36C24426Q0755.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office 4 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Derrick Maruski Derrick.Maruski2@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

135 E. 38th Street Erie, PA 16504

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation Number 36C24426Q0755 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Worship Pianist Services. This acquisition is set aside 100% for small business concerns. The applicable NAICS code is 711510 – Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (size standard: $9.0M). The Product/Service Code (PSC) is R499 – Support: Professional Other. Only offerors who qualify as small businesses under NAICS 711510 are eligible for award.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be issued as a Purchase Order on Standard Form (SF) 1449 with a base year and four (4) option years. Anticipated Period of Performance is September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2031.

Place of Performance: Erie VA Medical Center, 135 E. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504 To receive an award, offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to quote submission and must maintain active registration through final payment.

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation shall be forwarded in writing via email to the Contract Specialist by 12:00 PM EST, Friday, July 17, 2026. Questions will not be accepted after that date. Responses to questions will be posted via amendment on SAM.gov at http://www.sam.gov.

PART I – STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1.1 Background

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Erie VA Medical Center, Chaplain Service requires a worship pianist to provide musical accompaniment and vocal support for Roman Catholic and Protestant worship services. All work is to be performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations or ordinances.

1.2 Required Skills and Experience

1. The contractor shall provide piano or keyboard accompaniment, and vocal support as requested, for Protestant and Roman Catholic Worship Services as directed by the Chaplain Service.

2. The contractor shall have documented experience performing in a VA chapel setting or a religious congregation.

3. The contractor shall demonstrate the ability to perform all hymns contained in the chapel hymnal with a high level of accuracy and shall provide one piece of special music per service when requested by the officiating Chaplain.

4. The contractor must be able to proficiently perform a prelude, hymns from the Catholic tradition and Protestant tradition, and a postlude.

1.3 Schedule of Services

The contractor shall arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes before any scheduled service or special event and provide ten (10) minutes of appropriate prelude music coordinated with the officiating Chaplain. Current scheduled services as of the beginning of FY2027 are:

Based upon Veteran needs and available VA staffing, there may be only one Sunday service. The contractor shall be available for two Sunday services when scheduled. Any schedule changes will be coordinated with the contractor in advance. The contractor shall notify the officiating Chaplain as soon as possible if unavailable for a regularly scheduled service. The contractor may designate a substitute; however, the contractor must personally perform at a minimum of 65% of all scheduled services the contractor is expected to attend. Special services will be announced as needed and coordinated with the contractor's schedule.

1.4 Training

The contractor shall complete all VHA-mandatory training required of contractor personnel prior to performance and annually thereafter, including privacy training specified in Part II.

PART II – SECURITY, PRIVACY & RECORDS MANAGEMENT

2.1 Security Determination

This contract does not involve VA Sensitive Information; a VA security clause is not required.

2.2 Privacy Training

The contractor and all contractor employees assigned to this contract shall complete VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness Training and Rules of Behavior (VA20939) via the VA Talent Management System (TMS) prior to performance and annually during performance. If a contractor employee is unable to access TMS, they may alternatively read and sign "VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or the Use of VA Sensitive Information."

2.3 Records Management

The contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, 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; the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a); and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended.

Specific obligations:

(a) All data created for Government use and falling under Government legal control are Federal records subject to 44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, and 33 (36 CFR 1222.32), FOIA, and the Privacy Act, and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

(b) The contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use.

(c) Records may not be removed from VA legal custody or destroyed except per 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 fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Inadvertent or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction must be reported to VA. The agency will report promptly to NARA per 36 CFR 1230.

(d) The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of VA information, data, documentary materials, records, or equipment.

(e) The contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems without express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity.

(f) The contractor shall obtain Contracting Officer approval before engaging any subcontractor in support of this contract where such engagement requires disclosure of information, documentary material, or records generated under the contract.

(g) The contractor shall use Government IT equipment only for purposes authorized by this contract and in accordance with VA policy.

(h) The contractor shall not create or maintain records containing non-public VA information not specifically tied to or authorized by this contract.

(i) The contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable containing Privacy Act-protected information or information exempt from FOIA disclosure.

(j) All contractor employees who create, work with, or otherwise handle records shall complete VA-provided records management training per agency policy, including initial and annual refresher training.

PART III – CONTRACT LINE ITEMS (CLINs) BASE YEAR (Sep 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027)

OPTION YEAR 1 (Sep 1, 2027 – Aug 31, 2028)

OPTION YEAR 2 (Sep 1, 2028 – Aug 31, 2029)

OPTION YEAR 3 (Sep 1, 2029 – Aug 31, 2030)

OPTION YEAR 4 (Sep 1, 2030 – Aug 31, 2031)

Total Estimated Contract Value (All Years): $____________

PART IV – EVALUATION CRITERIA

52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(a) The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in RFO FAR 12.203(2), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s). Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting but will accept alternate quotations. The evaluation will consider the following:

· Technical Capability

· Past Performance

· Price

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

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

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contract Ordering Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Provision)

52.203-18

52.204-7 52.219-1 52.225-25

852.209-70 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS – REPRESENTATIONS

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS

PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO IRAN—REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

JAN 2017

NOV 2024

FEB 2024

JUN 2020

OCT 2020

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR/VAAR

Number

52.203-17

52.203-19

52.204-9 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS

PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

NOV 2023

JAN 2017

JAN 2011

52.204-13 52.209-6

52.209-10

52.212-4

52.219-6 52.219-28

52.222-3 52.222-36

52.222-50

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE

PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT, OR VOLUNTARILY EXCLUDED

PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

POSTAWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION

CONVICT LABOR

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES

COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

OCT 2018

JAN 2025

AUG 2018

OCT 2025

NOV 2015

NOV 2025

NOV 2025

NOV 2025

NOV 2025

52.222-62 52.223-23 52.226-8

52.232-33

52.232-40

52.233-3 52.233-4 52.237-2

852.203-70

PAID SICK LEAVE UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 13706

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSER-SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

PROTEST AFTER AWARD

APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM

PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEGETATION

COMMERCIAL ADVERSTISING

JAN 2022

MAY 2024

MAY 2024

OCT 2018

MAR 2023

AUG 1996

OCT 2004

APR 1984

MAY 2018

852.232-72 852.237-70 852.237-74 852.237-75

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

NON-DISCRIMINATION IN SERVICE DELIVERY

NOV 2018

OCT 2019

OCT 2019

OCT 2019

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 1 day provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years.

52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (DEVIATION APR 2026) (a)Definitions. As used in this clause— Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to: training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

(2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

(3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

(4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

(5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

(6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

End of Clause

VAAR 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING (DEVIATION) (MAR 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause – VA Information system is the same as information system and means, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 5727, a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information whether automated or manual.

VA sensitive information means all VA data, on any storage media or in any form or format, which requires protection due to the risk of harm that could result from inadvertent or deliberate disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the information and includes sensitive personal information. The term includes information where improper use or disclosure could adversely affect the ability of VA to accomplish its mission, proprietary information, records about individuals requiring protection under various confidentiality provisions such as the Privacy Act and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and information that can be withheld under the Freedom of Information Act. Examples of VA sensitive information include the following: individually-identifiable medical, benefits, and personnel information; financial, budgetary, research, quality assurance, confidential commercial, critical infrastructure, investigatory, and law enforcement information; information that is confidential and privileged in litigation such as information protected by the deliberative process privilege, attorney work-product privilege, and the attorney client privilege; and other information which, if released, could result in violation of law or harm or unfairness to any individual or group, or could adversely affect the national interest or the conduct of Federal programs.

(b) General. Contractor personnel assigned to work for or on behalf of VA must undergo a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level designation associated with the work to be performed at the level indicated in the contract. The Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA Directive/Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, which can be accessed at: https://vaww.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm.

(c) Risk and Sensitivity Levels. The following table identifies the risk and sensitivity levels that apply to any personnel providing services under this contract. *VA Administrations, organizations and staff offices will use the OPM Position Designation Tool.

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions – Tier 1/Low Risk

Pianist

Security clearances are granted to individuals with a specific requirement for access to classified material (for example, Confidential, Secret and Top Secret). Contractor personnel that are required to obtain a security clearance will be subject to a Tier 3 or Tier 5 investigation. The following sensitivity designations have been assigned for the identified Tier 3 and Tier 5 required by this contract:

Tier 3: N/A Tier 5: N/A

(d) Fitness. The results from a background investigation are used to determine if an individual’s fitness is sufficient for that individual to perform work for or on behalf of VA in the position identified in this contract. Contractor fitness determinations are made in accordance with 5 CFR Part 731.202.

Fitness requirements for employment are separate and distinct from job qualifications. If a Contractor or subcontractor employee is found to be unsuitable or unfit to provide services under this contract, the Contractor shall immediately remove the employee from working on this contract and take those necessary steps that restrict the employee’s logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information.

The Contractor shall advise the employee that they are not permitted to access any VA controlled building or real property in relation to this contract. The removal of an unfit Contractor or subcontractor employee does not alleviate the Contractor from satisfying the requirements of this contract. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs associated with the recruitment/replacement of an employee or subcontractor employee who is found to be unfit.

(e) Identification Cards. The Government will provide a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card or other identification card, as necessary, to fit Contractor personnel who require physical access to VA facilities and/or logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information. Contractor and subcontractor personnel shall prominently display their PIV/identification card on their persons while working at a VA facility and shall present their PIV/identification card for inspection upon request by a VA official. The Contractor must surrender the employee or subcontractor employee’s PIV/identification card in accordance with the requirements set forth in Directive/Handbook 0735 when any of the following events occur:

1. When no longer needed for contract performance.

2. Upon completion of the Contractor/subcontractor employee’s employment.

3. Upon contract completion or termination.

(f) Lost/stolen. Immediately upon detection, the Contractor shall report a lost or stolen PIV/identification card to the Government authorities as identified in Directive/Handbook 0735. Within 48 hours of reporting the lost/stolen PIV/identification card, the Contractor shall submit to the Program Manager an incident report that describes the relevant facts and circumstances regarding the loss/theft. If the loss/theft was reported by the Contractor to the local police, the Contractor shall further submit a copy of the final police report to the Program Manager within 48 hours of the report being made available by the local police department. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs that result from lost/stolen PIV/identification card(s).

(g) Regular Reporting. The Contractor shall submit a status report to PIV Sponsor within 5 working days after the end of each calendar quarter and as requested by the Government in order to initiate contract closeout procedures. The report must provide the status of each contractor/subcontractor employee who is required to have a PIV/identification card during the performance of the contract. The report shall identify the Contractor and the contract number, and list the following status for each contractor/subcontractor employee who holds a PIV/identification card under this contract:

1. Contractor/subcontractor employee name.

2. Name of VA facility where Contractor/subcontractor employee works, if applicable.

3. Date background check submitted for Contractor/subcontractor employee.

4. Date PIV/identification card issued to Contractor/subcontractor employee.

5. Contractor/subcontractor employee’s PIV/identification card number, as applicable.

6. Date Contractor/subcontractor employee no longer has need for PIV/identification card.

7. Date Contractor notified VA that PIV/identification card is no longer required.

8. Date Contractor returned PIV/identification card was returned to VA.

(h) Flow down of clause. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause in subcontracts, third-party agreements, and BAA’s, in which subcontractors, third-party servicers/employees, and business associates will perform functions where they will have physical access to a VA facility or logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information system containing such data or information.

End of Clause

PART VI – QUOTE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEVIATION AUG 2025) Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below. Questions will be accepted until July 17, 2026, NLT 3:00 PM EST. Responses will be posted on SAM.gov via an amendment to this solicitation. Question submitted after this time frame will NOT be addressed.

Quotes shall be submitted via email to Contract Specialist, Derrick Maruski at Derrick.Maruski2@va.gov. no later than Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. Please insert "Solicitation No. 36C24426Q0755 – Erie Chapel Pianist" in the subject line. All submissions shall be 5MB or less per email; if larger, submit multiple emails labeled 1 of XX, 2 of XX, etc. Late quotes will be treated per FAR 52.212-1(f) and will not be considered.

Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers and any modifications or revisions to the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation.

(2) Any offer, modification, or revision received after the time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

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

(4) Offerors may withdraw their offers by written notice to the Government received at any time before award.

(d) The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, if necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(e) Failure to follow all submission instructions may result in the offeror being determined to be non-responsive and removed from competition.

Quotes shall include all of the following:

Resume with Cover Letter identifying company name, contact information, CAGE Code, and SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number of the prime and any teaming partner or subcontractor.

Video Recording – Submit a video recording, no more than fifteen (15) minutes in length, demonstrating the offeror's performance of the following:

· One (1) Protestant hymn (e.g., from a United Methodist, Baptist, or non-denominational hymnal);

· One (1) Roman Catholic hymn (e.g., from the Gather or Breaking Bread hymnal);

· One (1) prelude or postlude selection of the offeror's choosing; and Vocal accompaniment, if applicable.

· Video submissions shall be provided via a publicly accessible link (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive) included in the quote submission. The Government is not responsible for broken or inaccessible links. Offerors are encouraged to verify link accessibility prior to submission.

Completed Price Schedule – Unit prices for all CLINs in Part III (base year and all four option years).

References – Provided upon request. The Government reserves the right to contact references as part of the technical evaluation. References from family members will not be considered. References from current VA employees must comply with applicable ethics requirements and will be evaluated at the Government's discretion.

End of Document

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice image1.emf