36C10X23Q0123.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. UEI: EFT:

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. NOV 2021)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C10X23Q0123 04-07-2023

James Heffner (202) 380-6763 04-21-2023

12:00 PM EDT

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick

Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103

Frederick MD 21703

X 100

X

541611

$24.5 Million

N/A

X

TBD

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick

Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103

Frederick MD 21703

See Order Level Contract Administration

Data for Invoicing and Payment

Information

See CONTINUATION Page

Title: VA Debt Management Center (DMC) ISO 9001:2015

Standard Certification and Surveillance Audit(s)

Questions must be submitted via email NLT 12:00(noon) PM EST

Wednesday April 12, 2023, to James Heffner @ james.heffner@va.gov and Todd Synder @ todd.synder@va.gov

Quotes are due NLT the time and date specified in item 8 of this document

This RFQ is for 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small

Business (SDVOSB) set aside

The anticipated NAICS code 541611 has a size standard of

$24.5 million

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X 1

Todd Synder

SAC F14L3 66919

36C10X23Q0123

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

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

2000)

C.4 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC

2022)

C.5 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

C.6 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING--

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION

(NOV 2022)

C.7 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

E.2 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Todd Synder, Contracting Officer (CO) todd.synder@va.gov

(240) 215-1744

James Heffner, Contracting Specialist (CS)

James.Heffner@va.gov

(202) 380-6763

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS:

All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award

Management

3. INVOICES:

Invoices shall be submitted in arrears based upon delivery and acceptance of services

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.

5. FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION:

Contractors are required to submit payment requests in electronic form in accordance with the submission instructions below

TUNGSTEN (fka OB10) ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Contracting POC: James Heffner, CS james.heffner@va.gov

Contracting/Task Order Number: TBD

a. Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

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

• VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The

Financial Services Center (FSC) in Austin, TX uses a third-party

Contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-mailto:todd.synder@va.gov mailto:James.Heffner@va.gov mailto:james.heffner@va.gov http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veteran-affairs/ network.com/US/en/veteran-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

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

b. Vendor e-invoice Set-up information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center in

Austin, TX for payment processing. If you have questions about the payment status of a properly submitted invoice, the e-invoicing program, or Tungsten, please contact FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

1. Tungsten e-invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135

2. Tungsten e-invoice email: VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com

3. FSC e-Invoice contact information: 1-877-353-9791

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

See http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veteran-affairs/ http://www.x12.org/ mailto:VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com mailto:vafsccshd@va.gov http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Debt Management Center (DMC) is a franchise fund organization which offers a wide range of fee for service debt management activities to include, but not limited to debt resolution and debt counseling services for Veterans and their beneficiaries, schools, vendors, current and ex-employees. DMC ensures debt management services are provided to customers in accordance with applicable U.S. codes, federal laws, and regulations.

Working collaboratively across all VA administrations, and with the U.S.

Department of Treasury (TRES), DMC remains the preferred debt management center for the VA.

2.0 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) addresses only ISO 9001:2015, and any quotes and supporting documents are required to be based on these established standards. The Contractor is responsible for providing all labor, materials, and supervision necessary to accomplish ISO 9001 auditing and registration processes related to Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audit to include: required follow up of minor and major findings and post-certification surveillance audits. Documentation will be reviewed per the ISO 9001 standard, and the Contractor will not require VA computer access.

The Contractor shall conduct certification and surveillance audit actions under the

ISO 9001:2015 standards and submit the findings to a Certifying Body (CB) and

Registrar to ensure registration of applicable ISO 9001:2015 Certification. Tasks conducted by the Contractor include, but are not limited to:

1. Initial ISO 9001 Certification Audit (stages 1 and 2)

2. Post-Certification Surveillance Audit One

3. Post-Certification Surveillance Audit Two

4. All tasks and associated deliverables are detailed in TASKS AND

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE Section

Based on funds availability, the Contractor may be requested to provide non-customized training and COTS training to DMC to achieve certification or conformance based on ISO 9001:2015 certification standards. Any additional work or services outside of the scope of this PWS and task order must be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer (CO) and will be evidence by a fully executed modification to the awarded task order.

CERTIFYING BODY (CB) REGISTRATION

The registration to be granted shall be subject to the Contractor’s determination of the degree to which the DMC’s QMS is in conformance with the ISO 9001:2015 standards. The Contractor shall identify any deficiencies found in the QMS and shall specify a time frame for corrective actions to be implemented. The nature and scope of any reassessment required to maintain full registration shall be explained in detail by the Contractor.

The registration shall include as applicable; delivery of Certificates of Compliance to the ISO 9001:2015 standards, presentation of camera-ready artwork (hard copy or digital) of the Contractor’s/CB’s registration mark, and those of the Contractor’s accrediting agencies for use on DMC documents. The registration shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance and may be withdrawn subject only to the DMC’s request for withdrawal, or Contractor’s determination the DMC is not fully compliant with the ISO 9001:2015 Standard and applicable ISO requirements during a scheduled surveillance audit.

AUDIT FINDINGS NON-CONFORMANCE

An audit/review which results in major non-conformance(s) of up to one additional on-site audit visit to verify the non-conformances have been appropriately addressed and corrective action has been implemented. The timing of the follow-up audit/review will be discussed and approved by the government at a date agreed upon with the Contractor following the completion and submission to the government of the final audit report. If appropriate, the audit review may be conducted virtually.

* Note that the government will not authorize or pay for a follow-on audit if not identified as being needed/required by the registrar and final audit report.

CERTIFYING BODY (CB) REGISTRATION AUDITS:

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor shall provide a certifying body auditor (CB auditor) who is experienced with ISO 9001 audits of government agencies, and specifically a conducting ISO 9001 certification and surveillance audits of financial services/debt management organizations in accordance with the International Accreditation

Foundation (IAF) scopes codes for financial services and public administration.

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a written audit schedule to the DMC

Center and/or the COR at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the commencement of the certification/ registration audit.

The CB auditor(s) shall travel to and perform a registration audit and/or surveillance audits at the DMC for conformance to the designated scope of services for the ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The CB auditor shall provide an opening meeting to discuss their audit process and address any center questions regarding the audit activities.

The CB auditor(s) shall interview the appropriate DMC personnel to determine and evaluate the extent to which the DMC Quality Management System (QMS) is implemented.

As appropriate, and if authorized under ISO 9001:2015 certification standards, after each scheduled audit, the CB auditor shall conduct a post-certification audit meeting to summarize results, make recommendations, and prepare and deliver a draft report.

As appropriate, and if authorized under ISO 9001:2015 certification standards, if a draft report is delivered at the conclusion of an audit, a final report must be provided to the DMC Director and Quality Management Specialist within seven (7) business days after the completion of the certification audit. The DMC shall have a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days to respond to take corrective action based on non-conformance findings.

All written reports and registration certificates shall be delivered to the designated

COR, the DMC’s Executive Director and Chief of Internal Controls and Process

Improvement.

The stage 1 and 2 audits order of events below are based on industry customary practices and derived from prior VA ISO certification audits. The order of events is subject to change based on the requirements of the DMC ISO 9001 initial certification audit

1) Stage 1 Audit

a) Opening Meeting

b) Confirmation of Scope

c) Tour of the site(s) within scope (to evaluate the location and site-specific conditions)

d) Review of the Organizations documented Quality Management System

(QMS)

i. Quality Manual’s conformance with requirements to ISO

9001:2015

ii. Compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements

e) Review of the Quality Policy

f) Review of the Quality Objectives

g) Review the effectiveness of the internal audit process

h) Review the effectiveness of the management review process

i) Planning for Stage 2 Audit

i. Confirmation of Scope

ii. Determine duration (based on the IAF guidance)

iii. Conduct any planning activities

j) Identify any observed non-conformance (document within the audit report)

k) Identify any observed opportunities for improvement (document within the audit report)

l) Compile and deliver audit report

m) Conduct closing meeting

2) Stage 2 Audit

a) Conduct Opening Meeting

b) Verification of Management Commitment

c) Verification of closure of nonconformities identified during the Stage 1 audit

d) Review of Quality Manual’s conformance with requirements to ISO

9001:2015

e) Verification of Continual Improvement

f) Review of Management Review process, Analysis of Data

g) Review of Corrective Action process and associated records

h) Review of Preventive Action process and associated records

i) Review of Customer Feedback process and associated records

j) Review of Internal Audit process and associated records

k) Review of Non-conforming Product process and associated records

l) Review of Control of Documents process and associated records

m) Review of Customer Property process and associated records

n) Review of Design and Development process and associated records

o) Review of Human Resources related processes and associated records (to include infrastructure and work environment)

p) Review of Training related processes and associated records

q) Planning for Surveillance Audit

i. Determine duration (based on the IAF guidance)

r) Identify any observed non-conformance (document within the audit report)

s) Identify any observed opportunities for improvement (document within the audit report)

t) Compile and deliver audit report

u) Conduct closing meeting

POST-CERTIFICATION SURVEILLANCE AUDITS

The Contractor shall conduct two (2) post certification surveillance audits in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 certification standards.

The Contractor shall provide to the Debt Management Center the audit schedule at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of each annual surveillance audit.

Contractor shall complete (audit and final report) no later one (1) year from the date of the completion and issuance of the initial ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Contractor shall complete (audit and final report) before the end of each audit.

The surveillance audit order of events are based on industry customary practices and derived from prior VA ISO certification audits. The order of events is subject to change based on the requirements of the DMC ISO 9001 post certification surveillance audit requirements.

Surveillance Audits

a) Determine how many days are required for the Surveillance Audit (based on the IAF guidance)

b) Conduct Surveillance Audit and identify any nonconformities observed

c) Identify any observed non-conformance (document within the audit report)

d) Identify any observed opportunities for improvement (document within the audit report)

e) Compile and deliver audit report

f) Conduct closing meeting

g) Verification of closure of nonconformities identified during the last external audit

3.0 SPECIFIC TASK AND DETAILS

3.1 TASK ONE – CERTIFYING BODY (CB) REGESTRATION AUDITS:

The Contractor must provide a certifying body auditor (CB auditor) who is experienced with ISO 9001 audits of government agencies.

DELIVERABLE(S):

3.1.1 Prepare and submit a written audit schedule at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the commencement of the recertification/registration audit.

3.1.2 Travel to and perform a registration audit and/or surveillance audits at the DMC for conformance to the designated scope of services for the

ISO 9001:2015 standards.

3.1.3 Interview various DMC personnel at sufficient levels to determine and evaluate the extent to which the QMS is implemented

3.1.4 Provide audit process and address any center questions regarding the audit activities.

3.1.5 Conduct a post-certification audit meeting to summarize results, make recommendations, and prepare and deliver a draft report after each scheduled audit as appropriate and if authorized under ISO 9001:2015 certification standards

3.1.6 (If a draft report is delivered at the conclusion of an audit) Provide a final report to the DMC Director and Quality Management Specialist within seven (7) business days after the completion of the certification audit. The DMC must have a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days to respond to take corrective action based on non-conformance findings as appropriate and if authorized under ISO 9001:2015 certification standards.

3.1.7 Provide written reports, time, and date(s) certificates to the designated

COR, the DMC’s Executive Director and Chief of Internal Controls and

Process Improvement.

3.2 TASK TWO – POST-CERTIFICATION SURVELLIANCE AUDITS:

The Contractor must annually conduct two (2) post certification surveillance audits in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 certification standards. The surveillance audit order of events below is based on industry customary practices and derived from prior VA ISO certification audits. The order of events is subject to change based on the requirements of the DMC ISO 9001 post certification surveillance audit requirements.

1. Surveillance Audits

a) Determine how many days are required for the Surveillance Audit (based on the IAF guidance)

b) Conduct Surveillance Audit and identify any nonconformities observed

c) Identify any observed non-conformance (document within the audit report)

d) Identify any observed opportunities for improvement (document within the audit report)

e) Compile and deliver audit report

f) Conduct closing meeting

g) Verification of closure of nonconformities identified during the last external audit

DELIVERABLE(S)

3.2.1 Audit schedule at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the start of each annual surveillance audit.

3.2.2 Complete (audit and final report) no later than one (1) year from the date of the completion and issuance of the initial ISO 9001:2015 certification

3.2.3 Complete (audit and final report) before the end of Option Period Two

3.3 TASK THREE – RECERITIFICATION SURVEILLANCE AUDIT

The Contractor must conduct recertification surveillance audits in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards. The purpose of the recertification audit is to confirm the continued conformity and effectiveness of the management system, and its continued relevance and applicability for the scope of certification.

DELIVERABLE(S)

3.3.1 Review the performance of the QMS over the registration period and include a review of previous surveillance audit records

3.3.2 Review internal audits and management reviews

3.3.3 Document changes during the certification period

4.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

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

1. The following document forms a part of this specification to the extent noted herein. Unless stated otherwise, the document must be the version listed by the number and date from the referenced organization.

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001:2015 Quality Management Systems (QMS).

5.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

5.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance (POP) must begin the day after Contract award and includes one 12-month base period plus four (4) 12-month optional periods of performance. Option Periods may be exercised based upon the availability of funds, and at the discretion of the Government.

Any work performed at the Government site must not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). (If required, the CO may designate the Contractor to work during holidays and weekends).

There are 11 Federal holidays set by law (5 U.S.C. § 6103) that VA follows:

Under current definitions, five are set by date:

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

If any of the above falls on a Saturday, then Friday must be observed as a holiday. Similarly, if one falls on a Sunday, then Monday must be observed as a holiday. Additionally, if, by Executive Order or similar action, the President of United States excuses Executive Branch employees from duty (as is expected on December 24, 2020) and closes executive branch departments and agencies, the contractor will not schedule or conduct training on affected day(s).

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

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

5.2 CONTRACT TYPE

Firm Fixed Price

5.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall provide in person and/or virtual services IAW the ISO 9001:2015 standards and at the direction of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). In person services shall be performed at Government facilities located at VA-DMC BHWFB, One Federal Drive, Suite 4500 Fort Snelling, MN 55111. Any work at the Government site must not take place on federal holidays or weekends unless Contractor receives written approval from the Contracting Officer.

5.4 TRAVEL

The Government may approve and authorize travel for one (1) CB auditor during the ISO post surveillance and one (1) CB auditor during the ISO recertification and subsequent surveillance audits. Travel costs must not exceed the quoted amount stated on the signed task order. Travel within a fifty (50) mile radius of the Contractor’s facility and Government (Ft. Snelling, MN) locations are considered “local travel” and will not be reimbursed. Travel to and from work is consider the cost of doing business and must not be reimbursed.

All chargeable travel requires written approval in advance by the CO and the COR, in accordance with federal travel regulations. The Contractor must be entitled to the recovery of reasonable and allowable transportation costs incurred for employees. Allowable travel costs must be determined in accordance with subpart 31.2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Reimbursement of travel must be accomplished when the Contractor submits an invoice for travel along with the supporting documentation and receipts in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR). General and Administrative (G&A) will not be allowed against travel costs. Expenses for subsistence and lodging must be reimbursed to the Contractor only to the extent where overnight stay is necessary and authorized for performance of services ordered under this task order at the per diem rates authorized by the FTR in effect at the time of the stay for the specified location. All travel and per diem expenses must be reimbursed in accordance with the FTR.

6.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All written reports and registration certificates must be delivered to the designated COR, the DMC’s Executive Director and Chief of Internal Controls and Process Improvement.

7.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE)/GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED

INFORMATION (GFI)

The Contractor will not use GFE or need GFI to perform task identified above.

CONTRACTOR KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall be responsible for managing and overseeing the activities of all Contractor personnel efforts used in performance of this effort. These are defined as individuals crucial to the successful performance of the orders issued and the programs being supported by those orders and are those persons identified as key personnel in accordance with solicitation requirements.

• Key Personnel: The key personnel for this requirement are: 1 (one) minimum-CB ISO 9001:2015 standards Auditor(s) are required to have five (5) years of experience conducting ISO audits of financial services and government/public administration organizations.

1. The CO may notify the Contractor and request immediate removal of any personnel assigned to the task order by the Contractor that are deemed to have a conflict of interest with the Government. The reason for removal will be documented and replacement personnel shall be identified within thirty (30) business days of the notification. Any personnel the Contractor offers as a substitute shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel that are being replaced. Employment and staffing difficulties shall not be justification for failure to meet established schedules

2. The Contractor shall provide resources that are fully trained and have the level of experience to accomplish the requirements of this TS. In addition, the Contractor personnel shall be acceptable to the Government in terms of personal and professional conduct and in technical knowledge. Contractor shall be ISO certified with a minimum of five (5) years of technical experience.

Should any Contractor personnel be determined to be unacceptable in terms of technical competency or unacceptable personal conduct during duty hours, the Contractor shall remove and replace the unacceptable on-site personnel at no additional costs to the Government.

8.0 TASKS AND DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Note: Days used in the table below refer to calendar days unless otherwise stated.

Deliverables with due dates falling on a weekend or holiday shall be submitted the following Government work day after the weekend or holiday.

Deliverable/Task Format Commencement or Completion times

Task Two Conduct initial ISO 9001:2015 certification audit (stages 1 and 2)

Base Period: To commence after completion of ISO 9001:2015 certification audit pre-assessment and final report issued

Deliverable 2.0 Initial certification final report

ISO 17021

Required Format

Base Period: No later than (10) business days after completion of initial ISO 9001:2015 certification (stages 1 & 2)

Deliverable 2.1

ISO 9001:2015

certification document

ISO 17021

Required Format

Base Period: No later than seven (7) business days after issuance of ISO 9001:2015 certification

Task Three Surveillance Audit One Option Period One:

To be completed no later than one (1) year from the issuance date of the initial ISO 9001:2015 certification

Deliverable 3.0 Surveillance Audit One final report

ISO 17021

Required Format

Option Period One:

To be completed/issued no later than one (1) year from the issuance date of the initial ISO 9001:2015 certification

Task Four Surveillance Audit Two

Option Period Two:

TBD- Contractor and COR/PMO to coordinate schedule during Option Period Two POP

Deliverable 4.0 Surveillance Audit Two final report

ISO 17021

Required Format

Option Period Two:

TBD- Contractor and COR/PMO to coordinate schedule during Option Period Two POP

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY UNIT

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

0001 1.00 EA

Initial ISO 9001 Certification Audit (stages 1 and 2) Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

0002 1.00 LT

Travel - Not to Exceed Contract Period: Base

1001 2.00 EA

Post Certification Surveillance Audit Two - ISO 9001:2015 standards Contract Period: Option 1

1002 1.00 LT

Contract Period: Option 1

2001 2.00 EA

Surveillance Audit - ISO 9001:2015 standards Contract Period: Option 2

2002 1.00 LT

Contract Period: Option 2

3001 2.00 EA

Recertification Surveillance Audit - ISO 9001:2015 standards Contract Period: Option 3

3002 1.00 LT

Contract Period: Option 3

4001 2.00 EA

Surveillance Audit - ISO 9001:2015 standards Contract Period: Option 4

4002 1.00 LT

Contract Period: Option 4

GRAND

TOTAL

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

(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 Federal Acquisition Regulation

(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 FAR 32.608-2 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. 4701 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 PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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 (5) years.

(End of Clause)

C.4 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC

2022)

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

(End of Clause)

C.5 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.

[X] 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.

[X] 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business

Evaluation Factors.

[X] 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.

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

[] 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.6 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-

-CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION

(NOV 2022)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that—

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will…