36C25624Q1317 0002.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi

MS

39531 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi

MS

39531 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25624Q1317 10-09-2024

X X X

X This amendment is being issued to provide the answer to question twenty (20).

No further extension as indicated by block 11. Offers are due October 21st, 2024, at noon central time.

Melanie Hawley Contracting Officer

VA VHA 2020 AC3434AE75

Vendor Questions and Responses to 36C25624Q1317 Amendment 0002 Question 20. We also request the removal of the COVID requirement from your Evaluation Criteria Subfactor 2.1.1 Technical 1a – which currently states: Provide COVID 19 documentation for Histotechnician IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6 and Offeror shall provide COVID 19 documentation for MT/CLSs IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6, compliant with current VA standards for COVID.

· Page 15, PWS 2.1.6.5 States: COVID - Per FAR 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all guidance, including guidance conveyed through Frequently Asked Questions, as amended during the performance of this contract, for contractor workplace locations published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force Guidance) at https:/www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contract.

· See attached Far deviation Memorandum from the VA OAL dated May 19, 2023, which rescinds the supplemental Covid requirement, stating: Clause 52.223-99, Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, shall no longer be included or enforced in any solicitation or contract per “Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers” E.O., any agency policies that have been adopted to implement E.O. 14042 can no longer be enforced and must be rescinded. Please also see attached VA Notice 24-11 dated April 17, 2024 “Recission of VA Notice 20-11states that the VA Notice 22-01, Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program for VA Employees, dated October 4, 2021, is rescinded. (attached).

· The Recission Notice it states “VHA Directive 1193.01(1), Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Program for Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel, dated January 27, 2022, operates independently of VA Notice 22-01 and remains in effect.” (Attached please also find 1193.01). In the VHA Directive 1193.01 that is still in effect, it clearly outlines the ability for Employees and Contractors to decline participation in the COVID vaccination program by providing the attached VA Form 10230 Covid 19 Vaccination Form.

Response: The Contractor shall comply with all guidance published in VHA Directive 1193.01 which states that all health care personnel are required to participate in the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program. Contractors’ personnel may request an accommodation for medical, religious, or pregnancy related reasons which should be submitted on VA Form 10230C.

End of Document Amendment 2