36C10X18Q9111-A00001000.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE

OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

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

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

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

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

IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE

SIGNED

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

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

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

D. OTHER

BY

Contractor

16C. DATE

SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

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

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

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) A00001 Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125 Frederick MD 21703 Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125 Frederick MD 21703 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C10X18Q9111

X x

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1-answer vendors' questions 2-update section VIII (Invoicing Instructions) 3-update Performance Work Statement (Specific Tasks and Deliverables and Schedule of Deliverables sections).

Please See Continuation Page for more details.

Selena Robinson Contracting Officer

REQUIREMENT TITLE: NEXT PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS

RFQ No.: 36C10X18Q9111, AMENDMENT A00001

A. RESPONSES TO VENDORS’ QUESTIONS

1. Is the HDS (Hogan Development Survey) the sole option to fill this requirement?

R. Yes, we only need the assessment tool. We already have certified staff for coaches. We do not need consultant piece.

3. My firm is certified in the Denison leadership model. Can this model be utilized?

R- No, our program is already centered around the Hogan assessment tool.

4. I noticed on the price cost schedule, the Hogan is listed as the assessment instrument. Is this the only assessment being considered or are other assessments an option?

R- No, our program is already centered around the Hogan assessment tool.

4. Will there be an option for “monthly” invoice submission?

R- Yes

5. Would the Challenge Reports be delivered to single or multiple addressees?

R- The Challenge Reports would be delivered to multiple addressees.

6. What is the intended duration of use for the User ID and Password combinations?

R. The intended duration is the length of the contract. The Period of performance will be one 12 month base plus 4- 12 month option periods

7. Is the intent that the Contractor will perform Coaching or participant development?

R- We only need the assessment tool. We already have certified staff for coaches. We do not need consultant piece.

B. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Changes are highlighted for ease of reference.

Background The New Executive Leadership Program (NExT) is a core part of Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) workforce leadership development strategy focused on developing future leaders. The program is for newly appointed health care executives to be introduced to an improved on-boarding process by receiving guidance from an assigned certified VHA mentor, participating in a multidisciplinary coaching team, attending the NExT Orientation among peers and by joining a new discipline specific Community of Practice [COP] group. The goal of the program is to provide a foundational leadership development experience that will enhance the candidate's skills and provide VHA with effective leaders at the manager level and beyond.

Scope of Work The New Executive Leadership Program (NExT) requires the contractor to provide a commercial off the shelf (COTS) survey/assessment tool with corresponding challenge report data to participants in the NexT Program. The assessment tool shall be capable of showing challenges often identifiable to newly appointed executives running into trouble that delays or prohibits their effective and efficient transition into this level of leadership. The contractor shall provide tools, indicators, skills, via this assessment and coaching, to create the best opportunity for our participants to lead effectively and efficiently and thus provide the best care possible for our Veterans.

Performance Details These contractors assessment tool hall provide insight regarding eleven “derailment” tendencies that when incited by stress, pressure, or boredom, are capable of impeding work relationships, adversely impacting leadership style, hindering productivity, and limiting overall career potential and effectiveness. From a development standpoint, the assessments are uniquely capable of helping individuals proactively identify “dark side” tendencies (often over-used strengths) capable of negatively impacting their performance -- insight that can be used as a basis for goal setting and seeking accountability.

The NExT participants will take the assessment online and the results will be released to the already established and trained coaches on site. VHA has its very own staff of psychologists, which have been certified, assigned to the VHA National Center for Organizational Development (NCOD). NExT partners with NCOD will provide this service, coaching, and follow up.

Performance Period The estimated period of performance for this contract shall be base and four (4) option years from the contract effective date for services issued throughout the life of the contract.

Qty

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

There are ten (10) Federal holidays set by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103) that VA follows:

Under current definitions, four are set by date:

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

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

Place of Performance The tasks under this PWS shall be performed at the Contractor’s facility. The NExT participants will take the assessment online at their Medical Facility or VISN. VHA has its own staff of Psychologists, which have been certified, assigned to the VHA National Center for Organizational Development (NCOD). NExT partners with NCOD will provide this service, coaching, and follow up.

The results will be released to the already established and trained coaches on site. The assessments are identified by a name and/or identifier number.

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

Specific Tasks and Deliverables Task 1: The Contractor will conduct a kick-off meeting with the appropriate VA personnel present no later than 5 business days after receipt of award.

Task 2: The Contractor shall provide 80 valid and active User IDs and Passwords no later than 30 days after award to access and administer 80 survey assessments that evaluate bad personality traits that are derived from an increase of stress; which can damage ones reputation; interfere with ones level of success, and/or impair relationships. Additionally, provide 80 corresponding Challenge Reports from the Assessment System, Inc.

A. The vendor will email User IDs and Passwords in a passcode protected file to a VHA National Center for Organization Development assigned designee. The 80 User IDs and Passwords to access the Challenge Report will have a valid duration of 5 years from the date of contract award.

B. User IDs and Passwords must be assigned to the account of VHA National Center for Organization Development within 30 days upon contract award.

C. Agency will realize that any unused User IDs and Passwords remaining at the end of the 5- year- time period will expire and purchase price will be forfeited.

Schedule of Deliverables All contractor-provided work products are to be furnished within the specific delivery Dates (see below). Any changes to the delivery dates must be discussed with COR and requested in writing to the CO. If for any reason, any deliverables cannot be delivered in the time schedule, the contractor shall provide a written explanation to the CO. This written transmittal shall include a firm commitment of when the work shall be completed.

This notice to the CO shall cite the reasons for the delay, and the impact on the overall project. The CO shall review the facts and issues in response with applicable regulations. The government will have five business days to review each document submitted by the contractor and provide feedback/comments to the contractor unless otherwise specified in the contract. The contractor shall have five business days to incorporate comments unless otherwise specified in the contract.

The below chart should include the following:

a. The vendor will email User IDs and Passwords in a passcode protected file to a VHA National Center for Organization Development assigned designee. The 80 User IDs and Passwords to access the Challenge Report will have a valid duration of 5 years from the date of award.

b. User IDs and Passwords must be assigned to the account of VHA National Center for Organization Development within 30 days upon contract award.

c. Agency will realize that any unused User IDs and Passwords remaining at the end of the 5-year time period will expire and purchase price will be forfeited

Performance Requirements Summary The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) is a listing of the tasks that will be monitored during the contract term. The PRS Chart also lists examples of the types of documents that will be used during monitoring, as well as the standards of performance, the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of performance. All listings of required services or standards used in the PRS Chart are intended to be completely consistent with the terms and conditions of the PWS. This PRS also provides the minimum standard of acceptable performance as well as the minimum AQL of this standard. Failure to meet the minimum AQL in any of the tasks listed will result in an assessment of unsuccessful performance for the task(s).

Disincentives

Task 2

following applies:

Performance that meets or exceeds the AQL will result in a positive CPARS rating.

Performances that do not meet the required AQL may result in a negative CPARS rating.

The Government will utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) throughout the life of the contract to ensure that the Contractor is performing the services required by this PWS in an acceptable manner. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the Contractor exceeds, meets or does not meet these standards.

The Government reserves the right to alter or change the surveillance methods in the QASP at its own discretion.

Frequency of Measurement During task order performance, the COR will periodically analyze whether the negotiated frequency of surveillance is appropriate for the work being performed, and at a minimum shall be twice a year. All formal deliverables will be reviewed for acceptability prior to being approved and accepted by the Government.

Acceptable Performance The Government shall document acceptable performance in accordance with the chart above. Any report may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action.

Unacceptable Performance When unacceptable performance occurs, the COR shall inform the CO. This will always be in writing although when circumstances necessitate immediate verbal communication, that communication will be followed in writing. The COR shall document the discussion and place it in the COR file.

When the CO determines formal written communication is required, the COR shall prepare a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), and present it to the contractor's program manager.

The contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR in writing to the CO. The CDR will state how long after receipt the contractor has to take corrective action. The CDR will also specify if the contractor is required to prepare a corrective action plan to document how the contractor shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The CO shall review the contractor's corrective action plan to determine acceptability.

Any CDRs may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action deemed necessary by the CO.

Key Personnel No key personnel will be required by the Contractor. VHA has its very own staff of psychologists, which have been certified, assigned to the VHA National Center for Organizational Development (NCOD). NExT partners with NCOD will provide this service, coaching, and follow up.

6.0 SECURITY

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 certification and accreditation.

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, c) VA approved anti-virus and firewall software, d) Equipment must meet all VA sanitization requirements and procedures before disposal. The COR, CO, the Project Manager, 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), and will be tracked therein. The TMS may be accessed at https://www.tms.va.gov. If you do not have a TMS profile, go to https://www.tms.va.gov and click on the “Create New User” link on the TMS 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 One-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): http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=409&FType=2 Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 is posted at (copy and paste following URL to browser): http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=410&FType=2 A3.0 Notice of the Federal Accessibility Law Affecting All Electronic and Information Technology Procurements (Section 508) On August 7, 1998, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was amended to require that when Federal departments or agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use Electronic and Information Technology, that they shall ensure it allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by other Federal employees. Section 508 required the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) to publish standards setting forth a definition of electronic and information technology and the technical and functional criteria for such technology to comply with Section 508. These standards have been developed and published with an effective date of December 21, 2000. Federal departments and agencies shall develop all Electronic and Information Technology requirements to comply with the standards found in 36 CFR 1194.

A3.1. Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Standards The Section 508 standards established by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) are incorporated into, and made part of all VA orders, solicitations and purchase orders developed to procure Electronic and Information Technology (EIT). These standards are found in their entirety at: http://www.section508.gov and http://www.section508.gov/acquisition-regulations. A printed copy of the standards will be supplied upon request. The Contractor shall comply with the technical standards as marked:

_x_§ 1194.21 Software applications and operating systems _x_§ 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications _x_§ 1194.23 Telecommunications products _x_§ 1194.24 Video and multimedia products _x_§ 1194.25 Self-contained, closed products _x_§ 1194.26 Desktop and portable computers _x_§ 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria _x_§ 1194.41 Information, Documentation, and Support A3.2. Equivalent Facilitation Alternatively, offerors may propose products and services that provide equivalent facilitation, pursuant to Section 508, subpart A, §1194.5. Such offerors will be considered to have provided equivalent facilitation when the proposed deliverables result in substantially equivalent or greater access to and use of information for those with disabilities.

A3.3. Compatibility with Assistive Technology The Section 508 standards do not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device. Section 508 requires that the EIT be compatible with such software and devices so that EIT can be accessible to and usable by individuals using assistive technology, including but not limited to screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech recognition software.

A3.4. Representation of Conformance In order to be considered eligible for award, offerors must submit the Government Product Accessibility Template (GPAT) to verify Section 508 conformance of their products and/or services. The GPAT will be incorporated into the resulting contract.

A3.5. Acceptance and Acceptance Testing Deliverables resulting from this solicitation will be accepted based in part on satisfaction of the identified Section 508 standards’ requirements for accessibility and must include a final/updated GPAT and final test results demonstrating Section 508 compliance.

Deliverables should meet applicable accessibility requirements and should not adversely affect accessibility features of existing EIT technologies. The Government reserves the right to independently test for 508 Compliance before delivery. The Contractor shall be able to demonstrate 508 Compliance upon delivery.

Automated test tools and manual techniques are used in the VA Section 508 compliance assessment. Additional information concerning tools and resources can be found at http://www.section508.va.gov/section508/Resources.asp.

Deliverable:

A. Updated GPAT B. Final Section 508 Compliance Test Results 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 Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer.

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 immediately all access privileges and authorizations upon employee termination.

f. Contractor PM and VA PM are informed within twenty-four (24) hours of any employee termination.

g. Acquisition sensitive information shall be marked "Acquisition Sensitive" and shall be handled as "For Official Use Only (FOUO)".

h. Contractor does not require access to classified data.

8. Regulatory standard of conduct governs all personnel directly and indirectly involved in procurements. All personnel engaged in procurement and related activities shall conduct business in a manner above reproach and, except as authorized by statute or regulation, with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none. The general rule is to strictly avoid any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in VA/Contractor relationships.

9. VA Form 0752 shall be completed by all Contractor employees working on this contract, and shall be provided to the CO before any work is performed. In the case that Contractor personnel are replaced in the future, their replacements shall complete VA Form 0752 prior to beginning work.

A6.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USING ENERGY-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

The Contractor shall comply with Sections 524 and Sections 525 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007; Section 104 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; Executive Order 13514, “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,” dated October 5, 2009; Executive Order 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” dated January 24, 2007; Executive Order 13221, “Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices,” dated August 2, 2001; and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to provide ENERGY STAR®, FEMP designated, low standby power, and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registered products in providing information technology products and/or services.

The Contractor shall ensure that information technology products are procured and/or services are performed with products that meet and/or exceed ENERGY STAR, FEMP designated, low standby power, and EPEAT guidelines. The Contractor shall provide/use products that earn the ENERGY STAR label and meet the ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency. Specifically, the Contractor shall:

1. Provide/use ENERGY STAR products, as specified at www.energystar.gov/products (contains complete product specifications and updated lists of qualifying products).

2. Provide/use the purchasing specifications listed for FEMP designated products at www.femp.energy.gov/procurement. The Contractor shall use the low standby power products specified at http://energy.gov/eere/femp/low-standby-power-products.

3. Provide/use EPEAT registered products as specified at www.epeat.net. At a minimum, the Contractor shall acquire EPEAT® Bronze registered products. EPEAT registered products are required to meet the technical specifications of ENERGY STAR, but are not automatically on the ENERGY STAR qualified product lists. The Contractor shall ensure that applicable products are on both the EPEAT Registry and ENERGY STAR Qualified Product Lists.

4. The Contractor shall use these products to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting from the overall quality delivered to the end user.

The following is a list of information technology products for which ENERGY STAR, FEMP designated, low standby power, and EPEAT registered products are available:

1. Computer Desktops, Laptops, Notebooks, Displays, Monitors, Integrated Desktop Computers, Workstation Desktops, Thin Clients, Disk Drives

2. Imaging Equipment (Printers Copiers, Multi-Function Devices, Scanners, Fax Machines, Digital Duplicators, Mailing Machines)

3. Televisions, Multimedia Projectors

This list is continually evolving, and as a result is not all-inclusive.

C. VIII. INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

Change is highlighted for ease of reference.

1. Submission - All invoices shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

Tungsten (fka OB10) ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Fax, email and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted data transmissions below.

· VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Financial Services Center (FSC) in Austin, TX uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

· A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site is http://www.x12.org.

Vendor e-invoice Set-up information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, TX for payment processing. If you have questions about the payment status of a properly submitted invoice, the e-invoicing program, or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

· Tungsten e-Invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135

· Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com

· FSC e-Invoice contact information: 1-877-353-9791

· FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

· http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

COMMUNICATIONS:

· https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/va-acquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests

· http://fcw.com/articles/2012/11/27/va-epayments.aspx?s=fcwdaily

1. Submission of Proper Invoice - The following data must be included in an invoice for it to constitute a proper invoice:

a. Name and address of the contract

b. Invoice date and number

c. IFCAP Purchase Order No.

d. Contract No.

1. Item number, description, quantity, unit of measure, price, extended price and a total of supplies delivered or services performed.

1. Cumulative billing (per line item and total)

1. Final invoices must be marked ‘FINAL INVOICE’

1. Proof of supplies delivered or services performed MUST also be provided. Signature, printed name and title of Government receiving official and date of delivery or performance period must be included.

INVOICES THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE REJECTED.

1. Contractor Remittance Address - All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

1. Invoice shall be submitted in the arrears -

a. Quarterly [ ]

b. Semi-Annually [ ]

c. Other [X] Monthly, upon delivery and acceptance of survey results by COR.

Point of Contact For information regarding the solicitation, please contact Mr. Jacky Jean-Jacques at Jacky.Jean-Jacques@va.gov or via phone at (240) 215-1652 or Selena Robinson at Selena Robinson @va.gov or via phone at (240) 215-1675.