36C24523Q0457.docx

36C24523Q0457

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1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

Mark Smith

04-11-2023

3PM

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Contracting Officer (90C) 510 Butler Avenue, Building 306A Martinsburg WV 25405

X

926140

N/A

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Contracting Officer (90C) 1540 Spring Valley DR.

Huntington, WV 25701

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Contracting Officer (90C) P.O. Box 1000, Bldg. 101, Room 26 Perry Point MD 21902

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

FSC e-Invoice Payment Invoice must be submitted electronically http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page Contractor shall provide agricultural training in accordance with the Statement of Work.

Questions are due 4/04/2023 at 3pm.

CO: Mark Smith | mark.smith25@va.gov

See CONTINUATION Page

Mark Smith Contracting Officer

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 36C245 Mark Smith Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Contracting Officer (90C) 510 Butler Avenue, Building 306A Martinsburg WV 25405

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:

Page 1 of

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK – AGRICULTURAL TRAINING

GENERAL:

This Statement of Work (SOW) describes the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center’s (HWW VAMC) needs related to the training aspects and onsite development of agriculture/permaculture of the existing Agricultural Training/Behavioral Healthcare services program. HWW VAMC currently requires a contractor to provide agricultural training using in-person, virtual, hands-on and classroom curriculum; use, expansion and maintenance of existing agriculture/horticulture; and interpretive trail restoration and improvement from February 28, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

The contractor shall provide training to program participants which encompasses a vast spectrum of agricultural topics and offers in person and virtual classroom and hands-on experiences. The contractor will provide digitally recorded trainings along with hand-outs, PowerPoint presentations, and other training materials for the curriculum to the VA Medical Center. The contractor will train Veterans in the VA FARMS Agritherapy “Veterans Growing Together” program; arrange and coordinate agricultural in-depth learning opportunities/internships; provide resources for business planning and business development; and maintain, use and expand established agriculture/permaculture on VA grounds.

Training Provide in person and virtual real-time training curriculum; four cycles of training for 15 to 20 participants per cycle, by the contractor, per specifications in SECTION D.a. below.

In-depth training/Internship Provide individualized in-depth training/internships for participants, arranged by the contractor, per specifications in SECTION D.b. below.

Business Planning and Development Provide production, business and market planning; as well as, assistance with start-up/scale up of agribusiness arranged by the contractor for any interested participant for the duration of the contract per specifications in SECTION D.c. below.

Agriculture/Permaculture/Grounds Maintenance Current agriculture/permaculture related to the VA FARMS “Veterans Growing Together” program on VA grounds will be utilized, expanded and maintained by the contractor per specifications in SECTION D.d. below.

Interpretive Trail Development Repair and structurally improve trail; plan and develop a geographic information system; and install display kiosks, interpretive signage, maps, seating, and rest areas to stimulate interest and provide education, per specifications in SECTION D.e. below.

LOCATIONS and SCHEDULE OF SERVICES PROVIDED:

Services will be provided to the following locations:

Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center, 1540 Spring Valley Drive, Huntington, WV

1. Three (3) cycles of classroom training

2. One (1) cycle virtual training

3. Business planning and development in agriculture

4. Agricultural/permaculture/horticulture areas use and maintenance

5. Site upgrades and expansion

6. Trail repair/improvement/restoration and interpretive trail development

Specific locations to be identified by the contractor for training in the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center catchment area as specified in SECTION D.b. below.

Work Hours:

a. Work Hours: Work is to be performed in accordance with the schedule specified in SECTION D.a. below.

b. No activities are expected to be conducted on Federal Holidays: The holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a federal holiday.

c. Make-up days for cancelled on-site training due to COVID-19 restrictions will be accomplished through virtual learning.

SPECIFICATIONS:

TRAINING: The contractor is responsible for providing education and training to participants referred by the HWW VAMC point of contact (POC).

Three (3) cycles of in-person training will be provided. Each cycle will consist of 120 in-person training hours, and held in the classroom and outdoor areas. Under contractor instruction and supervision, participants will participate in preparing, planting, expanding, maintaining and harvesting the permaculture and existing agriculture areas, when seasonally appropriate and possible.

