36C24124Q0663_2.docx

36C24124Q0663

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

36C24124Q0663 Rosangela Pereira 401-752-6748 07-29-2024

5PM

EDT

36C241 Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Providence 830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence

RI

02908 X X 238220 N/A X 36C241 Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Providence 830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence

RI

02908 36C241 Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Providence 830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence

RI

02908 http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

See CONTINUATION Page The vendor shall complete all work in accordance with the statement of work.

Wage Determination 2015-4083 Rev. 26, dated 04/09/24, applies to this procurement and is attached.

See CONTINUATION Page X X Issa Shawki Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

36C24124Q0663

Page 1 of Page 1 of Statement of Work

Plumbing and Pipefitting Provide all labor, transportation, materials, apparatus, tools, equipment and permits necessary for the following work. The general limit of the specified work area will be located at the VAMC Providence and other properties either owned or leased by the VAMC. The work will entail the miscellaneous electrical maintenance, repair and installation projects as well 24-hour electrical emergency service call response.

Place of Performance

· Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Providence 830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI, 02908

· Harwood Research Center 385 Niagara Street Providence, RI 02907

· New Bedford Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) 175 Elm Street New Bedford, MA 02740

Period of Performance Five (5) years from date of issuance.

A. Pipefitter maintenance, repair, installation & fabrication projects The contractor will be tasked to do the following types of pipefitting work:

Install and repair high, medium and low pressure steam systems. Install, repair and test fire sprinkler systems. Install and repair domestic hot/cold water systems. Install and repair hot water boilers and the associated hot water distribution systems. Install and repair sanitary and storm water sewer systems. Install and repair sinks, toilets, faucets and the related domestic water system piping & valves. Install and repair medical and natural gas systems. Repair pipe and valve insulation that is damaged during the course of a repair project. Provide miscellaneous metal fabrication and repair projects. Parts may be purchased by the VA.

Emergency & Repair Service Work The contractor will be required to provide 24/7 response to pipefitting, water system, fire sprinkler system, steam system, medical and natural gas system piping problems. Response time will be with-in 2 hours’ time frame.

Qualifications

· The contractor must be a licensed plumber & pipefitter in the State of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The contractor must provide a copy of their license to be considered for award.

· The contractor must be licensed to install and repair fire sprinkler systems in the State of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The contractor must provide a copy of their license to be considered for award.

· The contractor must be an A.S.M.E. certified welder. The contractor must provide a copy of their license to be considered for award.

· The contractor must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the hospital environment.

B. Infection Control Contractor shall conform to the infection control measures as specified in Attachment A. Infection Control Procedures

C. Work Hours and Project Sequence Routine project work can start as early as 7:00 am and work past 4:30pm week days. Weekend work needs to be approved by the FMS Supervisor. If the Contractor desires to work during periods other than above, he must notify the Contracting Officer three (3) working days in advance of his desire to work during other periods to allow determination of availability of additional inspection forces, determination of impact on existing health care and facility operations, and for notification of fire, security and safety personnel. When the Contracting Officer determines that there are no adverse impacts to health care and facility operations and that inspection forces are reasonably available, he/she may authorize the Contractor to perform work during periods other than normal duty hours/days. However, if inspectors are required to perform in excess of their normal duty hours/days solely for the benefit of the Contractor, the actual cost of the inspection, at overtime rates, will be charged to the Contractor and will be deducted from the final payment of the Contract amount. (Note: If applicable, at time of award this paragraph will be modified to the negotiated schedule for this project). Work in the Operating Room Suite shall be performed outside normal work hours. Other critical care areas may also require work to be done outside the normal work hours. These critical care areas include the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Room, specialty Clinics and exam rooms.

Emergency service work will occur as conditions dictate.

Prior to commencing work on the job initially, resumption of work after prolonged interruption (7 calendar days or more), commencement of any warranty work, and upon completion of warranty work, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer (or his/her Contracting Officer’s Representative). When relocating to new sites, returning to sites for follow-up work on a phased work plan, notification to the Contracting Officer’s Representative is sufficient. Notification should be by personal contact; however, advance notification may be by telephone, or in writing, and should be accomplished sufficiently in advance to allow scheduling of inspection forces. The purpose of the above precautions is to ensure construction inspection and recording of work proceedings.

D. Ordering Individual task orders (TO) will be issued on an as needed basis during the period of performance specified. The TOs will be issued based on proposals from the contractor that are developed from scopes of work provided by the PVAMC COR.

Any services to be furnished under this contract will be ordered by issuance of TOs by the individuals or activities designated in this contract. Any Federal Contracting Officer, at the locations specified in the solicitation, or as approved in writing by the issuing office Contracting Officer, is authorized to issue orders under the BPA contract within the individual’s warrant levels.

Orders may be issued from date of contract award until the last day of the BPA period of performance. The Government reserves the right to unilaterally modify the contract to incorporate any future statutory changes.

All TOs are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a TO and this contract, the contract will govern. The Government reserves the right to incorporate additional clauses, as appropriate, into individual TO solicitations and awards.

E. Task Order Limitations Minimum Order: When the Government requires services covered by this contract in an amount less than $2,500 the Government will issue a credit card purchase order and not a task order.

Maximum Order: The typical maximum task order limitation is $200,000 excluding subsequent in-scope modifications. The Government may combine several projects, as indicated by separate Statements of Work and individual line items, in one task order, as required.

The maximum value of the contract will not exceed $1 million over the life of the contract.

The Government at its option may in a rare case include projects exceeding $200,000. However, contractors will not be obligated to compete nor required to accept such task orders under the general terms of the contract. This is not a requirements contract.

F. Security Requirements The contractor shall comply with all security regulations imposed by the Installation Director, VA Police and/or agency occupying the space where work is to be performed. Any necessary security clearances shall be obtained prior to commencement of work.

The contractor shall ensure that all parts of the facility where work is being performed are adequately protected against vandalism and theft.

In accordance with VA Handbook 6500.6 Appendix, the C&A requirements do not apply and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

G. Transportation, Handling, and Storage The contractor shall coordinate with suppliers and shippers to ensure that incoming materials are properly identified with the contractor’s name, contract number and project title. The contractor shall designate an authorized individual to be available to receive shipment.

H. Cleanup and Disposal of Debris and Fill Materials At the end of each workday, the contractor shall clean up the work and storage areas and stack all materials in a manner approved by the Contracting Officer or his/her designated representative. Upon completion of a project, the contractor shall ensure that all dirt, trash, and debris resulting from the construction operations are removed from the work area. Unless directed otherwise in the contract or by the Contracting Officer, disposal of debris shall be made at the contractor’s expense and shall be delivered to a state approved disposal site located off the VA grounds and/or CBOC locations. Debris shall not be left in such a manner that wind or other weather conditions can cause the debris to be scattered outside the work area or inside the facilities via local foot traffic.

I. Access to VA Information and VA Information Systems

1. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

2. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

J. Records Management

The following standard items relate to records generated in executing the contract and should be included in a typical procurement contract:

a. Citations to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

b. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

c. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government IT equipment and/or Government records.

d. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act.

e. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

f. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

g. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

h. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

i. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

j. Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, this contract. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information.

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Routine Hourly Labor Rate - Year One Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Emergency Hourly Labor Rate - Year One Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Routine Hourly Labor Rate - Year Two Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Emergency Hourly Labor Rate - Year Two Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Routine Hourly Labor Rate - Year Three Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Emergency Hourly Labor Rate - Year Three Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Routine Hourly Labor Rate - Year Four Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Emergency Hourly Labor Rate - Year Four Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Routine Hourly Labor Rate - Year Five Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

Emergency Hourly Labor Rate - Year Five Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J045 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Plumbing, Heating, and Waste Disposal Equipment

B.2 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Contractor agrees to the following terms of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) EXCLUSIVELY WITH the Department of Veterans Affairs:

B.3 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:

Primary Point of Contact:

Alternate Point of Contact:

DUNS NUMBER:

Cognizant Office (Include complete address):

Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Providence

830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence RI 02908

B.4 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.5 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 10 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.

B.6 SEGREGATION OF COSTS

a. The "Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts" clause provides for reimbursement to the contractor of costs incurred for certain items and services purchased directly for the contract, subject to certain limitations set forth in the clause. Such items may include the lease/purchase of equipment, travel expenses for Government- directed travel, consumable materials, tuition and registration fees for specialized training, and other services or items acquired for the Government's account under the Government Property clause. The items and services which the BPA holder is authorized to purchase on a cost- reimbursement basis shall be limited to only those specific items and services described in the order(s) issued to the BPA holder as authorized for purchase.

b. The BPA holder shall segregate costs associated with materials and other items authorized to be purchased on a cost-reimbursement basis (to be specified in each order) from other costs associated with the performance of this contract in such a manner that at any time the costs subject to reimbursement under each order shall be readily ascertainable.

c. The "Ceiling Price" referred to in the "Payments under Time and Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts" clause shall be the ceiling price as stated in each order.

B.7 GENERAL SERVICES ORDERS

a. The BPA holder shall furnish all the necessary qualified personnel, materials, facilities and management resources to furnish the services set forth in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) or the Performance Work Statement (PWS) within the terms specified and at the price(s) stated.

b. It is understood and agreed that the BPA holder shall provide Fixed-Price proposals when requested by the Contracting Officer (CO). The contractor's proposal shall be priced using labor rates and labor categories here in provided. The CO will issue Fixed Priced Orders upon completion of negotiations of contractor proposals.

B.8 LABOR HOUR ORDERS

a. It is intended that the majority of orders issued for performance under this BPA will be Fixed-Priced Orders. However, on occasion Labor Hour Orders may be issued. This section applies to such orders only.

b. The BPA holder shall furnish all the necessary qualified personnel, materials, facilities and management resources to furnish the services set forth in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) or the Performance Work Statement (PWS) within the terms specified and at the price(s) stated. All orders will be issued and modified at the labor rates in effect at the time the work is performed.

c. It is understood and agreed that the BPA holder shall use in the performance of the contract the labor categories and hours specified in each order.

d. The labor categories and hours specified in each order represent the current best estimate of the services to be performed. To enhance flexibility and to allow the BPA holder to determine the optimum labor mix for the order the BPA holder may without notice to the Government, increase or decrease the number of hours for each category specified in the individual order by no more than %. These adjustments are allowable only to the extent that the ceiling price and the total number of hours of the labor CLIN(s) are not exceeded. The BPA holder will not be paid more than the ceiling price of any individual order.

e. Government Reimbursement of BPA Holder-Incurred Training Costs in Support of Mission-Unique Department of Veterans Affairs Requirements. BPA holder\personnel are required to possess all the skills necessary to support at least the minimum requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) tasking for the labor category under which they are performing. Training to meet such minimum requirements must be provided by the BPA holder and is included in the fixed price labor rates. In situations where the "Government User" being supported by an order under the basic contract requires some "unique" level of support beyond the minimum requirements of the PWS because of program/mission-unique needs, then the BPA holder may directly charge the order (in the same manner as one might charge work-related TDY expenses) in order to obtain the unique training required for successful support if authorized in the order. Such education/training might be provided by Government entities or by "third party" private entities such as companies who specialize in providing professional or specialized training/education seminars/classes. Direct labor expenses, and travel related expenses allowable under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), may be allowed to be billed on a cost reimbursement basis. Tuition/Registration/Book fees (costs) that may be applicable to an individual course/seminar may be recoverable as a direct cost if specifically authorized in a particular order. Documentation (in the form of a Department of Veterans Affairs Program Office signed memorandum that such contemplated labor, travel, and costs to be reimbursed by the Government are mission essential and in direct support of "unique" or special Program Office requirements) will be required to support the billing of such costs against the order, which authorized payment, therefore.

