference program.

     (2) Advise its recruitment sources in writing and include a statement in all advertisements for employment that Indian applicants will be given preference in employment and training incident to such employment.

     (3) Not more than 20 calendar days after award of the contract, post a written notice in the Tribal office of any reservations on which or near where the work under this contract is to be performed that sets forth the Contractor’s employment needs and related training opportunities. The notice shall include the approximate numbers and types of employees needed; the approximate dates of employment; the experience or special skills required for employment, if any; training opportunities available; and other pertinent information necessary to advise prospective employees of any other employment requirements. The Contractor shall also request the Tribe(s) on or near whose reservation(s) the work is to be performed to provide assistance to the Contractor in filling its employment needs and training opportunities. The Contracting Officer will advise the Contractor of the name, location, and phone number of the Tribal officials to contact in regard to the posting of notices and requests for Tribal assistance.

     (4) Establish and conduct a subcontracting program which gives preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers under this contract. The Contractor shall give public notice of existing subcontracting opportunities and, to the extent feasible and consistent with the efficient performance of this contract, shall solicit bids or proposals only from Indian organizations or Indian-owned economic enterprises. The Contractor shall request assistance and information on Indian firms qualified as suppliers or subcontractors from the Tribe(s) on or near whose reservation(s) the work under the contract is to be performed. The Contracting Officer will advise the Contractor of the name, location, and phone number of the Tribal officials to be contacted in regard to the request for assistance and information. Public notices and solicitations for existing subcontracting opportunities shall provide an equitable opportunity for Indian firms to submit bids or proposals by including—:

           (i) A clear description of the supplies or services required, including quantities, specifications, and delivery schedules which facilitate the participation of Indian firms;

           (ii) A statement indicating that preference will be given to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises in accordance with section 7(b) of Public Law 93–638 [88 Stat. 2205; 25 U.S.C. 450e(b)];

           (iii) Definitions for the terms ‘‘Indian organization’’ and ‘‘Indian-owned economic enterprise’’ as prescribed under the ‘‘Indian Preference’’ clause of this contract;

           (iv) A statement to be completed by the bidder or offeror that it is an Indian organization or Indian-owned economic enterprise; and

           (v) A closing date for receipt of bids or proposals which provides sufficient time for preparation and submission of a bid or proposal. If after soliciting bids or proposals from Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises, no responsive bid or acceptable proposal is received, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (d) of the ‘‘Indian Preference’’ clause of this contract. If one or more responsible bids or acceptable proposals are received, award shall be made to the low responsible bidder or acceptable offeror if the price is determined to be reasonable. If the low responsive bid or acceptable proposal is determined to be unreasonable as to price, the Contractor shall attempt to negotiate a reasonable price and award a subcontract. If a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (d) of the ‘‘Indian Preference’’ clause of this contract.

          (5) Maintain written records under this contract which indicate—

(i) The numbers of Indians seeking employment for each employment position available under this contract;

  (ii) The number and types of positions filled by Indians and non-Indians;

           (iii) The total number of Indians employed under this contract;

           (iv) For those positions where there are both Indian and non-Indian applicants, and a non-Indian is selected for employment, the reason(s) why the Indian applicant was not selected;

           (v) Actions taken to give preference to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises for subcontracting opportunities which exist under this contract;
           (vi) Reasons why preference was not given to Indian firms as subcontractors or suppliers for each requirement where it was determined by the Contractor that such preference would not be consistent with the efficient performance of the contract; and

           (vii) The number of Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises contacted, and the number receiving subcontract awards under this contract.

(6) Submit to the Contracting Officer for approval a quarterly report which summarizes the Contractor’s Indian preference program and indicates the number and types of available positions filled by Indians and non-Indians, and the dollar amounts of all subcontracts awarded to Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprises, and to all other firms.

(7) Maintain records pursuant to this clause and keep them available for review by the Government for one year after final payment under this contract, or for such longer period as may be required by any other clause of this contract or by applicable law or regulation.

(b) For purposes of this clause, the following definitions of terms shall apply:

(1) The terms ‘‘Indian,’’ ‘‘Indian Tribe,’’ ‘‘Indian Organization,’’ and ‘‘Indian-owned economic enterprise’’ are defined in the clause of this contract entitled ‘‘Indian Preference.’’

(2) ‘‘Indian reservation’’ includes Indian reservations, public domain Indian Allotments, former Indian reservations in Oklahoma, and land held by incorporated Native groups, regional corporations, and village corporations under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688; 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)

     (3) ‘‘On or near an Indian Reservation’’ means on a reservation or reservations or within that area surrounding an Indian reservation(s) where a person seeking employment could reasonably be expected to commute to and from in the course of a work day.

(c) Nothing in the requirements of this clause shall be interpreted to preclude Indian Tribes from independently developing and enforcing their own Indian preference requirements. Such requirements must not conflict with any Federal statutory or regulatory requirement dealing with the award and administration of contracts.

(d) The Contractor agrees to include the provisions of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in each subcontract awarded at any tier under this contract and to notify the Contracting Officer of such subcontracts.

(e) In the event of noncompliance with this clause, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract in whole or in part or may impose any other sanctions authorized by law or by other provisions of the contract.

(End of clause)

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352.270-4 Protection of human subjects.

(a) As prescribed in 370.303(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following provision:

Notice to Offerors of Requirements of 45 CFR Part 46,
Protection of Human Subjects (January 2006)

 

(a) Copies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations for the protection of human subjects, 45 CFR Part 46, are available from the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), Bethesda, Maryland 20892. The regulations provide a systematic means, based on established ethical principles, to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals who participate as subjects in research activities supported or conducted by HHS.

(b) The regulations define a human subject as a living individual about whom an investigator (whether professional or student) conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information. The regulations extend to the use of human organs, tissue, and body fluids from individually identifiable human subjects as well as to graphic, written, or recorded information derived from individually identifiable human subjects.

The use of autopsy materials is governed by applicable State and local law and is not directly regulated by 45 CFR Part 46.

(c) Activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the categories set forth in 45 CFR 46.101(b)(1-6) are exempt from coverage.

(d) Inappropriate designations of the noninvolvement of human subjects or of exempt categories of research in a project may result in delays in the review of a proposal. The Government’s Project Officer will make a final determination of whether the proposed activities are covered by the regulations or are in an exempt category, based on the information provided in the proposal. In doubtful cases, the Project Officer will consult with OHRP.

(e) In accordance with 45 CFR Part 46, offerors being considered for award shall file with OHRP an acceptable Assurance of Compliance with the regulations, specifying review procedures and assigning responsibilities for the protection of human subjects. The initial and continuing review of a research project by an institutional review board shall ensure that: the rights and welfare of the human subjects involved are adequately protected; the risks to the subjects are reasonable in relation to both the potential benefits, if any, to the subjects and the importance of the knowledge to be gained; and informed consent will be obtained by methods that are adequate and appropriate. HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects (45 CFR Part 46), information regarding OHRP registration and assurance requirements/processes, and OHRP contact information can be accessed at the OHRP website (at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/assurances/assurances_index.html).

(f) Offerors may consult with OHRP for advice or guidance concerning either regulatory requirements or ethical issues pertaining to research involving human subjects.     

(End of provision)

(b) As prescribed in 370.304(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Protection of Human Subjects (January 2006)

(a) The Contractor agrees that the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research under this contract shall be protected in accordance with 45 CFR Part 46 and with the Contractor’s current Assurance of Compliance on file with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), Department of Health and Human Services. The Contractor further agrees to provide certification at least annually that the Institutional Review Board has reviewed and approved the procedures, which involve human subjects in accordance with 45 CFR Part 46 and the Assurance of Compliance.

(b) The Contractor shall bear full responsibility for the performance of all work and services involving the use of human subjects under this contract and shall ensure that work is conducted in a proper manner and as safely as is feasible. The parties hereto agree that the Contractor retains the right to control and direct the performance of all work under this contract. The Contractor shall not deem anything in this contract to constitute the Contractor or any subcontractor, agent or employee of the Contractor, or any other person, organization, institution, or group of any kind whatsoever, as the agent or employee of the Government. The Contractor agrees that it has entered into this contract and will discharge its obligations, duties, and undertakings and the work pursuant thereto, whether requiring professional judgment or otherwise, as an independent contractor without imputing liability on the part of the Government for the acts of the Contractor or its employees.

(c) If at any time during the performance of this contract, the Contracting Officer determines, in consultation with OHRP that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements and/or standards stated in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the Contracting Officer may immediately suspend, in whole or in part, work and further payments under this contract until the Contractor corrects the noncompliance. The Contracting Officer may communicate the notice of suspension by telephone with confirmation in writing. If the Contractor fails to complete corrective action within the period of time designated in the Contracting Officer’s written notice of suspension, the Contracting Officer may, after consultation with OHRP, terminate this contract in whole or in part, and the Contractor’s name may be removed from the list of those contractors with approved Human Subject Assurances.

(End of clause)

352.270-5 Care of laboratory animals.

(a) As prescribed in 370.403(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following provision:

Notice to Offerors of Requirement for Compliance with the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
(January 2006)

The Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy) establishes a number of requirements for research activities involving animals. Before award may be made to an applicant organization, the organization shall file, with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), National Institutes of Health (NIH), a written Animal Welfare Assurance (Assurance) which commits the organization to comply with the provisions of the PHS Policy, the Animal Welfare Act, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Academy Press, Washington, DC). In accordance with the PHS Policy, applicant organizations must establish  an Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC), qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, to oversee the institution’s animal program, facilities and procedures. Applicant organizations are required to provide verification of IACUC approval prior to release of an award involving live vertebrate animals. No award involving the use of animals shall be made unless OLAW approves the Assurance and verification of IACUC approval for the proposed animal activities has been provided to the Contracting Officer.  Prior to award, the Contracting Officer will notify Contractor(s) selected for projects that involve live vertebrate animals that an Assurance and verification of IACUC approval are required. The Contracting Officer will request that OLAW negotiate an acceptable Assurance with those Contractor(s) and request verification of IACUC approval. For further information, contact OLAW at NIH, 6705 Rockledge Drive, RKL1, Suite 360, MSC 7982 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7982 (E-mail: olaw@od.nih.gov; Phone: 301–496–7163).

(End of provision)

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(b) As prescribed in 370.404, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Care of Live Vertebrate Animals (October 2009)

(a) Before undertaking performance of any contract involving animal-related activities where the species is regulated by USDA, the Contractor shall register with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 2136 and 9 CFR sections 2.25 through 2.28.  The Contractor shall furnish evidence of the registration to the Contracting Officer.

(b) The Contractor shall acquire vertebrate animals used in research from a dealer licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture under 7 U.S.C. 2133 and 9 CFR Sections 2.1-2.11, or from a source that is exempt from licensing under those sections.

(c) The Contractor agrees that the care, use and intended use of any live vertebrate animals in the performance of this contract shall conform with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care of Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), the current Animal Welfare Assurance (Assurance), the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Academy Press, Washington, DC) and the pertinent laws and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (see 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq. and 9 CFR Subchapter A, Parts 1-4). In case of conflict between standards, the more stringent standard shall govern.

(d) If at any time during performance of this contract, the Contracting Officer determines, in consultation with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), National Institutes of Health (NIH), that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements and standards stated in paragraphs (a) through (c) above, the Contracting Officer may immediately suspend, in whole or in part, work and further payments under this contract until the Contractor corrects the noncompliance.  Notice of the suspension may be communicated by telephone and confirmed in writing. If the Contractor fails to complete corrective action within the period of time designated in the Contracting Officer’s written notice of suspension, the Contracting Officer may, in consultation with OLAW, NIH, terminate this contract in whole or in part, and the Contractor’s name may be removed from the list of those contractors with approved Assurances.

Note: The Contractor may request registration of its facility and a current listing of licensed dealers from the Regional Office of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA, for the region in which its research facility is located. The location of the appropriate APHIS Regional Office, as well as information concerning this program may be obtained by contacting the Animal Care Staff, USDA/APHIS, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737 (E-mail: ace@aphis.usda.gov; Website: (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/).

(End of clause)

352.270-6 Restriction on use of human subjects.

As prescribed in 370-304(b), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Restriction on Use of Human Subjects (January 2006)

Pursuant to 45 CFR Part 46, Protection of Human Research Subjects, the Contractor shall not expend funds under this award for research involving human subjects or engage in any human subjects research activity prior to the Contracting Officer’s receipt of a certification that the research has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) designated under the Contractor’s federal-wide assurance of compliance. This restriction applies to all collaborating sites, whether domestic or foreign, and subcontractors. The Contractor must ensure compliance by collaborators and subcontractors.

(End of clause)

352.270–7 Conference sponsorship request and conference materials disclaimer.

As prescribed in 370.602, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Conference Sponsorship Request and Conference Materials Disclaimer
(January 2010)

 

  1. If HHS is not the sole provider of funding under this conference contract, then prior to the Contractor claiming HHS conference sponsorship, the Contractor shall submit a written request (including rationale) to the Contracting Officer for permission to claim such HHS sponsorship.
  2. Whether or not HHS is the conference sponsor, the Contractor shall include the following statement on conference materials, including promotional materials, agendas, and web sites:

“This conference was funded, in whole or in part, through a contract (insert contract number) with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (insert name of OPDIV/STAFFDIV). The views expressed in written conference materials and by speakers and moderators at this conference, do not necessarily reflect the official policies of HHS, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.”

  1. Unless authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, the Contractor shall not display the HHS logo on any conference materials.

(End of clause)

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352.270-8 Prostitution and related activities.

As prescribed in 370.701, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Prostitution and Related Activities (January 2010)

(a) The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing and contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons. 

(b) Neither the Contractor nor any subcontractor(s) shall use Government funds provided under this contract to promote or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. (Note: The term “contract” includes “order” wherever it appears in this clause.) The Contractor shall not construe anything in the preceding sentence to preclude providing individuals with palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.

(c) The Government does not require the Contractor to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to combating HIV/AIDS, or endorse, utilize, or participate in a prevention method or treatment program to which it has a religious or moral objection. Any information the Contractor provides about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are funded in connection with this contract shall be medically accurate and shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.

(d) In addition, the Contractor shall have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any “exempt organizations” (i.e., the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the World Health Organization; the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative; and any United Nations agency), or to any contractors that are awarded “specified types of commercial contracts” as set forth below.

(e) The following definitions apply for purposes of this clause:

(1) “Commercial sex act” means any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person.

(2) “Prostitution” means procuring or providing any commercial sex act.

(3) “Sex trafficking” means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act [22 U.S.C. § 7102(9)].

(4) “Specified types of commercial contracts” means contracts awarded for commercial items and services as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101, such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, logistics support, data management, and freight forwarding. Notwithstanding the preceding definition of “specified types of commercial contracts,” contracts for the purposes specified in paragraphs (i) through (iii) below, that are awarded to implement HIV/AIDS programs, require that the Contractor have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking—

(i) Supplies or services provided directly to the final populations receiving such supplies or services in host countries;

(ii) Technical assistance and training furnished directly to host country individuals or entities for the provision of supplies or services to the final populations receiving such supplies and services; or

(iii) The types of services listed in FAR 37.203(b)(1)-(6) that involve giving advice about substantive policies of a recipient, giving advice regarding the activities referenced in (i) and (ii) above, or making decisions or functioning in a recipient’s chain of command (e.g., providing managerial or supervisory services; approving financial transactions, personnel actions, etc.).

(f) The Contractor must have and maintain “objective integrity and independence” from any organization that engages in activities inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking. HHS will consider the Contractor to have objective integrity and independence from such an organization if the—

(1) Organization is a legally separate entity;

(2) Organization receives no transfer of Leadership Act funds, and Leadership Act funds do not subsidize activities inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking; and

(3) Contractor is physically and financially separate from the organization. Mere bookkeeping separation of Leadership Act funds from other funds is not sufficient. HHS will determine, on a case-by-case basis, and based on the totality of the facts, whether sufficient physical and financial separation exists. The presence or absence of any one factor below will not be determinative. Factors relevant to this determination shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 (i) The existence of separate personnel, management, and governance.

(ii) The existence of separate accounts, accounting records, and timekeeping records.

(iii) The degree of separation from facilities, equipment, and supplies used by the organization to conduct activities inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking, and the extent of such activities by the organization.

(iv) The extent to which (A) signs and other forms of identification that distinguish the Contractor from the organization are present, and (B) signs and materials that could be associated with the organization or activities inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking are absent.

(v) The extent to which the U.S. Government, HHS, and the project name are protected from public association with an organization and its activities that are inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking in materials, such as publications, conferences, and press or public statements.

(g) The Contractor shall include, as express terms and conditions, the applicable provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations and subcontracts awarded under this contract. The Contractor agrees that HHS may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials the Contractor maintains or prepares in the usual course of its operations that relate to the Contractor’s compliance with this clause.

(h) As a prerequisite to award and payment of any Government funds under this contract, the Contractor shall certify compliance with this clause for the performance period funded by the contract. The Contractor shall provide the three following compliance certifications in a written statement addressed to the Contracting Officer:

(1) Organizational Integrity Certification:

“I certify that (insert Contractor’s name), which will be the recipient of Government funds made available through this contract, has objective integrity and independence from any organization that engages in activities inconsistent with a policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking.”

(2) Subcontractor Compliance Certification:

“I certify that (insert Contractor’s name) will include the Organizational Integrity certification in any subcontract awarded under this contract and will require such subcontractor to provide the same certification that the Contractor provided.”

(3) Acknowledgment Certification:

“I certify that (insert Contractor’s name) acknowledges that these certifications are a prerequisite to receipt of Government funds in connection with this contract, and that any violation of these certifications by the Contractor or subcontractor(s) at any level shall be grounds for termination of the contract by HHS in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 49, as well as any other remedies provided by law.”

(NOTE: In the case of existing contracts, the Contracting Officer shall add the certification requirements whenever the contract is modified to extend the period of performance or add funds, including any options that may be exercised. In so doing, the Contracting Officer shall delete in paragraph (h) the language “As a prerequisite to award and payment of any Government funds under this contract,” and replace it with: “As a prerequisite to continuation of this contract and payment of any Government funds under it,”).

(i)  A person(s) authorized to bind the Contractor and any subcontractor(s) shall execute the certifications. The Contractor shall provide its certifications to the Contracting Officer. A subcontractor(s) shall provide its certifications to the Contractor. The Contracting Officer may request that the Contractor provide any subcontractor certifications. In addition, the Contractor and any subcontractors shall provide renewed certifications for any modification that extends the contract period of performance or adds funds to the contract, including any options that may be exercised.

(j) This clause does not affect the applicability of the FAR clause at 52.222-50 entitled, “Combating Trafficking in Persons.”

(End of clause)

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352.270-9 Non-discrimination for conscience.

As prescribed in 370.702, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following provision:

Non-discrimination for Conscience (January 2010)

(a) Section 301(d) of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act, as amended, provides that an organization, including a faith-based organization, that is otherwise eligible to receive assistance under section 104A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, under the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, under the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, or under any amendment to the foregoing Acts for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, or care—

                  (1) Shall not be required, as a condition of receiving such assistance, to—

          (i) Endorse or utilize a multisectoral or comprehensive approach to  combating HIV/AIDS; or

          (ii) Endorse, utilize, make a referral to, become integrated with, or otherwise participate in any program or activity to which the organization has a religious or moral objection.

(2) Shall not be discriminated against under the provisions of law in subparagraph (a) for refusing to meet any requirement described in paragraph (a)(1) in this solicitation.

(b) Accordingly, an offeror who believes this solicitation contains work requirements that would require it to endorse or utilize a multisectoral or comprehensive approach to combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, make referral to, become integrated with, or otherwise participate in a program or activity to which it has a religious or moral objection, shall identify those work requirements it has excluded in its technical proposal.

(c) The Government acknowledges that an offeror has specific rights, as cited in paragraph (b), to exclude certain work requirements in this solicitation from its proposal. However, the Government reserves the right to not make an award to an offeror whose proposal does not comply with the salient work requirements of the solicitation. Any exercise of that Government right will be made by the Head of the Contracting Activity.

(End of provision)


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