36C10X21Q0024 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

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

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 59

None

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C10X21Q0024

X

The purpose of this modification is to:

1. Post questions & answers recieved to this solicitation.

2. Create a new CLIN in Section B.3, Cost/Price Schedule, for individual examiner credentialing.

3. Change the CLIN for the base and all option periods, for ad hoc examination requests, to be non separately priced.

4. Amend Section E.1 to include an optional 1-page narrative explanation of vendor's completed Section B.3.

5. Amend Section E.1, past performance, to clarify only 3 maximum references are allowed, at least 1 of them for the prime contractor.

All changes are highlighted in yellow. There are no other changes to the terms and conditions of this solicitation.

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: To be Selected

b. GOVERNMENT: Roxana Cepeda, Contracting Officer 36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick

Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103

Frederick, MD 21703

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 submission of deliverables in Section B.3

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

PO BOX 149971

(see Section B.1 invoicing/payment)

Austin TX 78714-8917

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Medical Provider Credential Verification for VA’s Medical Disability Examination Program

A. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Medical Disability Examination Office (MDEO) is seeking Contractor services in verifying the credentials of non-VA medical professionals that are performing medical examinations for VA.

Specifically the VA is seeking Contractor services to verify credentialing of medical professionals (examiners) including, but not necessarily limited to license state, number, specialty, accreditation and status as well as any potential or pending civil or criminal litigation.

The scope of work for this contract will begin with a list of approximately 12,000 providers, all of whom were credentialed in 2020 for MDEO. Up to 5,000 new providers will be added each month. A database, consisting of the information above, will be created and maintained for all examiners and updated monthly, as adverse actions are noted, as providers become inactive, or on an ad-hoc basis. A similar credentialing database (additional tab in same workbook) will be created and maintained for examiners in foreign locations, with professionally identifying information, as available for foreign providers.

B. BACKGROUND

On October 9, 1996, Congress enacted Public Law 104-275, which authorized VA to contract for medical examinations from non-VA medical sources. Under this authority VA contracts Medical Disability Examination providers across multiple vendors, from multiple regions across the country, including providers in foreign locations.

On December 16, 2016, Congress enacted Public Law PL 114-315- Sec 109, which introduced the Portability Act, allowing physicians with a valid and unrestricted medical license to conduct Medical Disability Examinations in states other than that in which they are licensed. The following examiner types are not covered under the license portability act: Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Audiologists, Mental Health professionals other than Psychiatrists (PsyD, PhD, SW, MFT, LPC, NCC, etc.), and Dentists.

C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be a base period of 12 months plus four 12-month option periods, subject to the availability of funds, and at the discretion of the MDEO.

D. TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a firm fixed priced, performance-based contract. Failure to meet the published performance requirements for more than two consecutive quarters may result in termination of the contract.

E. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work shall take place at the Contractor’s facility and all data transmissions will be routed to a point of presence designated by MDEO. No documents may be transferred or communicated outside of the United States, and all work must be performed within the United States.

F. SCOPE

MDEO has a requirement for a Contractor to provide credentialing and verification services, including creating and maintaining a database for tracking changes, for non-VA medical professionals (foreign & domestic), including but not limited to:

1. National Provider Identifier (NPI)

2. State of licensure

3. License number

4. Specialty

5. Accreditation

6. Status of Licensure

7. Any prior or current disciplinary proceedings involving professional conduct that would involve a license being revoked or suspended at the time when the requested VA examination was performed.

8. Current or pending civil or criminal litigation

9. Customer satisfaction reported from customer facing data sources such as Healthgrades, Vitals, RateMDs, WebMD or similar

The scope of this contract shall be to verify credentials for all active and unique non-VA medical providers in all regions across the country and in specified foreign locations. A database of this population will be created and maintained for domestic providers, and in a separate tab, foreign providers, and VA will be given access. It is anticipated the number of unique examiner names will be up to 5,000 per month after an initial ramp-up period in which approximately 12,000 examiner names from 2020 will be submitted. This would be accomplished in a spreadsheet or other appropriate format. Additional research may be required on a case-by-case or individual examiner basis (ad-hoc) as a result of negative customer satisfaction comment cards or reports from Veterans related to unsatisfactory service.

MDEO will send a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to the Contractor once per month, or as new examiners are identified. The Contractor shall, at minimum, verify all requested information listed above for all examiners, both existing and new, and return the Spreadsheet, or similar database in the agreed upon format via file transfer to MDEO.

The Contractor shall verify all examiners using approved credentialing software that includes review of individual state licensing databases, The List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE), System for Award Management (SAM/GSA), and any additional credentialing resources or reputable rating resources.

All information in the examiner database would be publicly available information and would not need to be shared via a secure file transfer. The C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required. The Contractor shall perform all services needed to deliver the updated database or agreed upon monthly report back to VBA within ten business days from the date MDEO sends the spreadsheet of new examiners. The Contractor shall maintain the database and the ability to retransmit any previously transmitted information for the duration of the Period of Performance. Upon completion of the Period of Performance, the database becomes the property of VBA.