One (1) additional cycle of training will be offered virtually. This training will be provided by utilizing virtual conferencing tools and each session will be recorded as it is virtually presented. Monthly in-person days will be held for application of skills and hands-on learning activities.

The curriculum will be developed by the contractor to prepare participants for employment (including self-employment) in agribusinesses. Participants may attend any or all 120 hours of in-person training in a cycle. The HWW VAMC will provide temperature-controlled classrooms for indoor classes. When required by COVID-19 restrictions the HWW VAMC will provide appropriate PPE for all participants and use appropriate measures to ensure social distancing in both the indoor and outdoor classroom settings.

As each virtual training session is recorded, the contractor will create a stored archive of the recorded daily lessons with accompanying PowerPoint presentations, hand-outs, and other training materials. These items and access will be provided to the HWW VAMC VA FARMS COR and remain available for unlimited and ongoing program use following completion of the contract.

Classroom topics may include, but not be limited to, the following: farm readiness, food and farm safety, agricultural regulations, production of traditional and niche crops, marketing strategies, pathways to agriculture, business planning and development, etc. Classroom sessions may be conducted indoors or outdoors and virtually. In addition to classroom training, under contractor instruction and supervision, participants will participate in preparing, planting, expanding, maintaining and harvesting permaculture and existing agriculture on VA grounds, when seasonally appropriate and possible.

Training is to be conducted according to the schedule below:

Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm

Every first and third Wednesday virtually The last Saturday of each month in-person Friday – 6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday – 9:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm

a. IN-DEPTH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES/INTERNSHIPS: Specialized in-depth learning opportunities and/or internships will be coordinated for each participant expressing interest. The contractor will identify learning opportunities for participants with agribusinesses in the participants’ expressed areas of interest. This learning can be conducted either on the grounds of the VAMC or offsite. Duration of internships shall be sufficient for operational understanding, practice, and implementation of specific skills learned in the training program.

b. BUSINESS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: The contractor will provide production, business and market planning; as well as, assistance with start-up/scale-up of agribusiness for any interested participant for the duration of the contract.

c. AGRICULTURAL/PERMACULTURE USE, MAINTENANCE, AND EXPANSION: The contractor will utilize, expand and maintain current agriculture/permaculture areas related to the VA FARMS program on VA grounds during the duration of the contract. The contractor will be responsible for skilled and qualified staff to develop, implement and maintain onsite agriculture/permaculture areas. The contractor will also be responsible for the purchase, transportation, storage and maintenance all required materials, supplies and equipment. All items stored on site at the HWW VAMC must be stored in storage areas designated by the COR and organized for access and inventory.

Areas currently included for maintenance and expansion are the high tunnel, elevated, raised and in-grounds beds, permaculture areas, mushroom growing area, traditional and trellis orchard areas, and apiary.

1. High Tunnel/Raised Beds/Elevated Beds/No-Dig Beds/Perennial Beds

· High Tunnel:

· Ensure that the plastic film covering is whole, and that any ripped/torn areas are repaired/replaced timely.

· Regularly check for structural soundness of frame and perform any needed repairs if damaged.

· Ensure proper operation of roll-up flaps and door.

· Maintain pavers, gravel, and border and replace as required.

· Regularly check temperature and humidity and control through timely opening/closing of side flaps.

· Appropriately weatherize as needed.

· Raised Beds/Elevated Beds/No-Dig Beds:

· Inspect raised beds (inside high tunnel) and elevated beds (outside high tunnel) and repair if needed.

· Test soil, treat, and/or add soil and components as needed under guidance of HWW VAMC horticulturist.

· Plant, care for, and water seeds/plants in high tunnel raised beds and outdoor elevated beds under guidance of HWW VAMC horticulturist; planting a minimum of:

· one (1) cool weather planting consisting of a minimum of four (4) varieties of crops consisting of a minimum of six (6) plants per variety.

· one (1) warm weather planting consisting of a minimum of four (4) varieties of crops consisting of a minimum of six (6) plants per variety.

· two (2) cool weather ornamental plants or flowers consisting of a minimum of two (2) full elevated beds of such.

· Two (2) hot weather ornamental plants or flowers consisting of a minimum of two (2) full elevated beds of such.

· Harvest product, record yield, and provide product to HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

· Following harvest, pull and discard plants.

· No-Dig/Perennial Beds:

· Inspect and maintain raised beds in orchard area and repair if needed.

· Test soil, treat, and/or add soil and components as needed under guidance of HWW VAMC horticulturist.

· Under guidance of HWW VAMC horticulturist, plant, care for, and maintain two – four (2-4) perennial or biannual crops such as; asparagus, rhubarb, herbs, garlic, flowers, chives, ginger, strawberries, or others.

2. Permaculture/Food Forest Areas:

· Inspect permaculture (reforestation areas) along trail and the two (2) food forest areas near end of trail a minimum of three (3) times during the contract period.

· Trail areas:

· Ensure that plants, groundcover, mulch, cages, etc. are in good repair.

· Replace, dead and/or dying plants if needed.

· Protect small/young plants through use of cages, netting, tubes, etc.

· Add mulch/groundcover as needed for weed control.

· Food Forest Areas:

· Regularly inspect and maintain the plants in the food forest area; including mulching, weeding and wildlife excluders. All cages should be of appropriate size.

· Remove dead/dying plants and replace as needed.

· All pruning is to be conducted under the guidance of the HWW VAMC horticulturist.

· Tool sanitization required (bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or similar) to reduce risk of disease spread.

· Harvest fruit, record yield, and provide product to HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

3. Mushrooms:

· Regularly inspect current mushroom farm area. Check for pinning and remove debris including leaves, vines, fallen branches, etc.

· Install three (3) metal racks (provided by VA) for inoculated mushroom log support.

· Inspect mushroom logs and replace logs when needed.

· Inoculate additional logs for ongoing Shitake mushroom production.

· Expand mushroom production to include addition of mushrooms into permaculture areas as appropriate.

· Harvest mushrooms, record yield and provide to HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

4. Orchard:

· Trellis Orchard:

· Inspect trellis structure and repair/replace damaged or worn parts as needed. Cables are to be kept tight.

· Inspect fencing and gates and repair/replace as needed for suitable wildlife control.

· Inspect terrace framework along rows and repair/replace as needed.

· Inspect existing fruit trees and treat as needed (water, pests, fungus, deer damage, etc.) for health and production. Wrapping should be used on trunks of new trees.

· Tool sanitization is required to slow disease spread (bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or similar).

· Remove and replace dead/dying trees and replace missing trees.

· Harvest fruit, record yield, and provide product to HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

· Traditional Orchard:

· Install six-foot diameter wire cages around each existing fruit tree for wildlife protection. Remove all existing cages smaller the six-foot diameter.

· Remove and replace dead/dying trees.

· Inspect existing fruit trees and treat as needed (mulch, weed, water, treat and otherwise maintain) for optimum health and production. Wrapping should be used on the trunks of new trees – particularly cherry and plum trees.

· Tool sanitization is required to slow disease spread (bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or similar).

· All pruning is to be approved by and performed under the guidance of the HWW VAMC horticulturist.

· Harvest fruit, record yield, and provide product to VAMC VA FARMS contact.

· Rootstock Collection:

· Maintain root stock beds for ongoing planting (weeding, mulching).

· Provide additional root stock and scion wood and graft as needed to replace trees in the orchard and food forest areas.

5. Apiary/Bees:

· Development, expansion and maintenance of a honeybee apiary.

· Maintain four (4) active hives by sustaining existing hives and replacing hives that did not survive previous season.

· Regularly inspect bees and hives.

· Repair or replace damaged or missing parts.

· Perform required maintenance.

· Winterize and de-winterize as appropriate.

· Feed and medicate bees on required schedule.

· Guard against parasites and other invasive species.

· Collect extra honey and wax, record yield and provide product to HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

d. INTERPRETITIVE TRAIL: The contractor will restore and repair the existing trail and will plan and develop interpretive aspects including a geographic information system (GIS), installation of display kiosks, interpretive signage, digital and paper maps, and rest areas to stimulate interest, provide education and increase usage of the trail and agricultural areas.

1. Trail repair and restoration

· Remove existing stone and pea gravel from trail from first curve at top of hill to beginning of level area just past mushrooms.

· Store removed gravel on old access road.

· Use removed gravel where needed for drainage and fill.

· Spread unused gravel along old access road.

· Place 12 inch HDPE pipe at top of hill and connect into existing pipe.

