Terms and Conditions

GSA Schedule Contract

Billable Hours

The prices quoted in this pricelist were established in accordance with Booz Allen's government-approved estimating and timekeeping systems. Timekeeping is based on a “total-time accounting” system in which employees record all hours worked and allocate these hours to their correct cost categories, whether direct or indirect. Travel time outside of normal business hours and normal commuting costs are not billed.

For T&M type task orders, Booz Allen will bill for all hours worked, including travel time if the employee is traveling in support of a task order (at the client’s direction) during normal business hours. Travel time outside of normal business hours and normal commuting costs are not billed.

Client Facility Requirements

Should work be required at the client site, Booz Allen would expect to furnish only the appropriate staff members to complete the work. We would expect the client to furnish all office space, equipment, and supplies at no cost to Booz Allen. This includes, but is not limited to, telephones, faxes, copiers, personal computers, ordinary business software, and normal copying and reproduction services.

Foreign Taxes and Duties

This prices listed herein are based on domestic performance of PES task orders. Booz Allen warrants that the prices do not include any tax, duty, customs fees, or other foreign governmental costs, assessments, or similar charges from which the U.S. Government is exempt. However, if additional costs are legally owed or incurred by Booz Allen as a result of rightful performance of PES at foreign sites, then those costs shall be negotiated and incorporated into the respective task orders as allowable other direct costs.
Booz Allen will include standard commercial export packaging, including containerization (if necessary), packaging, preservation, and marking in the pricing offered and accepted by the Government under individual task orders.

Independent Contractor

All services performed by Booz Allen under the terms of this contract shall be as an independent contractor and not as an agent or employee of the Government.

Inspection of Services

FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services—Fixed Price (August 1996) and FAR 52.246-6 Inspection of Services—Time and Material and Labor Hour (January 1996) shall apply, as appropriate, to PES task orders.

Invoices

Booz Allen shall submit invoices upon completion of the work ordered. For firm-fixed price orders, partial payments are authorized and shall be based upon completion of defined milestones, interim products, and/or deliverables. Invoices shall be submitted monthly for recurring services performed during the preceding month for time and materials orders.

Liability Limitations

Injury or Damages— Booz Allen shall not be liable for any injury to Government personnel or damage to Government property arising from the services provided unless such injury is due to the fault or negligence of Booz Allen.
Consequential Damages— Booz Allen shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including strict liability, of any kind or nature, associated with any actual or alleged breach of the contract, tort or negligence, or otherwise caused. In no event shall Booz Allen be liable for costs or damages resulting from alleged breach of the contract even if, under applicable law, such costs or damages would not be considered consequential or special damages.

