36C10B26Q0365 Solicitation Service Data Center Standards FINAL 6.2.26.pdf

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

36C10B26Q0365 06/02/2026

Keith Long, Keith.Long2@va.gov 848-377-5348 10:00AM

06/09/26 EDT

36C10B

Department of Veterans Affairs

Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way

Eatontown NJ 07724

X

519290

$47 Million

N/A

X

See Delivery Schedule

36C10B

Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way

Eatontown NJ 07724

36C10A

Technology Acquisition Center

Financial Services Center

PO Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-8971

See CONTINUATION Page

Title: Service Data Center Standards

This is a Sole Source Acquisition

Type of Order: Firm Fixed Price

Points of Contact:

Matthew.Truex1@va.gov, Contracting Officer

Keith.Long2@va.gov, Contract Specialist

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

Matthew J. Truex

36C10B26Q0365

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B1. GOVERNING LAW CLAUSE

B2. SOFTWARE LICENSE, SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SOFTWARE

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

B.3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B4. PRICE SCHEDULE

B5. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (PD)

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

C.2 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

C.3 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.4 VAAR 852.239-76 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2023)

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 52.204-90 Offeror Identification (OCT 2025)

E.2 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.4 52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE AND

REPRESENTATION (JUN 2020)

E.5 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.6 BASIS FOR AWARD

E.7 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B1. GOVERNING LAW CLAUSE

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.

B2. SOFTWARE LICENSE, SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SOFTWARE

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/or 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 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 two 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.

http://www.cpars.gov/

(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/Order at no cost.

B.3 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 J. Truex

Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way

Eatontown NJ 07724

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] – In accordance with B.4 Price Schedule.

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.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B4. PRICE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Vendors are instructed to complete Section B.4 and submit with their quote.

Vendors are cautioned that alterations to the line items as specified below may render quotes unacceptable.

Any resulting contract will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 16.202. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that any and all costs associated with the Contractor’s proposed application(s), software products, software solution, and/or system, shall be included in the Contractor’s proposed firm-fixed price, and shall serve as the Contractor’s firm-fixed price for the life of any resulting contract. No additional costs or fees relative to the Contractor’s proposed application(s), software products, software solution, and/or system including, but not limited to, licensing costs and any associated licensing maintenance required for the development, delivery, integration, operation, and/or maintenance of the Contractor’s proposed solution will be allowed, accepted, and/or paid by the Government.

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

All days referenced below shall be considered calendar days, unless otherwise noted.

All Serial Numbers for covered items are noted at Section B.5, Product Description.

Base Period The Period of Performance shall be 12 months from date of award

CLIN Description QTY/Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

0001 Online library of industry standards, e.g., ANSI, BICS, NFPA, etc.

PSC: DA10

1 $__________ $__________

Total $__________

B5. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (PD)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (PD)

DEPARTMENT OF

VETERANS AFFAIRS

Office of Information & Technology (OIT)

Solution Delivery (SD)

Data Center Standards Online Subscription Service

Date: April 20, 2026

VA-26-00012827

PD Version Number: 2.0

1.0 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

The VA Enterprise Datacenter Interdisciplinary Collaboration Team (EDICT) develops and enforces enterprise standards for data centers and physical infrastructure supporting the same. EDICT has an ongoing requirement for browser-based access to current industry and regulatory technical standards and codes to ensure that VA’s data center enterprise is planned, implemented, and sustained in accordance with industry best practices.

This online standards subscription service will provide a continuation of services provided under previous contract 36C10A25P0005. Data Center standards on-line subscription service is necessary to develop cost-saving telecommunications designs and to review construction documents for Electronic Health Records Management and general construction projects throughout the agency. VA designs are required to follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements, including NFPA 70.

Online subscription service resources provide Safety and Engineering professionals current and 24-hour access to pertinent information and tools to assist with all design, operation, and safety responsibilities.

The use of an online subscription service to the data center standards will provide tools to EDICT and customer personnel to enhance their ability to provide technical support that will enable quality IT service delivery.

1.1 Deliverables

The vendor shall provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a web-based subscription service, to the data center standards current editions along with the standard updates as published during the year for 3 concurrent users.

The vendor shall provide web-based access online, and in downloadable pdf format, to all current editions of the data center standards.

The vendor shall provide password-secured access to a secure online repository of selected standards documents necessary to perform the EDICT mission. VA will designate EDICT team members and customers to have full access. The scope of this contract includes access to any online standards subscriptions.

1.1.1 Functional Requirements

VA-wide access via the vendor’s web portal.

The vendor's servers shall have anti-virus software that is kept up to date.

1.1.2 Technology Requirements and Solution Architecture

Provide entry page to vendor members-only website.

Internet application shall be accessible via standard web browsers with no plug-in requirements.

Provide individual user ID and password access for VA use.

1.1.3 Implementation and Production Support Requirements

All costs associated with the subscription service not explicitly included in this product description that are salient to the continued use of the proposed solution must be included in the vendor’s quote

Provide a primary contact to coordinate and facilitate all interactions between provider and VA

Provide timely response to support inquiries (normally within two hours during business hours)

Describe service support plans

Vendor shall provide support during the hours of 8:00 am 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, Central Time.

Describe problem management and escalation process.

1.1.4 Basic Subscription Package Contents

Contents of the subscription are expected to alter over time as individual standards are updated and superseded. The current versions of all standards documents are required.

Data Center Standards Collection/Online

Site License

ASHRAE 135 ADD AY

ASHRAE 135 ADD AS

ASHRAE 135 ADD AL

ASHRAE 135 ADD AI

ASHRAE 135 ERTA

ASHRAE 135 ERTA

ASHRAE 135 INT 12

ASHRAE 135 INT 11

ASHRAE 135 INT 10

ASHRAE 135 INT 9

ASHRAE 135 INT 8

ASHRAE 135 INT 7

ASHRAE 135 INT 6

ASHRAE 135 ERTA

ASHRAE 135 INT 5

ASHRAE 135 INT 4

ASHRAE 135 INT 3

ASHRAE 135 INT 2

ASHRAE 135 INT 1

ASHRAE 135 ERTA

ASHRAE 135 ADD AR

ASHRAE 135

ASHRAE 90453

ASTM A123/A123M

ASTM A653/A653M

ASTM A780/A780M

ASTM B258

ASTM B539

ASTM B633

ASTM D4565

ASTM D4566

ASTM E84 REV A

ASTM E119

ASTM E814 REV A

ASTM E1399/E1399M

ASTM E1966

ASTM E2307 REV A

ASTM G153

ATIS 0600311

ATIS 0600313

ATIS 0600336

ATIS 0600401

ATIS 0600404.01

ATIS 0600404A

ATIS 0600404

ATIS 0600413

ATIS 0600605

BICSI 002

BICSI ITSIMM

BICSI OSPDRM

BICSI TDMM

ECIA EIA/ECA-310-E

ICC I-CODE IBC

ICEA S-83-596

ICEA S-84-608

ICEA S-87-640

ICEA S-90-661

ICEA S-104-696

ICEA S-110-717

NEMA FG 1

NEMA VE 1

NEMA VE 2

NFPA 70

NFPA 70 AMD 7

NFPA 70 AMD 6

NFPA 70 AMD 5

NFPA 70 AMD 4

NFPA 70 ERTA 4

NFPA 70 ERTA 3

NFPA 70 AMD 3

NFPA 70 ERTA 2

NFPA 70 AMD 2

NFPA 70 ERTA 1

NFPA 70 AMD 1

NFPA 70

NFPA 72 AMD 5

NFPA 72 AMD 4

NFPA 72 AMD 3

NFPA 72 AMD 2

NFPA 72 AMD 1

NFPA 72

NFPA 75 ERTA

NFPA 75

NFPA 75 SPANISH

NFPA 101 ERTA 5

NFPA 101 ERTA 4

NFPA 101 ERTA 3

NFPA 101 ERTA 2

NFPA 101

NFPA 101 SPANISH

NFPA 2001

TIA TIA-455-78B

TIA TIA/EIA-455-171A

TIA TIA-232-F

TIA TIA-455-2C

TIA TIA-455-6-B

TIA TIA-455-8

TIA TIA-455-13-A

TIA TIA-455-21-A

TIA TIA-455-36-A

TIA TIA-455-107-A

TIA TIA-455-185

TIA TIA-455-188

TIA TIA-455-C

TIA TIA-470.000-E

TIA TIA-470.110-D

TIA TIA-485-A

TIA TIA-492AAAA-B

TIA TIA-492AAAB-A

TIA TIA-492AAAC-B

TIA TIA-492CAAA

TIA TIA-492CAAB

TIA TIA-504-A

TIA TIA-526-7

TIA TIA-526-14-C

TIA TIA-561

TIA TIA-568-C.0-2

TIA TIA-568-C.0-1

TIA TIA-568-C.0

TIA TIA-568-C.1-1

TIA TIA-568-C.1-2

TIA TIA-568-C.1

TIA PN-568.1-D

TIA TIA-568-C.2-2

TIA TIA-568-C.2 ERTA

TIA TIA-568-C.2

TIA TIA-568-C.3-1

TIA TIA-568-C.3

TIA TIA-568-C.4

TIA TIA-569-D

TIA TIA-570-C

TIA TIA-598-D

TIA TIA-603-D

TIA TIA-604-3-B

TIA TIA-604-5-D

TIA TIA-606-B

TIA TIA-607-B-2

TIA TIA-607-B-1

TIA TIA-607-B

TIA TIA-758-B

TIA TIA-810-B

TIA TIA-862-A

TIA TIA-942

TIA TIA-968-B-2

TIA TIA-968-B-1

TIA TIA-968-B ERTA

TIA TIA-968-B

TIA TIA-1005-A-1

TIA TIA-1005-A

TIA TIA-1152

TIA TIA/EIA-125-A

TIA TIA/EIA-455-1-B

TIA TIA/EIA-455-4C

TIA TIA/EIA-455-5C

TIA TIA/EIA-455-34A

TIA TSB-31-D-2

TIA TSB-31-D-1

TIA TSB-31-D