· Add joint pipe, turn over hill and build check at end with channel liner.

· Repair eroded areas along ditches and insert pipe under trail as needed for adequate drainage.

· Place 100’ French drain at end of trail along orchard area, bed in existing stone, seed area and protect for grass growth in this area.

· Install a minimum of 6 mil plastic barrier along area of trail where gravel is removed, staking and folding in sides.

· Apply 4 inch layer of Class 1 crush and run where gravel was removed, rolling for compaction.

2. Trail mapping - Geographic Information System (GIS):

· GIS map agricultural areas and plantings, such as high tunnel, elevated and in-ground beds, permaculture trail, reforestation areas, mushroom area, traditional and trellis orchards, solar benches, water catchment, food forest areas and apiary.

· Supply a software license for ESRI ArcGIS for the use of the VA FARMS program to maintain a spatial database of management records for plant resources along the permaculture trail and agricultural areas.

· Provide digital mapping information to the HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact.

· Develop and print hard copy map(s) as required for display in kiosks.

· Develop public outreach materials (e.g., self-guided tours of the trail and educational information on represented species).

3. Display Kiosks:

· Install existing large display kiosk near trail head. HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact will provide location information for large signage.

· Provide printed map for kiosk to include GIS data link or scannable QR code.

· Install existing smaller kiosk/display unit near top of orchard area.

· Provide GIS data link or scannable QR code.

4. Interpretive/Educational Signage:

· Create and install permanent informational signage (wood, metal, or durable printed plastic) to educate visitors about specific agricultural areas and purposes; permaculture installations; plants and trees, etc.

· HWW VAMC VA FARMS contact will provide location information for large signage.

· All signage is to be of appropriate size to allow for reading without entering off trail areas.

5. Rest Area Development and Access:

· Develop a minimum of two (2) level and cleared areas along trail as rest areas.

· Install and secure existing benches in rest areas.

e. PERSONNEL: The contractor is responsible for providing personnel with appropriate skills, experience and qualifications to perform the following:

1. Training and Training Coordination:

· Provide classroom, virtual and hands-on activities and/or assist guest instructors during entire 120 hours of each cycle.

· Prepare and provide modifications to ensure instruction if a scheduled guest instructor/speaker/specialist is unavailable, or if technical issues interfere with virtual instruction.

· Arrange sub-contractors, educational institution partners, subject matter experts and local producers as instructors.

· Provide business planning and development for interested participants.

· Develop and coordinate in-depth learning opportunities and/or internships for interested participants.

· Record virtual training and create archive of training and training materials.

2. Agricultural/Permaculture/Grounds Maintenance:

· Under direction of VA horticulturist, properly and regularly utilize and maintain existing agriculture/permaculture (high tunnel, bees, mushrooms, orchard, trail).

· Expand existing agriculture as specified in D.d.

· Maintain permaculture and agriculture areas.

· Utilize virtual platforms to train Veterans in both classroom and outdoor settings.

3. Trail Restoration and Interpretive Trail Development:

· Repair and restore trail, addressing drainage issues and improving surface

· Create level surfaces for trail rest areas/benches.

· Create geographic information system (GIS) of VA FARMS agricultural areas.

· Provide digital and hard copy maps with links or QR codes.

· Install kiosk and benches.

f. OVERSIGHT: The contractor shall provide supervision for administration and oversight of all aspects of the Veterans agricultural training provided under this contract.

g. TRAINING MATERIALS: The contractor will provide all classroom materials, IT equipment, virtual platforms for online training, saved digital curriculum, recorded training lessons, and daily lesson plans with content, and supplies for the classroom training. These items and access will be provided to the HWW VAMC VA FARMS COR and remain available for ongoing and unlimited program use following completion of the contract.

h. AGRICULTURAL/PERMACULTURE MATERIALS: The contractor will provide, store, transport and maintain all materials, plants/trees, tools, supplies and equipment required for all agricultural maintenance and expansion and all permaculture development, with the exception of those noted in this SOW as being provided by the VA or currently available for use. Under guidance of the HWW VAMC horticulturist, the contractor will purchase seeds; living plants and transplants; and perennial germplasms as required for hands-on training and site maintenance. All items stored on site at the HWW VAMC must be stored in storage areas designated by the COR and organized for access and inventory.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

a. Privacy of Veteran patients/participants is regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); as well as federal, state, VA, and local regulations governing protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII). Unless otherwise specified, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to identify the applicable federal/VA, state and local laws and regulations and apply the procedures and protocols as required. VA policy will be provided by the COR.

b. Environmental Programs are typically regulated by public law and statutes; departmental, agency and government instructions, regulations, directives, and other state and local regulations. Unless otherwise specified, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to identify the applicable federal/VA, state and local laws and regulations and apply the procedures and protocols as required. VA policy will be provided by the COR.

POINT OF CONTACT:

The contractor shall appoint a point of contact that will have the responsibility to respond to customer needs in accordance with this contract. He/she will ensure emergent needs are appropriately addressed within 24 hours and that all other needs are addressed with the VAMC VA FARMS point of contact in the manner required to provide the services defined above without interruption.

Quality Assurance AND Control

The contractor shall have a quality control program to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. This document shall be made available to the Government within 30 days of contract award and monthly thereafter. The program will include, but will not be limited to the following:

a. A tracking system covering the services listed in the Scope of Work.

b. A method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable which would include but not be limited to cancelled classes, personnel shortages, failure to arrange in-depth learning opportunities, failure to maintain/expand agriculture/permaculture on VA grounds, failure to renovate/repair trail, failure to design, develop and implement interpretive aspects for trail and/or failure to submit deliverables as required under this contract.

c. A record of all services/projects provided by the contractor and all corrective actions taken

REQUIRED CONTRACTOR REPORTING

a. The contractor is responsible for supplying, completing and submitting all reports required or requested by Federal, State or local ordinances, which pertain to any duties contained in the contract.

b. All tasks accomplished by contractor personnel will be performed to preclude damage or disfigurement of government-owned furnishing, fixtures, equipment and structures. The contractor will report any damages caused by his/her agent and will be responsible for repairing or replacing to the VA’s satisfaction. The government will not be held responsible for loss or damage to the contractor’s equipment or belongings.

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL BADGES, KEYS AND PARKING:

a. Within 14 days of contract award, the contractor shall provide the COR with a list of trainers (including sub-contractors) and guest trainers expected to enter the buildings and to train participants. Listing must include name, affiliation, address, and telephone number of each individual. Additions are to be submitted to COR before individual arrives on VA property. While on VA premises, all contractor personnel, guest and sub-contractors shall comply with the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of personnel and the operation of the facility.

b. If warranted, an access badge and/or key will be given to the contractor’s employees upon entrance into VA buildings. The contractor employees must safeguard the access badge/key and immediately report any lost, stolen, or destroyed badges/keys to the COR. All contract personnel must properly display their access badges. Access badges must be worn at or above the waist (facing forward.). The contractor’s employees must return the access badge(s)/keys to the COR or designee when requested.

c. The contractor shall be required to comply with all security policies/requirements of the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center. All security policies/requirements must be met, and employees cleared prior to the contractor performing work under this contract. Employees that cannot meet the security and clearance requirements shall not be allowed to perform work under this contract. Employees may be required to attend or complete privacy training.

d. It is the responsibility of the contractor’s personnel to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Parking information shall be coordinated with the COR. The HWW VAMC does not validate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the contractor’s personnel under any circumstance.

e. The contractor will ensure that employees assigned to this contract possess basic proficiency in spoken and written English.

Interference to Normal Function:

a. Contractor may be required to interrupt their work at any time so as not to interfere with the normal functioning of the facility, including utility services, fire protection systems, and passage of facility patients, personnel, equipment and carts.

b. In the event of an emergency, contractor services may be stopped and rescheduled at no additional cost to the government.

c. If operations are disrupted due to state or federal mandated COVID-19 restrictions, the contract will be modified if a mutually acceptable agreement is reached or will be terminated if an agreement cannot be reached.

d. Contractor and VAMC agree to abide by all state and federal mandated COVID-19 restrictions.

DELIVERABLES

a. Contractor shall provide the COR the complete curriculum within 30 days of contract award. The curriculum is to include the specific learning standards, lessons, assignments, and materials used to organize and teach the complete Agricultural Training course. The HWW VAMC will have full unrestricted permission for ongoing use of all training materials.

b. Contractor shall provide saved digital curriculum, recorded virtual trainings, and daily lesson plans with content covering all areas of and equivalent to in-class teaching. The complete digital content is to be provided a minimum of 30 days before the end of the contract period and is to be available for review of development process each 30 days during the contract. These items and access should be provided to the HWW VAMC VA FARMS COR and remain available for program use following completion of the contract.

c. Contractor shall provide a software license for ESRI ArcGIS for the use of the VA FARMS program to maintain a spatial database of management records for plant resources along the permaculture trail and agricultural areas and digital mapping information within 60 days of the end of the contract period.

d. The contractor will compile and maintain a listing of sub-contractors, educational partners, subject matter experts, practicing producers, agricultural organizations, and all other affiliate partners to include point of contact, affiliation, address, and telephone number. The listing is to be submitted to the COR within 14 days of contract award and monthly thereafter.

e. Contractor shall provide a list of all equipment, supplies, materials, tools, and all expendables with proof of purchase including cost per item. The list shall include the storage location, use or final disposition of each item purchased under the contract and will be submitted to the COR monthly.

f. The contractor will provide documentation of personnel hours worked under this contract, to include compensation, benefits, travel and other expenses. This documentation is to be submitted with the monthly invoice.

g. The contractor is required to track the number of:

· program participants per cycle.

· attendance rate per participant.

· participants provided production, business and market planning.

· participants assisted with start-up/scale-up of agribusiness.

These documents shall be submitted to the COR at the completion of each cycle.

h. The contractor will develop and provide a quality assurance/control system as described in Section G above within 30 days of contract award.

i. The contractor will provide a written contingency plan in the event circumstances disrupt the ability to provide training services. The plan is to be developed and submitted to the COR within 30 days of contract award.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT PART C – SUPPORTING INFORMATION

a. Place of Performance – 1540 Spring Valley Drive, Huntington WV 25704 and within required zones for internships within the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center catchment area.

b. Period of Performance – The contract period will be per the following schedule:

January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

c. Special Considerations

1. Furnished Materials – All labor, materials, equipment to perform the job. When “furnish”, “provide”, “install”, or similar term is used it shall mean a complete installation, ready for use. The contractor shall supply all parts, equipment, material and labor to perform the work described above. The work will include all items as described in the Statement of Work listed above.

2. Government Furnished Materials and Services. Government furnished property, if any, will be identified and will only be used for the performance of this contract unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall take every step necessary for maintenance and preservation of all Government-furnished property. The contractor shall comply with all reasonable requests of the Contracting Officer to enclose, or specifically protect, Government-furnished property.

3. Qualifications of Key Personnel – Contractor employees should be knowledgeable of standards associated with this type work.

4. Supervision/Communications. At all times during the performance, the contractor’s point of contact shall be available by cellular phone. Prior to beginning any work, the contractor shall supply the COR with the telephone number for the point of contact.

5. Security Requirements: Contractor shall identify which employees will be working under the awarded contract. Contractor personnel shall include employees, sub employees, suppliers and delivery personnel entering the Medical Center. This does not apply to suppliers and delivery personnel only making deliveries to the VA. Those employees shall bring photo ID to obtain an identification badge that shall be worn above the belt while on Medical Center property. Contractor employees shall return all I.D. badges to designated personnel at time designated in the task order.

6. The COR is responsible for the inspection of the work called for in this job. The COR will be identified in the task order by name, telephone number and location. Inspections made by the COR are for the sole benefit of the Government and do not relieve the contractor of any quality control responsibilities.

7. The contractor’s point of contact is responsible for safety inspections of all contract operations. The contractor point of contact will be identified in the task order by name, phone number and location.

8. Smoking Policy. Contractor shall not allow smoking or vaping on VA grounds.

9. Parking/Traffic Regulations. Contractor shall not park on grassy areas unless approved by the COR and the contractor agrees to restore areas back to VA standards. Drivers should be particularly concerned with pedestrian traffic. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Posted speed limits and all other traffic controls are to be observed by operators. Seat belt use is mandatory on the VA grounds.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

AGRICULTURAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 611710 - Educational Support Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical POP TBD by the COR

581-23-1-1997-0013

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

(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…