Special Notice - RFO-FAR 37.202-1 Avoiding personal services contracts
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Special Notice titled "RFO-FAR 37.202-1 Avoiding personal services contracts." This notice clarifies requirements for all EPA contractors to clearly identify themselves and their employing organization in all points of contact and communications to avoid the appearance of being Government employees.
Purpose of Notice
In accordance with RFO-FAR 37.202-1, this notice aims to prevent contractor personnel from appearing to be, in effect, Government employees. It establishes clear guidelines for contractor identification during the performance of any EPA contract.
Key Requirements for Contractors
- Self-Identification: All EPA contractors must clearly identify themselves as EPA contractors and state their employing organization (employer) during meetings and when using Agency systems (e.g., voicemail, email).
- Email Signature Blocks: Contractor personnel utilizing an EPA email address must ensure their signature blocks accurately reflect EPA’s current organizational structure and do not imply Government employment, position titles, or organizational alignment reserved for Federal employees.
Effective Date
This guidance is effective immediately. All EPA contractors are required to ensure their signature blocks conform with this notice without delay.
Additional Information
This is an informational notice from the Environmental Protection Agency, published on January 28, 2026. It does not solicit proposals or responses but rather provides mandatory guidance for existing and future contractors.