36C25626Q1306_1.docx

36C25626Q1306

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office 16 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750

Houston TX 77056-5643

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Rhonda Gibson rhonda.gibson2@va.gov 7132501919

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

510 East Stoner Ave

Shreveport LA

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

A.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.201.-1, in conjunction with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

2. The combined synopsis/solicitation number is 36C25626Q1306. It is issued as a Request for Quote. The Government anticipates awarding one firm-fixed price purchase order resulting from this solicitation.

3. Solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2026-01 (eff. 03/13/2026)

4. This requirement is recommended to compete as 100% for – Total Small Business Set- aside FAR Part 12.201. The North American Industry Classification System number is 561621 with a size standard of $25 Million.

5. Place of Performance:

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center 510 East Stoner Ave Shreveport, LA 71101-4295

6. Delivery Schedule/Installation: All services shall be performed and completed with One (1) 12-month base year with four (4) 12-month option years.

7. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Rhonda Gibson at Rhonda.gibson2@va.gov no later than 10:00A.M. Central Time on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

8. Quotes are due no later than Thursday 3 September 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Central Time and shall be submitted electronically via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Rhonda Gibson at rhonda.gibson2@va.gov

APPLICABLE Provisions and Clauses:

The provision at 52.212-1 Introduction to Offerors – Commercial, applies to this acquisition.

The provision at 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) applies to this acquisition.

All offers shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications –Commercial Items.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and a statement. The addendum to FAR 52.212-4 also applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and all additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to the acquisition.

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 Show FAR clauses followed by VAAR clauses in numeric order.

Solicitation contains a list of all clauses incorporated by reference in numeric order under 52.252-2 (see below), starting first with FAR and followed by VAAR.

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A.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.201.-1, in conjunction with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

2. The combined synopsis/solicitation number is 36C25626Q1306. It is issued as a Request for Quote. The Government anticipates awarding one firm-fixed price purchase order resulting from this solicitation.

3. Solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2026-01 (eff. 03/13/2026)

4. This requirement is recommended to compete as 100% for – Total Small Business Set- aside FAR Part 12.201. The North American Industry Classification System number is 561621 with a size standard of $25 Million.

5. Place of Performance:

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center 510 East Stoner Ave Shreveport, LA 71101-4295

6. Delivery Schedule/Installation: All services shall be performed and completed with One (1) 12-month base year with four (4) 12-month option years.

7. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Rhonda Gibson at Rhonda.gibson2@va.gov no later than 10:00A.M. Central Time on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

8. Quotes are due no later than Thursday 3 September 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Central Time and shall be submitted electronically via e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Rhonda Gibson at rhonda.gibson2@va.gov

APPLICABLE Provisions and Clauses:

The provision at 52.212-1 Introduction to Offerors – Commercial, applies to this acquisition.

The provision at 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) applies to this acquisition.

All offers shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications –Commercial Items.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and a statement. The addendum to FAR 52.212-4 also applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and all additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to the acquisition.

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 Show FAR clauses followed by VAAR clauses in numeric order.

Solicitation contains a list of all clauses incorporated by reference in numeric order under 52.252-2 (see below), starting first with FAR and followed by VAAR.

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SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF COMBINED SYNOPSIS-SOLICITATION

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C256 Peter Wren Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 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:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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.

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

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

COST FOR CAMERAS

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561621 - Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J063 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 01

MANTENANCE OPTION YEARS (BASE)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561621 - Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J063 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 02

Monthly maintenance of current access control video monitoring (CCTV), and motion sensor/alarm systems in accordance with the statement of work and all terms and conditions contained in the contract.

MANTENANCE OPTION YEARS (YEAR 1)

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561621 - Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J063 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 03

Monthly maintenance of current access control video monitoring (CCTV), and motion sensor/alarm systems in accordance with the statement of work and all terms and conditions contained in the contract.

MANTENANCE OPTION YEARS (YEAR 2)

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561621 - Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J063 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 04

Monthly maintenance of current access control video monitoring (CCTV), and motion sensor/alarm systems in accordance with the statement of work and all terms and conditions contained in the contract.

MANTENANCE OPTION YEARS (YEAR 3)

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2029 POP End: 09-30-2030

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 05

Monthly maintenance of current access control video monitoring (CCTV), and motion sensor/alarm systems in accordance with the statement of work and all terms and conditions contained in the contract.

MANTENANCE OPTION YEARS (YEAR 4)

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2030 POP End: 09-30-2031

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 06

Monthly maintenance of current access control video monitoring (CCTV), and motion sensor/alarm systems in accordance with the statement of work and all terms and conditions contained in the contract.

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

510 East Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101 4295

USA

1.00

(318) 221-8411 ext 6213 Joshua.Begley@va.gov

510 East Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101 4295

12.00

510 East Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101 4295

1.00

510 East Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101 4295

1.00

1.00

1.00

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

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STATEMENT OF WORK

Project Name: Install and Replace (Brand Name or Equal to) Hanwha NVR & Cameras-Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)

General Overview The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC) requires the installation and programming for (Brand Name or equal to) Hanwha NVR & Cameras Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for the Pharmacy system to enhance security and operational efficiency within the pharmacy.

The contract shall include all required hardware—such as high‑resolution cameras, a network video recorder, a monitor, and related accessories—fully compliant with federal security standards. The purpose of this upgrade is to strengthen the protection of medications and controlled substances, deter theft or unauthorized access, and ensure dependable monitoring of critical pharmacy areas and operations. The system enhances continuity of pharmacy services by providing comprehensive surveillance coverage, supporting incident documentation, and enabling authorized personnel to conduct remote monitoring. Manufacturer warranties and ongoing service plans are included to ensure long-term support for the security infrastructure. The service contract will cover one (1) base year and four (4) twelve (12) month option years.

Description of Services:

Contractor shall provide all parts, equipment, tools, supervision, and diagnostic equipment to perform Preventative Maintenance (PM) inspections, emergency service calls, and technical telephone support to include specific on-line technical software support for the (Brand Name or equal to) Hanwha NVR & Cameras-Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) security system at the Pharmacy Dept. Room 1E95/OBVAMC 510. E. Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71110.

Contractor shall report to a location designated by the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COR), after awarded the contract and before beginning any service calls, emergency services, etc. Upon completion of preventative maintenance (PM), inspections and/or emergency repairs, the contractor shall leave a copy of the service report with the COR, annotating what repairs, services, calibrations, etc. were performed and whether preventative maintenance was completed.

1. Definitions and Acronyms

a. Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC)

b. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

2. WORK HOURS AND SCHEDULE:

All work, services, and deliverables must be performed during the facility’s standard operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays. Before any tasks begin, the contractor must coordinate with the Government to confirm scheduling and ensure the work can be carried out as planned. Any activities that need to occur outside normal business hours require prior approval from the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Contracting Officer, or another authorized facility representative.

Emergency Services:

• For each emergency service visit, initiated at the request of the COR, the contractor shall furnish all labor, material, repair, parts, equipment (not to include operating supplies), and travel necessary to correct any equipment malfunctions and return equipment to operational conditions. The Contractor shall guarantee that after completion of any emergency maintenance performed, that the equipment will meet manufacturer’s factory specifications.

• After each service call, the Contractor shall submit a list containing each part installed to the COR.

• The Contractor shall provide the COR with any service representative’s name, address, and phone number so the CVVAMC can obtain emergency maintenance services after normal VA working hours. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the COR within 24 hours of any changes in the emergency response information.

Emergency service coverage shall be provided twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, including holidays. Any service requirement not covered under this contract must have prior approval of the CO before any work is performed. A four (4) hour response time is required. Response time is defined as time when the vendor is notified until the time the vendor arrives at the station. Telephonic responses are not acceptable.

3. Equipment List

42" Monitor and Wall Mount

Approximately 300 feet of new Cat6 cable, including required RJ45 connectors, patch cords, and related installation materials.

