36C24824Q0286_1.docx

SUBJECT*

VISN 8 Online Drug Information Database

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens FL 33410-6400

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contracting Officer Jose Delgado jose.delgado3@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested by The Department of Veterans Affairs, West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Contracting Office, West Palm Beach, FL. 33410 has a need to purchase access to an Online Medical References for Drug Information on-line data base. The RFQ # is 36C24824Q0286.

The government anticipates making an award as a firm-fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-99-1/07-16-2018. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 519290 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

The combined synopsis solicitation is: 100% Set-Aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Business.

All quotes are due by January 19, 2024; NLT 11:59 PM EST via e-mail to: Jose.Delgado3@va.gov.

The “Subject Line” of the response e-mail shall include “RFQ 36C24824Q0286. Offers received after the exact time specified in the solicitation are considered late and may at the discretion of the Contracting Officer be considered if the action would not unduly delay the acquisition or are deemed to be in the best interest of the Government.

Questions must be received no later than January 8, 2024; NLT 11:59 PM EST via e-mail to: Jose.Delgado3@va.gov. The “Subject Line” of the response e-mail shall include “RFQ 36C24824Q0286. No further questions will be accepted after that date and time. Answers will be provided promptly.

You are reminded that representatives from your company SHALL NOT contact any VISN 8 VA Health Care System personnel to discuss this RFQ during this RFQ process. All questions and concerns regarding this RFQ shall be directed to the Contracting Officer, Jose Delgado, jose.delgado3@va.gov.

Please attachments:

Attachment 1 – Statement of Work and Price/Cost Schedule Attachment 2 – Clauses

36C24824Q0286

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Page 1 of 36C24824Q0286, Attachment 1

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/PRICING SCHEDULE

*Brand Name or Equal* Merative Micromedex Premium Custom Bundle Equal must explain how the product works based on the statement of work.

VISN 8 Electronic Medical References for Drug Information On-Line Data Base.

Statement of Work (SOW) Web-Based Searchable Electronic Drug Reference Database

1.0. Introduction.

Staff in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 and related Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and VISN 8 Network Office programs require a subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database that provides access to a comprehensive set of evidence-based medical/drug information to assist health care providers in their clinical decision making and drug information needs to improve patient outcomes, reduce medication errors, and enhance disease management.

This pharmaceutical database shall be knowledge-based information and interaction resource with emphasis on drug interactions, identification, IV compatibility, toxicology, alternative medicine, herbal medicines, etc. Primary users include pharmacists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals.

2.0. Description / Scope / Objective.

The contractor must provide 24/7 access to multiple simultaneous users, from any web-enabled computer or mobile device to employees in facilities/office programs of the VA Sunshine Health Care Network, VISN 8.

Contractor shall provide all listed facilities of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 and its related Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and VISN 8 Network Office programs, with uninterrupted online access to a subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for a Base plus 4 option year’s subscription beginning April 1, 2024 through September 30, 2028:

Base Year: April 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 Option Year 1: October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025 Option Year 2: October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026 Option Year 3: October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027 Option Year 4: October 1, 2027 - September 30, 2028

Locations:

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 and related community-based outpatient clinics facilities:

1. Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

2. North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

3. Miami VA Healthcare System

4. Orlando VA Medical Center

5. VA Caribbean Health System

6. James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

7. West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

VISN 8 Network Office programs are:

1. VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (CCC)

2. VISN 8 Pharmacy Executive (VPE).

Scope of Work:

The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this statement of work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified.

The Contractor shall provide the necessary staff, tools, labor, 24 hours / 7 days per week technical support (toll free telephone number and online) to all VISN 8 facilities, training, and training materials, etc. required for the successful implementation of a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database that provides evidence-based drug information for clinical use. This requirement does not require the vendor to access the VISN 8 network in any of the listed VISN 8 sites or network office programs. No sensitive data, PHI or PII will be managed via this web-based searchable electronic drug reference database.

Contractor shall provide online tutorials. Contractor shall also provide on-site training, briefings, and updates to Health Care Systems in the VA Southeast Health Care Network if requested.

Contractor will provide technical support with a four (4) hour response time from the time a VISN 8 facility notifies the contractor of a problem with the database. Contractor involvement will continue until the problem is resolved. If database site is inaccessible due to problems at the contractor’s site, VISN 8 facilities will be notified within two (2) hours of the problem and the expected length of time until resolution. If it will be for an extended period lasting more than 24-hours, an alternative method of securing the information will be provided at no additional cost.

Training and marketing materials on effectively using the system shall also be supplied to the facilities at no additional charge. Training shall be scheduled with the COR/Program Official and conducted with the VISN 8 sites listed in section 2.0 Description / Scope / Objective. This includes all the community-based outpatient clinics and centers under any of the facilities jurisdiction as well as the VISN 8 Network Office.

3.0. Applicable Documents. (Documents, policies, etc. which affect this requirement)

I. Joint Commission Resources Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, Information Management (IM.03.01.01), dated 2022, https://vaww.qps.med.va.gov/divisions/qm/ea/jointcommission.aspx

IM.03.01.01 : Knowledge-based information resources are available, current, and authoritative.

1. The hospital provides access to knowledge-based information resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

II. VHA Directive 1108.07, General Pharmacy Service Requirements, Appendix A, A-3, dated November 28, 2022, retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=10045

(e) PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

(1) Information is central to the practice of modern pharmacy. Pharmacy is a profession where clinical pharmacists apply clinical drug information that directly impacts patient care. Pharmacy has evolved into a clinical knowledge-based profession where the clinical pharmacist interprets and uses drug data aimed at the optimal utilization of drugs in patients. Pharmacy Service gathers and maintains current information on drug products, pharmaceutical techniques, clinical drug therapeutics, adverse events, and other developments in the use of drugs.

(2) The pharmacy service must maintain sufficient resources to complete the patient care, education, and research missions of the pharmacy program.

III. ASHP Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Residency Programs, dated effective July 2023, retrieved from: https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/residencies/docs/examples/ASHP-Accreditation-Standard-for-Postgraduate-Residency-Programs-effective-July-2023.pdf

5.1.d Infrastructure: The pharmacy department has sufficient resources to support its work including:

5.1.d.1 Access to appropriate resources necessary to provide the scope of services.

Guidance:

· 5.1.d.1: Pharmacy employees have access to resources needed to perform daily tasks, including the electronic health record/pharmacy database, patient assessment and clinical decision support tools, drug information resources, equipment, and technology.

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

4.0. Performance Requirements.

4.1. The contractor shall provide 24/7 online access to a subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for staff of listed VA VISN 8 facilities and network office programs.

Access:

a. Content shall be accessible to onsite users via IP authentication, offsite users via VPN, CITRIX, and/or the medical library’s database management portal, as well as mobile access via App and/or mobile-ready platform to support point-of-care decisions. IP authentication will be used to validate users and track usage by individual facility.

b. Database will be available to unlimited simultaneous users from any web-enabled computer, without the need of passwords or user IDs.

c. Vendor shall provide, via one interface and one search platform, access to the following titles: (Brand Name or Equal)

i. AAPCC Codes in Poisionex

ii. AltMedDex™including RPS Herbal Medicine

iii. CareNotes ™ System (Intranet and Internet)

iv. DISEASEDEX ™ Emergency Medicine

v. DISEASEDEX ™ General Medicine

vi. DRUGDEX ® System

vii. DRUG-REAX ® System

viii. Imprint Code in Identidex

ix. IV INDEX ™ System

x. Lab Advisor

xi. Martindale

xii. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

xiii. Physician Desk Reference

xiv. POISINDEX ® System

xv. Red Book Online

xvi. REPRORISK ® System

xvii. TOMES ® System

Database shall provide drug information, dosing and therapeutic tools, and drug identification to ensure VA Sunshine Health Care Network staff has tools necessary to provide safe and effective pharmaceutical care to Veterans. Information for Veterans and their families will be in both English and Spanish at a suitable reading level. Information will be printable and customizable. The system will be updated at least weekly and daily when major developments in the drug field by a review board of subject specialists. At minimum, the reference shall provide:

a. Medication dosage calculators, tablet/capsule identification and emergency treatment

b. System will provide drug assessments to the user based on manufacturer monographs and peer reviews of the primary literature.

i. System will provide reference to the primary literature when available to support their recommendation and/or indications for therapy.

ii. System will provide comparative efficacy information for medications in both a comparison chart format and in text-based format.

iii. System will provide users with a multitude of web-based calculators designed to meet the needs of healthcare providers, especially pharmacist, physicians, and nursing staff.

c. Administration, monitoring, compatibility, and admixing instructions for parenteral medications.

d. Patient management and treatment protocols (including drugs, plants, household products).

e. System will provide content on acute care, alternative medicine, drug information, toxicology, patient education, and occupational health and safety. (This would also include material safety data sheets (MSDS)).

f. Complementary and alternative medicine, including international coverage.

g. An international directory providing formulas, synonyms and therapeutic courses of drugs and drug derivatives.

h. Comprehensive drugs monographs, drug consults, and references.

i. Provided evidenced-based drug information on FDA and non-FDA drugs with summaries of the clinical studies.

j. Hyperlinks to accessible primary literature or PubMed as to support clinical content.

k. Online, comprehensive resource that is able to offer specialty focused clinical resources including, multi-drug interaction checker and evidence-based application for Internet-enabled portable devices.

l. Clinical drug information has been accredited by the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE).

Database Maintenance:

a. Contractor shall be responsible for performing database maintenance as necessary to maintain functionality at no additional cost to VA VISN 8 facilities and network office programs.

b. Contractor shall provide emailed notification of scheduled maintenance at least 5 workdays in advance to point of contact as listed on contract. Weekends are the preferred schedule.

c. Contractor will address any questions or problems encountered when using this product with supported software or hardware.

Product Support:

a. Training: Contractor shall provide training and training materials at no additional cost.

provide online tutorials and/or webinars upon demand. Contractor shall also provide on-site training, briefings, and updates to the facilities in the VA Sunshine Heath Care Network (VISN 8) if requested. Training will be coordinated with local library or pharmacy services depending on the facility.

b. Customer Support: Contractor shall provide instructions and telephone number where outage will be reported by any staff member of the VISN 8 facilities and network program offices.

c. The contractor shall provide upon request monthly usage statistics for each facility including network program office, either by e-mail or login to a designated site. The format of the usage statistics provided may include session count, search count, total document retrievals per title, and number of turn-aways.

d. A designated account representative will be assigned to assist the COTRs with any potential concerns that may arise during the period of the contract.

Database Characteristics/Content:

The database system shall possess the following characteristics.

1. System will be web based with internet/intranet capabilities.

2. System will provide a uniform search tool and user interface throughout the product.

3. System will be updated daily by a review board of allied health professionals.

4. System will provide content on acute care, alternative medicine, drug information, toxicology, patient education, and occupation health and safety. (This would include material safety data sheets (MSDS)).

5. System will provide the ability to “brand” both web and printed materials with VISN and/or facility site logos and contact information.

6. System will provide drug assessments to the user based on manufacturer monographs and per reviews of the primary literature.

7. System will provide reference to the primary literature when available to support their recommendation and/or indications for therapy.

8. System will provide comparative efficacy information for medications in both a comparison chart format and in text-based format.

9. System will provide users with a multitude of web-based calculators designed to meet the needs of healthcare providers, especially pharmacist, physicians, and nursing staff.

10. System will provide consumer appropriate health information on medications, procedures, diseases states, and alternative products. Information will be in both English and Spanish at a suitable reading level. Information will also be printable.

11. System will provide a tool for medication product identification based on any information available to the provider (i.e., color, imprint, formulation, etc.).

12. System will provide a tool for identifying drug interactions and I.V. compatibility databases that is comprehensive, searchable, and which may be drilled to obtain more information or references.

13. System will provide information on intravenous drug administration related to rate, dilution concentration, appropriate diluents, stability, and any required special needs (in-line filter, do not shake, refrigerate, protect from light, low sorb tubing, etc.)

14. System will provide COR/Program Official with tracking tools to include statistics on particular components and facility use.

15. System will include vendor training in multiple formats to accommodate end users of all levels. Training shall be hands-on, web-based, or delivered via Microsoft Office Teams or similar platform at a minimum of once a year and/or as needed.

16. System will be available in an App platform for point of care decisions.

As part of its proposal, the Contractor will provide a current price list, along with applicable discounts, for supplemental databases/products not included in the basic system as outlined above. This can include specialized reference materials such as AHFS, PDR, Red Book, Dentistry Literature, and so forth.

Price of the system will be determined by its utilization at the nine (8) VISN 8 sites listed in this SOW. Price discounts will be offered for a multi-year contract. The contractor will provide updates to the system as needed throughout the period of the contract at no additional charge.

The contractor will provide each facility a copy of documentation in the form of technical reference information on use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

5.0. Performance Location and Hours.

5.1. Online access to the pharmaceutical database will be available via any computer or mobile device with internet access. This requirement does not require the vendor to access the VISN 8 network in any of the listed VISN 8 sites or network office programs. No sensitive data, PHI or PII will be managed via this web-based searchable drug pharmacy database a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database internet connection. Content shall be accessible to onsite users via IP authentication, offsite users via VPN, CITRIX, and/or the medical library’s database management portal, as well as mobile access via App and/or mobile-ready platform to support point-of-care decisions.

6.0. Deliverables.

6.1. The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this statement of work (SOW).

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for all VISN 8 Medical centers and designated facilities in Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2024

Subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for all VISN 8 Medical centers and designated facilities in Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

Subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for all VISN 8 Medical centers and designated facilities in Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

Subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for all VISN 8 Medical centers and designated facilities in Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

Subscription to a web-based searchable electronic drug reference database for all VISN 8 Medical centers and designated facilities in Statement of Work.

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

GRAND TOTAL

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Bruce W Carter VA Hospital Medical Center 1201 NW 16TH Street Miami, FL 33125

USA

Bruce W Carter VA Hospital Medical Center 1201 NW 16TH Street Miami, FL 33125

USA

Bruce W Carter VA Hospital Medical Center 1201 NW 16TH Street Miami, FL 33125

USA

Bruce W Carter VA Hospital Medical Center 1201 NW 16TH Street Miami, FL 33125

USA

Bruce W Carter VA Hospital Medical Center 1201 NW 16TH Street Miami, FL 33125

USA

36C24824Q0286, Attachment 2

CLAUSES

Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial (Oct 2015), applies to this acquisition.

All provisions and clauses applicable to this solicitation can be viewed in full text using the following web addresses: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html and http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

Provision 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items (OCT 2014), applies to this acquisition.

The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price contract to the responsible quoter using a comparative evaluation. The comparative evaluation will be performed in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3). The government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the government that exceeds the minimum but is not required to do so. Quoters are advised that quotation may exceed the requirements but the government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotes; each response must respond to the solicitation requirement, stated in the RFQ. The government will apply the following comparative evaluation process as the basis for award: Assess the direct comparison of one quote with another using a uniform and fair approach to determine which quote provides the government what it needs, where and when in accordance with the Statement of Need (SON) and RFQ.

Once one quotation is found acceptable, it is compared to the remaining ones, and the “best” one is chosen for the best value to the government.

The Government may rely on internal documentation including the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) and contracting officer’s knowledge of and previous experience with supply or service being acquired for determining Past Performance. If no record of past performance is found in FAPIS or PPIRS, the contract shall not receive a favorable or unfavorable rating but shall receive a rating of neutral.

Information not contained in a vendor’s quote will not be considered during the evaluation. The Government intends to make award selection without clarification but may determine after evaluating submitted quotes that the elements stated in FAR 13.106-2(b) for evaluation procedures are necessary and conduct them as appropriate. The Government reserves the right to make no award if no quotes meet the requirements of this solicitation.

The Government will determine Best Value in the following order:

· Technical proposal/Product equivalency

· Past Performance

· Price

Listing a database or component as an equivalent will not be considered sufficient evidence of without a full visual and descriptive explanation to prove such equivalency. The burden of proof should be in the proposal with full descriptive detail.

52.212-3 Offeror Representation and Certification – Commercial Items (FEB 2016) with their offer. Provision at 52.212-3 Offeror Representation and Certification can be accessed electronically at the following web address: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html

Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

Clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (APR 2015) applies to this acquisition.

(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 items:

(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Dec 2014)

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (APR 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[x] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2013) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (5) [Reserved]

[] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (JAN 2014) (Pub. L. 111- 117, section 743 of Div. C).

[] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (JAN 2014) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Aug 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[] (10) [Reserved]

[] (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011) of 52.219-3.

[] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4.

[] (13) [Reserved]

[] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011).

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2011).

[] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.

[] (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.

[] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3).

[] (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.

[] (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.

[] (iv) Alternate III (OCT 2014) of 52.219-9.

[] (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

[] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[X] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

[] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[X] (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2014) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 2015) (E.O. 11246).

[] (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[] (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

[] (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C.6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (36)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-13.

[] (37)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[] (38) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007)(42 U.S.C. 8259b).

[] (39)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

[X] (40) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011)

[X] (41) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (42)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (iii) Alternate II (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (iv) Alternate III (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (43) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (NOV 2013) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

[X] (44) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

[] (45) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

[] (46) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (47) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (48) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[] (49) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[X] (50) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[X] (51) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (52) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (53) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (54)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[] (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014) (E.O. 13495).

[] (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2014) (Executive Order 13658).

[] (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (MAY 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

[] (10) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (SEP 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)).

(End of Clause)

Statement regarding any Additional Provisions and Clauses, or other terms and conditions important to the requirement/procurement process consistent with commercial practices:

Provisions in full text:

52.225-18 Place of Manufacture (MAR 2015).

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— “Manufactured end product” means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except—

(1) FPSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

“Place of manufacture” means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

(b) For statistical purposes only, the offeror shall indicate whether the place of manufacture of the end products it expects to provide in response to this solicitation is predominantly—

(1) [] In the United States (Check this box if the total anticipated price of offered end products manufactured in the United States exceeds the total anticipated price of offered end products manufactured outside the United States); or

(2) [] Outside the United States.

(End of provision)

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998).

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es):

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

(End of provision)

Provisions incorporated by reference are:

- 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure regarding payments to Influence certain Federal Transactions (SEP 2007);

- 52.204-7 System for award management (JUL 2013)

- 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror (NOV 2014)

- 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (APR 2014);

- 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with entities engaging in certain activities or transactions relating to Iran – Representation and Certification (DEC 2012)

Clauses in Full Text:

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/

(End of clause)

Clauses Incorporated by Reference:

- 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (JUL 2013)

- 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (JUL 2015)

- 52.222-20 Contracts for materials, supplies, articles, and equipment exceeding - - $15,000.00 (MAY 2014);

- 52.232-1 Payments (APR 1984);

- 52.232-8 Discounts for prompt payment (FEB 2002);

- 52.243-1 Changes –Fixed Price (AUG 1987);

VAAR 852.211-72 TECHNICAL INDUSTRY STANDARDS (JAN 2008)

The supplies or equipment required by this invitation for bid or request for proposal must conform to the standards of the and as to . The successful bidder or offeror will be required to submit proof that the item(s) he/she furnishes conforms to this requirement. This proof may be in the form of a label or seal affixed to the equipment or supplies, warranting that they have been tested in accordance with and conform to the specified standards. Proof may also be furnished in the form of a certificate from one of the above listed organizations certifying that the item(s) furnished have been tested in accordance with and conform to the specified standards.

(End of Provision)

VAAR 852.211-73 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (JAN 2008)

(Note: as used in this clause, the term "brand name" includes identification of products by make and model.)

(a) If items called for by this invitation for bids have been identified in the schedule by a "brand name or equal" description, such identification is intended to be descriptive, but not restrictive, and is to indicate the quality and characteristics of products that will be satisfactory. Bids offering "equal" products (including products of the brand name manufacturer other than the one described by brand name) will be considered for award if such products are clearly identified in the bids and are determined by the Government to meet fully the salient characteristics requirements listed in the invitation.

(b) Unless the bidder clearly indicates in the bid that the bidder is offering an "equal" product, the bid shall be considered as offering a brand name product referenced in the invitation for bids.

(c)(1) If the bidder proposes to furnish an "equal" product, the brand name, if any, of the product to be furnished shall be inserted in the space provided in the invitation for bids, or such product shall be otherwise clearly identified in the bid. The evaluation of bids and the determination as to equality of the product offered shall be the responsibility of the Government and will be based on information furnished by the bidder or identified in his/her bid as well as other information reasonably available to the purchasing activity. CAUTION TO BIDDERS. The purchasing activity is not responsible for locating or securing any information that is not identified in the bid and reasonably available to the purchasing activity. Accordingly, to insure that sufficient information is available, the bidder must furnish as a part of his/her bid all descriptive material (such as cuts, illustrations, drawings or other information) necessary for the purchasing activity to:

(i) Determine whether the product offered meets the salient characteristics requirement of the Invitation for Bids, and

(ii) Establish exactly what the bidder proposes to furnish and what the Government would be binding itself to purchase by making an award. The information furnished may include specific references to information previously furnished or to information otherwise available to the purchasing activity.

(2) If the bidder proposes to modify a product so as to make it conform to the requirements of the Invitation for Bids, he/she shall:

(i) Include in his/her bid a clear description of such proposed modifications, and

(ii) Clearly mark any descriptive material to show the proposed modifications.

(3) Modifications proposed after bid opening to make a product conform to a brand name product referenced in the Invitation for Bids will not be considered.

The clause entitled "Brand name or equal" applies only to the following line items:

(End of Clause)

VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (DEC 2009)

The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses for subcontract work of the same or similar value.

(End of Clause)

VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2016)(DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVSOB”:

(1) Means a small business concern:

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.201 Surviving Spouse definition);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR 74 and is so listed in the Vendor Information Pages database, (https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov); and

(v) The business will comply with subcontracting limitations in 13 CFR 125.6, as applicable

(2) “Service-disabled veteran” means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

(b) General.

(1) Offers are solicited only from verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. Offers received from concerns that are not verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(c) Agreement. A service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern agrees that in the performance of the contract, the concern will comply with the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR §125.6.

(d) A joint venture may be considered a service-disabled veteran owned small business concern if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.15, provided that any reference therein to SDVO SBC is to be construed to apply to a VA verified SDVOSB as appropriate.

(e) Any service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern (non-manufacturer) must meet the requirements in FAR 19.102(f) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to receive a benefit under this program.

(End of Clause)

VAAR 852.219-11 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2016)(DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Veteran-owned small business or VOSB.”—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans;

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR 74 and is so listed in the Vendor Information Pages database, (https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov): and

(v) The business will comply with subcontracting limitations in 13 CFR 125.6, as applicable

(2) “Veteran” is defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2).

(b) General.

(1) Offers are solicited only from verified veteran-owned small business concerns. All service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses are also determined to be veteran-owned small businesses if they meet the criteria identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Offers received from concerns that are not veteran-owned small business concerns shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a verified veteran-owned small business concern.

(c) Agreement. A veteran-owned small business concern agrees that in the performance of the contract, the concern will comply with the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR §125.6.

(d) A joint venture may be considered a veteran-owned small business concern if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.15, provided that any reference therein to SDVO SBC is to be construed to apply to a VA verified SDVOSB and/or VOSB as appropriate.

(e) Any veteran-owned small business concern (non-manufacturer) must meet the requirements in 19.102(f) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to receive a benefit under this program.

(End of Clause)

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE FOR INCLUSION INTO CONTRACTS, AS APPROPRIATE

1. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontrator shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves…