36C24623Q1155.docx

36C24623Q1155

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. SIGNAT

URE 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

36C24623Q1155 09-13-2023 Serina Black 757-315-3965 09-26-2023 13:00

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 X X 492110 1500 Employees N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury NC 28144 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971 512-460-5049 512-460-5221 X See CONTINUATION Page The Salisbury VAMC is requesting courier service transportation to include pickup and delivery of patient specimens and supplies in support of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.

Submit the quote, SF1449 and supporting information to the Contract Specialist, Serina Black at serina.black1@va.gov by the due date show in block 8.

See CONTINUATION Page X 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 36C246 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.

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

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Courier Service for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Performance Work Statement: The Salisbury Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 is requesting courier service transportation to include the pickup and delivery of patient specimens and supplies in support of laboratory testing.

Scope of Work: Courier services shall include the transportation and delivery of clinical laboratory specimens and supplies, regardless of the number of specimens requiring pick up. The Contractor will provide courier service with a company vehicle and a driver to transport laboratory specimens, reagents and supplies Monday through Friday from the Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, and the Kernersville HCC to the Salisbury VAMC, and Saturday from Charlotte VA Health Care Center and Kernersville VA Health Care Center to the Salisbury VA Medical Center.

As needed (unscheduled) services may also be requested for Sundays and Federal holidays. Courier services may be needed on a STAT (within 60 minutes) and or Emergency (immediate) basis from the Salisbury VAMC to other facilities within the local area and Durham VA Medical Center (508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705) when it is deemed necessary to support the needs of laboratory operations. The Salisbury VAMC laboratory locations shall notify the Contractor of unscheduled pick-up needs by telephone.

Period of Performance:

Base Year: 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2024 Option Year 1: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2025 Option Year 2: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026 Option Year 3: 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2027 Option Year 4: 1 October 2027 – 30 September 2028

Certification/Licensures: The courier service must be certified by meeting the specimen integrity and transportation guidelines. The requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Protected Health Information (PHI), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Blood Borne Pathogen Awareness, and Infection Prevention and Control.

Copies of all relevant permits/licenses and certification inclusive of any sanctions current or pending throughout the United States of America must be supplied in response to this solicitation. In addition, as these documents are reissued, reworded, or renewed the awarded Contractor must supply a copy to the Salisbury VAMC facility.

Brief Description of Items for Transport:

a. Transport containers for delivery and pick-up shall be supplied by Salisbury VA Medical Center laboratory. Transport containers for delivery/pick-up are approximately 12x16x26 in size (and up to 50 pounds), but maybe larger or smaller and contain temperature dependent material and/or paper documents.

b. Laboratory specimens (such as urine, blood, blood products, body fluids, and biopsy specimens) must be properly packaged and placed in the secure (locked) containers by the VA personnel for transportation.

c. Reagents and supplies will be properly packaged by manufacturers and or VA personnel for transportation.

d. Other items as needed

Description of Requirements:

1. The contractor shall provide courier service with a company vehicle and driver to transport laboratory specimens, reagents and supplies Monday through Saturday and on an as needed basis to and from the Salisbury VAMC, Kernersville HCC and Charlotte HCC. Charlotte CBOC request pick-up Monday through Friday. Preferred pick up and deliveries time are listed in Table 1. The Pathology and Laboratory Services and Contractor may adjust times as mutually agreed upon during the contracted period.

2. The Contractor shall be responsible for the transportation and storage of specimens in such a manner as to ensure the integrity and quality of the patient specimen. The patient samples will be transported in a locked container specifically designed for specimen transportation.

3. The Contractor shall provide specimen pick-up and delivery services regardless of the number of specimens picked up. Transportation services shall be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week including all Government holidays, and any other specifically day declared by the President of the United States to be a National holiday for STAT (within 60 minutes) and Emergency (immediate).

4. The Contractor will provide pick-ups each Saturday for the Charlotte VAHCC and Kernersville VAHCC. In the event of changes in scheduled pick-up for Saturday clinics, the originating facility will notify the contractor of the schedule change.

5. The Salisbury VAMC shall notify the Contractor of the need for STAT (within 60 minutes) and Emergency (immediate) pick-up by telephone. The Contractor will ensure that all Emergency (immediate) pickup and delivery will be responded to within 30 minutes from time of notification considering this may be a life or death situation. Response time for STAT (within 60 minutes) transportation services will be within 1 hour of notification of specimen availability.

6. The Salisbury VAMC may exercise the right to adjust the transportation schedule with respect to the timetable and the number of pick-ups. A modified courier schedule may then be established.

7. Upon each pick-up of patient testing specimens by the Contractor, a shipping manifest shall be provided detailing specimen identification, source and destination information. All pick-ups shall be delivered directly to the Laboratory Service at each facility and obtain a signature from the receiving facilities’ laboratory personnel. The Contractor shall notify the VAMC within two (2) hours by phone (704-638-9000 ext. 12460), if conditions exist which may affect their ability to perform contract requirements.

8. The Government will require a written report from the contractor when pick-up and delivery incidents are documented as being untimely. This report will be due within 24 hours of request.

9. The courier shall wear an identification (ID) badge while on the Salisbury VAMC care locations premises.

10. The Salisbury VAMC shall ensure that the contracted and/or sub-contracted transport personnel comply with all of the policies and procedures for tracking specimens. The policies shall include, but may not be limited to, documentation of dispatch and receipt of specimens, condition of specimens upon receipt, definition of transport personnel, etc.

11. The Salisbury VAMC laboratory shall be responsible for ensuring that all transport personnel are trained and follow the storage requirements for all laboratory specimens and that their competency is regularly assessed in appropriate safety and packaging procedures suitable to specimen type and distances transported. This should include issues such as adherence to regulations for transport of biohazards, use of rigid containers where appropriate, temperature control, notification procedures in case of accident or spills, etc.

12. The Contractor will ensure and provide documentation that their couriers have been trained in the handling of infectious material; such training should include blood borne pathogen and appropriate clean up and containment of any blood or body fluids spill.

13. The Contractor shall provide, a contingency plan for problems which may be experienced in the transport time frame (i.e., break down or accident, inclement weather), which allows for same day pick-up and delivery to and from Salisbury VAMC, and the associated HCCs and CBOC.

14. During the term of this agreement, this program may need to be updated and/or revised to comply with regulatory requirements. This documentation should be made available to the Salisbury VAMC upon their request.

15. The Contractor will submit all invoices for payment to the VHA Financial Service Center, Austin, TX in a timely manner; contractor will ensure that all invoices submitted reflect current charges or charges that are no more than 30 days outstanding.

16. The parties agree that such fees payable hereunder shall not be less than "fair market value" of the services being provided, meaning the value in arms-length transaction, consistent with general market price.

17. The Contractor shall supply accurate data for annual contract renewal and timeliness of monthly billing reconciliation.

Vehicles:

1. The vehicles used in the performance of this contract shall be licensed, state and federal regulations as required (to include but not limited to minimum state required insurance, state inspections, etc.).

2. There shall be climate control in the vehicles, in which the internal vehicle temperature does not exceed 77°F or go below 36 ° F at any given time.

3. The vehicles shall not be abandoned between transports from facility to destination.

4. The Contractor’s courier shall abide by the parking regulations at each facility. The Contractor’s personnel shall display an identification badge while on the VA premises.

5. Samples will not be left in an unsecured vehicle at any time.

Drivers

1. All drivers must maintain a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle operated as required by the State of North Carolina. A record of each driver as to character and physical capabilities of performing the duties as a courier must be maintained and made available to the Contracting Officer for inspection upon request.

2. The Contractor shall ensure that their couriers are trained and have documented evidence that their couriers have been trained in the transportation of biological and diagnostic specimens.

3. All personnel the contractor offers as substitutes shall meet the security requirements and qualifications as outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Confidentiality: The Contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all patient information being transported in the secure containers and will be held liable in the event of a breach of confidentiality. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579).

Records Management:

Invoices: All invoices submitted must be accompanied by copies of all route sheets for that billing period. Route sheets shall contain date and time of pick-up and/or delivery. All route sheets must contain the signature of the persons delivering and receiving of all items delivered. Route sheets must indicate whether the delivery was a Round-Trip or One-Way Trip.

Table 1: Preferred Courier Routes:

W.G. (Bill) Hefner VAMC (Salisbury VAMC) 1601 Brenner Street Salisbury, NC 28144 As Needed 9:00 am (Supplies etc. to be delivered to the applicable VA locations listed below)

5:30 pm (bags from Kernersville HCC and Charlotte HCC)

Kernersville VA HCC 1695 Kernersville Medical Pkwy Rm G0221 Kernersville, NC 27284

Monday – Friday 4:30 pm Saturday 4:15-4:30 pm 5:30 pm Salisbury VAMC

Charlotte VA HCC 3506 W. Tyvola Road Charlotte, NC 28208

Monday – Friday 4:15-4:30 pm Saturday 4:15-4:30 pm 5:30 pm Salisbury VAMC

North Charlotte VA CBOC 8601 University East Drive, Rm 395 Charlotte, NC 28213

Charlotte HCC

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

courier service from Salisbury VAMC to Charlotte HCC (round trip Monday - Saturday) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2023 POP End: 09-30-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: R602 - Support - Administrative: Courier/Messenger

courier service from Charlotte CBOC to Charlotte HCC two times a daily (Monday -Friday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2023 POP End: 09-30-2024

courier service round trip from Salisbury VAMC to Kernersville HCC (Monday - Saturday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2023 POP End: 09-30-2024

Emergency or STAT courier service from and or to Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, Salisbury VAMC, Durham VAMC and other local hospitals/ Medical centers

POP Begin: 10-01-2023 POP End: 09-30-2024

courier service from Salisbury VAMC to Charlotte HCC (round trip Monday - Saturday) Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

courier service from Charlotte CBOC to Charlotte HCC two times a daily (Monday -Friday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

courier service round trip from Salisbury VAMC to Kernersville HCC (Monday - Saturday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

Emergency or STAT courier service from and or to Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, Salisbury VAMC, Durham VAMC and other local hospitals/ Medical centers

POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

courier service from Salisbury VAMC to Charlotte HCC (round trip Monday - Saturday) Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

courier service from Charlotte CBOC to Charlotte HCC two times a daily (Monday -Friday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

courier service round trip from Salisbury VAMC to Kernersville HCC (Monday - Saturday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

Emergency or STAT courier service from and or to Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, Salisbury VAMC, Durham VAMC and other local hospitals/ Medical centers

POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

courier service from Salisbury VAMC to Charlotte HCC (round trip Monday - Saturday) Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

courier service from Charlotte CBOC to Charlotte HCC two times a daily (Monday -Friday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

courier service round trip from Salisbury VAMC to Kernersville HCC (Monday - Saturday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

Emergency or STAT courier service from and or to Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, Salisbury VAMC, Durham VAMC and other local hospitals/ Medical centers

POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

courier service from Salisbury VAMC to Charlotte HCC (round trip Monday - Saturday) Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

courier service from Charlotte CBOC to Charlotte HCC two times a daily (Monday -Friday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

courier service round trip from Salisbury VAMC to Kernersville HCC (Monday - Saturday)

POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

Emergency or STAT courier service from and or to Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC, Charlotte CBOC, Salisbury VAMC, Durham VAMC and other local hospitals/ Medical centers

POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.1 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

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

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

(End of Clause)

C.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

(a) Workers' compensation and employers liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

(c) Automobile liability: $200,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $20,000.00 property damage.

(d) The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

(End of Clause) C.4 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. for the Department of Veterans Affairs, ‘‘Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB’’:

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.201, Surviving Spouse definition);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been certified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, 13 CFR 128, and is listed as certified in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/; and

(v) The business agrees to comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size, government contracting, and the Veteran Small Business Certification Program at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128.

(2) The term ‘‘Service-disabled Veteran’’ means a Veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

(3) The term ‘‘small business concern’’ has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term ‘‘small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities’’ has the meaning given the term ‘‘small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans’’ under section 3(q)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(2)).

(5) The term “SDVOSB participant” or certified SDVOSB means a small business that has been certified in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102).

(b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of an SDVOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be listed as an SDVOSB participant in the SBA certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128.

(1) Offers received from entities that are not certified SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multipleaward contracts, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 13 CFR 125.6. For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or ‘‘similarly situated’’ (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required LOS certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219–75 or 852.219–76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:

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

(2) Supplies/products.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

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

(End of Clause) C.5 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Printed Name of Signee: ___________ Printed Title of Signee: _____________ Signature: ____________ Date: ______________ Company Name and Address: _______________ (End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

(3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies;

(4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or

(5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above.

(End of Clause)

C.7 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.8 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JUN 2023)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(3) 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115–232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.232–40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[X] (1) 52.203–6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

[] (2) 52.203–13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

[] (3) 52.203–15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.204–10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109–282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (5) [Reserved] [] (6) 52.204–14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[] (7) 52.204–15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.204–27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117–328).

[X] (9) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (10) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[] (11) [Reserved] [] (12) 52.219–3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (13) 52.219–4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (14) [Reserved] [] (15)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[] (16)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[X] (17) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (18)(i) 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2021) of 52.219–9.

[] (19)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[] (20) 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[] (21) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[X] (22) 52.219–27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (23) (i) 52.219–28, Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAR 2023) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219–28.

[] (24) 52.219–29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.219–30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (26) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (27) l(26) 52.219–33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[X] (28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (29) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEC 2022) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (31)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (33)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (34) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (35) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (36)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[X] (37) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

[] (38)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (MAY 2008) (42 U.S.C.6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)).