36C26226Q0277_1.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22 4811 Airport Plaza Dr STE 600 Long Beach, CA 90815-1372

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contracting Officer Norman Napper-Rogers Norman.Napper-Rogers@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS)

Tucson VA Medical Center (VAMC)

3601 S 6th Avenue

Tucson AZ

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.202, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services,” 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 issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-06 (eff. 10/01/2025), FAR Deviation NOV 2025 (eff. 11/19/2025), VAAR DEVIATION APR 2025 (eff. 04/01/2025), VAAM Alert 26-01 (eff. 10/01/2025), and Acquisition Policy Flash 26-23 eff. 11/19/2025).

This solicitation is set-aside for 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns IAW FAR 19.1405 SDVOSB Set-aside procedures, and VAAR Subpart 819.70, the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 621112, with a small business size standard of $13.5 Million.

The FSC/PSC is Q519.

The VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHCS), Jerry L. Pettis VA Medical Center (VAMC), located at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357-1000 is seeking to purchase an upgrade to the outdated existing pneumatic tube system.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Supplies/Services

Refer to Price/Cost Schedule (Attached)

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Psychologist Evaluation SAVAHCS

1. Contract Title: VA Police Psychological Evaluations

2. Background:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires VA Police Officers to carry firearms. It is also mandated that all current Police Service officers and new hires undergo an initial psychological evaluation as well as an annual evaluation. Officers' encounters are often with mentally ill, irrational, or disturbed persons who, although assaultive or destructive, must be handled with understanding, full control of force, and unimpeded judgment.

3. Scope:

The Contractor shall provide initial and annual psychological evaluation of all VA Police Officers (including VA Police Supervisors, Training Officer, Detective, Chief and Deputy Chief). All VA Police Officers shall be re-examined annually to determine their continued emotional suitability to perform the duties required of a VA Police Officer.

4. Tasks:

a. The Contractor shall provide the following pre-employment psychological evaluations for job candidates given a conditional job offer and annual psychological evaluations for incumbent police officers:

(1) Pre-Employment Psychological Evaluations for job candidates given a conditional job offer:

· Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – Common and standard question test used to assess a person’s personality and psychopathology

· Arizona Personality Inventory (CPI) – common and standard self-report

· Personal History Questionnaire

· Clinical Interview

· Written Report

(2) Annual Psychological Evaluations for incumbent police officers in accordance with the Secretary's Directive establishing the authority to arm VA Police Officers. The Office of Security and Law Enforcement and Mental Health Strategic Health Care Group in Headquarters have jointly developed guidance to assist in conducting psychological evaluations. This guidance is designed to determine an officer's capability of conducting designated functional requirements essential to the duties of a VA Police Officer, including an officer's suitability to carry a firearm. The psychological evaluations of VA Police Officers is limited in the manner described in VHA Directive 0730 (1) dated December 8, 2020 and amended February 5, 2021.

The components of that evaluation include, and are limited to:

· Clinical Interview

· Written Report

(See Sample of Format in VHA Directive 0730 (1), Appendix C)

(3) Re-test, if during the psychological evaluation for incumbent police officers, the psychologist has an articulable reason to doubt the officer can perform the duties of a police officer (including the use of a firearm).

The performance of retesting is at the discretion of the Chief of Police. The timeframe of this is dependent on the Veteran Affairs Police Department in coordination with Human Resources and Labor Relations.

(4) The Contractor shall provide results/reports in the form of a one -page written letter to the Occupational Health Physician at the facility where the examination was conducted. The report will indicate Pass/Fail; Recommended/Not Recommended for use of a firearm at the VA Medical Center

(5) Services will be provided at the Contractor's office, at Police Headquarters (Bldg. 236), or via Teams. The Contractor's office will need to be within a 20-mile radius of the Medical Centers' physical addresses (3601 S. 6th Ave. Tucson, Arizona 85723).

The Program Point of Contact shall notify the Contractor of the patient's name and type of evaluation required.

(6) Deliverables include:

· FIRST COPY:

The first copy of results/reports shall be discussed with and mailed to the Occupational Health Physician at the VA Medical (3601 S. 6th Ave. Tucson, Arizona 85723). where the police officer is stationed at within two weeks of the examination.

5. Specific Tasks:

a. Provide a total of 90 initial and annual psychological evaluation of all VA Police Officers (including Pre employment candidates, VA Police Supervisors, Training Officers, Criminal Investigators, Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief).

b. Provide ad-hoc psychological evaluations for fitness for duty purposes.

c. Provide the following pre-employment psychological evaluations for job candidates given a conditional job offer and annual psychological evaluations for incumbent police officers (included in the 90 total).

d. Provide results/reports in the form of a one-page letter to the Occupational Health Physician at the facility where the examination was conducted. The report will indicate Pass/Fail; Recommended/Not Recommended for use of a firearm at the VA Medical Center.

6. Place of Performance:

The Contractor's office (20-mile radius from the Medical Center’s physical address), via Microsoft Teams, and/or at the facility listed below.

Department of Veteran Affairs Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System Tucson, Arizona VA Medical Center 3601 S. 6th Ave.

Tucson, Arizona 85723

7. Period of Performance:

Base Period: 04/01/2026-03/31/2027 Option Year 1: 04/01/2027-03/31/2028 Option Year 2: 04/01/2028 – 03/31/2029 Option Year 3: 04/01/2029 – 03/31/2030 Option Year 4: 04/01/2030 – 03/31/2031

Work Hours

Contractor shall perform the following work at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System during normal working hours (i.e., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) during normal workday (one day, M-F).

Before commencement of work, the Contractor shall confer with the VA Program Point of Contact (POC) and Contracting Office to agree on a sequence of procedures; means of access to premises and building.

Work performed outside the normal hours of coverage must be approved by the Program Point of Contact or his/her designee.

All time shall be approved in advance by the POC. Allow 5-days for approval of any alternate working hours needed.

Federal 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.

8. Identification, Check-in and Parking

Identification

The vendor's employees shall always wear visible identification while on SAVAHCS premises. Contractor employees shall report to VA Police upon entry to the SAVAHCS facility to get a visitor badge. Contractor employees are required to be escorted by the Program Point of Contact or designee’s office once on campus prior to commencement of work. During emergencies contractor personnel shall check in with SAVAHCS Police if the SAVAHCS POC or designee is not available.

Parking

It is the responsibility of the contract personnel to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Parking information is available from VA Police & Security Service Office. The Contractor assumes full responsibility for any parking violations.

Weapons and Contraband

Possession of weapons or contraband is prohibited and shall be subject to arrest and termination from future performance under this contract. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of SAVAHCS regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

Safety

All personnel employed by the Contractor in the performance of this contract, or any representative of the Contractor entering on SAVAHCS hall comply with applicable Federal, State, and VA safety and fire regulations and codes, which are in effect during the performance period of the contract.

Contractor shall perform work in strict accordance with existing relevant, accredited standards and codes to minimize the possibility of injury to personnel, or damage to Government equipment. Every effort shall be made to safeguard human life and property.

Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements regarding workers’ health and safety. The requirements include, but are not limited to, those found in Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) statutes and regulations, such as applicable provisions of Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1910 and 1926, NFPA 70E, Article 130.7 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(iii), 29CFR1910.137.

9. Contractor Personnel

Contractor’s Program Manager

The Contractor shall provide a contract program manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. 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.

10. Contractor Qualifications & Other Responsibilities

The Contractor shall provide a licensed professional psychologist. The individual must, at a minimum, hold a PhD in Psychology, and a license to practice in the State of California. Contractor must have experience performing police psychological evaluations.

11. VA Information and Information System Security

Access to VA information and VA Information Systems

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

b. All contactors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigated requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office of Operations, Security, and watchfulness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

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

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

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

12. VA Information Custodial Language

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by the VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor 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. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor’s rights to use data as described in Rights in Data – General, FAR 52.227-14(d)(1).

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

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contact, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-Certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer withing 30 days of termination of the contract.

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

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

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

g. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated, and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business Associate Agreements.

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

i. The contractor/subcontractor’s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in tow other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA’s prior written approval. The contractor/subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production or, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response.

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

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

**End of Statement of Work**

The purchase order period of performance is 04/01/2026 - 03/31/2031.

Free on Board Origin (FOB) is destination.

Place of Performance/Place of Delivery

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHCS) Jerry L. Pettis VA Medical Center (VAMC) 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The following solicitation provisions and clause apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) (DEVIATION OCT 2025)”

2. FAR 52.252-1, “Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)”

3. FAR 52.203-18, “Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. (JAN 2017)”

4. FAR 52.204-7, “System for Award Management—Registration. (NOV 2024) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

5. FAR 52.217-5, “Evaluation of Options. (JULY 1990) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

6. FAR 52.219-1, “Small Business Program Representations. (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

7. FAR 52.252-5, “Authorized Deviations in Provisions (NOV 2020)”

8. VAAR 852.209-70, “Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCT 2020)”

9. VAAR 852.215-72, “Notice of Intent to Re-solicit (OCT 2019)”

10. VAAR 852.219-73, “VA Notice to Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)”

11. VAAR 852.219-75, “VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)”

12. VAAR 852.232-72, “Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (NOV 2018)”

13. VAAR 852.242-71, “Administrative Contracting Officer (OCT 2020)”

14. VAAR 852.252-70, “Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (JAN 2008)”

15. VAAR 852.273-70, “Late Offers (NOV 2021)”

16. VAAR 852.273-74, “Award without Exchanges (NOV 2021)”

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

· FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2023) (DEVIATION OCT 2025)”

· FAR 52.252-2, “Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)”

· FAR 52.203-17, “Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights. (NOV 2023)”

· FAR 52.203-19, “Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements. (JAN 2017)”

· FAR 52.204-9, “Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (JAN 2011)”

· FAR 52.204-13, “System for Award Management-Maintenance. (OCT 2018) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.209-6, “Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded. (JAN 2025) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.209-10, “Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations. (NOV 2015) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.217-8, “Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)”

· FAR 52.217-9, “Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)”

· FAR 52.219-4, “Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns. (OCT 2022) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.219-6, “Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside. (NOV 2020) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.219-28, “Postaward Small Business Program Rerepresentation (JAN 2025) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-3, “Convict Labor. (JUN 2003) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-36, “Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities. (JUN 2020) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-41, “Service Contract Labor Standards. (AUG 2018) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-42, “Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires. (MAY 2014)”

· FAR 52.222-43, “Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). (AUG 2018) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-50, “Combating Trafficking in Persons. (NOV 2021) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-55, “Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.222-62, “Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706. (JAN 2022) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.223-5, “Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information (MAY 2024)”

· FAR 52.224-1, “Privacy Act Notification (APR 1984)”

· FAR 52.224-2, “Privacy Act (APR 1984)”

· FAR 52.224-3, “Privacy Training. (JAN 2017)”

· FAR 52.225-3, “Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act. (NOV 2023) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.226-8, “Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving. (MAY 2024)”

· FAR 52.227-14, “Rights in Data-General (MAY 2014)”

· FAR 52.227-17, “Rights in Data-Special Works (DEC 2007)”

· FAR 52.232-33, “Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management. (OCT 2018)”

· FAR 52.232-40, “Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (MAR 2023)”

· FAR 52.233-3, “Protest after Award. (AUG 1996) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.233-4, “Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim. (OCT 2004) (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.237-2, “Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (APR 1984)”

· FAR 52.240-93, “Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems. (DEVIATION NOV 2025)”

· FAR 52.244-6, “Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (JAN 2025) (DEVIATION OCT 2025)”

· FAR 52.252-6, “Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020)”

· VAAR 852.203-70, “Commercial Advertising (MAY 2018)”

· VAAR 852.204-70, “Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (MAY 2020) (DEVIATION FEB 2026)”

· VAAR 852.204-72, “Personnel Vetting and Credentialing (MARCH 2026)”

· VAAR 852.211-76, “Liquidated Damages-Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs (FEB 2023)”

· VAAR 852.219-73, “VA Notice to Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)”

· VAAR 852.219-75, “VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)”

· VAAR 852.232-72, “Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (NOV 2018)”

· VAAR 852.242-71, “Administrative Contracting Officer (OCT 2020)”

All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. This is accomplished through the Tungsten Network located at: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp. This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

All quoters shall submit the following: All information required by FAR 52.212-1(b) Submission of Offers to include, but not limited to, SAM UEI.

All quotes shall be sent to the Network Contracting Office (NCO) Norman.Napper-Rogers@va.gov.

Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of RFO FAR 12. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government.

The following are the decision factors: Price, and past performance, with price more important.

Past performance will be based on CPARS and FAPIIS ratings. No rating in CPARS is equal to a neutral rating.

The award will be made to the response most advantageous to the Government.

Responses should contain your best terms, conditions.

NOTE: RFO FAR 52.212-3 is RESERVED and replaced with: https://sam.gov/ registration is required to be complete at time of submission of response. Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://sam.gov/.

FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions–Commercial Products and Commercial Services” (NOV 2023) (DEVIATION OCT 2025)

Addenda to FAR 52.212-4 are attached.

To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition."

OR

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:"

Quoters shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s), if any.

Questions shall be received electronically only not later than 10:00 PDT on 03/16/2026 at Norman.Napper-Rogers@va.gov.

Submission of your final response shall be received electronically not later than 10:00 PDT on 03/20/2026 at Norman.Napper-Rogers@va.gov. Subject line should include “RESPONSE TO RFQ 36C26226Q0463.”

Submissions shall include your quote using the attached schedule as well as a capabilities statement with qualifications proving all certifications and education required for the work being conducted in the SOW. Submissions not meeting all requirements of the SOW will be considered ineligible for award.

Quotes should be based on the information provided as no discussions will be allowed. This solicitation is being made under FAR 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures.

Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f).

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below. Phone calls with questions will not be accepted.

Point of Contact Norman Napper-Rogers, Contracting Officer, Norman.Napper-Rogers@va.gov.

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

The Government contemplates award of a firm fixed-price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

A.2 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business concern eligible under the WOSB Program.

HUBZone small business concern means a small business concern that meets the requirements described in 13 CFR 126.200, is certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and designated by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern in the Small Business Search (SBS) (13 CFR 126.103).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concern eligible under the SDVOSB Program means an SDVOSB concern that is designated in the System for Award Management (SAM) as certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR 128.300.

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (b) of this provision.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, means a small business concern that-

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by one or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States, and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13 CFR 124.106) by individuals who meet the criteria in paragraph (1) of this definition.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127) means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300.

(b)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 621112.

(2) The small business size standard is .

(3) The small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce (i.e., nonmanufacturer), is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(i) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(iii) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(c) Representations.

(1) The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________________.]

(2) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not, a women-owned small disadvantaged business concern.

(3) Women-owned small business (WOSB) joint venture eligible under the WOSB Program. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________________.]

(4) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________________.]

(5) SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror is certified as a SDVOSB concern.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a SDVOSB joint venture eligible under the SDVOSB Program that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 128.402. [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________________.]

(6) HUBZone joint venture eligible under the HUBZone Program. [Complete only if the offeror is a HUBZone small business concern.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 126.616(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: _________________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture must be certified as a HUBZone concern.

(d) Notice.

Under 15 U.S.C. 645(d), any person who misrepresents a firm's status as a business concern that is small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned small, economically disadvantaged women-owned small, or women-owned small eligible under the WOSB Program in order to obtain a contract to be awarded under the preference programs established pursuant to section 8, 9, 15, 31, and 36 of the Small Business Act or any other provision of Federal law that specifically references section 8(d) for a definition of program eligibility, will be—

(1) Punished by imposition of fine, imprisonment, or both;

(2) Subject to administrative remedies, including suspension and debarment; and

(3) Ineligible for participation in programs conducted under the authority of the Act.

(End of Provision)

A.3 52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

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

(b) The use in this solicitation of any VAAR Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1)) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation.

(End of Provision) A.4 VAAR 852.252-70 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS OR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (JAN 2008) The following provisions or clauses incorporated by reference in this solicitation must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer. Copies of these provisions or clauses are available on the Internet at the Web sites provided in the provision at FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference, or the clause at FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference. Copies may also be obtained from the contracting officer.

[Contracting officer shall list all FAR and 48 CFR Chapter 8 (VAAR) provisions and clauses incorporated by reference that must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer.] (End of Provision)

A.5 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24, and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

(b) The Contractor shall account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Contractor employees in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government:

(1) When no longer needed for contract performance.

(2) Upon completion of the Contractor employee's employment.

(3) Upon contract completion or termination.

(c) The Contracting Officer may delay final payment under a contract if the Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

(d) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts when the subcontractor's employees are required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system. It shall be the responsibility of the prime Contractor to return such identification to the issuing agency in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of Clause)

A.6 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years.

(End of Clause)

A.7 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

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

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

(End of Clause)

A.8 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING (MAR 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause – VA Information system is the same as information system and means, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 5727, a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information whether automated or manual.

VA sensitive information means all VA data, on any storage media or in any form or format, which requires protection due to the risk of harm that could result from inadvertent or deliberate disclosure, alteration, or destruction of the information and includes sensitive personal information. The term includes information where improper use or disclosure could adversely affect the ability of VA to accomplish its mission, proprietary information, records about individuals requiring protection under various confidentiality provisions such as the Privacy Act and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and information that can be withheld under the Freedom of Information Act. Examples of VA sensitive information include the following: individually-identifiable medical, benefits, and personnel information; financial, budgetary, research, quality assurance, confidential commercial, critical infrastructure, investigatory, and law enforcement information; information that is confidential and privileged in litigation such as information protected by the deliberative process privilege, attorney work-product privilege, and the attorney-client privilege; and other information which, if released, could result in violation of law or harm or unfairness to any individual or group, or could adversely affect the national interest or the conduct of Federal programs.

(b) General. Contractor personnel assigned to work for or on behalf of VA must undergo a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level designation associated with the work to be performed at the level indicated in the contract. The Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA Directive/Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, which can be accessed at: https://vaww.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm

(c) Risk and Sensitivity Levels. The following table identifies the risk and sensitivity levels that apply to any personnel providing services under this contract.

*VA Administrations, organizations and staff offices will use the OPM Position Designation Tool.

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions - Tier 1/Low Risk [Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk] [Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 1/Low Risk]

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions - Tier 2/Mod Risk

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 2/Mod Risk]

Positions/Tasks Designated as Non-Sensitive Positions - Tier 4/High Risk

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

[Contracting Officer to enter position or task number, if all positions fulfilling a task are Tier 4/High Risk]

Security clearances are granted to individuals with a specific requirement for access to classified material (for example, Confidential, Secret and Top Secret). Contractor personnel that are required to obtain a security clearance will be subject to a Tier 3 or Tier 5 investigation. The following sensitivity designations have been assigned for the identified Tier 3 and Tier 5 required by this contract:

Tier 3: [Contracting Officer to enter “Non-Critical” or “Not Applicable” if no positions are identified as Tier 3] Tier 5: [Contracting Officer to enter either Critical Sensitive and/or Special Sensitive, or “Not Applicable” if no positions are identified as Tier 5]

(d) Fitness. The results from a background investigation are used to determine if an individual’s fitness is sufficient for that individual to perform work for or on behalf of VA in the position identified in this contract. Contractor fitness determinations are made in accordance with 5 CFR Part 731.202.

Fitness requirements for employment are separate and distinct from job qualifications. If a Contractor or subcontractor employee is found to be unsuitable or unfit to provide services under this contract, the Contractor shall immediately remove the employee from working on this contract and take those necessary steps that restrict the employee’s logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information.

The Contractor shall advise the employee that they are not permitted to access any VA controlled building or real property in relation to this contract.

The removal of an unfit Contractor or subcontractor employee does not alleviate the Contractor from satisfying the requirements of this contract. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs associated with the recruitment/replacement of an employee or subcontractor employee who is found to be unfit.

(e) Identification Cards. The Government will provide a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card or other identification card, as necessary, to fit Contractor personnel who require physical access to VA facilities and/or logical access to VA data, information, VA sensitive information, or information technology or VA information systems containing such data or information. Contractor and subcontractor personnel shall prominently display their PIV/identification card on their persons while working at a VA facility and shall present their PIV/identification card for inspection upon request by a VA official. The Contractor must surrender the employee or subcontractor employee’s PIV/identification card in accordance with the requirements set forth in Directive/Handbook 0735 when any of the following events occur:

1. When no longer needed for contract performance.

2. Upon completion of the Contractor/subcontractor employee’s employment.

3. Upon contract completion or termination.

(f) Lost/stolen. Immediately upon detection, the Contractor shall report a lost or stolen PIV/identification card to the Government authorities as identified in Directive/Handbook 0735. Within 48 hours of reporting the lost/stolen PIV/identification card, the Contractor shall submit to the Program Manager an incident report that describes the relevant facts and circumstances regarding the loss/theft. If the loss/theft was reported by the Contractor to the local police, the Contractor shall further submit a copy of the final police report to the Program Manager within 48 hours of the report being made available by the local police department. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any costs that result from lost/stolen PIV/identification card(s).

(g) Regular Reporting. The Contractor shall submit a status report to PIV Sponsor within 5 working days after the end of each calendar quarter and as requested by the Government in order to initiate contract closeout procedures. The report must provide the status of each contractor/subcontractor employee who is required to have a PIV/identification card during the performance of the contract. The report shall identify the Contractor and the contract number, and list the following status for each contractor/subcontractor employee who holds a PIV/identification card under this contract:

1. Contractor/subcontractor employee name..

2. Name of VA facility where Contractor/subcontractor employee works, if applicable.

3. Date background check submitted for Contractor/subcontractor employee.

4. Date PIV/identification card issued to Contractor/subcontractor employee.

5. Contractor/subcontractor employee’s…