36C24618Q0184-002.docx

36C24618Q0184

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.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

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 SI

GN 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. SIGN

ATURE 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. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

558-18-1-6184-0033 36C24618Q0184

VERONICA S. BOSTON

757-251-4130 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 x x 335999 500 Employees X N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Durham VAMC 508 Fulton Street Durham NC 27705-3897 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

See CONTINUATION Page UPS Maintenance Contract for Durham VAMC

SEE ATTACHED

See CONTINUATION Page 558-3680162-6184-854100-2660 01005590 x x

VERONICA S. BOSTON

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246 VERONICA S. BOSTON

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

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.

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

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

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Base Year: 1 February 2018 through 31 January 2019

in accordance with Performance Work Statement section 5.0

Total Cost Base Year:

Option Year 1: 1 February 2019 through 31 January 2020

Total Cost Option Year 1:

Option Year 2: 1 February 2020 through 31 January 2021

Total Cost Option Year 2:

Option Year 3: 1 February 2021 through 31 January 2022

Total Cost Option Year 3:

Total Cost of Base and Three Option Years:

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

1.0 INTRODUCTION.

The contractor shall maintain and repair the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems at the Durham VA Medical Center (VAMC), Durham, North Carolina and the twelve outlying medical facilities and general office facilities within Durham, Raleigh and Greenville, NC. Contractor shall provide Quarterly UPS maintenance and repair service. These facilities use structured wiring to provide computer services and networking throughout the facilities. Approximately sixty wiring closets provide the necessary connectivity. Each closet contains, typically, one or more Ethernet switches and/or routers, and one or more (UPSs) to provide clean power to the switches, and protect against power failures from the local utility. For clarification purposes, CO in this contract refers to the Contracting Officer and COR refers to the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

2.0 SCOPE.

2.1 The contractor shall furnish all labor, material, equipment, parts, supervision, etc., necessary to service, repair, perform preventative maintenance, and maintain UPS at the Durham VAMC. Contractor shall provide maintenance in a manner which ensures the safe and continuous operation of all equipment listed in accordance with commercial practices and/or manufacturer’s specifications.

2.2 An adequate supply of spare parts shall be maintained at all times to ensure prompt preventive maintenance and repair services.

3.0 EQUIPMENT INVENTORY.

4.0 COORDINATION.

4.1 The Contractor shall provide the COR with a phone list for contact 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. In case of an emergency contractor shall respond with four (4) hours of notification.

4.2 All sites at which this work will be accomplished have limitations on VA IT staffing. The Contractor shall provide COR with three (3) weeks’ notice. This notice shall include a detailed schedule of locations and areas that will require access. General work hours for VA IT staff is 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. If any work is to be performed after hours this must be approved by the contracting.

5.0 MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION SERVICES.

5.1 The Contractor shall obtain operation and maintenance manuals, service manuals, service guides and other applicable documents from the manufacturer of each piece of equipment to be serviced and maintained. At a minimum, the contractor shall maintain one set of documents at the work site and furnish one set of documents to the Government.

5.2 The contractor shall perform all service and preventative maintenance as required or recommended by the applicable operation, maintenance and service manuals and guides. The contractor shall perform the work quarterly (4 times per year).

5.3 The contractor shall perform all repairs and equipment replacement necessary to maintain each UPS system in a safe, reliable operating condition.

5.4 Contractor shall perform cleaning of cooling air intake filters and/ or replacing as necessary. Inspecting battery modules for swelling/ leakage and replace as necessary. Batteries are also to be replaced if the UPS indicates a need for doing so. Replacement batteries are to be clearly marked with date of installation. Batteries present, but unmarked with installation date, are to marked “Present at date _______”. Cleaning fans and testing them for proper operation, replacing as necessary.

5.5 Data Closets Air Conditioning Units: Data closet with dedicated Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC)/InRow Units shall have quarterly Preventative Maintenance Service (PMS) inspections. All other data closets air vents shall be cleaned quarterly.

5.6 Maintenance Inspections:

5.6.1. Record temperature set points at each unit and provide dedicated document to track any changes.

5.7 As‐Needed Inspections:

5.8 UPS/Battery/PDU ‐‐ Two semi‐annual inspections are included for the UPS/Battery equipment. One annual inspection is included for the PDU. Inspections for the UPS/Battery/PDU equipment will be performed by a qualified technician with a minimum of three (3) year experience. The UPS/PDU service includes all labor and materials for inspections and all labor/parts for any service calls for the equipment listed below. Battery replacement, proactive AC/DC capacitors/fan replacement is not included. Repairs stemming from pre‐existing conditions noted at or before first Preventative Maintenance Service (PMS) inspection are not included.

5.9 Documentation of Alarms:

5.10 Visual Checks:

5.10.1. Record ambient air temperature.

5.10.2. Verify panel lamps are operational.

5.10.3. Verify panel meters/displays are operational.

5.10.4. Verify cleanliness of air filter(s) when applicable

5.10.5. Verify condition of ventilating equipment when applicable.

5.10.6. Verify that UPS EPO switch is covered.

5.10.7. Verify that all other switches are covered.

5.9.8. Record any broken switches/breaker.

5.10.9. Record UPS/Battery/PDU date code.

5.10 Power Checks:

5.10.1. Inspect all transformer, terminal block, breaker connections and ground/neutral bus bar connections for tightness.

5.10.2. Inspect all cables for signs of overheating and/or damage. Record the findings.

5.10.3. Using Infra‐red gun record temperatures of all circuit breakers, contactors, and power connections for any abnormal readings.

5.10.4. Verify and record output kVA and kW load and capacity for each phase.

5.10.5. Verify and record grounding electrode conductor, including any isolated grounds.

5.10.6. Verify and record input voltage – all phases.

5.10.7. Verify and record output voltage – all phases.

5.10.8. Verify and record input current – all phases.

5.10.9. Verify and record output current – all phases.

5.10.10. Verify and record percent load on UPS – all phases.

5.10.11. Verify and record input total harmonic distortion (voltage) – all phases.

5.10.12. Verify and record output total harmonic distortion (Voltage) – all phases.

5.10.13. Verify and record input frequency (Hz).

5.10.14. Verify and record output frequency (Hz).

5.10.15. Check and record the neutral current.

5.10.16. Verify that the neutral current does not exceed the neutral conductor capacity.

5.10.17. Check and record the ground current.

5.10.18. Observe output voltage/current waveforms and note any abnormalities.

5.10.19. Compare front panel meter readings and DMM measured readings with the monitor display unit on site and verify 2% accuracy. If the readings between the display and the meter are not within tolerance, calibrate the displayed readings.

5.11 Manual Checks:

6.0 CORRECTIVE REPAIRS

6.1 The Contractor shall replace all batteries in data closets and in the beginning of second option year, if any closets lack UPS and the DVAHCS cannot provide one on a timely basis, the contractor shall deploy the UPS in the closet. Deployment consist of:

6.1.1. Mounting the UPS in the rack.

6.1.2. Confirming the UPS is functional.

6.1.3. Moving one power lead from each piece of equipment (e.g. Ethernet switch/ router) in the closet that has two power leads from wall (utility) power to the UPS.

6.1.4. If a piece of equipment has only one power lead, coordinate with COR and Durham OI&T personnel to move that equipment’s power lead to the UPS.

6.2 The contractor shall remove all and replace batteries from VA promises and supply documentation to VA that batteries were disposed of in compliance with the state and local regulations.

6.3 The contractor shall mount all rack-mountable UPSs and provide proper parts to mount UPSs. UPSs that are not rack mountable, are to set on a water-proof stand which holds the UPS at least one inch above the floor.

6.4 UPSs that are present in a closet, but cannot be placed into working order, are to be hauled (by the vendor) to a central location at the DVAHCS campus for disposition by the VA.

6.5 All power leads that are too short shall to be replaced. Longer power leads shall be installed and properly secured to either the floor or to overhead.

7.0 DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTS.

The Contractor shall provide the COR the following reports:

7. 1 Service Report for Preventive Maintenance: The contractor shall provide a monthly written report detailing services performed within ten (10) business days of the end of each quarter. This original written report shall be submitted to the COR for review and approval prior to invoice submittal. This report shall have condition of equipment, life expectancy and manufacturer life expectancy. No invoice shall be certified for payment until the COR has provided written acceptance to the contractor and the CO.

7. 2 Service Report for Repair Services: The report shall include all costs associated with accomplishing the repair to include parts, supplies and labor hours and labor rates. At minimum, the report shall contain the following information: service technician name, date, time, equipment unit number, problem reported and discovered, action taken, beginning and completion time. This written report shall be submitted to the COR for review and approval prior to invoice submittal. No invoice shall be certified for payment until the COR has provided written acceptance to the contractor and the CO.

B.4 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. KEY PERSONNEL.

Key personnel will be identified in the proposal and shall be considered key personnel essential for the successful completion of the work performed under the contract. The contractor agrees that such personnel shall not be removed, diverted or replaced from the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall submit written notice of proposed personnel changes to the Contracting Officer for approval at least thirty (30) business days in advance.

B. WORK HOURS

The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as defined herein. The contractor shall not be required, except in case of emergency, to furnish such services on Federal Holidays or during off duty hours as described below.

The following terms have the following meanings:

Normal working hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, excluding federal holidays. The 10 holidays observed by the Federal Government are:

Any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a Federal holiday.

When one of the holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as the Federal Holiday. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as the Federal Holiday.

C. CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES.

Contractor shall ensure that their personnel identify themselves as Contractors when attending meetings, answering government telephones, providing any type of written correspondence, or working in situations where their actions could be construed as official government acts.

The Contractor must also provide at a minimum annual safety in the workplace training, and provide certificate upon request. The CO may authenticate the training requirements, request training certificates or credentials from the contractor at any time for any personnel who are servicing or installing the Medical Center’s equipment.

D. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

A full background check is not required for this position; however, all contract employees shall bring photo identification and advanced notice from the requiring service to obtain a VA Badge in order to work on a VA Facility. Upon award, the CO will provide the contractor with detailed instructions on fulfilling security requirements

E. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN.

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the order and in the QASP will help to ensure that service levels reach and maintain the required levels throughout the contract term. Further, the QASP provides the COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance, and provides verifiable input for the required Past Performance Information Assessments. The QASP will be finalized immediately following award and a copy provided to the Contractor after award. The QASP is a living document and may be updated by the Government as necessary.

F. BILLING AND PAYMENT.

Invoices shall be submitted monthly, in arrears, and shall include at a minimum:

Date of invoice Contract Number Purchase Order Number Vendor Name Invoice Number CLIN & Date(s) of service

G. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Notwithstanding the Contractor's responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor.

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that shall affect price, quantity or quality of performance of this contract.

The COR shall be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract as outlined in the COR Delegation of Authority.

IN THE EVENT THE CONTRACTOR EFFECTS ANY SUCH CHANGE AT THE DIRECTION OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE CONTRACTING OFFICER WITHOUT AUTHORITY, NO ADJUSTMENT SHALL BE MADE IN THE CONTRACT PRICE TO COVER AN INCREASE IN COSTS INCURRED AS A RESULT THEREOF POINTS OF CONTACT

POINT OF CONTACT

Contracting Officer (CO)

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

B.5 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY

1. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor's employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data - General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

b. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the contractors/subcontractor's information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA's information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA's sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct on site inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements.

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/ subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/ created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

d. The contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies in this contract.

e. The contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor/subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

f. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12.

g. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business Associate Agreements. Absent an agreement to use or disclose protected health information, there is no business associate relationship.

h. The contractor/subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, FIPS 140-2 validated.

i. The contractor/subcontractor's firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA's minimum requirements. VA Configuration Guidelines are available upon request.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA's prior written approval. The contractor/subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor/subcontractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above mentioned information, that contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA contracting officer for response.

l. For service that involves the storage, generating, transmitting, or exchanging of VA sensitive information but does not require C&A or an MOU-ISA for system interconnection, the contractor/subcontractor must complete a Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) on a yearly basis and provide it to the COR.

4. INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

a. Information systems that are designed or developed for or on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities shall comply with all VA directives developed in accordance with FISMA, HIPAA, NIST, and related VA security and privacy control requirements for Federal information systems. This includes standards for the protection of electronic PHI, outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C, information and system security categorization level designations in accordance with FIPS 199 and FIPS 200 with implementation of all baseline security controls commensurate with the FIPS 199 system security categorization (reference Appendix D of VA Handbook 6500, VA Information Security Program). During the development cycle a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) must be completed, provided to the COR, and approved by the VA Privacy Service in accordance with Directive 6507, VA Privacy Impact Assessment.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall certify to the COR that applications are fully functional and operate correctly as intended on systems using the VA Federal Desktop Core Configuration (FDCC), and the common security configuration guidelines provided by NIST or the VA. This includes Internet Explorer 7 configured to operate on Windows XP and Vista (in Protected Mode on Vista) and future versions, as required.

c. The standard installation, operation, maintenance, updating, and patching of software shall not alter the configuration settings from the VA approved and FDCC configuration. Information technology staff must also use the Windows Installer Service for installation to the default "program files" directory and silently install and uninstall.

d. Applications designed for normal end users shall run in the standard user context without elevated system administration privileges.

e. The security controls must be designed, developed, approved by VA, and implemented in accordance with the provisions of VA security system development life cycle as outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-37, Guide for Applying the Risk Management Framework to Federal Information Systems, VA Handbook 6500, Information Security Program and VA Handbook 6500.5, Incorporating Security and Privacy in System Development Lifecycle.

f. The contractor/subcontractor is required to design, develop, or operate a System of Records Notice (SOR) on individuals to accomplish an agency function subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (as amended), Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Privacy Act may involve the imposition of criminal and civil penalties.

g. The contractor/subcontractor agrees to:

(1) Comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and the agency rules and regulations issued under the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function when the contract specifically identifies:

(a) The Systems of Records (SOR); and

(b) The design, development, or operation work that the contractor/ subcontractor is to perform;

(1) Include the Privacy Act notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation, when the work statement in the proposed subcontract requires the redesign, development, or operation of a SOR on individuals that is subject to the Privacy Act; and

(2) Include this Privacy Act clause, including this subparagraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded under this contract which requires the design, development, or operation of such a SOR.

h. In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved when the violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of the agency when the violation concerns the operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function. For purposes of the Act, when the contract is for the operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function, the contractor/subcontractor is considered to be an employee of the agency.

(1) "Operation of a System of Records" means performance of any of the activities associated with maintaining the SOR, including the collection, use, maintenance, and dissemination of records.

(2) "Record" means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and contains the person's name, or identifying number, symbol, or any other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint, or a photograph.

(3) "System of Records" means a group of any records under the control of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual.

i. The vendor shall ensure the security of all procured or developed systems and technologies, including their subcomponents (hereinafter referred to as "Systems"), throughout the life of this contract and any extension, warranty, or maintenance periods. This includes, but is not limited to workarounds, patches, hotfixes, upgrades, and any physical components (hereafter referred to as Security Fixes) which may be necessary to fix all security vulnerabilities published or known to the vendor anywhere in the Systems, including Operating Systems and firmware. The vendor shall ensure that Security Fixes shall not negatively impact the Systems.

j. The vendor shall notify VA within 24 hours of the discovery or disclosure of successful exploits of the vulnerability which can compromise the security of the Systems (including the confidentiality or integrity of its data and operations, or the availability of the system). Such issues shall be remediated as quickly as is practical, but in no event longer than days.

k. When the Security Fixes involve installing third party patches (such as Microsoft OS patches or Adobe Acrobat), the vendor will provide written notice to the VA that the patch has been validated as not affecting the Systems within 10 working days. When the vendor is responsible for operations or maintenance of the Systems, they shall apply the Security Fixes within days.

l. All other vulnerabilities shall be remediated as specified in this paragraph in a timely manner based on risk, but within 60 days of discovery or disclosure. Exceptions to this paragraph (e.g. for the convenience of VA) shall only be granted with approval of the contracting officer and the VA Assistant Secretary for Office of Information and Technology.

5. INFORMATION SYSTEM HOSTING, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, OR USE

a. For information systems that are hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities, contractors/subcontractors are fully responsible and accountable for ensuring compliance with all HIPAA, Privacy Act, FISMA, NIST, FIPS, and VA security and privacy directives and handbooks. This includes conducting compliant risk assessments, routine vulnerablity scanning, system patching and change management procedures, and the completion of an acceptable contingency plan for each system. The contractor's security control procedures must be equivalent, to those procedures used to secure VA systems. A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) must also be provided to the COR and approved by VA Privacy Service prior to operational approval. All external Internet connections to VA's network involving VA information must be reviewed and approved by VA prior to implementation.

b. Adequate security controls for collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as determined by the VA Privacy Service, must be in place, tested, and approved by VA prior to hosting, operation, maintenance, or use of the information system, or systems by or on behalf of VA. These security controls are to be assessed and stated within the PIA and if these controls are determined not to be in place, or inadequate, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) must be submitted and approved prior to the collection of PII.

c. Outsourcing (contractor facility, contractor equipment or contractor staff) of systems or network operations, telecommunications services, or other managed services requires certification and accreditation (authorization) (C&A) of the contractor's systems in accordance with VA Handbook 6500.3, Certification and Accreditation and/or the VA OCS Certification Program Office. Government- owned (government facility or government equipment) contractor-operated systems, third party or business partner networks require memorandums of understanding and interconnection agreements (MOU-ISA) which detail what data types are shared, who has access, and the appropriate level of security controls for all systems connected to VA networks.

d. The contractor/subcontractor's system must adhere to all FISMA, FIPS, and NIST standards related to the annual FISMA security controls assessment and review and update the PIA. Any deficiencies noted during this assessment must be provided to the VA contracting officer and the ISO for entry into VA's POA&M management process. The contractor/subcontractor must use VA's POA&M process to document planned remedial actions to address any deficiencies in information security policies, procedures, and practices, and the completion of those activities. Security deficiencies must be corrected within the timeframes approved by the government. Contractor/subcontractor procedures are subject to periodic, unannounced assessments by VA officials, including the VA Office of Inspector General. The physical security aspects associated with contractor/ subcontractor activities must also be subject to such assessments. If major changes to the system occur that may affect the privacy or security of the data or the system, the C&A of the system may need to be reviewed, retested and re- authorized per VA Handbook 6500.3. This may require reviewing and updating all of the documentation (PIA, System Security Plan, Contingency Plan). The Certification Program Office can provide guidance on whether a new C&A would be necessary.

e. The contractor/subcontractor must conduct an annual self assessment on all systems and outsourced services as required. Both hard copy and electronic copies of the assessment must be provided to the COR. The government reserves the right to conduct such an assessment using government personnel or another contractor/subcontractor. The contractor/subcontractor must take appropriate and timely action (this can be specified in the contract) to correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered during such testing, generally at no additional cost.

f. VA prohibits the installation and use of personally-owned or contractor/ subcontractor-owned equipment or software on VA's network. If non-VA owned equipment must be used to fulfill the requirements of a contract, it must be stated in the service agreement, SOW or contract. All of the security controls required for government furnished equipment (GFE) must be utilized in approved other equipment (OE) and must be funded by the owner of the equipment. All remote systems must be equipped with, and use, a VA-approved antivirus (AV) software and a personal (host-based or enclave based) firewall that is configured with a VA-approved configuration. Software must be kept current, including all critical updates and patches. Owners of approved OE are responsible for providing and maintaining the anti-viral software and the firewall on the non-VA owned OE.

g. All electronic storage media used on non-VA leased or non-VA owned IT equipment that is used to store, process, or access VA information must be handled in adherence with VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization upon: (i) completion or termination of the contract or (ii) disposal or return of the IT equipment by the contractor/subcontractor or any person acting on behalf of the contractor/subcontractor, whichever is earlier. Media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) used by the contractors/ subcontractors that contain VA information must be returned to the VA for sanitization or destruction or the contractor/subcontractor must self-certify that the media has been disposed of per 6500.1 requirements. This must be completed within 30 days of termination of the contract.

h. Bio-Medical devices and other equipment or systems containing media (hard drives, optical disks, etc.) with VA sensitive information must not be returned to the vendor at the end of lease, for trade-in, or other purposes. The options are:

(1) Vendor must accept the system without the drive;

(2) VA's initial medical device purchase includes a spare drive which must be installed in place of the original drive at time of turn-in; or

(3) VA must reimburse the company for media at a reasonable open market replacement cost at time of purchase.

(4) Due to the highly specialized and sometimes proprietary hardware and software associated with medical equipment/systems, if it is not possible for the VA to retain the hard drive, then;

(a) The equipment vendor must have an existing BAA if the device being traded in has sensitive information stored on it and hard drive(s) from the system are being returned physically intact; and

(b) Any fixed hard drive on the device must be non-destructively sanitized to the greatest extent possible without negatively impacting system operation. Selective clearing down to patient data folder level is recommended using VA approved and validated overwriting technologies/methods/tools. Applicable media sanitization specifications need to be pre-approved and described in the purchase order or contract.

(c) A statement needs to be signed by the Director (System Owner) that states that the drive could not be removed and that (a) and (b) controls above are in place and completed. The ISO needs to maintain the documentation.

6. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The term "security incident" means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/ subcontractor shall immediately notify the COR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/ subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/ subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

c. With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

d. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident.