RFQ Attachment - 36C26027Q0111.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

TBD

36C26027Q0111 11/12/2026

Peter Park 360-553-7631 11/20/2026

3:00PM PST

36C260 Network Contracting Office 20

ATTN: V4CONT

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

X

812210

12.5 million

NET 30

N/A

36C692

Department of Veterans Affairs White City VA Medical Center 8495 Crater Lake Highway

White City OR 97503

36C260

Network Contracting Office 20

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd

Dept of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

This RFQ is for a single-award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for White City VA Medical Center for the following services:

Simple burial and cremation services in accordance with the Statement of Work and Pricelist.

You must submit the documents below for a valid quote:

- Completed and signed 1449 (Page 1 of this document)

- Completed price quote in D.1 Price List

- Proof of required licenses for prime/subcontractor

- Capability statement for being able to perform the SOW

- SAM.gov UEI number. Must be registered in SAM.gov

- Company POC name, email address, phone number

Submit your quote to Peter.Park2@va.gov by the deadline.

See CONTINUATION Page

Peter Park

VA-VHA-RPOW-2025-0039

36C26027Q0111

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.2 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

B.3 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

B.4 PRICING

B.5 GENERAL SERVICES ORDERS

B.6 NONPERSONAL SERVICES

B.7 AUTHORIZED LIMITS

B.8 OBLIGATION OF FUNDS

B.9 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

B.10 AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS

B.11 ORDER FORMAT

B.12 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

B.13 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

B.14 PROHIBIT ACTIVITIES

B.15 MANAGEMENT CONTROL

B.16 INVOICES

B.17 PRECEDENCE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

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

C.3 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY

2014)

C.4 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(DEVIATION APR 2026)

C.5 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 PRICE LIST

D2. WAGE DETERMINATION

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

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

SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.3 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.4 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC

CORPORATIONS—REPRESENTATION (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.5 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT

TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (NOV

2025) (DEVIATION)

E.6 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 General Information. The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) requires mortuary services for deceased unclaimed or indigent Veterans inpatient under VA or VA authorized care. The Contractor shall provide the facilities, professional funeral services, resources, storage, and transportation necessary to support the handling of unclaimed or indigent remains of deceased Veterans from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (VAMC) or a VA authorized care facility and to deliver the deceased to Eagle Point National Cemetery.

The offeror shall comply with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requirements and specifications and federal, state, and local health laws, statutes and regulations in the performing the following tasks as identified in this Statement of Work (SOW). White City Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is located at 8495 Crater Lake Hwy, White City, OR 97503 and the Eagle Point National Cemetery is located at 2763 Riley Rd, Eagle Point, OR 97524.

1.1 The Contractor shall not discriminate in the handling of remains due to race, creed, sex, or national origin of the deceased.

2.0 Description of the Work to be Performed.

2.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for providing professional services of the highest quality to assure viewing of the remains under optimal conditions.

2.2 The Contractor shall practice hygienic measures that will assure complete and satisfactory disinfection and sanitation of the funeral establishment.

2.3 The Contractor shall have a sufficient number of State licensed embalmers to process (embalm) or reprocess any remains on a timely basis. Interns or apprentices may be used to assist the licensed embalmer in accordance with (IAW) with applicable state regulations.

2.4 Transport Vehicles, supplies, equipment and technical procedures shall conform to standards and professional techniques acceptable to the Oregon Funeral Service Industry and the National or VA grant-funded State Veterans Cemetery at White City.

2.5 Contractor’s Facility shall meet Federal, State, Local and National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) Fire and Life Safety Codes. The Contractor’s facility shall comply with current VA standards for handicapped accessibility. Any change of the Contractor’s facility location during the contract term shall be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer (CO).

3.0 VAMC Responsibilities.

3.1 In accordance with the Veteran’s expressed funeral arrangement preferences, VAMC will advise the Contractor of the Veteran’s preference for cremation or burial.

3.2 Notification to pick-up unclaimed remains. The VAMC designated representative will notify the Contractor of unclaimed remains. The Contractor shall respond for removal of unclaimed Veteran’s remains within one (1) business day. The Contractor shall complete the burial process within 10 days of notification by VAMC.

3.5 Inspection of the body. Whether the body is cremated or to be buried, the casket or urn and remains shall be inspected by the designated representative prior to transporting to final destination.

4.0 Scope of Work – General Tasks by the Contractor.

4.1 Cremation (Inurnment) Services. When requested by the designated representative (DR), this service shall include making the necessary arrangements with the crematorium and furnishing a suitable urn for the cremated remains.

4.1.1 Suitable Urn shall be durable and sealed, not leaking. Materials such as plastic, metal, wood, ceramic/stone, or other durable materials are acceptable.

4.2 Preparation of Remains (Body) Services for Interment. The DR will advise the Contractor of the Veteran’s preference for cremation or body burial.

4.2.1 Remains shall be prepared, dressed, and cosmetically beautified as prescribed in the specifications.

4.2.2 Each remain, viewable or non-viewable, shall be embalmed that provides the optimum result.

4.3 Pre-embalming Services.

4.3.1 Remains shall be bathed unless when it is impossible due to the condition of the remains.

The body hair shall be washed and groomed. For example: Fingernails shall be cleaned and trimmed; the mouth shall be securely closed to form a natural expression and ensure eyelids are prepared to prevent wrinkling and a sunken appearance of the eyes. The use of cosmetics shall be applied only to produce natural color and texture.

4.3.2 Any lacerations, abrasions, incisions, excisions and burn wounds shall be sutured and/or sealed to prevent leakage. Swollen or distorted features shall be reduced to the normal contours enjoyed during life. Postmortem stains shall be chemically bleached by applying packs and/or needle injection. On viewable areas, further treatment shall consist of the use of masking cosmetics to render stains non-detectable.

4.3.3 Body orifices shall be treated with a disinfectant, non-astringent chemical (generic categories such as Phenyl phenols and Iodophors) and packed with cotton. Bedsores, ulcerated, burned, and necrotic tissue shall be treated either by hypodermic injection, or pack application of deodorizing or preserving chemical.

4.3.4 Maggots and other insect larvae shall be destroyed and their breeding sites in or on the remains thoroughly treated with an insecticide chemical.

4.3.5 The Contractor shall ensure that the body and/or cremated remains are effectively disinfected, uniformly preserved, and offensive odors eliminated before the remains are casketed.

4.4 Preparation of Remains – (Body is intact).

4.4.1 Each remain, viewable and non-viewable, requires variation in the embalming treatment to accomplish the optimum results. A recommended procedure to achieve these goals is the injection of the solution at a moderate rate. The addition of a humectant to the solutions is also helpful in reducing over-dehydration effects.

4.5 Processing Non-viewable Remains.

4.5.1 For all remains, multi-site injection and drainage technique shall be attempted.

4.5.2 For autopsied cases, incisions shall be tightly sutured and treated to prevent leakage.

4.5.3 Restorative work such as derma surgery, if required, shall be used to present a normal lifelike appearance.

4.5.4 Body areas shall be treated by means of a trocar, using undiluted cavity chemicals having a 30 index (%) or greater. In addition, packs, special gels and or dry sanitizers shall be used to assure preservation, prevent leakage, and eliminate all offensive odors (if required.)

4.5.5 Cranial, thoracic, and abdominal cavities, when present, shall be relieved of gasses and distention. The cavities shall then be treated by injecting a minimum of 32 ounces of a concentrated cavity chemical, having a 30-index (%) or greater.

4.5.6 When material injection and/or cavity treatment is impossible, all matriculated and disarticulated anatomical portions shall be thoroughly disinfected and preserved via accessory chemical embalming techniques.

4.5.7 Non-injectable intact remains and/or disarticulated anatomical portions shall be immersed or hypo-injected with trocar and/or syringe and needle, using full strength cavity chemicals 30-index (%) or greater. Surface application of liquid, gel, or dry sanitizers and preservatives is also required to supplement primary needle and/or hypo injection techniques.

4.6 Processing Viewable Remains.

4.6.1 A thorough pre-embalming case analysis shall be made in order to determine the best embalming techniques to be used to obtain optimum results.

4.6.2 The technique of arterial injection and venous drainage is of utmost importance as well as the need for adding humectant (moisture retention chemicals) to the arterial solution injected.

4.6.3 The mineral chemical injection solution shall contain a 2% to 3% concentration, by volume, of aldehyde or aldehyde derivative preservative agent(s), with equal parts of a humectant chemical also being added to the injection solution.

4.6.4 The thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities shall be thoroughly aspirated and injected with full-strength cavity chemicals having a 30 index (%) or greater, using a minimum of 16 ounces for each cavity.

4.6.5 Needle injections, packs, or other special treatments shall be accomplished, as required, to assure the preservation and disinfection of all body tissues, including those associated with body cavities (organs).

4.6.6 A lanolin-based (or comparable) massage cream shall be applied on the face and hands.

4.6.7 For autopsied remains. Incisions shall be tightly sutured and treated to prevent leakage.

4.6.8 Autopsied Remains. If a partial or complete autopsy is performed, a 6-point injection with multisite drainage shall be accomplished, using arterial chemical solutions as specified for processing viewable remains.

4.7 Other Preparations of the Body Remains.

4.7.1 The following services shall be provided includes dressing, make-up, casketing, hair care, post-autopsy care, refrigeration and reconstruction/restorative arts.

4.7.2 Treatment of Scalp. If the scalp was shaved because of medical treatment or surgery, processing or reprocessing shall be accomplished as specified for viewable remains, after which the cranium shall be wrapped with gauze or equivalent in a neat and professional manner.

4.7.3 Mutilated Hands. If the hands are mutilated and restoration is not possible, the hands shall be treated in a manner, which shall render the tissue firm, dry, and thoroughly preserved. The hands shall be covered by either wrapping with gauze or equivalent in a neat and professional manner, or by placing surgical gloves on the hands.

4.7.4 Dressing Remains. The VA or the deceased veteran’s family (indigent burials) will provide the appropriate clothing, to be used in the burial. Appropriate under garments shall be provided by the VA.

4.7.5 POC or Designated Representative will advise on any known religious preferences for the proper dressing and handling of the body.

4.8 Casket. Remains shall be placed in the casket or urn in a manner that will create an appearance of rest and composure and ensure maintenance of position during transit.

4.8.1 Casket Type and Material. At a minimum, the casket should be standard size (generally 82 X 28 inches or larger), constructed of 20 gauge or thicker metal with fixed rails or swing arm handles, and not leaking. Cardboard, or pressed paper, or similar materials are not acceptable.

4.8.2 The casket shall be of sufficient size and strength to prevent the appearance of crowding or and cramping and support the weight of the decedent’s remains.

4.9 United States (US) Flag. The US flag will be furnished by the VA to be draped over the casket at the time of funeral service.

5.0 Transport and Storage of the Deceased Veteran.

5.1 Transport Vehicles. The Contractor shall have the necessary vehicles to transport the body from the VAMC or place of VA contracted care facility to the funeral home and then from funeral home to the National or VA grant-funded State Veterans Cemetery for interment or inurnment.

5.1.1 Loading the Casketed or the Cremated Remains. The remains shall be carefully and professionally placed in the type of vehicle normally used in for funeral services.

5.2 Transportation of Remains. The Contractor shall coordinate and transport the body or unclaimed remains in a funeral coach, ambulance, and hearse or service car to the Contractor’s facility; and when ready for burial, the Contractor shall transport it to the National or VA grant-funded State Veterans Cemetery for burial.

5.3 Storage of Deceased Veteran. The Contractor shall have adequate storage space to hold and store (refrigeration) the remains until burial arrangements are confirmed.

5.4 Place of Burial or Columbarium.

5.4.1 Mortuary services ordered by the VA will specify the interment to be Eagle Point National Cemetery. The burial plot, the marker and services for opening and closing the grave, and placing the marker, will be furnished by the VA.

5.4.2 If the deceased veteran has a last will and testament specifying a location of burial other than the national cemetery, the deceased veteran’s estate is responsible for the cost of the burial site or plot. The Contractor shall provide burial related services at the new location if it is within 25 miles from the White City VAMC.

6.0 Permits/Licenses to operate. The Contractor shall possess the current transit permit at the time of award of Contract. Permits covering burial, cremation or removal of the body, if required, are to be secured and paid for by the Contractor.

6.1 In accordance with the Oregon Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, the Contractor shall provide proof of license for the establishment and funeral home director(s), prior to commencing any work under this contract.

6.2 The Contractor’s employees shall have the appropriate and current license(s) prior to commencing work under this contract. Copies of registrations and licenses shall be furnished upon COR’s request. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining Workers Compensation and Professional Liability Insurance, as well as remaining current on Federal, State and Medicare payments.

7.0 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans (QASP).

7.1 The QASP will be used by the Government to monitor and evaluate the Contractor’s performance using mostly customer feedback and surveillance. The Government will use random, scheduled and unscheduled inspections of the various reports transcribed to determine the validity of the customers’ complaints. Performance will be recorded by the POC or designated representative and when an observation indicates defective performance, the POC will request the Contractor or designated representative to initial the observation.

7.2 The POC will conduct on-site inspections of the facilities to ensure services are performed according to the terms and conditions of the contract.

8.0 Contractor’s Quality Control Program (QCP).

8.1 The Contractor shall implement and maintain a complete quality control (QC) program so that all requirements are provided for as specified in all sections of this contract. The Contractor’s QCP shall include but not be limited to the following:

8.1.1 A statement describing how the Contractor will meet the basic requirements of this contract (including staffing levels, time of response) shall be provided to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) fifteen (15) days after effective date of contract award and whenever there are major turnover of personnel. A major turn-over is two or more employees.

8.1.2 A method for identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the performance deficiency becomes unacceptable. The QCP shall contain processes for corrective actions without dependence upon Government direction and shall maintain records of all Contractor QC inspections and corrective actions.

8.1.3 A method of recording or logging the activities of the Contractor, which would demonstrate the Contractor's ability to maintain the minimum requirements of this contract.

8.2 The POC or designated representative will monitor the Contractor's performance using the Contractor’s QCP and the Government’s QASP.

8.3 The Contractor shall provide at least semi-annual quality control or assurance report to the COR. The report shall include the results of the reviews, identification of problems and a correction plan.

9.0 Miscellaneous Items.

9.1 Coordination with the National or VA grant-funded Veterans State Cemetery and the POC shall occur frequently to ensure the deceased Veteran is buried properly and timely. The Contractor shall keep the POC or DR informed as to the timeline of events.

9.2 POC responsibilities. The POC or DR will coordinate with the Contractor to ensure the proper documents and items are provided such as the DD 214 and/or other documents to verify Veteran’s Eligibility to be buried at the National or VA grant-funded Veterans State Cemetery.

10.0 Hours of Operation. The VA will conduct business with the Contractor during its normal operational hours (i.e. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), excluding Federal Holidays.

11.0 Security Requirements.

11.1 The Contractor shall sign and follow confidentiality statements as required.

12.0 VA Sensitive Information.

12.1 The Contractor is expected to perform functions that will require access to VA sensitive information. In the course of providing services, it will be necessary for the Contractor to view and receive protected health information (PHI), and personnel identifiable information (PII).

12.2 Contracts, in which VA sensitive information are accessed by a Contractor require the following requirements per 38 U.S.C 5723 and 5725.

12.2.1 A prohibition on unauthorized disclosure: “Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA.” See VA Handbook 65006, Appendix C, paragraph 3.a.

12.2.2 A requirement for data breach notification: Upon discovery 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, the contractor/subcontractor shall immediately and simultaneously notify the COR, the designated ISO (Information Security Officer), and Privacy Officer for the contract. 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.

12.2.3 A requirement to pay liquidated damages in the event of a data: “In the event of a data breach or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor processes or maintains under this contract, the contractor shall be liable to VA for liquidated damages for a specified amount per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to those individuals.”

12.2.4 A requirement for annual security/privacy awareness training: before being granted access to VA information, all contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring such access shall complete on an annual basis either (i) the VA security/privacy awareness training (contains VA’s security/privacy requirements) within 1 week of the initiation of the contract, or (ii) security awareness training provided or arranged by the contractor that conforms to VA’s security)privacy requirements as delineated in the hard copy of the VA security awareness training provided to the contractor. If the contractor provides their own training that conforms to VA’s requirements, they will provide the POC or DR, a yearly report (due annually on the date of the contract initiation) stating that all applicable employees involved in VA’s contract have received their annual security/privacy training that meets VA’S requirements and the total number of employees trained.

12.2.5 A requirement to sign VA’s Rules of Behavior: before being granted access to VA information, all contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring such access shall sign on an annual basis an acknowledgment that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by VA’s Contractor Rules of Behavior which is attached to this contract.

If the vendor anticipates that the services under the contract will be performed by 10 or more individuals, the Contractor Rules of Behavior may be signed by the vendor’s designated representative. The contract must reflect by signing the Rules of Behavior on behalf of the vendor that the designated representative agrees to ensure that all such individuals review and understand the Rules of Behavior when accessing VA’s information.

13.0 Commonly Used Acronyms.

13.1 CO – Contracting Officer

13.2 POC – Point of Contact (Government)

13.3 VAMC – Veterans Affairs Medical Center

13.4 SOW – Statement of Work

13.5 DR – Designated Representative (usually representing the COR)

13.6 Tungsten Network – 3rd party global provider of electronic invoicing for the VA

13.7 DFAS Austin –Defense Finance and Accounting System in Austin, Texas

13.8 FSC – Financial Service Center (VA)

14.0 References

14.1 VHA Directive 1601B.04, Decedent Affairs dated 12/01/2017

14.2 Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 101

14.3 Title 38 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.

14.4 Title 38 CFR 17.170

14.5 Public Law No: 117-328, Division J Title II section 213 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023

14.6 Locations of VA National and VA grant-funded State Veterans Cemeteries. Find a Cemetery - National Cemetery Administration (va.gov)

B.2 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Contractor agrees to the following terms of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) EXCLUSIVELY WITH the Department of Veterans Affairs:

B.3 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is hereby established between and the Department of Veterans Affairs under the following terms and conditions incorporated in this BPA:

Primary Point of Contact: TBD

Alternate Point of Contact: TBD

SAM UEI NUMBER: TBD

Cognizant Office (Include complete address):

Network Contracting Office 20

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/ https://www.cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/

B.4 PRICING

Contract Services as listed below, with associated pricing, can be ordered under this BPA.

The Contractor shall be allowed to vary within the categories for successful and efficient task completion not to exceed funded values of each order awarded under this agreement. As proposed, the Contractor will apply applicable extended/tier pricing to all categories used in the performance of orders issued under this Agreement. Orders may be awarded on a basis only.

All Calls/Orders placed against this BPA are subject to the terms and conditions of the referenced BPA, the Contractor's proposal and this Agreement, except where noted below.

Contractor's proposal dated is hereby referenced.

B.5 GENERAL SERVICES ORDERS

a. The BPA holder shall furnish all the necessary qualified personnel, materials, facilities and management resources to furnish the services set forth in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) or the Performance Work Statement (PWS) within the terms specified and at the price(s) stated.

b. It is understood and agreed that the BPA holder shall provide Fixed-Price proposals when requested by the Contracting Officer (CO). The contractor's proposal shall be priced using labor rates and labor categories here in provided. The CO will issue Fixed Priced Orders upon completion of negotiations of contractor proposals.

B.6 NONPERSONAL SERVICES

a. In performance of this contract, the BPA holder will provide services as required by program offices to support management of their overall mission. This will be based upon the order's performance work statement for the specific effort. Orders will be formally issued to the BPA holder as opposed to individual BPA holder employees.

b. The services required under the Agreement constitute professional and management services within the definition provided by FAR 37.201. Under this Agreement the Government will obtain professional services, which are essential to the Department of Veterans Affairs mission but not otherwise available within Department of Veterans Affairs.

c. The Government will neither supervise BPA holder employees nor control the method by which the BPA holder performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual BPA holder employees.

It shall be the responsibility of the BPA holder to manage their employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services. If the BPA holder feels that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the BPA holder's further responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer immediately.

d. These services shall not be used to perform work of a policy/ decision making or management nature. All decisions relative to programs supported by BPA holders will be the sole responsibility of the Government. Support services will not be ordered to circumvent personnel ceilings, pay limitations, or competitive employment procedures.

B.7 AUTHORIZED LIMITS

To be completed upon award.

B.8 OBLIGATION OF FUNDS

This BPA does not obligate any funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized orders actually issued under the BPA by the Contracting Officer.

B.9 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This BPA expires on 12/14/2031 based on below ordering periods (estimated).

Ordering Period 1: 12/15/2026 – 12/14/2027 Ordering Period 2: 12/15/2027 – 12/14/2028 Ordering Period 3: 12/15/2028 – 12/14/2029 Ordering Period 4: 12/15/2029 – 12/14/2030 Ordering Period 5: 12/15/2030 – 12/14/2031

B.10 AUTHORIZED INDIVIDUALS

Individuals Authorized to Place Orders:

DVA authorizes the following entities to place orders:

VISN 20 Contracting Officers

B.11 ORDER FORMAT

Orders will be placed against this BPA via e-mail, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), FAX, or in hardcopy format. Each individual BPA Order will describe the tasks, services and deliverables required.

B.12 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

The primary Contracting Officer (CO) for this Agreement is:

Peter Park

Network Contracting Office 20

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd Bldg.17, Suite B428 Vancouver, WA 98661 Peter.Park2@va.gov

The Primary Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for projects under this Agreement is:

None mailto:Peter.Park2@va.gov

The Secondary Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for projects under this Agreement is: None

The Primary and/or Secondary POC will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The POC and the Contractor's Representative shall work together to ensure that all contractual requirements are being met. The POC will interpret specifications or technical portions of the work. The POC is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government. Only a warranted Contracting Officer is authorized to obligate funds on this or any other contract action.

The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing if the POC has taken an action (or fails to take action) or issues directions (written or oral) that the contractor considers to exceed the above limitations.

The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer information copies of all correspondence to the COR.

B.13 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, no services will be provided and no charges will be incurred and/or billed to any order on this contract on any of the Federal Holidays listed below.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Columbus Day Washington’s Birthday Veterans' Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

B.14 PROHIBIT ACTIVITIES

The BPA holder shall not perform tasks under any resultant order which involve the following:

(a) preparation of any statement of requirements, objectives, or needs to be procured by the Government for services, whether to be acquired by future orders under the program, or by any other contract action at Department of Veterans Affairs;

(b) evaluation of the qualifications of a potential source or any proposal for a contract or order by the Government for services or any other supplies or services;

(c) formulation of "best value" criteria, acquisition plans, solicitations or strategies for the purchase of -like services;

(d) preparation of documentation for future orders for services.

B.15 MANAGEMENT CONTROL

The BPA holder shall provide to the Contracting Officer (CO) a list of all teaming partners or subcontractors within calendar days after order award. As subcontractors and/or teaming partners are added, and/or deleted, an updated listing will be provided to the CO within calendar days of such change. All BPA holder personnel shall display identification badges at all times while charging hours to the order or at a government or government contractor location. Authorized Government personnel shall accompany all visits to Department of Veterans Affairs Program Offices, unless other specific arrangements have been made.

B.16 INVOICES

a. Inspection and acceptance shall be accomplished as follows: The Government, for all services furnished under any resulting order, hereby designates the POC in the program office as the point of final inspection and acceptance. The BPA holder will submit each invoice, including all back-up data, to the Contracting Officer (CO) for review and signature. When the CO receives an accurate and complete invoice, he/she will return a signed copy to the BPA holder within five (5) working days. If the invoice is incomplete or inaccurate, the CO will return the unsigned invoice to the BPA holder for correction. The Contracting Officer will then forward the signed invoice to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for payment. Final payment for each order will be accomplished by final invoice accompanied by a receiving report.

b. An itemized invoice shall be submitted to the CO at least monthly or upon expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries made during a billing period and for which payment has not been received. Copies of delivery tickets shall support these invoices.

"Approved-for-payment" invoices will be submitted to the payment address specified on each individual order issued under this BPA.

B.17 PRECEDENCE

The Terms and conditions included in this BPA apply to all purchases made pursuant to it. In the event of an inconsistency between the provisions of this BPA and the Contractor's invoice, the provisions of this BPA will take precedence.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

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

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

and

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

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

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

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

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence. Examples of occurrences include acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall—

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and 5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

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

(i) Payment—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

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

(5) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the

Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

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

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by FAR part 33 if—

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

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

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see FAR part 32).

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

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

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

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

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

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

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

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

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 in effect on the date of this contract.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(q) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C.

chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation; and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

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

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

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

(3) Other contract clauses incorporated in the solicitation or contract;

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract,

(5) Solicitation provisions incorporated in the solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments; and

(8) The specification.

(s) Unauthorized obligations.

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

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

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

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

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

(t) Comptroller General examination of record. This paragraph applies if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid procedures and is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on the date of award of this contract.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices, at all reasonable times, the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR part 4, longer period required by statute, or periods specified in other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form.