Ordering Procedures

Procedures for Professional Engineering Services Priced on GSA Schedule at Hourly Rates.
1. When ordering PES, ordering offices shall—
  1. Prepare a Request for Quotation:
    1. A performance-based statement of work that outlines, at a minimum, the work to be performed, location of work, period of performance, deliverable schedule, applicable standards, acceptance criteria, and any special requirements (e.g., security clearances, travel, special knowledge, etc.) should be prepared.
    2. A request for quotation should be prepared that includes the performance-based statement of work and requests the contractors to submit either a firm-fixed price or a ceiling price to provide the services outlined in the statement of work. A firm-fixed price order shall be requested, unless the ordering office makes a determination that it is not possible at the time of placing the order to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to anticipate cost with any reasonable degree of confidence. When such a determination is made, a labor-hour or time-and-materials proposal may be requested. The firm-fixed price shall be based on the hourly rates in the schedule contract and shall consider the mix of labor categories and level of effort required to perform the services described in the statement of work. The firm-fixed price of the order should also include any travel costs or other incidental costs related to performance of the services ordered, unless the order provides for reimbursement of travel costs at the rates provided in the Federal Travel or Joint Travel Regulations. A ceiling price must be established for labor-hour and time-and-materials orders.
    3. The request for quotation may request the contractors, if necessary or appropriate, to submit a project plan for performing the task and information on the contractor’s experience and/or past performance on similar tasks.
    4. The request for quotation shall notify the contractors what basis will be used for selecting the contractor to receive the order. The notice shall include the basis for determining whether the contractors are technically qualified and provide an explanation regarding the intended use of any experience and/or past performance information in determining technical acceptability of responses. If consideration will be limited to schedule contractors who are small business concerns the request for proposals shall notify the contractors that will be the case.
  2. Transmit the Request for Quotation to contractors:
    1. Based on an initial evaluation of catalogs and pricelists, the ordering office should identify the contractor that appears to offer the best value (considering the scope of services offered, hourly rates, and other factors such as contractors’ locations, as appropriate).
    2. The request for quotation should be to three (3) contractors if the proposed order is estimated to exceed the micro-purchase threshold, but not to exceed the maximum order threshold. For proposed orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, the request for quotation should be provided to additional contractors that offer services that will meet the agency’s needs. Ordering offices should strive to minimize the contractor’s costs associated with responding to requests for quotations for specific orders. Requests should be tailored to the minimum level necessary for adequate evaluation and selection for order placement.
  3. Evaluate proposals and select the contractor to receive the order:
    1. After responses have been evaluated against the factors identified in the request for quotation, the order should be placed with the schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special qualifications, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.
2. The establishment of Federal Supply Schedule Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) for recurring services is permitted when the procedures outlined herein are followed. All BPAs for services must define the services that may be ordered under the BPA, along with delivery or performance time frames, billing procedures, etc. The potential volume of orders under BPAs, regardless of the size of individual orders, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure volume discounts. When establishing BPAs, ordering offices shall—
  1. Inform contractors in the request for quotation (based on the agency’s requirement) if a single BPA or multiple BPAs will be established and indicate the basis that will be used for selecting the contractor to be awarded the BPAs.
    1. SINGLE BPA: Generally, a single BPA should be established when the ordering office can define the tasks to be ordered under the BPA and establish a firm-fixed price or ceiling price for individual tasks or services to be ordered. When this occurs, authorized users may place the order directly under the established BPA when the need for service arises. The schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs should be awarded the BPA.
    2. MULTIPLE BPAs: When the ordering office determines that multiple BPAs are needed to meet its requirements, the ordering office should determine which contractors can meet any technical qualifications before establishing the BPAs. When multiple BPAs are established, the authorized users must follow the procedure in (3)(ii)(b) above, and then place the order with the schedule contractor that represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.
  2. Review BPAs periodically. Such reviews shall be conducted at least annually. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the BPA still represents the best value (considering price, special qualifications, etc.) and results in the lowest overall cost alternative to meet the agency’s needs.
3. The ordering office should give preference to small business concerns when two or more contractors can provide the services at the same firm-fixed price or ceiling price.
4. When the ordering office’s requirement involves both products as well as services, the ordering office should total the prices for the products and the firm-fixed price for the services and select the contractor that represents the greatest value in terms of meeting the agency’s total needs.
5. The ordering office, at a minimum, should document orders by identifying which contractor the services were purchased from, the services purchased, and the amount paid. If other than a firm-fixed price order is placed, such documentation should include the basis for the determination to use a labor-hour or time-and-materials order. For agency requirements in excess of the micro-purchase threshold, the order file should document the evaluation of schedule contractors’ proposals that formed the basis for the selection of the contractor that received the order and the rationale for any trade-offs made in making the selection.
Procedures for Professional Engineering Services Available on Schedule at Fixed Prices.
Orders placed pursuant to a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), using the procedures in FAR 8.404, are considered to be issued pursuant to full and open competition. Therefore, when placing orders under Federal Supply Schedules, ordering offices need not seek further competition, synopsize the requirement, make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing, or consider small business set-asides in accordance with Subpart FAR 19.5. GSA has already determined the prices of items under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. By placing an order against a schedule using the procedures outlined below, the ordering office has concluded that the order represents the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government’s needs.
1. Orders Placed at or Below the Micro-Purchase Threshold:
  Ordering offices can place orders at or below the micro-purchase threshold with any Federal Supply Schedule contractor.
2. Orders Exceeding the Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Maximum Order Threshold:
  Orders should be placed with the schedule contractor that can provide the supply or service that represents the best value. Before placing an order, ordering offices should consider reasonably available information about the service offered under MAS contracts by using the “GSA Advantage!” on-line shopping service, or by reviewing the catalogs/pricelists of at least three schedule contractors and selecting the delivery and other options available under the schedule that meets the agency’s needs. In selecting the service representing the best value, the ordering office may consider—
  1. special features of the service that are required in effective program performance and that are not provided by a comparable service; and
  2. past performance.
3. Orders Exceeding the Maximum Order Threshold. Each schedule contract has an established maximum order threshold. The PES threshold of $750,000 represents the point where it is advantageous for the ordering office to seek a price reduction. In accordance with FAR 8.404, and before placing an order that exceeds the maximum order threshold, ordering offices shall—
  1. Based on the initial evaluation, generally seek price reductions from the schedule contractor(s) appearing to provide the best value (considering price and other factors); and
  2. After price reductions have been sought, place the order with the schedule contractor that provides the best value and results in the lowest overall cost alternative (see FAR 8.404(a)). If further price reductions are not offered, an order may still be placed, if the ordering office determines that it is appropriate.
    For orders exceeding the maximum order threshold, Booz Allen may:
    1. Offer a new lower price for this requirement
    2. Offer the lowest price available under the contract; or
    3. Decline the order (orders must be returned in accordance with FAR 52.216-19).
4. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA):
  The establishment of Federal Supply ScheduleBPAs is permitted when following the ordering procedures in FAR 8.404. All schedulecontracts contain BPA provisions. Ordering offices may use BPAs to establish accounts withcontractors to fill recurring requirements. BPAs should address the frequency of orderingand invoicing, discounts, and delivery locations and times.
5. Price Reductions:
  In addition to the circumstances outlined in paragraph (3), above, there may be instances when ordering offices will find it advantageous to request a price reduction. For example, when the ordering office finds a schedule service elsewhere at a lower price or when a BPA is being established to fill recurring requirements, requesting a price reduction could be advantageous. The potential volume of orders under these agreements, regardless of the size of the individual order, may offer the ordering office the opportunity to secure greater discounts. Schedule Contractors are not required to pass on to all schedule users a price reduction extended only to an individual agency for a specific order.

