36C24625Q0024.docx

36C24625Q0024

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 COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C24625Q0024 09-09-2024 Serina Black 757-315-3965 09-12-2024 16:00

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 X X 541380 $19 Million 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 Contractor shall conduct Underground Storage Tank testing and inspection at the Salisbury VA Medical Center (VAMC).

The offeror shall provide a completed copy of this SF1449 and a quote in the format and terms and conditions typically provided to its customers. Copies of example contract, paid invoices or other supporting information may be requested by the Government to make price reasonableness determination.

In the event that a fair and reasonable price cannot be negotiated for the requirement items shown in the price/cost schedule and performance work statement, the Government may cancel the solicitation and seek another source.

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

See CONTINUATION Page X 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 Daniel Spaulding 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

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: W. G. Hefner Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Ave. Salisbury, NC 28144

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Base Year October 1, 2024 thru September 30, 2025

SCOPE OF WORK:

Summary: This scope of work includes all testing, inspections, and emergency repairs necessary on a monthly, annual, or 3-year basis to remain in compliance with NC DEQ regulations for all Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) onsite.

• Monthly UST-27B inspections, completed on state forms on Removal and proper disposal of any petroleum-contact water present in sumps

• Annual compliance testing, completed on state forms UST-22B – ATG, sensors, leak detection UST-22C – visual inspection of sumps, dispenser sumps 3-year compliance testing for tanks due in FY 2025 UST-7A – cathodic protection testing UST-22A – overfill prevention UST-23A – spill bucket hydrostatic testing UST-23B – containment/transition sump hydrostatic testing UST-23C – line integrity testing + line tightness testing UST-23D – tank tightness testing Document preparation for state site inspection Onsite technician during state site inspection to open sump lids, dispenser cabinets etc.

Post-inspection discussion, responses, follow up submissions as necessary.

Emergency repairs, necessary for the facility to remain in compliance with NC DEQ and EPA regulations.

NOTE: See Attached State Law required Inspections Schedule

ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS: All were presented in Phase 1-4.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR GUARANTEE PERIOD SERVICES: Planned maintenance to be performed during normal business hours (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday).

CONTRACTOR TRADE: Single Source SME professional Fuel Distribution and they must have a license will bid as prime contractor. Offeror must hold current NC Fuel Distribution Contractor License for projects above $500,000.

INSURANCE: Offeror must hold current work comp insurance of 1MM or more, Commercial Auto Liability 1MM or more, Work Comp 1MM or more, as well as a general liability/pollution liability of at least 5MM

SECURITY: The C&A requirements do not apply. This acquisition does not require services that involve connection of one or more contractor-owned IT devices (such as a laptop computer or remote connection from a contractor system) to a VA internal trusted (i.e., non-public) network. A Security Accreditation Package is not required.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Offeror personnel must be subject matter experts (SME) with Franklin Fueling INCON 200 as well as INCON 550 tank monitoring systems, complete with all types of associated alarms and sensors (discriminating, non-discriminating and positional), because this facility has multiple components across the tanks installed.

Offeror will preferably be a member of both the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) as well as the Petroleum Equipment Institute.

FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM.

EQUIPMENT LIST: N/A

TB, Flu, OSHA, AND BADGING REQUIREMENTS:

TB – The Contractor shall comply with the Federal OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standard. Negative Results WITHIN 90 DAYS are required for badging.

The Contractor shall:

a) Have methods by which all employees are educated as to risks associated with blood borne pathogens.

b) Have policies and procedures which reduce the risk of employee exposure to blood borne pathogens.

c) Have mechanisms for employee counseling and treatment following exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment/clothing such as gloves, gowns, masks, protective eyewear, and mouthpieces for the employee during performance of the contract.

Flu – Flu Shot or Mask (November 30th to March 31st)

· The Contractor shall comply with the W. G. Hefner Medical Center VA Directive 1192 requirements for Flu Shots. All Construction Contractors and Maintenance Contractors working on Site must either have a Flu Shot or wear a mask regardless of interaction with patient areas.

· Personnel must produce a flu shot record or will have to wear a mask while on property.

OSHA – The Contractor shall comply with the Federal Guidelines. A minimum of 10 hours training is required.

BADGING REQUIREMENTS FOR SALISBURY VAMC:

All contract workers are required to obtain and wear a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Badge. The badge must always be visible while worker is on the VA Medical Center campus.

1. This document applies to all new and renewal of badges. Badging is required prior to new Contractors beginning newly awarded Maintenance Contracts.

1. Badges are renewed just prior to their expiration. It is the duty of the Contract Supervisor to ensure badges are renewed prior to expiration. Updated OSHA, TB testing, and flu shot (if during flu season) will be required for renewals.

1. Two (2) forms of Identification are required:

0. Valid State ID.

0. Work Visa

0. INS Social Security card with “Valid for Work Purposes Only”.

0. Non- U.S. Passport with INS paperwork validating their right to work in the US.

0. Naturalized Card: Must be carried by the worker always while on property.

PAYMENTS:

Payments will be made in arrears following the receipt of the invoice and the monthly summary report.

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1.0 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.

2.0 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 a Federal Holiday or during off duty hours as described below.

The following terms have the following meanings:

(1) Normal working hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

(2) Federal Holidays: The 11 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 Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday.

3.0 FSS RFQ INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE

The terms and conditions of the contractor's FSS contract (including any contract modifications) apply to all Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) and task or delivery orders issued under the contract because of this RFQ. When a lower price has been established, or when the delivery terms, FOB terms, or ordering requirements have been modified by the BPA or task/delivery order, those modified terms will apply to all purchases made pursuant to it and take precedence over the FSS contract. Any unique terms and conditions of a BPA or order issued under the contract that are not a part of the applicable FSS contract will govern. In the event of an inconsistency between the terms and conditions of a BPA or task/delivery order and the Contractor's FSS terms, other than those identified above, the terms of the FSS contract will take precedence.

4.0 BILLING AND PAYMENT

The contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form via VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp

1. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

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

The X12 EDI Web site (http://www.x12.org).

Invoices shall be submitted in arrears. The following information must be included on all submitted invoices. Invoices submitted without the following information may be rejected for payment. Invoices shall include at a minimum:

Contract Number Obligation/Purchase Order Number Invoice Number CLIN (contract line item number) Date of Service

· Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

· Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

· FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791 FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

5.0 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

(a) FAR 42.1502 direct all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented use of the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR 42.15.

(b) The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

(c) Please furnish the Contracting Officer with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm’s past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than 30 days after award. Each person granted access will have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official. The report information must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

(d) When your Contractor Representative(s) (Past Performance Points of Contact) are registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, system requirements, and training information for CPARS are available at www.cpars.gov. The CPARS User Manual, registration for online training for Contractor Representatives may be found at this site.

(e) Within 60 days after the end of a performance period, the Contracting Officer will complete an interim or final past performance evaluation and the report will be accessible at www.cpars.gov Contractor Representatives may then provide comments in response to the evaluation, or return the evaluation without comment. Comments are limited to the space provided in Block 22. Your comments should focus on objective facts in the Assessing Official’s narrative and should provide your views on the causes and ramifications of the assessed performance. In addition to the ratings and supporting narratives, blocks 1-17 should be reviewed for accuracy, as these include key fields that will be used by the Government to identify your firm in future source selection evaluations. If you elect not to provide comments, please acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating, “No Comment” in Block 22, and then signing and dating Block 23 of the form. Without a statement in Block 22, you will be unable to sign and submit the evaluation back to the Government. If you do not sign and submit the CPAR within 30 days, it will automatically be returned to the Government and will be annotated: “The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this assessment.” Your response is due within 30 calendar days after receipt of the CPAR.

(f) The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

(1) Protect the evaluation as “source selection information.” After review, transit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the Contracting Officer for instructions.

(2) Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

(3) Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, pre-award surveys, responsibility determination, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

(g) If you wish to discuss a past performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than seven days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting will be held in person or via telephone or other means during your 30-day review period.

(h) A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been completed.

6.0 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.

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

CONTRACT FOR USTs ON SITE - W.G. HEFNER MEDICAL CENTER SALISBURY,NC. PERIOD COVERED. Includes all testing, inspections, and emergency repairs necessary on a monthly, annual, or 3-year basis to remain in compliance with NC DEQ regulations for all USTs onsite. Monthly UST-27B inspections, completed on state forms o Removal and proper disposal of any petroleum-contact water present in sumps Annual compliance testing, completed on state forms o UST-22B - ATG, sensors, leak detection o UST-22C - visual inspection of sumps, dispenser sumps 3-year compliance testing for tanks due in FY 2025 o UST-7A - cathodic protection testing o UST-22A - overfill prevention o UST-23A - spill bucket hydrostatic testing o UST-23B - containment/transition sump hydrostatic testing o UST-23C - line integrity testing + line tightness testing o UST-23D - tank tightness testing Document preparation for state site inspection Onsite technician assistance during state site inspection to open sump lids, dispenser cabinets etc Post-inspection discussion, responses, follow up submissions as necessary Emergency repairs, necessary for the facility to remain in compliance with NC DEQ and EPA regulations Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: H391 - Inspection - Fuels, Lubricants, Oils, and Waxes

PCW DISPOSAL - ESTIMATED VOLUME 20 GAL/MONTHLY

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

INCLUDES 22B AND 22C ON ALL USTs

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

INCLUDES 23B, 23C, ON 3 USTs, 7A ON 1 UST

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

ONSITE TECHNICIAN ASSISTANCE FOR NC DEQ INSPECTION

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

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT FOR NC DEQ SITE INSPECTION

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

EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

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

CONTRACT FOR USTs ON SITE - W.G. HEFNER MEDICAL CENTER SALISBURY,NC. Includes all testing, inspections, and emergency repairs necessary on a monthly, annual, or 3-year basis to remain in compliance with NC DEQ regulations for all USTs onsite. Monthly UST-27B inspections, completed on state forms o Removal and proper disposal of any petroleum-contact water present in sumps Annual compliance testing, completed on state forms o UST-22B - ATG, sensors, leak detection o UST-22C - visual inspection of sumps, dispenser sumps 3-year compliance testing for tanks due in FY 2025 o UST-7A - cathodic protection testing o UST-22A - overfill prevention o UST-23A - spill bucket hydrostatic testing o UST-23B - containment/transition sump hydrostatic testing o UST-23C - line integrity testing + line tightness testing o UST-23D - tank tightness testing Document preparation for state site inspection Onsite technician assistance during state site inspection to open sump lids, dispenser cabinets etc Post-inspection discussion, responses, follow up submissions as necessary Emergency repairs, necessary for the facility to remain in compliance with NC DEQ and EPA regulations Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

PCW DISPOSAL - ESTIMATED VOLUME 20 GAL/MONTHLY

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

INCLUDES 22B AND 22C ON ALL USTs

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

INCLUDES 23B, 23C, ON 3 USTs, 7A ON 1 UST

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

ONSITE TECHNICIAN ASSISTANCE FOR NC DEQ INSPECTION

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

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT FOR NC DEQ SITE INSPECTION

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

EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

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

CONTRACT FOR USTs ON SITE - W.G. HEFNER MEDICAL CENTER SALISBURY,NC. Includes all testing, inspections, and emergency repairs necessary on a monthly, annual, or 3-year basis to remain in compliance with NC DEQ regulations for all USTs onsite. Monthly UST-27B inspections, completed on state forms o Removal and proper disposal of any petroleum-contact water present in sumps Annual compliance testing, completed on state forms o UST-22B - ATG, sensors, leak detection o UST-22C - visual inspection of sumps, dispenser sumps 3-year compliance testing for tanks due in FY 2025 o UST-7A - cathodic protection testing o UST-22A - overfill prevention o UST-23A - spill bucket hydrostatic testing o UST-23B - containment/transition sump hydrostatic testing o UST-23C - line integrity testing + line tightness testing o UST-23D - tank tightness testing Document preparation for state site inspection Onsite technician assistance during state site inspection to open sump lids, dispenser cabinets etc Post-inspection discussion, responses, follow up submissions as necessary Emergency repairs, necessary for the facility to remain in compliance with NC DEQ and EPA regulations Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

PCW DISPOSAL - ESTIMATED VOLUME 20 GAL/MONTHLY

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

INCLUDES 22B AND 22C ON ALL USTs

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

INCLUDES 23B, 23C, ON 3 USTs, 7A ON 1 UST

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

ONSITE TECHNICIAN ASSISTANCE FOR NC DEQ INSPECTION

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

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT FOR NC DEQ SITE INSPECTION

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

EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

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

Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause) 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.2 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 prior to expiration of the contract.

(End of Clause)

C.3 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 prior to expiration of the contract; 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 one (1) year.

(End of Clause)

C.4 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.5 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract. Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.6 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.7 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

(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 Covered Entities (DEC 2023) (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:

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