36C24626Q0660.docx

36C24626Q0660

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

36C24626Q0660 06-17-2026 Kristine Woodbury 757-728-3449 06-25-2026

10:00AM

EDT

Kristine Woodbury Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton

VA

23667 X X 541330 $25.5 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Asheville VAMC 1100 Tunnel Rd Asheville

NC

28805 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 Utility Critical Water Testing Period of Performance: Base year Four(4) one-year options See Section B.3 Performance Work Statement See Section E.1 for Instructions to Offerors.

See CONTINUATION Page X X Harold L. McQuillia, Jr.

Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246 Kristine Woodbury 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 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Bacteria Testing Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: F103 - Environmental Systems Protection - Water Quality Support

TOC Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Resistivity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Color and Turbidity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Temperature Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Hardness Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Ionic Contaminants Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Emergency Bacteria Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Emergency Endotoxin Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2026 POP End: 06-30-2027

Bacteria Testing Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

TOC Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Resistivity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Color and Turbidity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Temperature Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Hardness Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Ionic Contaminants Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Emergency Bacteria Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Emergency Endotoxin Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2027 POP End: 06-30-2028

Bacteria Testing Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

TOC Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Color and Turbidity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Temperature Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Hardness Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Ionic Contaminants Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Emergency Bacteria Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Emergency Endotoxin Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2028 POP End: 06-30-2029

Bacteria Testing Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

TOC Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Color and Turbidity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Temperature Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Hardness Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Ionic Contaminants Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Emergency Bacteria Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Emergency Endotoxin Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2029 POP End: 06-30-2030

Bacteria Testing Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

TOC Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

pH Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Color and Turbidity Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Temperature Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Hardness Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Ionic Contaminants Testing (completed annually)

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Emergency Bacteria Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

Emergency Endotoxin Testing

POP Begin: 07-01-2030 POP End: 06-30-2031

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and reporting necessary to perform Utility and Critical Water quality testing in accordance with AAMI TIR34.1:2014(R)2017.

Testing shall confirm compliance with water‑quality parameters outlined in Table 1 from the original SOW, shown below exactly as provided.

Table 1: Categories and Recommended Levels of Water Quality Type of Water

Utility Water (1)

Critical Water

Final Rinse (2) / Steam

<1

<10

5–7

<1

Testing Categories The following annual testing quantities apply to the Base Year and all four Option Years:

• Bacteria Testing – 528 EA

• TOC Testing – 48 EA

• pH Testing – 48 EA

• Resistivity – 48 EA

• Color & Turbidity – 48 EA

• Temperature – 48 EA

• Hardness – 2 EA

• Ionic Contaminants – 2 EA

• Emergency Bacteria – 12 EA

• Emergency Endotoxin – 12 EA

2. Location of Work Testing shall occur at:

Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Department Basement of Building 47 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28803

3. Testing Requirements The Contractor shall follow all testing frequencies, locations, and responsible‑party designations described in Table 6 below Table 6: Overview of Water Quality Monitoring

3b. Required Annual Sample Counts To meet the VA’s specified quantities:

• Bacteria – 528

• TOC – 48

• pH – 48

• Resistivity – 48

• Color & Turbidity – 48

• Temperature – 48

• Hardness – 2

• Ionic Contaminants – 2

• Emergency Bacteria – 12

• Emergency Endotoxin – 12

4. Testing Days

• Testing conducted 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

• Must occur between the 10th and 15th of each month

• Contractor must coordinate with COR; rescheduling is allowed at no cost

5. Reporting

• Contractor’s standard report format AND Attachment A format are required

• Reports due by last business day each month

• All remediation recommendations must be included

• Chain‑of‑custody required for external lab samples

6. Emergency Testing

• 12 emergency tests per year

• Must be completed within 5 business days of COR request

• Additional units may be added by modification

7. Option Years Service covers one Base Year and four Option Years, with identical annual testing quantities as defined in the Excel file.

Performance issues may affect CPARS ratings.

Security and Compliance Compliance Awareness Training shall be completed by vendor prior to access to Charles George VAMC. Vendor has responsibility for “Duty to Report” and fraud, waste and abuse witnessed while on VA premises to the Compliance Officer.

This is a federal facility as well as a medical center. As such, there is NO tobacco or vapor usage allowed inside any federal building or on grounds. Failure to follow these regulations can result in removal of the worker or Contractor from the facility and/or a US Magistrate’s ticket and fine.

1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C.

NARA chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

4. WNCVAHCS and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of WNCVAHCS or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701.In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to WNCVAHCS. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the contract. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to WNCVAHCS control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the contract. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship ( in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and WNCVAHCS guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with WNCVAHCS policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public WNCVAHCS information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

9. The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

10. The WNCVAHCS owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which WNCVAHCS shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VHA-provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.

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B.4 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1.0 WORK HOURS or HOURS OF OPERATION

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

Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, excluding federal holidays which are as follows:

New Year’s Day Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Washington’s Birthday Memorial Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

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.

2.0 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

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

All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation commensurate with the level of access needed to perform the requirement in the performance work statement is Special Agency Check (SAC). This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. Upon award, the COR shall provide the contractor with detailed instructions on fulfilling security requirements.

3.0 BILLING AND PAYMENT: The contractor shall submit invoices electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests, via VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System. (See Web site http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en/veterans-affairs-us/ )

All contractors shall be registered as a vendor to submit invoices in accordance with the Department of Veterans affairs e-Invoicing System at time of award.

4.0 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 Point of Contact (POC) shall be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract.

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

POINTS OF CONTACT:

Contracting Officer’s (CO)

Harold L. McQuillia, CO Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 6 100 Emancipation Drive, Building 27 Hampton, Virginia 23667 Tel: 757-315-3430 Fax 757-728-3132 harold.mcquillia@va.gov

Contract Specialist (CS)

Kristine Woodbury Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 6 100 Emancipation Drive, Building 27 Hampton, Virginia 23667 Tel: 757-728-3449 Kritsine.woodbury@va.gov

POINT OF CONTACT (POC)

TBD

Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 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/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_252_1 https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp

(End of Clause)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

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 60.

(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 60; 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.4 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (DEVIATION APR 2026) (a)Definitions. As used in this clause— Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to: training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

(2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

(3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

(4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

(5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

(6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

(End of Clause)

C.5 VAAR 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING (DEVIATION) (MAR 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause – VA Information system is the same as information system and means, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 5727, a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information whether automated or manual.

VA sensitive information means all VA data, on any storage media or in any form or format, which requires protection due to the risk of harm that could result from inadvertent or deliberate disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the information and includes sensitive personal information. The term includes information where improper use or disclosure could adversely affect the ability of VA to accomplish its mission, proprietary information, records about individuals requiring protection under various confidentiality provisions such as the Privacy Act and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and information that can be withheld under the Freedom of Information Act. Examples of VA sensitive information include the following: individually-identifiable medical, benefits, and personnel information; financial, budgetary, research, quality assurance, confidential commercial, critical infrastructure, investigatory, and law enforcement information; information that is confidential and privileged in litigation such as information protected by the deliberative process privilege, attorney work-product privilege, and the attorney client privilege; and other information which, if released, could result in violation of law or harm or unfairness to any individual or group, or could adversely affect the national interest or the conduct of Federal programs.

(b) General. Contractor personnel assigned to work for or on behalf of VA must undergo a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level designation associated with the work to be performed at the level indicated in the contract. The Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA Directive/Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, which can be accessed at: https://vaww.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm.

(c) Risk and Sensitivity Levels. The following table identifies the risk and sensitivity levels that apply to any personnel providing services under this contract. *VA Administrations, organizations and staff offices will use the OPM Position Designation Tool.

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions – Tier 1/Low Risk

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions – Tier 2/Mod Risk

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions – Tier 4/High Risk

Security clearances are granted to individuals with a specific requirement for access to classified material (for example, Confidential, Secret and Top Secret). Contractor personnel that are required to obtain a security clearance will be subject to a Tier 3 or Tier 5 investigation. The following sensitivity designations have been assigned for the identified Tier 3 and Tier 5 required by this contract:

Tier 3:

Tier 5:

(d) Fitness. The results from a background investigation are used to determine if an individual’s fitness is sufficient for that individual to perform work for or on behalf of VA in the position identified in this contract. Contractor fitness determinations are made in accordance with 5 CFR Part 731.202.

Fitness requirements for employment are separate and distinct from job qualifications. If a Contractor or subcontractor employee is found to be unsuitable or unfit to provide services under this contract, the Contractor shall immediately remove the employee from working on this contract and take those necessary steps that restrict the employee’s logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information.

The Contractor shall advise the employee that they are not permitted to access any VA controlled building or real property in relation to this contract. The removal of an unfit Contractor or subcontractor employee does not alleviate the Contractor from satisfying the requirements of this contract. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs associated with the recruitment/replacement of an employee or subcontractor employee who is found to be unfit.

(e) Identification Cards. The Government will provide a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card or other identification card, as necessary, to fit Contractor personnel who require physical access to VA facilities and/or logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information. Contractor and subcontractor personnel shall prominently display their PIV/identification card on their persons while working at a VA facility and shall present their PIV/identification card for inspection upon request by a VA official. The Contractor must surrender the employee or subcontractor employee’s PIV/identification card in accordance with the requirements set forth in Directive/Handbook 0735 when any of the following events occur:

1. When no longer needed for contract performance.

2. Upon completion of the Contractor/subcontractor employee’s employment.

3. Upon contract completion or termination.

(f) Lost/stolen. Immediately upon detection, the Contractor shall report a lost or stolen PIV/identification card to the Government authorities as identified in Directive/Handbook 0735. Within 48 hours of reporting the lost/stolen PIV/identification card, the Contractor shall submit to the Program Manager an incident report that describes the relevant facts and circumstances regarding the loss/theft. If the loss/theft was reported by the Contractor to the local police, the Contractor shall further submit a copy of the final police report to the Program Manager within 48 hours of the report being made available by the local police department. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs that result from lost/stolen PIV/identification card(s).

(g) Regular Reporting. The Contractor shall submit a status report to PIV Sponsor within 5 working days after the end of each calendar quarter and as requested by the Government in order to initiate contract closeout procedures. The report must provide the status of each contractor/subcontractor employee who is required to have a PIV/identification card during the performance of the contract. The report shall identify the Contractor and the contract number, and list the following status for each contractor/subcontractor employee who holds a PIV/identification card under this contract:

1. Contractor/subcontractor employee name.

2. Name of VA facility where Contractor/subcontractor employee works, if applicable.

3. Date background check submitted for Contractor/subcontractor employee.

4. Date PIV/identification card issued to Contractor/subcontractor employee.

5. Contractor/subcontractor employee’s PIV/identification card number, as applicable.

6. Date Contractor/subcontractor employee no longer has need for PIV/identification card.

7. Date Contractor notified VA that PIV/identification card is no longer required.

8. Date Contractor returned PIV/identification card was returned to VA.

(h) Flow down of clause. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause in subcontracts, third-party agreements, and BAA’s, in which subcontractors, third-party servicers/employees, and business associates will perform functions where they will have physical access to a VA facility or logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information system containing such data or information.

(End of Clause) C.6 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)

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SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

See attached document: QASP.

See attached document: P07 Wage Determination Asheville 5.13.26.

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SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1.0 QUOTE SUBMISSION

Quoters shall submit their quote via email to Kristine Woodbury at kristine.woodbury@va.gov by 10:00 AM, EST, June 25, 2026. Quotes shall be assembled by the following Sections: each section shall be easily identified.

Section A - Quote Form (Standard Form 1449) Signed and dated, include the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard in Block 10. (UEI) Number shall be entered in the block with the Quoters name and address.

Section B – Pricing Pricing shall be submitted as requested in the Schedule of Services. Total price will be evaluated by the Government. Proposed price should reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and is consistent with the various elements of the quote.

Section C– Quoters Representations and Certifications

All Quoters shall be registered and current in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at time of quote.

All Quoters must submit a completed and signed copy of 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION

All Quoters MUST be a verified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) vendor at the time of quote submittal. To be considered an SDVOSB, the company must be listed as verified in the SBA database, https://search.certifications.sba.gov/

Section D – Technical/Management Approach Quoters shall submit a quote that addresses all aspects of the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The quoter shall identify any subcontractors proposed under this solicitation. All technical elements applicable to the utilization of subcontractors must be addressed in the technical quote and detail provided.

The technical quote should be as detailed as necessary to fully explain the proposed methods and rationale; it should reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. The technical quote shall include information on how the project is to be organized, staffed, and managed.

The Technical Volume shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pages in length (minimum 12-point font and no less than ½ inch margins). Page limitation includes any drawings, charts, images, etc., and excludes section dividers, table of contents, glossary of terms, cross-referencing indices, and resumes. If more than 25 pages (not counting excluded pages) are submitted, only the first 25 pages will be considered.

Section E – Past Performance Please provide three (3) references of work-similar in scope. Identify all federal, state, and local government contracts as well as any private/commercial contracts of similar scope, size, complexity that are ongoing or have been completed within the last three years. List the following information for each contract:

· Company Name and Address

· Description of Services Performed

· Name, Telephone Number and Email Address of Responsible individuals who have first-hand knowledge of performance relative to similar type of services.

· Dates of Contract Performance

· Contract Type (e.g. fixed-price, cost reimbursable) and total contract value)

Failure to submit a complete proposal may result in an unacceptable determination.

3.0 AWARD BASIS

By submission of its quote, the quoter accedes to all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors. The contract will be awarded to the quoter with the best value offer based on the factors listed below. The Government will evaluate quotes for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

Factor 1: Technical/Management Approach The evaluation process will consider whether the quote demonstrates a clear understanding of the technical features involved in meeting the requirements of the solicitation. Contractors shall provide:

· Provide/submit a detailed technical and management approach for completing all requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW). This comprises of management and operation (safety procedures, staff training plans etc.) to include start up time needed between notice of award and start of service.

· Capability to Perform - Offeror must demonstrate that it currently possesses or have the ability to obtain the personnel, equipment, standards, work processes, licenses/permits/certifications and general resources to accomplish all the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

Factor 2: Past Performance Past performance information will be utilized to determine the quality of the contractor’s past performance as it relates to the probability of success of the required effort. The Government will evaluate customer satisfaction, responsiveness to customer needs, and past demonstration of meeting delivery schedules and the delivery of quality services. Emphasis will be on recent, relevant past performance in the previous 3 years. Recent is defined as work performed within the last three years. Relevant is defined as work similar in size and scope of the work described in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Past performance information is one indicator of a quoter’s ability to perform the contract successfully. Current and relevant information, source of information, context of data, and general trends in Contractor’s…