The Contractor shall maintain regular contact with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) via a monthly update meeting or as needed for any issues related to the contract, including but not limited to a planned system outage or non-compliance with examiner list due date.

G. SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES

Deliverable Due Date Ramp Up Within 10-days of contract award, MDEO COR will send the first spreadsheet containing all examiner names established with vendors during FY2020. Credentialing of all examiners listed will be completed. This spreadsheet will be used to create the living database

Monthly Reporting Requirement A spreadsheet of all new examiner names added since the initial spreadsheet will be submitted to the Contractor on a monthly basis.

Examiner names and requested information shall be sent to the Contractor by MDEO COR no later than the 10th of each month.

Monthly Call Requirement Contractor shall meet with MDEO COR and other MDEO staff, via Microsoft Teams, or other VA used virtual meeting platform, to review submitted credentialing report and answer any questions. Monthly date to be determined.

Ad-Hoc Requirement MDEO COR will submit single examiner names on a periodic basis, based on needs of the MDEO program. Generally due back to MDEO COR immediately or no more than one business day from time sent.

The newly created database with all examiner credentialing completed shall be submitted to the MDEO COR no more than 30 days from date of submission. A start-up call that shall include the Contractor and MDEO COR, MDEO Officer and other MDEO staff will occur as needed.

A Monthly Report shall be submitted by the contractor to the MDEO COR, no later than 10 days after send date of spreadsheet email.

Report shall contain the completed credentialing spreadsheet and a brief roll-up report of examiner credentialing for all examiners, to include names of providers that were added or removed from the previous list.

Monthly Credentialing Call shall be scheduled on a date to be determined at the convenience of MDEO, on a regular and ongoing basis, to review the written monthly report.

Ad-Hoc credentialing check and any other discoverable documentation related to examiner in question shall be completed by the Contractor at no additional charge and submitted in a brief report format to the MDEO COR via email, no more than one business day from time of request sent. If the Contractor cannot complete the request within the one business day timeframe, the Contractor shall notify the COR within the prescribed timeframe with an estimated time for completion.

H. GENERAL INFORMATION

Contractor shall create and maintain a living database of all examiners and corresponding credentials, have the ability to run specific reports as needed with limited lead time and have the ability to process requests for ad-hoc reports at no additional charge with due date not to exceed one business day from time of request. If the Contractor cannot complete the request within the one business day timeframe, the Contractor shall notify the COR within the prescribed timeframe with an estimated time for completion.

Contractor shall create a monthly roll-up report of credentialing activity and outcomes, to be shared with MDEO COR and other staff in a monthly virtual meeting to be held via Microsoft Teams, or other VA approved virtual platform.

Contractor shall provide an annual Quality Assurance Plan. The plan shall outline how the examiner credentials and other information is being verified, is current and correct. The plan shall also illustrate how the Contractor provides program oversight, meeting deliverable deadlines, as well as their approach in resolving conflicts.

Contractor shall provide secure handling of all records received to ensure unauthorized release of information does not occur.

I. KEY PERSONNEL

Contractor agrees to a have a point of contact (POC) and back-up POC available to answer any inquiries from MDEO. The Contractor agrees that the POC shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without notification to the CO and COR.

J. POST-AWARD EVALUATION OF PAST PERFORMANCE

Interim and final evaluations of Contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation 42.15. The final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. Interim and final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor will be permitted thirty days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. Any disagreement between the parties regarding an evaluation will be referred to an individual one level above the CO, whose decision will be final. Copies of the evaluations, Contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions. Critical evaluation factors include cost, service level agreement (SLA) approval, capacity to expand services, pickup and deliver solutions, and past performance.

K. TRAVEL

Travel is not required.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVIC

ES

QUANTIT

Y

UNI

T UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 EA ________________

Initial Database Creation - Base Period Ramp-Up Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

12.00 EA ________________

Monthly Reporting Requirement - Base Period Contract Period: Base

12.00

Monthly Call Requirement Contract Period: Base

25.00 EA NSP NSP

Ad Hoc/Single-Examiner Credentialing Requests (to be billed as request completed) Contract Period: Base

1.00 EA Not separately

priced (NSP)

NSP

Annual Quality Assurance Plan Contract Period: Base

0006 MDE Individual Provider 60,000 EA ___________ Credentialing (to be billed per provider credential performed)

Total Base Period:

Monthly Reporting Requirement - Base Period

Contract Period: Option 1

Monthly Call Requirement Contract Period: Option 1 request completed) Contract Period: Option 1

1.00 EA NSP NSP

Annual Quality Assurance Plan

Contract Period: Option 1

1005 MDE Individual Provider 60,000 EA ______________ Credentialing (to be billed per provider credential performed)

Total Option Period 01:

Monthly Reporting Requirement - Base Period

Contract Period: Option 2

Monthly Call Requirement Contract Period: Option 2 request completed) Contract Period: Option 2

Contract Period: Option 2

2005 MDE Individual Provider 60,000 EA ____________ Credentialing (to be billed per provider credential performed)

Total Option Period 02:

Monthly Reporting Requirement - Base Period

Contract Period: Option 3

Monthly Call Requirement Contract Period: Option 3

0.00 EA NSP NSP

request completed) Contract Period: Option 3

Contract Period: Option 3

3005 MDE Individual Provider 60,000 EA ________________ Credential (to be billed per provider credential performed)

Total Option Period 03:

Monthly Reporting Requirement - Base Period

Contract Period: Option 4

Monthly Call Requirement Contract Period: Option 4 request completed) Contract Period: Option 4

Contract Period: Option 4

4005 MDE Individual Provider Credential 60,000 EA ___________ (to be billed per provider credential performed)

Total Option Period 04:

GRAND TOTAL ________________

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS (OCT 2018)

(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, 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 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) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) 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:

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

(ii) 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.

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

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) 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.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause)

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have 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 following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.2 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.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five and a half (5.5) years.

(End of Clause)

C.4 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

(a) The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement agency policy applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The following provisions and clauses that have been checked by the Contracting Officer are incorporated by reference.

[X] 852.203–70, Commercial Advertising.

[] 852.209–70, Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

[] 852.211–70, Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

[] 852.214–71, Restrictions on Alternate Item(s).

[] 852.214–72, Alternate Item(s). [Note: this is a fillable clause.]

[] 852.214–73, Alternate Packaging and Packing.

[] 852.214–74, Marking of Bid Samples.

[] 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors.

[] 852.215–71, Evaluation Factor Commitments.

[] 852.216–71, Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index.

[] 852.216–72, Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index.

[] 852.216–73, Economic Price Adjustment—State Nursing Home Care for Veterans.

[] 852.216–74, Economic Price Adjustment—Medicaid Labor Rates.

[] 852.216–75, Economic Price Adjustment—Fuel Surcharge.

[] 852.219–9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements.

[X] 852.219–10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside.

[] 852.219–11, VA Notice of Total Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside.

[] 852.222–70, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards—Nursing Home Care for Veterans.

[] 852.228–70, Bond Premium Adjustment.

[] 852.228–71, Indemnification and Insurance.

[] 852.228–72, Assisting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in Obtaining Bonds.

[X] 852.232–72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

[X] 852.233–70, Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution.

[X] 852.233–71, Alternate Protest Procedure.

[] 852.237–70, Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance.

[] 852.246–71, Rejected Goods.

[] 852.246–72, Frozen Processed Foods.

[] 852.246–73, Noncompliance with Packaging, Packing, and/or Marking Requirements.

[X] 852.270–1, Representatives of Contracting Officers.

[] 852.271–72, Time Spent by Counselee in Counseling Process.

[] 852.271–73, Use and Publication of Counseling Results.

[] 852.271–74, Inspection.

[] 852.271–75, Extension of Contract Period.

[] 852.273–70, Late Offers.

[] 852.273–71, Alternative Negotiation Techniques.

[] 852.273–72, Alternative Evaluation.

[] 852.273–73, Evaluation—Health-Care Resources.

[] 852.273–74, Award without Exchanges.

(b) All requests for quotations, solicitations, and contracts for commercial item services to be provided to beneficiaries must include the following clause:

[] 852.237–74, Nondiscrimination in Service Delivery.

(End of Clause)

C.5 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

(a) This solicitation includes VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service- Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business Set-Aside.

(b) Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 125.6, or the limitations on subcontracting requirements in the FAR clause, as applicable. 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.6 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):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

FAR Number Title Date

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND

REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER

FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.224-1 PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION APR 1984

52.224-2 PRIVACY ACT APR 1984

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

DEC 2013

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.7 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 889(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 and 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 (JUN 2020), 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 (JUN 2020) (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 (JUN 2020) (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. (JUN 2020) (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 (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

[] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-4.

[] (13) [Reserved]

[X] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (17)(i) 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JUN 2020) (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 (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (18)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (MAR 2020) (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)).

[X] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAY 2020) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

[] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (MAR 2020) (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 (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(17))

[X] (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (28) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2020) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (30)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (31)(i) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (33) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act

(DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (35)(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).

[X] (36) 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.)

[] (37)(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.)

[] (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (40)(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.

[] (41)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[] (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C.

8259b).

[] (43)(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] (44) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving

(JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

[] (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (46) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[X] (47) (i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[] (48) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (49)(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.

[] (50) 52.225–5, Trade Agreements (OCT 2019) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

[X] (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

[] (52) 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).

[] (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C.

5150).

[] (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[X] (55) 52.229–12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (JUN 2020).

[] (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[] (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (JAN 2017) (41 U.S.C.