36C24820Q0270-074.docx

Performance Work Statement Data and Voice Cabling Drops Introduction.

1.1. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) requires a local on-Island source for data and voice cabling for the VA Caribbean Healthcare System and its associated Outpatient Clinics and offices including, but not limited to those listed in Section 5.1.

2.0. Description

2.1. The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, tools, material, supervision and other items and services necessary to perform the work as defined in this Performance Work Statement. The contractor shall provide the necessary services to install, remove, and repair data and voice cabling.

2.1.1. The contractor shall meet the following minimum requirements:

The cabling shall consist of, but not be limited to, multimode fiber optic and Category 6a (Systimax) cable punched on B configuration on RJ45 wall jack and terminated on an Ipatch panel (if Systimax panel available); Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) for the purpose of data and voice transmissions. All installed cable shall be plenum rated and conform to the VACHS color code scheme. With the exception of patch panel cables, the contractor shall provide all of the materials for each installation or repair, including but not limited to cable, terminal connectors, wall jacks, and Velcro for cable management. The vendor shall adhere to the specifications as stated herein.

Contractor shall have certified fiber optic technicians (OSP/ISP etc.), and certified Systimax technicians to include design, installation and maintenance.

All work shall be performed at the VACHS to include associated clinics and off-sites listed in section 5.1 and shall comply with current codes and standards as they relate to the respective facility.

The contractor shall be able to provide service in the geographical area of Puerto Rico for scheduled service and emergency service calls with on-site technical assistance available with a twenty-four (24) hours response time.

Contractor shall have previous experience working with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) and/or Presumed Asbestos-Containing Materials (PACM).

The period of performance for this contract shall be for a base period of one (1) year from date of Contract award, with four (4) additional one (1) year options to be exercised at the Government’s discretion.

IT Specialist or designee will be the VA official responsible for verifying contract compliance. After contract award, any incidents of contractor noncompliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures will be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

2.1.1.2. All required licenses and local permits shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. In addition, the contractor shall adhere to all local Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements for work performed at this facility. The contractor shall check in with the COR located in room Trailer #16 prior to commencing work. All personnel shall be in uniform with a visible contractor badge during work hours.

3.0 Applicable Documents.

3.1. The following laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in effect on date of contract issuance and all subsequent changes or updates apply:

3.2. Glossary. Acronyms used in this PWS are listed below for easy reference:

4.0. Performance Requirements.

A. The contractor shall install, repair, and remove cabling following the guidelines identified in Section 4.1, Contractor Responsibilities.

B. The contractor shall test each installed or repaired cable to ensure the installation meets TIA standard transmission requirements. The contractor shall then certify the work for use, and provide a report detailing standards compliance in written or electronic format to the COR.

4.1 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The following cable jacket color code shall be followed for all installations: Blue for Voice and Data communication. Fiber Optic cable will be Orange in color.

All twisted pair cable runs shall be routed through the VA installed wire mesh flexible cable runway and must be plenum rated. A standard “cable drop” consists of two blue Category 6a cables terminated to and run from the IDF patch panel/punch down block to the terminal location. By definition, a “drop” includes all labor, material and RJ45 modules required to install the ports.

CAT6a cables shall be terminated with RJ45 connectors to the T568B standard, and fiber optic cables will be terminated with SC connectors, unless otherwise specified by the COR.

All cabling that leaves the wire mesh runways shall be neatly bundled and enclosed in electrical Educators Technology Assessment tubing and routed through an insulated connector. The tubing shall be in accordance with Electronic Industries Alliance Telecommunications Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 568 Bulletin Table 4.4-1, page 36 and be either ¾, 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½ inches . No enclosure shall be smaller than one half inch. Runs from cable runways to a drop location shall be enclosed in electrical conduit and shall be concealed above the ceilings. All electrical conduit runs that pass through or run down a concrete or cinder block wall shall be channeled and filled with appropriate material, unless surface mounting is specifically authorized. Electrical tubing runs in a concrete wall shall terminate in an Educators Technology Assessment enclosed box 4" X 4" X 2" and furnished with a single gang concrete adapter. All electrical conduit runs in sheet rock shall run to the nearest point above the drop location and run down the inside of the wall in the same size tubing. Such runs shall terminate in a 2" X 3" X 2" box, which shall be properly supported. Surface runs of electrical conduit are not allowed unless pre-approved by the COR. When necessary and pre-approved, surface runs shall be in exterior channeling and surface mount boxes to coordinate with the decorum of the room.

All runs shall have a slack of one foot at the terminal end and shall not be spliced. All cables must be neatly routed and strapped with Velcro strips following the existing service loop in the IDF closet, resulting in an IDF service loop of not less than 1 meter. Cabling must be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner and shall not follow a path to inhibit future installations or access to existing infrastructure cabling.

C. INSTALLATION: ALL CABLE INSTALLATION SHALL BE FULLY COORDINATED WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR) PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

The Contractor shall provide new installations or repairs conforming to current and accepted telephone and digital industry/commercial standards.

The Contractor shall be responsible for complete knowledge of the space and cable pathways (i.e. equipment rooms, telephone closets (TCs), conduits, wire ways.) of the facility.

The system cables shall be protected by cable duct, trays, wire ways, conduit (rigid, thin wall, or flex), and when specifically approved, flexible inner duct. Contractor shall confirm all contract drawings and facility physical layout to determine the necessary cable protective devices to be provided. If flexible inner duct is used, it shall be installed in the same manner as conduit described herein.

Cable installed within the system (i.e. backbone, outside plant, inside plant, and station cabling) shall conform to accepted industry and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards as to size, color code, and insulation. All cabling shall meet Category 6a requirements for SYSTIMAX Solution Design & Installation. The pair twists of any pair shall not be exactly the same as any other pair within any unit or sub-unit of cables that are bundled in 25 pairs or less. The absence of specifications regarding Educators Technology Assessment shall imply that best general industry practices shall prevail, and that first quality material and workmanship shall be provided. Certification Standards, (i.e., BICSI, Consultative Committee International Telegraph and Telephone Standards Committee, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), SYSTIMAX Solutions, SYSTIMAX Structured Connectivity Solutions, Performance Specifications, (and Addendum) Latest Issue and National Fire Protection Association regulation) shall prevail.

Some areas of this Facility may be considered "plenum", including all above-ceiling grid spaces. All wire and cable used in support of the installation in those areas shall be in compliance with national and local codes pertaining to plenum environments. Contractor shall review VA’s cable and wire requirements with the COR prior to installation to confirm the type of environment present at the installation location. PVC jacketed data cable shall not be used.

All Educators Technology Assessment cable sheaths shall be grounded by the Contractor (i.e. risers, underground, station wiring.) as described herein.

If temporary cable and wire pairs are used, they shall be installed to not represent a pedestrian safety hazard. The Contractor shall be responsible for all work associated with the temporary installation, and for removal when no longer necessary. Temporary cable installations are not required to meet Industry standards; but must be reviewed and approved by the COR.

Conductors shall be cabled to ensure against induction in voice and data circuits. Crosstalk attenuation within the system shall be in excess of -80 dB throughout the frequency ranges specified.

Measures shall be employed by the Contractor to minimize the radiation of radio frequency noise generated by the system equipment so as not to interfere with audio, radio, video, data, computer main distribution frame (MDF), telephone customer service unit (CSU), and electronic private branch exchange (EPBX) equipment the system may service.

Each cable end shall be labeled by the Contractor. The Contractor shall update the as-built drawings inside each IDF closet upon installation. The Contractor shall legibly label the patch panel and the wall jack frame using a mechanically prepared (handwritten not acceptable) label that fits inside the manufacturer’s label window. Labeling shall follow the existing naming convention. The COR will permanently update the drawings upon work acceptance.

Each cable shall be fully tested and certified in writing by the Contractor to the COR before proof of performance testing can be conducted. Minimum test requirements are for impedance compliance, inductance, capacitance, signal level compliance, opens, shorts, cross talk, noise and distortion, and split pairs on all cables. The tests required for data cable shall be made to guarantee the operation of this cable at Category 6a Ethernet standards, not less than 1000 Mhz full bandwidth, fully channel loaded. All cable installation and test records shall be provided to the COR for acceptance and shall thereafter be maintained electronically. Electronic reports must be readable without proprietary software, preferably saved in “Word” or “Portable Document Format" (.pdf).

The Contractor shall provide and use industry recognized test equipment to guarantee that cable pairs meet each OEM's standard transmission requirements and guarantee the cable will carry data transmissions at the required speeds, frequencies, and fully loaded bandwidth.

New installations and repairs must be compatible with existing systems. Terminal jacks shall be mounted in a suitable location as determined by governing regulation codes and the COR.

All contractors and service personnel shall be required to complete an “Above the Ceiling Work Permit” prior to the removal of ceiling tiles in any facility that is owned or leased by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Contractor or service personnel shall also have completed the16 hour Asbestos Operations and Maintenance training prior to the commencement of any work in the above ceiling area. If new penetrations are made in the smoke/fire walls, they must be sealed with UL approved fire sealant. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for UL approved fire sealants shall be attached to the Above the Ceiling Work Permit. If existing cable trays or existing conduit pipes are to be used, this will not constitute a new penetration. However, “Above Ceiling Work Permits” shall be completed and signed off by the Safety Supervisor and/or COR of the project and shall be displayed at the site where work is being done. Further, when contractors or service personnel are working above the ceiling on a ladder, they shall have a barricade around the area in which they are working in order to separate themselves from the employees, patients and visitors at the VA owned or leased facility. Contractors or service personnel shall not leave the area while ceiling tiles are left open.

The Contractor employees shall be responsible for knowledge of and compliance with safe working procedures. The Contractor shall work in compliance with OSHA standards, including but not limited to the Standard 1926 “General Safety and Health Provisions” for personal protective equipment, eye protection, tools, and ladders.

The COR, in coordination with facility Infection control personnel, will assess work activity and the physical installation areas and complete an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA). Contractors shall abide by infection control precautions as determined in the ICRA prior to, during and after work. These precautions may include HEPA vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting, blocking air vents, sealing an area with plastic sheeting, use of a contractor provided Environmental Containment Unit (ECU) and covered removal of the Contractor’s work debris. The Contractor shall provide all labor and materials necessary for compliance with infection control precautions as determined in the ICRA.

The Contractor shall not store any tools or materials onsite unless specifically authorized by the COR. The Contractor is responsible for securing their property at all times to prevent theft.

All job-related refuse must be taken offsite and disposed of properly by the Contractor.

Any sub-contractor or personnel who will assist the contractor in performance of this work shall be required to have the same training and certification as the contractor and shall abide by all regulations and procedures applicable to the contractor.

D. TASK ORDERS:

Task orders shall be based on individual projects and may be issued from date of contract award and within the twelve months period of performance, and/or during exercised option period. Period of performance for base period will be twelve (12) months from the award date, and four option periods of twelve (12) months each.

The COR will request written estimates for task(s), from the contractor. Once the requirements of the task(s) have been reviewed, the contractor shall submit written cost estimate via email or in person to the COR. The estimate provided by the vendor shall include materials needed, an estimated time to complete the work, and shall be firm fixed price based on the contract’s price schedule. Work shall not commence until written approval has been given by COR. The Contractor will reference the PO number on the invoice as a condition of payment, and all invoices shall be submitted to Austin, Texas not later than 30 days after acceptance of the work by the Government.

E. RESPONSE TIME

Regular tasks will be scheduled by the COR no less than one week in advance. The estimate shall be determined by a contractor survey of the site and submitted to the COR within 2 working days, via e-mail for tracking purposes. The contractor shall complete regular tasks scheduled by the COR within the timeline specified.

When Emergency tasks arise, the COR will contact the contractor via telephone; followed by e-mail for tracking purposes, to determine the shortest possible response time. Response to Emergency tasks shall not exceed one (1) business day. Any extension of time to complete tasks must be coordinated with the COR. Work which requires completion during periods other than normal business hours shall be coordinated with the COR.

Normal business hours of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System are 7:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Federal Holidays are:

New Year’s Day, January 1st Martin Luther King, Third Monday of January President’s Day, Third Monday of February Memorial Day, Last Monday of May Independence Day, July 4th Labor Day, First Monday of September Columbus Day, Second Monday of October Veteran’s Day, November 11 Thanksgiving Day, Fourth Thursday of November Christmas Day, December 25 Any other day specifically designated as a Federal Holiday by the President of the United States. If the holiday falls on Saturday, the Federal Government observes the day on the preceding Friday; if the holiday falls on Sunday it is observed on the following Monday.

If the Contractor believes that the schedule cannot be met for a particular task because of extenuating circumstances, the contractor shall notify the COR of those circumstances as soon as they are known with a new estimate of the completion date. The contractor shall adhere to the timeline for other work.

VI. FLAT RATE

A flat rate will be paid for the work involved in this contract as provided in the Schedule of Prices/Costs.

NOTE: OFFEROR SHOULD INCLUDE TASK ORDER SITE VISITS, TERMINATIONS, LABOR AND MATERIALS AND ANY OTHER EXPECTED COSTS IN THEIR PRICING.

VII. GUARANTEE

All work shall be guaranteed by the contractor to meet all Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) specifications for data and voice cabling.

VIII. INVOICES

The contractor shall provide an itemized invoice within 30 days of job completion for each job. Each invoice shall contain the price of the work, including all task order site visits, terminations, labor and materials. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System is exempt from all sales taxes. The Contractor will reference the PO number on the invoice as a condition of payment, and all invoices shall be submitted to Austin, Texas not later than 30 days after acceptance of the work by the Government.

IX. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

1) All contractor employees requiring access to Federal facilities shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to contract performance. This requirement shall be applicable to subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. Contractor shall provide a roster of employee’s names assigned to the contract to the Contracting Officer within five (5) days of the contract being award. Position Sensitivity has been designated as Low Risk. The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access is Special Agency Check (SAC). A fee of $24.25 (subject to change) for this investigation shall be borne by the contractor. Contractor employees may have their fingerprints taken electronically at a local VA Medical Center after coordination with the Contracting Officer and VA Police Service or at a local Police Department using form number FD-258 (Rev. 5-11-99) Forms (available from VA Security Investigation Center/SIC, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg 192, North Little Rock, AR, 72114.

2) Contractor employees will be issued a “Contractor” Identification badge by the VA Caribbean Healthcare System facility Police Service upon completion of a favorable adjudicated SAC. This badge shall be worn by contractor personnel at all times while on government property.

All identification badges provided by the VA shall be returned to the Government upon expiration of the contract or upon termination of contract employee’s services.

3) The Contractor shall familiarize his/her staff as necessary to any Government drawings, specifications, or standards that may be provided for areas and other configurations to meet this requirement. Incorrect installation shall be reworked at the expense of the contractor.

4) References and resources to aid in the completion of this project include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Applicable building codes

- VA Office of Health and Safety (OHS)

- Construction Infection Control Risk Assessment Memorandum

- National Fire Protection Code

5) The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and wearing all safety equipment required in the performance of the contract. The Contractor shall also take all safety precautions necessary. All electrical cords used in the performance of the contract will be inspected and maintained to ensure integrity and proper grounding. The Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer and/or COR may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The COR shall notify the Contractor of any safety issues and the action necessary to correct them.

6) The COR shall identify and document deficiencies in the quality of services performed. This documentation shall be made available to the Contracting Officer upon request. Any deficiencies (Damaged/improperly installation, etc.) that are found in conjunction with the Inspections shall be corrected within three (3) days of the original work performed at the Contractor expense.

Performance Location and Hours:

1) Primary place of performance is the VA Caribbean Healthcare System. 10 Casia Street San Juan, PR 00921 and the below listed clinics:

Arecibo Community Based Outpatient Clinic Victor Rojas II / Zona Industrial Carr. 129 Arecibo, PR 00612 Comerio Rural Outpatient Clinic 15 De Diego Street Comerio, PR 00782

Guayama Community Based Outpatient Clinic FISA Bldg. 1st Floor, Paseo Del Pueblo, km 0.3, Lote no 6 Guayama, PR 00784 Mayaguez Community Based Outpatient Clinic State road PR #2 Km. 149.9 Ave. Algarrobo, Bo. Sabanetas Mayagüez, PR 00680 Utuado Rural Outpatient Clinic Isaac Gonzalez Street Esquina Ledesma Utuado, PR 00641 Ponce Community Based Outpatient Clinic Paseo Del Veterano #1010 Ponce, PR 00716-2001 Ceiba Community Based Outpatient Clinic Interim Eastern Based Outpatient Clinic State Road #3, KM 54.9, Pueblo Ward, Ceiba, PR

Vieques Rural Outpatient Clinic Co.Destino Carretera #997 Vieques, PR 00765 St. Thomas Community Based Outpatient Clinic Medical Foundation Building Suite 101 St. Thomas, VI 00802 St. Croix Community Based Outpatient Clinic Box 12, RR-02, The Village Mall #113 Kings Hill, VI 00850-4701 Carolina Warehouse La Ceramica Industrial Park Lote 1C Calle Lorencita Carolina, PR 00983 Vet Center San Juan San Patricio Office Center 1st Floor,# 7 Tabonuco St Guaynabo PR 00968

Vet Center Ponce 1010 Avenida del Veterano Ponce PR 00716-2914 Vet Center Arecibo 50 Calle Gonzalo Marin Arecibo, PR 00612 Normal working hours are from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. However, due to the need of servicing the veterans in clinical spaces were direct patient care is required; occasionally work will have to be performed after close of business Monday through Friday as well as weekends with the exception of Federal holidays. Contractor access and escorts will be provided by the Government during these instances. A list of specific installers shall be provided to the Government 24 hours prior to commencing any given task. The contractor and crew of installers shall wear uniforms with the Contractors name and VA assigned badge visible.

Facilities may be deleted or added to adapt to the Government need. Also, the above address of facilities that are currently operating from a location not owned by the Government (i.e. Vet Centers) may be subject to relocation at any point during the contract.

6.0. Deliverables.

6.1. Project Management Plan. The Contractor shall prepare a Project Management Plan (PMP) describing the technical approach, use of organizational resources, and management controls to be employed to meet the requirements of this PWS at the time of offer. The PMP shall detail the products, methods for allocation of staff and other resources necessary to meet the requirement of the PWS. The Government shall receive the revised PMP in both hard copy and electronic form not later than ten days after contract award. Based on the PMP, the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will provide approval to move forward on activities planned. The Contractor shall request prior approval on all activities not included in the plan or any modifications to the plan it has been approved.

6.2 Daily Status / Progress Report. A daily status report shall be provided to the COR.

7.0 Key Personnel Replacement and Substitution.

7.1. Requests for approval of substitutions 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.

7.2. 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) terminate the contract for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or (2) 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.

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

8.0 Contractor Personnel and Management

8.1 Contractor Personnel. The Contractor shall be responsible for employing technically qualified Systemax personnel to perform the work specified in this PWS. The Contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets the contract specifications and requirements.

8.2 Government Badges. The COR will coordinate the issuance of required access badges to Contractor personnel. Contract personnel shall wear laminated identification badges provided by the Government at all times when performing. 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.

8.3 Government issued identification badge remains the property of the Government and shall be returned to the issuing office or other designated Government personnel upon transfer of Contractor employees from the contract.

8.4 Contractor Badges. Notwithstanding the requirement to wear a 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.

8.5 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.

8.6 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.

8.7 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.

8.8 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 COR.

8.9 Standards of conduct.

8.9.1 Conduct of Personnel. Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner (i.e. timeliness, communication; spoken and written etc.). The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to remove from the job site any employee working under this contract for reasons of suspected misconduct, a suspected security breach, or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is necessary in the interests of the Government. The hospital director or designated representative has the authority to bar individuals from the Government facility. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this performance work statement. The Government shall not reimburse the Contractor for travel and other expenses associated with the removal of personnel.

8.9.2 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.

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

8.9.4 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.

9.0 TRAVEL. (N/A)

10.0 Non-Personal Service Statement.

10.1 Contractor employees performing services under this order will be controlled, directed, and supervised at all times by management personnel of the contractor. Contractor management will ensure that employees properly comply with the performance work standards outlined in the PWS. Contractor employees will perform their duties independent of, and without the supervision of, any Government official.

The tasks, duties, and responsibilities set forth in the contract may not be interpreted or implemented in any manner that results in any contractor employee creating or modifying Federal policy, obligating the appropriated funds of the United States Government, overseeing the work of Federal employees, providing direct personal services to any Federal employee, or otherwise violating the prohibitions set forth in Parts 7.5 and 37.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The Government will control access to the facility and will perform the inspection and acceptance of the completed work.

11.0 Personnel Qualifications.

11.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for employing Systemax technically qualified personnel to perform the work specified in this PWS. The Contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization, and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets the contract specifications and requirements. The work history of each contractor employee must contain experience directly related to the task and functions he/she is intended to perform under this contract. The Government reserves the right, during the life of the resulting contract, to request work histories on any contractor employee for the purposes of verifying compliance with the above requirements; additionally, the Government reserves the right to review resumes of contractor personnel proposed to be assigned. Personnel assigned to, or utilized by, the Contractor in performance of work shall be fully capable of performing the requirements contained in the PWS in an efficient, reliable, and professional manner. The normal manner of dress is business casual.

11.2. The Contractor shall provide a Project Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the Contractor when the Project Manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer at least ten days after contract award. The Contractor shall not replace, substitute, or remove key personnel without prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor removes key personnel, that person shall be replaced with someone of equal or better qualifications.

11.2.1. The Project Manager or alternate(s) shall be physically present on-site during all work hours. The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) a phone number for the Project Manager and alternate(s) during duty hours. This individual shall be responsible for overall management and coordination of this contract. This individual shall be responsible for directing the onsite work and be able to resolve issues and provide information about work progress to the COR. The Project Manager shall be knowledgeable of the project progress. This individual shall be available to meet with U.S. Government personnel, and/or the COR, within 30 minutes unless otherwise coordinated with such designated personnel.

11.2.1.1. Project Manager, Contracting Officer, and COR Meetings.

The Contractor's project manager shall meet with the COR as necessary to maintain satisfactory performance and to resolve other issues pertaining to Government/Contractor procedures. At these meetings, a mutual effort will be made to resolve any and all problems identified. Written minutes of these meetings shall be prepared by the Contractor, signed by the Contractor's designated representative, and furnished to the Government within two workdays of the subject meeting.

11.3. Specific Personnel Qualifications Requirements –Personnel assigned to or utilized by the contractor in the performance of this contract shall, as a minimum:

11.3.1. Be a United States Citizen

11.3.2. Must be able to obtain a station clearance prior to commencing work at the site.

11.3.3. Contractor should have certified and trained employees in those areas of asbestos.

11.3.4. Contractor is required to meet with the VACHS Industrial Hygienist to present asbestos and training certification.

12.0. Performance Standards and Quality Measurement.

12.1. 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.

12.2 The QASP and its performance objectives are as follows:

Standard

4.0 The Government requires data and voice cabling installation services to the VA Caribbean Healthcare System and the adjacent clinics.

13.0. CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING

13.1 The Contractor shall report all personnel manpower (to include subcontractor manpower) employed for the performance of this contract to the COR daily. The requiring activity will assist the Contractor with the reporting requirement as necessary. The Contractor may enter reports at any time during the reporting period, which is defined as the contract's period of performance not to exceed 12 months ending the last day of each contractual term. Reporting must be completed no later than the last day of the month prior to the new period of performance of the year during which the contract will be in place. Reporting must be completed for every year or part of a year for which the contract is in place. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement will result in contract termination.

14. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT REQUIREMENTS

Work performed by the following personnel related to Contractor is applicable to FAR Subpart 22.10 (Service Contract Labor Standards) and such shall follow U.S Department of Labor Wage Determinations:

14170 Cable Splicer Please refer to Solicitation Attachment (Wage Determinations) for listing of wage determinations applicable.