HDMI cable

Maintenance Option Year 1

Maintenance Option Year 2

Maintenance Option Year 3

Maintenance Option Year 4

4. Contractor Requirements

a. The vendor shall supply and install all necessary hardware and software to establish a pharmacy CCTV system, compliant with relevant federal, state, and local regulations.

b. All equipment and software must comply with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and any applicable security standards for healthcare facilities.

c. Live and recorded video must clearly display date, time, and camera location information, and footage must be accessible to authorized pharmacy and security staff.

d. System must enable scheduled testing and verification of operational status, including regular updates and maintenance.

e. Vendor shall provide written documentation including site diagrams, installation plans, software setup guides, and maintenance schedules.

f. Live and recorded video must clearly display date, time, and camera location information, and footage must be accessible to authorized pharmacy and security staff.

g. Cameras must be installed to cover all entrances, exits, drug storage locations, dispensing areas, and any automated dispensing units, providing overlapping coverage to eliminate blind spots.

h. The contractor shall test and demonstrate that all cameras, the NVR, monitor, video intercom, recording functions, date/time display, and remote or authorized-user access are fully operational upon completion of installation. Any deficiencies identified during testing shall be corrected by the contractor prior to Government acceptance.

i. The contractor shall provide basic operational training to designated pharmacy and security staff upon completion of installation. Training shall include live viewing, playback of recorded video, camera identification, and basic operation of the video intercom.

j. Existing Cat6 cabling is installed and may be used for existing camera locations. The contractor shall furnish and install all new Cat6 cabling, RJ45 connectors, patch cords, and related connectivity components required for the installation and operation of the three (3) new indoor 6MP fisheye cameras. The contractor shall also provide any additional or replacement cabling necessary to deliver a complete, fully operational pharmacy CCTV system.

k. Final camera locations shall be coordinated with the COR or designated VA representative before installation.

l. The pharmacy CCTV system shall be a standalone system and shall not connect to the VA enterprise network.

5. Applicable Documents

a. In the performance of the tasks associated with this contract, the Contractor shall comply with the following requirements.

i. N/A

6. General Requirements

a. It shall be understood that, throughout performance of the contract, the Contractor’s personnel, while on VA property, shall adhere to all requirements and regulations that govern the VA Health Care System and its property.

b. Among all other requirements, the VA Health Care System and its property is now entirely smoke-free.

7. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Records Management Language for Contracts

a. Citations to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C. Chapter 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

b. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

c. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government ‘IT’ equipment and/or Government records.

d. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act.

e. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

f. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

g. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

h. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

i. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

j. Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under or relating to this contract. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information.

8. PERSONNEL PERFORMING WORK/SERVICES - REQUIRED “CORE COMPETENCIES”:

Personnel performing work, executing services, and completing deliverables during the active performance periods of the contract shall possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully accomplish the following: Avigilon CCTV Systems. No unqualified individual shall be allowed to perform work, execute services, and to complete deliveries at any time under the final contract while active.

9. KEY PERSONNEL

During the active performance periods of the contract a Key Personnel Person shall be designated by the contractor (to be contacted by the government when needed) regarding performance of work, execution of services, and completion of Deliverables as contained within this Statement of Work and covered by the final contract. This KeyPersonnel person must have sufficient knowledge to be able to respond to technical questions by the government.

10. Period of Performance

a. Contract period of performance dates: October 01, 2026 – September 30, 2031

i. Base Period: October 01, 2026 – September 30, 2027

ii. Option Period I: October 01, 2027 – September 30, 2028

iii. Option Period II: October 01, 2028 – September 30, 2029

iv. Option Period III: October 01, 2029 – September 30, 2030

v. Option Period IV: October 01, 2030 – September 30, 2031

Working hours are performed during the facilities regular administrative working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. excluding- weekends and Federal holidays.

Exception to this will be given when deemed necessary to accommodate evening, night, and weekend staff. Contractor shall receive approval from the COR, or designee for irregular work hours testing.

VA follows all Federal holidays that are sent by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103). The Government hereby provided notice and Contractor hereby acknowledges receipt that Government personnel observe the listed days as holidays:

New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Third Monday in January President’s Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth June 14 Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed by the US government agencies.

In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

- Any other day designated by Executive Order

- Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation; and

- Any other day designated by Federal Statute

13 Performance Location and Hours Overton Brooks VA Medical Center POC: Joshua Begley Phone :318-221-8411 ext 6213 Address: 2495 Shreveport Hwy, Location of Service: Pharmacy Dept. 1E95/OBVAMC 510 Shreveport, LA 71101-4295

14. INVOICE AND PAYMENT: Offeror shall submit quotes upon completion. See VAAR Clause 852.232-72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests for invoicing procedures. Payment will be made upon receipt of a properly prepared detailed invoice, prepared by the Contractor, validated by the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR). A properly prepared invoice will contain:

a) Invoice Number and Date

b) Contractor’s Name and Address

c) Accurate Purchase Order Number

d) Supply or Service provided

e) Total Amount Due

Payments shall be made in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act out of the Government annual appropriated funds obligated in a task order which will be issued after the contract is awarded.

Note: Invoices that are not in compliance with the aforementioned requirements under this paragraph will be rejected for payments and required to be resubmitted.

11. General Requirements

1. GENERAL

This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

2. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE.

This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The Government shall receive unlimited rights to data/intellectual property first produced and delivered in the performance of this contract or order (hereinafter “contract”) unless expressly stated otherwise in this contract. This includes all rights to source code and all documentation created in support thereof. The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General. The primary clause used to define computer software license (not data/intellectual property first produced under this contractor or order) is FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License.

b. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract will be used only for the purposes specified in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD, and/or contract. The contractor shall not use VA information in any other manner without prior written approval from a VA Contracting Officer (CO). The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General.

c. VA information will not be co-mingled with any other data on the contractor’s information systems or media storage systems. The contractor shall ensure compliance with Federal and VA requirements related to data protection, data encryption, physical data segregation, logical data segregation, classification requirements and media sanitization.

d. VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled audits, assessments, or investigations of contractor Information Technology (IT) resources to ensure information security is compliant with Federal and VA requirements. The contractor shall provide all necessary access to records (including electronic and documentary materials related to the contracts and subcontracts) and support (including access to contractor and subcontractor staff associated with the contract) to VA, VA's Office Inspector General (OIG), and/or Government Accountability Office (GAO) staff during periodic control assessments, audits, or investigations.

e. The contractor may only use VA information within the terms of the contract and applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. If new Federal information security laws, regulations or VA policies become applicable after execution of the contract, the parties agree to negotiate contract modification and adjustment necessary to implement the new laws, regulations, and/or policies.

f. The contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as specifically authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies shall be destroyed in accordance with VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program and VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

g. If a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contract is terminated for default or cause with a business associate, the related local Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall also be terminated and actions taken in accordance with VHA Directive 1605.05, Business Associate Agreements. If there is an executed national BAA associated with the contract, VA will determine what actions are appropriate and notify the contactor.

h. The contractor shall store and transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools which are, at a minimum, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (or its successor) validated and in conformance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements. The contractor shall transmit VA sensitive information using VA approved Transport Layer Security (TLS) configured with FIPS based cipher suites in conformance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52, Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations.

i. The contractor’s firewall and web services security controls, as applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notification to VA CO (ii) with written approval from the VA CO. The contractor shall refer all requests for, demands for production of or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA CO for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. § 5705, Confidentiality of medical quality-assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of certain medical records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If the contractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the contractor shall immediately refer such court order or other requests to the VA CO for response.

l. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract will be protected and secured in accordance with VA Directive 6500 and Identity and Access Management (IAM) Security processes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

m. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor shall be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, VA Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules.

n. The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Directive 6500 and NIST 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization prior to termination or completion of this contract. If directed by the COR/CO, the contractor shall return all Federal Records to VA for disposition.

o. Any media, such as paper, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, solid state devices or optical discs that is used to store, process, or access VA information that cannot be destroyed shall be returned to VA.The contractor shall hold the appropriate material until otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or CO. Items shall be returned securely via VA-approved methods. VA sensitive information must be transmitted utilizing VA-approved encryption tools which are validated under FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52. If mailed, the contractor shall send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and immediately provide the COR/CO with the tracking information. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met shall be sent to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

p. All electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) used to store, process or access VA information will not be returned to the contractor at the end of lease, loan, or trade-in. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the written approval of the VA CO.

3. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

This section applies when any person requires access to information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract.

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees and subcontractors only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the solicitation or contract. This includes indirect entities, both affiliate of contractor/subcontractor and agent of contractor/subcontractor.

b. Contractors and subcontractors shall sign the VA Information Security Rule of Behavior (ROB) before access is provided to VA information and information systems (see Section 4, Training, below). The ROB contains the minimum user compliance requirements and does not supersede any policies of VA facilities or other agency components which provide higher levels of protection to VA’s information or information systems. Users who require privileged access shall complete the VA elevated privilege access request processes before privileged access is granted.

c. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information are subject to the same security investigative and clearance requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) is responsible for these policies and procedures. Contract personnel who require access to classified information or information systems shall have an appropriate security clearance. Verification of a Security Clearance shall be processed through the Special Security Officer located in HRA/OSP. Contractors shall conform to all requirements stated in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

d. All contractors and subcontractors shall comply with conditions specified in VAAR 852.204-71(d); Contractor operations required to be in United States. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information must be permanently located within a jurisdiction subject to the law of the United States or its Territories to the maximum extent feasible. If services are proposed to be performed abroad the contractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided. The contractor shall deliver to VA a detailed plan specifically addressing communications, personnel control, data protection and potential legal issues. The plan shall be approved by the COR/CO in writing prior to access being granted.

e. The contractor shall notify the COR/CO in writing immediately (no later than 24 hours) after personnel separation or occurrence of other causes. Causes may include the following:

1) Contractor/subcontractor personnel no longer has a need for access to VA information or VA information systems.

2) Contractor/subcontractor personnel are terminated, suspended, or otherwise has their work on a VA project discontinued for any reason.

3) Contractor believes their own personnel or subcontractor personnel may pose a threat to their company’s working environment or to any company-owned property. This includes contractor-owned assets, buildings, confidential data, customers, employees, networks, systems, trade secrets and/or VA data.

4) Any previously undisclosed changes to contractor/subcontractor background history are brought to light, including but not limited to changes to background investigation or employee record.

5) Contractor/subcontractor personnel have their authorization to work in the United States revoked.

6) Agreement by which contractor provides products and services to VA has either been fulfilled or terminated, such that VA can cut off electronic and/or physical access for contractor personnel.

f. In such cases of contract fulfillment, termination, or other causes; the contractor shall take the necessary measures to immediately revoke access to VA network, property, information, and information systems (logical and physical) by contractor/subcontractor personnel. These measures include (but are not limited to): removing and then securing Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badges and PIV – Interoperable (PIV-I) access badges, VA-issued photo badges, credentials for VA facilities and devices, VA-issued laptops, and authentication tokens. Contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO immediately to initiate access removal.

g. Contractors/subcontractors who no longer require VA accesses will return VA-issued property to VA. This property includes (but is not limited to): documents, electronic equipment, keys, and parking passes. PIV and PIV-I access badges shall be returned to the nearest VA PIV Badge Issuance Office. Once they have had access to VA information, information systems, networks and VA property in their possessions removed, contractors shall notify the appropriate VA COR/CO.

4. TRAINING.

a. All contractors and subcontractors requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall successfully complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

1) VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior course (Talent Management System (TMS) #10176) initially and annually thereafter.

2) Sign and acknowledge (electronically through TMS #10176) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Organizational Rules of Behavior, relating to access to VA information and information systems initially and annually thereafter; and

3) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system or information access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the VA CO for inclusion in the solicitation document – i.e., any role-based information security training].

b. The contractor shall provide to the COR/CO a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Organizational Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within five days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the required training is complete.

5. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION.

This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall immediately (within one hour) report suspected security / privacy incidents to the VA OIT’s Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) by calling (855) 673-4357 (TTY: 711). The ESD is OIT’s 24/7/365 single point of contact for IT-related issues. After reporting to the ESD, the contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall, within one hour, provide the COR/CO the incident number received from the ESD

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/ subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the following:

1) The date and time (or approximation of) the Security Incident occurred.

2) The names of individuals involved (when applicable).

3) The physical and logical (if applicable) location of the incident.

4) Why the Security Incident took place (i.e., catalyst for the failure).

5) The amount of data belonging to VA believed to have been compromised.

6) The remediation measures the contractor is taking to ensure no future incidents of a similar nature.

c. After the contractor has provided the initial detailed incident summary to VA, they will continue to provide written updates on any new and relevant circumstances or facts they discover. The contractor, subcontractor, and their employes shall fully cooperate with VA or third-party entity performing an independent risk analysis on behalf of VA. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

d. VA IT contractors shall follow VA Handbook 6500, Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems VA Information Security Program, and VA Information Security Knowledge Service guidance for implementing an Incident Response Plan or integrating with an existing VA implementation.

e. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG, and the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident, or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident.

f. The contractor shall comply with VA Handbook 6500.2, Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information, which establishes the breach management policies and assigns responsibilities for the oversight, management and reporting procedures associated with managing of breaches.

g. With respect to unsecured Protected Health Information (PHI), the contractor is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the contractor knew or should have known of breach of such information. When a business associate is part of VHA contract, notification to the covered entity (VHA) shall be made in accordance with the executed BAA.

h. If the contractor or any of its agents fails to protect VA sensitive personal information or otherwise engages in conduct which results in a data breach involving any VA sensitive personal information the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under the contract; the contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the VA as set forth in clause 852.211-76, Liquidated Damages—Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs.

9. PRODUCT INTEGRITY, AUTHENTICITY, PROVENANCE, ANTI-COUNTERFEIT AND ANTI-TAMPERING.

This entire section applies when the acquisition involves any product (application, hardware, or software) or when section 6 or 7 is included.

a. The contractor shall comply with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 15 Part 7, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain”, which prohibits ICTS Transactions from foreign adversaries. ICTS Transactions are defined as any acquisition, importation, transfer, installation, dealing in or use of any information and communications technology or service, including ongoing activities, such as managed services, data transmission, software updates, repairs or the platforming or data hosting of applications for consumer download.

b. When contracting terms require the contractor to procure equipment, the contractor shall purchase or acquire the equipment from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an authorized reseller of the OEM. The contractor shall attest that equipment procured from an OEM or authorized reseller or distributor are authentic. If procurement is unavailable from an OEM or authorized reseller, the contractor shall submit in writing, details of the circumstances prohibiting this from happening and procure a product waiver from the VA COR/CO.

c. All contractors shall establish, implement, and provide documentation for risk management practices for supply chain delivery of hardware, software (to include patches) and firmware provided under this agreement. Documentation will include chain of custody practices, inventory management program, information protection practices, integrity management program for sub-supplier provided components, and replacement parts requests. The contractor shall make spare parts available. All contractor(s) shall specify how digital delivery for procured products, including patches, will be validated and monitored to ensure consistent delivery. The contractor shall apply encryption technology to protect procured products throughout the delivery process.

d. If a contractor provides software or patches to VA, the contractor shall publish or provide a hash conforming to the FIPS Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (FIPS 140-2 or successor).

e. The contractor shall provide a software bill of materials (SBOM) for procured (to include licensed products) and consist of a list of components and associated metadata which make up the product. SBOMs must be generated in one of the data formats defined in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) report “The Minimum Elements for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM).”

f. Contractors shall use or arrange for the use of trusted channels to ship procured products, such as U.S. registered mail and/or tamper-evident packaging for physical deliveries.

g. Throughout the delivery process, the contractor shall demonstrate a capability for detecting unauthorized access (tampering).

h. The contractor shall demonstrate chain-of-custody documentation for procured products and require tamper-evident packaging for the delivery of this hardware.

10. VIRUSES, FIRMWARE AND MALWARE.

This entire section applies when the acquisition involves any product (application, hardware, or software) or when section 6 or 7 is included.

a. The contractor shall execute due diligence to ensure all provided software and patches, including third-party patches, are free of viruses and/or malware before releasing them to or installing them on VA information systems.

b. The contractor warrants it has no knowledge of and did not insert, any malicious virus and/or malware code into any software or patches provided to VA which could potentially harm or disrupt VA information systems. The contractor shall use due diligence, if supplying third-party software or patches, to ensure the third-party has not inserted any malicious code and/or virus which could damage or disrupt VA information systems.

c. The contractor shall provide or arrange for the provision of technical justification as to why any “false positive” hit has taken place to ensure their code’s supply chain has not been compromised. Justification may be required, but is not limited to, when install files, scripts, firmware, or other contractor-delivered software solutions (including third-party install files, scripts, firmware, or other software) are flagged as malicious, infected, or suspicious by an anti-virus vendor.

d. The contractor shall not upload (intentionally or negligently) any virus, worm, malware or any harmful or malicious content, component and/or corrupted data/source code (hereinafter “virus or other malware”) onto VA computer and information systems and/or networks.