RFQ 36C25724Q0093 BioSafety_Fume 01192024.docx

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C25724Q0093 -202 Marzetta Austin , marzetta.austin @va.gov 214-857-2250 01- -2024 :00

CST

36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 17 North Texas Healthcare System Regional Procurement Office West (RPO-W) 124 E. Hwy 67, Suite 100 Duncanville TX 75137 X X 541380 $19 Million N/A X 36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs North Texas VA Health Care System ATTN: Safety Service (007) 4500 S Lancaster Road Dallas TX 75216 36C257

NCO 17

Department of Veterans Affairs North Texas Veterans Health Care Center 124 E. Hwy 67, Suite 100 Duncanville TX 75137

This is accomplished through the Tungsten Network located at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5540 See CONTINUATION Page Safety Service of North Texas VA Health Care System (hereby referred to as NTX) is seeking a Service/Maintenance Agreement for inspection, certification, recertification, decontamination, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables located in NTX facilities:

Dallas, Bonham, and Fort Worth.

See CONTINUATION Page X X Tommy Haire Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: Name ____________ Address: ________________ City/State/Zip: _________________ POC Name: ___________________ POC Phone: __________________ POC Email: _______________

SAM UEI: _____________________

TIN: ____________________

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C257 Tommy Haire Tommy.Haire@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 17 North Texas Healthcare System Regional Procurement Office West (RPO-W) 124 E. Hwy 67, Suite 100 Duncanville TX 75137 Contracting Specialist 36C257 Marzetta Austin Marzetta.Austin@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 17 North Texas Healthcare System Regional Procurement Office West (RPO-W) 124 E. Hwy 67, Suite 100 Duncanville TX 75137

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

Service agreement for the annual inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and fume hoods located in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Bonham; annual inspection and certification of histology grossing tables located in Dallas. Decontamination, recertification, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables as needed.

BASE + 4 OPTION YEARS

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01/31/2024 POP End: 01/30/2025

Service agreement for the annual inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and fume hoods located in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Bonham; annual inspection and certification of histology grossing tables located in Dallas. Decontamination, recertification, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables as needed.

Contract Period: OY1 POP Begin: 01/31/2025 POP End: 01/30/2026

Service agreement for the annual inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and fume hoods located in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Bonham; annual inspection and certification of histology grossing tables located in Dallas. Decontamination, recertification, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables as needed.

Contract Period: OY2 POP Begin: 01/31/2026 POP End: 01/30/2027

Service agreement for the annual inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and fume hoods located in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Bonham; annual inspection and certification of histology grossing tables located in Dallas. Decontamination, recertification, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables as needed.

Contract Period: OY3 POP Begin: 01/31/2027 POP End: 01/30/2028

Service agreement for the annual inspection and certification of biological safety cabinets and fume hoods located in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Bonham; annual inspection and certification of histology grossing tables located in Dallas. Decontamination, recertification, repair, and parts for biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and histology tables as needed.

Contract Period: OY4 POP Begin: 01/31/2028 POP End: 01/30/2029

GRAND TOTAL

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ATTN: Safety Services (007) 4500 S. Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216

USA

214-857-2595 natalie.marjasovs@va.gov

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

North Texas Veterans Health Care System

INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS AND FUME HOODS.

1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF WORK:

Contractor shall furnish service as specified to ensure that the equipment functions in accordance with NCI Specification “General Purpose, Clean Air, Biological Safety Cabinet, NIH specification NIH-03-11ZC; National Sanitation Foundation-Class II, (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry-Standard Number 49 [NSF 49]; Federal Standard No. 209E, “Clean Room And Work Station Requirements, Controlled Environment”; SAMA Standard LF10-1980 Laboratory Fume Hoods.

Furnished all labor, equipment, tools, materials and travel necessary to test, certify and measure Government – owned Biological Safety Cabinets, Animal bedding dump station, Laminar Flow Clean benches, Laboratory fume Hoods, Pathology Workstations and wall- mounted HEPA filters, Histology Grossing tables.

2. REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor shall have the capability to respond within 4 hours of contact for emergency repair and be located within a 150-mile radius of the VA property. Contractor shall furnish COR with written estimate of cost to make necessary repairs.

3. COMPETENCY OF PERSONNEL SERVICING EQUIPMENT:

a. Each respondent must have an established business, with an office and full -time staff.

b. The contractor must meet Joint Commission requirements for providing competency of the service technician. All technicians who perform work under this contract will have a current NSF accreditation. Contractor will provide a copy of NSF accreditation to COR.

c. If subcontractor(s) are used, they must be approved by the COR; the Contractor shall submit any proposed change in subcontractor(s) for approval/disapproval.

d. Prior to commencement of work on this contract, the Contractor shall provide the VAMC with a copy of the current calibration certification of all test equipment which is to be used by the Contractor on VAMC's equipment. This certification shall also be provided on a periodic basis when requested by the VAMC. Test equipment calibration shall be traceable to a national standard.

4. REFERENCES:

Contract service shall ensure that the equipment functions in accordance with the following standards/guidelines: NCI Specification “General Purpose, Clean Air, Biological Safety Cabinet, revised August 19, 1975”, NIH specification NIH-03-11ZC dated Sept 17, 1974; National Sanitation Foundation-Class II, (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry-Standard Number 49 [NSF 49]; Federal Standard No. 209E-April 24, 1973, “Clean Room And Work Station Requirements, Controlled Environment”; SAMA Standard LF10-1980 Laboratory Fume Hoods, USP 797 and USP 800, Facilities and Engineering controls.

5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall be required to report to Safety Office to log in. This check in is mandatory. When the service is completed, the FSE shall document services rendered on a legible ESR(s). The FSE shall be required to log out with the COR. ALL ESRs shall be submitted to the equipment user for an "acceptance signature" and to the COR for an "authorization signature". If the COR is unavailable, a signed copy of the ESR will be sent to the COR after the work is performed.

VA Contact Person(s): Natalie Marjasovs Location (Building/Room Number): Building TT49, Room 106 Telephone Number & Extension(s) :(214) 857-2595 or (214) 857-2080

6. Biosafety Cabinet Certification The Pharmacy externally exhausting biosafety cabinets, laminar flow clean bench and isolation barriers shall be certified twice per year. All other biosafety cabinets will be certified once per year. Certification shall consist of the following:

a. Down flow velocity test.

b. Inflow velocity test.

c. Airflow smoke pattern test.

d. HEPA filter leak test.

e. Cabinet leak test (A1 cabinets only).

f. Alarm function test.

g. Blower interlock test (Class II, type B cabinets).

h. Electrical leakage on the main cabinet (those that aren’t UL listed).

i. GFCI outlet trip test.

j. A visual inspection to identify defects, damage or missing parts.

k. Documentation of the certification and inspection results.

l. A decal or label affixed to the cabinet in a visible location that indicates the results and date of the certification.

m. Posting an “Out of Service” sign on cabinets that fail certification.

n. Notifying the cabinet user and the COR of cabinets that fail certification.

7. Lab Fume Hood Certification Lab fume hoods shall be certified once per year, in June. Certification shall consist of the following:

a. Measurement of sash face velocity according to the current version of ASHRAE 110.

b. Comparison of the sash face velocity to the current ACGIH recommendation.

c. Airflow smoke pattern test.

d. GFCI outlet trip test.

e. A visual inspection to identify defects, damage, misuse or missing parts.

f. Documentation of the certification and inspection results.

A decal or label affixed in a visible location that indicates the sash certification height, the face velocity, and the date of certification.

g. Posting an “Out of Service” sign on lab fume hoods that fail certification.

h. Notifying the lab fume hood user and the COR of lab fume hoods that fail certification.

8. Maintenance and Repair:

EQUIPMENT LIST

Decontamination of Biological Safety Cabinets

Recertification of Biological Safety Cabinets

All work is to be in compliance with NSF-49 and ASHRAE 110.

The following items shall be provided at no additional cost to the VA:

a. Biosafety cabinet and laminar flow clean bench filters shall be recommended for replacement when they fail a leak test and can’t be repaired.

b. When applicable, cabinets will be marked inside to indicate the safe capture air zone to prevent contamination of the outside work area.

c. Cabinet dampers shall be adjusted to provide required flow and marked to indicate correct position.

d. The Contractor’s equipment shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

e. Consult with operator regarding unit performance.

9. DOCUMENTATION/REPORTS:

The documentation will include detailed descriptions of the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance procedures performed (i.e., Emergency repairs), including replaced parts and prices (for outside normal working hour services) required to maintain the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Such documentation shall meet the guidelines as set forth in paragraph 3, References. In addition, each ESR must, at a minimum, document the following data legibly and in complete detail:

c. Contractor service ESR number/log number.

d. Date, time (starting and ending), equipment downtime, and hours on-site for the service call.

e. VA purchase order numbers(s) covering the call if outside normal working hours.

f. Description of problem reported by COR (If applicable).

g. Identification of the equipment to be serviced:

1. Inventory ID number

2. Manufacturer’s name

3. Device name

4. Model number

5. Serial Number

6. Any other manufacturer’s identification numbers

h. Itemized Description of Service Performed (including Costs associated with after normal working hour services) including:

1. Materials and Circuit

2. Location of problem/corrective action

i. Total Cost to be billed (If Applicable --i.e., part(s) not covered, or service rendered after normal hours of coverage).

j. Signatures:

1. FSE performing services described.

2. VA Employee who witnessed service described.

Failure to provide this information in the service report may result in non-payment of invoice.

11. NOTES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

a. ADDITIONAL CHARGES: There will be no additional charge for time spent at the site (during, or after the normal hours of coverage) awaiting the arrival of additional FSE and/or delivery of parts. Note: Any additional charges claimed must be approved by the COR before the service is completed!

b. Security Issues: There is no known security issues associated with this Statement of Work.

13. INFORMATION SECURITY:

1. Information System Officer, Information Protection: The contractor will/will not have access to VA Desktop computers they will not have access to online resources belonging to the government.

1. Privacy Officer: The Contractor will/will not have access to protected Patient Health Information (PHI) nor will they have capability of accessing patient information during the services provided to the VA and if removal of equipment from the VA is required, any memory storage device will remain in VA control and will not be removed from VA custody. All research data available for Contractor analysis is de-identified.

1. Records Manager:

2. Citations to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 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.

2. 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.

2. 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.

2. 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.

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

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

2. 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.

2. 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.].

2. 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.

2. 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.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause) 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.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

(End of Clause)

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years from the period of performance.

(End of Clause)

C.4 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/

(End of Clause)

C.5 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority. A copy of the designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.6 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;

(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.

(End of Clause)

C.7 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to the Contractor voluntarily diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit a justification for the diversion or replacement and a request to replace the individual. The request must identify the proposed replacement and provide an explanation of how the replacement’s skills, experience, and credentials meet or exceed the requirements of the contract. If the employee of the Contractor is terminated for cause or separates from the contractor voluntarily with less than thirty days’ notice, the Contractor shall provide the maximum notice practicable under the circumstances. The Contractor shall not divert, replace, or announce any such change to key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The contract will be modified to add or delete key personnel as necessary to reflect the agreement of the parties.

(End of Clause)

C.8 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.9 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

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

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

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(3) 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115–232).

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

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

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

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[] (34) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans…