36C24124Q0068.docx

36C24124Q0068

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

TBD

36C24124Q0068 Sarah Ballentine 802-295-9363 ext. 5725 11-22-2023 4:30pm

EST

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 1

See SOW for all locations

X 325413 N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs

Sarah Ballentine, Contracting Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC White River Junction 215 North Main Street White River Junction

VT

05009

Financial Services Center per VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Request http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

See CONTINUATION Page This Solicitation is a Request for Quote for the New England Healthcare System VISN1 Laboratory/Pathology Dept. for a 5-YR Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for FDA approved automated immunochemical fecal occult blood testing to include instrumentation, maintenance, service, supplies, reagents, collection and testing kits.

Please see the Statement of Work, and full requirements evaluation for details.

All Quotes should be emailed to Sarah.Ballentine@va.gov.

and Julie.Lemire@va.gov.

Any quote not compliant with the RFQ requirements will not be considered. All quotes are due by November 20, 2023 by 4:30PM EST.

Contracting POC: Sarah Ballentine - Sarah.Ballentine@va.gov Julie Lemire - Julie.Lemire@va.gov $0.00 See CONTINUATION Page X X Julie Lemire

VA-VHA-2020-889E4G67

Table of Contents

A.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C241

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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.

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

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

See attached document: FIT Testing SOW FY24.

See attached document: P10 - VA DIRECTIVE 6550 V3 - Appendix A_Fillable.

Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

FIT Test CPT Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 12-01-2023 POP End: 11-30-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6550 - In Vitro Diagnostic Substances, Reagents, Test Kits and Sets

Credit for returned testing decives Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 12-01-2023 POP End: 11-30-2024

FIT Test CPT Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 12-01-2024 POP End: 11-30-2025

Credit for returned testing decives Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 12-01-2024 POP End: 11-30-2025

FIT Test CPT Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 12-01-2025 POP End: 11-30-2026

Credit for returned testing decives Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 12-01-2025 POP End: 11-30-2026

FIT Test CPT Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 12-01-2026 POP End: 11-30-2027

Credit for returned testing decives Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 12-01-2026 POP End: 11-30-2027

FIT Test CPT Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 12-01-2027 POP End: 11-30-2028

Credit for returned testing decives Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 12-01-2027 POP End: 11-30-2028

B.2 INTRODUCTION

In the spirit of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and hereby enter into a cooperative agreement, otherwise referred to as a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), to further reduce the administrative costs of acquiring supplies/services from the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Contract # TBD. Federal Supply Schedule contract BPA's eliminate contracting and open market costs such as: search for sources; the development of technical documents, solicitations and the evaluation of offers. Teaming Arrangements are permitted with Federal Supply Schedule Contractors in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 9.6.

The agreement details all Supplies with accompanying prices and descriptions, which may be ordered under this BPA.

This BPA expires on 11-30-2028 or such later ending date as determined by the exercise of any option.

All orders placed against this BPA are subject to the terms and conditions of all the clauses and provisions in full text or incorporated by reference in this document.

B.3 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Pursuant to GSA FSS Schedule Contract # TBD, regarding Blanket Purchase Agreements, the Contractor agrees to the following terms of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) EXCLUSIVELY WITH the Department of Veterans Affairs:

B.4 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is hereby established between and the Department of Veterans Affairs under the following terms and conditions incorporated in this BPA and GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract:

Primary Point of Contact:

Alternate Point of Contact:

DUNS NUMBER:

Cognizant Office (Include complete address):

Department of Veterans Affairs

B.5 PRICING DATA

1. The prices included on the BPA list (or applicable "discounted" rates submitted in a proposal response to an RFQ resulting in award) that are in effect on the effective date of an order shall govern that order's basic performance period. With regard to any option years, which are later exercised, the proposed option year rates as incorporated into the order award are in effect until such time, if applicable, that the contractor has been authorized a rate increase culminating from a negotiation with the Contracting Officer.

2. The BPA holder can voluntarily reduce offered prices at any time by giving 24-hour advance notice (by facsimile or electronic-mail) to the Department of Veterans Affairs/Contracting Officer. This BPA also allows for additional discounts if a "large order" is placed at one time. An advanced notice is not required for discounts offered for only an individual order. Whether an order is large enough to warrant such a discount is subject to the discretion of the BPA holder.

3. The BPA holder may also increase BPA prices at any time. Any BPA price increase shall not take effect until the Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Officer receives written notification (U.S. mail, facsimile, or electronic-mail). Any order already issued shall not be affected by any change to BPA pricing. The prices offered under this BPA will undergo annual review by the Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Officer.

B.6 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE BPA

a. The Government may extend the term of this BPA by written notice to the Contractor at any time prior to the expiration of the BPA, provided that the Government shall give the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 days before the BPA expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

b. If the Government exercises this option, the extended BPA shall be considered to include this option provision.

c. The total duration of this BPA, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed the performance period of the governing GSA FSS Contract.

B.7 GENERAL SUPPLY ORDERS

A properly appointed Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Officer will request a "Quick Quote" from the Contractor based upon the requirements of the individual calls/orders, usually in the form of a Statement of Work (SOW). The information provided to the Contractor will include the place of performance, required period of performance, and other particular task requirements. Travel may be required (reimbursement of travel expenses will be IAW applicable Federal travel regulations). The vendor will reply within 5 business days with a Firm-Fixed-Price quote depending on the details required by the SOW. The Contractor may offer additional spot discounts on any order, as they deem appropriate. All subcontractor activity must be clearly identified in each new order proposal as applicable.

B.8 AUTHORIZED LIMITS

The Government estimates, but does not guarantee, that individual BPA Orders placed against this Agreement may reach /per Order. This Order Limit may be increased by mutual agreement of the parties as necessary, in whole or part. The authorized Ceiling Limit of the Agreement is set at over the period covered by the Agreement; this ceiling is also not a guarantee. The Ceiling Limit may also be raised in association with order Limit increases or other conditions which, by mutual agreement of the parties, maybe considered necessary. Authorization for individual Task Orders above the stated Task Order and/or Ceiling Limits must be coordinated through the Contracting Officer before larger valued orders can be issued and prior to commencement of work. All unauthorized work, regardless of amount, will be processed through the ratification process.

B.9 OBLIGATION OF FUNDS

This BPA does not obligate any funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized orders actually issued under the BPA by the Contracting Officer.

B.10 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This BPA expires on 11-30-2028 or such later ending date as determined by the exercise of any option.

B.11 AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS

Individuals Authorized to Place Orders:

DVA authorizes the following entities to place orders:

VISN1 Warranted Contracting Officers

B.12 ORDER FORMAT

Orders will be placed against this BPA via e-mail, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), FAX, or in hardcopy format. Each individual BPA Task Order will describe the tasks, services and deliverables required.

B.13 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

The primary Contracting Officer (CO) for this Agreement is:

The Primary Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for projects under this Agreement is:

The Secondary Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for projects under this Agreement is:

The Primary and/or Secondary COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR and the Contractor's Representative shall work together to ensure that all contractual requirements are being met. The COR will interpret specifications or technical portions of the work. The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government. Only a warranted Contracting Officer is authorized to obligate funds on this or any other contract action.

The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing if the COR has taken an action (or fails to take action) or issues directions (written or oral) that the contractor considers to exceed the above limitations.

The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer information copies of all correspondence to the COR.

B.14 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, no services will be provided and no charges will be incurred and/or billed to any order on this contract on any of the Federal Holidays listed below.

Independence Day

B.15 MANAGEMENT CONTROL

The BPA holder shall provide to the Contracting Officer (CO) a list of all teaming partners or subcontractors within 5 calendar days after order award. As subcontractors and/or teaming partners are added, and/or deleted, an updated listing will be provided to the CO within 5 calendar days of such change. All BPA holder personnel shall display identification badges at all times while charging hours to the order or at a government or government contractor location. Authorized Government personnel shall accompany all visits to Department of Veterans Affairs Program Offices, unless other specific arrangements have been made.

B.16 INVOICES

a. Inspection and acceptance shall be accomplished as follows: The Government, for all services furnished under any resulting order, hereby designates the COR in the program office as the point of final inspection and acceptance. The BPA holder will submit each invoice, including all back-up data, to the Contracting Officer (CO) for review and signature. When the CO receives an accurate and complete invoice, he/she will return a signed copy to the BPA holder within five (5) working days. If the invoice is incomplete or inaccurate, the CO will return the unsigned invoice to the BPA holder for correction. The Contracting Officer will then forward the signed invoice to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for payment. Final payment for each order will be accomplished by final invoice accompanied by a receiving report.

b. An itemized invoice shall be submitted to the CO at least monthly or upon expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries made during a billing period and for which payment has not been received. Copies of delivery tickets shall support these invoices. "Approved-for-payment" invoices will be submitted to the payment address specified on each individual order issued under this BPA.

B.17 PRECEDENCE

36C24124Q0068 The Terms and conditions included in this BPA apply to all purchases made pursuant to it. In the event of an inconsistency between the provisions of this BPA and the Contractor's invoice, the provisions of this BPA will take precedence.

Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 FSS RFQ INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE

The terms and conditions of the contractor's FSS contract (including any contract modifications) apply to all Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) and task or delivery orders issued under the contract as a result of this RFQ. When a lower price has been established, or when the delivery terms, FOB terms, or ordering requirements have been modified by the BPA or task/delivery order, those modified terms will apply to all purchases made pursuant to it and take precedence over the FSS contract. Any unique terms and conditions of a BPA or order issued under the contract that are not a part of the applicable FSS contract will govern. In the event of an inconsistency between the terms and conditions of a BPA or task/delivery order and the Contractor's FSS terms, other than those identified above, the terms of the FSS contract will take precedence.

C.2 VAAR 852.208-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS – ORDERS or BPAs (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) In an effort to increase contracting opportunities for Veterans, depending on the evaluation factors included in the solicitation, VA will evaluate responses received based on the schedule Contractor’s certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business/veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB/VOSB) status; and/or their proposed use of certified SDVOSB/VOSB listed in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128) as subcontractors or teaming partners.

(b) To receive credit under this clause a contractor or subcontractor must be listed, at time of submission of offer/quotes and at time of award, as certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128) and be otherwise eligible in accordance with SBA size Standards for the acquisition and limitations on subcontracting requirements set forth in SBA regulations (see 13 CFR 121, 125 and 128.).

(c) A certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database schedule holder will receive full credit, and a certified VOSB listed in the SBA certification database schedule holder will receive partial credit for the SDVOSB/VOSB status evaluation factor.

(d) Offerors other than SDVOSBs or VOSBs proposing to use certified SDVOSBs/VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as subcontractors/teaming partners, will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. To receive consideration, offerors must provide in their proposals:

(1) The name(s) and contact information of the certified SDVOSB(s)/VOSB(s) listed in the SBA certification database with whom they intend to team or subcontract.

(2) A brief description of the proposed team or subcontractor(s) arrangement.

(3) The approximate dollar value of the proposed teaming arrangements or subcontract(s).

(4) Evidence of teaming partner/ subcontractor’s listing in the SBA certification database.

(e) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause)

C.3 VAAR 852.208-71 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS-ORDERS AND BPAS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) The Contractor agrees, if selected on the basis of having certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) or veteran-owned small business (VOSB) status (see 13 CFR 128), to comply with the eligibility requirements in subpart 819.70, including the limitation on subcontracting requirements at 13 CFR 125.6.

(b) The Contractor agrees, if selected for award on the basis of teaming/subcontracting in accordance with 852.208–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors—Orders and BPAs, to use the evaluated firm(s) as proposed or if approved by contracting officer to substitute one or more certified SDVOSB/VOSB listed in the SBA certification database for work of the same or similar value.

(c) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause) C.4 VAAR 852.219-70 VA SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) This clause does not apply to small business concerns.

(b) If the offeror is required to submit an individual subcontracting plan, the minimum goals for award of subcontracts to certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business and certified veteran-owned small business SDVOSB/VOSB shall be at least commensurate with the Department’s annual SDVOSB/VOSB subcontracting goals.

(c) For a commercial plan, the minimum goals for award of subcontracts to SDVOSB/ VOSB shall be at least commensurate with the Department’s annual service-disabled veteran-owned small business and veteranowned small business subcontracting goals for the total value of projected subcontracts to support the sales for the commercial plan.

(d) To be credited toward goal achievements, SDVOSB/VOSBs must be certified and listed in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128) and be otherwise eligible in accordance with SBA size standards for the acquisition and limitations on subcontracting requirements set forth in SBA regulations (see 13 CFR 121, 125 and 128).A contractor may reasonably rely on a subcontractor’s status as shown in the SBA certification database as of the date of subcontract award, provided the contractor retains records of the results of the SBA certification database query.

(e) The Contractor shall annually submit a listing of SDVOSB/VOSB (for which credit toward goal achievement is to be applied) for review by personnel in the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Use VA Form 0896A, Report of Subcontracts to Small and Veteran-Owned Business.

(f) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause)

C.5 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract. Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.247-73 PACKING FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENT (OCT 2018)

Material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will insure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with regulations of carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

(End of Clause) (End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.7 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

(End of Clause)

C.8 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

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

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

(End of Clause)

C.10 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(End of Clause)

C.11 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

(a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to Contractor’s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor’s address at the Contractor’s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor.

(b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products.

(End of Clause) (End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

C.12 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

23,462.00

Page 1 of

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by-

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ‘‘Unique Entity Identifier’’ followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror’s name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) [Reserved]

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of Provision) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Provisions 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 provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

E.2 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical and past performance, when combined, are .

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision) The VA intends to evaluate in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b) (3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s). Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotations. The evaluation will consider the following: Experience, Past Performance, and Price.

This will be a competitive, negotiated procurement using source selection procedures with a BPA award based upon the Best Value Determination decision. A technical evaluation will be performed on all offers received by the Source Selection Panel technical experts in order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the offers. This panel will evaluate competitive proposals and then assess their relative qualities solely on the factors and sub-factors (if any) specified in the Request for Quotation (RFQ). For a Best Value determination, the Technical Capability and Past Performance factors, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price. If the competing vendors Technical Capability and Past Performances are determined to be essentially equal, price could become the controlling factor. The Government may award on the basis of initial offers without discussions; therefore, the Offeror’s proposal should contain the best terms from a technical and price standpoint.

EVALUATION FACTORS AND STANDARDS

Required Items that need to be submitted with Quote are as follows:

· Confirmation of FDA Approval (required)

· Confirmation that instruments are/have Automated Testing (required)

· Confirmation of Data Innovations Driver for interface connection to VISTA (required)

· Confirmation of patient testing kits, Each kit should include all supplies and instructions needed for the patient to collect the sample and return it to the testing laboratory. This should include a return mail envelope with prepaid postage.

1. Technical Capability – Each offeror must provide a written submission for evaluation which shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate the capabilities to satisfactorily provide the requested products, equipment, accessories, services, support, and all specifications listed in the Statement of Work. In addition, your written submission shall demonstrate your methodology for performing the requested Cost Per Reportable Results services in accordance with the Statement of Work. The technical submission shall address the following: