36C24823Q0070.pdf

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

36C24823Q0070

Ben Amato 407-646-4017 11-17-2022

13:00 EST

36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) Orlando VA Healthcare System 13800 Veterans Way Orlando FL 32827

X

325120

1000 Employees

N/A

X

36C672

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Caribbean Healthcare System 10 Casia Street

San Juan PR 00921

36C248

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) Orlando VA Healthcare System

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

(877) 353-9791 (512) 460-5429

See CONTINUATION Page

Provide all labor, materials, equipment, delivery and supply an estimated quantity of medical grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...15

C.4 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

C.5 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.6 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.7 52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS (OCT 1995)

C.8 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.9 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.10 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.11 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022) (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.7 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.8 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022) (JUL 2020)

(DEVIATION)

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: Christopher Bany, christopher.bany@va.gov Contract Specialist: Benjamin M. Amato, benjamin.amato@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) Orlando VA Healthcare System

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award

Management, or [] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly in Arears

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.

5. FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION: Contractors are required to submit payment requests in electronic form in accordance with the submission instructions below.

TUNGSTEN ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

a. Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below.

1. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission.

Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

2. A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site (http://www.x12.org)

b. Vendor e-invoice Set-Up Information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If you have question about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

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

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

3. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

4. FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

See https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp for more information.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE

ESTIMATED

AMOUNT

110,000.00 HCF __________________ __________________

Provide all labor, materials, equipment, delivery and supply of medical grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2023 POP End: 12-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6830 - Gases: Compressed and Liquefied grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2024 POP End: 12-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2025 POP End: 12-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS.

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing

ESTIMATED TOTAL __________________

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

“Liquid Bulk Oxygen Supply”

I. OVERVIEW

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), 10 Casia St, San Juan, PR 00921, has a requirement for the distribution and supply of medical-grade liquid bulk oxygen. The purpose of this requirement is to establish a committed source of supply of medical-grade bulk liquid oxygen to the VACHS facility.

The estimated facility's annual requirements quantity is approximately 110,000 Hundred Cubic Feet (HCF). There is no express or implied guarantee that these quantities will be purchased.

These quantities are only estimations.

II. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this service contract is one (1) twelve-month base period from the date of award, plus four (4) additional twelve-month option periods.

III. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

In the performance of the tasks associated with this Performance Work Statement, the

Contractor shall comply with the following:

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling requirements - 21 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) Part 201 United States Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary (U.S.P.) 23.

FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) regulations.

National Fire Protection Association NFPA 50: Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at

Consumer Sites, latest edition Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 210 & 211 • CGMP regulations for supplying medical grade oxygen.

29 CFR 191 0.104 Applies to the installation of bulk oxygen systems on industrial and institutional consumer premises 49 CFR-- Department of Transportation - Hazardous Materials Regulations Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act NFPA 99: Standard for Health Care Facilities, latest Edition

IV. STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide for the supply and distribution of medical-grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VA Caribbean Healthcare System.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, parts, supplies, materials, shipping expenses, and travel necessary to accomplish the services described herein.

A. PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Quality Assurance Specifications and Requirements:

All medical gas manufacturers and fillers of medical gases must be registered with FDA as drug manufacturers. All oxygen shall be manufactured, processed, packed, transported, and stored per FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) regulations, and all labeling shall comply with FDA 's labeling regulations (21 CFR Part 201).

All liquid bulk oxygen delivered under the contract shall be medical-grade and shall meet or exceed the standards cited in the current edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary {U.S.P.).

A valid certificate of analysis shall be provided with each delivery of the medical-grade liquid oxygen. The certificate shall include, at a minimum:

Supplier's name and complete address Name of the Product (1.e. Oxygen U.S.P.)

An Air Liquefaction Statement where appropriate Lot number or other unique identification number Actual analytical results for full U.S.P. monograph testing. (A statement that only states that the product meets the minimum purity of 99.5%, etc. is not acceptable.)

Test method used to perform the analysis. (A statement such as “Meets U.S.P.

specifications" is not acceptable; nor would “Tested via Servomex" be acceptable since the specific model number is not provided.

Signature of authorized supplier representative and date.

Material Safety Data Sheets shall be provided to the facility VA Point of Contact upon request.

A copy of all inspection reports shall be provided to the facility VA Point of Contact upon the completion of any government owned bulk oxygen system inspections that are required by regulation.

All contractor-owned equipment shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with NFPA 50:

Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, 2001 and FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) Regulations.

Density data and volume measurement equivalents published in Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet No. P-6, titled “Standard Density Data, Atmospheric Gases and Hydrogen," shall be used when necessary to convert measurement of gases from one form to another.

B. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Tasks under this scope of work shall be performed at the VA Caribbean Healthcare Facility located in San Juan, PR.

Normal hours of operations are between Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Federal holidays.

C. SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks and provide the following deliverables:

Contractor will provide 24/7 emergency contact name(s) and telephone number(s).

Any code deficiencies in the Medical Center's existing system, as defined by NFPA 50, 1.3.3, "Bulk Oxygen System", must be identified by the contractor.

A detailed explanation of these deficiencies must be presented in writing to the VA Point of Contact. Receipt of this written explanation must be signed for by the VA Point of Contact.

The Contractor will provide all labor, associated materials, personnel protective equipment, and all necessary equipment required for the delivery of medical grade liquid bulk oxygen to the VACHS facilities.

The Contractor personnel shall have all the required training and certifications to perform duties as delineated in this contract. All certifications and training requirements shall be provided upon request to VACHS personnel.

In the event of any impending Hurricane activity representing a threat to the San Juan, PR area, the Contractor will be requested to immediately dispatch a delivery to fill the oxygen tanks.

C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide the VA Point of Contact or to the Operations Control Center (OCC) with a detailed report of service after each product delivery. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide the following documentation:

Deliverables:

An explanation of all the volume alarm and low pressure set-points, truck maneuvering, truck entrance and delivery station.

Written procedures and training for VA staff for protocols to accomplish emergency shutdowns or other sudden, unplanned termination of the refilling process.

A timely report of any code deficiencies in the Medical Center's existing system, as defined by NFPA 50, 1.3.3, "Bulk Oxygen System'', must be identified by the contractor. A detailed explanation of these deficiencies must be presented in writing to the VA Point of Contact.

Receipt of this written explanation must be signed for by the VA Point of Contact.

The Contractor will be responsible for providing all required markings, labels, placards, certifications, and procedures that are necessary to be posted on the government owned tanks per Federal and State regulations.

G. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals will be considered only from offerors who are regularly established in the business called for, who are financially responsible, and able to show evidence of their reliability, ability, experience, facilities and personnel directly employed or supervised by them to render prompt and satisfactory service.

The contractor shall assure that its employees have received safety equipment training, medical surveillance programs, individual health protection measures, and manufacturer's product and safety data sheets (SDS) as required for the work by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Contractor should comply with applicable additional safety codes and standards.

Debris, garbage and/or equipment removed as part of this contract shall be collected and precautions must be taken to ensure that is not otherwise dispersed outside the area during the cleaning process.

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer or his/her designee may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The Contracting Officer or his/her designee will notify the Contractor of any non-compliance with the foregoing provisions and the action to be taken. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the conditions to which attention has been directed. Such notice, when served on the Contractor or his/her representative at the site of the work, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose aforesaid. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work and hold the Contractor in default.

Contractor shall respond to the service call within two (2) hours after notification. Contractor shall physically report on site VAMC within four (4) hours from the initial notification time if the problem cannot be corrected by telephone.

For emergency delivery service, Contractor shall respond within two (2) hours after notification.

All service calls are unlimited for all priority and emergency delivery services.

Contractor shall report directly to the Operations Control Center, this check in/out is mandatory during normal working hours from 8:00 A.M. through 4:30 P.M. and after normal working hours.

Contractor shall provide a twenty-four (24) hour emergency service response, seven (7) days a week.

Contractor shall supply all labor and parts; test instruments and tools required to perform all supplies and distribution.

For the purpose of clarification. any item not specifically excluded shall be considered the contractor's responsibility.

Except for emergency callback service, the Contractor should perform all work during regular working hours of regular working days 8:00 a.m., to 4:30 p.m. excluding Federal holidays, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the VA Point of Contact.

Emergency Callback Service shall be provided 24 hours a day, seven days per week, as requested by the VA Point of Contact.

All travel costs associated with the performance of this contract are the responsibility of the contractor and are provided at no additional cost to the Government as part of this contract.

Travel costs are defined as, but are not limited to, time and vehicle costs for personnel in travel to and from job site for all duties outlined in this specification, normal shipping charges on any parts or materials covered by this contract, costs associated with the normal shipping of parts or equipment out for repair that are covered under this contract, etc.

Upon contract award, the contractor accepts "as is" all equipment specified in the contract.

Failure to inspect them, prior to contract award, will not relieve the contractor from performing repairs in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications at no additional cost to the VA.

The Contractor shall require all employees, including supervisors, to wear distinctive uniform clothing for ready identification, and assure that every employee is in uniform. The uniform shall have the Contractor's name, easily identifiable, affixed thereon in a permanent manner such as a badge or monograms.

The Government will not be responsible for incidental charges including, but not limited to, parking, tolls, mileage, phone, etc.

F. PERFORMANCE METRICS

The table below defines the Performance Standards and Acceptable Performance Levels for Objectives associated with this effort.

Performance Objective Performance Standard Acceptable Performance Levels

1. Technical Needs Shows understanding of requirements

Efficient and effective in meeting requirements

Meets technical needs and mission requirements

Offers quality services/products

Satisfactory or higher

2. Timely Delivery of Oxygen

Quick response capability

Continuously delivers on-time

Notifies customer in advance of potential problems

Satisfactory or higher

3. Staffing Currency of expertise

Personnel possess necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform tasks

Satisfactory or higher

4. Value Added Provided valuable service to Government

Services/products delivered were of desired quality

Satisfactory or higher

5. Effective Communication

No less than 5 contacts per week from Contractor

100% of the time

The Government will utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) throughout the life of the contract to ensure that the Contractor is performing the services required by this PWS in an acceptable manner. The Government reserves the right to alter or change the surveillance methods in the QASP at its own discretion.

G. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The contractor shall have access to the Liquid Bulk Oxygen Tank Systems inside the premises of the San Juan Medical Facility of the VACHS. This is a secured area where only the Contractor's oxygen delivery truck has access.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

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

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

and

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

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

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

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

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

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

(g) Invoice.

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

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(i) Payment.—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(D) Contractor point of contact.

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

(6) Interest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 2409 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

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

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

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

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

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

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

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

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 Days ; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 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.

C.4 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

(a) The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement agency policy applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The following provisions and clauses that have been checked by the Contracting Officer are incorporated by reference.

[X] 852.203–70, Commercial Advertising.

[] 852.209–70, Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

[] 852.211–70, Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

[] 852.214–71, Restrictions on Alternate Item(s).

[] 852.214–72, Alternate Item(s). [Note: this is a fillable clause.] [] 852.214–73, Alternate Packaging and Packing.

[] 852.214–74, Marking of Bid Samples.

[] 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors.

[] 852.215–71, Evaluation Factor Commitments.

[] 852.216–71, Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index.

[] 852.216–72, Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index.

[] 852.216–73, Economic Price Adjustment—State Nursing Home Care for Veterans.

[] 852.216–74, Economic Price Adjustment—Medicaid Labor Rates.

[] 852.216–75, Economic Price Adjustment—Fuel Surcharge.

[] 852.219–9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements.

[] 852.219–10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside.

[] 852.219–11, VA Notice of Total Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside.

[] 852.222–70, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards—Nursing Home Care for Veterans.

[] 852.228–70, Bond Premium Adjustment.

[] 852.228–71, Indemnification and Insurance.

[] 852.228–72, Assisting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in Obtaining Bonds.

[X] 852.232–72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

[X] 852.233–70, Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution.

[X] 852.233–71, Alternate Protest Procedure.

[] 852.237–70, Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance.

[X] 852.246–71, Rejected Goods.

[] 852.246–72, Frozen Processed Foods.

[X] 852.246–73, Noncompliance with Packaging, Packing, and/or Marking Requirements.

[] 852.270–1, Representatives of Contracting Officers.

[] 852.271–72, Time Spent by Counselee in Counseling Process.

[] 852.271–73, Use and Publication of Counseling Results.

[] 852.271–74, Inspection.

[] 852.271–75, Extension of Contract Period.

[] 852.273–70, Late Offers.

[] 852.273–71, Alternative Negotiation Techniques.

[] 852.273–72, Alternative Evaluation.

[] 852.273–73, Evaluation—Health-Care Resources.

[] 852.273–74, Award without Exchanges.

(b) All requests for quotations, solicitations, and contracts for commercial item services to be provided to beneficiaries must include the following clause:

[] 852.237–74, Nondiscrimination in Service Delivery.

C.5 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from from award through date of completion.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when—

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor’s fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either—

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor’s email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

C.6 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $500.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $250,000.00.

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $1,250,000.00 or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within one days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within one days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

C.7 52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS (OCT 1995)

(a) This is a requirements contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies or services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Except as this contract may otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements do not result in orders in the quantities described as "estimated" or "maximum" in the Schedule, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. Subject to any limitations in the Order Limitations clause or elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Government all supplies or services specified in the Schedule and called for by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(c) Except as this contract otherwise provides, the Government shall order from the Contractor all the supplies or services specified in the Schedule that are required to be purchased by the Government activity or activities specified in the Schedule.

(d) The Government is not required to purchase from the Contractor requirements in excess of any limit on total orders under this contract.

(e) If the Government urgently requires delivery of any quantity of an item before the earliest date that delivery may be specified under this contract, and if the Contractor will not accept an order providing for the accelerated delivery, the Government may acquire the urgently required goods or services from another source.

(f) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period;

provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after date of completion.

C.8 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum."

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period;

provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after date of completion.

C.9 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

C.10 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):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS APR 1984

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

NOV 2021

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.11 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022) (JUL 2020)

(DEVIATION)

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

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

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware,…