PWS_F5 Load Balancer_draft 1.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Office of Management (OM) Financial Services Center (FSC)

Brand Name or Equal F5 Balancer Replacement with

Migration Services and Support and Maintenance

Date: October 16, 2026

VA-27-00017931

PWS Version Number: 1.0

Brand Name or Equal F5 Balancer Replacement

Contents

1.0 BACKGROUND

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

4.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

4.3 TRAVEL

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

6.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 ENTERPRISE AND IT FRAMEWORK

6.1.1 VA TECHNICAL REFERENCE MODEL

6.1.2 FEDERAL IDENTITY, CREDENTIAL, AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

(FICAM) 10

6.1.3 INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPV6)

6.1.4 TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION (TIC)

6.1.5 STANDARD COMPUTER CONFIGURATION

6.1.6 VETERAN FOCUSED INTEGRATION PROCESS (VIP) AND PRODUCT

LINE MANAGEMENT (PLM)

6.1.7 PROCESS ASSET LIBRARY (PAL)

6.1.8 AUTHORITATIVE DATA SOURCES

6.1.9 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) REDUCTION

6.1.10 SOFTWARE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

6.2 METHOD AND DISTRIBUTION OF DELIVERABLES

6.3 SHIPMENT OF HARDWARE OR EQUIPMENT

ADDENDUM A – ADDITIONAL VA REQUIREMENTS, CONSOLIDATED

ADDENDUM B – VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Management (OM), Financial Services Center (FSC) has a requirement for the replacement of its current F5 load balancers and software to manage and re-distribute (balance) the flow of network traffic through FSC’s network data centers located at 1615 Woodward Street, Austin TX, and 5000 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia PA. Additionally, the FSC requires migration services and load balancer hardware and software maintenance services to ensure the load balancer solution operates as designed.

FSC’s current existing environment has one standalone and two HA pair BIG-IP i5820- DF platforms located in the Austin Enterprise Data Center (AEDC) and the Philadelphia Enterprise Data Center (PEDC). These devices are currently running TMOS v17.5.1.x, utilizing BIG-IP LTM, APM, and FIPS for application delivery and user authentication.

In order to implement this solution, the FSC intends to restrict competition to the F5 manufacturer and its authorized distributors to meet the requirements and time constraints outlined in this PWS, at a fair and reasonable price.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

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

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

2. “Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014”

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

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

5. FIPS Pub 200, “Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information and

Information Systems,” March 2006

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

Contractors,” August 2013

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

8. 5 U.S.C. § 552a, as amended, “The Privacy Act of 1974”

9. Public Law 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information

Technology Act of 2006, Title IX, Information Security Matters

10. 42 U.S.C. § 2000d “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”

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

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

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

14. 36 C.F.R. Part 1194 “Information and Communication Technology Standards and Guidelines,” January 18, 2017

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

16. 32 C.F.R. Part 199, “Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)”

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

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

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

20. VA Directive 6500, “VA Cybersecurity Program,” February 24, 2021

21. VA Handbook 6500, “Risk Management Framework for VA Information

Systems VA Information Security Program,” February 24, 2021

22. VA Handbook 6500.2, “Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information (SPI),” March 12, 2019

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

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

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

26. VA Handbook 6500.10, “Mobile Device Security Policy,” February 15, 2018

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

28. OIT Process Asset Library (PAL), https://www.va.gov/process/ . Reference

Process Maps at https://www.va.gov/process/maps.asp and Artifact templates at https://www.va.gov/process/artifacts.asp

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

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

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

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

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

34. VA Directive 6300, “Records and Information Management,” September 21,

35. VA Handbook, 6300.1, “Records Management Procedures,“ March 24, 2010

36. NIST SP 800-37 Rev 2, “Risk Management Framework for Information

Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy,” December 2018 https://www.va.gov/process/ https://www.va.gov/process/maps.asp https://www.va.gov/process/artifacts.asp https://www.va.gov/trm/TRMHomePage.aspx

37. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, “Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations,” September 23, 2020 (includes updates as of 12/10/2020)

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

39. VA Handbook 0735, “Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-

12) Program,” March 24, 2014

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

41. OMB Memorandum M-19-17, “Enabling Mission Delivery Through Improved Identity, Credential, and Access Management,” May 21, 2019

