36C10X20R0011.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. DUNS: DUNS+4:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. 2/2012)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 67

36C10X21R0022

Jennifer Swift 2402151714 03-01-2021 01:00pm

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Suite 125

Frederick MD 21703

X 100

X

541611

$16.5 Million

N/A

X

Each Task Order will provide invoicing Instructions.

Veteran Enterprise Contracting for Transformation and Operational Readiness (VECTOR)

Submit proposal intentions to Todd.Synder@va.gov and Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov by February 24, 2021.

Questions shall be submitted to Todd.Synder@va.gov and Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov by February 17, 2020.

Contract Type: Multiple Award, IDIQ

$0.00

X X mailto:Todd.Synder@va.gov mailto:Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov mailto:Todd.Synder@va.gov mailto:Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

SECTION B – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION C – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 VECTOR TASK ORDER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

C.2 NOTICE OF HYBRID CONTRACT

C.3 52.203-99 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (DEVIATION) (FEB 2015) 14

C.4 52.208-9 – CONTRACTOR USE OF MANDATORY SOURCES OF SUPPLY OR

SERVICES

C.5 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(MAY 2015)

C.6 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY

2015) ALTERNATE I (MAY 2014)

C.7 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

C.8 FAR 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

C.9 FAR 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.10 FAR 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.11 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

C.12 FAR 52.228-5 INSURANCE - WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION

(JAN 1997)

C.13 FAR SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.14 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (JAN 2008)

C.15 VAAR 852.203-71 DISPLAY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

HOTLINE POSTER (DEC 1992)

C.16 FAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2012)

C.17 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

C.18 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.19 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 2013)

C.20 FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUN

2016)

C.21 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (DEC 2009)

C.22 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

C.23 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A - LABOR CATEGORIES

ATTACHMENT B - CONTRACT DISCREPANCY REPORT

ATTACHMENT C - VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

SECURITY/PRIVACY REQUIREMENT

ATTACHMENT D - VA CONTRACTOR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUEST

WORKSHEET

ATTACHMENT E - NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

ATTACHMENT F – TASK ORDER PROCEDURES

ATTACHMENT G – PROPOSAL BOOKLET

ATTACHMENT H – RESPONSES TO PAST QUESTIONS

ATTACHMENT I – SERVICE GROUP 1

See Attached – Attachment I – Service Group 1

ATTACHMENT J – SERVICE GROUP 2

ATTACHMENT K – SERVICES GROUP 4

See Attached – Attachment I – Service Group 4

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2015) 41

E.2 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

E.3 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

E.4 52.203-98 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS—REPRESENTATION

(DEVIATION) (FEB 2015)

E.5 FAR 52.209-5 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING AN

UNPAID TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW

(DEVIATION)(MAR 2012)

E.6 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL

2013)

E.7 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.8 FAR 52.227-15 REPRESENTATION OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA AND

RESTRICTED COMPUTER SOFTWARE (DEC 2007)

E.9 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.10 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (JAN 2008) 50

E.11 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION (JAN 2008)

E.12 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (JAN 1998)

E.13 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

E.14 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999)

E.15 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2014)

E.16 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN

2008)

E.17 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (OCT 2014)

SECTION B – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

(1) CONTRACTOR: TBD

(2) GOVERNMENT:

The Contracting Officer (CO) for Veteran Enterprise Contracting for Transformation and Operational Readiness (VECTOR) is as follows:

Todd Synder, Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition Operations Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

The Contract Specialist (CS) for Veteran Enterprise Contracting for Transformation and Operational Readiness (VECTOR) is as follows:

Jennifer Swift, Contract Specialist Office of Acquisition Operations Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

The VECTOR CO is responsible for providing overall scope oversight, maintaining communication between contractors and VA, ensuring contract compliance, and administering base contract and modifications. Each task order (TO) will have an identified CO who will be responsible for ensuring that TOs are within the scope of the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) base contracts, administering all TO awards, overseeing payment or rejection of invoices, and ensuring that annual performance evaluations are completed at the TO level.

The CO reserves the right to designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the IDIQ contract or individual TO level. The CO will issue a designation letter to the COR and the contractor to ensure that all parties understand the limited authority of the

COR.

Funding is not currently committed for this contract. SAC leadership expects that funding will be available; however, a contract will not be awarded until and unless funds become available. The VA will not reimburse bid and proposal costs in the event a contract is not awarded.

B. Minimum Guaranteed Amount and Maximum Value:

(1) The minimum guaranteed amount for this contract is $2,500.00, which will be obligated at the time of IDIQ award to each awardee. Orders beyond the minimum will be determined by department needs and the results of fair opportunity competitions, other than exceptions as noted in Attachment F. The Government has no obligation to award TOs beyond the minimum guaranteed amount.

(2) The maximum aggregate value of all awards and TOs under VECTOR is $25,000,000,000. This ceiling is neither divided nor multiplied by the number of awardees.

C. Interrelationships of Contractors:

The Government has entered into other contractual relationships in order to provide technical services throughout VA. These services are separate from VECTOR, but may be related to or in close proximity to those provided under VECTOR. Contractors may be required to coordinate with other contractors in providing its services. All contractors shall sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), Attachment E, prior to commencing services under the base contract or a TO award.

D. Future Competitions

In performing services of VECTOR, contractors may gain access to procurement sensitive information or be asked to provide support services in developing acquisition packages. Contractors are advised that such access or support may deem the contractor ineligible for award as a prime contractor, subcontractor or teaming partner on future procurements. Contractor’s failure to recuse itself from future competitions or present a mitigation plan in light of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), where applicable, may be grounds for termination under this contract and non-selection for future contracts in accordance with FAR Part 9.5.

E. Options

In accordance with FAR 17.2, TOs may contemplate the use of options. Inclusion of options at the TO level will be properly documented and approved in accordance with the FAR and agency procedures and will be clearly stated in the TOPR. FAR 52.217-9 will be included in any TOs that include options.

F. Invoicing

(1) All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with

52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management.

(2) Specific invoicing instructions will be specified at the TO level.

G. On-Ramping/Off-Ramping

Contractors are not required to respond to all TOPRs for which they are afforded the opportunity, however they are expected to do so. Contractors unable to perform the requirements as stated in a TOPR must submit a “no-bid” to the CO with a brief, yet specific, explanation. Repeated failure to provide a proposal or adequate rationale for failure to propose may result in off-ramping at no cost to the Government.

Contractors will be required to recertify small business status annually from the effective date of contract award. This will not automatically result in the off-ramping of a contractor that exceeds the size standard at that time; however, the Government reserves the right to do so at no cost to the Government. If a contractor recertifies as a large business during this annual re-certification, and is not immediately off-ramped, the contractor will be evaluated in Tier 3 for the remainder of its contract ordering period.

The Government reserves the right to “on-ramp” additional contractors throughout the ordering period to ensure adequate competition in each service group. Should the Government exercise this right, a new solicitation with identical requirements, terms, and conditions will be issued to the FBO. Awardees will be added to the pool of VECTOR contractors for future competitions. Contracts awarded via the “on-ramp” process will share in, but not increase, the previously established ceiling. The “on-ramping” process will not extend the ordering period.

“On-ramping” and “off-ramping” processes may occur independently and are not guaranteed as a result of the other. The decision to “on-ramp” and “off-ramp” is at the sole discretion of the Government.

H. Subcontracting

Prime contractors may propose different subcontractors at the TO level than initially proposed at the IDIQ level. Contractors in Tier 1 for the base award, will not automatically fall into Tier 1 for subsequent Task Orders. For each TO proposal, the size standards of the proposed team will determine what tier the contractor will be evaluated in for that TO. (For example, prime contractors may be in Tier 1 for the base award, and Tier 2 or 3 for a specific task order proposal.) This provides the flexibility for the prime contractor to build its team to best meet each requirement.

Once a task order is awarded, changes to the subcontracting team must be approved by the Contracting Officer. (This includes subcontractors that wish to subcontract at any level.)

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 SCOPE

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) describes the requirements for support of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program offices and its customers in order to accomplish VA’s mission and strategic goals, priorities, and initiatives. Much of this support work is best performed through the use of expert contractor support, with critical market-based skills that augment the internal activities of VA program offices. This acquisition, referred to as Veteran Enterprise Contracting for Transformation and Operational Readiness (VECTOR), will provide a department-wide vehicle for a broad range of general management and business support services and solutions. VECTOR consists of six groups of services: Group 1 – Management and Improvement, Group 2 – Analysis, Group 3 – Training, Group 4 – Outreach, Group 5 – Supply Chain, and Group 6 – Human Resources and Staffing.

For the base contract and any subsequent Task Order (TO) awards, the contractor shall provide the contractor personnel, comprehensive management, materials, equipment, facilities, travel, supervision of contractor resources, and any required deliverables necessary to satisfy the requirement. Each contract will specify the scope of the service groups for which award is being made. The contractor shall perform the work in accordance with the resultant base contract, and any TO awards. Information Technology (IT) development and administrative or clerical tasks which are not strictly incidental to the requirements are outside the scope of this contract.

This PWS provides the scope of the base contract and general requirements. Specific requirements will be defined in each individual TO. Each TO will include requirements from one or more of the six groups. Each TO will be managed by a Government Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) who has direct experience in the business requirement on which the TO is focused.

The services within the scope of this Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, as described in Section 3.0 below, can be used by all VA organizations.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Type of Contract

The contract shall be an IDIQ contract. TOs shall be issued on a firm fixed price basis or labor hour basis as specified in the TO. VA organizations will issue Task Orders Proposal Requests (TOPRs) against this IDIQ contract. Awardee contractors may submit a proposal in response to a TOPR, using the terms and evaluation factors found in the TOPR, as well as the terms and conditions set forth in Section B of the base contract, as guidance for preparing a proposal. A TO will be awarded to the Contractor that has proposed the best value solution to the requirement set out in the TOPR. Services will be performed by contractors in labor categories defined by Section 3 of this PWS. For each TO, the contractor shall provide the contractors requested, comprehensive management, and supervision of contractor resources, and any required deliverables.

2.2 Contract Ordering Period

The ordering period for the base IDIQ contract will align with the current VECTOR base contracts. Therefore, the Base POP will be from date of award to August 26, 2023, with one 5-year Option Period of August 27, 2023 to August 26, 2028.

2.3 Place of Performance

The place of performance will be specified in each TO. Work may be required to be performed at a contractor facility (off-site), Government furnished facility (on-site), or any other location with the Continental United States. When work is performed on-site, the Government anticipates that the majority of the work will be performed in Washington D.C.

2.4 Travel

The travel requirements will be specified in each TO.

Contractor travel will be in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel costs. For purposes of calculating travel reimbursement, the contractor shall use its provided facility as the duty station.

Local travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Non-local travel will require a 10 business day written authorization from the COR. Expenses for travel will be reimbursed based on actual expenses incurred up to the limits authorized by the current General Services Administration’s (GSA) per diem rates published on the GSA website. Each contractor invoice shall include copies of all receipts that support the travel costs claimed in the invoice. The contractor is only entitled to actual cost spent while on travel that falls within the parameters as set forth within the Federal Travel Regulations, to include food.

Local travel within a 50-mile radius from the contractor’s facility or assigned Government facility is considered the cost of doing business and will not be reimbursed. This includes travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time. Travel performed for personal convenience and daily travel to and from work at the contractor’s facility will not be reimbursed.

Travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time for travel beyond a 50-mile radius of the contractor’s facility may be authorized on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-approved by the COR. G&A is prohibited and will not be reimbursed.

2.5 Hours of Contractor Operations (Government-Provided Work Site)

Work performed on TOs issued under this contract are anticipated to occur Monday through Friday, within the hours of 0600 Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 1800 EST, except as authorized by the COR.

Federal law (5 U.S.C. § 6103) establishes the public holidays listed in these pages for Federal employees. Please note that most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. For these employees, when a holiday falls on a non-workday - Saturday or Sunday -the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). Visit www.opm.gov to see holidays for a specific year.

2.6 Government-Furnished Information, Equipment, and Facilities

Government-Furnished Information (GFI), Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), and Government-Furnished Facilities (GFF), if applicable, will be specified as necessary by each individual TO.

2.7 Contract Minimum and Maximum Dollar Values

In accordance with FAR 16.504(a)(4)(ii) the maximum aggregate dollar value for all TOs awarded under this IDIQ is $25,000,000,000.00 and the minimum dollar guarantee for each awardee is $2,500.00.

3.0 SERVICE GROUPS AND LABOR CATEGORIES

3.1 General Requirements

Contractor personnel shall have the level of experience necessary to accomplish the requirements of this PWS. In addition, contractor personnel shall be acceptable to the Government in terms of personal and professional conduct, and in technical knowledge.

Furthermore, contractor personnel are expected to be proficient in using office automation equipment and software, and have sufficient written and verbal communication skills to support VA program offices, their customers and any other VA organizations. Should any contractor personnel be determined to be unacceptable in terms of technical competency or unacceptable conduct or behavior while on-site or while working on contract activities, the contractor shall immediately remove and replace the unacceptable on-site personnel at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor personnel are to serve in a support role; therefore, final decisions regarding inherently governmental functions will always be made by Government personnel.

3.2 Service Requirements

Services performed shall be of a non-personal nature. VA organizations will not provide supervision of contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall at no time allow an employer-employee relationship to develop with VA organizations or their staff. VA organizations will refrain from any activities that create the appearance of such a relationship.

http://www.opm.gov/

Contractors shall not perform inherently governmental functions including: decision-making, supervision of Government employees, supervision of other contractors on other contracts, and activities that create the appearance of performing such functions.

3.3 Service Groups

The contractor shall provide services, labor categories, and solutions necessary to fulfill the scope of one or more of the following groups:

3.3.1 Group 1 – Management and Improvement

The contractor shall provide services as they relate to program and project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, quality measurement, business process reengineering, business process improvement, and business process management, and change management and transition, as outlined below.

3.3.1.1 Program and Project Management

The contractor shall provide support to assist the Government in implementing disciplined, comprehensive, and flexible program and project management processes, including monitoring of project metrics, rigorous risk management, and prompt reporting on Government-approved cost, schedule, performance, and risk baseline. The contractor shall also assist in the development of procurement request packages, including statements of work and cost estimates.

3.3.1.2 Strategic Planning

The contractor shall provide support of strategic planning, including development of strategic goals, objectives, strategies, performance measures, targets, improved programmatic outcomes, and linkages to programming, budgeting and evaluations.

3.3.1.3 Performance Measurement

The contractor shall provide support of strategic performance measurement development, including improved linkage between VA-wide strategic planning and goals and VA programmatic outcomes; and implementation of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act (GPRAMA).

3.3.1.4 Business Process Reengineering, Improvement and Management

The contractor shall conduct studies in support of system redesign and business process reengineering, improvement and management. The contractor shall develop and execute implementation plans and support the process of implementing and sustaining improvements.

3.3.1.5 Change Management and Transition

The contractor shall support all activities associated with organizational change, including transition management, implementation of major initiatives, communications associated with major initiatives, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, organizational transformation, and culture change.

3.3.1.6 Quality Measurement

The contractor shall provide support of quality management systems, tools, and techniques to help organizations transform, including, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), ISO 9000/9001, and the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award criteria.

3.3.1.7 Data Governance

The contractor shall support in the management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the VA’s data. Services may include consultations, and process improvements.

3.3.2 Group 2 – Analysis

The contractor shall provide services as they related to studies and analysis and information and records management, as outlined below.

3.3.2.1 Studies/Surveys

The contractor shall provide studies as they relate to staffing, evaluation, human resources, organization, leadership, efficiency, effectiveness, gap analysis, organization development, and emergency preparedness. These services may include management analysis, including organizational studies that specifically assess and analyze current organization states and management systems and perform gap analysis of differences between current and targeted states, including findings and recommendations, return of investment analysis conducting surveys, focus groups, and other accepted techniques for data collection in support of organization studies that specifically assess and analyze current organization states and management systems.

3.3.2.2 Statistical and Actuarial Analysis

The contractor shall evaluate, recommend, design, and develop solutions to compile, evaluate, analyze, control, secure, and disseminate timely, relevant, objective, and accurate data and information to VA and VA stakeholders, including web-based designs, operational systems, document storage, applications, models, and assessment of existing legacy systems.

3.3.2.3 Management Analysis

The contractor shall conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.

3.3.2.4 Records Information Management

The contractor shall conduct the proper practice of life cycle managing and editing the records of a VA entity. These services may include the digitization of hard records to electronic media, disposition of records, and storage of records in accordance with specific regulations.

3.3.2.5 Financial and Business Performance Auditing

The contractor shall conduct independent audits of designated programs and financial services to ensure compliance of applicable laws and statutes for various VA entities. These services may include pre-audit activities to ensure compliance, adherence to Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards (GAGAS), and attestation engagements.

3.3.3 Group 3 – Training

No contractors are being on-ramped to Service Group 3.

3.3.4 Group 4 – Outreach

The contractor shall provide services as they relate to outreach, promotional materials, and advertising.

3.3.4.1 Advertising Services

The contractor shall develop materials to promote the public and private awareness of the Veteran’s Affairs mission, goals, initiatives and objectives to ensure complete understanding of the complex and technical aspects of the VA. Services may include the following components:

advertising objective determination, message decision / creation, media selection, outdoor marketing and media services, broadcast media (radio, TV and public service announcements), direct mail services, media planning, media placement services, advertising evaluation, and related activities to advertising services.

3.3.4.2 Media Buying

The contractor shall assist in the procurement of advertising and outreach activities that can be in the form of television stations time, periodicals ads, internet advertisement, and etc. for the VA. The contractor shall provide support in negotiating media in accordance with research and analysis and purchasing paid advertising to impact targeted audiences; generating excitement and awareness of VA benefits and services.

3.3.4.3 Public Relations Services/Outreach

The contractor shall assist in the strategic communication plan that builds beneficial relationships between the VA, the public, and other entities. The Contractor shall provide support to assist in developing plans for various Department-wide outreach campaigns and recommending the most effective way of communicating a message in print, electronic format, or both, including social media and web-based outreach.

3.3.4.4 Conference, Events, and Tradeshow Planning Services

The contractor shall develop and support the VA in preparation of conference, seminars, events and tradeshow planning services by providing materials that can be presented and/or provided to participants of these events. Services may include the following components for a show, event and/or booth: project management, coordination and implementation of third party participation, collection management of third party payment for participation, liaison support with venue, audiovisual and information technology support, topic and speaker identification, site location research, reservation of facilities, on-site meeting and registration support, editorial services, automation and telecommunications support, design and editing productions; and mailing and other communication with attendees including pre/post meeting mailings/travel support and computer database creation.

3.3.4.5 Promotional Materials

The contractor shall develop promotional materials in multiple medium. This type of medium can include pamphlets, posters, brochures, and etc. Services may include the following components: developing conceptual design and layouts, providing copywriting and technical writing services, creating sketches, drawings, publication designs, and typographic layouts; and furnishing custom or stock artwork (including electronic artwork).

3.3.4.6 Video/Film Production

The contractor shall develop video and/or film materials in multiple mediums to include digital media for the use by the VA. Services may include final editing, copyrights and editing to fit various formats, i.e. High-Definition, streaming, Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), etc.

3.3.4.7 Graphics Design

The contractor shall support in the development of visual communication through the use of photography, illustration, visual arts, page layout, etc. Services may include logo design, periodical design, web design, and signage.

3.3.5 Group 5 – Supply Chain

No contractors are being on-ramped to Service Group 5.

3.3.6 Group 6 – Human Resources and Staffing

No contractors are being on-ramped to Service Group 6.

3.4 Labor Categories

Attachment A, Labor Categories, provides a comprehensive list of labor categories, descriptions, minimum education and experience requirements, as well as identification for which service groups the labor categories are applicable.

It is expected that the minimum education and experience will be in a field or specialty that directly relates to the labor category and TO requirements. The CO reserves the right to grant waivers for the education and experience requirements at the task order level. Waivers for education may be on the basis of additional years of experience, industry certifications, or equivalent trainings. Waivers for experience may be on the basis of additional years of education and exceptionally specialized experience. Individual TOs may cite additional equivalencies that will be recognized. Contractor’s request for waiver must be provided in writing to the CO, and the CO’s authorization must be provided in writing to the contractor.

4.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide all deliverables identified in the individual TOs in formats as specified in the TO. All deliverables, unless otherwise specified, shall use Microsoft Office compatible formats.

All deliverables shall be compliant with Section 508, 1998 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 according to the particular requirements for each such deliverable.

5.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

5.1 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

In accordance with FAR 37.102, TOs issued under this IDIQ will be performance-based to the maximum extent practicable. Each TO will define the QASP, to include specific performance standards and measures at the TO level.

5.2 Contractor Performance

Attachment B, Contractor Discrepancy Report (CDR), may be issued by a CO or COR to document less than acceptable performance by the contractor at any point during the period of performance. It should be noted that issuance of a CDR should not be the first form of communication or plan of resolution unless the seriousness of the situation warrants such formal documentation from onset. The CO, COR, and contractor shall maintain open and effective communications to avoid the issuance of CDRs to the maximum extent practicable. All parties acknowledge that a finalized CDR will become part of the official file and will be used to report on annual performance under the IDIQ. If use of a CDR is warranted, the CO/COR shall complete the CDR, citing the IDIQ and/or TO number and the specific IDIQ and/or TO section or clause related to the performance issue. The CO/COR shall provide a detailed and descriptive narrative of the background and issue. Upon receipt of the CDR, the contractor shall provide a timely and detailed response to the CO/COR. The contractor’s response shall include any important or relevant information or justification for the performance issue and a proposed resolution. The CO/COR will review the response from the contractor and the CO will issue a final recommendation or plan of action. The CO, COR, and contractor will maintain communication to ensure that the recommendation or plan of action is carried out.

The contractor’s performance on all TOs will be reported to the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) on an annual basis. The CO and COR will make use of information from CDRs and the TO Performance Evaluations, as well as any additional knowledge and information available to them with respect to the contractor’s performance, to complete the CPARS. Contractors shall familiarize themselves with the CPARS process and be prepared to respond to reports entered by the CO and COR.

6.0 SECURITY AND PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS

All contractors and contractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal security and privacy laws, regulations, standards and VA policies as VA personnel, including the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, regarding information and information system security. Contractors must follow all security and privacy requirements, per applicable VA regulations and directives.

SECTION C – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 VECTOR TASK ORDER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The terms and conditions of the Contractor’s Veteran Enterprise Contracting for Transformation and Operational Readiness (VECTOR) base contract (including and contract modifications) apply to any order resultant from this solicitation.

C.2 NOTICE OF HYBRID CONTRACT

This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that will result in Firm-Fixed Price and/or Labor-Hour type task orders.

C.3 52.203-99 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (DEVIATION) (FEB 2015)

(a) The Contractor shall not require employees or contractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with 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.

(b) The contractor shall notify employees that the prohibitions and restrictions of any internal confidentiality agreements covered by this clause are no longer in effect.

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

(d)(1) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), use of funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) under that or any other Act may be prohibited, if the Government determines that the Contractor is not in compliance with the provisions of this clause.

(2) The Government may seek any available remedies in the event the contractor fails to comply with the provisions of this clause.

(End of Clause)

C.4 52.208-9 – CONTRACTOR USE OF MANDATORY SOURCES OF SUPPLY OR

SERVICES

(a) Certain supplies or services to be provided under this contract for use by the Government are required by law to be obtained from nonprofit agencies participating in the program operated by the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (the Committee) under 41 U.S.C. 8504. Additionally, certain of these supplies are available from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the General Services Administration (GSA), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Contractor shall obtain mandatory supplies or services to be provided for Government use under this contract from the specific sources indicated in the contract schedule.

(b) The Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer if a mandatory source is unable to provide the supplies or services by the time required, or if the quality of supplies or services provided by the mandatory source is unsatisfactory. The Contractor shall not purchase the supplies or services from other sources until the Contracting Officer has notified the

Contractor that the Committee or an AbilityOne central nonprofit agency has authorized purchase from other sources.

(c) Price and delivery information for the mandatory supplies is available from the Contracting Officer for the supplies obtained through the DLA/GSA/VA distribution facilities. For mandatory supplies or services that are not available from DLA/GSA/VA, price and delivery information is available from the appropriate central nonprofit agency. Payments shall be made directly to the source making delivery. Points of contact for AbilityOne central nonprofit agencies are:

(1) National Industries for the Blind (NIB) 1310 Braddock Place Alexandria, VA 22314-1691

(703) 310-0500; and

(2) NISH

8401 Old Courthouse Road Vienna, VA 22182

(571) 226-4660.

(End of Clause)

C.5 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY

2015)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, contract line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected contract line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by

33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the

Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n)…