36C25226B0036_1 (2).docx

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

e

36C25226B0036 X

08/25/2026

TBD

556-26-6900-005

556-26-102

Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101

Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101

Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 Melanie Dewing

(406) 373-3317 Project 556-25-102, Greenhouse Homes Steam Service at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC), North Chicago, IL 60064-3048.

Contractor shall provide all tools, materials, labor, quality assurance, and supervision for renovations resulting in a complete, compliant, and fully-functional project as described throughout the contract documents including the drawings and specifications.

NAICS: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning - Small Business Size Standard of $19 M

Project Magnitude: Between $5000,000 and $1,000,000.

This procurement is a 100% set-aside for CVE verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Firms (SDVOSB) per the authority 38 U.S.C. 8127 (Public Law 109-461). In accordance with VAAR 819.7003(b), at the time of submission of bid, and prior to award of any contract, the bidder must represent to the CO that it is: (1) an SDVOSB eligible under VAAR Subpart 819-70; (2) a Small Business concern under the NAICS assigned to this acquisition; and (3) certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128).

See FAR 52.236-27 for site visit details. An organized site visit is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 09:00 a.m.

meeting in Building 3 (Map Attached) at Captain James A. Lovell FHCC.

Ensure you complete the certification for VAAR 852.219-75; failure to complete will result in your bid being non-responsive and not eligible for evaluation and award.

Submit all questions regarding the solicitation, specifications, and/or drawings in writing to the Primary POC:

Contract Specialist, Melanie.Dewing@va.gov, Secondary POC: Contracting Officer, Ryan.Mcmillin@va.gov NLT 10:30 a.m. CT September 11, 2026. Questions received after the deadline may not be addressed. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED NOTICE: VA and/or a third party (support contractor) will require access to VA contractor records to assess contract compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirements included in VAAR 852.219-75 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING

If submitting as a joint-venture, offerors must include a copy of the joint-venture agreement.

All offerors are responsible for monitoring and downloading all amendments from Contract Opportunities at the following website: https://sam.gov/content/opportunities.

None 09:00

CDT

09-23-2026

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29. AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or print) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 Great Lakes Acquisition Center - HC 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

Ryan J. McMillin

BID SCHEDULE

VA Construction Project Number: 556-25-102 Green House Homes Steam Utility Price Range: $500,000 to $1,000,000 0001 – All-Inclusive Base Bid: Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision in accordance with construction documents, drawings, and specifications to complete Project 556-25-102, “Green House Homes Steam,” at the Captain James A. Lovell FHCC, North Chicago, IL.

All work, starting with preconstruction phase through construction, ending in post-substantial completion is to be accomplished within Two Hundred Eighty (280) calendar days after receipt of the notice to proceed.

CLIN 0001 – All-Inclusive Base Bid: $_________________

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: Award will be made to the responsible bidder who submitted the lowest responsive bid.

A single award will be made on Base Bid.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The contractor will be working in a very active and often-congested operating hospital. The contractor will be sharing roadways with patients, visitors, staff, vendors, delivery vehicles and other contractors during the normal workday. Significant amounts of or large materials should be delivered off normal working hours or on weekends to mitigate congestion and interference.

The contractor will be required to keep all other non-impacted roads, walks and entrances to grounds, parking, and to occupied areas of buildings clear of construction materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles. Submittals regarding staging of equipment, storage of supplies, etc. are required. Off-hours and/or weekend deliveries of construction equipment or materials may be required.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: An approved cost-loaded, Critical Path Method (CPM) construction schedule is required prior to commencement of construction. See specifications for details. CPM schedule shall be approved by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative. See specifications for details.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: This BID SCHEDULE is in addition to and augments the specifications and drawings. BIDDERS MUST BID ON ALL BID ITEMS. ONLY ONE AWARD WILL BE MADE AS A RESULT OF THIS SOLICITATION.

COMPLIANCE WITH VHA DIRECTIVE 1192.01

VHA Directive 1192.01 issued August 10, 2020, requires all contractor personnel to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccinations or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Compliance with this directive is a requirement of this contract. A copy of VHA Directive 1192.01 is available at this link:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi0t7CAj_DrAhXDgnIEHbVSCwgQFjAAegQIBRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fvhapublications%2FViewPublication.asp%3Fpub_ID%3D8948&usg=AOvVaw1Rwijbc9Z5WL5ilsgWoagN

Contracting Officer’s Special Instructions as follows:

After compiling all required information, submit the information in accordance with Block 13 of the SF 1442 (page 1 of this solicitation). Return the original and specified number of copies to the issuing office listed in Block 8 of the SF 1442 (page 1 of this solicitation).

INQUIRIES:

Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to Inspect the Site where the work will be performed.

· An organized Site Visit scheduled: Tuesday 1, September 2026, at 9:00 AM (CST)

· Participants will meet at Bldg. 3, Room 115 (Map Attached) 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064.

Written Requests for Information (RFI) or clarifications to solicitation documents are requested to be submitted to the Contract Specialist at Melanie.Dewing@va.gov AND Contracting Officer at Ryan.McMillin@va.gov no later than 10:30am local time Friday, September 11, 2026. Requests received after this deadline may not be addressed. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

NOTE: Inquiries and all correspondence concerning this solicitation document should be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. YOU ARE INSTRUCTED SPECIFICALLY TO CONTACT ONLY THE CONTRACT SPECIALIST AND CONTRACTING OFFICER ISSUING THE SOLICITATION ABOUT ANY ASPECT OF THIS REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD.

VIRTUAL BID OPENING INFORMATION:

1) There will be no in-person public bid opening process. This will be conducted as a public virtual activity.

2) The virtual bid opening will be available to the public via Microsoft Teams at the following link and/or phone number:

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/258515355460837?p=vjilAtUefsL1MUG0jT

a) (Meeting will be available to be accessed 15 min prior to bid opening)

b) Meeting ID: 258 515 355 460 837

c) Passcode: sPJq2vB

d) Dial-in by phone: +1 205-235-3524 ; Phone conference ID: 516 309 808#

3) IAW FAR 52.214-5 Submission of Bids and FAR 14.202-8 Electronic Bids; Bids shall be provided via email to the Contracting Specialist at Melanie.Dewing@va.gov AND Ryan.McMillin@va.gov as follows:

BIDS DUE: Vendor bids are due via email as shown above at 1500 PM local time on 09/23/2026

The virtual public bid opening will be held at 0800 AM local time on 09/24/2026 at the link and/or the phone # provided above.

A hard copy submission is not required. Any bids received after the date and time specified for receipt of bids will be processed in accordance with FAR 52.214-7 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids (Nov 1999).

It is highly recommended that Bidders submit their bid at least one hour prior to bid opening to avoid any transmission issues.

4) Ensure your complete bid including bid bond are provided in your submission. The successful low bidder is required to furnish their original bid bond within ten (10) days after notification by the Contracting Officer.

5) Ensure your bid includes the completed VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION). See Solicitation Attachment.

“VAAR 852.219-73 was included in this solicitation and references the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/. However, the website portal at the foregoing link is now static and is no longer being updated as of August 2024. To be eligible for award, a vendor must be listed as SDVOSB certified in the SBA’s Small Business Search (formerly Dynamic Small Business Search) website: https://search.certifications.sba.gov/

CONTRACTOR'S SIGNATURE:

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 4, contractual documents (e.g. bids, proposals, awards, modifications, etc.) shall be completed and signed by the Contractor as follows:

(a) Individuals. A contract with an individual shall be signed by that individual. A contract with an individual doing business as a firm shall be signed by that individual, and the signature shall be followed by the individual’s typed, stamped, or printed name and the words “, an individual doing business as _________” [insert name of firm].

(b) Partnerships. A contract with a partnership shall be signed in the partnership name. Before signing for the Government, the contracting officer shall obtain a list of all partners and ensure that the individual(s) signing for the partnership have authority to bind the partnership.

(c) Corporations. A contract with a corporation shall be signed in the corporate name, followed by the word “by” and the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. The contracting officer shall ensure that the person signing for the corporation has authority to bind the corporation.

(d) Joint venturers. A contract with joint venturers may involve any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. The contract shall be signed by each participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section for each type of participant. When a corporation is participating, the contracting officer shall verify that the corporation is authorized to participate in the joint venture.

(e) Agents. When an agent is to sign the contract, other than as stated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, the agent’s authorization to bind the principal must be established by evidence satisfactory to the contracting officer.

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION:

Name of Company: _____________________________

TAX ID Number: ___________________

SAM UEI Number: _________________________________________________________________________

DUNS NUMBER: ________________________________________________________

Past Performance Point of Contact (within your company), include name and email address:

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

(a) This solicitation & all associated bid documents are available to interested parties in electronic file format from www.sam.gov. No hard copy documents will be provided by the government.

(b) A bid guarantee is required in an amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $3,000,000. Failure to furnish the required bid guarantee on form SF24, in the proper amount, by the time set for opening of bids, will result in rejection of the bid in all cases except those listed in FAR 28.101-4, and may be cause for rejection even then.

(c) The bidder to whom a contract is awarded will be required to furnish a Payment Bond, on form SF25A, and a Performance Bond, on form SF25. Each bond shall be issued for a penal sum equal to the value of the awarded contract. Copies of forms SF25 and SF25A may be obtained from the Contracting Officer upon request.

(d) Bidders are to ensure the most current version of SF24, SF25, and SF25A bond forms are used. Current versions of these forms can be found and downloaded from the GSA Forms Library (https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP).

Safety or Environmental Violations and Experience Modification Rate All Bidders/Offerors shall submit information pertaining to their past Safety and Environmental record. The information must contain a certification that the bidder/offeror has no more than three (3) serious, or one (1) repeat or one (1) willful OSHA or any EPA violation(s) in the past three years. If such certification cannot be made, a Bidder/Offeror shall explain why and submit as much information as possible regarding the circumstances of its past safety and environmental record, including the number of EPA violations and/or the number of serious, repeat, and/or willful OSHA violations, along with a detailed description of those violations.

All Bidders/Offerors shall submit information regarding their current Experience Modification Rate (EMR). This information shall be obtained from the Bidder’s/Offeror’s insurance carrier and be furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead. If a Bidder/Offeror’s EMR is above 1.0, Bidder/Offeror must submit a written explanation of the EMR from its insurance carrier furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead, describing the reasons for the EMR, and the anticipated date the EMR may be reduced to 1.0 or below.

Self insured contractors or other contractors that cannot provide their EMR rating on insurance letterhead must obtain a rating from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI) by completing/submitting form ERM-6 and providing the rating on letterhead from NCCI. Note: Self insured contractors or other contractors that cannot provide EMR rating on insurance letterhead from the states or territories of CA, DE, MI, NJ, ND, OH, PA, WA, WY, and PR shall obtain their EMR rating from their state run worker’s compensation insurance rating bureau.

If the NCCI cannot issue an EMR because the Bidder/Offeror lacks insurance history, Bidder/Offeror shall submit a letter indicating so from its insurance carrier furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead, and include a letter from the NCCI indicating that is has assigned Bidder/Offeror a Unity Rating of 1.0.

The above information, along with other information obtained from Government systems, such as the OSHA and EPA online inspection history databases, will be used to make an initial Determination of Responsibility.

This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers, and prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors.

Pre-Award Contractor Safety and Environmental Record Evaluation Form Company Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________ Fax: ________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________ Contact: ______________________________________________________

1. Utilizing your OSHA 300 Forms, please complete the following information:

Number of man hours (jobsite and office).

Number of cases involving days away from work, restricted activity, or both (Column H and I of OSHA 300).

Days away, restricted, or transferred rate (# of days away, restricted, or transferred cases x 200,000/# of man hours) (DART Rate).

Number of serious, willful, or repeat violations from OSHA within the last 3 years. Please attach explanation for any violations.

Please attach copies of the following documents: OSHA 300 and 300a Forms. These forms can be accessed through the OSHA publications search page: http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.html.

4. Company’s Insurance Experience Modification Rate (EMR): ______________________

CONSTRUCTION STATEMENT OF WORK

3001 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 Part 1: Project Scope of Work Overview:

Contractor shall provide all tools, materials, labor, quality assurance, and supervision for renovations resulting in a complete, compliant, and fully-functional project as described throughout the contract documents – including the drawings and specifications.

The purpose of this project is to provide steam service to Green House Homes 201 and 202. Existing gas fired hot water boilers (2 per home) and gas fired steam generators (1 per home) are to be replaced. Steam-to-Hot Water heat exchangers will replace gas fired hot water boilers and clean steam duct mounted humidifiers will replace exiting setup.

Both homes are anticipated to be occupied during work. Construction will be phased to reduce impact on residents and FHCC operations, see sheet MS100.

Removal and installation of duct mounted humidifier will be a one-day event (per home) due to AHU shutdown. All material will be required to be on site, and interior of ductwork immediately near installation will be clean and free of debris prior to AHU being returned to service.

SEASONAL RESTRICTON: Due to impact on hydronic re-heat systems, work cannot occur during winter.

Part 2: Period of Performance:

1. The following model presents the summary logic of the milestone sequence working backward from the delivery date of the longest lead time in the critical path to determine a mobilization date, and then forward from the delivery date of the longest lead time to completion of all work.

Listed milestones and phases (calendar days):

Part 3: Detailed Project Requirements:

1. Project Objectives:

A. Contractor is required to expedite planning and execution of this work, enabling the work to start and finish within the Spring through Fall period (typically May to October) in which loss of re-heat is not as critical.

2. List of AE Documents to be included in this Contract:

A. See: 00 01 10 Table of Contents and the entire Project Manual B. See: 00 01 15 List of Drawing Sheets and the entire volume of drawings

3. Pre-Bid Conference:

A. VA shall schedule pre-bid conference to be attended by prospective bidders to observe current conditions within the work area(s).

B. No questions will be answered during the event. All questions by all prospective contractors shall follow the RFI process described in the Solicitation.

C. Prospective bidders shall not attempt to contact the AE or VA facilities engineering staff during the solicitation and bidding period. The AE and VA facilities engineering staff are instructed to ignore all such inquiries and report them to the VA Contracting Officer. All inquiries regarding this project shall be presented as complete and coherent Requests for Information (RFI) specifically citing design or specification sections, pages, paragraphs, notes, details, etc. to enable responses to RFI’s. Follow the instructions provided by the Contracting Officer within the Solicitation regarding submission of RFI’s. VA will post responses developed to enable all prospective bidders to receive the same information at the same time.

4. Material Issues:

A. Cast or malleable iron fittings are prohibited for use in any system. Use forged steel.

B. Only allow use of ASTM A193 fasteners for pipe flange assembly.

5. The GC shall provide the services of at least one licensed professional engineer to pre-review and certify as compliant all submittals and subsequent systems prior to requests for VA or its AE to review for compliance. For projects requiring alteration or replacement of mechanical systems, the GC consulting engineer is required to be a licensed mechanical engineer. Similarly, for projects with significant electrical scope, retain a licensed electrical engineer. The consulting engineer may be a firm. Engaging a verified SDVOSB firm is always encouraged. The consulting engineer (or firm) cannot be the AE of-Record or part of their consulting team. Upon issuance of Notice to Proceed, GC shall immediately submit to VA for review and information the contact information and credentials of their contracted consulting engineer.

6. No on-site office shall be allowed. Provide “just-in-time” delivery and pickup. Coordinate with the COR for staging within the area of work. Storage container(s) may be allowed, space permitting and with COR approval.

Interested Parties to review all attachments Attachment List:

See attached document: S02 – 556-25-102 Greenhouse Homes Steam Drawings Part 1, Dated 26 September 25 See attached document: S02 – 556-25-102 Greenhouse Homes Steam Drawings Part 2, Dated 26 September 25 See attached document: S02 – 556-25-102 Specifications, Dated 09/26/2026 See attached document: S02 – Bldg. 3 Site Map See attached document: S02 – Wage Determinations IL20260008 Mod 02, Dated 05/18/26 See attached document: S02 – VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Service and Construction *REQUIRED TO COMPLETE*

Table of Contents

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

2.1 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.2 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY SITE OF THE WORK (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION) (a)(1) The offeror must notify the Government if the offeror intends to perform work at any secondary site of the work, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of the FAR clause at 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements, of this solicitation.

(2) If the offeror is unsure if a planned work site satisfies the criteria for a secondary site of the work, the offeror must request a determination from the Contracting Officer.

(b)(1) If the wage determination provided by the Government for work at the primary site of the work is not applicable to the secondary site of the work, the offeror must request a wage determination from the Contracting Officer.

(2) The due date for receipt of offers will not be extended as a result of an offeror's request for a wage determination for a secondary site of the work.

(End of Provision)

2.3 52.225-10 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material," "domestic construction material," and "foreign construction material," as used in this provision, are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American—Construction Materials" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-9).

(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. An offeror requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute should submit the request to the Contracting Officer in time to allow a determination before submission of offers. The offeror shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 in the request. If an offeror has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute before submitting its offer, or has not received a response to a previous request, the offeror shall include the information and supporting data in the offer.

(c) Evaluation of offers.

(1) The Government will evaluate an offer requesting exception to the requirements of the Buy American statute, based on claimed unreasonable cost of domestic construction material, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9.

(2) If evaluation results in a tie between an offeror that requested the substitution of foreign construction material based on unreasonable cost and an offeror that did not request an exception, the Contracting Officer will award to the offeror that did not request an exception based on unreasonable cost.

(d) Alternate offers.

(1) When an offer includes foreign solicitation in paragraph (b)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic construction material.

(2) If an alternate offer is submitted, the offeror shall submit a separate Standard Form 1442 for the alternate offer, and a separate price comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 for the offer that is based on the use of any foreign construction material for which the Government has not yet determined an exception applies.

(3) If the Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with paragraph (c) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic construction material. An offer based on use of the foreign construction material for which an exception was requested—

(i) Will be rejected as nonresponsive if this acquisition is conducted by sealed bidding; or

(ii) May be accepted if revised during negotiations.

(End of Provision)

2.4 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

(a) Failure to furnish a bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, may be cause for rejection of the bid.

(b) The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the form of a firm commitment, e.g., bid bond supported by good and sufficient surety or sureties acceptable to the Government, postal money order, certified check, cashier's check, irrevocable letter of credit, or, under Treasury Department regulations, certain bonds or notes of the United States. The Contracting Officer will return bid guarantees, other than bid bonds—

(1) To unsuccessful bidders as soon as practicable after the opening of bids; and

(2) To the successful bidder upon execution of contractual documents and bonds (including any necessary coinsurance or reinsurance agreements), as required by the bid as accepted.

(c) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3,000,000.00, whichever is less.

(d) If the successful bidder, upon acceptance of its bid by the Government within the period specified for acceptance, fails to execute all contractual documents or furnish executed bond(s) within 10 days after receipt of the forms by the bidder, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract for default.

(e) In the event the contract is terminated for default, the bidder is liable for any cost of acquiring the work that exceeds the amount of its bid, and the bid guarantee is available to offset the difference.

(End of Provision)

2.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Ryan McMillin ryan.mcmillin@va.gov Hand-Carried Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

2.6 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Backhaul, covered article, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, interconnection arrangements, national security system, roaming, sensitive compartmented information, sensitive compartmented information system, source, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce.

Marginalized populations of Sudan means—

(1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) (50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and

(2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted under specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

(b) Procedures.

(1) Covered telecommunications and video surveillance. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(2) FASCSA Orders.

(i) The Offeror shall search in SAM for the phrase “FASCSA order” for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (e) of FAR 52.240-91, Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

(ii) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM but are effective and apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 40.204-1(c)(2)).

(iii) FASCSA orders issued after the date of solicitation do not apply unless added by an amendment to the solicitation.

(c) Covered telecommunications equipment or services representations. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the Offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit)—

(1) It will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g); and

(2) It does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g).

(d) FASCSA Representation. By submission of this offer, the offeror represents that it has conducted a reasonable inquiry, and that the offeror does not propose to provide or use in response to this solicitation any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is prohibited by an applicable FASCSA order in effect on the date the solicitation was issued, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (g). A reasonable inquiry will look at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit.

(e) Sudan certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan.

(f) Iran Representation and Certifications.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this provision or if a waiver has been granted in accordance with FAR 40.203-3, the offeror, after conducting a reasonable inquiry (that looks at any information in the offeror’s possession but does not need to include an internal or third-party audit), by submission of its offer—

(i) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the government of Iran;

(ii) Certifies that the offeror, or any person (as defined at section 15 of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-172, 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) owned or controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products to Iran, and contributing to Iran’s ability to acquire or develop certain weapons or technologies; and

(iii) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $15,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx)

(2) Exception for trade agreements. The representation and certification requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this provision do not apply if—

(i) This solicitation includes a trade agreements notice or certification (e.g., 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate); and

(ii) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to be supplied are designated country end products or designated country construction material.

(iii) The offeror shall email questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of State at CISADA106@state.gov.

(g) Disclosure.

(1) If the Offeror is not able to represent compliance with the prohibitions in paragraphs (c) or (d), then the Offeror shall disclose within 72 hours to the contracting office identified in paragraph (g)(2) the following information for each product or service not compliant:

(i) Contract number and order number, if applicable;

(ii) Identification of whether this disclosure relates to paragraph (c) on covered telecommunication equipment or services, or to paragraph (d) on FASCSA orders;

(iii) A description of the products or services that the Contractor identifies or has reason to suspect is prohibited (include brand; model number, such as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable);

(iv) The entity that produced the product or service (include entity name, unique entity identifier, Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) code, facilities responsible for design, fabrication, assembly, packaging, and test of the product, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor (provide manufacturer codes and distributor codes used for the product));

(v) Description of the functionality of the product or service and how that functionality impacts the risk to the product or service;

(vi) An explanation of any factors relevant to determining if the product or service should be permitted by an applicable exception, exemption, or waiver (if the offeror would like the Government to consider a waiver);

(vii) Whether alternative products or services are available that would be compliant with the prohibition;

(viii) If the product or service is related to item maintenance, include the following information on the item being maintained:

(A) Brand;

(B) Model number, OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and

(C) Item description, as applicable.

(ix) Any readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.

(2) If a disclosure is required to be submitted to a contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure as follows:

(i) If a Department of Defense contracting office, the offeror shall submit the disclosure to the website at https://dibnet.dod.mil.

(ii) For all other contracting offices, the Offeror shall submit the disclosure to the Contracting Officer.

(3) If the disclosure provided does not contain any of the information required by paragraph (1), and the Offeror later discovers new information that is required by paragraph (1), then the Offeror shall submit a subsequent disclosure within 72 hours of discovering the new information.

(h) Executive agency review of disclosures. The Contracting Officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (g) to determine if any applicable waiver may be sought. The Contracting Officer may choose not to pursue a waiver and may instead make an award to an Offeror that does not require a waiver.

(End of Provision)

2.7 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Provision)

2.8 VAAR 852.228-72 ASSISTING SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES IN OBTAINING BONDS (DEC 2009) Prime contractors are encouraged to assist service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small business potential subcontractors in obtaining bonding, when required. Mentor firms are encouraged to assist protégé firms under VA's Mentor-Protégé Program in obtaining acceptable bid, payment, and performance bonds, when required, as a prime contractor under a solicitation or contract and in obtaining any required bonds under subcontracts.

(End of Clause)

2.9 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

(a) As an alternative to filing a protest with the Contracting Officer, an interested party may file a protest by mail or electronically with: Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management and Compliance Service (003A2C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or Email: EDProtests@va.gov.

(b) The protest will not be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar issue(s) pending with the Contracting Officer.

(End of Provision) PLEASE NOTE: The correct mailing information for filing alternate protests is as follows:

Or for solicitations issued by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management:

2.10 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

(a) Any protest filed by an interested party shall—

(1) Include the name, address, fax number, email and telephone number of the protester;

(2) Identify the solicitation and/or contract number;

(3) Include an original signed by the protester or the protester’s representative and at least one copy;

(4) Set forth a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including a description of resulting prejudice to the protester, and provide copies of relevant documents;

(5) Specifically request a ruling of the individual upon…