36C10B21Q0329 Amd 0001.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

New Legal Research 003B2B Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C10B21Q0329 06-28-2021

X

X

See Block 8 of RFQ

Amendment 0001 is being issued to revise the Solicitation and extend the offer submission deadline.

See highlighted text in the updated Solicitation.

Debra G. Clayton Contracting Officer

PAGE 2 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C10B21Q0329

Kyle Maccia

07-12-2021

2:00PM

EST

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center

519190 $30 Million

N/A

See Delivery Schedule

Technology Acquisition Center

Technology Acquisition Center Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971

Title: Computer Assisted Legal Research Services

CS: Kyle Maccia, kyle.maccia@va.gov

CO: Debra Clayton, debra.clayton2@va.gov, 908-458-3859

Purchase Order: TBD

Debra Clayton Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT:

Contracting Officer 36C10B Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 GOVERNING LAW

Federal law and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall govern this Contract. Commercial license agreements may be made a part of this Contract but only if both parties expressly make them an addendum hereto, as permitted by FAR 12.212. If the commercial license agreement is not made an addendum, it shall not apply, govern, be a part of or have any effect whatsoever on the Contract; this includes, but is not limited to, any agreement embedded in the computer software (clickwrap), any agreement that is otherwise delivered with or provided to the Government with the commercial computer software or documentation (shrinkwrap), or any other license agreement otherwise referred to in any document. If a commercial license agreement is made an addendum, only those provisions addressing data rights regarding the Government’s use, duplication and disclosure of data (e.g., restricted computer software) are included and made a part of this Contract, and only to the extent that those provisions are not duplicative or inconsistent with Federal law, Federal regulation, the incorporated FAR clauses and the provisions of this Contract; those provisions in the commercial license agreement that do not address data rights regarding the Government’s use, duplication and disclosure of data shall not be included or made a part of the Contract. Federal law and regulation including, without limitation, the Contract Disputes Act (41 U.S.C. § 7101 et seq.), the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341 et seq.), the Competition in Contracting Act (41 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq.), the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.), Contracts for Data Processing or Maintenance (38 USC § 5725), and FAR clauses 52.212-4, 52.227-14, 52.227-19 shall supersede, control, and render ineffective any inconsistent, conflicting, or duplicative provision in any commercial license agreement. In the event of conflict between this clause and any provision in the Contract or the commercial license agreement or elsewhere, the terms of this clause shall prevail. The Contractor shall deliver to the Government all data first produced under this Contract with unlimited rights as defined by FAR 52.227-14. Claims of patent or copyright infringement brought against the Government as a party shall be defended by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 516; at the discretion of DOJ, the Contractor may be allowed reasonable participation in the defense of the litigation. Any additional changes to the Contract/Order must be made by modification (Standard Form 30) and shall only be made by a warranted Contracting Officer. Nothing in this Contract or any commercial license agreement shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B.3 SOFTWARE LICENSE, MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

(1). Definitions.

a) Licensee. The term “licensee” shall mean the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) and is synonymous with “Government.”

b) Licensor. The term “licensor” shall mean the Contractor having the necessary license or ownership rights to deliver license, software maintenance and support of the computer software being acquired. The term “Contractor” is the party identified in Block 17a on the SF1449. If the Contractor is a reseller and not the Licensor, the Contractor remains responsible for performance under this Contract/Order.

c) Software. The term “software” shall mean the licensed computer software product(s) cited in the Schedule of Supplies/Services.

d) Maintenance. The term “maintenance” is the process of enhancing and optimizing software, as well as remedying defects. It shall include all new fixes, patches, releases, updates, versions and upgrades, as further defined below.

e) Technical Support. The term “technical support” refers to the range of services providing assistance for the software via the telephone, email, a website or otherwise.

f) Release or Update. The term “release” or “update” are terms that refer to a revision of software that contains defect corrections, minor enhancements or improvements of the software’s functionality. This is usually designated by a change in the number to the right of the decimal point (e.g., from Version 5.3 to 5.4). An example of an update is the addition of new hardware.

g) Version or Upgrade. The term “version” or “upgrade” are terms that refer to a revision of software that contains new or improved functionality. This is usually designated by a change in the number to the left of the decimal point (e.g., from Version 5.4 to 6).

(2). Software License.

a) Unless otherwise stated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services, the Performance Work Statement or Product Description, the software license provided to the Government is a perpetual, nonexclusive license to use the software.

b) The Government may use the software in a networked environment.

c) Any dispute regarding the license grant or usage limitations shall be resolved in accordance with the Disputes Clause incorporated in FAR 52.212-4(d).

d) All limitations of software usage are expressly stated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and the Performance Work Statement/Product Description.

(3). Software Maintenance and Technical Support.

a) If the Government desires to continue software maintenance and support beyond the period of performance identified in this Contract/Order, the Government will issue a separate contract or order for maintenance and support. Conversely, if a contract or order for continuing software maintenance and technical support is not received, the Contractor is neither authorized nor permitted to renew any of the previously furnished services.

b) The Contractor shall provide software support services, which includes periodic updates, enhancements and corrections to the software, and reasonable technical support, all of which are customarily provided by the Contractor to its commercial customers so as to cause the software to perform according to its specifications, documentation or demonstrated claims.

c) Any telephone support provided by Contractor shall be at no additional cost.

d) The Contractor shall provide all maintenance services in a timely manner in accordance with the Contractor’s customary practice or as defined in the Performance Work Statement or Product Description. However, prolonged delay (exceeding 2 business days) in resolving software problems will be noted in the Government’s various past performance records on the Contractor (e.g., www.cpars.gov).

e) If the Government allows the maintenance and support to lapse and subsequently wishes to reinstate it, any reinstatement fee charged shall not exceed the amounts that would have been charged if the Government had not allowed the subscription to lapse.

(4). Disabling Software Code. The Government requires delivery of computer software that does not contain any code that will, upon the occurrence or the nonoccurrence of any event, disable the software. Such code includes but is not limited to a computer virus, restrictive key, node lock, time-out or other function, whether implemented by electronic, mechanical, or other means, which limits or hinders the use or access to any computer software based on residency on a specific hardware configuration, frequency of duration of use, or other limiting criteria. If any such disabling code is present, the Contractor agrees to indemnify the Government for all damages suffered as a result of a disabling caused by such code, and the contractor agrees to remove such code upon the Government’s request at no extra cost to the Government. Inability of the Contractor to remove the disabling software code will be considered an inexcusable delay and a material breach of contract, and the Government may exercise its right to terminate for cause. In addition, the Government is permitted to remove the code as it deems appropriate and charge the Contractor for consideration for the time and effort expended in removing the code.

(5). Manuals and Publications. Upon Government request, the Contractor shall furnish the most current version of the user manual and publications for all products/services provided under this Contract at no cost.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

Base Period

The Period of Performance (PoP) is 12 months from date of award.

Description Quantity

(QTY)

Unit

Unit Price

Extended Price

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

The period of performance (PoP) shall be 12 months from date of award.

CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Due Thirty (30) days after contract (DAC) and updated monthly thereafter.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.2 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Due by COB the Monday after the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

TECHNICAL KICKOFF MEETING

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

A technical kickoff meeting shall be held within 10 days after Contract award.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

The Contractor shall provide a draft agenda to the CO and VA PM at least five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Due at the Kickoff Meeting.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Contractor shall update the presentation with a final slide entitled Summary Report.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

The Contractor shall submit the final updated presentation to the CO for review and signature within three (3) calendar days after the meeting.

Meeting minutes of the kickoff meeting to the CO, COR and all attendees within three (3) calendar days after the meeting

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

See below

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.2.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Board Internal Legal Document CALR

Helpdesk

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

System Training

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.4 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Phase-in Phase-out Transition Plans

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.5 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

0007AA

Test Plan

Final plan is due five (5) days after receipt of Government comments, in hard copy.

Name and title

Electronic Submission: VA PM, COR, CO

Due 3 days after contract award.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

0007AC

Phase-Out Transition Plan

Due 60 days after contract award and updated 60 days prior to contract expiration.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO.

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

Total Base Period Price: $

Option Period One

This 12-month option period may be exercised IAW FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence immediately after expiration of the Base Period. The PoP is 12 months from the end of the Base Period

CLIN

Product Description

QTY

Unit

Unit Price

Extended Price

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Updated CPMP due monthly.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.2 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Due by COB the Monday after the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

1002AB

Monthly Progress Report

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the PoP.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

See below

General CALR

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.2.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Helpdesk

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

System Training

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.4 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Option Period One Total Price: $

Option Period Two

This 12-month option period may be exercised IAW FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence immediately after expiration of Option Period One. The PoP is 12 months from the end of Option Period One.

Product Description

QTY

Unit

Unit Price

Extended Price

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.2 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Due by COB the Monday after the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the PoP.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

IAW PWS 5.2

See below

General CALR

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.2.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

2003AB

IAW PWS 5.2.2

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.4 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Option Period Two Total Price: $

Option Period Three

This 12-month option period may be exercised IAW FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence immediately after expiration of Option Period Two. The PoP is 12 months from the end of Option Period Two.

Product Description

QTY

Unit

Unit Price

Extended Price

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.2 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Due by COB the Monday after the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

See below

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.2.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.4 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Option Period Three Total Price: $

Option Period Four

This 12-month option period may be exercised IAW FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence immediately after expiration of Option Period Three. The PoP is 12 months from the end of Option Period Three.

Product Description

QTY

Unit

Unit Price

Extended Price

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.1.2 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Due by COB the Monday after the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO

See below

General CALR

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.2.1 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Board Internal Legal Document CALR

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.3 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

System Training

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, travel, and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in the PWS, paragraph 5.4 inclusive of all its subparagraphs

Option Period Four Total Price:

Option for Increased Quantity- Separately Priced Line Item This Option may be exercised IAW 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity- Separately Priced Line Item (MAR 1989). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Product Description

QTY

Unit of Issue

Unit Price Per Month

Extended Price

Specific to the 5.2.1 General CALR Service, If exercised by VA, the Contractor shall provide access and/or annual users licenses for an additional 50 users. The Optional Line Item Not-to-Exceed Quantity specified of 50 may be exercised from time to time during the life of the contract (base or option periods). Service will co-term with the Base Period of Option Period within which it’s exercised and the exercised quantities will be included in the renewal quantities for the subsequent option period(s).

Not To Exceed (NTE) licenses

NTE

60 months

B.5 Performance Work Statement (PWS)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Board of Veterans’ Appeals Computer Assisted Legal Research Services Date: 06/10/21

TAC- <VA-21-00009147>

PWS Version Number: 1.4 (2)

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (the Board) is part of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is located in Washington, DC. The Board’s mission is to conduct hearings on Veterans’ appeals before the Board and to issue decisions in a timely manner. Veterans Law Judges (VLJs) review benefit claim determinations made by local VA offices and issue decisions on appeals. VLJs act on behalf of the Secretary of VA and are the only individuals authorized to issue Board decisions. Attorney advisors review the facts of each appeal and assist VLJs in drafting and issuing decisions. The Board processes appeals in accordance with 38 U.S. Code 7103-04 and issues approximately 100,000 decisions per year.

The Board currently utilizes two separate services for its Computer Assisted Legal Research (CALR) requirements. A General Legal Research commercial web-based service and an internal, VA hosted, Board specific decision research service.

Research Tools is the Board’s name for the internal, VA hosted Board specific decision research service. It is a web-based text and database management system and comprises five decision databases along with a regulation and statute citator. The five databases contain a total of nearly 1.5 million Board decisions in text format and are organized chronologically: 1970’s, 1987-1991, 1992-1994, 1995-1999 and 2000-Current.

Research Tools is used by VLJs and attorneys to conduct legal research related to the appeals before the Board. In addition to Board users, Research Tools is also used by other VA offices, including the Office of General Counsel and Veterans Benefits Administration. On average, there are approximately 650 unique users who conduct in excess of 300,000 searches per month.

The Board and VA’s Office of Information Technology (OI&T) manage and maintain the existing implementation of Research Tools. This system is currently hosted on Virtual Machines (VMs) at a VA facility and uses vendor supported Lexis Search Advantage (LSA) software to enable web-based intranet searches of the decisions and regulation/statute documents.

Decisions within the last 20 years have meta-data files associated with them that allow users to quickly search for specific aspects of a decision, such as Attorney, Judge, Issue Categories, and Docket number, etc. All Board decisions go through an internal redaction and meta-data file creation process before being uploaded and crawled to make them searchable through the application. While the decisions themselves are redacted and eventually become publicly available, the meta data files associated with each decision may contain sensitive data such as the full Judge and Attorney names with proprietary Board ID number, program area and associated medical issues and categories.

VA requires a single vendor that can provide both CALR capabilities which include, general legal research and Internal, Board research. The internal capability will require a suite of legal research document and database software that can be hosted on a VA intranet virtual machine or VA cloud instance and provide a similar to more advanced search capability for Board CALR.

VA does not possess the technical data or proprietary rights to the current solution (to include the Lexis Search Advantage software). VA does not possess the Business Requirement Document (BRD), Requirement System Document (RSD), System Design Document (SDD), and Interface Control Document (ICD) for the current system.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

In the performance of the tasks associated with this Performance Work Statement, the Contractor shall comply with the following:

1. 44 U.S.C. § 3541-3549, “Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002”

2. “Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014”

3. Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 140-2, “Security Requirements For Cryptographic Modules”

4. FIPS Pub 199. Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems, February 2004

5. FIPS Pub 200, Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information and Information Systems, March 2016

6. FIPS Pub 201-2, “Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors,” August 2013

7. 10 U.S.C. § 2224, "Defense Information Assurance Program"

8. Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute, Capability Maturity Model® Integration for Development (CMMI-DEV), Version 1.3 November 2010; and Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute, Capability Maturity Model® Integration for Acquisition (CMMI-ACQ), Version 1.3 November 2010

9. 5 U.S.C. § 552a, as amended, “The Privacy Act of 1974”

10. Public Law 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, Title IX, Information Security Matters

11. 42 U.S.C. § 2000d “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”

12. VA Directive 0710, “Personnel Security and Suitability Program,” June 4, 2010, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm

13. VA Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, May 2, 2016, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm

14. VA Directive and Handbook 6102, “Internet/Intranet Services,” August 5, 2019

15. 36 C.F.R. Part 1194 “Information and Communication Technology Standards and Guidelines,” January 18, 2017

16. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130, “Managing Federal Information as a Strategic Resource,” July 28, 2016

17. 32 C.F.R. Part 199, “Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)”

18. NIST SP 800-66 Rev. 1, An Introductory Resource Guide for Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule, October 2008

19. Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d), as amended, January 18, 2017

20. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (12) (HSPD-12), August 27, 2004

21. VA Directive 6500, “VA Cybersecurity Program,” January 24, 2019

22. VA Handbook 6500, “Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems – Tier 3: VA Information Security Program,” March 10, 2015

23. VA Handbook 6500.2, “Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information (SPI)”, July 28, 2016

24. VA Handbook 6500.3, “Assessment, Authorization, And Continuous Monitoring Of VA Information Systems,” February 3, 2014

25. VA Handbook 6500.5, “Incorporating Security and Privacy into the System Development Lifecycle”, March 22, 2010

26. VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security,” March 12, 2010

27. VA Handbook 6500.8, “Information System Contingency Planning”, April 6, 2011

28. VA Handbook 6500.11, “VA Firewall Configuration”, August 22, 2017

29. OI&T Process Asset Library (PAL), https://www.va.gov/process/ . Reference Process Maps at https://www.va.gov/process/maps.asp and Artifact templates at https://www.va.gov/process/artifacts.asp

30. One-VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) (reference at https://www.va.gov/trm/TRMHomePage.aspx)

31. VA Directive 6508, “Implementation of Privacy Threshold Analysis and Privacy Impact Assessment,” October 15, 2014

32. VA Handbook 6508.1, “Procedures for Privacy Threshold Analysis and Privacy Impact Assessment,” July 30, 2015

33. VA Handbook 6510, “VA Identity and Access Management”, January 15, 2016

34. VA Directive and Handbook 6513, “Secure External Connections”, October 12, 2017

35. VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, September 21, 2018

36. VA Handbook, 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, March 24, 2010

37. NIST SP 800-37 Rev 1, Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy, December 2018

38. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4, Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations, January 22, 2015

39. OMB Memorandum, “Transition to IPv6”, September 28, 2010

40. VA Directive 0735, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Program, October 26, 2015

41. VA Handbook 0735, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Program, March 24, 2014

42. OMB Memorandum M-06-18, Acquisition of Products and Services for Implementation of HSPD-12, June 30, 2006

43. OMB Memorandum 04-04, E-Authentication Guidance for Federal Agencies, December 16, 2003

44. OMB Memorandum 05-24, Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 – Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, August 5, 2005

45. OMB memorandum M-11-11, “Continued Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 – Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, February 3, 2011

46. OMB Memorandum, Guidance for Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 Implementation, May 23, 2008

47. Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) Roadmap and Implementation Guidance, December 2, 2011

48. NIST SP 800-116 Rev 1, Guidelines for the Use of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credentials in Facility Access, June 2018

49. OMB Memorandum M-07-16, Safeguarding Against and Responding to the Breach of Personally Identifiable Information, May 22, 2007

50. NIST SP 800-63-3, 800-63A, 800-63B, 800-63C, Digital Identity Guidelines, December 2017

51. NIST SP 800-157, Guidelines for Derived PIV Credentials, December 2014

52. NIST SP 800-164, Guidelines on Hardware-Rooted Security in Mobile Devices (Draft), October 2012

53. Draft National Institute of Standards and Technology Interagency Report (NISTIR) 7981 Mobile, PIV, and Authentication, March 2014

54. VA Memorandum, VAIQ #7100147, Continued Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), April 29, 2011 (reference https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514)

55. IAM Identity Management Business Requirements Guidance document, May 2013, (reference Enterprise Architecture Section, PIV/IAM (reference https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514)

56. VA Memorandum “Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Logical Access Policy Clarification,” July 17, 2019, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4896

57. Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Reference Architecture Document, Version 2.2, Federal Interagency Technical Reference Architectures, Department of Homeland Security, June 19, 2017, https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/TIC_Ref_Arch_v2.2_2017.pdf

58. OMB Memorandum M-08-05, “Implementation of Trusted Internet Connections (TIC), November 20, 2007

59. OMB Memorandum M-08-23, Securing the Federal Government’s Domain Name System Infrastructure, August 22, 2008

60. VA Memorandum, VAIQ #7497987, Compliance – Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) – IT Electronic Equipment, August 11, 2014 (reference Document Libraries, EPEAT/Green Purchasing Section, https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=552)

61. Sections 524 and 525 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, (Public Law 110–140), December 19, 2007

62. Section 104 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, (Public Law 109–58), August 8, 2005

63. Executive Order 13834, “Efficient Federal Operations”, dated May 17, 2018

64. Executive Order 13221, “Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices,” August 2, 2001

65. VA Directive 0058, “VA Green Purchasing Program”, July 19, 2013

66. VA Handbook 0058, “VA Green Purchasing Program”, July 19, 2013

67. Office of Information Security (OIS) VAIQ #7424808 Memorandum, “Remote Access”, January 15, 2014, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28

68. Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, 40 U.S.C. §11101 and §11103

69. “Veteran Focused Integration Process (VIP) Guide 3.2”, December 2018, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371

70. VA Memorandum “Proper Use of Email and Other Messaging Services”, January 2, 2018, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28en

71. VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) Technical Reference Guide for Acquisition Support, file://r04.med.va.gov/V03/EAS/Users/vhaeasrullili/Downloads/36C10B18R2609-004.pdf

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide and support both a general CALR and Board Internal, VA hosted CALR capability for use by authorized VA users identified by the Board. The internal system shall support ingesting and indexing the Board decisions and regulation Portable Document Format (PDF) documents (including associated Extensible Markup Language (XML) meta-data for each) that constitute the Board’s Regulation and Statute Citators. The systems shall collectively provide access to Veterans Benefits and Veterans Law research information, a general legal research capability, the capability to deliver customizable alerts to a user’s email and provide Board users an online storage capability to organize, index, and store retrieved documents. The Contractor shall also provide full maintenance and support of the system, provide online training to all users, and ensure all Board document databases are accessible by all system users. Section 5.2 outlines the specific requirements both services must provide.

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The Period of Performance (PoP) shall be a 12 month base period with four 12-month option periods and one Option to purchase increased quantities of General CALR service user licenses, This option for increased quantities may be exercised from time to time at any time during the Base and/or Option Periods. The Contractor’s solution shall be fully functional, tested, and available to transition users by September 15, 2021

Any work at the Government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO).

There are eleven (11) Federal holidays set by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103) that VA follows:

Under current definitions, five are set by date:

If any of the above falls on a Saturday, then Friday shall be observed as a holiday. Similarly, if one falls on a Sunday, then Monday shall be observed as a holiday.

The other six are set by a day of the week and month:

4.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Tasks under this PWS shall be performed at Contractor facilities, with the exception of training sessions to be provided virtually or at the Government site. While the internal Board decision document search/database capability will be hosted within the VA network, the Contractor will be able to remotely access the servers/instances and will not be required to visit VA facilities for this purpose. The Contractor shall identify the Contractor’s place of performance in their proposal submission.

4.3 TRAVEL

The Government does not anticipate travel under this effort to perform the tasks associated with the effort.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall provide equivalent access, search capabilities, refinement options and performance to the current CALR systems used by the Board.

The Contractor’s system shall provide a system capable of conducting full text, metadata, and mixed searches of documents or portions of documents as it pertains to law and citations to include all previously collected metafiles and file decisions. The Contractor approach shall meet the requirements as defined in Section 5.2 of this PWS.

The Contractor shall perform in accordance to all applicable security requirements.

5.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

5.1.1 CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Contractor shall deliver a Contractor Project Management Plan (CPMP) that lays out the Contractor’s approach, timeline and tools to be used in execution of the contract.

A. The CPMP should take the form of both a narrative and graphic format that presents the Contractors project management processes along with implementation schedule, milestones, risks and resource support.

B. The CPMP shall define how the project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed. The initial baseline CPMP shall be concurred upon by the VA Program Manager (PM) and updated in accordance with Section B of the contract. The Contractor shall update and maintain the VA PM approved CPMP throughout the PoP.

Deliverable:

A. Contractor Project Management Plan

5.1.2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) with a Weekly Progress Reports in electronic form in Microsoft Word and Project formats. After the first 6 months of the contract, the progress reporting changes to Monthly Progress Reports.