36C24523Q0862_1.docx

36C24523Q0862

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

VAMC (512)

RPO EAST / NCO 5

849 International Drive Linthicum, MD 21090

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist

CHARLES WILLIS

charles.willis@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

50 Irving Street, NW

Washington DC

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation: This opportunity will be a tiered evaluation approach; Tier 1: SDVOSBs, Tier 2: VOSBs, Tier 3: Small business concerns, Tier 4: Other Than Small Business Concerns. The contractor shall provide services of experienced researchers with dedicated expertise related to post-deployment health to support the development of Complex Exposure Threat Center (CETC). in accordance with the Statement of Work as identified in the solicitation at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC Medical Center and War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) as identified in the SOW.

This is a “request for quotations (RFQ). The associated NAICS code for procurement is 541715 with a size standard of 1000 employees.

As a result of the solicitation, the Government intends to award base year with four (4) one (1) option year periods, if exercised by the Government.

Prospective SDVOSB and VOSB must be registered and current in Veterans Information Pages (VIP) at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov and beta.Sam.gov, https://beta.sam.gov to be eligible for award. Only contractors currently verified and certified in VIP are eligible to submit quotation. Contractors that submit quotation for SDVOSB and VOSB set asides that are not listed in VIP will be deemed non-responsive.

All questions shall be submitted via email by August 11, 2023, at 2pm, EST. All interested contractors shall submit quotation via email to Contracting Officer, Charles.willis@va.gov. Prospective contractors are responsible for downloading attachments, and any issued amendments from https://beta.sam.gov. Quotations are due by August 18, 2023, at 4pm EST. Late proposals will be processed in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(f), “Late submission, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.”

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b.

TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE

SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a.

CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

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

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _____________

______________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

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

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

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a.

SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND C

OMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

688-23-2-768-0018 36C24523Q0862 07-2 -2023 CHARLES WILLIS; charles.willis@va.gov 410-691-1328 08-18-2023

PM

EDT

36C245 Department of Veterans Affairs

RPO EAST / NCO 5

849 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

LINTHICUM MD 21090

X 541715 1000 Employees N/A X 36C245 Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC(

688) Warehouse 50 Irving Street NW Washington DC 20422 36C245 Department of Veterans Affairs

RPO EAST / NCO 5

849 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

LINTHICUM MD 21090

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 This solicitation is for services of experienced researchers with dedicated expertise related to post-deployment health in accordance with the Statement of Work provided below.

This solicitation is a TIERED EVALUATION to include SDVOSB to Large Business; See Continuation page below for evaluation verbiage.

All questions are due no later than August at pm and must be sent in email to Charles Willis @ charles.willis@va.gov.

Award will be made based upon Comparative Analysis, refer to Supplemental Instructions.

See CONTINUATION Page X X X

CHARLES WILLIS

Contracting Officer Page 1 of Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C245 Department of Veterans Affairs

RPO EAST / NCO 5

849 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

LINTHICUM MD 21090

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

Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) 1.Title: Develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical programs, education and risk communication, and research.

2.Background: The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (hereafter “DC WRIISC”) in Washington, DC is a national post-deployment health resource for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The WRIISC develops and provides post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical programs, education and risk communication, and research. The evolving nature of warfare and conflict in the 21st Century necessitates a proactive approach by VA to respond to emerging threats to the health of military personnel. The DC WRIISC has been asked to start a new Center, the Complex Exposure Threat Center (CETC), to assist VA’s rapid delivery of healthcare and benefits to Veterans. The CETC will help VA take the lead on working with DoD and other partners to seek information related to toxic exposures, leveraging established knowledge on environmental toxins while acquiring new knowledge on specific Veteran health concerns. The mission of CETC is to establish a rapid response infrastructure to evaluate the biological severity of environmental exposures with unknown pathology, develop and deploy health care solutions and protective measures. A key component of the mission statement for this Center is to improve continuity between DoD, VA, and other stakeholders and provide the infrastructure necessary to create and support a dynamic network of expertise directly aligned with the demands of the emerging injury or illness.

The DC WRIISC is requesting the services of experienced researchers with dedicated expertise related to post-deployment health to support the development of CETC. The WRIISC requires the service expertise of a not-for-profit organization that provides scientific support related to military medicine and veteran health. In addition, WRIISC requires that the organization provides the support and administrative capabilities to allow WRIISC staff to maintain their scientific and clinical focus in order to achieve their goals for Veteran healthcare. The organization must have extensive experience managing clinical research in the military/veteran community with expertise in recruiting and hiring research personnel and knowledge of the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Specifically, the WRIISC is interested in an organization able to provide a wide range of interdisciplinary researchers including but not limited to a Communication Specialist who is able to lead scientific outreach stakeholders; Scientist with expertise with clinical research and developing and managing operational neuroscience; Scientist with expertise with apply computational solutions to biomedical problems; Research Assistant able to work with CETC leadership and scientific staff to support implementation of protocols.

3. Purpose: The researchers will support the research initiatives of DC WRIISC, furthering the understanding of post-deployment healthcare issues. Understanding the etiology of illnesses developed after military service or when US citizens travel to regions that may place them in harm’s way is of critical importance to the delivery of healthcare. These types of injuries may require special clinical care paired with innovative diagnostic and rehabilitation strategies. The CETC will be thematically scalable through Federal and academic partnership under VA leadership to evaluate and treat the biological impact of environmental threats based on exposure concerns reported by Veterans. Their work should support this mission.

4. Clinical Requirements: The researchers will not provide clinical services, and therefore does not need to be credentialed or privileged at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center (hereafter “DC VAMC”).

5. Period of Performance: Base plus 4-year option renewal (5 years)

6. Place of Performance: The researchers will work at the DC VAMC, located at 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422, with an agreed upon schedule. The researchers will require a desk, and access to a phone and computer. The researchers will work under the guidance and supervision of the DC WRIISC Director.

7. Tasks

SCOPE OF WORK

A)Communication Specialist This position will be primarily responsible for directing the flow of communication and information between the DC WRIISC and outside entities. Their main duties include managing the communications streams, acting as the face of the organization at media events and directing outreach campaigns. The position requires a Master’s Degree and 2-5 years of experience.

7.1 Task 1: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC.

7.1.1 The Communication Specialist shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Communication Specialist is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. The Communication Specialist may be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending.

a. Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings.

7.2: Task 2: Serve as a research member on relevant research studies.

7.2.1: The Communication Specialist shall become approved for DC WRIISC and DC VAMC research protocols approved by the VA Institutional Review Board (IRB). The role that the Communication Specialist will fulfill on a research study will be determined by the DC WRIISC Director. This will involve attendance in relevant meetings and ensure communication of the scientific integrity of the studies. The Communication Specialist shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Communication Specialist may be asked to lead a particular project to assemble and disseminate findings within the DC WRIISC and its partners. The Communication Specialist will support multi-disciplinary clinical related projects relating to post deployment health (ex. Gulf War Illness, TBI, PTSD, etc.) through outreach and other efforts aimed at communicating the plans and merit of CETC and DC WRIISC. The Communication Specialist will work closely with WRIISC Director and will be responsible for hands-on coordination and development of communication activities that will apply cutting edge scientific principles and methodologies to support research and clinical studies. The Communication Specialist will also lead interactions scientific teams to summarize scientific objectives and research programs from the DC WRIISC; interact with WRIISC Director and research staff to identify communication challenges relating to veterans and examine relevant solutions/experiments for specific diseases/symptoms; participate in cross-functional development-team activities.

a. The Communication Specialist develop a scope of practice for work on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate.

7.3: Task 3: Assist in the writing and development of outreach materials.

7.3.1: The Communication Specialist shall assist in the writing and submission of outreach materials related to VA and non-VA research activities. The Communication Specialist shall find appropriate communication modalities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of these materials. The Communication Specialist’s role on each submission shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director.

a. Identify appropriate outreach methods and assist in the submission of materials.

7.4: Task 4: Assist in the dissemination of research findings.

7.4.1: The Communication Specialist shall assist in the writing of research findings as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Communication Specialist has no rights to the research outside of authorship criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors. The completed communication shall be reviewed by the DC WRIISC research team, and others identified by the DC WRIISC Director, and prepared for submission to social media, conferences and other public relations forms of communication.

a. Assist in the writing of non-technical research findings and presentations as directed by the DC WRIISC Director.

7.5: Task 5: Maintain required VHA trainings.

7.5.1: The Communication Specialist shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR.

a. The Communication Specialist must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course.

B) Scientist I (Physiological) The Scientist will assist in developing and managing operational neuroscience and health optimization research programs for the VA. Draw on technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to develop research programs focused on biopsychological health diagnosis and health interventions. Utilize solid technical writing and communication skills to facilitate complex scientific ideas in development and management to broad audiences. Serve as strategic planning as a research scientist and building collaboration between university and industry partners. Maintain responsibility for producing and presenting findings and recommendations to clinical teams and scientific conferences.

Requires a Doctorate Degree in Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or related field. Minimum of 2-5 years of experience required.

7.6: Task 6: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC.

7.6.1: The Scientist I shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Scientist I shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Scientist I is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. May be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending.

a. Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. Contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings.

7.7: Task 7: Participate in clinical or operational performance improvement 7.7.1: Serves as an expert resource to multiple study teams about regulatory and institutional policies and processes. Provides oversight and training for screening activities to multiple study teams. Develops and oversees the implementation of strategies for meeting recruitment goals; provides training. Develops, oversees adherence, and trains multiple study teams in the use and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Scientist I shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Scientist I may be asked to lead a segment of a study, or the study in its entirety.

a. The Scientist I shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate.

7.8: Task 8: Seeks out, integrates, and applies technical knowledge towards program improvement 7.8.1: Assesses and determines solutions for operational shortcomings of proposals. Independently develops protocols for complex investigator-initiated studies, across multiple PIs or study teams. Uses expertise in research design to provide significant contribution to protocols or research proposals to VA and non-VA funding opportunities. Develops the behavioral and physiological biology needed to capture the important phenomena that regulate the response of sensory pathways in different tissues and compartments of the human body. Prior to summitting the research proposals, the Researcher will review the proposal with respect to design, analytic approach, and data collection methods. The Scientist I shall find appropriate funding opportunities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of proposals to those funding opportunities. The Scientist I’s role on each proposal shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director.

a. Identify appropriate research funding opportunities and assist in the writing and submission of proposals.

7.9: Task 9: Disseminates research findings.

7.9.1: The Scientist I shall take the lead on the writing of research findings in their area of expertise as well as help others on their topics of interest, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Scientist I shall render support on study design, qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews and provides significant contribution or leadership on accepted, peer reviewed publications or conference presentations. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Scientist I has no rights to the data. In addition, the Scientist I will make major contributions to scientific literature by presenting at local and regional/national conferences.

a. Takes the lead on writing of research findings and presentations in their area of expertise and aids others as directed by the DC WRIISC Director.

7.10: Task 10: Maintain required VHA trainings.

7.10.1: The Scientist I shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR.

a. The Scientist I must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course.

C) Information Research Scientist The Information Research Scientist will develop and apply computational solutions to biobehavioral problems, using a whole host of computational technologies, in an interdisciplinary environment. This position is focused on the analysis of experimental data and development of physiological and behavioral feedback models of nervous, endocrine and immune signaling in response to environmental insult and exposure.

The position will be expected to produce and present findings and recommendations to clinical teams and scientific conferences. Requires a Doctorate Degree in the basic life sciences (e.g. Physiology, Neuroscience, Biology etc.) or related field. Minimum of 2-4 years of experience preferred.

7.11: Task 11: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC.

7.11.1: The Information Scientist shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Information Scientist shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Information Scientist is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. May be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending.

a. Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The Researcher shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings.

7.12: Task 12: Participate in clinical or operational performance improvement 7.12.1: Serves as an expert resource to multiple study teams about regulatory and institutional policies and processes. Provides oversight and training for screening activities to multiple study teams. Develops and oversees the implementation of strategies for meeting recruitment goals; provides training. Develops, oversees adherence, and trains multiple study teams in the use and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Information Scientist shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Information Scientist may be asked to lead a segment of a study, or the study in its entirety.

a. The Information Scientist shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate.

7.13: Task 13: Seeks out, integrates, and applies technical knowledge towards program improvement 7.13.1: Assesses and determines solutions for operational shortcomings of proposals. Independently develops protocols for complex investigator-initiated studies, across multiple PIs or study teams. Uses expertise in research design to provide significant contribution to protocols or research proposals to VA and non-VA funding opportunities. Prior to summitting the research proposals, the Researcher will review the proposal with respect to design, analytic approach, and data collection methods. The Information Scientist shall find appropriate funding opportunities to share with the DC WRIISC research staff, and assist in the writing, compilation, and submission of proposals to those funding opportunities. The Information Scientist’s role on each proposal shall be determined in conversation with the DC WRIISC Director.

a. Identify appropriate research funding opportunities and assist in the writing and submission of proposals.

7.14: Task 14: Disseminates research findings.

7.14.1: The Information Scientist shall take the lead on the writing of research findings in their area of expertise as well as help others on their topics of interest, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Information Scientist shall render support on study design, qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses, and interpretation of findings. Independently conducts literature searches and reviews and provides significant contribution or leadership on accepted, peer reviewed publications or conference presentations. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Information Scientist has no rights to the data. In addition, the Information Scientist will make major contributions to scientific literature by presenting at local and regional/national conferences.

a. Takes the lead on writing of research findings and presentations in their area of expertise and aids others as directed by the DC WRIISC Director.

7.15: Task 15: Maintain required VHA trainings.

7.15.1: The Information Scientist shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR.

a. The Information Scientist must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course.

D) Research Assistant II The Research Assistant will be required to perform necessary research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. The Research Assistant provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff and solves problems of standard complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment. The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of relevant work experience.

7.16: Task 16: Attend necessary meetings at the DC VAMC.

7:16.1 Task Description: The Research Assistant shall attend weekly staff meetings, as well as any meetings deemed necessary by the DC WRIISC Director. The Research Assistant shall be an active participant during these meetings. The Research Assistant is expected to share feedback and relevant experience, when appropriate, to foster the growth of the DC WRIISC research program. The Research Assistant may be asked to complete other additional, related tasks that are action items from meetings in which they are in attendance, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director. Meetings not requested by the DC WRIISC Director must receive prior approval before attending.

a. Attendance in necessary meetings, including weekly staff meetings, as requested by the DC WRIISC Director. The researcher shall contribute ideas and shall be responsible for assigned action items generated from meetings.

17.7: Task 17: Serve as an investigator on relevant research studies.

17.7.1: The Research Assistant shall serve as an investigator for DC WRIISC and DC VAMC research studies that are approved by the VA Institutional Review Board (IRB). The role that the Research Assistant will fulfill on a research study will be determined by the DC WRIISC Director. This will involve attendance in relevant meetings and ensuring the scientific integrity of the studies. The Research Assistant shall work in communion with the principal investigator as needed and the study coordinator. The Research Assistant may be asked to lead a particular segment of a study in consultation with WRIISC leadership. The Research Assistant will be helping with research administration, including managing budgets and grant funding; serving as consulting reviewer for peer-reviewed journals; and analyzing organization/operational problems, making recommendations to DC WRIISC Director and developing/implementing solutions to be approved by the DC WRIISC Director. Moreover, in those occurrences, the Research Assistant may operate independently but at the direction and supervision of the DC WRIISC Director.

a. The Research Assistant shall serve as an investigator on approved studies and engage the principal investigator and study coordinator as appropriate.

17.8: Task 18: Assist in development of new research projects and the dissemination of research findings.

17.8.1: The Research Assistant shall assist in the writing of research findings, utilizing DC WRIISC data as directed and approved via written correspondence by the DC WRIISC Director. The Research Assistant shall also help the Research team develop new projects and follow up on assigned duties. The Research Assistant shall assist in completion of related statistical analyses. Outside of appropriate authorship to be determined by criteria set by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Psychological Association and the Council of Science Editors, the Research Assistant has no rights to the data. The completed paper shall be reviewed by the DC WRIISC research team, and others identified by the DC WRIISC Director, and prepared for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

a. Assist in the writing of research findings and development of new projects objectives, as directed by the DC WRIISC Director and DC WRIISC Research Director.

17.9: Task 19: Maintain required VHA trainings.

17.9.1: The Research Assistant shall maintain up-to-date trainings that are required by the VHA for all personnel involved in patient care and/or research studies. Required trainings include, but not limited to: 1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior; 2) VHA Privacy Policy Web Training; and 3) Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Training. Training certificates must be given to the COR.

a. The researcher must complete these trainings annually, or as necessary. Time to complete trainings varies by course.

8. Deliverables Timeline and Payment Schedule The researchers shall complete all assigned tasks within the period of performance. If a task deadline cannot be met, e.g. cannot attend a scheduled meeting, proper notification must be given in advance to the COR and the DC WRIISC Director.

Payments will be made monthly, based on satisfactory progress and/or completion of the deliverables shown above.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-01-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: AN11 - Health R&D Services; Health care services; Basic Research

SCIENTIST I

POP Begin: 09-01-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST II

POP Begin: 09-01-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

POP Begin: 09-01-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SCIENTIST I

POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST II

POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SCIENTIST I

POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST II

POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SCIENTIST I

POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST II

POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SCIENTIST I

POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST II

POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

36C24523Q0862

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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…