36C10X20Q0194 Attachment A.pdf

36C10X20Q0194

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Solicitation/Synopsis Solicitation Number: 36C10X20Q0194 Posted Date: 09/03/2020 Original Response Date: 09/14/2020 8:00 AM Eastern Current Response Date: 09/14/2020 8:00 AM Eastern Product or Service Code: U099 Set Aside: Unrestricted NAICS Code: 611430 – Professional and Management

Development Training is most appropriate for this requirement. Size standard is 12.0 million

Contracting Office Address Strategic Acquisition Center—Frederick (SAC-F) Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 President’s Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

Description

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; “quotations” are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

(ii) This solicitation is a request for quotations (RFQ) 36C10X20Q0194.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2019-03 2020-09.

(iv) All Access Leadership Development Training Courses for VHA Employees

(v) This first page is to be removed upon award and replaced with a SF1449 and table of contents.

Questions are due by 8:00 AM EST, September 8, 2020. Any questions received after this date may not be answered.

Name and contact information for information regarding the solicitation:

Gary J. Ruc, Contract Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs, SAC-F, Gary.Ruc@va.gov Wanda Y. Edwards, Contracting Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, SAC-F, Wanda.Edwards@va.gov

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

mailto:Gary.Ruc@va.gov mailto:Wanda.Edwards@va.gov

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

c. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified under separate documentation (COR Delegation Letter) after award.

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] Monthly, after completion of deliverables.

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.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

(see invoicing/payment instructions)

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

STRATEGIC ACQUISITION CENTER-FREDERICK

CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONS

TUNGSTEN OB10/IPPS ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

COR (Contracting Officers Representative): TBD Contract/Task Order Number: TBD Purchase Order Number: TBD 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 FSC uses a third-party Contractor, OB10, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please see OB10 contact information below 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 (http://www.x12.org).

Vendor e-invoice Set-up information:

Please contact OB10 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 e-invoicing program or OB10, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

• OB10 e-Invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135

• OB10 e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@ob10.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

• VAFSCFiscalSection101@va.gov or you can call 512-460-5401 mailto:VA.Registration@ob10.com mailto:vafsccshd@va.gov http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/va-acquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests 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 mailto:VAFSCFiscalSection101@va.gov

B.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR VHA EMPLOYEES

REQUIREMENTS

The goal of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is to create clear, sustainable and repeatable training practices, both internally and externally, by utilizing the training products listed in this document. To date, approximately 3,689 VHA Supervisors have been trained on the ‘Crucial Conversations’ and ‘Crucial Accountability’ curriculum.

These training products shall focus on various techniques regarding how to conduct crucial conversations in a positive space, particularly when the topics of discussion are intense and emotionally charged discussions. Historically, as evidenced by VHA’s previous use of various training products, the outcomes will provide valuable tools for VHA’s employees to conduct conversations with Veterans and other internal VHA employees. As such, the Employee Education System’s (EES) objective is to purchase training courses, and thereafter assist the field offices in distributing these courses throughout the VHA.

Note, VHA has trained individual(s) to facilitate the courses, thereby eliminating the need to use outside instructors.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

At the request of the COR, Certified Trainer (CT) Support will be done virtually or on site. All other work will be conducted by trained VHA employees and via virtual means.

See the list of required items (brand name or equal) as described in the table below:

REQUIREMENTS TABLE

Item # Manufacturer / Part Number / Description Qty

Delivery

Place of Delivery

Crucial Conversations Participants Kits (guides with CD’s that are used in training)

4,000 EA

Within 30 days of contract award

Multiple Locations:

depends on office requesting training. At this time, these are estimates and may be adjusted at award

2 Program and certification courses 90 EA

Within 30 days of contract

Multiple Locations:

depends on office award requesting training.

At this time, these are estimates and may be adjusted at award.

Material should be brand name or equal to Crucial Conversation (VitalSmarts L.C.)

participant material kits and include, at a minimum, the following (Salient Characteristics) for the following deliverables:

Crucial Conversations Participants Kits (guides with CD’s that are used in training):

• Real Life Examples of communication successes and failures

• Guided Practice Exercises - Objectives should emphasize:

• Moments in time where conversations become "crucial" and realizes failure to step up to them can damage relationships and organizational results

• The results of failing to address difficult issues and interventions

• Understand the psychological and physiological process that occurs during a stress response and uses this information to manage difficult conversations

• Identifies ways individuals choose to avoid or sidestep difficult conversations and interventions to correct this behavior

• Understand your own response to stress and strategies to overcome

• Demonstrate the ability to obtain mutual respect, mutual purpose, and dialogue skills that minimize defensiveness

• Create an action plan that ensures follow up and accountability following a difficult conversation

• Must have a basis in psychological safety up to and including having psychological safety as a thread through the entire course

• Materials must allow some editing or have customization available to address healthcare scenarios and/or VA specific content

• Provide interactive Instructor Training through Webinar or face to face

• Ongoing Instructor Coaching through interactive courses

• Material Updates

• Materials must be compatible with VA Learning Platforms and systems such as the VA Talent Management System (TMS).

Program and Certification courses

• Access to at least 90 Program and Certification courses (each course shall not exceed 5 days)

• The courses provide participants who have completed previous Crucial Conversation participant course with the ability to become trainers for Crucial Conversation content.

• Certified Trainer (CT) Support to include:

• Certification done through Programs and Certifications courses (Virtually)– Currently all programs and certification are virtual. Face to Face Programs will resume when possible.

• At certification, all participants will be given all of the materials that they need as a trainer to conduct the Crucial Conversations training onsite.

• CTs have access to support and resources to assist them in the facilitation of programs.

• CTs have access to an Account Manager and Client Support Specialist to answer questions and give assistance when needed.

• CTs have access to vendor Certified Trainers for support.

• CTs will be notified and provided with updated materials as they become available.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

The business hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 0700-1530, excluding federal holidays. Any work at the Government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). For shipping addresses, see Attachment B VISN DLO List with Addresses.

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:

New Year's Day January 1 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

TRAVEL:

The Government anticipates minimal travel to perform the tasks associated with this effort. Travel costs will be directly reimbursed by the Government. No general and administrative (G&A) or overhead shall be allowed unless noted so in the price/cost schedule. Travel within a 50-mile radius of the contractor’s facility and government locations are considered “local travel” and will not be reimbursed. Travel to and from work is consider the cost of doing business and shall not be reimbursed. Contractor shall perform travel outside the local travel radius required to complete the requirements of this PWS as authorized, in advance, by the COR and funded by the government.

Travel costs will be paid in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) in effect at the time travel is taken. In order to be reimbursed for travel, contractor invoices shall comply with FAR 52.212-1. The government will reimburse contractor for all appropriate costs associated with official travel. Contractors performing official travel shall file a standard contract expense report (with receipts) upon completion of the travel.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance shall be one year. Performance shall begin 10 calendar days after contract award.

CONTRACT TYPE:

This contract shall be a firm fixed price contract.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Crucial Conversations Participants Kits (guides with CD’s that are used in training) Contract Period: Base

4000 EA __________ __________

0002 Program and certification courses Contract Period: Base

90 EA __________ __________

0003 Travel

(OPTIONAL)

If travel is necessary, it will be funded at that time Contract Period: Base

1 LT __________ __________

GRAND TOTAL ___________

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 FAR 52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND

REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (APR

2014)

(a) This contract and employees working on this contract will be subject to the whistleblower rights and remedies in the pilot program on Contractor employee whistleblower protections established at 41 U.S.C. 4712 by section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Pub. L. 112–239) and FAR 3.908.

(b) The Contractor shall inform its employees in writing, in the predominant language of the workforce, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712, as described in section 3.908 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts over the simplified acquisition threshold.

(End of Clause)

C.2 FAR 52.203-18 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT

REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR

STATEMENTS—REPRESENTATION (JAN 2017)

(a) Definition. As used in this provision—

Internal confidentiality agreement or statement, subcontract, and subcontractor, are defined in the clause at 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements.

(b) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions), Government agencies are not permitted to use funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) for contracts with an entity that requires employees or subcontractors of such entity seeking to report waste, fraud, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

(c) The prohibition in paragraph (b) of this provision does not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form 312, (Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement), Form 4414 (Sensitive Compartmented Information Nondisclosure Agreement), or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.

(d) Representation. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that it will not require its employees or subcontractors to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse related to the performance of a Government contract to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information (e.g., agency Office of the Inspector General).