TIA TSB-89-A

TIA TSB-129-B

TIA TSB-153

TIA TSB-155-A

TIA TSB-184

UL 444

UL 444 BULLETIN

UL 444 BULLETIN

UL 444 BULLETIN

UL 444 BULLETIN

UL 444 BULLETIN

UL 444 BULLETIN

BICSI Manual & Standards Act/Online

Site License

BICSI 003

BICSI 004

BICSI 008

BICSI 009

BICSI/NECA-607

BICSI G1

BICSI N1

NFPA Standards Custom Collection/Online

Site License

NFPA 70H

NFPA 76 ERTA 1

NFPA 76

NFPA 99 ERTA 2

NFPA AMD 2

NFPA ERTA 1

NFPA AMD 1

NFPA 99

NFPA 99H

• Others as included

1.2 GRAY MARKET GOODS

Not applicable.

2.0 NOTICE OF THE FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY LAW AFFECTING ALL

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

PROCUREMENTS (SECTION 508)

On January 18, 2017, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) revised and updated, in a single rulemaking, standards for electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by Federal agencies covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as our guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment covered by Section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934. 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: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines. A printed copy of the standards will be supplied upon request.

http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-

Federal agencies must comply with the updated Section 508 Standards beginning on January 18, 2018. The Final Rule as published in the Federal Register is available from the Access Board: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule.

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 COMPATABILITY WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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 ENERGY-EFFICIENT

PRODUCTS

4.0 SHIPMENT OF HARDWARE OR EQUIPMENT

No shipment is required for the delivery of product.

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 VA TECHNICAL REFERENCE MODEL

The Contractor shall support the VA enterprise management framework. In association with the framework, the Contractor shall comply with OI&T Technical http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-

Reference Model (VA TRM). The VA TRM is one component within the overall Enterprise Architecture (EA) that establishes a common vocabulary and structure for describing the information technology used to develop, operate, and maintain enterprise applications. Moreover, the VA TRM, which includes the Standards Profile and Product List, serves as a technology roadmap and tool for supporting OI&T.

Architecture & Engineering Services (AES) has overall responsibility for the VA TRM.

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 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

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 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 GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS

Not Applicable.

https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE

GOVERNMENT

JUNE 2020

52.203-17 52.203-19

52.204-7

CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS

SYSTEM OF AWARD MANAGEMENT

NOV 2023

JAN 2027

NOV 2024

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT—MAINTENANCE

(DEVIATION)

NOV 2025

52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

DEC 2014

52.204-91 CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION OCT 2025

52.209-10 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED

DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS

NOV 2015

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOV 2023

52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR JUN 2003

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR-COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES AND

REMEDIES

MAR 2026

52.222.36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH

DISABILITIES

JUN 2020

52.222-41 SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS AUG 2018

52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL

HIRES

MAY 2014

52.222-44 FAIL LABOR STANDARDS ACT AND SERVICE

CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS-PRICE ADJUSTMENT

MAY 2014

52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS OCT 2025

52.222-62 PAID SICK LEAVE UNDER EXECTUVE ORDER 13706 NOV 2025

52.225-1 BUY AMERICAN-SUPPLIES OCT 2022

52.226-3 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT

MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

MAY 2024

52.227-01 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT JUN 2020

52.227-02 NOTICE & ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT &

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

JUN 2020

52.227-03 PATENT INDEMNITY JUN 2020

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY EFT- SYSTEM FOR AWARD

MANAGEMENT

OCT 2018

52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD AUG 1996

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM OCT 2004

852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING MAY 2018

852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS NOV 2018

852.239-70 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

FEB 2023

852.239-71 INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY PLAN AND

ACCREDITATION

FEB 2023

852.239-73 INFORMATION SYSTEM HOSTING, OPERATION,

MAINTENANCE, OR USE

FEB 2023

852.239-74 SECURITY CONTROLS COMPLIANCE TESTING FEB 2023

C.2 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors.

As prescribed in 22.2203, insert the following clause:

Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation DATE)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to:

training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities;

clubs; associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

(2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

(3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

(4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

(5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

(6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

(End of clause)

C.3 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list that the

Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) develops and maintains and publishes in the

System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov (section 1822 of Pub. L. 118-31, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.).

Backhaul means intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network, and the small subnetworks at the edge of the network (e.g., connecting cell phones/towers to the core telephone network). Backhaul can be wireless (e.g., microwave) or wired (e.g., fiber optic, coaxial cable, Ethernet).

Covered application means the social networking service TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance

Limited.

Covered article, as defined in 41 U.S.C. 4713(k), means:

(1) Information technology, as defined in 40 U.S.C. 11101, including cloud computing services of all types;

(2) Telecommunications equipment or telecommunications service, as those terms are defined in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153);

(3) The processing of information on a Federal or non-Federal information system, subject to the requirements of the Controlled Unclassified Information program (see 32 CFR part 2002); or

(4) Hardware, systems, devices, software, or services that include embedded or incidental information technology.

Covered foreign country means The People’s Republic of China.

Covered telecommunications equipment or services means—

(1) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE

Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(2) For the purpose of public safety, security of Government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);

(3) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment; or https://www.sam.gov

(4) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

Critical technology means—

(1) Defense articles or defense services included on the United States Munitions List set forth in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations under subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations;

(2) Items included on the Commerce Control List set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations under subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of

Federal Regulations, and controlled—

(i) Pursuant to multilateral regimes, including for reasons relating to national security, chemical and biological weapons proliferation, nuclear nonproliferation, or missile technology; or

(ii) For reasons relating to regional stability or surreptitious listening;

(3) Specially designed and prepared nuclear equipment, parts and components, materials, software, and technology covered by part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to assistance to foreign atomic energy activities);

(4) Nuclear facilities, equipment, and material covered by part 110 of title 10, Code of Federal

Regulations (relating to export and import of nuclear equipment and material);

(5) Select agents and toxins covered by part 331 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, part

121 of title 9 of such Code, or part 73 of title 42 of such Code; or

(6) Emerging and foundational technologies controlled pursuant to section 1758 of the Export

Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4817).

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act—covered foreign entity.

FASCSA order means any of the following orders issued under the Federal Acquisition Supply

Chain Security Act (FASCSA) requiring removing covered articles from executive agency information systems or excluding one or more named sources or named covered articles from executive agency procurement actions, as described in 41 CFR 201-1.303(d) and (e):

(1) The Secretary of Homeland Security may issue FASCSA orders that apply to civilian agencies, to the extent not covered by paragraph (2) or (3) of this definition. This type of

FASCSA order may be referred to as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FASCSA order.

(2) The Secretary of Defense may issue FASCSA orders that apply to the Department of

Defense (DoD) and national security systems other than sensitive compartmented information systems. This type of FASCSA order may be referred to as a DoD FASCSA order.

(3) The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) may issue FASCSA orders that apply to the intelligence community and sensitive compartmented information systems, to the extent not covered by paragraph (2) of this definition. This type of FASCSA order may be referred to as a

DNI FASCSA order.

Information technology, as defined in 40 U.S.C. 11101(6)—

(1) Means any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, used in the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the executive agency, if the equipment is used by the executive agency directly or is used by a contractor under a contract with the executive agency that requires the use—

(i) Of that equipment; or

(ii) Of that equipment to a significant extent in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product;

(2) Includes computers, ancillary equipment (including imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance), peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources; but

(3) Does not include any equipment acquired by a Federal contractor incidental to a Federal contract.

Intelligence community, as defined by 50 U.S.C. 3003(4), means the following—

(1) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence;

(2) The Central Intelligence Agency;

(3) The National Security Agency;

(4) The Defense Intelligence Agency;

(5) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency;

(6) The National Reconnaissance Office;

(7) Other offices within the Department of Defense for the collection of specialized national intelligence through reconnaissance programs;

(8) The intelligence elements of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the

Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Energy;

(9) The Bureau of Intelligence and Research of the Department of State;

(10) The Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of the Treasury;

(11) The Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security; or

(12) Such other elements of any department or agency as may be designated by the

President, or designated jointly by the Director of National Intelligence and the head of the department or agency concerned, as an element of the intelligence community.

Interconnection arrangement means arrangements governing the physical connection of two or more networks to allow the use of another’s network to hand off traffic where it is ultimately delivered (e.g., connecting a customer of telephone provider A to a customer of telephone company B) or sharing data and other information resources.

Kaspersky Lab-covered article means any hardware, software, or service that—

(1) Is developed or provided by a Kaspersky Lab-covered entity;

(2) Includes any hardware, software, or service developed or provided in whole or in part by a

Kaspersky Lab-covered entity; or

(3) Contains components using any hardware or software developed in whole or in part by a

Kaspersky Lab-covered entity.

Kaspersky Lab-covered entity means—

(1) Kaspersky Lab;

(2) Any successor entity to Kaspersky Lab, including any change in name, e.g., “Kaspersky”;

(3) Any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with Kaspersky Lab;

or

(4) Any entity of which Kaspersky Lab has a majority ownership.

National security system, as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3552, means any information system

(including any telecommunications system) used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency, or other organization on behalf of an agency—

(1) The function, operation, or use of which involves intelligence activities; involves cryptologic activities related to national security; involves command and control of military forces; involves equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system; or is critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions, but does not include a system that is to be used for routine administrative and business applications (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications); or

(2) Is protected at all times by procedures established for information that have been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order or an Act of Congress to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.

Roaming means cellular communications services (e.g., voice, video, data) received from a visited network when unable to connect to the facilities of the home network either because signal coverage is too weak or because traffic is too high.

Sensitive compartmented information means classified information concerning or derived from intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes, which is required to be handled within formal access control systems established by the Director of National Intelligence.

Sensitive compartmented information system means a national security system authorized to process or store sensitive compartmented information.

Source means a non-Federal supplier, or potential supplier, of products or services, at any tier.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned directly by a parent corporation or through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

Substantial or essential component means any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a piece of equipment, system, or service.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft (49 U.S.C. 44801(11)).

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system (49 U.S.C.

44801(12)).

(b) Prohibitions on providing or using specific products or services in performance of contract.

Unless a waiver or exception applies, the Contractor is prohibited from providing any products or services to the Government or using in the performance of the contract any of the following:

(1) A covered application on any information technology owned or managed by the

Government, or on any information technology used or provided by the Contractor under this contract, including equipment provided by the Contractor’s employees (section 102 of Division R of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328));

(2) A Kaspersky Lab-covered article (Section 1634 of Division A of the National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91));

(3) Covered telecommunications equipment or services used as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system (paragraphs (a)(1)(A) of section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019

(Pub. L. 115-232)). This does not prohibit contractors from providing—

(i) A service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Prohibition on unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by American

Security Drone Act—covered foreign entities.

(1) Prohibition. The Contractor is prohibited from—

(i) Delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements (sections 1823 and 1826 of American Security

Drone Act of 2023, within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, Pub. L.

118-31, Div. A, Title XVIII, Subtitle B, 41 U.S.C. 3901 note prec.);

(ii) On or after December 22, 2025, operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the contract (section 1824 of Pub. L. 118-31); and

(iii) On or after December 22, 2025, using Federal funds to procure or operate a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system (section 1825 of Pub. L. 118-31).

(2) Procedures. The Contractor shall search SAM for the FASC-maintained list of American

Security Drone Act—covered foreign entities before proposing, or using in performance of the contract, any unmanned aircraft system. Also, the Contractor shall ensure any effort or expenditure associated with a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system is consistent with a corresponding exemption, exception, or waiver determination expressly stated in the contract.

(3) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions in paragraph (c) of this clause do not apply where the agency has determined an exemption, exception, or waiver applies, and the contract indicates that such a determination has been made. See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.

(d) Prohibition on using or providing specific products or services or conducting certain transactions regardless of connection to contract.

(1) Certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment, systems, or services.

(i) Unless an applicable waiver has been issued by the Government, the Contractor cannot use any equipment, systems, or services that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system (paragraph (a)(1)(B) of section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal…