36C25727Q0034.pdf

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

674-27-1-5484-0001

36C25727Q0034 10-06-2026

Ognian D. Ivanov 210-694-6302 10-13-2026

10:00 CDT

36C257 Department Of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240

X 100

X

333912

1000 Employees

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affairs Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System Laboratory 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple TX 76504-7176

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

This solicitation is for the purchase of one Oil-Free Scroll Air Compressor.

See CONTINUATION Page x one

Ognian D. Ivanov Contracting Officer

36C25727Q0034

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

C.2 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(DEVIATION APR 2026)

C.3 52.240-93 BASIC SAFEGAURDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (DEVIATION) (NOV 2025)

C.4 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

C.5 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.6 VAAR 852.204-71 INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY

(FEB 2023)

C.7 VAAR 852.211-70 EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS

(NOV 2018)

C.8 VAAR 852.212-71 GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS (FEB 2023)

C.9 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.10 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) . 22

C.11 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

C.12 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

1998) E.2 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

E.3 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.5 52.225-2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE (OCT 2022)

E.6 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.7 52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

E.8 VAAR 852.215-72 NOTICE OF INTENT TO RE-SOLICIT (OCT 2019)

E.9 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C257 Ognian D. Ivanov

Department Of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302

San Antonio TX 78240

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

[x] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [x] Upon Performance

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.

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Procurement of High-Pressure Duplex Scroll Air Compressor System

Purpose: The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to procure one (1) high-pressure duplex scroll air compressor system to support laboratory instrumentation requiring a minimum delivered pressure of 116 PSI. This equipment will replace an existing inadequate compressor and ensure reliable, continuous air supply for critical laboratory operations.

Scope: The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, shipping, and startup services necessary to deliver a fully functional high-pressure duplex scroll air compressor system meeting the minimum specifications described herein. Installation is not required;

however, onsite factory startup and verification are included.

Minimum Technical Requirements:

The procured system shall meet or exceed the following minimum characteristics (non-brand-specific)

Compressor System:

• Duplex (two-pump) configuration providing operational redundancy (N+1).

• Scroll-type compressor pumps.

• Minimum motor rating: 5 HP per pump.

• Capable of delivering at least 116 PSI regulated output pressure.

• Capable of operating up to a minimum of 135 PSI maximum pressure.

• Oil-free, dry, clean air output suitable for laboratory instrumentation and medical-grade environments.

Air Receiver Tank:

• Integrated receiver tank sized to support stable high-pressure operation.

• Minimum tank capacity: 80 gallons; 120 gallons or greater acceptable.

Controls & Safety:

• Automatic lead/lag control system.

• Integrated alarms for high temperature, high pressure, and pump failure.

• UL-listed controls and safety systems.

Electrical Requirements:

• Must be available in 208V or 460V, 3-phase power configurations.

• Final voltage will be confirmed at time of order.

Environmental & Compliance

• Must comply with applicable NFPA, OSHA, and VA facility safety standards.

• Equipment shall be new, not refurbished.

Deliverables:

The Contractor shall deliver the following:

1. One (1) high-pressure duplex scroll compressor system meeting the specifications above.

2. Freight delivery to Central Texas Veterans Health Care System – Temple VA Medical Center Receiving Warehouse (Building 206).

3. Manufacturer’s documentation package, including:

o Technical datasheets o Operations manual o Maintenance schedule o Warranty information

4. Factory startup and training during normal business hours. Startup must include functional checks, pressure verification, safety review, and operator familiarization.

Period of Performance Delivery and startup shall occur within the timeframe stated in the awarded contract. The Contractor shall coordinate delivery with VA Engineering Service prior to shipment.

Place of Performance Temple VA Medical Center 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 Receiving Warehouse: Building 206

Government Responsibilities

• Provide site access for delivery and startup.

• Provide electrical connection and facility air piping required for operation.

• Ensure personnel are available during startup for training.

Contractor Responsibilities

• Deliver all equipment FOB Destination.

• Provide startup services with at least four (4) weeks’ notice if required.

• Ensure all materials meet the specifications in Section 3.0.

• Provide warranty support in accordance with manufacturer’s standard terms.

Acceptance Criteria Acceptance is achieved once:

• The equipment delivered meets all minimum specifications;

• Startup is successfully completed;

• System verifies consistent ≥116 PSI output performance;

• All documentation has been provided.

