36C10B25Q0472.pdf

Combined Synopsis / Solicitation Notice SUBJECT* Laser Marking Equipment and Training (VA-25-00056084)

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTING OFFICE’S ZIP CODE* 07724

SOLICITATION NUMBER* 36C10B25Q0472

RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE 09-04-2025 4:00 PM EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME

ARCHIVE 30 DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS No SET-ASIDE No

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE* 6515

NAICS CODE* 334111

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS Department of Veterans Affairs (36C10B)

Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

POINT OF CONTACT*

Jarrett Owens (Contract Specialist)

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Attn: Sterile Processing Service (SPS) 2300 Ramsey St Fayetteville, NC. 28301

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) URL DESCRIPTION Technology Acquisition Center (TAC) AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS jarrett.owens2@va.gov EMAIL DESCRIPTION Contract Specialist (CS)

Combined Synopsis / Solicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined Synopsis/Solicitation for a non-competitive requirement in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.302-1 entitled, “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” The proposed source for this action is Censis Technologies 4031 Aspen Grove Drive STE 350, Franklin, TN 37067. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ); the number is 36C10B25Q0472.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Acquisition Operations, Technology Acquisition Center (TAC), located at 23 Christopher Way, Eatontown, NJ 07724 intends to award a firm-fixed price (FFP) contract. The subject RFQ is in support of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Fayetteville, NC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Sterile Processing Service (SPS) which has a requirement for brand name Censis Laser Marking Equipment and Training. The Contractor shall provide technical and phone support to facilitate operation of the CensiTrac technologies. This effort is a one-time purchase which will include one (1) week of onsite training and set-up.

See attached document: RFP 36C10B25Q0472.

PAGE 1 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. UEI: EFT:

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. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C10B25Q0472 08-28-2025

Jarrett Owens, jarrett.owens2@va.gov (848) 377-5356

(848) 377 5356

09-04-2025

4:00 PM

EDT

36C10B

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Procurement & Logistics Technology Acquisition Center

Eatontown, NJ 07724

X

334111

1,250 employees

N/A

X

See Delivery Schedule

36C10B

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Procurement & Logistics Technology Acquisition Center

36C10A

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin, TX 78714-8971

(877) 353-9791 (512) 460-5221

See CONTINUATION Page

Censimark Laser Marking Equipment and Training.

This is a Combined Synopsis / Solicitation Notice.

Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

Points of Contact (POCs):

Contracting Officer: Matthew Truex, matthew.truex1@va.gov Contract Specialist: Jarrett Owens, jarrett.owens2@va.gov

Period of Performance: Within 120 days after award.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

Matthew J. Truex Contracting Officer

36C10B25Q0472

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 GOVERNING LAW………………………………………………………………….….…..6

B.3 SOFTWARE LICENSE, MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT………...….6

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION……………………………………………………………..…9

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONSREQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS - COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2025)…………………………………………..……...…24

C.3 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)…………...……….34

C.4 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

C.5 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

C.6 VAAR 852.247-73 PACKING FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENT (OCT 2018)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.2 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS -

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

E.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.5 BASIS FOR AWARD……………………………………………………………….…….57

E.6 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS………………………………………………….……..57

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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10B, Matthew Truex Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Procurement Acquisition and Logistics Technology Acquisition Center

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [x] Upon delivery, receipt, and acceptance of the items set forth in Section B.4 Price Schedule and Section B.5 Product Description.

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.

VA Financial Service Center (FSC) Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System: https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 GOVERNING LAW

Federal law and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall govern this Contract/Order. Commercial license agreements may be made a part of this Contract/Order 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/Order; 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/Order, 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/Order; 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/Order. 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/Order 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/Order 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/Order 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 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 or 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/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., https://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 cost.

(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 or order at no cost.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

Vendors are instructed to complete Section B.4 and submit with their most competitive price quote. Vendors are cautioned that alterations to the line items as specified below may render quotes unacceptable. All questions shall be directed to the Contract Specialist, Jarrett Owens, jarrett.owens2@va.gov, and Contracting Officer, Matthew Truex, matthew.truex1@va.gov, prior to the closing date and time specified in the Request For Quote (RFQ).

BASE PERIOD

Inspection/Acceptance: Destination

Period of Performance (PoP) is within 120 days after award.

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE

0001 CensiMark Laser

Marking Equipment

(CT0206)

1 EA $ $

0002 CensiMark Laser Installation and Training

(CT0203)

1 EA $ $

BASE PERIOD TOTAL $

http://www.ppirs.gov/

B.5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (PD)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)

Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System

Brand Name CensiMark Laser Marking Unit

Date: July 18, 2025

VA-25-00056084

PD Version Number: 1.0

1.0 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

The Fayetteville VA Coastal HealthCare System Sterile Processing Service strives to provide high quality, effective, and efficient care to Veterans. The required brand name CensiMark Laser Marking Unit allows for the permanent marking of surgical instruments with unique identifiers such as barcodes or serial numbers. This capability is crucial for maintaining accurate records of instrument usage, sterilization cycles, and lifespan tracking, which ensures compliance with regulatory standards and internal protocols.

The required brand name CensiMark Laser Unit surgical equipment marking solution is developed by Censis Technologies, Inc. (Censis). CensiMark has been installed in multiple Veteran Integrated System Network (VISN) VA Medical Centers (VAMCS). All instruments require a 2-dimensional (2D) data matrix that uniquely identifies the instrument. The marking or stencil is applied by a marking station supplied by Censis and then details about the instrument are entered into the CensiMark database. As the instrument travels through the sterilization process, the electrochemical mark is scanned such that the instrument can be tracked through the process. Some instruments cannot be marked based on the chemical, surface, electromagnetic, or material characteristics of which the instruments are made and these instruments are instead supplementary marked with a “dot” or “tape” which contains a pre-printed 2D matrix barcode on a small surface with a semi-permanent adhesive backing. These supplementary dots/tapes withstand repeat sterilizations with adverse effect.

The Fayetteville VA Coastal HealthCare System desires to initiate/complete the implementation of the CensiMark Laser Unit with completion of marking and commissioning services for their instrument inventory. This Task Order (TO) establishes the requirements for the scope of services required for the Fayetteville VA Coastal HealthCare System to finalize all marking and commissioning of dental and medical surgical instruments using VA developed data standards and guidance.

The Contractor shall:

• Review, provide constructive feedback, approve, and pre-populate the system with the site’s medical/surgical and dental instrument data, providing access to the Censis Master Library as necessary for the effort.

• Ensures proper placement and application of 2D matrix mark by either electrochemical or manual (e.g., 2D matrix dot/tape) processes. Placement will not impede the clinician’s use, nor subject any risk to the Veteran patient.

• QA of applied mark ensures that the matrix is scannable by the CensiTrac system within a maximum of three (3) seconds

• Enter data into CensiTrac dataset in strict accordance with the Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Sterile Processing Workflow (SPW) data standards (specifically DS018, DS019, and DS020); while qualifying as needed via the current version of VA RTLS Medical-Surgical and Dental Instrument Nomenclature Guidance.

• The vendor shall create/provide tray count sheets utilizing 2D matrix scanning to readily identify instrument inventory of each set.

• Vendor’s PM/technical staff will analyze the data entries and apply VAs National Naming Convention/Data Standards and Data Quality Tool (DQT) to all of the records, ensuring 100% compliance with the standards PRIOR to submission to VA for review/acceptance.

• Data Quality Tool (DQT) new terms derived during the commissioning effort will be submitted to the VA COR/RTLS SPW Workgroup for processing and actions/approval within five (5) business days of cessation of M&C.

• Vendor will provide any necessary data remediation within three (3) business days of receipt from VA.

The Scope of Work for the implementation of a CensiMark laser marking unit includes all planning, execution, and training for the client. Upon receiving the final purchase order, Censis Technologies will assign a project manager to act as the single point of contact for the customer in all matters involving the implementation. The project management functions follow the framework of the company’s process and methodology for conducting implementations. Censis will ensure it has adequate resources for accomplishing all phases of the project, including the training of the client’s personnel.

The period of performance for the implementation of a CensiMark Laser unit is generally between 90-120 days from receipt of the purchase order. All work will be scheduled to complete within this timeframe. Any modifications or extensions will be agreed upon between Censis and VA and effected through formal modification.

Censis will perform the software setup work at its headquarters. The equipment setup and training will be conducted at the client’s facility.

As part of the project, Censis will be responsible for performing tasks throughout various stages of this project. The following is an overview of these tasks which will result in the successful completion of this project:

Planning Phase:

• Lead a kick-off meeting with key client individuals, such as the client’s project manager/leader, sterile processing department manager, Laser Safety Officer and a representative from the hospital’s IT department. The assigned Censis project manager will provide an overview of the implementation methodology.

• Work with the client to gather and refine requirements and scope of the project.

• Create and present a detailed project plan including a schedule.

Execution Phase:

• Track the ordering of hardware.

• Ship hardware.

• Configure computer for laser unit control.

• Install laser unit and workstation computer in accordance with all facility safety requirements.

• Provide training on operation of the laser unit, marking and commissioning of instruments into CensiTrac.

Project Handoff/Closure:

• Present a project closure report (PowerPoint) to client for review and approval.

• Present a project training checklist showing that all training tasks have been completed.

Product Description Part no. Quantity CensiMark Laser Marking Equipment

CensiMark Laser Unit (open market) - Fayetteville

NC

CT0206 1

CensiMark Laser Unit Installation and Training

1-Week Onsite Setup & Training - Fayetteville NC

CT0203 1

2.0 NOTICE OF THE FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY LAW AFFECTING ALL

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) PROCUREMENTS

(SECTION 508)

On January 18, 2017, the Access Board issued a final rule that updated accessibility requirements covered by Section 508 and refreshed guidelines for telecommunications equipment subject to Section 255 of the Communications Act. The final rule went into effect on January 18, 2018. The revisions and updates to the Section 508-based standards and Section 255-based guidelines are intended to ensure that information and communication technology (ICT) covered by the respective statutes is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

2.1 SECTION 508 - INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

STANDARDS

The Section 508 standards established by the Access Board are incorporated into, and made part of all VA orders, solicitations and purchase orders developed to procure ICT.

These standards are found in their entirety at: Revised 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines (access-board.gov). A single PDF file version of the Revised Section 508 Standards and 255 Guidelines will be supplied upon request, or can be obtained from the Access Board website. Federal agencies must comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The Contractor shall comply with “508 Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements” for all electronic ICT and content delivered under this contract. Specifically, as appropriate for the technology and its functionality, the Contractor shall comply with the technical standards marked here:

☒ E205 Electronic Content – (Accessibility Standard -WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA Guidelines)

☒ E204 Functional Performance Criteria ☒ E206 Hardware Requirements ☒ E207 Software Requirements ☒ E208 Support Documentation and Services Requirements

2.2 COMPATIBILITY WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/

The standards do not require installation of specific accessibility-related software or attachment of an assistive technology device. Section 508 requires that ICT be compatible with such software and devices so that ICT can be accessible to and usable by individuals using assistive technology, including but not limited to screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech recognition software.

2.3 ACCEPTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE TESTING

Deliverables resulting from this solicitation will be accepted based in part on satisfaction of the Section 508 Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements standards identified above.

The Government reserves the right to test for Section 508 Compliance before delivery.

The Contractor shall be able to demonstrate Section 508 Compliance upon delivery.

3.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USING SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND

SERVICES

N/A

4.0 SHIPMENT OF HARDWARE OR EQUIPMENT

Inspection: Destination Acceptance: Destination Free on Board (FOB): Destination

Ship To and Mark For:

Primary Alternate Name: Dawn Knox Name: Victoria Ebanks Address: Fayetteville, NC VAMC Address: Fayetteville, NC VAMC Voice: 910-488-2120 x5632 Voice: 910-488-2120 x7438 Email: dawn.knox@va.gov Email: victoria.ebanks@va.gov

4.1 SPECIAL SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to shipping, Contractor shall notify Site POCs, by phone followed by email, of all incoming deliveries including line-by-line details for review of requirements. The Contractor shall not make any changes to the delivery schedule at the request of Site

POC.

Contractors shall coordinate deliveries with Site POCs before shipment of hardware to ensure sites have adequate storage space.

All shipments, either single or multiple container deliveries, shall bear the VA IFCAP Purchase Order number (if applicable) on external shipping labels and associated manifests or packing lists. In the case of multiple container deliveries, a statement readable near the VA IFCAP PO or Contract number shall indicate total number of containers for the complete shipment (e.g. “Package 1 of 2”), clearly readable on manifests and external shipping labels.

Packing Slips/Labels and Lists shall also include the following:

IFCAP PO # or Contract No.: ____________ (e.g., 166-E11234 (the IFCAP PO number is located in block #20 of the SF 1449)) Project Description: CensiMark Laser Marking Equipment - Sterile Processing Service

(SPS)

Total number of Containers: Package ___ of ___. (e.g., Package 1 of 3)

4.2 NATIONAL ACQUISITIONS

N/A

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 VA TECHNICAL REFERENCE MODEL

The Contractor shall comply with the VA OIT Technical Reference Model (VA TRM).

