36C24926Q0318.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C24926Q0318 07-30-2026

Delaney Dickey 615-867-6000 ext. 28150 08-10-2026

10:00 AM CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204

Murfreesboro TN 37129

X 100

X

811210

$34 Million

NET 30

N/A

X

Memphis VA Medical Center

116 N Pauline Street

Memphis TN 38105

90C

Network Contracting Office 9

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office (90C)

1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204

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

This Request for Quotations, in accordance with FAR Part 12, is for maintenance and repair services of Stryker Hospital

Beds at the Memphis VA Medical Center as outlined in the attached Statement of Work.

This RFQ will result in one, base plus three option year firm-fixed price contract. All offerors must comply with the listed solicitation requirements in order to be considered.

Questions regarding this solicitation are due to Delaney

Dickey via email only at delaney.dickey@va.gov. Questions are due 08/07/2026 at 10:00 AM CST.

This RFQ is due 08/10/2026 at 10:00 AM CST.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

Delaney Dickey

Contracting Officer

36C24926Q0318

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(DEVIATION APR 2026)

C.2 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.3 VAAR 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING (DEVIATION)

(MAR 2026)

C.4 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.2 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.3 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

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 Delaney Dickey

Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204

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

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

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X]

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:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 YR __________________ __________________

BASE YEAR POP from 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2027.

Contractor shall perform maintenance, inspection and repairs to 3 Gynnie, OB/GYN stretchers model 1061, 55 Prime TC stretchers model 1460, 4 Eye Surgery stretchers model 1089, 96 Prime Zoom electric stretchers model 1125. This includes parts, labor and travel.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 0000

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 0000

OPTION YEAR 1 POP from 10/01/2027 to 09/30/2028.

Contractor shall perform maintenance, inspection and repairs to 3 Gynnie, OB/GYN stretchers model 1061, 55 Prime TC stretchers model 1460, 4 Eye Surgery stretchers model 1089, 96 Prime Zoom electric stretchers model 1125. This includes parts, labor and travel.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

OPTION YEAR 2 POP from 10/01/2028 to 09/30/2029.

Contractor shall perform maintenance, inspection and repairs to 3 Gynnie, OB/GYN stretchers model 1061, 55 Prime TC stretchers model 1460, 4 Eye Surgery stretchers model 1089, 96 Prime Zoom electric stretchers model 1125. This includes parts, labor and travel.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

OPTION YEAR 3 POP from 10/01/2029 to 09/30/2030.

Contractor shall perform maintenance, inspection and repairs to 3 Gynnie, OB/GYN stretchers model 1061, 55 Prime TC stretchers model 1460, 4 Eye Surgery stretchers model 1089, 96 Prime Zoom electric stretchers model 1125. This includes parts, labor and travel.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2029 POP End: 09-30-2030 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

GRAND TOTAL __________________

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER SHIPPING INFORMATION QUANTITY

DELIVERY

DATE

0001 SHIP TO: Department of Veterans Affairs Memphis VA Medical Center 116 N Pauline Street Memphis, TN 38105

USA

1.00 POP 10/01/2026

- 09/30/2027

FOB: DESTINATION

1001 SHIP TO: Department of Veterans Affairs Memphis VA Medical Center 116 N Pauline Street Memphis, TN 38105

USA

1.00 POP 10/01/2027

- 09/30/2028

2001 SHIP TO: Department of Veterans

Memphis VA Medical Center 116 N Pauline Street Memphis, TN 38105

USA

1.00 POP 10/01/2028

- 09/30/2029

3001 SHIP TO: Department of Veterans

Memphis VA Medical Center 116 N Pauline Street Memphis, TN 38105

USA

1.00 POP 10/01/2029

- 09/30/2030

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

Maintenance, Inspection, And Repairs of Stryker stretchers

1. General: The Lt. Col. Luke J Weathers Jr. VAMC is requesting a Base plus 3 option years to the contract for Stryker Stretcher Full-Service Contract. Contractor to supply all Testing, records, and labor to provide full-service contract for 158 Stryker stretchers in the VA hospital. This is a base plus three (3) option year contract from Oct 01, 2026, to Sept 30, 2030.

2. Scope of Work: Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment and resources necessary to perform full maintenance repairs to (96) Stryker Prime Zoom Electric Stretchers model 1125, (3) Gynnie OB/GYN model 1061, (55) Prime TC Stretchers model 1460, and (4) Eye Surgery stretchers model 1089 any corrective and preventive maintenance here at the Memphis VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN.

Contractor shall deliver the services outlined in this Statement of Work for this agreement upon contract award.

a) Contractor shall provide full repairs and any corrective or preventive maintenance service to the Stryker Prime Zoom Electric Stretchers when requested by the VA Maintenance Shop Supervisor services as needed per the quote.

b) Contractor technicians shall perform quality checks to ensure that these Stryker Prime Zoom Electric Stretchers, Gynnie OB/GYN Stretchers, Prime TC Stretchers and Eye Stretchers can be repaired

c) Contractor technicians upon performing repairs and corrective maintenance, shall ensure the equipment has been returned to optimum performance (according to the manufacturer’s service documentation manual) by checking mechanical and electrical safety, lubrication, functional testing, and adjusting for optimum performance as needed.

d) Replacement Parts - Contractor shall provide all necessary parts for repair. These parts shall be new, standard OEM parts that comply with applicable performance and reliability specifications.

e) 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.

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

g) Contractor shall report and sign-in to the Engineering Section and obtain an identification badge which shall always be worn while on station.

h) After all work is completed, the Contractor technicians must report in person to the Pipe Shop /Machine Shop Supervisor, to submit in writing, a complete report of services or repairs performed for each item of equipment. Electronic report of work performed (PDF, MS Word, etc.) shall also be submitted via email within 24-72 hours of each service visit.

i) 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.

3. 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 Juneteenth Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Independence Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

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) business days.

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 unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this document.

4. Qualifications: The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that each Field Service

Engineer and/or Technicians providing maintenance and repair services under this contract is fully trained and completely competent to perform the required services covered by this contract. Contractor Technicians/Engineers shall be capable of ensuring the covered equipment is returned to optimum performance according to the manufacturer’s service documentation manual.

5. 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.

6. Quality Assurance: 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.

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.

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 conflicts 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’s 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 SOW. Task One:

Deliver all items as outlined in this SOW.

D. 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.

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.

G. 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.

APPENDIX C — VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY AND

PRIVACY LANGUAGE FOR INCLUSION IN CONTRACTS, AS APPROPRIATE

NOTE: Any sections (1-14) which DO NOT apply should not be included in the Statement of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statement (PWS), Product Description (PD) or contract.

1. GENERAL. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language. Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

2. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The Government shall receive unlimited rights to data/intellectual property first produced and delivered in the performance of this contract or order (hereinafter “contract”) unless expressly stated otherwise in this contract. This includes all rights to source code and all documentation created in support thereof. The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General. The primary clause used to define computer software license (not data/intellectual property first produced under this contractor or order) is FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License.

b. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract will be used only for the purposes specified in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD, and/or contract. The contractor shall not use VA information in any other manner without prior written approval from a VA Contracting Officer (CO). The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General.

c. VA information will not be co-mingled with any other data on the contractor’s information systems or media storage systems. The contractor shall ensure compliance with Federal and VA requirements related to data protection, data encryption, physical data segregation, logical data segregation, classification requirements and media sanitization.

d. VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled audits, assessments, or investigations of contractor Information Technology (IT) resources to ensure information security is compliant with Federal and VA requirements. The contractor shall provide all necessary access to records (including electronic and documentary materials related to the contracts and subcontracts) and support (including access to contractor and subcontractor staff associated with the contract) to VA, VA's Office Inspector General (OIG), and/or Government Accountability Office (GAO) staff during periodic control assessments, audits, or investigations.

e. The contractor may only use VA information within the terms of the contract and applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. If new Federal information security laws, regulations or VA policies become applicable after execution of the contract, the parties agree to negotiate contract modification and adjustment necessary to implement the new laws, regulations, and/or policies.

f. The contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as specifically authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies shall be destroyed in accordance with VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program and VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

g. If a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contract is terminated for default or cause with a business associate, the related local Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall also be terminated and actions taken in accordance with VHA Directive 1605.05, Business Associate Agreements. If there is an executed national BAA associated with the contract, VA will determine what actions are appropriate and notify the contactor.

h. The contractor shall store and transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools which are, at a minimum, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (or its successor) validated and in conformance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements. The contractor shall transmit VA sensitive information using VA approved Transport Layer Security (TLS) configured with FIPS based cipher suites in conformance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52, Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations.

i. The contractor’s firewall and web services security controls, as applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notification to VA CO (ii) with written approval from the VA CO. The contractor shall refer all requests for, demands for production of or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA CO for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. § 5705, Confidentiality of medical quality-assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of certain medical records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If the contractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the contractor shall immediately refer such court order or other requests to the VA CO for response.

l. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract will be protected and secured in accordance with VA Directive 6500 and Identity and Access Management (IAM) Security processes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

m. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor shall be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, VA Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules.

n. The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Directive 6500 and NIST 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization prior to termination or completion of this contract. If directed by the COR/CO, the contractor shall return all Federal Records to VA for disposition.

o. Any media, such as paper, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, solid state devices or optical discs that is used to store, process, or access VA information that cannot be destroyed shall be returned to VA. The contractor shall hold the appropriate material until otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or CO.

Items shall be returned securely via VA-approved methods. VA sensitive information must be transmitted utilizing VA-approved encryption tools which are validated under FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52. If mailed, the contractor shall send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and immediately provide the COR/CO with the tracking information. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met shall be sent to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

p. All electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.)

used to store, process or access VA information will not be returned to the contractor at the end of lease, loan, or trade-in. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the written approval of the VA CO.

3. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS. This section applies when any person requires access to information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract.

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees and subcontractors only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the solicitation or contract. This includes indirect entities, both affiliate of contractor/subcontractor and agent of contractor/subcontractor.

b. Contractors and subcontractors shall sign the VA Information Security Rule of

Behavior (ROB) before access is provided to VA information and information systems (see Section 4, Training, below). The ROB contains the minimum user compliance requirements and does not supersede any policies of VA facilities or other agency components which provide higher levels of protection to VA’s information or information systems. Users who require privileged access shall complete the VA elevated privilege access request processes before privileged access is granted.

c. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information are subject to the same security investigative and clearance 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 shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program.

The Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and

Preparedness (HRA/OSP) is responsible for these policies and procedures. Contract personnel who require access to classified information or information systems shall have an appropriate security clearance. Verification of a Security Clearance shall be processed through the Special Security Officer located in HRA/OSP. Contractors shall conform to all requirements stated in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

d. All contractors and subcontractors shall comply with conditions specified in VAAR

852.204-71(d); Contractor operations required to be in United States. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information must be permanently located within a jurisdiction subject to the law of the United States or its Territories to the maximum extent feasible. If services are proposed to be performed abroad the contractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided. The contractor shall deliver to VA a detailed plan specifically addressing communications, personnel control, data protection and potential legal issues. The plan shall be approved by the COR/CO in writing prior to access being granted.

e. The contractor shall notify the COR/CO in writing immediately (no later than 24 hours) after personnel separation or occurrence of other causes. Causes may include the following:

(1) Contractor/subcontractor personnel no longer has a need for access to VA information or VA information systems.

(2) Contractor/subcontractor personnel are terminated, suspended, or otherwise has their work on a VA project discontinued for any reason.

(3) Contractor believes their own personnel or subcontractor personnel may pose a threat to their company’s working environment or to any company-owned property. This includes contractor-owned assets, buildings, confidential data, customers, employees, networks, systems, trade secrets and/or VA data.

(4) Any previously undisclosed changes to contractor/subcontractor background history are brought to light, including but not limited to changes to background investigation or employee record.

(5) Contractor/subcontractor personnel have their authorization to work in the United

States revoked.

(6) Agreement by which contractor provides products and services to VA has either been fulfilled or terminated, such that VA can cut off electronic and/or physical access for contractor personnel.

f. In such cases of contract fulfillment, termination, or other causes; the contractor shall take the necessary measures to immediately revoke access to VA network, property, information, and information systems (logical and physical) by contractor/subcontractor personnel. These measures include (but are not limited to):

removing and then securing Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badges and PIV – Interoperable (PIV-I) access badges, VA-issued photo badges, credentials for VA facilities and devices, VA-issued laptops, and authentication tokens. Contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO immediately to initiate access removal.

g. Contractors/subcontractors who no longer require VA accesses will return VA-issued property to VA. This property includes (but is not limited to): documents, electronic equipment, keys, and parking passes. PIV and PIV-I access badges shall be returned to the nearest VA PIV Badge Issuance Office. Once they have had access to VA information, information systems, networks and VA property in their possessions removed, contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO.

4. TRAINING. This entire section applies to all acquisitions which include section 3.

a. All contractors and subcontractors requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall successfully complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior course

(Talent Management System (TMS) #10176) initially and annually thereafter.

(2) Sign and acknowledge (electronically through TMS #10176) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Organizational Rules of Behavior, relating to access to VA information and information systems initially and annually thereafter; and

(3) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system or information access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the VA CO for inclusion in the solicitation document – i.e., any role-based information security training].

b. The contractor shall provide to the COR/CO a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Organizational Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within five days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training 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 required training is complete.

5. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall immediately (within one hour) report suspected security / privacy incidents to the VA OIT’s Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) by calling (855) 673-4357 (TTY: 711). The ESD is OIT’s 24/7/365 single point of contact for IT-related issues. After reporting to the ESD, the contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall, within one hour, provide the COR/CO the incident number received from the ESD.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/ subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the following:

(1) The date and time (or approximation of) the Security Incident occurred.

(2) The names of individuals involved (when applicable).

(3) The physical and logical (if applicable) location of the incident.

(4) Why the Security Incident took place (i.e., catalyst for the failure).

(5) The amount of data belonging to VA believed to have been compromised.

(6) The remediation measures the contractor is taking to ensure no future incidents of a similar nature.

c. After the contractor has provided the initial detailed incident summary to VA, they will continue to provide written updates on any new and relevant circumstances or facts they discover. The contractor, subcontractor, and their employes shall fully cooperate with VA or third-party entity performing an independent risk analysis on behalf of VA.

Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

d. VA IT contractors shall follow VA Handbook 6500, Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems VA Information Security Program, and VA Information Security Knowledge Service guidance for implementing an Incident Response Plan or integrating with an existing VA implementation.

e. 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 the VA Office of 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.

f. The contractor shall comply with VA Handbook 6500.2, Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information, which establishes the breach management policies and assigns responsibilities for the oversight, management and reporting procedures associated with managing of breaches.

g. With respect to unsecured Protected Health Information (PHI), the contractor is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the contractor knew or should have known of breach of such information. When a business associate is part of VHA contract, notification to the covered entity (VHA) shall be made in accordance with the executed BAA.

h. If the contractor or any of its agents fails to protect VA sensitive personal information or otherwise engages in conduct which results in a data breach involving any VA sensitive personal information the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under the contract; the contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the VA as set forth in clause 852.211-76, Liquidated Damages—Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs.

6. INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. This entire section applies to information systems, systems, major applications, minor applications, enclaves, and platform information technologies (to include the subcomponents of each) designed or developed for or on behalf of VA by any non-VA entity.

a. Information systems designed or developed on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities shall comply with all applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. This includes standards for the protection of electronic Protected Health Information (PHI), outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C and information and system security categorization level designations in accordance with FIPS 199, Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems and FIPS 200, Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information Systems. Baseline security controls shall be implemented commensurate with the FIPS 199 system security categorization (reference VA Handbook 6500 and VA Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Architecture).

b. Contracted new developments require creation, testing, evaluation, and authorization in compliance with VA Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes in VA Handbook 6500 and VA Information Security Knowledge Service to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO). VA Directive 6517, Risk Management Framework for Cloud Computing Services, provides the security and privacy requirements for cloud environments.

c. VA IT contractors, subcontractors and third-party service providers shall address and/or integrate applicable VA Handbook 6500, VA Handbook 6517, Risk Management Framework for Cloud Computing Services and Information Security Knowledge Service specifications in delivered IT systems/solutions, products and/or services. If systems/solutions, products and/or services do not directly match VA security requirements, the contractor shall work though the COR/CO to identify the VA organization responsible for governance or resolution. Contractors shall comply with FAR 39.1, specifically the prohibitions referenced.

d. The contractor (including producers and resellers) shall comply with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) M-22-18 and M-23-16 when using third-party software on VA information systems or otherwise affecting the VA information. This includes new software purchases and software renewals for software developed or modified by major version change after the issuance date of M-22-18 (September 14, 2022). The term “software” includes firmware, operating systems, applications and application services (e.g., cloud-based software), as well as products containing software. The contractor shall provide a self-attestation that secure software development practices are utilized as outlined by Executive Order (EO)14028 and NIST Guidance. A third-party assessment provided by either a certified Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Third Party Assessor Organization (3PAO) or one approved by the agency will be acceptable in lieu of a software producer's self-attestation.

e. The contractor shall ensure all delivered applications, systems and information systems are compliant with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 and VA Identity and Access management (IAM) enterprise identity management requirements as set forth in OMB M-19-17, M-05-24, FIPS 201-3, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors (or its successor), M-21-31 and supporting NIST guidance. This applies to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product(s) that the contractor did not develop, all software configurations and all customizations.

f. The contractor shall ensure all contractor delivered applications and systems provide user authentication services compliant with VA Handbook 6500, VA Information Security Knowledge Service, IAM enterprise requirements and NIST 800-63, Digital Identity Guidelines, for direct, assertion-based authentication and/or trust-based authentication, as determined by the design and integration patterns. Direct authentication at a minimum must include Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based authentication supportive of PIV and/or Common Access Card (CAC), as determined by the business need and compliance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service specifications.

g. The contractor shall use VA authorized technical security baseline configurations and certify to the COR that applications are fully functional and operate correctly as intended on systems in compliance with VA baselines prior to acceptance or connection into an authorized VA computing environment. If the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has created a Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) for the technology, the contractor may configure to comply with that STIG. If VA determines a new or updated VA configuration baseline needs to be created, the contractor shall provide required technical support to develop the configuration settings. FAR 39.1 requires the population of operating systems and applications includes all listed on the NIST National Checklist Program Checklist Repository.

h. The standard installation, operation, maintenance, updating and patching of software shall not alter the configuration settings from VA approved baseline configuration.

Software developed for VA must be compatible with VA enterprise installer services and install to the default “program files” directory with silently install and uninstall.

The contractor shall perform testing of all updates and patching prior to implementation on VA systems.

i. Applications designed for normal end users will run in the standard user context without elevated system administration privileges.

j. The contractor-delivered solutions shall reside on VA approved operating systems.

Exceptions to this will only be granted with the written approval of the COR/CO.

k. The contractor shall design, develop, and implement security and privacy controls in accordance with the provisions of VA security system development life cycle outlined in NIST 800-37, Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy, VA Directive and Handbook 6500, and VA Handbook 6517.

l. The Contractor shall comply with the Privacy Act of1974 (the Act), FAR 52.224-2 Privacy Act, and VA rules and regulations issued under the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish a VA function.

m. The contractor shall ensure the security of all procured or developed information systems, systems, major applications, minor applications, enclaves and platform information technologies, including their subcomponents (hereinafter referred to as “Information Systems”) throughout the life of this contract and any extension, warranty, or maintenance periods. This includes security configurations, workarounds, patches, hotfixes, upgrades, replacements and any physical components which may be necessary to remediate all security vulnerabilities published or known to the contractor anywhere in the information systems (including systems, operating systems, products, hardware, software, applications and firmware). The contractor shall ensure security fixes do not negatively impact the Information Systems.

n. When the contractor is responsible for operations or maintenance of the systems, the contractor shall apply the security fixes within the timeframe specified by the associated controls on the VA Information Security Knowledge Service. When security fixes involve installing third party patches (such as Microsoft OS patches or Adobe Acrobat), the contractor shall provide written notice to the VA COR/CO that the patch has been validated as to not affecting the Systems within 10 business days.

7. INFORMATION SYSTEM HOSTING, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE. This entire section applies to information systems, systems, major applications, minor applications, enclaves, and platform information technologies (cloud and non-cloud) hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities.

a. The contractor shall comply with all Federal laws, regulations, and VA policies for Information systems (cloud and non-cloud) that are hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities. Security controls for collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of VA sensitive information, must be in place. The controls will be tested by VA or a VA sanctioned 3PAO and approved by VA prior to hosting, operation, maintenance or use of the information system or systems by or on behalf of VA. This includes conducting compliance risk assessments, security architecture analysis, routine vulnerability scanning, system patching, change management procedures and the completion of an acceptable contingency plan for each system. The contractor’s security control procedures shall be the same as procedures used to secure VA-operated information systems.

b. Outsourcing (contractor facility, equipment, or staff) of systems or network operations, telecommunications services or other managed services require Assessment and Authorization (A&A) of the contractor’s systems in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 as specified in VA Information Security Knowledge Service. Major changes to the A&A package may require reviewing and updating all the documentation associated with the change. The contractor’s cloud computing systems shall comply with FedRAMP and VA Directive 6517 requirements.

c. The contractor shall return all electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) on non-VA leased or non-VA owned IT equipment used to store, process or access VA information to VA in accordance with A&A package requirements.

This applies when the contract is terminated or completed and prior to disposal of media.

The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements and NIST 800-

88. The contractor shall send a self-certification that the data destruction requirements above have been met to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

d. All external internet connections to VA network involving VA information must be in accordance with VA Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) Reference Architecture and VA Directive and Handbook 6513, Secure External Connections and reviewed and approved by VA prior to implementation. Government-owned contractor-operated systems, third party or business partner networks require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interconnection Security Agreements (ISA).

e. Contractor procedures shall be subject to periodic, announced, or unannounced assessments by VA officials, the OIG or a 3PAO. The physical security aspects associated with contractor activities are also subject to such assessments. The contractor shall report, in writing, any deficiencies noted during the above assessment to the VA COR/CO. The contractor shall use VA’s defined processes to document planned remedial actions that address identified deficiencies in information security policies, procedures, and practices. The contractor shall correct security deficiencies within the timeframes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

f. All major information system changes which occur in the production environment shall be reviewed by the VA to determine the impact on privacy and security of the system.

Based on the review results, updates to the Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation and parameters may be required to remain in compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements.

g. The contractor shall conduct an annual privacy and security self-assessment on all information systems and outsourced services as required. Copies of the assessment shall be provided to the COR/CO. The VA/Government reserves the right to conduct assessment using government personnel or a third-party if deemed necessary. The contractor shall correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered during the assessment.

h. VA prohibits the installation and use of personally owned or contractor-owned equipment or software on VA information systems.