36C25024Q0343.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10 260 E. University Avenue Cincinnati OH 45219

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Michael Riordan michael.riordan@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

3200 Vine Street

Cincinnati OH

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

General Information

NAICS Code:

Wage Determination:

Revision Number:

Date of Revision:

238210 2015-4719 12/26/2023

Contracting Office Address Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 10 Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45220 Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a request for quotations. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-04.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 238210, with a small business size standard of $19 million. The FSC/PSC is J061.

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center requires annual services and maintenance for six emergency power generators.

Statement of Work:

Part I – GENERAL, BACKGROUND and SCOPE:

1.1 General Intention

A. The intention of this statement of work (SOW) is to obtain on-site maintenance, inspection, testing and major service for six emergency power generators located at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA) and the Fort Thomas Domiciliary (located in Fort Thomas KY) by means of a firm fixed price Contract.

1.2 General Requirements

A. Contractor shall provide all management, supervision, labor, parts, supplies, materials, tools, equipment, incidental engineering services, overtime pay, weekend and holiday premium pay, and transportation necessary to perform maintenance, inspection, testing, and major service to all facility generators to maintain equipment operating as originally specified by the equipment manufacturer.

B. Contractor shall obtain all licenses, permits, and insurance required to perform all requirements of this Contract without additional expense to the Government. Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Evidence of insurance, licenses, and permits shall be provided to the Contracting Officer before work commences.

1.3 Codes and Standards

· VHA Directive 1028 – Facility Electrical Power Systems

· OSHA 1910.269 – Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9868

· NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code

· NFPA70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

· NFPA 99 – Standard for Healthcare Facilities

· NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code

· NFPA 110 – Emergency and Standby Power Systems

· Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (Joint Commission) EC.7.40.1 and EC.7.40.7

1.4 Government Furnished Property, Materials and Services

A. VAMC will not provide office space or operational facilities to the Contractor. The Contractor shall secure and maintain the necessary office space and other facilities required for the performance of this Contract at his/her own expense.

B. VAMC will not provide supplies, materials, tools or equipment to the Contractor. The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, materials, tools and equipment required for the performance of this Contract.

C. VAMC will furnish the following services at existing outlets, for use in those facilities provided by the VA/VAMC and as required for the work to be performed under this Contract: electricity, fresh water, sewage service, and non-hazardous refuse collection (from existing collection points).

1.5 Contractor Requirements

A. Contractor is currently engaged in maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of emergency power generation equipment. Contractor shall have a minimum of five (5) years within the last seven (7) years of successful experience maintaining emergency power generation equipment identical or similar to the equipment listed in this Contract. Offerors shall submit references for the five (5) years of experience including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of specific companies and key personnel to contact.

B. The Contractor shall provide a Contract Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of all work. The name of the Contract manager and an alternate shall be designated in writing to the CO/COR prior to the Contract start date. Changes to personnel shall be submitted to the Government within five (5) working days of changes. The Contract Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act on all Contract matters relating to the daily operation of the Contract. The Contract Manager or alternate shall be available to speak/meet with the CO or COR within 24 hours of request during normal operating hours, and or within the next business day after Friday or a Federal holiday.

C. Contractor shall provide qualified mechanics/technicians who have completed an apprenticeship program and mechanic/technician examination approved and certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Certified mechanics/technicians shall have technical qualifications of at least five (5) years of successful experience in the emergency power generation industry. Apprentices shall be actively pursuing certified mechanic/technician status and accompanied at all times by a journeyman mechanic. Certificates shall be submitted to the CO/COR.

D. All employees of the Contractor shall have completed the 10-hour OSHA Safety Course. Certificates shall be submitted to the CO/COR.

E. The selection, assignment, and management of Contractor’s employees are the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contactor shall not employ any individual identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, and general wellbeing, or operation of the VAMC facility or personnel. The Contractor is fully responsible for the performance and conduct of his/her employees at all times. The Contractor shall not allow any employee to perform work under this Contract while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent.

F. Contractor shall ensure that his personnel always present a professional appearance and that their conduct shall not reflect discredit upon this installation or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Contractor shall remove from the job site any employee for reasons of misconduct or security. The removal from the job site of such a person shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform adequate and timely service. Contractor's employees shall observe and comply with all local and VA Medical Center, regulations, and procedures concerning fire, safety, environmental protection, sanitation, security, tobacco usage, gratuities, and possession of firearms or other lethal or illegal weapons or substances.

G. Contractor shall be responsible for removing and ensuring proper disposal of all hazardous or universal waste generated under requirements of this contract in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and all associated state and local regulations

H. Onsite parking is prohibited. Contractor shall secure offsite parking of all vehicles while performing any onsite service at the contractor’s expense.

1.6 Background Checks and Identification Badges

A. Contractor and Subcontractor personnel that work on any VAMC property must consent to Background Checks or shall be denied access to the VAMC facilities. Information required to conduct a Background Check includes: full name, driver’s license number and/or social security number, date of birth, and completion of a background check questionnaire.

B. Contractors shall ensure their employees and those of their Subcontractors have the proper credentials allowing them to work in the United States. The Contractor shall not be entitled to any compensation for delay or expenses associated with this requirement and are not excused from proceeding with the Contract.

C. Department of Veterans Affairs requires all Contractor employees to obtain a VAMC issued Contractors Badge while working onsite. This ID badge shall be issued by the VAMC Police Services watch office under its rule for issuance. Badges must be visibly displayed at all times while onsite. Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as a Contractor employee by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the name of the company and a VAMC issued ID badge. Before departing the facility, the Contractor will return to the VAMC Police Services watch office to return their Contractor’s ID Badge.

D. Service personnel shall report to the CO/COR or authorized representative upon arrival at the hospital and again upon completion of the required work. Service tickets shall be provided daily to the CO/COR identifying equipment worked on, detailed description of work performed, and the date and time service was performed.

Emergency Telephone Numbers A. The Contractor shall provide the CO/COR with pertinent emergency telephone numbers in order to summon assistance in the event of an emergency. This information shall be provided in writing to the CO/COR.

1.7 Technical Requirements

A. Contractor shall have in his possession throughout the term of the Contract all diagnostic equipment necessary to fully maintain, test, repair, adjust or reprogram the systems.

B. Contractor shall not make any alteration or additions to the equipment without prior written approval from the CO/COR.

C. Contractor shall provide tools, equipment, specialty items and other items that may be necessary to perform the tasks required under this Contract.

D. Contractor shall provide materials, lubricants, fluids, fasteners, cleaning supplies, paints (low VOC only), and all other supplies necessary to perform the services required in this Contract. Lubricants shall be only those products recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment or equal.

E. Contractor shall immediately notify the CO/COR of any equipment or environmental conditions which impair or jeopardize the safe and continuous functioning of the equipment.

F. There shall be no borrowing of parts (i.e., removing a part off a generator, whether in it is in service or not, to correct a deficiency on another generator).

G. All supplies, parts and materials shall be of the original manufactures design and specification, or equal thereto.

Part II: WORK REQUIREMENTES

2.1 Service, Inspection and Testing

A. Contractor shall provide annual maintenance on 6 generators. The contractor shall change the lube oil, primary and bypass lube filters, fuel filters, water separator filter, air filters and water filters. Filters used for Kohler generators shall be of John Deere brand. All other generators filters shall be OEM. Contractor is responsible to remove and dispose of all materials used. Maintenance shall also include the following:

· Battery & Battery Charger System – Contractor shall clean all battery terminals and verify integrity of cables and connectors. Contractor shall load test battery; measure specific gravity and conductance of each battery cell; inspect electrolyte level and add fluid if necessary. Contractor shall verify proper operation and float voltage of external battery charger; and verify and record output of engine alternator.

· Engine – Contractor shall verify and record oil pressure and coolant temperature. Contractor shall test all safety shutdown circuits and alarms including over speed, over crank, low oil pressure, high water temperature and low coolant level. Contractor shall inspect air intake system including air filter condition, crankcase breather and turbocharger; inspect muffler system and drain condensation trap (if applicable) and verify rain cap operation. Contractor shall inspect engine starting system, verify cable integrity and connections; inspect exhaust flex coupling and piping for leaks and proper connection. Contractor shall check for abnormal vibration or noise.

