36C25624Q0114_1_RFQ.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

*= Required Field Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

SUBJECT* RFQ: Reagents Kits for VIDAS 3 Analyzer

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTING OFFICE’S ZIP CODE* 77056-5643

SOLICITATION NUMBER* 36C25624Q0114

PUBLISHED DATE/TIME/ZONE 12-06-2023 1:30pm CENTRAL TIME, CHICAGO, USA RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE 12-12-2023 4:00pm CENTRAL TIME, CHICAGO, USA

ARCHIVE 14 DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS None SET-ASIDE None PRODUCT SERVICE CODE* 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies NAICS CODE* 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument

Manufacturing CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 16 Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750 Houston TX 77056-5643

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Shasta Britt shasta.britt@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS Department of Veterans Affairs Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

(MEDVAMC)

2002 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston Texas

POSTAL CODE 77030-4211

COUNTRY USA

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL https://www.va.gov URL DESCRIPTION Department of Veterans Affairs AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS shasta.britt@va.gov EMAIL DESCRIPTION 36C25624Q0114 - RFQ Response mailto:shasta.britt@va.gov https://www.va.gov/ mailto:shasta.britt@va.gov

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and

Solicitation for Commercial Items,” in conjunction with FAR Part 13.5 for Certain Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a quote is being requested, and a written solicitation document will be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2023-06 (eff.

11/06/2023), VAAR Update 2008-37 (eff. 07/28/2023), and Acquisition Policy Flash 23-15 (eff.

07/28/2023).

Contractor is required to be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Vendor quote may be considered non-compliant and rejected if the Contracting Officer is unable to verify registration and certification status.

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) at 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030 is seeking to purchase VIDAS 3 Analyzer System Reagents and Consumables for manufacturer item numbers: 421172-01 VIDAS Nephrocheck and 30450-01 Procalcitionin IgG in accordance with (IAW) FAR

13.5 and is open to all concerns capable of providing the exact manufacturer item numbers: 421172-01 and 30450-01.

See attached document: 36C25624Q0114_1_RFQ.

36C25624Q0114

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES COMBINED SYNOPSIS

SOLICITATION

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION [Completed by Quoter]

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.4 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.5 VAAR 852.212-71 GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS (FEB 2023)

C.6 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.7 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (OCT 2019)

C.8 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.9 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.10 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

1998)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) [Completed by

Quoter]

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.5 VAAR 852.215-72 NOTICE OF INTENT TO RE-SOLICIT (OCT 2019)

E.6 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.7 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.9 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) [Completed by Quoter]

SECTION B - CONTINUATION CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

COMBINED SYNOPSIS SOLICITATION

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

[Completed by Quoter]

a. CONTRACTOR: Company Name:

ATTN/POC Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

UEI:

Tax ID:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750 Houston TX 77056-5643

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

a. 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award

Management through TUNGSTEN

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Other: Upon receipt and acceptance by the Government

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

5. Offeror shall complete the following located in Sections B thru E of this solicitation to be deemed eligible:

a. Section B- Contract administration data, contractor contact information.

b. Section B- Price/cost schedule, unit price, amount, and grand total

c. Section E- 52.204-24 Representation regarding certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment

d. Section E- 52.212-3 Offeror representations and certifications

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

(End of B.1 Admin Data)

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

a) SCOPE: Contractor is required to furnish all reagents for Biomerieux VIDAS 3 Analyzer System for the Microbiology Department at the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030. The Microbiology Department at the MEDVAMC owns Biomerieux VIDAS 3 Analyzer System. The contract is needed for five (5) each ordering year periods (5ea – 12-month periods) for a Biomerieux VIDAS 3 Analyzer System. The Contractor is providing reagents off a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) performed daily at the facility.

b) BACKGROUND: The Microbiology Department at the MEDVAMC owns the Biomerieux VIDAS 3 Analyzer System to provide Procalcitonin (PCT) and Nephrocheck results as an aid in the risk assessment of critically ill patients for the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. Additionally, the PCT and Nephrocheck result aids in decision making on antibiotic therapy and identify kidney stress before damage occurs for patients with suspected or confirmed lower respiratory tract infections and acute kidney injury in an inpatient setting and/or in the emergency department. It aids in the decision making on antibiotic discontinuation for patients with suspected or confirmed sepsis and it has been proven that PCT levels can increase quickly, specifically in patients with a serious bacterial infection.

Nephrocheck aids in the risk assessment of acute kidney injury and allow physicians to make confident patient management decisions. PCT and Nephrocheck is therefore an important marker enabling differentiation between bacterial infection and other causes of inflammatory reactions.

c) PERIOD OF ORDERING:

i. Ordering Period Year 1: 12 months (from date of award)

ii. Ordering Period Year 2: 12 months

iii. Ordering Period Year 3: 12 months

iv. Ordering Period Year 4: 12 months

v. Ordering Period Year 5: 12 months

d) DELIVERABLES: The Contractor shall deliver reagents, shipping cost included, orders will be placed on an as needed basis by authorized personnel. Contractor will assure that all supplies provided/ordered for use on their Biomerieux VIDAS 3 Analyzer System will have the longest shelf life available at the time of order:

Table: (d)1

Product Part #

VIDAS NEPHROCHECK® - Open Market 421172-01

VIDAS B·R·A·H·M·S PCT™ (Procalcitonin) 30450-01

e) PAYMENT: Contractor shall submit invoices monthly in arrears covering the services performed under this contract to the VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System (IPPS) – The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods IAW VAAR 852.232-72. Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below:

i. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

ii. The Contractor shall provide an itemized invoice to the required VA invoicing address or submission online through the appropriate website within 30 days of the end of each month services were provided. The invoices shall contain the following information at a minimum: Contract Number, Purchase Order (PO) Number, Quantity, and Price.

(End of B.2 SOW) http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION [Completed by Quoter]

ITEM

DESCRIPTION

OF SUPPLIES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

20.00 ea _____________ _____________ VIDAS 3 Analyzer System 421172-01 VIDAS Nephrocheck.

Contract Ordering Year One (1):

POP Begin: 12-15-2023 POP End: 12-14-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 421172-01

NATIONAL STOCK NUMBER: N/A

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: N/A

19.00 ea _____________ _____________ VIDAS 3 Analyzer System 30450-01 Procalcitionin IgG.

Contract Ordering Year One (1):

POP Begin: 12-15-2023 POP End: 12-14-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 30450-01

ORDERING YEAR ONE (1) TOTAL:

ea _____________ _____________ VIDAS 3 Analyzer System 421172-01 VIDAS Nephrocheck

Contract Ordering Year Two (2):

POP Begin: 12-15-2024 POP End: 12-14-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 421172-01

19.00 ea ______________ _____________

Contract Ordering Year Two (2):

POP Begin: 12-15-2024 POP End: 12-14-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 30450-01

ORDERING YEAR TWO (2) TOTAL:

Contract Ordering Year Three (3):

POP Begin: 12-15-2025 POP End: 12-14-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 421172-01

VIDAS 3 Analyzer System 30450-01 Procalcitionin IgG.

Contract Ordering Year Three (3):

POP Begin: 12-15-2025 POP End: 12-14-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 30450-01

ORDERING YEAR THREE (3) TOTAL:

20.00 ea _____________ ____________

Contract Ordering Year Four (4):

POP Begin: 12-15-2026 POP End: 12-14-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 421172-01

Contract Ordering Year Four (4):

POP Begin: 12-15-2026 POP End: 12-14-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 30450-01

ORDERING YEAR FOUR (4) TOTAL:

Contract Ordering Year Five (5):

POP Begin: 12-15-2027 POP End: 12-14-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 421172-01

Contract Ordering Year Five (5):

POP Begin: 12-15-2027 POP End: 12-14-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 30450-01

ORDERING YEAR FIVE (5) TOTAL:

GRAND TOTAL _____________

(End of B.3 Price)

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM # SHIPPING INFORMATION QUANTITY DELIVERY DATE

0001 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 20.00 TBD

0002 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 19.00 TBD

1001 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 20.00 TBD

1002 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 19.00 TBD

2001 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 20.00 TBD

2002 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 19.00 TBD

3001 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 20.00 TBD

3002 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 19.00 TBD

4001 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 20.00 TBD

4002 C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 19.00 TBD

(End of B.4 Schedule)

[End of Section B]

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Clauses 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 following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses 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. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST JUN 2020

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

DEC 2022

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES

SEP 2023

52.217-6 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY MAR 1989

52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY—SEPARATELY

PRICED LINE ITEM

MAR 1989

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

MAR 2023

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from award date on SF1449 block 31 through five (5) years later from award date on SF1449 block 31.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when—

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the

Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor’s fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either—

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor’s email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of Clause)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $1,025.40, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $125,000.00;

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $125,000.00; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 15 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection

52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within 30 days after issuance, with written notice stating the

Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of Clause)

C.4 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)

C.5 VAAR 852.212-71 GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS (FEB

2023)

(a) No used, refurbished, or remanufactured supplies or equipment/parts shall be provided.

This procurement is for new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items only. No gray market items shall be provided. Gray market items are OEM goods intentionally or unintentionally sold outside an authorized sales territory or sold by non-authorized dealers in an authorized sales territory.

(b) No counterfeit supplies or equipment/ parts shall be provided. Counterfeit items include unlawful or unauthorized reproductions, substitutions, or alterations that have been mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic, unmodified item from the original manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitutions include used items represented as new, or the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or performance characteristics.

(c) Vendor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor, or authorized reseller for the proposed equipment/system, verified by an authorization letter or other documents from the

OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the equipment/system shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions.

(End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

(a) In an effort to achieve socioeconomic small business goals, VA shall evaluate offerors based on their service-disabled veteran-owned or veteran-owned small business certification status and their proposed use of eligible certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as subcontractors.

(b) Eligible and certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit for the certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status evaluation factor. To receive credit, an offeror must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the

SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

(see 13 CFR 128) and be otherwise eligible in accordance with SBA size standards for the acquisition and limitations on subcontracting requirements set forth in SBA regulations (see 13

CFR 121, 125 and 128.).

(c) Non-Veteran offerors proposing to use certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. Offerors must state in their proposals the names of the certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database.

(d) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause)

C.7 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (OCT 2019)

(a) The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) or veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-

Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more SDVOSBs or VOSBs for subcontract work of the same or similar value.

(b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause)

C.8 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT

REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a

Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National

Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting

Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office.

Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

(3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies;

(4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or

(5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above.

C.9 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT

2020)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer

(ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract.

Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.10 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

(a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to Contractor’s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor’s address at the Contractor’s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor.

(b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products.

(End of Clause)

C.11 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Building 100 2002 Holcombe BLVD Houston TX 77030-4298

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

[End of Section C]

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR

ATTACHMENTS

Intentionally Left Blank

[End of Section D]

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

E.1 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):

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

AUG 2020

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SEP 2023

52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE

AND REPRESENTATION

JUN 2020

(End of Provision)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) [Completed by Quoter]

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the

Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument’’ in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at

52.204–26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212–3, Offeror Representations and Certifications–

Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services’’ in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204–26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212–3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for

Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization

Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after

August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal

Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract.

Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award

Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that— https://www.sam.gov/

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] 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. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds “will’’ in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does’’ in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the

Offeror has responded “will’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the

Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph

(b)(2) of this provision.

(End of Provision)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT

2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

"Administrative proceeding" means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission

Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed

Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

"Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000" means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

"Principal" means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager;

head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror [ ] has [ ] does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in—

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in

(c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for

Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of Provision)

E.4 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:

Electronic Address:

Steven Berkeley steven.berkeley@va.gov

Hand-Carried Address:

mailto:steven.berkeley@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition & Materiel Management Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750 Houston TX 77056-5643

Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition & Materiel Management Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750 Houston TX 77056-5643

(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)

E.5 VAAR 852.215-72 NOTICE OF INTENT TO RE-SOLICIT (OCT 2019)

This solicitation provides offerors fewer than 30 days to submit proposals. In the event that only one offer is received in response to this solicitation, the Contracting Officer may cancel the solicitation and resolicit for an additional period of at least 30 days in accordance with 815.370–

2.

(End of Provision)

E.6 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 whom the protest is served;

(6) State the form of relief requested; and

(7) Provide all information establishing the timeliness of the protest.

(b) Failure to comply with the above may result in dismissal of the protest without further consideration.

(c) Bidders/offerors and Contracting Officers are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(End of Provision)

E.7 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)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

(i) The Government will award a contract resulting from this on the basis of the Lowest

Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) responsible vendor whose quote, conforming to the solicitation, meets or exceeds the acceptable standards for non-cost factors. Each response shall meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotations. The evaluation will consider the following:

1. All quoters must have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov),

2. Meet all specifications outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) to be considered responsive and acceptable.

a. Acceptability: A quote is acceptable when the quote clearly shows evidence of the quoter’s compliance, without exception, to meet the minimum requirements set forth herein solicitation. Contractor shall provide exact items as specified in the SOW and/or Line Items. To include Delivery Lead Time – a quote depicting a firm delivery lead time or number of days ARO that is the most advantageous to the Government. If delivery lead time or number of days ARO is not provided or deemed unreasonable, you may be ineligible for award.

b. Since this solicitation is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), the evaluation board will begin by reviewing the lowest priced quote. If the board determines that this quote is technically acceptable, no other quotes will be reviewed. This quote will have been deemed technically acceptable mailto:EDProtests@va.gov with the lowest price, subsequently, for this reason the award will be made IAW FAR 13.106-2 (b)(1).

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the

Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

E.9 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

[Completed by Quoter]

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management

(SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause

52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR 127, and the concern is identified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-

9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204–25, Prohibition on

Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

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 pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under…