36C26218Q0312-002.docx

DOCUMENT TYPE:

Combined Solicitation/Synopsis

SUBMISSION ADDRESS: Tien.nguyen@va.gov

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is a request for quotations (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2005-97

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 562211, with a small business size standard of 35.8 million dollars.

The Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22, on behalf of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22 is seeking to procure services of animal carcass removal and incineration.

Table of Contents

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

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

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

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.

http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veterans-affairs/

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

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

Biosecure disposal by incineration is the destruction of tissue by direct flame application and does not result in any end-product. Specifically, desired results are the incineration of animal carcasses collected from various Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Research Facilities within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22.

PARTICIPATING FACILITIES:

VA LONG BEACH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (LB)

5901 E. Seventh St Long Beach, CA 90822

VA SAN DIEGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (SD)

3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161

VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (GLA-(WLA))

11301 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90073

VA SEPULVEDA AMBULATORY CARE (GLA-(SEP))

16111 Plummer St.

North Hills, CA 91343

** Participation may be expanded upon to include facilities within VISN 22 that may benefit from this contract.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor shall provide all necessary labor, containers, equipment, transportation and required reports. All Contractor provided equipment and materials shall remain in the property of the Contractor during and after the contract period. Animal carcass waste containers shall meet applicable safety codes and regulatory requirements. New, reusable or disposable containers shall comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Animal carcass waste collection containers features include stacking capability, tight-fitting securable lids and must be leak-proof. Dolly equipment, if used, shall have wheels equipped with a positive brake/locking device to prevent inadvertent movement. It is mandatory that all vehicular equipment used in the performance of this contract be equipped with a bell or similar warning device to alert pedestrians when vehicle is backing up. When not in use, all vehicles used by the Contractor shall be locked and the keys removed. This is intended to protect the property of the Contractor and the safety of the VA employees and visitors at the participating VA Healthcare facilities.

Contractor shall place and collect animal waste containers at the locations specified in the schedule of supplies or services and prices/cost of the contract. Regulated waste shall be properly packaged the waste prior to shipment and certify that the waste is properly package per U.S Department of Transportation (DOT).

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and the health of persons working or visiting the VA facility. Cleaning and decontamination of animal carcass containers shall not be performed on Government property. The Contractor shall not dispose of or spill any liquid accumulation on VA grounds. The Contractor shall immediately clean up any spills (including vehicular fluids). The Contractor shall provide training to its employees to ensure that established policies and procedures for the management of animal carcass removal are followed.

Contractor shall be licensed, permitted/certified, and in compliance with the State of California and or any State that services are to be rendered, regarding dead hauling and air quality management at the time of solicitation and through the life of the contract.

If a regulatory agency assesses a monetary fine against the Government for violations resulting from Contractor actions, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the fine and related costs.

The Contractor shall maintain tracking documents for record keeping purposes and for submission to a VA personnel at the department of each site after each service. Documents shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

· Date of Pick-up from the VA facility and delivery to incinerating facility

· Weight of Animal Carcass Load

· VA Healthcare Facility and Address

· Contractor’s Tracking Number

PICK UP LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY:

VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Location: Bldg. 138, Basement hall next to loading dock door Pick-Up Frequency: As Needed

VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

Location: Main Hospital, Basement, Room B-194 Pick-Up Frequency: Once Weekly

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: West Los Angeles Campus Location: Bldg. 117, First Floor, Room 16 Pick-Up Frequency: Once Weekly

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: Sepulveda Campus Location: Bldg. 47, Room 103 & Bldg. 7, Room C-10 Pick-Up Frequency: Once Weekly

** Facilities within VISN 22 may be added that may benefit the IDIQ. Pricing shall remain consistent to the year in which services was added.

BADGE: Contractor shall obtain a “Contractor I.D Badge” from the VA Police. All Contractor personnel are required to wear I.D Badge during the entire time on VA facility. The I.D Badge MUST have an identification picture and shall state the name of the individual and the company represented.

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL:

The Contractor shall not employ persons for work on this contract if such employee is identified to the Contractor as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being or operational mission of the installation of any equipment and its population.

Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as contractor employees. This may be accomplished by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the name of the company and/or wearing badges bearing the Contractor’s and employee’s name. Contractor personal shall be dressed to present a clean, neat appearance at all times when performing under this contract.

Contract Personnel shall be subject to the same quality assurance standards or exceed current recognized national standards as established by the Joint Commission (JC). The Contractor shall perform services in accordance with the ethical, professional and technical standards of the equipment repair industry as consistent with VA Policy, Regulations and Procedures.

SUBCONTRACTING: If a subcontractor is utilized, at any time, the subcontractor’s information shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for review and approval prior to commencing service. The subcontractor shall adhere to the same requirement as the prime contractor.

SMOKING: Contractor personnel may smoke only in designated areas. There shall be no smoking within twenty-five (25) feet of all entrances to buildings. Smoking is allowed in all outside areas that are twenty-five (25) feet away from entrances to buildings unless indicated otherwise. Enclosed patios connected to facility buildings are considered part of the building and as such are non-smoking areas.

VEHICLES: Vehicles used in the performance of this contract shall be registered and adhere to all minimum vehicle requirements as mandated by the State. Vehicles may be subject to inspection at any time during the performance of the contract.

PARKING: It is the responsibility of Contractor personnel to park only in designated parking areas. Not every VISN 22 facility to be serviced under this BPA will have on-site parking available for contractor personnel. The Contractor shall make alternate arrangements for its personnel to park off-site if motor vehicles are required to access those facilities. Parking information is available from the VA Police & Security Service Office. The VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor's personnel under any circumstances. The Contractor assumes full responsibility for any parking violations

TRAVEL: Travel expenses are not authorized under this Contract.

TOLL CHARGES: It is agreed and understood that the price quoted in the contractor's proposal includes any bridge or road toll charges.

MISCELLANEOUS: Ancillary charges/costs are not included

CHANGES: Changes to this original statement of work as part of the established contract shall be authorized and approved by the VA Contracting Officer only.

Changes determined by the Contracting Officer to be within the general scope of the contract shall be made in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(c), “Changes,” and shall not necessitate new solicitation proceedings.

The contractor shall provide a contract program manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The Contractor’s Program Manager shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Company Name:

Address:

Phone No:

Fax No:

Contact Name:

Email:

GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The Government shall package and consolidate animal carcass waste in compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. The animal carcass shall be placed in the Contractor provided animal carcass waste collection containers at designated locations for removal and disposal.

A VA personnel at each site shall document all verbal and telephone service calls. These shall be documented with the following minimum documentation:

· Reference Contract Number

· Assigned purchase order number

· Requested Service Date

· Inventory of Animal Carcass

· Service comments or remarks HOURS OF WORK: Normal Work Hours: This contract is a full-service contract; five (5) days per week, eight (8) hours per day, between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, National Holidays excluded. Any service performed during other than normal work hours must be approved in advance by the CO.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:

If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a National holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a National holiday by U.S. Government Agencies, and any day specifically declared by the President of the United States of America.

OVERTIME & HOLIDAY PAY: Any overtime and/or holiday pay that may be entitled to the Contractor’s employees shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor and shall not be billed to nor reimbursed by the Government.

Contractor will bill and be paid for actual services provided by Contractor personnel. Contractor will not be paid for “availability” or “on-call” services unless otherwise provided herein.

INVOICE & PAYMENT: The Contractor shall submit in arrears a properly completed itemized invoice in accordance with FAR clauses 52.212-4(g) Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items to:

http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veterans-affairs/

Invoices submitted for payment shall be reviewed for accuracy and shall be subject to approval by the Government prior to remittance of payment.

The invoice MUST be itemized to include the following information.

· Facility name and address where service was provided

· Contract number

· Purchase order number

· Date of service(s) No advance payments shall be authorized. Payment shall be made on a monthly arrears for services provided during the billing month in arrears in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, para. (i) Upon submission of a properly prepared invoice for prices stipulated in this contract for services delivered and accepted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, less any deductions stipulated in this contract.

Payment of invoices may be delayed if the appropriate invoices as specified in the contract are not completed and submitted as required.

INSURANCE COVERAGE: The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain, while the contract is in effect, Workers Compensation and Employee’s Public Liability Insurance in accordance with Federal and in the State where services are rendered.

The Government shall be held harmless against any or all loss, cost, damage, claim expense or liability whatsoever, because of accident or injury to persons or property of others occurring in the performance of this contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all damage to property, which may be done by him, or any employee engaged in the performance of this contract.

Before commencing work under this contract, the Contracting Officer shall require the Contractor to furnish certification from his/her insurance company indicating that the coverage specified by FAR 52.228-5 and per FAR Subpart 28.307-2 has been obtained and that it may not be changed or canceled without guaranteed thirty (30) days’ notice to the Contracting Officer. Contractor is required to provide copies of proof of Workers Compensation, Employee Public Liability Insurance, and vehicle insurance within fifteen (15) calendar days after notification of contract award.

REQUIRED REGISTRATIONS:

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT: WWW.SAM.GOV, offerors that are not registered will be precluded from contract award.

DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS):

In accordance with FAR Provision 52.212-1 paragraph (j), the Contractor shall provide the Dun and Bradstreet number assigned to his/her firm in the space provided below:

DUNS#: ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____

VETBIZ: Veteran-owned companies conducting business as Service Disabled and/or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses are required to register in the VetBiz.gov online database to be considered for contract award. This database is used to promote and market Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSBs).

The Contractor can register online at the following website: www.vip.vetbiz.gov For assistance with registration in VetBiz.gov, please contact the Center for Veterans Enterprise at 866-584-2344 or 202-303-3260.

B.3 SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/ COSTS

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

Description 21.

Est. Annual QTY

Unit Price 24.

Amount

BASE YEAR:

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

West Los Angeles Campus

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

Sepulveda Campus

Facility: VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Facility: VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

OPTION YEAR ONE:

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

West Los Angeles Campus

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

Sepulveda Campus

Facility: VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Facility: VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

Description 21.