Warranty A standard manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor shall be included. Minimum warranty period must be one year; longer warranties are acceptable.

Invoices and Payment

a. Payment to be made monthly, in arrears, following satisfactory performance by Contractor’s personnel and upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice.

b. Contractor shall be required to invoice through the Tungsten System at http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en/veterans-affairs/. Additional information regarding Tungsten shall be provided upon award.

c. The contract shall have current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) for this solicitation; URL: www.sam.gov.

d. The invoice MUST be itemized to include the following information. Any information listed below, and not provided on an invoice, will render that invoice incomplete and the invoice will be returned for immediate correction.

• Time period being invoiced for.

• Description of services performed.

• Unit Cost billed.

• Extended amount due.

• Invoice number, date, and.

• Contract and obligation numbers.

(End of SOW)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 EA __________________ __________________

REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT TEMPLE: AS500-T2-DD,5HP

SCROLL DUPLEX TM - HIGH PRESSURE PUMP TO DELIVER 116

PSI

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-19-2026 POP End: 11-18-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 333912 - Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 4310 - Compressors and Vacuum Pumps

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): TBD

1.00 MO __________________ __________________

FACTORY START-UP/TRAINING DURING NORMAL BUSINESS

HOURS M-F, 4 WEEK NOTICE RQD

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-19-2026 POP End: 11-18-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 333912 - Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 4310 - Compressors and Vacuum Pumps http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en/veterans-affairs/ http://www.sam.gov/

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): TBD

GRAND TOTAL __________________

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER SHIPPING INFORMATION QUANTITY

0001 SHIP TO: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Olin E. Teague VA Hospital Attn Pathology & Lab Med Svc.

Temple, TX 76504 6982

USA

1.00

FOB: DESTINATION

0002 SHIP TO: Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Olin E. Teague VA Hospital Attn Pathology & Lab Med Svc.

Temple, TX 76504 6982

USA

1.00

FOB: DESTINATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

(End of Clause)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS NOV 2023

52.203-19 PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS

JAN 2017

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT—MAINTENANCE

(DEVIATION)

NOV 2025

52.209-10 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED

DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS

NOV 2015

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEVIATION)

OCT 2025

52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

(DEVIATION)

NOV 2025

52.222-19 CHILD LABOR—COOPERATION WITH AUTHORITIES

AND REMEDIES (DEVIATION)

MAR 2026

52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH

DISABILITIES (DEVIATION)

NOV 2025

52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (DEVIATION) NOV 2025

52.223-23 SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS (DEVIATION) NOV 2025

52.225-1 BUY AMERICAN—SUPPLIES (DEVIATION) NOV 2025

52.226-8 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT

MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING

MAY 2024

52.229-12 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS FEB 2021

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER—

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

OCT 2018

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

MAR 2023

52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD AUG 1996

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM OCT 2004

52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEVIATION)

APR 2026

C.2 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL

CONTRACTORS (DEVIATION APR 2026)

(a)Definitions. As used in this clause—

Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to:

training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs;

associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor.

Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources.

(b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities;

(2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

(3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

(4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and

(5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause.

(6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4).

(c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States.

(End of Clause)

C.3 52.240-93 BASIC SAFEGAURDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (DEVIATION) (NOV 2025)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Covered contractor information system means an information system that is owned or operated by a contractor that processes, stores, or transmits Federal contract information.

Federal contract information—

(1) Means information, not intended for public release, that is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government; but

(2) Does not include information provided by the Government to the public (such as on public websites) or simple transactional information (such as information necessary to process payments).

Information means any communication or representation of knowledge such as facts, data, or opinions, in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual (Committee on National Security Systems Instruction (CNSSI) 4009).

Information system means a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information (44 U.S.C.

3502).

Safeguarding means measures or controls that are prescribed to protect information systems.

(b) Safeguarding requirements.

(1) Basic requirements. The Contractor shall safeguard its covered contractor information systems by implementing, at minimum, the following security controls:

(i) Limit information system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, or devices (including other information systems).

(ii) Limit information system access to the types of transactions and functions that authorized users are permitted to execute.

(iii) Verify and control/limit connections to and use of external information systems.

(iv) Control information posted or processed on publicly accessible information systems.

(v) Identify information system users, processes acting on behalf of users, or devices.

(vi) Authenticate (or verify) the identities of those users, processes, or devices, as a prerequisite to allowing access to organizational information systems.

(vii) Sanitize or destroy information system media containing Federal Contract Information before disposal or release for reuse.

(viii) Limit physical access to organizational information systems, equipment, and the respective operating environments to authorized individuals.

(ix) Escort visitors and monitor visitor activity; maintain audit logs of physical access; and control and manage physical access devices.

(x) Monitor, control, and protect organizational communications (i.e., information transmitted or received by organizational information systems) at the external boundaries and key internal boundaries of the information systems.

(xi) Implement subnetworks for publicly accessible system components that are physically or logically separated from internal networks.

(xii) Identify, report, and correct information and information system flaws in a timely manner.

(xiii) Provide protection from malicious code at appropriate locations within organizational information systems.

(xiv) Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.

(xv) Perform periodic scans of the information system and real-time scans of files from external sources as files are downloaded, opened, or executed.

(2) Other requirements. This clause does not relieve the Contractor of any other specific safeguarding requirements specified by Federal departments and agencies relating to covered contractor information systems generally or other Federal safeguarding requirements for controlled unclassified information (CUI) as established by Executive Order 13556.

(c) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts under this contract (including subcontracts for the acquisition of commercial products, other than commercially available off-the-shelf items, or commercial services), in which the subcontractor may have Federal contract information residing in or transiting through its information system.

(End of Provision)

C.4 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any VAAR (48 CFR Chapter FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

(End of Clause)

C.5 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

(End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.204-71 INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

SECURITY (FEB 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—Business Associate means an entity, including an individual (other than a member of the workforce of a covered entity), company, organization or another covered entity, as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, that performs or assists in the performance of a function or activity on behalf of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) that involves the creating, receiving, maintaining, transmitting of, or having access to, protected health information (PHI). The term also includes a subcontractor of a business associate that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI on behalf of the business associate.

Business Associate Agreement (BAA) means the agreement, as dictated by the Privacy Rule, between VHA and a business associate, which must be entered into in addition to the underlying contract for services and before any release of PHI can be made to the business associate, in order for the business associate to perform certain functions or activities on behalf of VHA.

Information system means a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information whether automated or manual.

Information technology (see FAR 2.101) also means Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Information technology-related contracts means those contracts which include services (including support services), and related resources for information technology as defined in 802.101.

Privacy officer means the VA official with responsibility for implementing and oversight of privacy related policies and practices that impact a given VA acquisition.

Sensitive personal information means, with respect to an individual, any information about the individual maintained by VA, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history.

(2) Information that can be used to distinguish or trace the individual’s identity, including but not limited to name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, or biometric records.

Security plan means a formal document that provides an overview of the security requirements for an information system or an information security program and describes the security controls in place or planned for meeting those requirements.

VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users (VA National Rules of Behavior) means a set of VA rules that describes the responsibilities and expected behavior of users of VA information or information systems.

VA sensitive information means all VA data, on any storage media or in any form or format, which requires protection due to the risk of harm that could result from inadvertent or deliberate disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the information and includes sensitive personal information. The term includes information where improper use or disclosure could adversely affect the ability of VA to accomplish its mission, proprietary information, records about individuals requiring protection under various confidentiality provisions such as the Privacy Act and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and information that can be withheld under the Freedom of Information Act. Examples of VA sensitive information include the following:

individually-identifiable medical, benefits, and personnel information; financial, budgetary, research, quality assurance, confidential commercial, critical infrastructure, investigatory, and law enforcement information; information that is confidential and privileged in litigation such as information protected by the deliberative process privilege, attorney work-product privilege, and the attorney-client privilege; and other information which, if released, could result in violation of law or harm or unfairness to any individual or group, or could adversely affect the national interest or the conduct of Federal programs.

(b) General. Contractors, subcontractors, their employees, third-parties, and business associates with access to VA information, information systems, or information technology (IT) or providing and accessing IT-related goods and services, shall adhere to VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program, and the directives and handbooks in the VA 6500 series related to VA information (including VA sensitive information and sensitive personal information and information systems security and privacy), as well as those set forth in the contract specifications, statement of work, or performance work statement. These include, but are not limited to, VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security; and VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, which establishes VA’s procedures, responsibilities, and processes for complying with current Federal law, Executive Orders, policies, regulations, standards and guidance for protecting VA information, information systems (see 802.101, Definitions) security and privacy, and adhering to personnel security requirements when accessing VA information or information systems.

(c) Access to VA information and VA information systems.

(1) Contractors are limited in their request for logical or physical access to VA information or VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, third parties and business associates to the extent necessary to perform the services or provide the goods as specified in the contracts, agreements, task, delivery or purchase orders.

(2) All Contractors, subcontractors, third parties, and business associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative 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 to access VA information and VA information systems shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program.

(3) Contractors, subcontractors, third parties, and business associates who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance.

(4) HIPAA Business Associate Agreement requirement. Contractors shall enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA, VA’s Covered Entity, when contract requirements and access to protected health information is required and when requested by the Contracting Officer, or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) (see VAAR 824.103–70).

Under the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, a Covered Entity (VHA) must have a satisfactory assurance that its PHI will be safeguarded from misuse. To do so, a Covered Entity enters into a BAA with a contractor (now the business associate), which obligates the business associate to only use the Covered Entity’s PHI for the purposes for which it was engaged, provide the same protections and safeguards as is required from the Covered Entity, and agree to the same disclosure restrictions to PHI that is required of the Covered Entity in situations where a contractor—

(i) Creates, receives, maintains, or transmits VHA PHI or that will store, generate, access, exchange, process, or utilize such PHI in order to perform certain health care operations activities or functions on behalf of the Covered Entity; or

(ii) Provides one or more of the services specified in the Privacy Rule to or for the Covered Entity.

(A) Contractors or entities required to execute BAAs for contracts and other agreements become VHA business associates. BAAs are issued by VHA or may be issued by other VA programs in support of VHA. The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires VHA to execute compliant BAAs with persons or entities that create, receive, maintain, or transmit VHA PHI or that will store, generate, access, exchange, process, or utilize such PHI in order to perform certain activities, functions or services to, for, or on behalf of VHA. There may be other VA components or staff offices which also provide certain services and support to VHA and must receive PHI in order to do so. If these components award contracts or enter into other agreements, purchase/delivery orders, modifications and issue governmentwide purchase card transactions to help in the delivery of these services to VHA, they will also fall within the requirement to obtain a satisfactory assurance from these contractors by executing a BAA.

(B) BAA requirement flow down to subcontractors. A prime Contractor required to execute a BAA shall also obtain a satisfactory assurance, in the form of a BAA, that any of its subcontractors who will also create, receive, maintain, or transmit VHA PHI or that will store, generate, access, exchange, process, or utilize such PHI will comply with HIPAA requirements to the same degree as the Contractor. Contractors employing a subcontractor who creates, receives, maintains, or transmits VHA PHI or that will store, generate, access, exchange, process, or utilize such VHA PHI under a contract or agreement is required to execute a BAA with each of its subcontractors which also obligates the subcontractor (i.e., also a business associate) to provide the same protections and safeguards and agree to the same disclosure restrictions to VHA’s PHI that is required of the Covered Entity and the prime Contractor.

(d) Contractor operations required to be in United States. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practicable. If such services are proposed to be performed outside the continental United States, and are not otherwise disallowed by other Federal law, regulations or policy, or other VA policy or other mandates as stated in the contract, specifications, statement of work or performance work statement (including applicable Business Associate Agreements), the Contractor/subcontractor must state in its proposal where all non-U.S. services are provided. At a minimum, the Contractor/ subcontractor must include a detailed Information Technology Security Plan, for review and approval by the Contracting Officer, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, and data protection.

(e) Contractor/subcontractor employee reassignment and termination notification. Contractors and subcontractors shall provide written notification to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) immediately, and not later than four (4) hours, when an employee working on a VA information system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the Contractor or subcontractor’s employment on the cognizant VA contract. The

Contracting Officer and COR must also be notified immediately by the Contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

(f) VA information custodial requirements.

(1) Release, publication, and use of data. Information made available to a Contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of a contract or information developed by the Contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of a contract shall be used only for the stated contract purpose and shall not be used in any other way without VA’s prior written approval. This clause expressly limits the Contractor’s/ subcontractor’s rights to use data as described in Rights in Data—General, FAR 52.227–14(d).

(2) Media sanitization. VA information shall not be co-mingled with any other data on the Contractors/subcontractor’s information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure federal and VA requirements related to data protection, information segregation, classification requirements, and media sanitization can be met (see VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program). VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled on-site inspections, assessments, or audits of Contractor and subcontractor IT resources, information systems and assets to ensure data security and privacy controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with Federal and VA requirements.

The Contractor and subcontractor will provide all necessary access and support to VA and/or GAO staff during periodic control assessments or audits.

(3) Data retention, destruction, and contractor self-certification. The Contactor and its subcontractors are responsible for collecting and destroying any VA data provided, created, or stored under the terms of this contract, to a point where VA data or materials are no longer readable or reconstructable to any degree, in accordance with VA Directive 6371, Destruction of Temporary Paper Records, or subsequent issue. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, the Contractor/subcontractor must provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Handbook 6500, and VA Cybersecurity Program, including compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800–88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization, for the purposes of media sanitization on all IT equipment. The Contractor must certify in writing to the Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract that the data destruction requirements in this paragraph have been met.

(4) Return of VA data and information. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to the VA (as stipulated by the Contracting Officer or the COR) or the Contractor/subcontractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned will be hand carried, securely mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or to the address as provided in the contract or by the assigned COR, and/or accompanying BAA. Depending on the method of return, Contractor/subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information, when permitted by the contract using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, validated under Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140–3 (or its successor). If mailed, Contractor/subcontractor must send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, Federal Express, etc.)

and immediately provide the Contracting Officer with the tracking information. No information, data, documentary material, records or equipment will be destroyed unless done in accordance with the terms of this contract and the VHA Records Control Schedule 10–1.

(5) Use of VA data and information. The Contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if the National NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies for this contract as a result of any updates, if required.

(6) Copying VA data or information. The Contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract or to preserve electronic information stored on Contractor/ subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the Contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

(7) Violation of information custodial requirements. If VA determines that the Contractor has violated any of VA’s information confidentiality, privacy, or security provisions, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the Contractor or third-party or terminate the contract for default in accordance with FAR part 49 or terminate for cause in accordance with

FAR 12.403.

(8) Encryption. The Contractor/ subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information, when permitted by the contract, using cryptography, and VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, validated under FIPS 140–3 (or its successor).

(9) Firewall and web services security controls. The Contractor/subcontractor’s firewall and web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

VA Configuration Guidelines are available upon request.

(10) Disclosure of VA data and information. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized in a cognizant contract for performance of the contract, the Contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations:

(i) subject to paragraph (f)(10) of this section, in response to a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction, or

(ii) with VA’s prior written approval. The Contractor/ subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the Contracting Officer for response. If the Contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other request or believes it has a legal requirement to disclose VA information, that Contractor/ subcontractor shall immediately refer such court order or other request to the Contracting Officer for response. If the Contractor or subcontractor discloses information on behalf of VHA, the Contractor and/or subcontractor must maintain an accounting of disclosures. Accounting of Disclosures documentation maintained by the Contractor/subcontractor will include the name of the individual to whom the information pertains, the date of each disclosure, the nature or description of the information disclosed, a brief statement of the purpose of each disclosure or, in lieu of such statement, a copy of a written request for a disclosure, and the name and address of the person or agency to whom the disclosure was made. The Contractor/ subcontractor will provide its Accounting of Disclosures upon request and within 15 calendar days to the assigned COR and Privacy Officer. Accounting of disclosures should be provided electronically via encrypted email to the COR and designated VA facility Privacy Officer as provided in the contract, BAA, or by the Contracting Officer. If providing the Accounting of Disclosures electronically cannot be done securely, the Contractor/subcontractor will provide copies via trackable methods (UPS, USPS, Federal Express, etc.) immediately, providing the designated COR and Privacy Officer with the tracking information.

(11) Compliance with privacy statutes and applicable regulations. The Contractor/ subcontractor shall not disclose VA information protected by any of VA’s privacy statutes or applicable regulations including but not limited to: the Privacy Act of 1974, 38 U.S.C. 5701, confidential nature of claims, 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus or the HIPAA Privacy Rule. If the Contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for VA information or has questions if it can disclose information protected under the abovementioned confidentiality statutes because it is required by law, that Contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court order or other request to the Contracting Officer for response.

(g) Report of known or suspected security/ privacy incident. The Contractor, subcontractor, third-party affiliate or business associate, and its employees shall notify VA immediately via the Contracting Officer and the COR or within one (1) hour of an incident which is an occurrence (including the discovery or disclosure of successful exploits of system vulnerability) that

(A) actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or the availability of its data and operations, or of its information or information system(s); or

(B) constitutes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies. The initial notification may first be made verbally but must be followed up in writing within one (1) hour. See VA Data Breach Response Service at https://www.oprm.va.gov/dbrs/about_dbrs.aspx. Report all actual or suspected security/privacy incidents and report the information to the Contracting Officer and the COR as identified in the contract or as directed in the contract, within one hour of discovery or suspicion.

(1) Such issues shall be remediated as quickly as is practical, but in no event longer than [] days. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing.

(2) When the security fixes involve installing third party patched (e.g., Microsoft OS patches or Adobe Acrobat), the Contractor will provide written notice to VA that the patch has been validated as not affecting the systems within 10 working days. When the Contractor is responsible for operations or maintenance of the systems, they shall apply the security fixes within [].

(3) All other vulnerabilities shall be remediated in a timely manner based on risk, but within 60 days of discovery or disclosure. Contractors shall notify the Contracting Officer, and COR within 2 business days after remediation of the identified vulnerability. Exceptions to this paragraph (e.g., for the convenience of VA) must be requested by the Contractor through the https://www.oprm.va.gov/dbrs/about_dbrs.aspx

COR and shall only be granted with approval of the Contracting Officer and the VA Assistant Secretary for Office of Information and Technology. These exceptions will be tracked by the Contractor in concert with the Government in accordance with VA Directive 6500.6 and related VA Handbooks.

(h) Security and privacy incident investigation.

(1) The term ‘‘privacy incident’’ means the unauthorized disclosure or use of VA information protected under a confidentiality statute or regulation.

(2) The term ‘‘security incident’’ means an occurrence that

(A) actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information systems; or

(B) constitutes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable policies. The Contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and COR for the contract of any known or suspected security or privacy incident, or any other unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the Contractor/subcontractor has access.

(3) To the extent known by the Contractor/ subcontractor, the Contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the Contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

(4) With respect to unsecured PHI, the Business Associate is deemed to have discovered a security incident as defined above when the Business Associate either knew, or by exercising reasonable diligence should have been known to an employee of the Business Associate. Upon discovery, the Business Associate must notify VHA of the security incident immediately within one hour of discovery or suspicion as agreed to in the BAA.

(5) 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.

(i) Data breach notification requirements.

(1) This contract may require access to sensitive personal information. If so, the Contractor is liable to VA for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach involving any VA sensitive personal information the Contractor/Subcontractor processes or maintains under the contract as set forth in clause 852.211–76, Liquidated Damages—Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs.

(2) The Contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a privacy or security incident as set forth in the Security and Privacy Incident Investigation section of this clause. The term ’data breach’ means the loss, theft, or other unauthorized access, or any access other than that incidental to the scope of employment, to data containing sensitive personal information, in electronic or printed form, that results in the potential compromise of the confidentiality or integrity of the data. The Contractor 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.

(3) The Contractor/subcontractor shall fully cooperate with VA or any Government agency conducting an analysis regarding any notice of a data breach or potential data breach or security incident which may require the Contractor to provide information to the Government or third-party performing a risk analysis for VA, and shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

(i) Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access).

(ii) Description of the event, including—

(A) Date of occurrence;

(B) Date of incident detection;

(C) Data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code.

(D) Number of individuals affected or potentially affected.

(E) Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected.

(F) Ease of logical data access to the lost, stolen or improperly accessed data in light of the degree of protection for the data, e.g., unencrypted, plain text.

(G) Amount of time the data has been out of VA control.

(H) The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons).

(I) Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any.

(J) Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals.

(K) Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information, as appropriate.

(L) Whether credit protection services may assist record subjects in avoiding or mitigating the results of identity theft based on the sensitive personal information that may have been compromised.

(M) Steps taken in response to mitigate or prevent a repetition of the incident.

(j) Training.

(1) All Contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information or VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(i) On an annual basis, successfully complete the VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and VA Information Security Rules of Behavior training.

(ii) On an annual basis, sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users, relating to access to VA information and information systems.

(iii) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access.

(2) The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer and/or the COR a copy of the training certificates and affirmation that VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users signed by each applicable employee have been completed and submitted within five (5) days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

(3) Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and acknowledgement of the VA Information Security Rules of Behavior, within the…