36C24818Q0383-0001002.docx

?.## PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

For Hazardous, Regulated and Pharmaceutical Waste Services

I. INTRODUCTION:

1. General: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Corporate Orlando VA Medical Center, 13800 Veterans Way, has a requirement for Hazardous, Regulated and Pharmaceutical waste collection, removal and disposal services.

2. Scope: The contractor shall provide all transportation, management, equipment, supplies, reports and anything else necessary to furnish Hazardous, Regulated and Pharmaceutical waste collection, removal and disposal services to Corporate Orlando VA Medical Center. The following facilities shall be covered under this this PWS; however, their physical addresses may change during the life of this contract:

· Orlando VA Medical Center, (Lake Nona campus) 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827

· Orlando VA Medical Center, (Lake Baldwin campus) 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, FL., 32803

· William V. Chappell Jr. Outpatient Clinic (OPC) 551 National Health Care Dr., Daytona Beach, FL., 32114-1495

· Viera Outpatient Clinic (OPC) 2900 Veterans Way, Viera, FL., 32940

· Kissimmee Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) 2285 N. Central Ave., Kissimmee, FL., 34741

· Tavares CBOC, 1390 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778

· Orange City CBOC, 2583 S. Volusia Ave., Suite 300, Orange City, FL., 32763. Projected to move to 1200 Deltona Blvd., Deltona, FL 32725 in FY18

· Clermont CBOC, 805 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont, FL., 34711

3. Requirements:

a. The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, management, materials, supplies and equipment necessary to collect, remove, and dispose of hazardous, regulated and pharmaceutical waste. Services shall include, but not limited to the following:

i. Lab packs

ii. Analysis services

iii. Documentation

iv. Waste treatment

v. Disposal and support services required to categorize, package, transport, document and dispose of all waste.

b. This shall be a fixed price Requirement contract. Period of performance will be from the date of award through twelve (12) months, with four (4) - option year periods. Option year periods will be date of award through one year. All options are exercised at the discretion of the government.

c. The contractor shall not commence performance on the tasks in this PWS until the Contracting Officer has conducted a Kick Off meeting, or advised the contractor that a kick off meeting is waived.

4. Definitions:

a. Contracting Officer (CO): The person with the authority to enter, administer, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings, including changes within the original contract scope, on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

b. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): Any person(s) designated in writing by the CO to act for the CO within the limits of the delegated authority. Under this contract, the COR shall be the VA person who is qualified to render advice and assistance to the contractor's service personnel. The COR shall also be responsible for certifying that services performed have been satisfactorily rendered in accordance with contract terms.

c. Hazardous Waste - waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.

d. Biohazardous Waste - typically includes waste containing pathogens with sufficient virulence and quantity so that exposure of the waste by a susceptible host can result in an infectious disease.

e. Pharmaceutical Waste - waste containing pharmaceutical substances. Examples include: expired, unused, and contaminated pharmaceuticals, (e.g. expired drugs, vaccines and sera.)

f. Lab Pack - typical method of waste handling. In a "lab pack" several small containers (i.e. jugs and bottles) of hazardous waste, are individually packaged in a traditional 55-gallon drum.

g. Infectious Waste - any waste which, because of its infectious nature, may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness, or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed or otherwise managed.

h. Regulated Waste - liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and can release these materials during handling; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious materials.

i. Staging location – Location designated by the COR for temporary storage prior to pick-up and disposal.

II. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Hazardous Waste:

a. The Contractor is required to identify all hazardous waste, facility, chemicals, and other types of chemical analysis. Chemical wastes shall include but not be limited to:

i. Ignitable,

ii. Corrosives,

iii. Poisons/toxics,

iv. Reactive wastes,

v. Dual and hazardous waste,

vi. Universal waste (i.e. batteries, mercury thermometers and blood pressure cuffs, lead aprons).

b. Packaging of chemical wastes shall be in the largest container available for that waste stream. Smaller sizes shall be used for partial loads or to meet the disposal priorities or DOT requirements (i.e. 5-gal, 10-gal, 50-gal etc..) for the type and quantity of waste.

c. Contractor shall dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that leaves no future expense potential to the VA or the federal government.

d. The contractor shall Recycle chemicals for future use if economically feasible and practical.

e. The contractor shall treat the chemical waste in a manner that renders it no longer a hazardous waste as defined in the 40 CFR series. These processes include (but are not limited to):

i. Reprocessing or recovery followed by recycling/reuse.

ii. Chemical neutralization or detoxification.

iii. Thermal treatment (e.g. incineration, pyrolysis).

In addition, the contactor shall ensure that the long-term internment (burial) is in a secure chemical landfill site approved for such by the appropriate state or federal agency.

f. The contractor shall ensure that hazardous (chemical) property is disposed of properly and is not stored in permitted treatment, storage, or disposal sites. The storage does not constitute disposal and/or completion of the task. Additionally, the contractor shall provide tracking of the waste and the final certificate of destruction within 30 days of pick up. In addition to the certificate, the contractors shall also provide a landfill disposal form authorizing waste disposal.

g. Out of country shipments are prohibited under this contract.

2. Pharmaceutical Waste:

a. The COR shall designate Pharmaceutical wastes collection to be located at one central designation for each location listed in the Scope of this PWS for Corporate OVAMC. This may include collection from laboratories, clinical areas medical wards, and maintenance areas. The wastes shall be segregated by hazard class or chemical compatibility and labeled appropriately.

b. The contractor shall collect all hazardous pharmaceutical waste materials from all clinical areas. Empty containers shall be replaced after the filled containers are collected. The filled containers shall be safely transported to the central sorting location as described in 2(a). IAW

c. The pharmaceutical waste shall be segregated or separated appropriately. The hazardous chemicals shall be inventoried, packed in containers for shipment and labeled properly. The labels shall be provided by the Contractor.

d. The contractor shall check the pic-up point for every location at least four (4) time per month to see if a pick-up is need. Additionally, the COR may also call and schedule a pick-up. All pickups will be done between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Contractor shall schedule pick-ups with the COR or designated personnel. Any special pick-ups shall be approved by the COR, or the COR's designee.

e. Special items such as (Pharmaceuticals, or any controlled item) shall be sorted at the designated location. Contractor shall check in with COR or designee in Safety Office for any special requirement or needed processes.

f. Contractor shall provide the required technician per industry standards for all pick-ups. Technician shall be trained in hazardous waste handling and emergency procedures. This training shall be in accordance with State and Federal Regulations.

3. Regulated Medical Waste:

a. The contractor shall use disposable containers whenever possible for sharps.

b. The contractor shall bag all Regulated Infectious and Chemotherapy waste, except sharps, in VA provided or approved red or yellow disposable plastic bags which are impervious to moisture.

c. Infectious waste, which originates from the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients that have been or may have been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease, or immunization or in the production or testing of biologicals (i. e. Chemotherapy), shall be disposed of by the contractor in hard plastic containers designed for that purpose.

4. Storage Containers:

a. The contractor is responsible for providing the storage containers for all Regulated Medical Waste; Additionally, the contractor shall remove and transport all infectious waste material from clinical areas, to include filled sharps containers, to the staging locations designated by the COR. All containers shall be sorted and labeled appropriately.

b. The Contractor must use of distinctive, clearly marked containers with a biohazard symbol. Packaging shall maintain its integrity during storage and transport to ensure containment of infectious waste. Waste may not be compacted or mixed with other waste types prior to destruction and disposal.

c. The Contractor shall provide lockable, stackable, clean, disinfected, rigid plastic, wheeled transport containers for each staging location. The Contractor shall provide an adequate number of barrels/containers, between 30 and 96 gallons of capacity with chemotherapy and sharps labels as required by the usage of each facility. The containers shall be labeled with bio-hazardous logo/symbol and have lockable/ secured snug fitting lids.

d. The contractor shall leave empty containers when full containers are picked up; all exchanges shall be in accordance with para 3(e-f).

e. The contractor shall document all pick-up vouchers with the following information. Signed manifest is also sufficient documentation:

i. Date

ii. Location

iii. Size of Container

iv. Quantities of Container

v. Type of Container (Waste type)

5. Safety:

The Contractor shall have an approved Operation and Safety Plan with documentation of employee training and a copy in every transport vehicle. The plan shall be submitted to the CO for approval no more than 10 working days after award of the contract. The plan and documented training shall include, but not be limited to:

a. The proper and safe operation of the regulated (infectious) waste collection vehicle.

b. The standards and safety precautions for collecting.

c. The approval means of transport.

d. A description of the characteristics and hazards of infectious waste.

e. Procedures to follow in the event a person is contaminated by infectious waste.

f. The procedures to follow in the event of a spillage of infectious waste including but not limited to clean up and disinfection of contaminated surfaces.

g. The procedures to follow if a load of infectious waste becomes hot, burning and/or reactive if the lower flammable limit (L.F.L.) is exceeded.

h. The procedures to follow in the event of unauthorized waste material are deposited in the collection containers for infectious waste.

i. The procedures to follow to complete the manifest and to maintain other records requires under any ordinance or under federal regulation and

j. The procedure to follow to properly disinfect the infectious waste collection vehicle.

6. Destruction and Disposal:

a. The Contractor is fully responsible for destruction and disposal of all regulated medical waste (bio-hazardous) chemotherapy and anti-neo plastic waste.

b. All regulated medical waste (biohazardous) Chemotherapy and anti neo plastic waste is to be destroyed in accordance with all local, state, federal and EPA laws and regulations. The Contractor is individually and solely responsible for complying with all government regulations regarding regulated medical waste.

c. Disposal of destroyed regulated medical waste (bio-hazardous) chemotherapy and anti-neo plastic waste shall be disposal at an approved site as required by the local and state government authority having jurisdiction.

d. Disposal of destroyed regulated medical waste (bio-hazardous) chemotherapy and anti-neo plastic waste shall be only at an approved disposal site as required by the local and state government authority having jurisdiction.

7. Weighing System:

Contractor shall provide a certificate weighing system to enable proper billing for waste poundage disposed; i.e. if the disposal container weighs 14 pounds and Contractor is to dispose/haul 10 containers would be weighed and container total weight (140 pounds) is subtracted from the gross weight to determine total waste poundage to be paid.

8. Documentation:

a. Contractor shall provide the following documentation as required by law:

i. Description

ii. Quantity

iii. Unit of Issue

iv. Weight

v. Type of action (p/u or delivery)

vi. Signature Block

b. Documentation of treatment and destruction of all regulated medical waste, sharps, chemo and anti-neoplastic shall be provided to the COR for ALL removals.

c. The Contractor shall provide legible manifests and documentation for all hazardous, biohazardous, dual, universal and pharmaceutical waste conducted by its workforces and/or its subcontractors.

d. The contractor shall obtain approval and signature for each manifest from the COR or his/her designee verifying the acceptance of waste prior to the removal and transport of hazardous, biohazardous, dual, universal and pharmaceutical waste; additionally, the same verification is also needed after the waste was properly shipped for treatment or disposal. Manifests not signed by the COR or his/her designee shall not be deemed valid

e. Signed manifests shall be provided to the COR or designated personnel within 30 days of pick-/delivery.

f. The contractor shall provide a properly executed and signed disposal certificate for each manifest to the COR within thirty (30) calendar days of removal of waste. The disposal certificate shall clearly indicate that all waste that has been properly disposed of and shall specify the site and date of disposal or incineration.

g. All manifests, waste determinations, waste generation data, shipping information and other data required shall be maintained by the contractor in an electronic database format that is exportable through a Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access format for input an email.

9. Contingency Plan: Contractor shall provide a detailed contingency plan to take effect during any disaster which interrupts service as outlined in this PWS. This plan is required no later than 10 days after the award of the contract.

10. Licenses and Permits:

1. The Contractor shall provide and maintain all licenses and permits for operational personnel, trailers, containers, vehicles and other resources required for proper removal of hazardous waste in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Municipal, and local regulations (e.g. OSHA, EPA, DEP, 49CFR (DOT), 40CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR Parts 171-178. including, but not limited to HM-18).

2. The contractor shall be required to comply with all changes to such Federal, State and local regulations and procedures which occur during the term of this contract. The Contractor shall provide to the Government any additional certifications that may be required because of changes in such laws.