Est. Annual QTY

Unit Price 24.

OPTION YEAR TWO:

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

West Los Angeles Campus

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

Sepulveda Campus

Facility: VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Facility: VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

OPTION YEAR THREE:

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

West Los Angeles Campus

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

Sepulveda Campus

Facility: VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Facility: VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

Description 21.

Est. Annual QTY

Unit Price 24.

OPTION YEAR FOUR:

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

West Los Angeles Campus

Facility: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System:

Sepulveda Campus

Facility: VA Long Beach Healthcare System:

Facility: VA Greater San Diego Healthcare System:

AGGREGATED TOTAL BASE YEAR THROUGH OPTION YEAR FOUR

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Base Year: June 1, 2018 – May 31, 2019 Option Year 1: June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020 Option Year 2: June 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021 Option Year 3: June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 36C26218Q0312

Option Year 4: June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 Page 1 of

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS 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 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2013.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $10, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of 250,000;

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of 250,000; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 60 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within 3 days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of Clause)

C.3 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum."

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 5 years and 6 months.

(End of Clause)

C.4 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 1 days.

(End of Clause)

C.5 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 1 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 2 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 one (1) year.

(End of Clause)

C.6 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

(a) Workers' compensation and employers liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

(c) Automobile liability: $200,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $20,000.00 property damage.

(d) The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

(End of Clause)

C.7 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond twelve (12) months. The Government's obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond what was obligated, until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for performance and until the Contractor receives notice of availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of Clause)

C.8 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (JAN 2008)

The bidder or offeror agrees that if a contract is awarded to him/her, as a result of this solicitation, he/she will not advertise the award of the contract in his/her commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the Department of Veterans Affairs endorses a product, project or commercial line of endeavor.

(End of Clause)

C.9 VAAR 852.203-71 DISPLAY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS HOTLINE POSTER (DEC 1992)

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) below, the Contractor shall display prominently, in common work areas within business segments performing work under VA contracts, Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline posters prepared by the VA Office of Inspector General.

(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline posters may be obtained from the VA Office of Inspector General (53E), P.O. Box 34647, Washington, DC 20043-4647.

(c) The Contractor need not comply with paragraph (a) above if the Contractor has established a mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of improper conduct, and instructions that encourage employees to make such reports.

(End of Clause)

C.10 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2016)(DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVSOB”:

(1) Means a small business concern:

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.201 Surviving Spouse definition);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR 74 and is so listed in the Vendor Information Pages database, (https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov); and

(v) The business will comply with subcontracting limitations in 13 CFR 125.6, as applicable

(2) “Service-disabled veteran” means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

(b) General.

(1) Offers are solicited only from verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. Offers received from concerns that are not verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(c) Agreement. A service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern agrees that in the performance of the contract, the concern will comply with the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR §125.6.

(d) A joint venture may be considered a service-disabled veteran owned small business concern if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.15, provided that any reference therein to SDVO SBC is to be construed to apply to a VA verified SDVOSB as appropriate.

(e) Any service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern (non-manufacturer) must meet the requirements in FAR 19.102(f) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to receive a benefit under this program.

(End of Clause)

C.11 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001.

(2) Designated agency office has the meaning given in 5 CFR 1315.2(m).

(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.

(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. (See Web site at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.)

(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). The X12 EDI Web site (http://www.x12.org) includes additional information on EDI 810 and 811 formats.

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances below, 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.12 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

The contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/she shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of California and any other State in which services are being executed. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there from.

(End of Clause)

C.13 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):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.14 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2018)

(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 items:

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

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

(4) 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 items:

[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (OCT 2015) (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 (OCT 2016) (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).

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

[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (OCT 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[] (10) [Reserved] [] (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011) of 52.219-3.

[] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4.

[] (13) [Reserved] [] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011).

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2011).

[] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.

[] (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.

[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (NOV 2016) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JAN 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

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

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

[] (iv) Alternate III (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (JAN 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

[] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

[] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (DEC 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (DEC 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[X] (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (26) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2018) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (28) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[X] (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[X] (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (FEB 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[X] (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

[] (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C.6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (36) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (37) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (38)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

[] (39)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[] (40) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (DEC 2007)(42 U.S.C. 8259b).

[] (41)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

[X] (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011) [] (43) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (44) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (45) (i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[] (46) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (47)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (iii) Alternate II (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (iv) Alternate III (MAY 2014) of 52.225-3.

[] (48) 52.225–5, Trade Agreements (OCT 2016) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

[X] (49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

[] (50) 52.225–26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

[] (51) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (52) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (53) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[] (54) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (JAN 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[X] (55) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (56) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (57) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (58) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (59) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(12)).

[] (60)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, 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 items:

[] (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY 2014) (E.O. 13495).

[] (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2015).

[] (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706).

[] (10) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (MAY 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

[] (11) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (SEP 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records—Negotiation.

(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 Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the 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. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (OCT 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 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)).

(iii) 52.219-8, Utilization of…