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

43. Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) Roadmap and Implementation Guidance, December 2, 2011, (NOTE: Part A of the FICAM Roadmap and Implementation Guidance, v2.0, was replaced in 2015 with an updated Architecture (https://arch.idmanagement.gov/#what-is-the-ficam-architecture)

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

45. NIST SP 800-63-3, 800-63A, 800-63B, 800-63C, “Digital Identity Guidelines,” updated March 02, 2020

46. NIST SP 800-157, “Guidelines for Derived PIV Credentials,” December 2014

47. NIST SP 800-164, “Guidelines on Hardware-Rooted Security in Mobile

Devices (Draft),” October 2012

48. Draft National Institute of Standards and Technology Interagency Report

(NISTIR) 7981, “Mobile, PIV, and Authentication,” March 2014

49. VA Memorandum, VAIQ #7100147, “Continued Implementation of Homeland

Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12),” April 29, 2011 (reference https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514)

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

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

52. Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) 3.0 Core Guidance Documents, https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents

53. OMB Memorandum M-19-26, “Update to the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Initiative,” September 12, 2019

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

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

56. Section 104 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, (Public Law 109–58), August 8, 2005 https://arch.idmanagement.gov/#what-is-the-ficam-architecture https://arch.idmanagement.gov/#what-is-the-ficam-architecture https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514 https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514 https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4896 https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents

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

58. Executive Order 13221, “Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices,” August

2, 2001

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

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

61. Office of Information Security (OIS) VAIQ #7424808 Memorandum, “Remote

Access,” January 15, 2014, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28

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

63. “Veteran Focused Integration Process (VIP) Guide 4.0,” January 2021, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371

64. VA Memorandum “Proper Use of Email and Other Messaging Services,”

January 2, 2018, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28

65. “DevSecOps Product Line Management Playbook” version 2.0, May 2021, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4946

66. NIST SP 500-267B Revision 1, “USGv6 Profile,” November 2020

67. OMB Memorandum M-21-07, “Completing the Transition to Internet Protocol

Version 6 (IPv6),” November 19, 2020

68. Social Security Number (SSN) Fraud Prevention Act of 2017

69. Section 240 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2018, March 23,

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The FSC requires a replacement of its load balancer solution. FSC currently uses F5 load balancers on all of its infrastructure for both on-premises and cloud platforms. The content licenses have come to end of life and end of support. The FSC requires a software that can process data quickly, support higher information exchanges and process greater amounts of AI applications. FSC requires the load balancing software to distribute incoming network traffic across multiple servers to prevent any single server from becoming overloaded and ensure that applications remain accessible to users by providing redundancy and managing failovers. FSC requires greater than the average processing speed based on the volume of data exchange that it is currently designing its infrastructure to handle.

FSC requires current configurations to be migrated to a new standalone and tenant pair of BIG-IP r5920-DFs in a 1:1 manner, anticipated to be on a similar or matching tenant TMOS version. Along with migration services, the FSC requires hardware and software maintenance services throughout the contract period of performance.

The contractor shall provide all equipment, tools, materials, supervision, other items, and non-personal service necessary to provide load balancer hardware replacement as well as migration services, and hardware/software maintenance and support services.

All configuration/migration services must be completed and the solution must be operational no later than October 1, 2027.

https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28 https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371 https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28 https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4946

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The PoP shall be 12 months with four (4) 12-month option periods.

LINE ITEM SEWP V CLIN QTY

1 V3-F5Networks-F5-BIG-LTM-

R5920-DF

2 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM1

3 V3-F5Networks-F5-ADD-BIG-

FB-R5XXX-ZL

4 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-AS

5 3

6 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM12

7 V3-F5Networks-F5-UPG-SFP28-

SR

8 V3-F5Networks-F5-UPG-

AC-R5XXX-ZL

9 V3-F5Networks-F5-UPG-

FB-STICKER-1-NSP

10 V3-F5Networks-F5-CST-

S_ZL

11 V3-F5Networks-F5-CST-

P-ZL

12 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM1

13 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM16

14 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM5

15 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM1

16 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM16

17 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM5

18 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM1

19 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM16

20 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM5

21 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM1

22 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM16

23 V3-F5Networks-F5-SVC-

BIG-PRE-L1-3-BM5

MPN DESCRIPTION

Base Period

F5-BIG-LTM-R5920-DF BIG-IP Appliance: Local Traffic Manager r5920 FIPS Ready (128G, Dual M.2 SSD) F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-BIG-LTM-R5920-DF

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3) F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3

F5-ADD-BIG-FB-R5XXX BIG-IP Add-on: Platform FIPS 140 Ready License (r5XXX series) Perpetual (This item can only be sold as part of a configuration and is not available for individual purchase) F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-ADD-BIG-FB-R5XXX

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-ADD-BIG-APMR59XXB F5 Public Sector Part Number BIG-IP Add-on: Access Policy Manager Module r59XX (Base) Perpetual (This item can only be sold as part of a configuration and is not available for individual purchase) F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-ADD-BIG-APMR59XXB

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-UPG-SFP28-SR FIELD UPGRADE: TRANSCEIVER: SFP28, 25GSR SHORT RANGE, 100M, LC, MMF, DDM (RSERIES

ONLY)

F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-UPG-SFP28-SR

F5-UPG-AC-R5XXX Field Upgrade: Single 650W AC Power Supply (r5XXX) F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-UPG-AC-R5XXX

F5-UPG-FB-STICKER-1 Field Upgrade: Full Box FIPS Sticker Kit

F5-CST-S Consulting: Standard Hourly (M-F 8AM-6PM, postpaid, Minimum 8 hours)

F5-CST-P F5 Networks Consulting Services Premium Hourly - Service

Option Period 1 F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

Option Period 2 F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

Option Period 3 F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

Option Period 4 F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5 Networks, Inc. - F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

F5-SVC-BIG-PRE-L1-3 BIG-IP Service: Premium (Level 1-3)

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

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

Under current definitions, four are set by date:

New Year's Day January 1 Juneteenth June 19 Independence Day July 4 Veterans Day November 11 Christmas Day December 25

If any of the above falls on a Saturday, then Friday shall be observed as a holiday.

Similarly, if one falls on a Sunday, then Monday shall be observed as a holiday.

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

Martin Luther King's Birthday Third Monday in January Washington's Birthday Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November

4.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Tasks under this PWS shall be performed remotely.

4.3 TRAVEL

The Government does not anticipate travel under this effort to perform the tasks associated with this effort. Therefore, any costs associated with travel by the Contractor will not be reimbursed by the Government.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall perform the following:

1. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and FSC personnel to schedule and conduct a pre-implementation call. This call will allow for introductions and help identify FSC/Contractor expectations and key personnel for a follow-up migration-planning meeting.

Deliverable:

A. Pre-Implementation Call within three (3) business days after award.

2. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and FSC personnel an interactive project design and planning meeting to discuss (and agree upon) the following:

a. Review of existing infrastructure and network diagrams.

b. High level plan and design development for approach to project tasks.

c. Timeline for all standard business hours work and maintenance windows.

d. F5 software version upgrade and platform migration plan – to include technical planning and pre-requirement gathering as well as the testing/verification standards to be utilized during this engagement. This includes:

i. Appropriate F5 software version to be used on the new F5 platforms.

ii. Plan for upgrading in-scope F5 platforms to the desired new F5 software version.

iii. Plan for F5 platform migration from the existing F5 platforms to the new F5 platforms.

iv. Review base platform and network requirements as applicable (management address, interfaces, VLANs, Self-IP addresses, routes, etc.).

v. F5OS partitioning and tenant allocation strategy.

A. Project Design and Planning Meeting within two (2) business days of the Pre-

Implementation Call.

3. The Contractor shall coordinate with the FSC Method of Procedure (MoP) documentation. The MoP document shall define the appropriate testing criteria, applicable resources needed for Cutover baseline testing, validation activities prior to and during the maintenance window, and acceptance testing during and following the maintenance window, as well as the actual steps required for the maintenance window itself.

A. Method of Procedure documentation to be executed during each upgrade.

4. Execute plans to upgrade the F5 software version and migrate to the new F5 platforms during agreed-upon scheduled maintenance window(s). It is anticipated that the AEDC will require an estimated four (4) after-hours maintenance window to upgrade the F5 software version and migrate to the new F5 platform, whereas the PEDC will require roughly four (4) standard business hours for migration.

A. Upgrade and migration services upon approval of MoP.

5. Provide dedicated support of upgrade and migration.

A. One (1) business day after each upgrade and migration maintenance window.

6.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 ENTERPRISE AND IT FRAMEWORK

6.1.1 VA TECHNICAL REFERENCE MODEL

The Contractor shall support the VA enterprise management framework. In association with the framework, the Contractor shall comply with OIT Technical 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 OIT. Architecture & Engineering Services (AES) has overall responsibility for the VA TRM.

6.1.2 FEDERAL IDENTITY, CREDENTIAL, AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT (FICAM)

The Contractor shall ensure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product(s), software configuration and customization, and/or new software are Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card-enabled by accepting HSPD-12 PIV credentials using VA Enterprise Technical Architecture (ETA), https://www.ea.oit.va.gov/EAOIT/VA_EA/Enterprise_Technical_Architecture.asp, and VA Identity and Access Management (IAM) approved enterprise design and integration patterns, https://www.oit.va.gov/library/recurring/edp/index.cfm. The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor delivered applications and systems comply with the VA Identity, Credential, and Access Management policies and guidelines set forth in VA Handbook 6510 VA Identity and Access Management, VA Handbook 0735 Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Program, and align with the Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management Roadmap and Implementation Guidance v2.0.

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor delivered applications and systems provide user authentication services compliant with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-63-3, VA Handbook 6500 Appendix F, “VA System Security Controls”, and VA IAM enterprise requirements for direct, assertion based authentication, and/or trust based authentication, as determined by the design and integration patterns. Direct authentication at a minimum must include Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based authentication supportive of PIV card and/or Common Access Card (CAC), as determined by the business need.

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor delivered applications and systems conform to the specific Identity and Access Management PIV requirements set forth in the Office https://www.ea.oit.va.gov/EAOIT/VA_EA/Enterprise_Technical_Architecture.asp https://www.oit.va.gov/library/recurring/edp/index.cfm of Management and Budget (OMB) Memoranda M-05-24, M-19-17, and NIST Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201-2. OMB Memoranda M-05-24 and M-19- 17 can be found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2005/m05- 24.pdf, and https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/M-19-17.pdf respectively. Contractor delivered applications and systems shall be on the FIPS 201-2 Approved Product List (APL). If the Contractor delivered application and system is not on the APL, the Contractor shall be responsible for taking the application and system through the FIPS 201 Evaluation Program.

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor delivered applications and systems support:

1. Automated provisioning and are able to use enterprise provisioning service.

2. Interfacing with VA’s Master Person Index (MPI) to provision identity attributes, if the solution relies on VA user identities. MPI is the authoritative source for VA user identity data.

3. The VA defined unique identity (Secure Identifier [SEC ID] / Integrated Control Number [ICN]).

4. Multiple authenticators for a given identity and authenticators at every Authenticator Assurance Level (AAL) appropriate for the solution.

5. Identity proofing for each Identity Assurance Level (IAL) appropriate for the solution.

6. Federation for each Federation Assurance Level (FAL) appropriate for the solution, if applicable.

7. Two-factor authentication (2FA) through an applicable design pattern as outlined in VA Enterprise Design Patterns.

8. A Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) implementation if the solution relies on assertion-based authentication. Additional assertion implementations, besides the required SAML assertion, may be provided as long as they are compliant with NIST SP 800-63-3 guidelines.

9. Authentication/account binding based on trusted Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) headers if the solution relies on Trust based authentication.

10. Role Based Access Control.

11. Auditing and reporting capabilities.

12. Compliance with VIEWS 00155984, PIV Logical Access Policy Clarification https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4896.

The required Assurance Levels for this specific effort are Identity Assurance Level 3, Authenticator Assurance Level 3, and Federation Assurance Level 3.

6.1.3 INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPV6)

The Contractor solution shall support Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) 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). IPv6 technology, in accordance with the USGv6 Program (https://www.nist.gov/programs-https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2005/m05-24.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2005/m05-24.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/M-19-17.pdf https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4896 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/M-21-07.pdf file://R04.med.va.gov/V03/EAS/Users/vhaeasWymbsk/TEMPLATES--NEW%20TAC%20PROCESS/PWS%20TEMPLATE%20(DO%20NOT%20TOUCH)%20-%20In%20Process%20Revisions/DO%20NOT%20TOUCH%20(next%20version/IPv6/(https:/www.nist.gov/programs-projects/usgv6-program/usgv6-revision-1 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 shall support native IPv6 and 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 and dual stack (IPv6 / IPv4) users and all internal infrastructure and applications shall communicate using native IPv6 and dual stack (IPv6 / IPv4) operations.

6.1.4 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). Any deviations must be approved by the VA TIC 3.0 Working Group at vaoisesatic30team@va.gov.

6.1.5 STANDARD COMPUTER CONFIGURATION

The Contractor IT end user solution that is developed for use on standard VA computers shall be compatible with and be supported on the standard VA operating system, currently Windows 10 (64bit), Edge (Chromium based), and 365 Apps for enterprise. Applications delivered to VA and intended to be deployed to Windows 10 workstations shall be delivered as a signed .msi package with switches for silent and unattended installation and updates shall be delivered in signed .msp file formats for easy deployment using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (CM) VA’s current desktop application deployment tool. Signing of the software code shall be through a vendor provided certificate that is trusted by VA using a code signing authority such as Verizon/Cybertrust or Symantec/VeriSign. The Contractor shall also ensure and certify that their solution functions as expected when used from a standard VA computer, with non-admin, standard user rights that have been configured using the United States Government Configuration Baseline (USGCB) and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Secure Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) specific to the particular client operating system being used.

file://R04.med.va.gov/V03/EAS/Users/vhaeasWymbsk/TEMPLATES--NEW%20TAC%20PROCESS/PWS%20TEMPLATE%20(DO%20NOT%20TOUCH)%20-%20In%20Process%20Revisions/DO%20NOT%20TOUCH%20(next%20version/IPv6/(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 https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents mailto:vaoisesatic30team@va.gov

6.1.6 VETERAN FOCUSED INTEGRATION PROCESS (VIP) AND PRODUCT LINE

MANAGEMENT (PLM)

The Contractor shall support VA efforts IAW the updated Veteran Focused Integration Process (VIP) and Product Line Management (PLM). The major focus of the new VIP is on Governance and Reporting and is less prescriptive, with a focus on outcomes and continuous delivery of value. Product Line Management (PLM) is a framework that focuses on delivering functional products that provide the highest priority work to customers while delivering simplified, reliable, and practical solutions to the business, medical staff, and our Veterans. The VIP Guide is a companion guide to the PLM Playbook and can be found at:

https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371 and the PLM Playbook can be found at https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4946. The PLM Playbook pivots from project-centric to product-centric delivery and contains descriptive practices that focuses on outcomes. The PLM Playbook contains a set of “plays” that implement Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) principles and processes such as automated development, continuous integration/continuous delivery, and release on demand. The PLM Playbook details how product lines implement Lean-Agile principles, methods, practices, and techniques through levels of maturity. VIP and PLM are the authoritative processes that IT projects must follow to ensure development and delivery of IT products.

6.1.7 PROCESS ASSET LIBRARY (PAL)

The Contractor shall perform their duties consistent with the processes defined in the OIT Process Asset Library (PAL). The PAL scope includes the full spectrum of OIT functions and activities, such as VIP project management, operations, service delivery, communications, acquisition, and resource management. PAL serves as an authoritative and informative repository of searchable processes, activities or tasks, roles, artifacts, tools and applicable standards and guides to assist the OIT workforce, Government and Contractor personnel. The Contractor shall follow the PAL processes to ensure compliance with policies and regulations and to meet VA quality standards. The PAL includes the contractor onboarding process consistent with Section

6.2.2 and can be found at https://www.va.gov/PROCESS/artifacts/maps/process_CONB_ext.pdf. The main PAL can be accessed at www.va.gov/process.

6.1.8 AUTHORITATIVE DATA SOURCES

The VA Enterprise Architecture Repository (VEAR) is one component within the overall EA that establishes the common framework for data taxonomy for describing the data architecture used to develop, operate, and maintain enterprise applications. The Contractor shall comply with the department’s Authoritative Data Source (ADS) requirement that VA systems, services, and processes throughout the enterprise shall https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371 https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4946 https://www.va.gov/PROCESS/artifacts/maps/process_CONB_ext.pdf http://www.va.gov/process access VA data solely through official VA ADSs where applicable, see below. The Information Classes which compose each ADS are located in the VEAR, in the Data & Information domain. The Contractor shall ensure that all delivered applications and system solutions support:

1. Interfacing with VA’s Master Person Index (MPI) (formerly the Master Veteran Index (MVI)) to provision identity attributes, if the solution relies on VA user identities. MPI is the authoritative source for VA user identity data.

2. Interfacing with Capital Asset Inventory (CAI) to conduct real property record management actions, if the solution relies on real property records data. CAI is the authoritative source for VA real property record management data.

3. Interfacing with electronic Contract Management System (eCMS) for access to contract, contract line item, purchase requisition, offering vendor and vendor, and solicitation information above the micro-purchase threshold, if the solution relies on procurement data. ECMS is the authoritative source for VA procurement actions data.

4. Interfacing with HRSmart Human Resources Information System to conduct personnel action processing, on-boarding, benefits management, and compensation management, if the solution relies on personnel data. HRSmart is the authoritative source for VA personnel information data.

5. Interfacing with Vet360 to access personal contact information, if the solution relies on VA Veteran personal contact information data. Vet360 is the authoritative source for VA Veteran Personal Contact Data.

6. Interfacing with VA/Department of Defense (DoD) Identity Repository (VADIR) for determining eligibility for VA benefits under Title 38, if the solution relies on qualifying active duty military service data. VADIR is the authoritative source for Qualifying Active Duty military service in VA.

6.1.9 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 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.

6.1.10 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.

6.2 METHOD AND DISTRIBUTION OF DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall deliver documentation in electronic format, unless otherwise directed in Section B of the solicitation/contract. Acceptable electronic media include:

Microsoft 365, MS Word 2000/2003/2007/2010/2019, MS Excel 2000/2003/2007/2010/2019, MS PowerPoint 2000/2003/2007/2010/2019, MS Project 2000/2003/2007/2010/2019, MS Access 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS Visio 2000/2002/2003/2007/2010/2019, AutoCAD 2002/2004/2007/2010, and Adobe Postscript Data Format (PDF).

6.3 SHIPMENT OF HARDWARE OR EQUIPMENT

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

Ship To and Mark For:

Primary Alternate Name: Name:

Address: Address:

Voice: Voice:

Email: Email:

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. 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 contract number on external shipping labels and associated manifests or packing lists.

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

Contract #: ____________ Project Description: (e.g. Tier I Lifecycle Refresh)

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

ADDENDUM A – ADDITIONAL VA REQUIREMENTS, CONSOLIDATED

A1.0 Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services The Contractor shall ensure adequate LAN/Internet, data, information, and system security in accordance with VA standard operating procedures and standard PWS language, conditions, laws, and regulations. The Contractor’s firewall and web server shall meet or exceed VA minimum requirements for security. All VA data shall be protected behind an approved firewall. Any security violations or attempted violations shall be reported to the VA Program Manager and VA Information Security Officer as soon as possible. The Contractor shall follow all applicable VA policies and procedures governing information security, especially those that pertain to assessment and authorization and continuous monitoring

Contractor supplied equipment, PCs of all types, equipment with hard drives, etc. for contract services must meet all security requirements that apply to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Government Owned Equipment (GOE). Security Requirements include: a) VA Approved Encryption Software must be installed on all laptops or mobile devices before placed into operation, b) Bluetooth equipped devices are prohibited within VA; Bluetooth must be permanently disabled or removed from the device, unless the connection uses FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) validated encryption,

c) VA approved anti-virus and firewall software, d) Equipment must meet all VA sanitization requirements and procedures before disposal. The COR, CO, the PM, and the Information Security Officer (ISO) must be notified and verify all security requirements have been adhered to.

Each documented initiative under this contract incorporates VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security,” March 12, 2010 by reference as though fully set forth therein. The VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security” shall also be included in every related agreement, contract, or order. The VA Handbook 6500.6, Appendix C, is included in this document as Addendum B.

Training requirements: The Contractor shall complete all mandatory training courses on the current VA training site, the VA Talent Management System (TMS) 2.0, and will be tracked therein. The TMS 2.0 may be accessed at https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/

. If you do not have a TMS 2.0 profile, go to and click on the “Create New User” link on the TMS 2.0 to gain access.

Contractor employees shall complete a VA Systems Access Agreement if they are provided access privileges as an authorized user of the computer system of VA.

A2.0 VA Enterprise Architecture Compliance The applications, supplies, and services furnished under this contract must comply with VA Enterprise Architecture (EA), available at http://www.ea.oit.va.gov/index.asp in force at the time of issuance of this contract, including the Program Management Plan and VA's rules, standards, and guidelines in the Technical Reference Model/Standards Profile (TRMSP). VA reserves the right to assess contract deliverables for EA compliance prior to acceptance.

A2.1. VA Internet and Intranet Standards

The Contractor shall adhere to and comply with VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102, Internet/Intranet Services, including applicable amendments and changes, if the Contractor’s work includes managing, maintaining, establishing, and presenting information on VA’s Internet/Intranet Service Sites. This pertains, but is not limited to:

creating announcements; collecting information; databases to be accessed, graphics and links to external sites.

Internet/Intranet Services Directive 6102 is posted at (copy and paste the following URL to browser): https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1056&FType=2

Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 is posted at (copy and paste following URL to browser): https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1055&FType=2

A3.0 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.

A3.1. Section 508 – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards http://www.ea.oit.va.gov/index.asp https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1056&FType=2 https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=1055&FType=2

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.

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.

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

A3.2. Compatibility 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.

A3.3. 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.

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule

A4.0 Physical Security & Safety Requirements:

The Contractor and their personnel shall follow all VA policies, standard operating procedures, applicable laws and regulations while on VA property. Violations of VA regulations and policies may result in citation and disciplinary measures for persons violating the law.

1. The Contractor and their personnel shall wear visible identification at all times while they are on the premises.

2. VA does not provide parking spaces at the work site; the Contractor must obtain parking at the work site if needed. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions.

3. Smoking is prohibited inside/outside any building other than the designated smoking areas.

4. Possession of weapons is prohibited.

5. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work, with the exception of software licenses that need to be procured from a Contractor or vendor in accordance with the requirements document. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract.

A5.0 Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure The Contractor shall follow all VA rules and regulations regarding information security to prevent disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or organizations.

The Contractor may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) and Electronic Protected Health Information (EPHI) that is subject to protection under the regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and E, the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (“Privacy Rule”); and 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and C, the Security Standard (“Security Rule”). Pursuant to the Privacy and Security Rules, the Contractor must agree in writing to certain mandatory provisions regarding the use and disclosure of PHI and EPHI.

1. The Contractor will have access to some privileged and confidential materials of VA. These printed and electronic documents are for internal use only, are not to be copied or released without permission, and remain the sole property of VA. Some of these materials are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (revised by PL 93-5791) and Title 38. Unauthorized disclosure of Privacy Act or Title 38 covered materials is a criminal offense.

2. The VA CO will be the sole authorized official to release in writing, any data, draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this contract. The Contractor shall release no information. Any request for information relating to this contract presented to the Contractor shall be submitted to the VA CO for response.

3. Contractor personnel recognize that in the performance of this effort, Contractor personnel may receive or have access to sensitive information, including information provided on a proprietary basis by carriers, equipment manufacturers and other private or public entities. Contractor personnel agree to safeguard such information and use the information exclusively in the performance of this contract. Contractor shall follow all VA rules and regulations regarding information security to prevent disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or organizations as enumerated in this section and elsewhere in this Contract and its subparts and appendices.

4. Contractor shall limit access to the minimum number of personnel necessary for contract performance for all information considered sensitive or proprietary in nature. If the Contractor is uncertain of the sensitivity of any information obtained during the performance this contract, the Contractor has a responsibility to ask the VA CO.

5. Contractor shall train all of their employees involved in the performance of this contract on their roles and responsibilities for proper handling and nondisclosure of sensitive VA or proprietary information. Contractor personnel shall not engage in any other action, venture or employment wherein sensitive information shall be used for the profit of any party other than those furnishing the information. The sensitive information transferred, generated, transmitted, or stored herein is for VA benefit and ownership alone.

6. Contractor shall maintain physical security at all facilities housing the activities performed under this contract, including any Contractor facilities according to VA-approved guidelines and directives. The Contractor shall ensure that security procedures are defined and enforced to ensure all personnel who are provided access to patient data must comply with published procedures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of such information as required by VA.

7. Contractor must adhere to the following:

a. The use of “thumb drives” or any other medium for transport of information is expressly prohibited.

b. Controlled access to system and security software and documentation.

c. Recording, monitoring, and control of passwords and privileges.

d. All terminated personnel are denied physical and electronic access to all data, program listings, data processing equipment and systems.

e. VA, as well as any Contractor (or Subcontractor) systems used to support development, provide the capability to cancel…