36C24425Q0138.docx

36C24425Q0138

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office 4 Services 2 1601 Kirkwood Highway

POINT OF CONTACT*

Keri Lewis Contract Specialist keri.lewis2@va.gov 412-860-7204

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS

Department of Veterans Affairs

Wilmington VAMC

1601 Kirkwood Highway

Wilmington DE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 in conjunction with Part 13 of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This Solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), and the solicitation number is 36C24425Q0138.

This notice incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-07 effective 09-30-2024, and the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations (VAAR). The complete text of any of the clauses and provisions may be accessed in full text at FAR | Acquisition.GOV.

This Solicitation is being competed as a Veteran Owned Small Business Set-Aside. The NAICS Code is 221310, with a business size standard of $41 million. The Product Service Code (PSC) is J046.

The NCO4 Contracting Office is seeking to establish water treatment services for the Wilmington VA Medical Center in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

Service Contract Act Wage Determinations applies to this acquisition and will be incorporated into the resulting contract and task orders. The current Wage Determination, 2015-4215 v.25 Dated 07.22.24. This is a public document available for viewing on SAM.Gov.

Complete instructions for submitting a response to this solicitation and applicable provisions and clauses are found in the solicitation. All offerors are advised to pay careful attention to the quote submission instructions as there are very specific instructions as what is required to be provided.

I. Quote Submission Instructions:

A. Failure to follow the instructions below may result in elimination from award consideration or a non-responsive determination.

1) Quotes shall be submitted through email only. Multiple emails are allowable if necessary due to document size limitations.

2) All quotes shall include one (1) separate electronic copy of each of the Section listed below. The Sections must be clearly identified as described below (either as the title of the document or on the actual document).

3) No price information shall be included in the technical section. If pricing information is found in the technical section, the quote may be considered non-responsive and not evaluated.

B. Section I Administrative/Regulatory. Page limit: None. Please be advised that this Section is not sent for technical evaluation.

1) In accordance with FAR 4.1102 and FAR 52.204-7 (b)(1) offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at time of quote submission and at time of award. Registration may be done online at: www.acquisition.gov or www.sam.gov.

2) Vendors are advised that the requirements of 13 CFR § 125.6 may be applicable to this solicitation and shall respond accordingly. The vendor shall include a narrative regarding subcontractors and a detailed description of how the offeror plans to adhere to the requirements of 13 CFR § 125.6. This narrative shall describe what tasks the prime will perform and what tasks the subcontractors will perform. The response shall also provide the subcontractor’s business name and UEI. If the offeror does not plan to use subcontractors, they need to respond accordingly. Failure to provide the requested information regarding 13 CFR 125.6 may result in a non-responsive determination.

3) Completed Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction at 852.219-75 shall be submitted. Failure to complete, sign and submit this certification will automatically result in a non-responsive determination and no further consideration for award.

C. Section II Technical. Please note, this section is sent for Technical Evaluation. Do not include pricing. Page limit: 10 pages including any coversheets and table of contents. Certifications are not included in the page count.

1) Shall show a copy of manufacturer’s specifications for the proposed equipment. (Cut sheets)

2) The quoter shall provide past performance narratives, description of work, results of work, showing their prior engagement in the operation of potable water treatment equipment designed for legionella control in a healthcare setting within the last three years.

D. Section III Price. No page limit. Please note, this section is not sent to the technical evaluators.

1) Quoters are required to complete the pricing information found in the schedule of the solicitation. Line items shall not be edited. Pricing per unit and total per line are required as well as contract total.

II. Evaluation of Quotations The Government intends to issue a single award indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract in response to this solicitation. Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below. The Government may, at its discretion and in its best interest, make award without conducting discussions with offerors. Therefore, prospective offerors are encouraged to submit initial quotes that represent the best terms and conditions of the offeror.

Quotes will be evaluated for technical compliance using the submittals requested in the solicitation. The technical portion shall be rated on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Award will be made to the responsible quoter who is compliant with solicitation and provides the best value to the government.

The period of performance (POP) in the attached schedule is an estimate. It is anticipated a five-year IDIQ fixed-priced contract will be awarded from the solicitation.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be issued on a Standard Form 1449.

NOTE: To receive an award resulting from this solicitation, offerors MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database. Registration may be done online at: www.acquisition.gov or www.sam.gov.

There will be one opportunity for a scheduled site visit. This will be held on 12/09/2024 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. There will be no questions answered at this time. Contractors are advised that any and all questions concerning this solicitation must be sent in writing to the Contracting Office at NCO 4. Questions may be sent via email to Keri Lewis at Keri.Lewis2@va.gov. No questions will be answered after 12/11/2024. No questions regarding the current/past contract will be answered. Those questions shall be addressed to the appropriate FOIA office.

Page 1 of Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C244 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4 Services 2 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington DE 19805

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.

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

B.2. STATEMENT OF WORK

Wilmington VA Medical Center Statement of Work Secondary Water Treatment System Unit Installation and Operation

1.0 Overview

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs, VA Medical Center (“facility”) is located at 1601 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19805. The facility has an active Sanipur Sanikill monochloramine generator unit (installed in 2014) which is used for secondary water treatment. The current system is owned by the facility. It is installed on the incoming water supply located in Building 7 (Boiler Plant).

The contractor shall replace the existing Sanipur Sanikill secondary water treatment unit by the latest model (SANIKILL-tec SK-1000) or equal system. The facility’s goal is to comply with VHA Directive 1061 (amended on 03/04/2024) addressing prevention of health care-associated Legionella disease. The contractor will be responsible to dispose of the existing unit once the new unit is installed and operational.

The facility will purchase a new secondary water treatment unit (“unit”). The new unit shall comply with all applicable EPA, state, and local regulations, and VA directives and policies.

If the new secondary water treatment unit is subject to regulatory approval (registration, permit etc.) before its operation, the contractor will secure approval on behalf of the facility without additional costs.

The contractor shall take whatever steps necessary to maintain Maximum and Minimum Residual Disinfection Levels, as required by the regulations or VA Directive, throughout the domestic cold-water system. Cold water loop supplied by two (2) Artesian water mains entering Building 7 and serving the entire Facility.

Below is an example of Brand name or Equal equipment requirements for the new secondary water treatment system (A product “cut sheet” or complete description must be included with the solicitation response):

· Maximum monochloramine production range=1000 g/h (2.2 lb/h) or as defined by the latest model.

· Two chlorine probes-upstream and downstream.

· No production of potentially harmful disinfection by-products.

· Reagent flow sensors: Unit stops in case of incorrect dosage of the reagents.

· Alert and alarm notifications: email or text messages are sent real-time when an alarm occurs.

2.0 Scope of Work:

In addition to requirements outlined by the Section 1 above, the contractor shall comply with the following provisions of the contract:

2.1 Contractor shall provide all management, tools, consumables, equipment, and qualified personnel necessary to maintain water treatment system operational at all times.

2.2 Contractor shall ensure that all work accomplished in the performance of this SOW meets all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and VA directives and policies.

2.3 Provide continual remote monitoring for proper system operation and function.

2.4 At a minimum, provide two (2) probes (sensors- one for upstream and one for downstream) to monitor total chlorine in water.

2.5 Provide access to continual remote monitoring from a web-based system to monitor system operation and function, and chlorine concentration in water as outlined by Sections 2.3 & 2.4 above.

2.6 With facility’s approval, the contractor will modify, fabricate, and install plumbing fittings at the injection site to achieve the desired concentration in the treated water.

2.7 Not less than monthly provide a site visit to perform system visual inspection in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, collect water samples at distal sites of the cold-water system for onsite testing, log sampling results (chemical concentrations such as residual chlorine, pH, water temperature etc. or as required by the regulations) or adjust chemical feeds as required in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, calibrate equipment and perform preventive maintenance as required. A monthly summary of actions performed is to be submitted to the station Point of Contact (POC) within ten (10) business days of every site visit.

2.8 Contractor is responsible for maintaining satisfactory levels of chemicals and consumables at the equipment location to ensure continuous operation of the system. Chemical addition or replacement for system operation shall be done by the contractor every month at a minimum or as needed for proper equipment operation. Contractor shall store all chemicals including backup chemicals in the boiler plant or in another location as directed by the POC. Chemical storage by the contractor will comply in accordance with published safety data sheets or as defined by the Delaware State or EPA rules. The contractor will use their own spill-containment pallets to store chemicals.

2.9 Provide no less than two (2) training sessions per year for up to ten (10) VA staff members to meet the requirements of the manufacturer and any training that is required for system operation.

2.10 Contractor shall provide sampling kits for onsite daily water sample collection and analysis by the facility staff members. The analysis may include residual chlorine, water temperature, pH, and other parameters as required.

2.11 Contractor shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to maintain equipment performance. This may include the requirements of an annual service/tune-up.

2.12 Annually provide a formal written program review via email to the POC. Report to provide a summary of quantities of chemicals used, amount of water treated, trends of chemical levels (total chlorine or residual chlorine) in the separate water loops, a summary of site visits and training performed, and any interactions with governing bodies such as the Office of Drinking Water, or the State.

2.13 If monthly or annul reporting is a requirement by the EPA and/or State regulatory agency, the contractor will comply with the requirement on behalf of the facility. Provide a copy of each report to the facility POC.

2.14 The primary POC for the contract operation will be the contract POC. The alternate POC is facility’s Industrial Hygienist or Safety & Occupation Health Manager.

2.15 The contractor shall have been engaged in the operation of potable water treatment equipment designed for legionella control in a healthcare setting.

3.0 Performance

3.1 The anticipated period of performance for implementation will be:

3.1.1 2/27/2025-2/26/2030

3.2 The place of performance for this work is the VA Medical Center Wilmington, DE located at 1601 Kirkwood Hwy. Wilmington, DE 19805.

3.3 Normal hours of operation are 7:30 am -4:00 pm Monday-Friday outside of Federal Holidays. The boiler plant is manned 24/7. Contractor access to the boiler plant will be unrestricted outside of emergent situations.

3.4 The contractor shall address issues associated with the unit and its operation within forty-eight (48) hours of initial notification received from the facility.

3.5 Safety data sheets shall be provided by the Contractor for all chemicals placed in use. Chemical storage, use of personal protective equipment, and training of onsite field technician are Contractor’s responsibilities.

4.0 Privacy and Security

4.1 A compliant ID badge must be worn by Contractors at all times while on VA premises.

4.2 Contractor may not have access to the VA network or any VA sensitive information under this contract.

5.0 Invoices and Payment

5.1 Invoices will be submitted monthly in arrears to the Government office designated in the solicitation and include the original and one copy.

5.2 Invoices shall indicate what systems, building, and frequency work was performed.

6.0 Records Management Obligations

The language below should not replace specific records management requirements included within Federal information system contracts.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS

A. Applicability This clause applies to all Contractors whose employees create, work with, or otherwise handle Federal records, as defined in Section B, regardless of the medium in which the record exists.

B. Definitions “Federal record” as defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3301, includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them.

The term Federal record:

C. Requirements

1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

4. VHA and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of VHA or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to VHA. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to VHA control, or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The 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, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and VHA guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with VHA policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public VHA information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

9. The 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 from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

10. The VHA owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which VHA shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VHA -provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

New equipment purchase and installation IAW the SOW.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 12-16-2024 POP End: 12-15-2025

Water Treatment Service and maintenance IAW the SOW.

POP Begin: 12-16-2024 POP End: 12-15-2025

Water Testing Service and Maintenance IAW the SOW.

POP Begin: 12-16-2025 POP End: 12-15-2026

Water Treatment Service and maintenance IAW the SOW.

POP Begin: 12-16-2026 POP End: 12-15-2027

Water Treatment Service and maintenance IAW the SOW.

POP Begin: 12-16-2027 POP End: 12-15-2028

Water Treatment Service and maintenance IAW the SOW.

POP Begin: 12-16-2028 POP End: 12-15-2029

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

USA

1.00

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

12.00

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

12.00

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

12.00

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

12.00

Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805

12.00

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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 local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

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

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

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

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

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

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

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

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

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

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

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

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

(End of Clause) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from to be determined through to be determined.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when—

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor’s fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either—

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor’s email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of Clause)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than 2,500.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of to be determined;

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of to be determined; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 1 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within 3 days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of Clause)

C.4 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum."

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after to be determined.

(End of Clause) C.5 VAAR 852.219-74 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, ‘‘Veteran-owned small business or VOSB’’:

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more Veteran(s);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more Veteran(s);

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document.

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 and 13 CFR 128, and is certified and listed in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/; and

(v) The business agrees to comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting, and the Veterans Small Business Certification Program at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128.

(2) ‘‘Veteran’’ is defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2).

(3) The term ‘‘small business concern’’ has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term ‘‘small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans’’ has the meaning given that term under section 3(q)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(3)), except that for a VA contract the firm must be certified and listed in the SBA certification database.

(5) The term “VOSB participant” or certified VOSB means a small business that has been certified as eligible to participate in the Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102). It includes certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs).

(b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of a VOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be certified and listed as a VOSB or SDVOSB participant in the certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128.

(1) Offers received from entities that are not certified VOSBs or SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made only to a certified VOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as a VOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified VOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, a VOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the VOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on-subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 125.6. For the purpose of the limitations on subcontracting, only certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database, (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or ‘‘similarly situated’’ (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required LOS certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219–75 and/or 852.219–76 as applicable).