36C26324B0006_1.docx

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5.

REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE

DOCUMENTS (

Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL

SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

1. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than ____ ___________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C26324B0006 X 07-26-2024 437-24-3-6602-0054 437-23-135 36C263 Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

316 Robert Street North, Suite 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Kaleb Gleason, Contract Specialist NCO23 kaleb.gleason@va.gov

Kaleb Gleason 515-001-3232 ext. 23232 Project Number: 437-23-135 Replace Site Lighting POC: Kaleb Gleason; kaleb.gleason@va.gov; 515-001-3232 ext. 23232

Contractor shall provide all tools, materials, equipment, labor, and supervision necessary in accordance with the construction documents for completion of the project. The purpose of this p roject is to repair and replace the Fargo VA Health Care System's site lighting on campus.

This solicitation is issued in accordance with Public Law 109-461, the Veterans Ben efits, Healthcare Information and Technology Act of 2006, Sections 502 and 503, as a set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns. Pursuant to 38 USC 8127 (d), Veterans First Contracting Program, competition is restricted to SDVOSB construction firms, as there is an expectation that offers will be received by two (2) or more

SDVOSB

contractors under this solicitation. In accordance with VAAR 819.7003(b), at the time of submission of offers and prior to award of a contract, the offeror must represent to the Contracting Officer that it is a (1) SDVOSB eligible under VAAR 819.70; (2) small business concern under the NAICS code assigned to this acquisition; and

(3) listed as a ve rified SDVOSB in www.veterans.certify.sba.gov

The applicable NAICS Code for this acquisition is 238210 with a $19 million small business size standard. The magnitude of construction cost range is between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

See Contracting Officer's Special Information and Instructions for more information pertaining to this solicitation.

Funds are not presently available for this contract. The government's obligation under this contract is contingent upon the a vailability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made.

X 52.211-10 X one (1) 2:00pm

CDT

08-29-2024 X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF

AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS

SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29.

AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND

TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED

31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or pr int) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

See Price Schedule Sheet.

437-3640162-6602-854200-3223-N-23NRNR000

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

316 Robert Street North, Suite 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 877-353-9791 512-460-5540 Teresa Kohlbeck

VA-VHA-RPOC-2023-0057

Table of Contents

A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Project 437-23-135: Replace Site Lighting.

BASE BID, Item I: Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment required to replace the site lighting at the Fargo VA Health Care System in accordance with, but not limited to, the contract documents, Scope of Work (SOW), drawings, and specifications.

Period of Performance (PoP) is 135 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 238210 - Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Z1DA - Maintenance of Hospitals and Infirmaries

0.00

Item II: BASE BID less work under DEDUCT ALTERNATE NO. 1:

ALTERNATE NO. 1: delete work to install ALL LIGHTING IN PARKING RAMP AREA. POLES AND POLE TOP LUMINAIRES INDICATED ON PLANS TO BE REMOVED FROM PROJECT. ALL OTHER LUMINAIRES ON PLANS TO BE REMAIN IN PROJECT, INCLUDING POLES AND POLE TOP MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, BUILDING MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, BOLLARDS, CANOPY LUMINAIRES AND STAIR LUMINAIRES TO BE REPLACED.

Period of Performance (PoP) is 135 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

0.00

Item III: BASE BID less work under DEDUCT ALTERNATE NOS. 1 and 2:

ALTERNATE NO. 1: delete work to install ALL LIGHTING IN PARKING RAMP AREA. POLES AND POLE TOP LUMINAIRES INDICATED ON PLANS TO BE REMOVED FROM PROJECT. ALL OTHER LUMINAIRES ON PLANS TO BE REMAIN IN PROJECT, INCLUDING POLES AND POLE TOP MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, BUILDING MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, BOLLARDS, CANOPY LUMINAIRES AND STAIR LUMINAIRES TO BE REPLACED.