Compliance with the VA TRM is achieved by using only technologies and standards that are listed as approved for use in the VA TRM. The Contractor shall provide all necessary information requested by VA to ensure TRM approval is obtained prior to use on VA’s network.

5.2 ZERO TRUST - VA CRITICAL SECURITY CONTROLS

VA has established minimum mandatory security requirements and requires that any network connected software system or service must meet the VA Critical Security Controls as outlined in the VA Memorandum, “VA Security Controls”, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=5010. VA Critical Security Controls identify the minimum mandatory requirements that must be implemented across all VA enterprise infrastructure, cloud computing environments, information systems, networks, and specialized devices (medical devices/systems, special-purpose systems, and research scientific computing devices) that process, store, and/or transmit VA data. Effective July 1, 2025, the Contractor shall implement these VA Critical Security Controls, within any network connected software system or service prior to being authorized for use in the VA. This functional requirement is not negotiable, and Plan of Action & Milestones (POAM) will not be accepted in the event these controls cannot be implemented for new systems. Critical Security Controls are intended to increase VA’s security posture and provide security and privacy risk visibility into the VA network and is not a new requirement. The Contractor’s failure to maintain these VA Critical Controls after implementation will result in VA discontinuing the use of the system.

5.3 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) REDUCTION

The Contractor solution shall support the Social Security Number (SSN) Fraud Prevention Act (FPA) of 2017 which prohibits the inclusion of SSNs on any document sent by mail. The Contractor support shall also be performed in accordance with Section 240 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2018, enacted March 23, 2018, which mandates VA to discontinue using SSNs to identify individuals in all VA https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=5010 information systems as the Primary Identifier. The Contractor shall ensure that any new IT solution discontinues the use of SSN as the Primary Identifier to replace the SSN with the Integrated Control Number (ICN) in all VA information systems for all individuals. The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor delivered applications and systems integrate with the VA Master Person Index (MPI) for identity traits to include the use of the ICN as the Primary Identifier. The Contractor solution may only use a Social Security Number to identify an individual in an information system if and only if the use of such number is required to obtain information VA requires from an information system that is not under the jurisdiction of VA.

5.4 INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPV6)

The Contractor solution shall support IPv6-Only based upon the memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on November 19, 2020 (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/M-21-07.pdf). Which defines IPv6-only as the state of an operational system or service when IPv4 protocol functions (addressing, packet forwarding) are not in use. The NIST USGv6 profile defines technical requirements for a product to be capable of operating in IPv6-Only environments. IPv6-Only technology, in accordance with the USGv6 Program (https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/usgv6-program/usgv6-revision-1), NIST Special Publication (SP) 500-267B Revision 1 “USGv6 Profile” (https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.500-267Br1), and NIST SP 800-119 “Guidelines for the Secure Deployment of IPv6” (https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-119), compliance shall be included in all IT infrastructures, application designs, application development, operational systems and sub-systems, and their integration. In addition to the above requirements, all devices, applications, and systems shall support all applicable functionality on native IPv6-Only as well as dual stack (IPv6 / IPv4) connectivity without additional memory or other resources being provided by the Government, so that they can function in a mixed environment. All public/external facing servers and services (e.g., web, email, DNS, ISP services, etc.) shall support native IPv6-Only and dual stack (IPv6 / IPv4) users and all internal infrastructure and applications shall support using native IPv6-Only and dual stack (IPv6 / IPv4) for all functionality and operations.

5.5 SOFTWARE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall be responsible for the provision of all software licenses and any associated licensing maintenance required for any development, delivery, integration, operation, and/or maintenance associated with its proposed application(s), software products, software solution, and/or system including, but not limited to, any and all application(s), software and/or software products that comprise, are a part of, or integrate with the Contractor’s proposed application(s), software products, software solution, and/or system for the life of any resulting contract.

5.6 TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION (TIC)

The Contractor solution shall meet the requirements outlined in Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-19-26, “Update to the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Initiative“ (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/M-19-26.pdf), VA Directive 6513 “Secure External Connections”, and shall comply with the TIC 3.0 Core https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/M-21-07.pdf https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/usgv6-program/usgv6-revision-1 https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.500-267Br1 https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-119 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/M-19-26.pdf

Guidance Documents, including all Volumes and TIC Use Cases, found at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents)

5.7 POSITION/TASK RISK DESIGNATION LEVEL(S)

In accordance with VA Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, the position sensitivity and the level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access for the following tasks within the PWS are:

Position Sensitivity and Background Investigation Requirements by Service Task/Item Number

Service Task / Item Number

Tier1 / Low Risk Tier 2 / Moderate Risk

Tier 4 / High Risk

1.0 ☒ ☐ ☐

The Tasks identified above and the resulting Position Sensitivity and Background Investigation requirements identify, in effect, the Background Investigation requirements for Contractor individuals, based upon the tasks the particular Contractor individual will be working. The submitted Contractor Staff Roster must indicate the required Background Investigation Level for each Contractor individual based upon the tasks the Contractor individual will be working, in accordance with their submitted proposal.

ADDENDUM B – VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/

PRIVACY LANGUAGE

NOTE: In the event of a conflict, VAAR Security Clauses take precedence over the language in this Addendum B.

APPLICABLE SECTIONS FROM: VA NOTICE 24-12, APRIL 22, 2024, UPDATE TO

VA HANDBOOK 6500.6, CONTRACT SECURITY, APPENDIX C VA INFORMATION

AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE, FOR INCLUSION

INTO CONTRACTS, AS APPROPRIATE

B.1 GENERAL

This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language. Contractors, contractor personnel, Subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

B.2 VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. The Government shall receive unlimited rights to data/intellectual property first produced and delivered in the performance of this contract or order (hereinafter “contract”) unless expressly stated otherwise in this contract. This includes all rights to source code and all documentation created in support thereof. The https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General. The primary clause used to define computer software license (not data/intellectual property first produced under this Contractor or order) is FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License.

b. Information made available to the Contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract will be used only for the purposes specified in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD, and/or contract. The Contractor shall not use VA information in any other manner without prior written approval from a VA Contracting Officer (CO). The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General.

c. VA information will not be co-mingled with any other data on the Contractor’s information systems or media storage systems. The Contractor shall ensure compliance with Federal and VA requirements related to data protection, data encryption, physical data segregation, logical data segregation, classification requirements and media sanitization.

d. VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled audits, assessments, or investigations of Contractor Information Technology (IT) resources to ensure information security is compliant with Federal and VA requirements. The Contractor shall provide all necessary access to records (including electronic and documentary materials related to the contracts and subcontracts) and support (including access to Contractor and Subcontractor staff associated with the contract) to VA, VA's Office Inspector General (OIG), and/or Government Accountability Office (GAO) staff during periodic control assessments, audits, or investigations.

e. The Contractor may only use VA information within the terms of the contract and applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. If new Federal information security laws, regulations or VA policies become applicable after execution of the contract, the parties agree to negotiate contract modification and adjustment necessary to implement the new laws, regulations, and/or policies.

f. The Contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as specifically authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies shall be destroyed in accordance with VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program and VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

g. If a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contract is terminated for default or cause with a business associate, the related local Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall also be terminated and actions taken in accordance with VHA Directive 1605.05, Business Associate Agreements. If there is an executed national BAA associated with the contract, VA will determine what actions are appropriate and notify the contractor.

h. The Contractor shall store and transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools which are, at a minimum, Federal

Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (or its successor) validated and in conformance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements. The Contractor shall transmit VA sensitive information using VA approved Transport Layer Security (TLS) configured with FIPS based cipher suites in conformance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52, Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations.

i. The Contractor’s firewall and web services security controls, as applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the Contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notification to VA CO (ii) with written approval from the VA CO.

The Contractor shall refer all requests for, demands for production of or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA CO for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the Contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. § 5705, Confidentiality of medical quality-assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of certain medical records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If the Contractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the Contractor shall immediately refer such court order or other requests to the VA CO for response.

l. Information made available to the Contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the Contractor in performance or administration of the contract will be protected and secured in accordance with VA Directive 6500 and Identity and Access Management (IAM) Security processes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

m. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a Contractor shall be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, VA Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules.

n. The Contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Directive 6500 and NIST 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization prior to termination or completion of this contract. If directed by the COR/CO, the Contractor shall return all Federal Records to VA for disposition.

o. Any media, such as paper, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, solid state devices or optical discs that is used to store, process, or access VA information that cannot be destroyed shall be returned to VA. The Contractor shall hold the appropriate material until otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or CO. Items shall be returned securely via VA-approved methods. VA sensitive information must be transmitted utilizing VA-approved encryption tools which are validated under FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52. If mailed, the Contractor shall send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and immediately provide the COR/CO with the tracking information. Self-certification by the Contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met shall be sent to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

p. All electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.)

used to store, process or access VA information will not be returned to the Contractor at the end of lease, loan, or trade-in. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the written approval of the VA CO.

B.3 ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A Contractor/Subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees and subcontractors only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the solicitation or contract. This includes indirect entities, both affiliate of Contractor/Subcontractor and agent of Contractor/Subcontractor.

b. Contractors and subcontractors shall sign the VA Information Security Rule of

Behavior (ROB) before access is provided to VA information and information systems (see Section 4, Training, below). The ROB contains the minimum user compliance requirements and does not supersede any policies of VA facilities or other agency components which provide higher levels of protection to VA’s information or information systems. Users who require privileged access shall complete the VA elevated privilege access request processes before privileged access is granted.

c. All Contractors and Subcontractors working with VA information are subject to the same security investigative and clearance requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) is responsible for these policies and procedures. Contract personnel who require access to classified information or information systems shall have an appropriate security clearance. Verification of a Security Clearance shall be processed through the Special Security Officer located in HRA/OSP. Contractors shall conform to all requirements stated in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

d. All Contractors and subcontractors shall comply with conditions specified in

VAAR 852.204-71(d); Contractor operations required to be in United States. All Contractors and Subcontractors working with VA information must be permanently located within a jurisdiction subject to the law of the United States or its Territories to the maximum extent feasible. If services are proposed to be performed abroad the Contractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided. The Contractor shall deliver to VA a detailed plan specifically addressing communications, personnel control, data protection and potential legal issues. The plan shall be approved by the COR/CO in writing prior to access being granted.

e. The Contractor shall notify the COR/CO in writing immediately (no later than 24 hours) after personnel separation or occurrence of other causes. Causes may include the following:

(1) Contractor/Subcontractor personnel no longer has a need for access to VA information or VA information systems.

(2) Contractor/Subcontractor personnel are terminated, suspended, or otherwise has their work on a VA project discontinued for any reason.

(3) Contractor believes their own personnel or Subcontractor personnel may pose a threat to their company’s working environment or to any company-owned property. This includes Contractor-owned assets, buildings, confidential data, customers, employees, networks, systems, trade secrets and/or VA data.

(4) Any previously undisclosed changes to Contractor/Subcontractor background history are brought to light, including but not limited to changes to background investigation or employee record.

(5) Contractor/Subcontractor personnel have their authorization to work in the

United States revoked.

(6) Agreement by which Contractor provides products and services to VA has either been fulfilled or terminated, such that VA can cut off electronic and/or physical access for Contractor personnel.

f. In such cases of contract fulfillment, termination, or other causes; the Contractor shall take the necessary measures to immediately revoke access to VA network, property, information, and information systems (logical and physical) by Contractor/Subcontractor personnel. These measures include (but are not limited to): removing and then securing Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badges and PIV – Interoperable (PIV-I) access badges, VA-issued photo badges, credentials for VA facilities and devices, VA-issued laptops, and authentication tokens.

Contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO immediately to initiate access removal.

g. Contractors/Subcontractors who no longer require VA accesses will return VA-issued property to VA. This property includes (but is not limited to): documents, electronic equipment, keys, and parking passes. PIV and PIV-I access badges shall be returned to the nearest VA PIV Badge Issuance Office. Once they have had access to VA information, information systems, networks and VA property in their possessions removed, Contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO.

B.4 TRAINING

a. All contractors and subcontractors requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall successfully complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior course (Talent Management System (TMS) #10176) initially and annually thereafter.

(2) Sign and acknowledge (electronically through TMS #10176) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Organizational Rules of Behavior, relating to access to VA information and information systems initially and annually thereafter; and

(3) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system or information access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the VA CO for inclusion in the solicitation document – i.e., any role-based information security training].

b. The Contractor shall provide to the COR/CO a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Organizational Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within five days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the required training is complete.

B.5 SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The Contractor, Subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall immediately (within one hour) report suspected security / privacy incidents to the VA OIT’s Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) by calling (855) 673-4357 (TTY: 711).

The ESD is OIT’s 24/7/365 single point of contact for IT-related issues. After reporting to the ESD, the Contractor, Subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall, within one hour, provide the COR/CO the incident number received from the ESD.

b. To the extent known by the Contractor/Subcontractor, the

Contractor/Subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident,…