36C25223Q0878.docx

36C25223Q0878

A.1 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

(End of Clause)

A.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

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

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

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky 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 Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115–232).

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

(5) 52.232–40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 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 products and commercial services:

[X] (1) 52.203–6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

[] (2) 52.203–13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

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

[X] (4) 52.204–10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109–282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (5) [Reserved] [] (6) 52.204–14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (7) 52.204–15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.204–27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117–328).

[X] (9) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[X] (10) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[] (11) [Reserved] [] (12) 52.219–3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (13) 52.219–4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (14) [Reserved] [] (15)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[] (16)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[X] (17) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (SEP 2023) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (18)(i) 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2023) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2023) of 52.219–9.

[] (19)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[] (20) 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[] (21) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[X] (22) 52.219–27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (23) (i) 52.219–28, Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (SEP 2023) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219–28.

[] (24) 52.219–29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.219–30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (26) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (27) l(26) 52.219–33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[X] (28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (29) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEC 2022) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (31)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (33)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUL 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (34) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (35) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (36)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

[X] (37) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

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

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

[] (39) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (40) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

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

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

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

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

[] (43) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

[] (44)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

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

[X] (45) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

[] (46) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (47) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (48)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[] (49)(i) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (OCT 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2022) of 52.225–1.

[] (50)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (DEC 2022) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[] (ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

[] (iii) Alternate II (DEC 2022) of 52.225-3.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

[] (v) Alternate IV (OCT 2022) of 52.225-3.

[] (51) 52.225–5, Trade Agreements (DEC 2022) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

[X] (52) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

[] (53) 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. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

[] (54) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (NOV 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (55) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (NOV 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[X] (56) 52.229–12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (FEB 2021).

[] (57) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

[] (58) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

[X] (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (OCT 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (60) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (JUL 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (62) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (63) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

[] (64)(i) 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).

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

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2021) of 52.247-64.

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

[X] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (5) 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).

[] (6) 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).

[X] (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

[X] (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

[] (9) 52.226–6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(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, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, 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 or 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, 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)).

(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 Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115–232).

(v) 52.204–27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117–328).

(vi) 52.219–8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (SEP 2023) (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.

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

(viii) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

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

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

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

(xii) 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.

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

(xiv)(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).

(xv) 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).

(xvi) 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).

(xvii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022) (E. O. 12989).

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

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

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

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

(xxi) 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. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxii) 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.

(xxiii) 52.232–40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232–40.

(xxiv) 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.

(End of Clause) BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, , AND Purpose. The purpose of this Business Associate Agreement (Agreement) is to establish requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) Act, and the HIPAA Privacy, Security, Breach Notification, and Enforcement Rules (“HIPAA Rules”), 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164, for the Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) under the terms and conditions specified below.

Scope. Under this Agreement and other applicable contracts or agreements, will provide services to, for, or on behalf of .

In order for to provide such services, will disclose PHI to and will use or disclose PHI in accordance with this Agreement.

Definitions. Unless otherwise provided, the following terms used in this Agreement have the same meaning as defined by the HIPAA Rules: Breach, Data Aggregation, Designated Record Set, Disclosure, Health Care Operations, Individual, Minimum Necessary, Notice of Privacy Practices, Protected Health Information (PHI), Required by Law, Secretary, Security Incident, Subcontractor, Unsecured Protected Health Information, and Use.

“Business Associate” shall have the same meaning as described at 45 C.F.R. § 160.103. For the purposes of this Agreement, Business Associate shall refer to , including its employees, officers, or any other agents that create, receive, maintain, or transmit PHI as described below.

“Covered Entity” shall have the same meaning as the term is defined at 45 C.F.R. § 160.103. For the purposes of this Agreement, Covered Entity shall refer to .

“Protected Health Information” or “PHI” shall have the same meaning as described at 45 C.F.R. § 160.103. “Protected Health Information” and “PHI” as used in this Agreement include “Electronic Protected Health Information” and “EPHI.” For the purposes of this Agreement and unless otherwise provided, the term shall also refer to PHI that Business Associate creates, receives, maintains, or transmits on behalf of Covered Entity or receives from Covered Entity or another Business Associate.

“Subcontractor” shall have the same meaning as the term is defined at 45 C.F.R. § 160.103. For the purposes of this Agreement, Subcontractor shall refer to a contractor of any person or entity, other than Covered Entity, that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI under the terms of this Agreement.

Terms and Conditions. Covered Entity and Business Associate agree as follows:

1. Ownership of PHI. PHI is and remains the property of Covered Entity as long as Business Associate creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI, regardless of whether a compliant Business Associate agreement is in place.

2. Use and Disclosure of PHI by Business Associate. Unless otherwise provided, Business Associate:

A. May not use or disclose PHI other than as permitted or required by this Agreement, or in a manner that would violate the HIPAA Privacy Rule if done by Covered Entity, except that it may use or disclose PHI:

(1) As required by law or to carry out its legal responsibilities;

(2) For the proper management and administration of Business Associate; or

(3) To provide Data Aggregation services relating to the health care operations of Covered Entity.

B. Must use or disclose PHI in a manner that complies with Covered Entity’s minimum necessary policies and procedures.

C. May de-identify PHI created or received by Business Associate under this Agreement at the request of the Covered Entity, provided that the de-identification conforms to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

3. Obligations of Business Associate. In connection with any Use or Disclosure of PHI, Business Associate must:

A. Consult with Covered Entity before using or disclosing PHI whenever Business Associate is uncertain whether the Use or Disclosure is authorized under this Agreement.

B. Implement appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards and controls to protect PHI and document applicable policies and procedures to prevent any Use or Disclosure of PHI other than as provided by this Agreement.

C. Provide satisfactory assurances that PHI created or received by Business Associate under this Agreement is protected to the greatest extent feasible.

D. Notify Covered Entity within twenty-four (24) hours of Business Associate’s discovery of any potential access, acquisition, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of either secured or unsecured PHI in violation of this Agreement, including any Breach of PHI.

(1) Any incident as described above will be treated as discovered as of the first day on which such event is known to Business Associate or, by exercising reasonable diligence, would have been known to Business Associate.

(2) Notification shall be sent to and and to the VHA Health Information Access Office, Business Associate Program Manager by email at VHABAAIssues@va.gov.

(3) Business Associate shall not notify individuals or the Department of Health and Human Services directly unless Business Associate is not acting as an agent of Covered Entity but in its capacity as a Covered Entity itself.

E. Provide a written report to Covered Entity of any potential access, acquisition, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of either secured or unsecured PHI in violation of this Agreement, including any Breach of PHI, within ten (10) business days of the initial notification.

(1) The written report of an incident as described above will document the following:

(a) The identity of each Individual whose PHI has been, or is reasonably believed by Business Associate to have been, accessed, acquired, used, disclosed, modified, or destroyed;

(b) A description of what occurred, including the date of the incident and the date of the discovery of the incident (if known);

(c) A description of the types of secured or unsecured PHI that was involved;

(d) A description of what is being done to investigate the incident, to mitigate further harm to Individuals, and to protect against future incidents; and

(e) Any other information as required by 45 C.F.R. §§ 164.404(c) and 164.410.

(2) The written report shall be addressed to:

and submitted by email to and to the VHA Health Information Access Office, Business Associate Program Manager at VHABAAIssues@va.gov F. To the greatest extent feasible, mitigate any harm due to a Use or Disclosure of PHI by Business Associate in violation of this Agreement that is known or, by exercising reasonable diligence, should have been known to Business Associate.

G. Use only contractors and Subcontractors that are physically located within a jurisdiction subject to the laws of the United States, and ensure that no contractor or Subcontractor maintains, processes, uses, or discloses PHI in any way that will remove the information from such jurisdiction. Any modification to this provision must be approved by Covered Entity in advance and in writing.

H. Enter into Business Associate Agreements with contractors and Subcontractors as appropriate under the HIPAA Rules and this Agreement. Business Associate:

(1) Must ensure that the terms of any Agreement between Business Associate and a contractor or Subcontractor are at least as restrictive as Business Associate Agreement between Business Associate and Covered Entity.

(2) Must ensure that contractors and Subcontractors agree to the same restrictions and conditions that apply to Business Associate and obtain satisfactory written assurances from them that they agree to those restrictions and conditions.

(3) May not amend any terms of such Agreement without Covered Entity’s prior written approval.

I. Within five (5) business days of a written request from Covered Entity:

(1) Make available information for Covered Entity to respond to an Individual’s request for access to PHI about him/her.

(2) Make available information for Covered Entity to respond to an Individual’s request for amendment of PHI about him/her and, as determined by and under the direction of Covered Entity, incorporate any amendment to the PHI.

(3) Make available PHI for Covered Entity to respond to an Individual’s request for an accounting of Disclosures of PHI about him/her.

J. Business Associate may not take any action concerning an individual’s request for access, amendment, or accounting other than as instructed by Covered Entity.

K. To the extent Business Associate is required to carry out Covered Entity's obligations under Subpart E of 45 CFR Part 164, comply with the provisions that apply to Covered Entity in the performance of such obligations.

L. Provide to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to Covered Entity records related to Use or Disclosure of PHI, including its policies, procedures, and practices, for the purpose of determining Covered Entity’s, Business Associate’s, or a Subcontractor’s compliance with the HIPAA Rules.

M. Upon completion or termination of the applicable contract(s) or agreement(s), return or destroy, as determined by and under the direction of Covered Entity, all PHI and other VA data created or received by Business Associate during the performance of the contract(s) or agreement(s). No such information will be retained by Business Associate unless retention is required by law or specifically permitted by Covered Entity. If return or destruction is not feasible, Business Associate shall continue to protect the PHI in accordance with the Agreement and use or disclose the information only for the purpose of making the return or destruction feasible, or as required by law or specifically permitted by Covered Entity. Business Associate shall provide written assurance that either all PHI has been returned or destroyed, or any information retained will be safeguarded and used and disclosed only as permitted under this paragraph.

N. Be liable to Covered Entity for civil or criminal penalties imposed on Covered Entity, in accordance with 45 C.F.R. §§ 164.402 and 164.410, and with the HITECH Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 17931(b), 17934(c), for any violation of the HIPAA Rules or this Agreement by Business Associate.

4. Obligations of Covered Entity. Covered Entity agrees that it:

A. Will not request Business Associate to make any Use or Disclosure of PHI in a manner that would not be permissible under Subpart E of 45 C.F.R. Part 164 if made by Covered Entity, except as permitted under Section 2 of this Agreement.

B. Will promptly notify Business Associate in writing of any restrictions on Covered Entity’s authority to use or disclose PHI that may limit Business Associate’s Use or Disclosure of PHI or otherwise affect its ability to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

C. Has obtained or will obtain from Individuals any authorization necessary for Business Associate to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

D. Will promptly notify Business Associate in writing of any change in Covered Entity’s Notice of Privacy Practices, or any modification or revocation of an Individual’s authorization to use or disclose PHI, if such change or revocation may limit Business Associate’s Use and Disclosure of PHI or otherwise affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

5. Amendment. Business Associate and Covered Entity will take such action as is necessary to amend this Agreement for Covered Entity to comply with the requirements of the HIPAA Rules or other applicable law.

6. Termination.

A. Automatic Termination. This Agreement will automatically terminate upon completion of Business Associate’s duties under all underlying Agreements or by termination of such underlying Agreements.

B. Termination Upon Review. This Agreement may be terminated by Covered Entity, at its discretion, upon review as provided by Section 9 of this Agreement.

C. Termination for Cause. In the event of a material breach by Business Associate, Covered Entity:

(1) Will provide an opportunity for Business Associate to cure the breach or end the violation within the time specified by Covered Entity;

(2) May terminate this Agreement and underlying contract(s) if Business Associate does not cure the breach or end the violation within the time specified by Covered Entity.

D. Effect of Termination. Termination of this Agreement will result in cessation of activities by Business Associate involving PHI under this Agreement.

E. Survival. The obligations of Business Associate under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement as long as Business Associate creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI, regardless of whether a compliant Business Associate Agreement is in place.

7. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement confers any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities whatsoever upon any person or entity other than Covered Entity and Business Associate, including their respective successors or assigns.

8. Other Applicable Law. This Agreement does not abrogate any responsibilities of the parties under any other applicable law.

9. Review Date. The provisions of this Agreement will be reviewed by Covered Entity every two years from Effective Date to determine the applicability and accuracy of the Agreement based on the circumstances that exist at the time of review.

10. Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective on the last signature date below.

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration

By:

By:

Name:

Name:

Title:

Title:

Date:

Date:

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 (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the quotation is not submitted on the SF 1449, 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.

(c) Reserved.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotations. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during testing.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) 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.

(h) Multiple purchase orders. The Government may issue a purchase order for any item or group of items of a quotation, unless the quoter qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, quotations may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to issue a purchase order for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the quoter specifies otherwise in the quotation.

(i) 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) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

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

(j) 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.

(j) System for Award Management (SAM). Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of a quotation, the quoter acknowledges the requirement that a prospective contractor shall be registered in the SAM database prior to purchase order issuance, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the quoter does not become registered in the SAM database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to issue the purchase order to the next otherwise successful registered quoter. Quoters may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(k) 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.

(End of Provision)

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:

Submittal of Quote: Offerors shall submit quote by email to Donald.st.onge@va.gov and Ashley.johnson6@va.gov by the solicitation due date. Please limit graphics or excessive large files during quote submission.

As part of their quote, offerors shall submit the following information:

1. Price: *pricing information should not be included in any technical submissions!

1. Complete SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

1. Fill in SF 1449 blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c on Page 1.

1. Fill in 1(a) on Page 3.

1. Provide the documentation below via email to Donald.st.onge@va.gov and Ashley.johnson6@va.gov *VA has a maximum allowable incoming email size limitation including attachments of seven megabytes. Offerors submitting responses via email which exceed seven megabytes shall split their response into multiple email messages so as to not exceed the maximum allowable email size limitation. The VA is not responsible for late responses due to undelivered e-mails that exceed seven megabytes.

1. Technical Capability: Offerors shall demonstrate that they have the capability and trained staff to perform this requirement. Offerors shall confirm whether they have access to and experience using Nuance encoder software. Offerors shall provide a plan detailing how they will meet the required turn-around times.

1. Experience: Offerors shall provide a list of recent and/or current contracts showing that they meet the minimum experience required as detailed in the SOW for this requirement. Offerors shall provide evidence to demonstrate their ability to meet/exceed the 95% accuracy rate. Offers shall confirm whether they have provided medical coding services for the VA in the past, and provide supporting details (i.e. contract number, period of performance, VA facility supported).

1. Past Performance: Offerors shall provide past performance evaluations for recent and relevant contracts where these same services were provided.

1. Veteran Owned Small Business Status: This requirement is set-aside for SDVOSBs only.

NOTE: SDVOSB joint ventures are eligible for consideration so long as the requirements of VAAR 819.7003(c) are met and are reminded to submit their socioeconomic status as provided in FAR 52.212-3(c) and FAR 52.219-1(c), in accordance with the authority of FAR 52.204-8(d) and FAR 52.212-3(b).

NOTE: Offerors who fail to submit required information and documentation will not be eligible for award.

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

578-24-1-5075-0001 36C25223Q0878 St.Onge,Don 414-844-4819 12-08-2023

10:00AM

CST

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago

IL

60064 X X 541511 $34 Million N/A X 36C578 Department of Veterans Affairs Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital 5000 S. 5th Ave Hines

IL

60141-1457 36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago

IL

60064

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin

TX

78714-9971 877-353-9791 512-460-5540 See CONTINUATION Page Contractor to provide Medical Coding services for the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in accordance with the Statement of Work.

See CONTINUATION Page X X Ashley Johnson Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA (continuation from Standard Form 1449)

OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL INFORMATION DESIGNATED HEREIN PRIOR TO THE TIME SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 8 OF SF 1449 IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

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

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract…