36C26023Q1021.docx

36C26023Q1021

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

648-23-4-066-0085 36C26023Q1021 09-07-2023 Ross Byrne 253-888-4906 09-14-2023 1:00 pm

PT

36C260 NCO 20 Network Contracting Office

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd Bldg.17, Suite B428 Vancouver WA 98661 X 541380 $19.0M Net 30 Days N/A X 36C648 Department of Veterans Affairs Portland VA Medical Center Path & Lab 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland OR 97239 NCO 20 Network Contracting Office

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd Bldg.17, Suite B428 Vancouver WA 98661

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 See CONTINUATION Page Contractor shall provide Anatomic Pathology Reference Lab Testing in accordance with the Statement of Work for the Portland VA Medical Center.

Period of performance will be 09/22/2023 - 08/31/2024 plus four one-year option periods.

Quoter's must submit required documents stated in Section E.5 Paragraph:

Quotation Submission Checklist in order to be eligible for award.

This procurement is being competed in accordance with FAR Part 13 procedures

- Compar a tive Evaluations.

This procurement is being competed as Unrestricted.

See CONTINUATION Page 648-3630160-066-822300-2560 010022365 X X X Ross Byrne 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: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C260 NCO 20 Network Contracting Office

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd Bldg.17, Suite B428 Vancouver WA 98661

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

Surigcal Pathology Immunohistchemistry Technical Component Test Code IHC Stain CPT Code 88342 TC Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-22-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q301 - Medical - Laboratory Testing

Surgical pathology Direct Immunofluorescence Technical and Professional Components Test Code DIF CPT Code 88346 88350 Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-22-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024

Surgical pathology consultation on prepared slides Second Opinion Report Professional Component Test Code Consultation CPT CODE 88321 Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-22-2023 POP End: 08-31-2024

Surigcal Pathology Immunohistchemistry Technical Component Test Code IHC Stain CPT Code 88342 TC Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025

Surgical pathology Direct Immunofluorescence

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025

Surgical pathology consultation on prepared slides

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025

Surigcal Pathology Immunohistchemistry Technical Component Test Code IHC Stain CPT Code 88342 TC Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026

Surgical pathology Direct Immunofluorescence

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026

Surgical pathology consultation on prepared slides

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026

Surigcal Pathology Immunohistchemistry Technical Component Test Code IHC Stain CPT Code 88342 TC Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027

Surgical pathology Direct Immunofluorescence

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027

Surgical pathology consultation on prepared slides

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027

Surigcal Pathology Immunohistchemistry Technical Component Test Code IHC Stain CPT Code 88342 TC Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028

Surgical pathology Direct Immunofluorescence

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028

Surgical pathology consultation on prepared slides

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Anatomic Pathology Reference Laboratory Testing

1. SCOPE

a. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and ordinances, and in accordance with the specifications outlined for accreditation certification if applicable, patient specimen testing for the specific range of referral testing within their capability, and requests for Dermatopathology consultation (Pathology second opinion). The Contractor shall provide rapid turn-around time, research testing and time sensitive testing.

b. Laboratory test requirements are as follows:

1. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall perform testing available at their site as requested by VA Portland Health Care System (VAPHCS).

2. The specimen will be logged into the system within 24 hours of receipt.

3. A final report will be issued on the same day the test is completed.

4. Turn-around time will not exceed the Turn-Around Time stated on Attachment A., below.

5. VAPHCS will be notified if specimens are sub-optimal for testing within 24 hours of receipt at their facility.

6. Services shall include the performance of analytical testing as defined by the Laboratory's reference test manual, the reporting of analytical test results and consultative services as required assimilating the full scope of its laboratory operations to Portland VA Laboratory Services.

2. SPECIFIC TASKS

a. Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide laboratory services to include pre-analytic processing as defined in Reference Laboratory published user’s manual; analysis, reporting of analytic results and interpretation of analytic clinical results. The number of tests requested under this contract will change throughout the life of the contract. The volumes or amounts shown in the solicitation are estimates only and impose no obligation on the VA.

b. See Attachment A to this Statement of Work (SOW) for specific tests required. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall perform the entire test menu.

c. The Referral Testing Laboratory shall serve as the primary for dermatopathology consultation or second opinion for complex cases. Board certified dermatopathologist required. National Expert preferred.

d. Turn-around time will not exceed the Turn-Around Time stated on Attachment A., below.

e. Reference Laboratory shall provide VAPHCS with courier services or a method for specimen transport (to include shipping materials).

3. ELECTRONIC INTERFACE: Not applicable.

4. OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION OR SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

a. Identification of Possible Follow-on Work: None

b. Identification of Potential Conflicts of Interest (COI): None

c. Identification of Non-Disclosure Requirements: This medical center provides specific privacy to patients as part of its normal protocols.

d. Packaging, Packing and Shipping Instructions: Specimens will be packaged and shipped in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations for the shipment of biologic substances. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide courier service for transport from VAPHCS to their facility.

e. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria: The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall notify the VAPHCS Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine of any specimens that do not meet the requirements for acceptance.

5. RISK CONTROL: None.

6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Contractors Facility

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Estimated Contract Period of Performance is to be:

Base Year: 9-22-2023 to 8-31-2024 OY 1: 9-1-2024 to 8-31-2025 OY 2: 9-1-2025 to 8-31-2026 OY 3: 9-1-2026 to 8-31-2027 OY 4: 9-1-2027 to 8-31-2028

8. TESTING METHODOLOGY, REFERENCE AND TURN AROUND TIME

a. Routine test results shall be reported within the specified turnaround time (TAT) which is defined from time of specimen pickup to when results are available. TAT is established by the VA facility. If testing is not within TAT, notify the VA Facilities of the new estimated TAT within 24 hours.

b. Testing methodology and reference ranges for a test must be defined in the Reference Laboratory user manual and/or website. Reference Laboratory shall advise facility of any changes in methodology, procedure, reference ranges and any new tests introduced 30 days in advance.

c. Reference Laboratory agrees to maintain the minimum acceptable service, reporting systems and quality control. Exception handling: Reference Laboratory will notify VA Facilities Laboratory Service within 24 hours of any problems with specimens received.

d. The VA Facilities will provide laboratory specimens prepared according to the Reference Laboratory's user’s manual, identified, and labeled for testing.

e. Critical Value test results shall be reported immediately. Stat test results will be faxed or telephoned to Laboratory Service. Telephoned results will be confirmed with a follow-up by vendor via fax.

f. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and ordinances, and in accordance with the specifications outlined for accreditation certification if applicable, patient specimen testing for the tests listed in Attachment A. All requirements and provisions defined in the specification of this solicitation will apply to any laboratory, i.e. branch, division, sub-contractor, etc. performing reference testing on behalf of the Reference Laboratory.

g. In the event new products or testing services are required, Contracting office will determine if the new products or testing services are within scope, and if they are within scope, a modification to the contract will be required to add the new products or testing services prior to beginning any of the new testing services or processes.

9. CUSTOMER SERVICE

a. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide VA Laboratory with a means of communication to permit immediate inquiry regarding the status of pending tests or specimen problem, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

b. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide names and telephone numbers of technical Directors and Pathologists available to provide information.

10. DELIVERY AND REPORTING

a. Billing summaries shall begin the first day of the month and include the last day of the month.

b. Tests referred to another laboratory shall be at no additional transfer charge or confirmation charge to the government.

c. Deliveries must be accompanied by a delivery ticket or sales slip that contains the following information as a minimum:

1) Vendor Name

2) Applicable FSS contract number

3) BPA Number, Task order number, and Purchase Order number

4) Date of Purchase

5) Date of Shipment

6) Description of item

7) Quantity of each item

8) Unit price and extended (quantity x unit price) price for each item

d. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide an end of year report showing sample issues, facility usage, and cost savings generated during the reporting period. The report will be due 45 days after the close of each government fiscal quarter.

e. Invoicing: An itemized invoice shall accompany each service order from the Contractor. This invoice must show item number, description, quantity, unit, unit price, and totals for each design (advanced and basic) used. All invoices shall include contract number, purchase/delivery order number and detail of services provided.

f. Invoicing: Invoices will be electronically submitted to the Tungsten website at http://www.tungstennetwork.com/uk/en/ Tungsten direct vendor support number is 877-489-6135 for VA contracts. The VA-FSC pays all associated transaction fees for VA orders. During Implementation (technical set-up) Tungsten will confirm your Taxpayer ID Number with the VA-FSC. This process can take up to 5 business days to complete to ensure your invoice is automatically routed to your Certifying Official for approval and payment. In order to successfully submit an invoice to VA-FSC please review “How to Create an Invoice” within the how to guides. All invoices submitted through Tungsten to the VA-FSC should mirror your current submission of Invoice, with the following items required. Clarification of additional requirements should be confirmed with your Certifying Official (your CO or buyer). The VA-FSC requires specific information in compliance with the Prompt Pay Act and Business Requirements:

1.) Your firm’s Taxpayer ID number (TIN) 2.) Your firm’s “Remit Address” information 3.) The VA Purchase Order (PO) number 4.) Your firm’s contact information: (Personal Name, Email, and Phone) 5.) Your VA point of contact information: (Personal Name, Email, and Phone) 6.) The Period of Performance dates (Beginning and Ending) 7.) All discount information if applicable (Percent and Date Terms) For additional information, please contact:

Tungsten Support Phone: 1-877-489-6135 Website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/uk/en/ Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center Phone: 1-877-353-9791 Email: vafscched@va.gov

h. Invoices shall be submitted monthly with the following information:

1.) Contract number and purchase order number 2.) Station ID (648) 3.) Date services were requested 4.) Patient name and test 5.) Invoice will be billed as individual line items as they are listed in the price schedule.

i. Monthly invoice(s) will contain only those item numbers used for that month. Invoices not received in proper format will be returned.

11. PERFORMANCE MONITORING

a. At the time of contract award the Contracting Officer will appoint a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to assist with the contract monitoring requirements. The COR or designee will monitor such items as quality of service, contractor's ability to meet TAT's, correct billing, customer service, and review of the contractor's proficiency program.

b. Contractor shall provide to the COR or designee no later than Ninety (90) days prior to the end of each contract period a proficiency report. The COR or designee shall review the proficiency results. The contractor shall maintain a minimum of 95% success rate for proficiency testing to be considered successful. Failure to achieve 95% success rate two periods in a row could be grounds for Termination for Cause.

c. The COR or designee will ensure that services performed are in accordance with all terms and conditions of the contract.

d. The delegated COR or designee will notify the Contracting Officer of any non-compliance immediately upon his/her gaining knowledge of any such situation or incident. After such communication, the COR or designee will provide a written statement to the contracting officer along with any supporting documentation regarding the performance failure noted.

e. Upon receipt of a proper invoice, the COR or designee shall certify that the services identified have been performed. Once certification has been made, the invoice will be forward through the proper billing channels and payment shall be made to the Contractor.

f. It is the intention of both parties to conduct joint reviews prior to the expiration date of the contract to determine and evaluate if services being provided are in accordance with the contract terms, payments and billings are being properly handled and to jointly determine if this agreement is satisfactory to both parties in terms of services provided and consideration being received. This review may include. but not be limited to: analyze all billings, payments, costs, administrative issues, patient satisfaction, quality of care and other related documentation that identities that services have been received.

g. Upon conclusion of the initial contract period, and in coordination with the Contracting Officer, the using service shall provide a statement to the Contracting Officer providing a summary of contractor actions and a statement that all requirements of the contract were fulfilled as agreed. This information shall be forwarded by the COR or designee to the Contracting Officer prior to exercising any extension of this agreement (at least 60 days prior to contract expiration).

12. LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION

12. Reference Laboratory Contractor shall provide copies of all licenses, permits, accreditation and certificates required by law (please see b. and c. below).

12. The Laboratory Director shall be a licensed American Board of Pathology certified pathologist. As subspeciality dermatopathology consultation will be requested from the Reference Laboratory Contractor, fellowship training and Board Certification in Dermatopathology from the American Board of Pathology is required.

12. All medical facilities providing laboratory services under the contract must possess a valid state license (if required), and meet CLIA and CMS requirements including CLIA certificate of compliance, and accrediation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) or equivalent accreditation agency.

13. PERSONNEL

a. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall make sure employees have current and valid professional certifications before starting work under this contract.

b. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall meet personnel qualifications required by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) '88 Guidelines.

c. The Government’s reserves the right to request information or certification from the contractor verifying they comply with this contract requirement.

14. HOURS OF OPERATION

a. The Portland VA is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Anatomic Pathology, which will utilize the services of the Reference Laboratory Contractor shall, is open from Monday-Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. and may require services during these times.

15. PATIENT INFORMATION SAFETY

a. VAPHCS will provide Protected Health Information (PHI) with each submitted specimen to the Reference Laboratory Contractor shall which includes full name, medical record number, social security number, date of birth, ordering provider’s name, laboratory accession number, surgical pathology accession number, specimen type, and specimen collection date and time

b. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall not use or disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) other than as permitted or required by the agreement or as required by law.

c. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall use appropriate safeguards to prevent use or disclosure of the PHI other than is provided for by this agreement.

d. The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall report immediately any breach of safeguards and mitigate any harmful effects related to the use or disclosure of PHI by the Reference Laboratory or any of its agents, including sub-contractors.

16. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the following statements as they relate to the contract. VA Portland Health Care System in coordination with their site Information Security Officer (ISO) shall monitor the work performed by contractor personnel, including sub-contractors, on a periodic basis to make sure contractor personnel are following the stated security requirements.

17.BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SPECIAL AGREEMENT CHECKS

All Reference Laboratory Contractor shall employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA sensitive information. The level of background investigation commensurate with the level of access needed to perform the work is: Low Risk. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access.

The Reference Laboratory Contractor shall bear the expense of obtaining background investigations. If the investigation is conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through the VA, the Reference Laboratory Contractor shall reimburse the VA within 30 days.

18.VA INFORMATION SECURITY LANGUAGE

General

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

Access to VA Information and VA Information Systems

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and 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 must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared US defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veteran Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Services (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be in the US to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-US services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable to VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the US may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor's employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

Custody of VA Information

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for the purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights of Data – General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

b. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the contractor/subcontractor's information systems or media storage systems to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA's information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA's sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct onsite inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements.

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered / created by the contractor in the course of performing the contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self0-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

d. 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 NIST issues or updates applicable to 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 in this contract.

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

f. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under FAR Part 12.

g. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated an appropriate action taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business Associate Agreements. Absent an agreement to use or disclose protected health information, there is no business relationship.

h. The contractor/subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, FIPS 140-2 validated.

i. 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.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of 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 VA contracting officer for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor/subcontractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism, or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA Contracting Officer for response.

l. For service that involves the storage, generating, transmitting, or exchanging of VA sensitive information but does not require C&A or an MOU-ISA for system interconnection, the contractor/subcontractor must complete a Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) on a yearly basis and provide it to the COR.

Security Incident Investigation

a. The term "security incident" means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the COR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the 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.

c. With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a date breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

d. In instances of theft, 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 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.

Liquidated Damages for Data Breach

a. Consistent with the requirements of 38U.S.C. 5725, a 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 or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under the contract.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a "security incident" as set forth in the Security Incident Investigation section above. Upon such notification, VA must secure from a non-Department entity of the VA Office of Inspector General an independent risk analysis of the data breach to determine the level of risk associated with the date breach for the potential misuse of any sensitive personal information involved in the data breach. 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. Contractor shall fully cooperate with the entity performing the risk analysis. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

c. Each risk analysis shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

1. Nature of event (loss, theft, unauthorized access);

3. Number of individuals affected or potentially affected.

4. Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected.

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

6. Amount of time the data has been out of VA control.

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

8. Known misuses of date containing sensitive personal information, if any.

9. Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals.

10. Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Security and Privacy Incidents, as appropriate; and

11. 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.

d. Based on the determinations of the independent risk analysis the contractor shall be responsible for paying to the VA liquidated damages of $37.50 per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to affected individuals consisting of the following:

1. Notification;

2. One year of credit report monitoring services consisting of automatic daily monitoring of at least 3 relevant credit bureau reports;

3. Data breach analysis;

4. Fraud resolution services, including writing dispute letters, initiating fraud alerts and credit freezes, to assist affected individuals to bring matters to resolution;

5. One year of identity theft insurance with $20,000 coverage at $0 deductible; and

6. Necessary legal expenses the subjects may incur to repair falsified or damaged credit records, histories, or financial affairs.

Security Controls Compliance Testing

On a periodic basis, VA, including the Office of Inspector General, reserves the right to evaluate any or all of the security controls and privacy practices implemented by the contractor under the clauses contained within the contract. Within 10 working day notice, at the request of the government, the contractor must fully cooperate and assist in a government sponsored security controls assessment at each location wherein VA information is processed or stored, or information systems are developed operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA, including those initiated by the Office of Inspector General. The government may conduct a security control assessment on shorter notice (to include unannounced assessments) as determined by VA in the event of a security incident or at any other time.

Attachment A:

(Technical component)

(Technical and Professional Components)

Second Opinion Report, (Professional Component)

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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.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/ https://www.acquisition.gov/vaar

(End of Clause)

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 prior to contract expiration. The specified rates under this clause will be those rates in effect under the contract each time an option is exercised under this clause.

(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 of contract expiration; 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.

(End of Clause)

C.4 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.5 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.6 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) (End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.7 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JUN 2023) ALTERNATE II (JUN 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.)

[X] (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).

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

[X] (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…