36C25919Q0646-0001001.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

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

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

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

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

15C. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

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

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

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee

OK

74401 36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee

OK

74401 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25919Q0646 09-10-2019

X X X

09/17/2019 9:00AM Central Time X Amendment is issued to instruct vendors to review the Questions and Answers on the following pages.

The following revised sections of the solicitation must be used to replace previous versions of the same section:

1. "Section B.2 Estimated Quantities"

2. "B.3 PRICE SCHEDULE"

3. "B.4 DELIVERY LOCATIONS"

4. "B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)"

5. "E.2 Addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)"

6. Vendors are also instructed to note the extension in block 11 above.

All other items remain unchanged.

Monica Gary Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 36C25919Q0646 Answers to Vendor Questions Question 1. RFP Page 6 Qualified Contractor 2) “The ability to collect and provide appropriate and timely transport to testing facility.”

Please clarify that the VA does all the collecting as stated on Page 6 Purpose paragraph and Page 8 VA Sampling section? If the VA is not conducting the water collection, please provide a revised PWS and CLINS indicating the contractor’s responsibility to provide water collecting services at the VA locations in MT and WY.

ANSWER: refer to revised PWS, amendment 0001. VA staff collect samples and shipping is at no additional cost to the Government. The following sections of the PWS have been revised to clarify:

a) Purpose

b) Qualified Contractor #2

c) Sampling Supplies

d) VA Sampling Question 2. Can the VA confirm that a “sampling kit” as referred to in RFP Page 4 B.2 Estimated quantities is a single sample? The term “sampling kit” is also used in RFP page 7 1. Testing Sampling Kits that “shall include water sampling containers (bottles) as well as chain of custody paperwork and the specific quantity ordered by the VA.”

ANSWER: The words “kit” and “kits” have been removed. Refer to revised PWS, amendment 0001. Item 1. and 1.i. in the PWS have been updated to reflect Sampling Supplies. Additionally, refer to the revised paragraphs in B.2 Estimated Quantities and the revised B.3 Price Schedule.

Question 3. Will the VA allow alternate shipping supplies to be used to transport water samples from the VA to the laboratory? The method called out in RFP Page 7 1. Sampling Kits “f. Shipping boxes shall be ULINE S-18943 type along with bubble wrap bags” do not meet our standards for the proper shipping of water samples for Legionella testing. We require ice packs and insulation to protect samples from extreme temperatures.

ANSWER: Refer to revised PWS, amendment 0001. Refer to the information under Shipping in Tasks and Requirements of the PWS.

Question 4. Can the VA provide historical data on the number of Legionella positives detected at both facilities?

ANSWER: Montana VAHCS has had no positives for 2.5 years. Sheridan VAHCS has had zero positives for Legionella that would cause LD or HCA LD in the water samples.

Question 5. RFP Page 4 B.2 Can the VA clarify the distinction between “lab testing” and “quarterly analysis” ANSWER: Lab testing is the work performed at the laboratory on the samples to satisfy the quarterly analysis requirements. Refer to the revised paragraphs in B.2 Estimated Quantities.

Question 6. RFP Page 7 TASKS AND REQUIRMENTS “4. Reports - Contractor must provide test results to the VA when available. Contractor must provide test reports, in electronic format, such as online (preferred) or via email, to the COR within 24 hours test completion and within 1 week of receiving the test samples from the VA.”

Per the directive, water samples must be cultured to detect Legionella and per the CDC, growth of Legionella can take up to one week which would then be followed by additional analysis of serotype. Will the VA modify this requirement and extend reporting time to at least 10 days to avoid underreporting of Legionella in the water system?

ANSWER: Refer to revised paragraph under Reports in Tasks and Requirements in PWS.

Question 7. RFP Page 35 “Price: Completed Price Schedule, no more than one (1) page.” RFP Section B.3 Price Schedule table including all CLINS is longer than 1 page. Is it acceptable to use the government provided table as is and be longer than one page? If not, is it acceptable to adjust the table to fit on 1 page?

ANSWER: refer revised services, amendment A00001.

Question 8. Does the contractor pay for shipping from VA to laboratory using a common carrier like FEDEX or UPS?

ANSWER: Yes. Refer to revised PWS, amendment A00001, and section under Purpose and revised item under Qualified Contractor #2 Question 9. On page 7, VA states that contractor should anticipate two (2) additional samples will be taken per quarter to evaluate mitigation.

Question: Does this mean 2 per location per quarter or 2 total for both locations?

Question: If more than two are required will the VA write a new CLIN for retesting at a per unit price that is agreed to in advance but not necessarily included as the price used to make an award?

ANSWER: Refer to the revised paragraphs in B.2 Estimated Quantities. There are no additional line items or CLINS to the Price Schedule. Refer to revised paragraph 1.a. under Sampling Supplies, in PWS.

Question 10. Does the VA expect that supplies for a single quarter will be shipped and held on hand or can more be sent by the contractor especially boxes, bubble pack and bottles?

ANSWER: Refer to revised paragraph 1.a. Orders under Sampling Supplies, in PWS.

Question 11. Please advise if the testing has to be performed at our facility. We have a contract with the University of Iowa to perform the CDC Culture testing to VA directive 1061 at their laboratory. They are a Certified Elite Lab.

Vendor referenced Location under the Purpose section of B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) Location:

Laboratory testing and analysis of samples, to include reporting results, are to be performed at the contractor’s facility ANSWER: please refer to the revised wording under “Location” in the revised PWS below.

Question 12. How many retests should be provided per location? Section B2 seems to account for 8 retests for the Montana VAHCS and 0 retests for the Sheridan VAHCS. Item 1.c.i under “Testing Sampling Kits” states the following: "Contractor must provide two (2) additional follow up samples per quarter to verify remediation tactics." Can you please clarify how many additional samples should be provided for restests at each location?

ANSWER: Refer to the revised paragraphs in B.2 Estimated Quantities. Refer to revised paragraph 1.a. under Sampling Supplies, in PWS.

Question 13. Item 1.c.i under “Testing Sampling Kits” states the following: "Contractor must provide serotype of positive samples, 4 per quarter making a total of 12." Four per quarter would be 16. Can you please clarify how many samples should be serotyped? How many should be included in each line item? Is Serotype 1, a grouping of Serotypes 2-14, and Non-pneumophila Legionella sufficient designations for serotyping?

ANSWER: The serotype is usual of the 2-14 group (less harmful). Group 1 is the one responsible for legionnaires disease. Refer to the revised paragraphs in B.2 Estimated Quantities. Refer to revised Tasks and Requirements in the PWS.

B.2 Estimated Quantities Montana VA Health Care System (“Montana” or Montana VAHCS) estimates that VA staff will need to collect 82 samples every three months, which equate to 328 samples every 12 months. It is also anticipated that two (2) additional follow up samples will be required every three months to verify remediation tactics, totaling an estimated eight (8) follow up samples every 12 months. Montana VAHCS also estimates that they will require four (4) serotype positive samples every three months, totaling an estimated twelve (12) serotype samples every 12 months, (Line Items 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001, 5001 of Price Schedule)

Sheridan VA Health Care System (“Sheridan” or Sheridan VAHCS) estimates that VA staff will need to collect 120 samples every three months, which equate to 480 samples every 12 months. It is also anticipated that two (2) additional follow up samples will be required every three months to verify remediation tactics, totaling an estimated eight (8) follow up samples every 12 months. Sheridan VAHCS also estimates that they will require four (4) serotype positive samples every three months, totaling an estimated twelve (12) serotype samples every 12 months, (Line Items 1002,2002, 3002, 4002, 5002 of Price Schedule)

B.3 PRICE SCHEDULE

The maximum aggregate ceiling value for this Requirements Contract is $450,000.00 (“Maximum Ceiling Value”).

Requirements Contract Period of Performance: October 15th, 2019, to October 14th, 2024

Pricing Data: Prices listed are effective at date of award.

Orders for services will be placed by task orders. Refer to the section in the PWS titled: “Placing Orders for Services”. Refer to the ordering clauses in this contract as well as FAR clause 52.217-8.

Legionella Testing services for Montana VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 1:

award to 10/14/2020)

Legionella Testing services for Sheridan VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 1:

10/15/2020 to 10/14/2021)

Legionella Testing services for Montana VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 2:

10/15/2021 to 10/14/2022)

Legionella Testing services for Sheridan VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 2:

10/15/2022 to 10/14/2023)

Legionella Testing services for Montana VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 3:

10/15/2023 to 10/14/2024)

Legionella Testing services for Sheridan VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 3:

award to 10/14/2020)

Legionella Testing services for Montana VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 4:

10/15/2020 to 10/14/2021)

Legionella Testing services for Sheridan VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 4:

10/15/2021 to 10/14/2022)

Legionella Testing services for Montana VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 5:

10/15/2022 to 10/14/2023)

Legionella Testing services for Sheridan VA Health Care System, per the PWS. This includes provision and shipping of sample supplies to the VA, lab test at Contractor’s facility, reporting to the VA, re-testing and serotypes. This is a non-personal service.

(Contract year 5:

10/15/2023 to 10/14/2024)

B.4 DELIVERY LOCATIONS

Department of Veterans Affairs Montana VA Health Care System 3687 Veterans Drive Fort Harrison MT 59636

Department of Veterans Affairs Sheridan VA Health Care System 1898 Fort Road Sheridan WY 82801

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

PURPOSE:

Contractor is required to provide legionella testing and analysis services to detect for the presence of legionella for VA Health Care Systems in Fort Harrison, Montana, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Services include provision of mail-order testing sample supplies, for use by VA staff in collecting drinking water samples for lab analysis, as well as provision of final laboratory results, in accordance with this performance work statement (PWS), VHA Directive 1061 and CDC Elite Lab protocol. Services must be accomplished in a cost effective, safe, efficient and secure manner for the VA and in support of the VA Mission.

Period of Performance: The Price Cost Schedule of this contract identifies the term of the overall contract. Each respective task order placed against this base contract will clearly identify the period of performance and frequency for services.

Location:

1. Laboratory testing and analysis of samples, to include reporting results, are to be performed at a qualifying contractor laboratory.

1. Sample supplies must be provided to the VA Medical Center facility listed on the respective task order

1. Reports must be issued to the COR or local POC listed on the respective task order (SF1449)

This is a non-personal services contract. The Contractor, it’s employees, agents and subcontractors shall not be considered government employees for any purpose. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, parts, equipment, tools, shipping, transportation, insurances, licenses, certifications and supervision necessary to provide services in accordance with this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Contractor is responsible for all charges, fees, applications and procurement of all permits, licenses, registrations and certificates, pursuant to lawful application of the provision of services. For a contract of this size, scope and complexity, the successful Contractor must perform in a professional manner as recognized by commercial industry standards as good to excellent.

QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR: To fully qualify in performing services on this contract, and per this PWS, the Contractor must demonstrate, and maintain throughout the life of the contract, the following requirements:

1. Valid and current CDC ELITE Certification for the handling and testing of Legionella bacteria in water supply systems, with certifications provided at award to the CO and COR, and upon request throughout the contract period of performance, as necessary.

1. The ability to cover all shipping costs and provide appropriate and timely shipments to testing facility.

1. The ability to test using the CDC ELITE criteria for Legionella testing.

1. Demonstrated service performance in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and service requirements as enforced by Federal, state, local and industry, capabilities and availabilities to commence services within 5 business days following issuance of a task order signed by the CO.

Contractor must provide current certifications to CO and COR upon award and provide immediate written notice to the CO and COR within 5 days following any change in certification, licensing, or update in equipment, applicable to this contract and PWS.

TASKS and REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor shall provide the tasks and requirements for services, during the applicable period of performance, and within the constraints of this PWS and the terms and conditions of this contract.

Important: Contractor must comply with “VHA Directive 1061”, dated 2014, and any future updates of this Directive, during the performance of services on this contract. This includes maintaining compliance with related supplemental information such as the document titled “Requirements in VHA Directive 1061 for Detection of Legionella in Environmental Samples”, dated 2018.

1. Sampling Supplies – shall include water sampling containers (bottles) as well as chain of custody paperwork and the specific quantity ordered by the VA must be provided by the contractor and should be available within 5 business days to the VA before testing is to occur.

0. Orders. Orders will be on an as needed basis. Each task order will specify the quantity of sample supplies for tests required during a specific period, and this quantity may include supplies for re-tests. If serotypes are required each task order will specify the quantity and the timeframe for delivery also. It is anticipated that Sampling Supplies will be required every three months. The VA does not anticipate stocking 12 months’ worth of sampling supplies.

0. Environmental Compliance. Environmental water sampling containers shall meet quality guidelines, as prescribed by Title 21 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 820.

0. Shipping.

2. Shipping must include shipping containers, return shipping labels, and 250ml sample bottles.

2. Return shipping requires FedEx or UPS overnight service. All shipping is required at no additional cost to the Government.

2. Shipping Boxes and Packaging

2. For Montana VAHCS only: Shipping boxes shall be ULINE S-18943 type along with bubble wrap bags. It has been proven the best method for the sampling, handling and shipping method for Montana VAHCS. These size boxes are required for sampling purposes and shipping efficiency. Ice is not required.

2. For Sheridan VAHCS only: The method of shipment deemed acceptable by the testing laboratory will be adequate for Sheridan VAHCS.

2. Material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will insure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with regulations of carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

2. The contract number shall be placed on or adjacent to all exterior mailing or shipping labels of deliverable items called for by the contract.

0. Number of Sampling Supplies: This is a Requirements Contract where quantities and frequencies are subject to change. Refer to Estimated Quantities and the Price Schedule on this contract.

1. Testing of Samples - Contractor is responsible for testing and analyzing the samples for legionella.

1. Amounts: Refer to section titled, “Estimated Quantities”, of the contract for anticipated quantity every 12 months.

1. Schedule - It is anticipated that services will be required every three months. The commencement of the schedule is dependent upon issuance of each task order. COR will provide the Contractor with a schedule following issuance of each task order. Contractor must make best efforts to coordinate with the COR with regards to planning testing dates and shipping of samples. Schedule is subject to change based on VA activities.

1. Retesting - The Contractor will provide results to the VA and provide for retesting if needed. Any additional sampling due to a less than desirable result with be treated in the same manner as a standard test.

1. Reports - Contractor must provide test results to the VA when available. Contractor must provide test reports, in electronic format, such as online (preferred) or via email, to the COR within 24 hours test completion and within 16 days of receiving the test samples from the VA. Refer to Service Reports in this PWS. Timely reports will assist with informing the VA staff so they can take immediate action and corrective measures to ensure water safety and hygiene, as well as reducing risks to VA patients. The contract number shall be noted on all reports called for by the contract.

1. Service Notifications - Contractor must notify the COR in writing when:

4. Sampling Supplies are due to arrive at the VA, and

4. When laboratory testing and analysis commences

VA Sampling - VA staff will use appropriate sampling methods to collect drinking water samples for lab analysis. Each sample will be drawn and packed by the VA and shipped according to guidelines of the Contractor. At the time of issuance of this contract, the VA has established a sampling process where VA staff aim to get all the sampling done at one time, during a one-month period, instead of doing tests each month throughout the quarter. The VA also needs time in the quarter to record the results. The VA tries not to test the last month of the quarter and prefers to test at the beginning of the quarter.

Quarters - VA considers a quarter to be the following periods during the year:

· October 1st to December 31st

· January 1st to March 31st

· April 1st to June 30th

· July 1st to September 30th

SERVICE REPORTS:

Contractor shall provide the COR with individual Service Reports pertaining to tasks and requirements performed at the location. All Service Reports are to be signed and dated by the designated Contractor’s Representative and provided to the COR at the end of each performance. Service reports must be legible. Complete service reports must be received by the COR or CO before any invoice can be certified for payment.

Each Service Report must legibly document the following to be considered complete:

1. Name of Contractor and contract number

1. Purchase order number / task order number

1. Contractor Service Report number/log number

1. Description of services performed during the applicable Service period

1. Description of any problems during service (if applicable)

1. Identify details of any Contractor equipment calibrations performed and results of such

1. Test results must show source sample information and result

CONTRACT OVERSIGHT BY THE CONTRACTOR

Contractor Representative and Point of Contact - The Contractor shall specify an individual who shall serve as a single point of contact for all Contract issues. Contractor must provide the COR and Contracting Office with the Contractor’s Representative contact details, to include cell phone and email, as a minimum:

1. Within 5 business days of contract award, and

1. Within 5 business days prior to a change in the COR by the Contractor.

The Contractor’s Representative must be easily accessible by phone and return COR calls within 48hours of a voice message left by the COR.

The contract number shall be referenced in all communications, to include written documents and emails, for all exchanges relating to the contract.

CONTRACT OVERSIGHT BY THE VA

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) -Upon contract commencement, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing as to the COR(s) assigned to this contract, and upon reassignment of a new COR, as applicable. Contractor shall only respond to requests for service from the COR or the CO. If service is requested from any source, other than the COR or the CO, the Contractor is to advise the individual of this requirement and refuse to respond. Any billing resulting from unauthorized service will not be paid by the government.

The COR will periodically evaluate the Contractor’s performance to ensure services are received in accordance with this PWS. The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance through review of the deliverables and Contractor’s performance. When a COR is not assigned, the CO will inform the Contractor of the locally assigned point of contact (POC) at the VA location. In this instance, the Contractor shall communicate and coordinate services through the VA POC and copy the CO on all written communications.

Authority of the COR - The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements of this contract. In the event the Contractor affects any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price or schedule to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. The

Contracting Officer shall be the only individual authorized to accept nonconforming work, waive any requirement of the contract, and/or modify any term or condition of the contract. The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally obligate Government funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed contract can be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract or specific authorization from the Contracting Officer.

Government Alternate Points of Contact (POC) – Emergencies Only - The COR will identify Alternate Points of Contact (POC) to be used only for instances of emergencies when the COR is not easily contactable. These will be individuals in supervisory or managerial roles within the VA department responsible for monitoring performance on this contract. The Contractor will be provided this information within 5 days of an Alternate POC being assigned. An Alternate POC does not replace the COR nor do they replace the Contracting Officer during the performance and administration of this contract, nor does it relinquish or diminish the Contractor’s requirements in relation to the performance of this Contract.

Placing Orders for Services – The COR is designated by the Contracting Officer as the only authorized point of contact for communicating Task and Requirement related details to the Contractor’s Representative. The Contractor will only be required to fulfil Tasks and Requirements, and the COR will be authorized to proceed to communicate with the Contractor on Tasks and Requirements, upon receipt of a funded Task Order which has been signed by a VA warranted Contracting Officer from the Administrative Contracting Office identified on page 1 of this contract. Performance of tasks must not exceed the dollar values and period of performance outlined in the Task Order, or its respective modifications. If service is requested outside the Task Order terms and conditions, the Contractor is to advise the COR of this, refuse to respond to the order request, and immediately follow up in writing with the Contracting Officer. Any billing resulting from unauthorized service will not be paid by the government. Within 48 hours of commencement of each Task and contract related service, the COR and the Contractor’s Representative must respectively provide written confirmation of such to the CO. The VA will strive to provide the Contractor a signed Task Order within 10 days of performance being required on Tasks. Refer to section in this PWS for Service Reports as well as the Ordering clauses in this contract.

Penalties for Unauthorized Commitments: CORs, or VA POCs, who violate their delegation are subject to penalties if the violation results in an Unauthorized Commitment. An Unauthorized Commitment is an agreement that is not binding solely because the Government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the Government. (FAR 1.602-3(a)) Penalties for violations are outlined in VA Acquisition Regulation 801.690-7 and VA Handbook 7401.7. Examples of Unauthorized Commitments include but are not limited to: COR or other Program Office official directs contractor to deviate from the contract. A contractor mistakes a request from a COR (or VA POC) seeking information as an order, ships the item, the COR (or POC) does not realize it is an improper order and accepts the item rather than reject and return the item. COR (or VA POC) exceeds authority and authorizes work, additional time, money or any other type of extension on contract.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE: The Contractor must perform services in accordance with:

1. All federal, state and local laws, whether or not related to the performance of contract services.

1. Local, state and federal Occupational Safety and Health guidelines and legislation, to include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA);

1. Local, state and federal guidelines and legislation, as well as OKC VAHCS Directives and guidelines, relating to privacy protection laws

Medical Center Directives and Policies: Each VA Medical Center has directives and policies that are updated from time to time. The COR can provide more detailed information to the Contractor of these upon commencement of the contract and throughout the term of the contract, as needed. VA universal policies include parking, possession of weapons, cell phone use, and use of photography as well as smoking on VA property. Contractor’s must comply with posted rules and signs on federal property. Violations of such policies may result in individual fines or citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court.

QUALITY

Quality Control Plan (QCP) - Contractor will develop and maintain a quality program ensuring services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices, and the requirements of this PWS. At a minimum, the contractor must develop Quality Control Procedures (QCP). Contractor must develop and implement Quality Control Procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services.

QCP - either a paper version or emailed version of the QCP must be provided to the COR and CO upon request. Contractor must be prepared to comply with requests as soon as:

1. Within 30 days of contract award, and

1. Within 30 days prior to a major change in the QCP by the Contractor.

Remedy or Rework - Rework or Remedy is defined as performing the Service again until the Purpose of this PWS is achieved in full. This involves less than Satisfactory Service by the Contractor and as noted by the COR. Rework or Remedy must occur within a reasonable time, but no more than 5 business days of the notice of the rework or remedy requirement from the COR and at no additional cost to the Government. In the event climate or weather conditions make it unsuitable for Services, the entire service date will be re- scheduled to a date and time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the COR. Postponement as a result of these circumstances will not reflect any penalties assessed to the Contractor or to the Government.

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS AND STANDARD BUSINESS HOURS - Standard Business Hours at the VA Medical Center are between 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday-Friday excluding Federal holidays, except by special alternate arrangement, coordinated and authorized by the COR.

The Federal Government observes the following days as holidays. Federal Holidays can be found at the OPM website. At time of writing, the information can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ The Federal Government observes the following days as holidays.

*Holidays that fall on Saturday are observed on the preceding Friday. Holidays that fall on Sunday are observed on the following Monday.

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

· Any other day designated by Federal Statute

· Any other day designated by Executive Order Any other day designated by the President of the United States to be a Federal holiday

DEFINITIONS

Acceptance Signature - VA employee who is authorized to sign-off on the Service Report Authorization Signature - COR's signature; indicates COR accepts work status as stated in Service Report.

CO - Contracting Officer COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration Service Report - a documentation of the services rendered for each incidence of work performance under the terms and conditions of the contract.

Services – includes those identified in the Purpose of this PWS SOW – for the purpose of this contract SOW has the same meaning as PWS, and refers to the PWS in this contract.

VA - Department of Veterans Affairs VAHCS – VA Health Care System VAMC – Veterans Affairs Medical Center VA Mission Statement: “To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans.”

VHA - Veterans Health Administration

E.2 Addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018) Questions from Vendors Questions must be addressed in writing to the solicitation POC from block 8 of page 1 (SF1449). Questions must be received by the solicitation POC at least two (2) business days before the solicitation close date and time. Any questions and answers not provided in writing and not complying with the time constraint above will not be honored or considered valid for this solicitation.

How to Submit a Response to the Solicitation It is preferred that vendors submit their RFQ response via email to monica.gary@va.gov (Solicitation POC).

Ensure e-mail sizes do not exceed 5MB per e-mail. If sending multiple e-mails, indicate “__ of __” to ensure all are received. Suggest vendors send e-mail to request confirmation of receipt of number of attachment(s) & # of e-mails.

***Faxed responses will not be accepted***

Reps and Certs: Vender representations and certifications should be current in SAM, otherwise vendors must submit the most recent data in their response to this RFQ and must refer to FAR provision 52.212-3. In addition to this, the RFQ response must include the completed page 1 of SF1449 and offeror’s Price Schedule. The latter two requirements must not exceed two (2) pages in total.

SF1449, Page 1: Offerors must submit a completed page 1 of SF1449 of this solicitation, no more than one (1) page. Block 17a of this form must be completed, to include DUNS number. Information completed on page 1 of SF1449, is preferred in lieu of a vendor cover letter and vendor brochures.

Price: Completed Price Schedule, no more than three (3) pages.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a Request for Proposal. This is a Request for Quote. Proposals will not be accepted. Variations made by vendors to the unit of issue or quantities published in the Price Schedule of this Solicitation will not be accepted.

Special Standards of Responsibility – To assist the contracting officer in determining if the special standards of responsibility applicable to this procurement are met, offerors are asked to provide the following information with their quotes. Failure to include this information could result in a contracting officer’s determination that an otherwise successful offeror is not eligible for contract award.

Special Certificate. Offeror shall provide evidence that the laboratory performing work under the contract holds a valid and current CDC ELITE membership certification for the handling and testing of Legionella bacteria in water supply systems issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Program. IMPORTANT: If Offeror intends to satisfy this requirement through use of a proposed subcontractor(s), Offeror must provide this information for each proposed subcontractor and Offeror must identify what work will be performed by each proposed subcontractor and what work will be performed by Offeror, to include the dollar amounts and quantity of work to be performed by each entity throughout the entire term of the contract.

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)