3. The contractor shall prove the following prior to start of contract performance:

i. List of all transfer stations, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) including incineration, wastewater and sludge treatment facilities that shall be utilized during this contract to include the capacity of these facilities and the waste codes for the waste streams they are permitted to accept by treatment technology. Address, phone number and other contact information shall be provided. The VA reserves the right to inspect each of these facilities before approving its use or at any time during or after contract period while VA wastes are present.

ii. Copy of Operator permit(s)

iii. Certificates of training and experience of staff and/or personnel who shall perform site work under this contract (all technicians that work on VA premises shall be expected to have received at least the minimum training required by law as specified in 29CFR 1910-120, 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR

iv. Provide the contractor's experience in hazardous waste packaging, transport, and disposal.

v. Provide a copy of US EPA identification number(s) certificate for each business entity operated by the contractor providing service regarding any aspect of VA waste disposal program (i.e. storage, transfer, incinerator sites).

vi. Provided a copy of certificate of registration with the State EPA as a hazardous waste hauler for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide hazardous waste transportation services for any aspect of VA waste disposal program.

vii. Provide written acknowledgement of responsibility for acquisition of all applicable business licenses and permits required by law. Contractor shall certify that it acknowledges and is in possession of all required business licenses and permits.

viii. Provide a list of any violations and/or citations that the contractor has received for noncompliance with any hazardous waste laws, permit requirements, and/or OSHA requirements for the past three years from the date of submission. Contractor shall include information on all related business entities including associated firms that are owned by the contractor or owned by a common parent company that will be involved in any portion of the processing of VA waste disposal program. If no discharge or violations have occurred, contractor shall provide a statement that certifies no discharges or violations have occurred.

11. Schedule Work:

Contractor shall provide a schedule of service to the COR prior to contract performance. The schedule must be approved by the COR. Additionally, the list must contain the names of all drivers and assistant drivers. Changes to this list must be submitted in writing (via email) to the COR prior to notification of change.

12. Unscheduled Work:

From time to time there may be special needs that require immediate attention, such as, a collection container is overfilled, collection container was missed on a regularly scheduled pick-up, etc. When this occurs, the contractor shall respond within twenty-four hours.

13. Emergency Response: The Contractor shall also provide Emergency Spill Response Services, as required, for any incidents in which a hazardous material or waste spill should occur. Response is expected to include an initial onsite person with in a maximum of 2 hours and full mobilization of supplies and equipment within hrs. from original call. This service is of an extraordinary circumstance which would be requested but will not be limited to pumping of liquids, solids, and sludges from tanks.

14. Quality Control:

a. The Contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Program (QCP) to assure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified, during the life of the contract.

b. The Contractor’s QCP must include an inspection plan covering all services required by this contract.

c. The inspection plan must specify the type of inspections (i.e. scheduled, unscheduled), areas for inspection, frequency of inspections, and who will conduct the inspections, with his/her title specified.

d. The inspection records must note findings and necessary corrective action taken, the timeframe, and follow-up responsibility/issues. The VA reserves the right to request copies of any inspection.

e. The Contractor must have established internal procedures for updating medical service protocols that have been revised, requires changes, and/or incorporation of new protocols since licensing. The changes to processes, equipment, and/or protocol that may affect performance of contract must be communicated in writing to the Contracting Office.

f. The Contractor shall establish and maintain a complete QCP to assure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. An original and one (1) copy of this QCP will be forwarded to the CO along with the requested initial proposal. The CO or COR will review the QCP and list any needed clarifications, and return to Contractor for response, if necessary. The Contractor Team’s QCP will include the following or have incorporated into during performance of contract, at a minimum:

i. An inspection plan covering all services required by this contract. The inspection plan must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished and documented, or the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections.

ii. Records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor noting necessary corrective action taken. The Government reserves the right to request copies of any and/or each inspection.

iii. The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed, before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and organizational functions noting intermediate supervisory responsibilities and overall management responsibilities for ensuring total acceptable performance.

iv. Records of all vehicle maintenance and repairs performed, on vehicles used in the performance of this contract. The methods of identifying and preventing vehicle breakdowns, and detailed procedure for alternative transportation of patients in the event of mechanical breakdown of vehicle.

v. Records identifying the character, physical capabilities, certifications and ongoing training of each employee performing services under this contract.

vi. The Contractor must have quality improvement mechanisms in place that allows their company to evaluate the quality of services performed by using established methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies before the level of performance becomes unacceptable. Specific organizational monitoring functions and areas must be identified with levels of responsibility associated, noting intermediate supervisory responsibility and overall management responsibility for ensuring total acceptable performance.

vii. The Contractor must have employee records available on-site that identifies the character, physical capabilities, certifications, and ongoing training records of each employee performing services under this contract.

g. The contract shall include weekly inspections of Main Accumulation Point (MAP) and Satellite Accumulation Points (SAP) at the facilities listed in this contract per waste generation as deemed necessary by VA. The MAP and SAP shall be inspected per the guidelines provided by the county/state and VHA in which the facility resides. The inspection checklist shall be made available electronically to the facility and reports generated to identify problem areas by facility, by date or other fields deemed appropriate.

15. Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) Performance standards define desired services. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the Contractor exceeds, meets, or does not meet these standards. The Government shall use these standards to determine Contractor performance and shall compare Contractor performance to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) method of surveillance will be by random inspection and monthly monitoring. At the end of each option year, A Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) will be sent to the contractor. The contractor has the right to either agree or respond. This reporting applies to this contract. https://www.cpars.gov/, https://www.acquisition.gov/.

ATTACHMENT F (Rev-1)

16. Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain for the entire contract period, Workmen's Compensation and employers Public Liability Insurance in accordance with laws of the State of Florida. Before commencing work under this contract, the contractor shall certify to the Contracting Officer in writing that the required insurance has been obtained. See FAR 52.228-5, Clauses Section. Contractor shall provide the CO with an original signed copy of Insurance Certification with appropriate coverage, no later than ten (10) calendar days after notice of award. The contractor will notify the VA immediately of any changes in insurance coverage. Failure to submit documentation regarding the above insurance requirement shall be grounds to terminate the contract for default

17. Personnel Replacement and Substitution

a. The contractor shall provide a list of authorized personnel and phone number listing of all service points of contact to the Contracting Officer Representative no later than 10 days after the award date. Notification of substitutions or replacement of key personnel shall be in writing and shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions. The request shall contain a complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested or required by the Contracting Officer to approve or disapprove the request. Proposed substitutes shall have qualifications that are equal to or higher than the personnel being augmented. The Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative shall evaluate such requests and promptly notify the Contractor in writing whether the proposed substitution is acceptable.

b. If the Contracting Officer determines that, (1) suitable and timely replacement of personnel who have been reassigned, terminated or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming, or (2) the resultant substitution would be so substantial as to impair the successful completion of the contract or the delivery order in accordance with the proposal accepted by the Government at time of contract award, the Contracting Officer may, (1) Send a letter of correction or cure (2) terminate the contract for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or (3) at his discretion, if he finds the Contractor at fault for the condition, equitably adjust the contract price downward to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss or damage.

c. The Contractor shall replace any absent individual for any period greater than one workday (may be changed) to leave a full complement of trained qualified personnel always with no disruption of services.

18. Contractor Personnel and Management

a. Contractor Personnel

i. The Contractor shall be responsible for the performance and conduct of its employees. Personnel employed by the Contractor in the performance of this SOW or any representative of the Contractor entering the VA premises shall be subject to inspections by the Government as deemed necessary. The Contractor shall not reemploy for performance under this contract, any person whose employment would result in a conflict of interest with the Government’s standards of conduct.

ii. The Contractor is completely responsible for all actions of their employees. All contractor personnel employed in the performance of this contract shall comply with all VA building regulations, policies, and guidelines while on the premises. Contractor personnel shall be free of body odor and wear clean clothing (uniforms as appropriate) while performing duties under this contract. The Contractor shall consider the clinical environment and instruct/train their personnel in applicable safety precautions and unique requirements. These requirements may include but are not limited to such conditions as human secretions, blood, barium, etc. Contractor personnel shall take appropriate precautions while performing duties applicable to this contract.

iii. Personal Appearance - Contractor employees shall be well-groomed, clean, and neat in appearance; clothes properly fitted, uniform appearance with nametags, and appropriately dressed for the work to be done. Contractor employees shall not wear clothing with slogans, drawings, or language which could be construed as being lewd, obscene, profane, racially offensive, sexually suggestive, and anti-American or which advocates the use of illegal drugs or other unlawful conduct.

iv. Personnel Courtesy - Contractor employees shall not exhibit rude behavior. Loudness, vulgarity, rudeness, or other similar offensive conduct by an employee of the Contractor will be ground for denying the employee further access to the VA premises.

b. Parking

i. All Contractor-owned vehicles shall be maintained in a neat, presentable, and operational condition as determined by the Contracting Officer or COR. Contractor vehicles shall be clearly marked to be distinguishable from Government Equipment. Markings shall include, but not limited to, the Contractor's name and telephone number on all equipment and vehicles used to carry out the requirements of the contract. Contractor vehicles will follow parking rules while on US government property and is subject to tow if illegally parked. It is the responsibility of the contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the Police and Security Section. Failure to park in appropriate/designated parking may be cause for parking violation from the VA Police and may jeopardize the performance of the contract.

c. Identification Badges

i. The COR will coordinate the issuance of required access badges to Contractor personnel. Contracted personnel visiting any of the locations listed above must be issued a temporary badge or have an escort with him/her at all times. Badges will be issued from the location’s visitor’s desk or from the Facilities Management desk. All badges will be returned daily. Contract personnel shall wear laminated identification badges provided by the VA at all times when present and performing work. Badges shall be worn on the outer garment, attached to the outer shirt or jacket pocket by a button or clip or worn around the neck secured by an appropriate identification card lanyard.

ii. Government issued identification badge remains the property of the Government and shall be returned to the issuing office upon completion of work or at the end of the work day, which ever applies.

d. Contractor Badges

i. In addition to the government furnished badge, Contractor personnel shall also wear a laminated contractor identification badge at all times when performing services under this Contract, including when on Government directed travel. The badge will contain a personal picture, name of employee, and Contractor's name. Badges shall be worn on the outer garment attached to the outer shirt or jacket pocket by a button or clip or worn around the neck secured by an appropriate identification card lanyard.

ii. All Contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public or Congress that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractor personnel are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

e. Safety/Security Requirements. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ensure performance is secure while protecting material, equipment, and supplies from damage and loss. Government security personnel shall have the express right to inspect for security violations at any time during the term of the contract.

i. All information generated in performance of this contract becomes property of the Government and must be surrendered upon request and/or completion of the contract. The Contractor must protect against the destruction and/or misplacement of all information produced under this contract, unless directed under local policy to destroy. This includes both hard and soft copies of data.

ii. The Contractor shall not release any information (including photographs, files, public announcements, statements, denials, or confirmations) on any part of the subject matter of this contract or any phase of any program hereunder without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

iii. The Contractor personnel shall agree to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and other applicable federal laws, rules, regulations and policies issued under the Act during and after the execution of this contract. Because confidential medical record information may be accessible and/or visible to Contractor employees during performance of their daily duties, the Contractor shall obtain a signed "confidentiality certificate" from each employee prior to allowing them to start work under this contract. Any information about an individual that is maintained by the VA, including, but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history or any record that contains the person's name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, shall be kept CONFIDENTIAL. A copy of this certification shall be provided to the COR upon request.

19. Standard of Conduct

a. Conduct of Personnel. Government rules, regulations, laws, directives, and requirements that are issued during the Contract term relating to law and order, and security shall be applicable to all employees or representatives who enter the VA premises. Violation of such rules, regulations, laws, directives, or requirements shall be grounds for removal (permanently or temporarily as the Government determines) from the work site. Removal of employee does not relieve the Contractor from the responsibility for the work defined in this SOW.

b. The Contracting Officer or designated representative (COR) may require the Contractor to remove any employee performing requirements under this SOW for reasons of misconduct, safety, or security risk posed. Contractor employees shall be subject to immediate dismissal from the premises upon determination by the COR that such action(s) is in the best interest of the Government.

c. Contractor personnel are not authorized to carry or possess personal weapons to include, but not limited to, firearms and knives with a blade length in excess of three inches, while assigned under this contract.

d. Working Attire and Appearance. Contractor personnel shall present a professional appearance commensurate with standards delineated for Government civilian personnel acting in similar capacities.

e. The Government reserves the right to review Contractor personnel qualifications. Upon request, resumes shall be provided to the Contracting Officer prior to clearance approval, for review and acceptance by the COR. The intent is verification purpose and not for the Government to become the hiring authority.

f. Contractor employees shall not consume alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or at any other time the employees are performing work under this PWS. The Contractor shall not allow any employee to perform work if the employee is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Employees found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours will be immediately removed from duty. For purposes of this provision, the threshold for being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is the same as that established by current laws for vehicle operations. The Contractor is responsible for establishing the methods by which employees will be determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

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