f. In the event the BPA holder expends fewer hours than set forth in the individual order, the total order shall be adjusted to reflect the actual number of hours expended and the final order price. In no case will the final price exceed the ceiling price of the order.

g. Notwithstanding any other provision, the BPA holder shall maintain sufficient accounting records for verification of the hours and categories of labor incurred in the performance of each order. It is further understood and agreed that the accounting records shall be available for Government review during the performance of the contract and until three years after final payment under the contract. In the event subcontract labor is included in the labor effort contained in paragraph (c) above, the foregoing records provisions shall be included in all applicable subcontracts.

h. Payment under individual orders for CLINs (to be specified in order) will be in accordance with FAR 52.232-7 entitled "Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts." Withholding of amounts due as contemplated by the clause will apply to the total contract and not to individual orders. Withholding will not exceed $50,000.00 for the entire contract, regardless of the number of orders issued against the contract, and will apply to the first order and continue until the maximum withholding amount is reached. To facilitate closeout of early orders, the amount withheld may be transferred to any subsequent active order. Ceiling price, as used in the clause, applies to each individual order, not to the total contract.

B.9 NONPERSONAL SERVICES

a. In performance of this contract, the BPA holder will provide services as required by program offices to support management of their overall mission. This will be based upon the order's performance work statement for the specific effort. Orders will be formally issued to the BPA holder as opposed to individual BPA holder employees.

b. The services required under the Agreement constitute professional and management services within the definition provided by FAR 37.201. Under this Agreement the Government will obtain professional services, which are essential to the Department of Veterans Affairs mission but not otherwise available within Department of Veterans Affairs.

c. The Government will neither supervise BPA holder employees nor control the method by which the BPA holder performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual BPA holder employees. It shall be the responsibility of the BPA holder to manage their employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services. If the BPA holder feels that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the BPA holder's further responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer immediately.

d. These services shall not be used to perform work of a policy/ decision making or management nature. All decisions relative to programs supported by BPA holders will be the sole responsibility of the Government. Support services will not be ordered to circumvent personnel ceilings, pay limitations, or competitive employment procedures.

B.10 AUTHORIZED LIMITS

The Government estimates, but does not guarantee, that individual BPA Orders placed against this Agreement may reach $200,000.00/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 $1,000,000.00 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 orders above the stated 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.11 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.12 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

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

B.13 AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS

Individuals Authorized to Place Orders:

DVA authorizes the following entities to place orders:

All VHA NCO 01 Contracting Officers

B.14 ORDER FORMAT

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

B.15 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

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

Issa.Shawki@va.gov 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.16 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.17 PROHIBIT ACTIVITIES

The BPA holder shall not perform tasks under any resultant order which involve the following:

(a) preparation of any statement of requirements, objectives, or needs to be procured by the Government for services, whether to be acquired by future orders under the program, or by any other contract action at Department of Veterans Affairs;

(b) evaluation of the qualifications of a potential source or any proposal for a contract or order by the Government for services or any other supplies or services;

(c) formulation of "best value" criteria, acquisition plans, solicitations or strategies for the purchase of -like services;

(d) preparation of documentation for future orders for services.

B.18 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

The Government will reimburse the cost of travel required in conjunction with performance of orders issued under this contract. Reimbursement for travel is limited to that which is required in the performance of the order. Specific Government direction to attend meetings or gather information shall be reimbursed on a cost reimbursable basis only. Local travel or the relocation of BPA holder personnel from other geographic areas for the purpose of staffing an order, are not subject to reimbursement. The Government will not pay travel charges for travel to and from the BPA holder employee's home and the DVA Office or to and from one company building to another (either within a company or to and from a prime to a sub company). Travel costs subject to reimbursement are limited to travel occurring at the direction of the Government, performed in conjunction with a specific requirement for a trip authorized in the order. Any administrative/clerical support travel costs shall be considered and approved by the Contracting Officer on a case-by-case basis.

B.19 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.20 PRECEDENCE

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.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(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…