(End of Provision)

C.3 FAR 52.212-5 -- CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (AUG

2020)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further

Continuing Appropriations Act 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and

Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and

Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 89(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015)

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77, 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the contracting officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

_X__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

___ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

___ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub L. 111-5) (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).

_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

___ (5) [Reserved]

_X__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111- 117, section 743 of Div. C).

___ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Oct 2015) (31 U.S.C.

6101 note).

_X__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

___ (10) [Reserved]

___ (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-3.

___ (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer)(15 U.S.C. 657a).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2011) of 52.219-4.

___ (13) [Reserved]

_X_ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011).

___ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011).

___ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.

___ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.

___ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)).

_X (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637 (d)(4)).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

___ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

___ (iv) Alternate III (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

___ (v) Alternate IV (Aug 2018) of 52.219-9.

___ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

___ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

___ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

___ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set- Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

_X_ (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

___ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C.

637(m)).

___ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

_X_ (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

_X_ (28) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2018) (E.O. 13126).

_X_ (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

_X_ (28) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

_X_ (29) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

___ (ii) Alternate I (July 2014) of 52.222-35.

_X_ (30) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

___ (ii) Alternate I (July 2014) of 52.222-36.

_X_ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

_X (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

_X_ (33) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (JAN 2019)

(22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50, (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

___ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

___ (35) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA- Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

___ (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

___ (36) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O.13693).

___ (37) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

___ (38) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514

___ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

___ (39) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Television (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-14.

___ (40) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (Dec 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

___ (41) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT® -Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

_X_ (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging while Driving (Aug 2011) (E.O. 13513).

___ (43) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

___ (44) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13696).

___ (45) (i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

___ (46) 52.225-1, Buy American--Supplies (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

___ (47) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C.

3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43).

___ (ii) Alternate I (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

___ (iii) Alternate II (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

___ (iv) Alternate III (May 2014) of 52.225-3.

___ (48) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Aug 2018) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C.

3301 note).

_X_ (49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

___ (50) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

___ (51) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

___ (52) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

___ (53) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

___ (54) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C.

4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

_X_ (55) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

___ (56) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (57) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

___ (58) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

_X_ (59) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(13)).

___ (60) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

___ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

___ (iii) Alternate II (Feb 2006) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

___ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495)

_ _ (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67.).

_ _ (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(Employee Class: 15090 Technical Instructor | Monetary Wage - Fringe Benefits: GS-7/$22.53);

___ (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

___ (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -- Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

___ (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-- Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

___ (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services--Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

_ _ (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015) (E.O.

13658).

__ (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

___ (10) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records -- Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)

(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Jan 2019) (41 U.S.C.

3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and

Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section

889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $700,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (1) of FAR clause 52.222-17.

(vii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(viii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(ix) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2019) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(x) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C.

793).

(xi) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xiii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018), (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiv) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Jan 2019) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 E.O. 13627).

(xv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment--Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67.)

(xvi) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services--Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67)

(xvii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015) (E. O. 12989).

(xviii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).

(xix) 52.222-62, Paid sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

(xx) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xxi) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(xxii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxiii)52.247-64, Preference for Privately-Owned U.S. Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of Clause)

C.4 FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

(End of Clause)

C.5 FAR 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS

(JUN 2013)

(a) Except as stated in paragraph (b) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(1) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(2) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(3) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(End of Clause)

C.6 FAR 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 2013)

(a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act.

(c) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items.

C.7 FAR 52.247-21 CONTRACTOR LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR

PROPERTY DAMAGE (APR 1984)

(a) The Contractor assumes responsibility for all damage or injury to persons or property occasioned through the use, maintenance, and operation of the Contractor's vehicles or other equipment by, or the action of, the Contractor or the Contractor's employees and agents.

(b) The Contractor, at the Contractor's expense, shall maintain adequate public liability and property damage insurance during the continuance of this contract, insuring the Contractor against all claims for injury or damage.

(c) The Contractor shall maintain Workers' Compensation and other legally required insurance with respect to the Contractor's own employees and agents.

(d) The Government shall in no event be liable or responsible for damage or injury to any person or property occasioned through the use, maintenance, or operation of any vehicle or other equipment by, or the action of, the Contractor or the Contractor's employees and agents in performing under this contract, and the Government shall be indemnified and saved harmless against claims for damage or injury in such cases.

(End of Clause)

C.8 FAR 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/index.asp

FAR/VAAR

Number Title Date

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

MAINTENANCE

OCT

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

JUL

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

DEC

(End of Addendum)

C.9 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

(End of Clause)

C.10 IF APPLICABLE VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018) (DEVIATION)

(a) This solicitation includes VAAR 852.219-10, VAAR 852.219-11, and FAR 52.219-6.

(b) Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 125.6. The Contractor is advised that in performing contract administration functions, the Contracting Officer may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the Contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to Contractor's offices where the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the Contractor's compliance with this requirement.

(c) All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the Contracting Officer in assessing the Contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs.

(d) Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the Contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, Obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The Contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the Contracting Officer to assess the Contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

(End of clause)

C.11 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

(3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies;

(4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or

(5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above.

(End of Clause)

C.12 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

The contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/she shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of Texas. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there from.

(End of Clause)

C.13 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN

2008)

The contracting officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee's authority. A copy of the designation shall be furnished to the contractor.

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

36C10X20Q0194 Attachment B VISN DLO List with Addresses

Attachment B VISN D

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

TIERED EVALUATIONS INCLUDING LARGE BUSINESS CONCERNS:

This solicitation is being issued as a tiered evaluation, with the following tiers: (1) SDVOSB concerns, (2) VOSB concerns, (3) small business concerns with HUBZone small business concerns and 8(a) participants having priority; and (4) large business concerns. If award cannot be made, the solicitation will be cancelled and the requirement resolicited.

This solicitation will be made using the following cascade set-aside order of precedence:

a. Any award under this solicitation will be made on a competitive basis first to an eligible Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concern, provided that there is adequate competition among such firms.

b. If there is inadequate competition for award to a SDVOSB concern, award will be made competitively to a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) concern, provided that there is adequate competition among such firms.

c. If there is inadequate competition for award to a VOSB concern, award will be made competitively to a Small Business concern, provided that there is adequate competition among such firms.

d. If there is inadequate competition for award to a Small Business concern, award will be made competitively to any business, regardless of socioeconomic size status.

e. Adequate competition shall be deemed to exist if:

i. At least two competitive offers are received from qualified, VetBiz-verified (if applicable), responsible business concerns at the tier under consideration; and

ii. Award will be made at a fair and reasonable price IAW FAR 13.106-3

f. The applicable NAICS code for this procurement is: 611430.

E.1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

I. The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

FAR/VAAR

Number Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(OCT 2018) OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY

CODE REPORTING JUL 2016

(End of Provision) (End of Addendum)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. All Questions and Quotes shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer via email to Gary.Ruc@va.gov and Wanda.edwards@va.gov by 8:00 AM EST, September 8, 2020.

b. All questions from contractors regarding this solicitation shall be submitted via email to the above on or before date/time specified herein. Only written questions will be accepted. It is requested that all questions be combined into one Microsoft Word document per contractor.

c. Quote shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer via email to Gary.Ruc@va.gov and Wanda.edwards@va.gov by 8:00 AM EST, September 14, 2020.

2. QUOTE FILES

a. Format:

The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and solicitation number in the header and/or footer.

Quote page limitations are applicable to this procurement. The Table below indicates the maximum page count (when applicable) for each volume of the contractor’s quote.

All files will be submitted as a Microsoft Excel (.xls), Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), or Acrobat (.pdf) file or compatible as indicated in the table. Page size shall be no greater than 8 ½ in. x 11 in. The top, bottom, left and right margins shall be a minimum of 1 in.

each. Font size shall be no smaller than 12 point. Times New Roman fonts are required.

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp mailto:Gary.Ruc@va.gov mailto:Wanda.edwards@va.gov mailto:Gary.Ruc@va.gov mailto:Wanda.edwards@va.gov

Characters shall be set at no less than normal spacing and 100% scale. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size not less than 8-point and may be landscape.

Line spacing shall be set at no less than single space. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. Page numbers, company logos, and headers and footers may be within the page margins ONLY and are not bound by the 12-point font requirement. Footnotes to text shall not be used. The use of hyperlinks in quotes is prohibited.

If the contractor submits annexes, documentation, attachments, or the like, not specifically required by this solicitation, such will count against the contractor’s page…