36C24425Q0146.docx

36C24425Q0146 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 36C24425Q0146.

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, 2015-4223 v.27 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) Staffing/Contractor Personnel: Demonstrate that the vendor analysts/contractors have the required training in best practices of Certified Water treatment in alignment with standards as referenced in the SOW.

2) Quality and Compliance: Demonstrate or explain the contractor’s or subcontractors’ prior experience implementing Hyperchlorination Programs for other VA Facilities as listed in the SOW.

3) Qualifications: Explain the contractor’s ability to provide hyperchlorination services in accordance with the SOW.

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.

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 12/30/2024. No questions regarding the current/past contract will be answered. Those questions shall be addressed to the appropriate FOIA office.

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: Keri Lewis, Contract Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, De 19805

USA

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

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1. Contract Title: Erie VAMC Domestic Water Disinfection Service (Hyperchlorination)

2. Background:

The mission of the Erie, PA VA Medical Center (Erie VAMC) is to provide the highest quality health care to our nation’s veterans. We are requesting to establish an indefinite delivery contract for water line disinfection. To comply with VHA Directive 1061 Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Legionella Disease and Scald Injury from Potable Water Distribution Systems, each patient care area must be tested for Legionella routinely and is under a separate contract. When positive results are obtained, the water lines must be disinfected to remove the contaminants.

3. Period of Performance:

Five-year IDIQ Contract.

4. Scope:

The Erie VAMC requires the services to disinfect cold and hot potable water systems in a 7-story active hospital facility with approximately (425) fixtures, utilizing specially blended chlorine/chlorine dioxide during off-business hours as needed per AWWA-C651 specifications. The work must be performed in phases as needed (i.e. only one floor, sometimes the entire building) to limit impacts on the operation of the facility and to ensure complete disinfection of the entire distribution system. All testing shall be performed by a licensed and certified testing lab acceptable to the facility. The Erie VAMC M&R staff is responsible to take samples to the testing lab. The current VISN 4 policy is to have the samples taken to Pittsburgh by our volunteer drivers when they take veterans to appointments at the Pittsburgh VAMC. The samples are collected in specific sample bottles. The lab at the Pittsburgh VAMC performs tests on the samples and provides reports to Erie VAMC with the test results. Once proper levels are reached the sanitizer must remain in the system a minimum of 2 to 3 hours and not exceeding 4 hours. After sufficient holding time has been reached each distal site must be flushed and sanitizer levels reduced to acceptable levels. Contractor must provide all labor, sanitizer and equipment required to inject, flush and test chlorine levels.

5. Proposed Procedure:

1. Emergency or as needed domestic water line hyperchlorination service, as specified by Facility POC in one of the following areas:

a. All hot and cold-water line(s) on specific floor

b. Only hot water line(s) on specific floor

c. Only cold-water line(s) on specific floor

d. All hot and cold-water line(s) in main building

e. Only hot water line(s) in main building

f. Only cold-water line(s) in main building

2. Contractor to provide all required PPE to their staff for this work under this contract.

3. Contactor to document each fixture sanitized in the facility to meet requirements of AWWA and VHA Legionella Directive 1061.

4. Contractor must utilize National Sanitization Foundation (NFS) approved chemicals.

5. Prior to the sanitization process taking place, the contractor shall review the fixtures connected to the hot water system and determine what, if any, shall be disconnected from the process to ensure unnecessary damage of equipment.

6. Contractor shall provide a report within 48 hours after the entire sanitization and flushing procedure has been completed. This report shall document the specific levels of chemicals used and overall process performed to ensure that the sanitization process extended to the most distal sites.

7. Contractor shall reach Shock chlorination levels. This method involves increasing the chlorine level of the hot water distribution systems to at least 2 mg/L and maintaining that level throughout the systems for at least 2 hours (but not exceeding 4 hours) and flushing all outlets.

8. Chlorination of the hot water tank(s) or the water heater(s) to a concentration of 20 to 50 mg/L may be required to achieve this level of free chlorine residual.

9. After the shock chlorination procedure is complete, the system must be thoroughly flushed before reuse.

10. Work must be done after hours to minimize disruption to the Erie, PA VA Medical Center. Contractor shall commence requirements of this statement of work by 6PM to 6AM.

6. Privacy and Security Requirements:

The contractor employees shall not have access to VA sensitive or computer information and will not require routine access to VA Facilities. The contractor employees shall require intermittent access only and will be escorted by VA employees while at VA Facilities. The contractor employees must check in with the VA Police and Security to obtain a visitor badge upon arrival. A compliant (visitor) badge must always be worn by Contractors while on VA premises. No background investigation is required.

7. Place of Performance:

All work will be performed at the Erie, PA VA Medical Center located at 135 East 38TH Street, Erie, PA 16504. Actual work performance dates/times shall be coordinated with the POC and VA staff. These dates/times shall include nights and weekends as required by VA staff and to minimize disruption to the Erie VA Medical Center. Hours of operation for this requirement are expected to be between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM to avoid disrupting patient care.

8. Delivery Schedule:

Contractor will submit to POC a daily field report before leaving the site. If testing (for some unforeseen reason) occurs over multiple days, the contractor will submit a field report daily. Each field report will be signed and dated by the entity performing the work.

The contractor will submit one final inspection report in electronic format to the respective POC within 48 hours following water line disinfection as noted above in section 5.6.

9. Safety:

The Contractor shall adhere to all OSHA, EPA, NFPA Life Safety Codes, and all other regulatory requirements.

The work performed by the contractor shall be done by Certified Water Technologists (CWTs) accredited by the Association of Water Technologies (AWT).

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall follow Erie VAMC safety policies and standards for safe work practices and take such safety precautions as the Safety Officer or designee may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The contractor is responsible for the supervision of all the employees while on government property.

The contractor is responsible for identifying, providing, and maintaining all personal protective equipment required to perform the duties outlined in the contract. In addition, the Contractor is responsible for identifying and providing all applicable safety programs (i.e. lockout/tag out, confined space entry, universal precautions, etc.) required for performing the work. Training on required safety programs and the proper use of PPE shall be provided, and documentation maintained by the contractor.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Emergency Loop/Piping Hyperchlorination service will be done on an “as-needed” basis: Per floor or loop water lines. (Hot and/or cold water) Estimated ten (10) each per year Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-31-2025 POP End: 01-30-2030

Emergency Loop/Piping Hyperchlorination service will be done on an “as-needed” basis: Main Building Water Lines. (Hot and/or cold water)

Estimated ten (10) each per year Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-31-2025 POP End: 01-30-2030

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504

USA

50.00

Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504

USA

50.00

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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). These requirements are summarized as follows:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/ VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.

(2) Supplies/products.

(i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the VOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(5) Subcontracting. A VOSB must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. A VOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

[] By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or [x] By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as a VOSB if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 128.402 and the managing joint venture partner makes the representations under paragraph (c) of this clause. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.10, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

(h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s VOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406–2, Causes for Debarment).

(End of Clause) C.6 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

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

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows:

(i) [x] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

(ii) [] General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 85% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(iii) [] Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/ VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror’s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

Certification I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee: ___________ Printed Title of…