Orders

Agencies may use written orders, EDI orders, blanket purchase agreements, individual purchase orders, or task orders for ordering services under this contract. Blanket Purchase Agreements shall not extend beyond the end of the contract period; all services and delivery shall be made and the contract terms and conditions shall continue in effect until the completion of the order. Orders for tasks that extend beyond the fiscal year for which funds are available shall include FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year. The purchase order shall specify the availability of funds and the period for which funds are available. For GSA reporting purposes only, an order should include the SIN(s) covered. Booz Allen's task order proposal will reflect the applicable SINs.
All task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. Ordering agencies may incorporate provisions in their task orders that are essential to their requirements (i.e., security clearances, hazardous substances, special handling, key personnel, etc.) These provisions, when required, will be included in individual task orders. Any cost necessary for Booz Allen to comply with the provision(s) will be included in the task order proposal, unless otherwise prohibited by law. In the event of conflict between a task order and the contract, the contract will take precedence.

Other Direct Costs

In accordance with Booz Allen's accounting practices, any item used in direct support of a contract may be charged directly to a task order. Typical ODCs include, but are not limited to, long-distance telephone, reproduction, hardware, software, microcomputer usage, miscellaneous supplies (e.g., diskettes and pagers), and local and long-distance travel with the appropriate indirect burdens (no fee or profit). Travel required in the performance of task orders under this contract shall be reimbursed by the ordering agency to the extent that such costs are within funding limitations and are otherwise allowable in accordance with the FAR or applicable agency regulations. Travel will be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation or Joint Travel Regulations, as applicable.

The labor category rates included in the pricelist will apply to the work performed within the geographical scope of this contract. However, we recognize that work may be required that may result in markedly different costs than are normally incurred, for example, work performed in overseas locations (i.e., outside the 48 contiguous states). Booz Allen would expect—in conjunction with the client—to examine these costs and negotiate appropriate pricing arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Payments

For firm-fixed price orders the Government shall pay Booz Allen, upon submission of proper invoices or vouchers, the price(s) stipulated in the order. Partial payments shall be made when authorized by the order. For time and materials orders, the clause Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts (Alternate I (APR 1984)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies. For labor-hour orders, the Payment under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts (FEB 1997) (Alternate II (JAN 1986)) at FAR 52.232-7 applies.

Performance Incentives

When using a performance based statement of work, performance incentives may be agreed upon between the Contractor and the ordering office on individual fixed price orders or Blanket Purchase Agreements, for fixed price tasks, under this contract in accordance with this clause.
The ordering office must establish maximum performance incentive price for these services and/or total solutions on individual orders or Blanket Purchase Agreements.
To the maximum extent practicable, ordering offices shall consider establishing incentives where performance is critical to the agency's mission and incentive are likely to motivate the contractor. Incentives shall be based on objectively measurable tasks.
The above procedures do not apply to Time and Material or labor hour orders.

Performance of Services

Booz Allen shall commence performance of services on the date agreed to by Booz Allen and the ordering office.
The ordering office should include the criteria for satisfactory completion for each task in the statement of work or task order. Services shall be completed in a good and workmanlike manner.
Any contractor travel required in the performance of task orders must comply with the Federal Travel Regulation or Joint Travel Regulations, as applicable, in effect on the date(s) the travel is performed. Established Federal Government per diem ceiling rates will apply to all contractor travel. Contractors cannot use GSA city pair contracts.

Rate Differentials

The rates included in this pricelist represent fully loaded hourly labor rates for each labor category for work performed at contractor sites and client sites.

Work at Client Site—Should work be required at the client’s site, Booz Allen may apply the client site rates included in this pricelist. These rates assume that, at a minimum:
1. The client provides all office space, supplies, and equipment; and
2. Booz Allen employees are 100 percent dedicated and billable to the project for a performance period of not less than ninety (90) consecutive days.
Work at Contractor Site—For work performed at contractor sites, Booz Allen will furnish all normal supplies and services required for the work (some may be an additional direct charge to the client). This includes facilities, supplies, personal computers, business software, and telephones.
Security Clearance Requirements—In the event that security requirements are necessary, the ordering agency may incorporate into their task orders a security clause in accordance with current laws, regulations, and individual agency policy; however, the burden of administering the security requirements shall be with the ordering agency. If any costs are incurred as a result of the inclusion of security requirements, such costs will be negotiated with the ordering agency.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Booz Allen

Booz Allen shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations (federal, state, city, or otherwise) covering work of this character.

Responsibilities of the Government

Subject to security regulations, the ordering office shall permit Booz Allen & Hamilton access to all facilities necessary to perform the requisite services.

Scope

The prices, terms and conditions stated under Special Item Numbers 871-01 through 871-06 apply exclusively to Professional Engineering Services (PES) within the scope of this Schedule. All prices include the required .75% GSA Federal Supply Service Industrial Funding Fee, which is paid by Booz Allen to the Government quarterly on the basis of its sales.
Booz Allen shall provide services at Booz Allen's facility and/or at the ordering agency’s location, as agreed to by Booz Allen and the ordering office. The Booz Allen facility prices and the ordering agency’s facility prices are listed. Applicability of ordering agency location rates shall be determined on a task-by-task basis.

Security

No DD254s are associated with the basic PES Federal Supply Service Contract. If security clearances are required for a specific task order, DD254s may be issued against the order. Booz Allen's cognizant security offices are—

Facility Clearance
Defense Security Service
7010 Little River Turnpike
Suite #310
Annandale, VA 22003-0308
Telephone: (202) 325-0616

Facility Clearance:
Top Secret with Top Secret Storage Capability

Granted by:
DIS, Washington, DC
September 1, 1992

Personnel Security Clearance Verification
Defense Security Service
Post Office Box 2499
Columbus, OH 43216
Telephone: (888) 282-7682

Technical Data

FAR clause 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General (Jun 1987)–Alternate II will govern technical data under this contract.

Basic Guidelines For Using Contractor Team Arrangements

Federal Supply Schedule Contractors may use “Contractor Team Arrangements” (see FAR 9.6) to provide solutions when responding to a client agency requirement:

These team arrangements can be included under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are permitted under all Federal Supply Schedule contracts.

Orders under a team arrangement are subject to terms and conditions of the Federal Supply Schedule Contract.

Participation in a team arrangement is limited to Federal Supply Schedule Contractors.

Clients should refer to FAR 9.6 for specific details on team arrangements.

Here is a general outline of how it works:

The client identifies requirements.
Federal Supply Schedule contractors may individually meet the client’s needs, or
Federal Supply Schedule contractors may individually submit a Schedules “Team Solution” to meet the client’s requirement.
Clients make a best value selection.

This page was last updated 27 January 2010.