· Fuel System – Contractor shall inspect all fuel lines and hoses for visual leaks and general condition; inspect day tank and float assembly for proper operation and leaks; and inspect fuel pump for leaks. Contractor shall verify proper operation of governor, and governor linkage; and check level of fuel in primary supply tank. Contractor shall drain water and sediment from fuel filter and fuel supply tanks.

· Coolant System – Contractor shall inspect all clamps, verify condition of all hoses and identify any visual leaks. Contractor shall verify proper operation of engine jacket water heater; and test coolant freeze point and verify coolant level; and test coolant additive package (DCA) for proper corrosion inhibitors. Contractor shall inspect belt condition and tension, correct as required; inspect radiator pressure cap, inspect radiator core for visual blockage, damage or obstructions; and inspect for proper operation of intake louvers, motorized or gravity. Contractor shall verify proper operation of remote radiator and belt condition.

· Controls – Contractor shall verify and record output voltage and adjust voltage regulator, if necessary; calibrate control meters; and verify and record output frequency and adjust governor, if necessary. Contractor shall verify operation of all lamps on control panel; and inspect for any loose connections, terminals or discoloration.

· Generator – Contractor shall inspect and lubricate generator end bell bearing. Inspect brushes, brush holders and commutator; inspect cooling screen and general condition of alternator. Contractor shall inspect for abnormal vibration. Contractor shall verify connections and insulation condition; and verify proper operation of shunt trip on mainline circuit breaker.

B. Testing and maintenance shall be performed in mid-August of each contract year.

C. Contractor to supply and install replacement batteries in all generators during option years 1 (2025) and 4 (2028).

D. Contractor shall provide advanced notification to the CO/COR no less than 10 business days prior to scheduled maintenance and service activity. Service must not interfere with needs or demands of the hospital. The V.A. reserves the right to defer proposed service dates based upon the needs of the agency.

PART III – DOCUMENTATION

A. Service and maintenance report shall be submitted to the V.A. within 10 business days of completing any service. Individual reports will be provided for each and every generator serviced. Reports will identify all items inspected, services performed, test results, readings obtained, number if items inspected, and deficiencies identified. The report shall assess the general condition of each generator and provide detailed descriptions of all recommended repairs and defective components. No invoice shall be certified for payment until the Facility COR has provided written acceptance to the contractor and the contracting officer.

PART IV – SAFETY and Infection Control

4.1 Injury and Accident Reports

A. Contractor shall immediately report to the CO/COR in a manner and on the forms prescribed by the VAMC all accidents resulting in injury, trauma, death, hazardous exposures, and occupational disease involving any generator or its maintenance.

B. Written reports for all incidents shall be provided within five (5) working days and include the cause, what, where, and when the incident occurred as well as repairs and tests performed to correct the cause of the incident.

4.2 Safety

A. Contractor shall adhere to all OSHA, EPA, NFPA Life Safety Codes, and all other regulatory requirements.

B. In performance of this Contract, the Contractor shall follow VAMC safety policy and standards for safe work practices and take such safety precautions as the VAMC Safety Officer or designee or the CO/COR may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The Contractor shall comply with VAMC tobacco policy, which designates all VA property as a NO-Tobacco area.

C. Patient, employee, visitor, and Contractor personnel safety shall be maintained at all times. The Contractor is responsible for the safety and health of his/her employees. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA safety and health standards.

D. The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer, prior to the start of the Contract, the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all potentially hazardous materials (lubricants, cleaners, fluids, etc.) to be used in the facility in performance of the Contract, and will not use, in the facility, such materials which have not been so cleared in advance with the VAMC. SDS for new chemicals shall be furnished prior to the arrival of the chemical on site. The Contractor shall maintain a copy of all SDS in each machine room to assure compliance with all laws and requirements regarding the “Right to Know” law.

E. Contractor is responsible to identify, provide and maintain all personal protective equipment (PPE) required to perform the duties outlined in the Contract. In addition, the Contractor is responsible for identifying and providing all applicable safety programs required to perform the work i.e., lockout/tag out, confined space entry, universal precautions, etc. Training required for safety programs and the proper use of PPE shall be provided by employer, and documentation maintained by the Contractor.

F. The Contractor shall obtain a Hot Work Permit from the Safety staff or the CO/COR in advance whenever soldering, welding, grinding, and using a cutting torch, or other open flame, spark or heat producing equipment is used. The Contractor is required to follow all requirements outlined for the issuance of the Hot Work Permit.

G. Contractor shall be notified of any non-compliance with safety regulations. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the condition and notify the Contracting Officer in writing that the condition has been corrected. If, in the opinion of the CO/COR or the VAMC Safety Officer the condition is life threatening he/she shall instruct the Contractor to stop work until the condition has been corrected. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order halting all or any part of the work, and Contractor may be held in default. The Contractor bears all costs of stop-work time and correcting safety hazards.

H. Contractor shall ensure all safety guards, equipment panels, doors, covers, devices, etc. are installed prior to placing equipment into normal operation. Any lost, damaged or missing guards, panels, doors, covers, devices, and mounting hardware are to be supplied or replaced by the contractor to ensure the safety of personnel.

I. Contractor is responsible for the supervision of all their employees while on government property. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to assure compliance with the scope of work and requirements referenced in this contract. Provisions provided in the scope of work are not intended to relieve the Contractor of this responsibility.

4.3 Infectious Control

A. To carry out its mission as a health care facility, the VAMC maintains the highest level of cleanliness as a part of its Infectious Control Program to ensure that patient health is not compromised. The Contractor shall maintain equipment rooms and equipment room access to these standards and comply with all other reasonable requests of the CO/COR related to Infectious Control measures.

B. Generator equipment, including control cabinets shall be wiped down with appropriate cleaning supplies to remove any dust or dirt accumulation. Before cleaning is performed ascertain if any build up indicates a problem with the equipment and requires service or repair.

C. Upon completion of daily work, contractor shall sweep all floors, remove all trash, rubbish, and waste materials. CO/COR shall inspect equipment and equipment spaces for cleanliness. The inspection shall consist of a visual observation to detect any accumulation of dust, dirt or debris on any surface required to be kept clean under this Contract.

D. Debris, rubbish, and recyclable material resulting from work under this Contract may be disposed of on VAMC property at the direction of the CO/COR or off site at the option of the Contractor. The Contractor must dispose of all hazardous waste in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its associated state and local regulations.

Part V – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Cincinnati VA Medical Center 3200 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45220-2213

Cincinnati VA Medical Center - Ft. Thomas 1000 South Ft. Thomas Ave.

Ft. Thomas Ky. 41075-2305

Part VI – PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

A. Period of performance is one base year plus four one-year option periods to be exercised at the discretion of the Government.

B. Testing and maintenance shall be performed in mid-August of each contract year.

PART VII – SUPPORTING INFORMATION

A. Normal duty hours of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

B. All work shall be performed during regular working hours of regular working days 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. excluding Federal holidays, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the COR.

C. The following are legal public holidays in effect for the term of this contract. Scheduled contract performance falling on one of these days shall be rescheduled during a regular workday preceding or following the holiday.

Independence Day

Any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a federal holiday. When one of the holidays falls on Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday.

Generator Listing

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH

480/277, 3 phase

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH

Fort Thomas, KY

120/208, 3phase

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.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Supplies/Services

Final Price

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions–Commercial Items” (NOV 2021) FAR 52.204-13, “System for Award Management Maintenance” (OCT 2018) FAR 52.204-18, “Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance” (AUG 202) FAR 52.232-40, “Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors” (NOV 2021) FAR 52.237-2, “Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation” (APR 1984) VAAR 852.212-70, “Provisions and Clauses Applicable to VA Acquisition of Commercial Items” (APR 2020)

· VAAR 852.203-70, “Commercial Advertising” (MAY 2018)

· VAAR 852.232-72, “Electronic Submission of Payment Requests” (NOV 2018)

· VAAR 852.219-74, “Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance” (JUN 2018) (DEVIATION) The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

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

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

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kapersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance or Equipment (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

· FAR 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation & First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020)

· FAR 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (NOV 2021)

· FAR 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2))

· FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015)

· FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEPT 2016)

· FAR 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020)

· FAR 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2020)

· FAR 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020)

· FAR 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021)

· FAR 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513)

· FAR 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021)

· FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (OCT 2018)

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

· FAR 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018)

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

· FAR 52.222.55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022)

· FAR 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022)

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records - Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial products and commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

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

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015)

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212)

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018), (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

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

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

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (NOV 2021) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note)

(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (NOV 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

· FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items” (NOV 2021)

· FAR 52.204-7, “System for Award Management” (OCT 2018)

· FAR 52.204-16, “Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting” (AUG 2020)

· FAR 52.237-1, “Site Visit” (APR 1984)

· FAR 52.212-2, “Evaluation – Commercial Items” (NOV 2021)

· FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items” (NOV 2021)

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at SAM.gov | Home in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

All quotes shall be sent to electronically to Michael Riordan at michael.riordan@va.gov.

Evaluation

Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government.

The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b) (3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s). Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation, but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotations.

(1) Technical or Quality: The quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government’s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and based on the information requested in the instructions to quoters section of the solicitation.

(2) Past Performance: The past performance evaluation will assess the relative risks associated with a quoter’s likelihood of success in fulfilling the solicitation’s requirements as indicated by the quoter’s record of past performance. The past performance evaluation may be based on the contracting officer’s knowledge of and previous experience with the supply or service being acquired; Customer surveys, and past performance questionnaire replies; Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) at http://www.cpars.gov/; or any other reasonable basis.>

(3) Price: The Government will evaluate the price by adding the total of all line item prices, including all options. The Total Evaluated Price will be that sum.

a) Options. The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for all options, if applicable, to the total price for the basic requirement.

The following are the decision factors: {The following is standard evaluation language (i.e., how the Government evaluates what is submitted in the quotation). The information that shall be included in the quotation should be set forth in the quotation submission instructions (i.e., FAR Provision 52.212-1 and any addendum) of the solicitation and should vary based on the type of supply and/or service being procured and the complexity of that supply and/or service} The award will be made to the response most advantageous to the Government.

Responses should contain your best terms, conditions.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The version of FAR 52.212-1 in the addendum is tailored for Simplified Acquisition Procedures and supersedes the current version of FAR 52.212-1 contained in the FAR.

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard are stated in the combined synopsis/solicitation.

(b) Submission of quotations. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Quotations may be submitted on letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, quotations must show-

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of quotations;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the quoter;

(4) A technical description of the items being quoted in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) “Remit to” address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the quoter shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references – Minimum of 3 and Maximum of 5 (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) Include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Quotations that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(12) **** Complete and sign VAR 852.219-75, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (Attached to Combined Synopsis)

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Multiple quotations. Quoters are encouraged to submit multiple quotations presenting alternative terms and conditions or commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each quotation submitted will be evaluated separately.

(e) Late submissions

(1) Quoters are responsible for submitting quotations so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that quotations are due.

(2) Any quotation received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of quotations is late and will not be considered unless it is received before purchase order issuance and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quotation would not unduly delay the acquisition.

(3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that quotations cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of quotations by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of quotations will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(f) Issuance of purchase order. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best technical and price terms. The Contracting Officer may reject any or all quotations. The Contracting Officer may issue a purchase order to other than the quoter with the lowest priced quotation. After the evaluation of quotations, the Contracting Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing any purchase order. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those of the Government’s choice and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR part 15.

(g) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to- GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(h) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(i) [Reserved].

(j) Requests for information. The contracting officer will not notify unsuccessful quoters that responded to this solicitation. Quoters may request information on purchase order(s) resulting from this solicitation from the contracting officer.

This is an open-market combined synopsis/solicitation for services as defined herein. The government intends to award a purchase order as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition." OR "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:"

Quoters shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s), if any.

****Notice of Site Visit**** A site visit will be offered on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. for all potential vendors. Please call Jason Weidig at 513-310-8997 by 10:15 a.m.

Questions/Clarifications: In order to maintain integrity, all quoters are advised that any questions/clarifications shall be submitted in written form via email to the Contracting Officer designated in the solicitation and shall be received no later than March 1, 2024. Questions after that date may not be accepted.

Submission shall be received not later than March 8, 2024, at 3 PM to michael.riordan@va.gov.

Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f).

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below.

Point of Contact Michael Riordan michael.riordan@va.gov See attached document: 852.219-75 Limitations on Subcontracting.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice