36C24923Q0074.docx

36C24923Q0074

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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

614-23-1-5070-0070 36C24923Q0074 12-29-2022 Robert Belisle 615-225-6337 01-06-2023 10:00

CST

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400 Murfreesboro TN 37129 X X 238220 $16.5 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VA Medical Center Memphis James Washington 1030 Jefferson Ave Memphis TN 38104 90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 09 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 400 Murfreesboro TN 37129

90C FSC e-Invoicing Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 Invoice must be submitted electronically

Setup 1-877-489-6135 See CONTINUATION Page Memphis VA Medical Center requests for a quote IAW FAR part 13 for Fire Pump Test Header Maintenance in accordance with the Statement Of Work (SOW). All references within shall replace the term "offer' with "quote" and Offeror" with "quoter". Comparative evaluation 13.106-2 (b) (3) best value based on price and other factors (see E.

Addendum for FAR 52.212-1). This requirement is 100% set aside to Small Business. This RFQ will result in a firm fixed price contract.

Wage Determination 2015-4673 Rev 20 dated 06/27/2022 attached.

See CONTINUATION Page X Shawn Hendricks

NCO915L-4043

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C249 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400 Murfreesboro TN 37129

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

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

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

The Contractor shall provide labor, materials, supplies and transportation to perform the following scope of listed below to install (1) new 6” fire pump test header on a 1000GPM Fire Pump that current test header piping has corroded and is leaking in accordance with attached Statement of Work (SOW).

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-15-2023 POP End: 03-15-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J012 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Fire Control Equipment

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

1.00

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Replace Deteriorated drain piping Building 1 and 1A

MEMPHIS VA MEDICAL CENTER, MEMPHIS, TN

I. Description of Maintenance and Repair Services

Background: Fire pump test header on 1000GPM fire pump for building 1 and 1A test drain piping has corroded and is leaking when performing testing

1. Title of Project: Request: Fire Pump Test Header piping at Memphis VA Medical Center

2. Scope of Work: The Contractor shall provide labor and materials to perform the following scope of listed below to install (1) new 6” fire pump test header on a 1000GPM Fire Pump that current test header piping has corroded and is leaking and cannot be used for annual testing. This piping cannot be accessed for replacement. Contractor price has been based upon abandoning the old test header piping in place. The Contractor will remove the 8” test header located on outside wall and place an 8” blind flange in its place. Contractor will make a new connection to the current OS&Y test header valve located in the fire pump room AWG21 and field run 200ft of new schedule 10 roll grooved black pipe with painted roll grooved fittings and couplings through the fire pump room and generator room over to where we will run the new fire pump test header to an outside wall. It will be necessary to core drill an 8” hole in the fire pump room and the outside wall for our pipe to go through and where we will install a new 6” roll grooved 4 hose outlet fire pump test headers on outside wall. New test header will have (4) new valves, with caps and chains.

Note: Contractor price does not include taxes. The Contractor base price on performing this scope of work during our normal business hours of 7:30am till 4:30pm Monday through Friday except for holiday

The Pipe Shop Supervisor and the Maintenance & Repair Supervisor will issue necessary keys/cards to the contractor. The keys/cards issued are to remain government property. The contractor or his representative will be required to sign in receipt of any keys/cards issued and is responsible for returning them to the Facility Management Engineer.

a. At the end of each event, the contractor shall provide a service ticket to COR or government rep onsite for signature. This will document what cover items to include but not limited to the time, date, and line items utilized. This will correspond to invoice received for payment though the IPPS System.

b. Contractor will be able to review the VA shop drawings for reference as required to complete this work. Return any shop drawing to the COR once the work has been completed. Contractor and their staff are not permitted to take any pictures, videos, or drawings of any type.

c. Contractor and their staff are not permitted to take any pictures, videos, or drawings of any type. Taking of photographs/videos are prohibited while on VA premises.

d. The contractor’s staff will check in with the VA police to receive a VA work authorization badge. The badge must be worn facing forward and above the waistline. The contractor’s staff are required to wear the VA always issued badge while on the VA premises. The contractor will deliver the services outline in this Statement of Work.

2.1 Standards - comply with all applicable VA guidelines, medical center by-laws, rules and regulations, hospital policies/procedures, and act in accordance with current Joint Commission standards.

2.2. Vendor must follow all Department of Veterans Affairs regulations when working on VA equipment. Vendor shall be escorted by VAMC Memphis staff while working in sensitive areas of the facility (i.e., patient care areas, etc.)

2.3An electronic report of work performed (PDF, MS Word, etc.) shall also be submitted via email within 72 hours of each service visit.

2.4 Performance measures include VA interest items such as timely appointments for annual preventive maintenance visits and for unscheduled corrective maintenance visits, availability of appropriate replacement parts, and timely, detailed equipment service reports following every on-site service.

2.5 Work Hours and Period of Performance - VAMC Memphis normal working hours are Monday through Friday 0700-1600 (with one half hour for lunch), excluding federal holidays. All service shall be performed during normal working hours unless the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) provides written consent to the Vendor. The facility observes the following federal holidays:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Presidents’ Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

Juneteenth Day

Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be from January 15, 2023, to March 15, 2023

2.6 Response times – The Vendor’s response time to phone inquiries shall be within two (2) hours. The Vendor’s on-site response time for service calls shall be within two (2) hours.

2.7 Test Equipment – VAMC Memphis will not furnish test equipment for the performance of this contract. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to bring the appropriate equipment and/or supplies necessary to complete the work as required within unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this document.

3. Qualifications.

3.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that each technician services under this contract is fully trained and certified to perform the required services covered by this contract. Contractors shall be capable of ensuring that safety is always expected while on the VA property.

II. Administrative Requirements.

HIPAA Compliance Under HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, the Contractor providing services under this contract is a “covered entity,” and thus is not required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement with VA. However, the Contractor must observe Public Law 104-191 and all respective regulations implementing this law while providing services under this contract.

III. Quality Management.

1. Quality Assurance

1.1 The Contractor shall perform services under this contract in accordance with the ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry, and must meet, or exceed, the current quality assurance standards recognized by Joint Commission and mandated by VHA quality assurance policies and/or performance measures. A copy of these standards, policies, and performance measures may be viewed by contract personnel in the Office of the Chief of Staff.

1.2 The Contractor shall not participate in, nor be a party to, any activities which conflict with Federal and/or State guidelines. In the event the Contractor encounters said conflicting situations, the Contractor will notify the COR or the Contracting Officer to resolve such issues. The Contracting Officer will document and be responsible for resolution of any such situations. Neither the VA nor the Contractor will be responsible for any delays or failures to perform due to causes beyond each party's control.

1.3 The Contractor shall perform the functions required in this statement of work in accordance with the rules of medical ethics, Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations, and the Joint Commission requirements. The Contractor will not participate in, nor be a party to, any activities which conflict with Federal and/or State guidelines. In the event the Contractor encounters said conflicting situations, the Contractor will notify the COR or the Contracting Officer to resolve such issues. The Contracting Officer will document and be responsible for resolution of any such situations. Neither the VA nor the Contractor will be responsible for any delays or failures to perform due to causes beyond each party's control.

A. CONTRACT AWARD MEETING

The Vendor shall not commence performance on the tasks in this SOW until the CO has advised the Vendor to do so.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. For every task, the Vendor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, and along with associated sub-milestone dates. The Vendor's subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal and detailed work plan.

2. All written deliverables shall be phrased in layperson language. Statistical and other technical terminology shall not be used without providing a glossary of terms.

3. Where a written milestone deliverable is required in draft form, the VA will complete their review of the draft deliverable within 5 calendar days from the date of receipt. The Vendor shall have 5 calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the Government’s comments.

C. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The Vendor shall provide the specific deliverables described below within the performance period stated in Section A.4 of this SOW.

Task One: Deliver all items as outlined in this SOW.

Requirement Number Description of Solution 1 Provide all equipment and warranty as outlined in SOW.

2 Service agreement required

E. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES

1. The Vendor shall complete the Delivery Date that is agreed upon by CO.

2. If for any reason any deliverable cannot be delivered within the scheduled time frame, the Vendor is required to explain why in writing to the CO, including a firm commitment of when the work shall be completed. In 3-5 days after inspection of the new deck coating renewal is complete and up to 45 days to make any repairs.

This notice to the CO shall cite the reasons for the delay, and the impact on the overall project. The CO will then review the facts and issue a response, in accordance with applicable regulations.

F. CHANGES TO STATEMENT OF WORK

Any changes to this SOW shall be authorized and approved only through written correspondence from the CO. A copy of each change will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project.

Costs incurred by the Vendor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the Vendor.

H. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE

It is agreed that:

1. The preliminary and final deliverables, and all associated working papers, application source code, and other material deemed relevant by VA which have been generated by the Vendor in the performance of this task order, are the exclusive property of the U.S. Government and shall be submitted to the CO at the conclusion of the task order.

2. The CO will be the sole authorized official to release, verbally or in writing, any data, draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this task order. No information shall be released by the Vendor. Any request for information relating to this task order, presented to the Vendor, shall be submitted to the CO for response.

3. Press releases, marketing material, or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this project, shall not be publicized without the written approval of the CO.

PART 6 – PRIVACY, SECURITY & TRAINING:

The contractor’s staff will check in with the VA Engineering to receive a VA work authorization badge. Contractor’s staff must provide proper documentation to receive a badge. Contractor’s staff will smoke in the designated areas on the VA grounds. Contractor’s staff will not park in patient parking areas. Contract parking is limited on the grounds first come first serve.

The contractor is required to follow all regulations and safety requirements of the VA such as OSHA, NFPA, EPA, etc. Appropriate PPE must be worn always as well.

Contractor and their staff are not permitted to take any pictures, videos, or drawings of any type. Taking of photographs/videos are prohibited while on VA premises.

TRAINING: The contractor’s staff (those who will be on VA property working) will be required to complete the TMS (20939) training prior to the work beginning. The contractor will either personally bring the training certificates or e-mail the certificates to the COR so they can be kept on file for one year.

You must ensure each contract employee self-enrolls for a profile on the VA TMS by visiting. https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/ Once there, employees should follow the steps below to create a profile, launch the mandatory training, and complete the content prior to their next day at VA.

Upon completion by all employees, the contractor shall provide their Contracting Officer Representative with each employee’s printed certificate of completion from the TMS. This certificate displays the employee’s TMS User ID.

The TMS training is only good for one year and the contractor is responsible to ensure their staff or persons who will be working on VA property are current.

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

ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

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.

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 the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

1. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the COTR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident.

2. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR DATA BREACH

a. Consistent with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. §5725, a contract may require access to sensitive personal information. If so, the contractor is liable to VA for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under this contract.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a “security incident” as set forth in the Security Incident Investigation section above. Upon such notification, VA must secure from a non-Department entity or the VA Office of Inspector General an independent risk analysis of the data breach to determine the level of risk associated with the data breach for the potential misuse of any sensitive personal information involved in the data breach. The term 'data breach' means the loss, theft, or other unauthorized access, or any access other than that incidental to the scope of employment, to data containing sensitive personal information, in electronic or printed form, that results in the potential compromise of the confidentiality or integrity of the data. Contractor shall fully cooperate with the entity performing the risk analysis. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

c. Each risk analysis shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

(1) Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access).

(2) Description of the event, including:

(a) date of occurrence.

(b) data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code.

(1) Number of individuals affected or potentially affected.

(2) Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected.

(3) Ease of logical data access to the lost, stolen or improperly accessed data considering the degree of protection for the data, e.g., unencrypted, plain text.

(4) Amount of time the data has been out of VA control.

(5) The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons).

(6) Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any.

(7) Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals.

(8) Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Security and Privacy Incidents, as appropriate: and Whether credit protection services may assist record subjects in avoiding or mitigating the results of identity theft based on the sensitive personal information that may have been compromised.

d. Based on the determinations of the independent risk analysis, the contractor shall be responsible for paying to the VA liquidated damages in the amount of $37.50 per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to affected individuals consisting of the following:

(1) Notification.

(2) One year of credit monitoring services consisting of automatic daily monitoring of at least 3 relevant credit bureau reports.

(3) Data breach analysis.

(4) Fraud resolution services, including writing dispute letters, initiating fraud alerts and credit freezes, to assist affected individuals to bring matters to resolution.

(5) One year of identity theft insurance with $20,000.00 coverage at $0 deductible; and

(6) Necessary legal expenses the subjects may incur to repair falsified or damaged credit records, histories, or financial affairs.

3. TRAINING

For you to engage in your work at VA, you are required to ensure all contractors who will be working on the contract complete a mandatory training program titled VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or VA Sensitive Information (VA20939). This training is offered through the VA Talent Management System (TMS), a system that offers web-based training to VA employees and its partners. Contractor employee will self-enroll for a TMS training profile on the VA TMS by visiting https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/. Once there, the employee will follow the steps that follow to create a profile, launch the mandatory training, and complete the content prior to their next day at VA. Upon completion by all employees, the contractor shall provide their Contracting Officer Representative (COR) with each employee’s printed certificate of training completion from the TMS. This certificate displays the employee’s TMS User ID.

Failure to complete the mandatory within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

"The Authorization requirements do not apply, and that a Security Accreditation Package is not required"

The following standard Items relate to records generated in executing this contract:

1. Citations to pertinent laws, codes, and regulations such as 44 U.S.C. Chapter 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

2. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

3. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government ‘IT’ equipment and/or Government records.

4. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act.

5. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

6. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

7. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

8. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

9. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

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

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/subcontractor 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 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 the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

VA HANDBOOK 6500.6 MARCH 12, 2010

APPENDIX C C-2

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor / subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data

- General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

b. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the contractors/subcontractor’s information systems or media storage systems to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA’s information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA’s sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct onsite inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures follow VA directive requirements.

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor during performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

d. The contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies in this contract.

e. The contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor/subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

VA Records Management:

1. Citations to pertinent laws, codes, and regulations such as 44 U.S.C. Chapter 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

2. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

3. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government ‘IT’ equipment and/or Government records.

4. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act.

5. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

6. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

7. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver enough technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

8. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

9. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

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

SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the COTR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

c. With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

a. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident, or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident.

"The Authorization requirements do not apply, and that a Security Accreditation Package is not required

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…