ALTERNATE NO. 2: delete SPECIFIED MENTAL HEALTH PARKING AREA POLE AND POLE TOP MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, AND BUILDING 52 BUILDING MOUNTED WALL PACKS SHOWN ON PLANS. ALL OTHER POLES AND POLE TOP LUMINAIRES, BUILDING MOUNTED LUMINAIRES, BOLLARDS, CANOPY LUMINAIRES AND STAIR LUMINAIRES TO BE REPLACED.

Period of Performance (PoP) is 135 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S SPECIAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

CONTRACT AWARD

Award may only be made with the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the government, considering only price (see FAR 52.214-19). The low price will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer prior to award to confirm that it is “a fair and reasonable price that is most advantageous to the Government.”

CONTRACTOR'S SIGNATURE

Contractual documents (e.g. bids, proposals, awards, modifications, etc.) shall be completed and signed by the Contractor as follows (see FAR 4.102):

· Individuals. Signed by the individual. Individual doing business as a firm. Signed by that individual, and the signature shall be followed by the individual's typed, stamped, or printed name and the words, "an individual doing business as __________________ (insert name of firm)".

· Partnership. Signed in the partnership name. Prior to award, provide list of all partners and designate which partners have authority to bind the partnership.

· Corporations. Signed in the corporate name followed by the word "by" and the signature, and title of the person authorized to sign. Prior to award, provide list of individuals who have authority to bind the corporation.

· Joint Ventures. Signed by each participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in (a) through (d) above.

· Agents. When an agent is to sign the contract, other than as stated in paragraph (a) through (e) above, the agent's authorization to bind the principal must be established by evidence satisfactory to the contracting officer.

SITE VISIT

A formal site visit has been scheduled for this project (see FAR 52.236-27). The pre-bid site visit will be at 9:00 AM (CT) on August 6, 2024 at the Fargo VA Health Care System, 2101 Elm Street North, Fargo, ND, in building 1, room BC-91. This will be the only opportunity for potential bidders to visit the site. All potential bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers are strongly encouraged to attend this site visit.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES

Questions of a technical nature and inquiries concerning this solicitation must be provided in writing and shall be submitted by the prospective offerors to the Contract Specialist, Kaleb Gleason, and Contracting Officer, Teresa Kohlbeck. Questions shall be submitted only via email to: kaleb.gleason@va.gov, copy teresa.kohlbeck@va.gov. The subject line must read: PN: 437-23-135 Replace Site Lighting Questions. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Questions, inquiries, or such are due no later than August 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM (CT). No late questions will be accepted or answered after this deadline. All questions will be answered and/or responded to via an amendment after the closing date.

YOU ARE INSTRUCTED SPECIFICALLY TO CONTACT ONLY THE CONTRACT SPECIALIST OR CONTRACTING OFFICER ISSUING THE SOLICITATION ABOUT ANY ASPECT OF THIS REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD.

BIDDING MATERIAL

Bidding materials consisting of Invitation for Bids, drawings, specifications, and contract forms will be available on https://sam.gov in electronic format only. All interested parties (subcontractors & primes) should register at https://sam.gov as an “Interested Vendor” so that others will know of your interest in participating in this procurement. A Bidder’s mailing list WILL NOT BE prepared by the Contracting Officer.

Amendments to the solicitation will be posted at https://sam.gov. Paper copies of the amendments will NOT be individually mailed. No other notification of amendments will be provided. By registering to “Receive Notification,” you will be notified by email of any new amendments that have been issued and posted. Offerors are reminded that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging all amendments to this solicitation prior to the time for receipt of offers. Failure to acknowledge an amendment may result in the offeror’s bid being considered non-responsive.

PREPARATION OF BIDS

The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of bids.

BID SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS

Files should be in Adobe* PDF (Portable Document Format) Files: Size: Maximum size of the e-mail message shall not exceed five (5) megabytes. If the size limits are exceeded, the VA may not receive the file and/or you may not be considered. Only one email is permitted. This email should contain at least the following:

· Standard Form (SF) 1442 Solicitation, Offer, and Award: The offeror shall complete and sign the “OFFER” section of the SF 1442. Please include your company’s Unique Entity Identifier associated with SAM.gov in Block 14.

· Acknowledgement of All Amendments: The offeror shall agree to and acknowledge all amendments by either 1.) completing block 19 of the SF 1442, or 2.) returning the signed amendment form(s) with the submission.

· Price Schedule: The offeror shall complete the Price Schedule which is provided with the solicitation.

· Bid Guarantee: The offeror shall furnish a bid guarantee (see FAR 52.228-1). The bid guarantee shall be provided on Standard Form 24. The Power of Attorney document will be included with the bid guarantee.

· Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements – Notice and Representation: The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.229-11 (d).

· Representations & Certifications: As the provision at FAR 52.204-7 is included in the solicitation, FAR 52.204-8 (d) applies and the fill-in for FAR 52.204-8 (b)(2) does not need to be completed. The offeror is required to complete the annual representations and certifications electronically at https://sam.gov.

· Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment: The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.204-24 (d) Representations.

· Information Regarding Responsibility Matters: The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.209-7 (b).

· Violation of Arms Controls Treaties or Agreements: The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.209-13 (b) Certification.

· Post Award Small Business Program Representations: The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.219-28 (h), if applicable.

· Limitations on Subcontracting: The offeror shall complete and sign the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction required in VAAR 852.219-75 and return it with their bid submission. A copy of the clause to be completed and included with the bid is attached as a separate document (VAAR 852.219-75 Limitations on Subcontracting-Cert of Compliance_JAN 2023 [DEVIATION] - 2pages). The completed and signed form will become part of the official award documentation.

DELIVERY OF BIDS

In accordance with FAR 14.202-8, send all submission documents via email to the Contract Specialist, Kaleb Gleason at kaleb.gleason@va.gov by 2:00 PM (CT), August 29, 2024. The subject line must read: PN: 437-23-135 Replace Site Lighting.

Bids received after this time may be rejected. Bidders are responsible for ensuring and verifying their bid and all required bid documents are received at the email address designated in block eight (8) of the SF 1442 solicitation and by the date and time specified in block thirteen (13)a of the SF 1442 solicitation (subject to amendment).

BID OPENING

There will not be a face-to-face public bid opening. All Contractors providing an electronic bid submission must still meet all requirements listed under “Bid Submission Documents” in the solicitation. The bid opening and public reading of the bids will be via teleconference. Bidders may call 1-205-235-3524 on August 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM (CT) and enter participant code 105657677# to join. To join via Microsoft Teams, the Meeting ID is: 259 240 904 187, passcode: fnKdJi

The bid submission emails will be kept in an electronic folder unread until the stated date and time at which time they will be opened and read to the public.

In the event there are any concerns with the bids, in accordance with FAR 14.402-1 (c), Microsoft Teams will be used to assist in the examination of the bid(s).

INFORMATION REGARDING BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

Offerors are to ensure the most current version of SF24, SF25, and SF25A bond forms are used. Current versions of these forms can be found and downloaded from the GSA Forms Library (https://gsa.gov/reference/forms).

A bid guarantee (SF24) is required in an amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $2,000,000.00. Failure to furnish the required bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, will require rejection of the bid in all cases except those listed in FAR 28.101-4, and may be cause for rejection even then. A copy of the bid guarantee shall be submitted as part of the electronic submission and the original hard copy of the bid bond shall be retained by the Contractor.

Failure to provide electronic bid guarantee by the date and time set for receipt of bids may deem the bid non-responsive.

Performance bond (SF25) and payment bond (SF25A) in the penal sum of 100% of the awarded contract amount shall be submitted within ten (10) calendar days after award to the Contracting Officer for approval. Commencement of construction is contingent upon approval of required bonds. Copies of SFs 25 and 25A may be obtained upon application to the issuing office.

DETERMINATION OF NON-RESPONSIVE

Bids received pertaining to this solicitation will be reviewed for responsiveness. Failure to provide documentation as outlined in the Bid Submission Documents section of the solicitation by the date and time set for receipt of bids may deem the bid non-responsive.

Any exception to the terms and conditions of this Invitation for Bid (IFB) will result in a nonresponsive bid.

Failure to provide a definitive price will result in a nonresponsive bid.

DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

A Determination of Responsibility will be conducted for the apparent low bidder/awardee prior to award of the project. The above information, along with other information obtained from Government systems, such as, but not limited to the OSHA and EPA online inspection history databases, as well as any other information the Contracting Officer has determined to be valid, will be used to make the Determination of Responsibility. Note: Any information received by the Government that would be cause for a negative Determination of Responsibility may make the offeror ineligible for award.

The winning bidder must be determined as "responsible" by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR Part 9, Contractor Qualifications.

To be determined responsible, a prospective contractor must –

1. Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them.

1. Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

1. Have a satisfactory performance record.

1. Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

1. Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (including, as appropriate, such elements as production control procedures, property control systems, quality assurance measures, and safety programs applicable to materials to be produced or services to be performed by the prospective contractor and subcontractors).

1. Have the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them.

1. Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Note: The contracting officer shall obtain information regarding the responsibility of the prospective low bidder, including requesting pre-award surveys, when necessary, promptly after a bid opening in accordance with FAR 9.105-1—Obtaining Information. The prospective low bidder shall be prepared to provide documentation to support this determination within two business days following bid opening.

VETS 4212

Title 38, USC Section 4212(d), codified at 41 CFR Section 61-300, requires that federal contractors report, at least annually, the number and category of veterans who are within their workforce. Submission of the VETS-4212 reporting information can be done electronically (https://www.dol.gov/vets/vets4212). Award cannot be made unless the awardee has filed their VETS-4212 report. Therefore, all offerors are encouraged to file every year. The Contracting Officer may request a copy of the email confirmation of receipt notification prior to awarding the project.

SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)

Federal Acquisition Regulations require that federal contractors register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database (https://sam.gov) and enter all mandatory information into the system. Offerors are required to be registered in SAM at the time an offer is submitted in order to comply with the annual representations and certifications requirements (see FAR 52.204-7).

REVIEW REQUIRED REGISTRATION WITH CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS) As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.1502(e), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all construction contracts that exceed $750,000 and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires the contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement, VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Seal Logistics Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. CPARS is available to all Federal agencies and is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity information system (FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for contractor responsibility determination information.

Each contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed $750,000 is required to register with CPARS database (https://cpars.gov) Help registering can be obtained by contacting Customer Support Desk @ DSN: 684-1690 or COMM: 207- 438-1690. Registration should occur no later than thirty days after contract award and must be kept current should there be any change to the contractor’s registered representative.

For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the contractor’s designated representative for comment. The contractor representative will have thirty days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer.

Failure to have a current registration in the CPARS database, or to re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer within those thirty days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the contractor failed to respond.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SPECIAL AGREEMENT CHECKS

All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation is commensurate with the level of access needed to perform all work as identified in the solicitation documents. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. As per VA Directive 0710, costs of background investigations will be borne by the contractor. Please be advised the awardee will need to coordinate with the VA Medical Center concerning badging requirements.

HHS/OIG EXCLUSIONS

To ensure the individuals providing services under the contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the contractor is required to check the Exclusions Database – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the website (https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov) for each person providing services under this contract. Further the Contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the contractor’s proposal have been compared against the OIG list and are NOT listed. During the performance of this contract the contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

REFERENCES TO VA ENGINEER, RESIDENT ENGINEER, OR PROJECT MANAGER

Any reference contained within the solicitation/contract specifications and/or drawings to the “VA Engineer,” “Resident Engineer,” or “Project Manager,” or their abbreviations shall be replaced with “Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).”

PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE

Before any work is started, a Pre-Construction Conference between the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and Project Engineer will be arranged through the Contracting Officer. Such matters as work commencement, sequence of work, estimated time for accomplishment, subcontractor information, and the overall responsibilities of the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and Project Engineer in the fulfillment of all aspects of the contract will be discussed.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

2.1 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

(a) All actual and potential offerors are encouraged to provide feedback on the preaward and debriefing processes, as applicable. Feedback may be provided to agencies up to 45 days after award. The feedback is anonymous, unless the participant self-identifies in the survey. Actual and potential offerors can participate in the survey by selecting the following link: https:// www.acquisition.gov/360.

(b) The Contracting Officer will not review the information provided until after contract award and will not consider it in the award decision. The survey is voluntary and does not convey any protections, rights, or grounds for protest. It creates a way for actual and potential offerors to provide the Government constructive feedback about the preaward and debriefing processes, as applicable, used for a specific acquisition.

(End of Clause)

2.2 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES—REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, “covered telecommunications equipment or services” and “reasonable inquiry” have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(End of Provision)

2.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.4 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY SITE OF THE WORK (MAY 2014) (a)(1) The offeror shall notify the Government if the offeror intends to perform work at any secondary site of the work, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of the FAR clause at 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements, of this solicitation.

(2) If the offeror is unsure if a planned work site satisfies the criteria for a secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a determination from the Contracting Officer.

(b)(1) If the wage determination provided by the Government for work at the primary site of the work is not applicable to the secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a wage determination from the Contracting Officer.

(2) The due date for receipt of offers will not be extended as a result of an offeror's request for a wage determination for a secondary site of the work.

(End of Provision)

2.5 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION (FEB 1999)

(a) The offeror's attention is called to the Equal Opportunity clause and the Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction clause of this solicitation.

(b) The goals for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor's aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:

These goals are applicable to all the Contractor's construction work performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, the Contractor shall apply the goals established for the geographical area where the work is actually performed. Goals are published periodically in the Federal Register in notice form, and these notices may be obtained from any Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs office.

(c) The Contractor's compliance with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on (1) its implementation of the Equal Opportunity clause, (2) specific affirmative action obligations required by the clause entitled "Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction," and (3) its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade. The Contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor, or from project to project, for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor's goals shall be a violation of the contract, Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.

(d) The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal Contract Compliance, U.S. Department of Labor, within 10 working days following award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the—

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor;

(2) Employer's identification number of the subcontractor;

(3) Estimated dollar amount of the subcontract;

(4) Estimated starting and completion dates of the subcontract; and

(5) Geographical area in which the subcontract is to be performed.

(e) As used in this Notice, and in any contract resulting from this solicitation, the "covered area" is Fargo, ND

(End of Provision)

2.6 52.225-10 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material," "domestic construction material," and "foreign construction material," as used in this provision, are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American—Construction Materials" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-9).

(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. An offeror requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute should submit the request to the Contracting Officer in time to allow a determination before submission of offers. The offeror shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 in the request. If an offeror has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute before submitting its offer, or has not received a response to a previous request, the offeror shall include the information and supporting data in the offer.

(c) Evaluation of offers.

(1) The Government will evaluate an offer requesting exception to the requirements of the Buy American statute, based on claimed unreasonable cost of domestic construction material, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9.

(2) If evaluation results in a tie between an offeror that requested the substitution of foreign construction material based on unreasonable cost and an offeror that did not request an exception, the Contracting Officer will award to the offeror that did not request an exception based on unreasonable cost.

(d) Alternate offers.

(1) When an offer includes foreign solicitation in paragraph (b)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic construction material.

(2) If an alternate offer is submitted, the offeror shall submit a separate Standard Form 1442 for the alternate offer, and a separate price comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 for the offer that is based on the use of any foreign construction material for which the Government has not yet determined an exception applies.

(3) If the Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with paragraph (c) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic construction material. An offer based on use of the foreign construction material for which an exception was requested—

(i) Will be rejected as nonresponsive if this acquisition is conducted by sealed bidding; or

(ii) May be accepted if revised during negotiations.

(End of Provision)

2.7 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

(a) Failure to furnish a bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, may be cause for rejection of the bid.

(b) The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the form of a firm commitment, e.g., bid bond supported by good and sufficient surety or sureties acceptable to the Government, postal money order, certified check, cashier's check, irrevocable letter of credit, or, under Treasury Department regulations, certain bonds or notes of the United States. The Contracting Officer will return bid guarantees, other than bid bonds—

(1) To unsuccessful bidders as soon as practicable after the opening of bids; and

(2) To the successful bidder upon execution of contractual documents and bonds (including any necessary coinsurance or reinsurance agreements), as required by the bid as accepted.

(c) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $2,000,000, whichever is less.

(d) If the successful bidder, upon acceptance of its bid by the Government within the period specified for acceptance, fails to execute all contractual documents or furnish executed bond(s) within 10 days after receipt of the forms by the bidder, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract for default.

(e) In the event the contract is terminated for default, the bidder is liable for any cost of acquiring the work that exceeds the amount of its bid, and the bid guarantee is available to offset the difference.

(End of Provision)

2.8 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Hand-Carried Address:

Mailing Address:

Send via email to:

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

Jennifer Johnson, Branch Chief Jen.Johnson@va.gov

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

2.9 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995) ALTERNATE I (FEB 1995)

(a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

(b) An organized site visit has been scheduled for— August 6th, 2024 at 9:00am (CT)

(c) Participants will meet at— Fargo VAHCS, Building 1, Room BC-91 (End of Provision)

2.10 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Provision)

2.11 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)

2.12 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020)

(a) It is in the best interest of the Government to avoid situations which might create an organizational conflict of interest or where the Offeror’s performance of work under the contract may provide the Contractor with an unfair competitive advantage. The term ‘‘organizational conflict of interest’’ means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, or the person’s objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or the person has an unfair competitive advantage.

(b) The Offeror shall provide a statement with its offer which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided under this solicitation. The Offeror shall also provide statements with its offer containing the same information for any consultants and subcontractors identified in its proposal and which will provide services under the solicitation. The Offeror may also provide relevant facts that show how its organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest.

(c) Based on this information and any other information solicited or obtained by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer may determine that an organizational conflict of interest exists which would warrant disqualifying the Contractor for award of the contract unless the organizational conflict of interest can be mitigated to the Contracting Officer’s satisfaction by negotiating terms and conditions of the contract to that effect. If the conflict of interest cannot be mitigated and if the Contracting Officer finds that it is in the best interest of the United States to award the contract, the Contracting Officer shall request a waiver in accordance with FAR 9.503.

(d) Nondisclosure or misrepresentation of actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest at the time of the offer or arising as a result of a modification to the contract, may result in the termination of the contract at no expense to the Government.

(End of Provision)

2.13 VAAR 852.214-71 RESTRICTIONS ON ALTERNATE ITEM(S) (MAY 2018)

Bids on Item II and/or Item III will be considered only if acceptable bids on Item I are not received or do not satisfy the total requirement.

(End of Provision)

2.14 VAAR 852.214-72 ALTERNATE ITEM(S) (MAY 2018)

Bids on Item II and/or Item III will be given equal consideration along with bids on Item I and any such bids received may be accepted if to the advantage of the Government. Tie bids will be decided in favor of Item II if Item II & Item III are a tie.

(End of Provision)

2.15 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

(a) Any protest filed by an interested party shall—

(1) Include the name, address, fax number, email and telephone number of the protester;

(2) Identify the solicitation and/or contract number;

(3) Include an original signed by the protester or the protester’s representative and at least one copy;

(4) Set forth a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including a description of resulting prejudice to the protester, and provide copies of relevant documents;

(5) Specifically request a ruling of the individual upon whom the protest is served;

(6) State the form of relief requested; and

(7) Provide all information establishing the timeliness of the protest.

(b) Failure to comply with the above may result in dismissal of the protest without further consideration.

(c) Bidders/offerors and Contracting Officers are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(End of Provision)

2.16 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

(a) As an alternative to filing a protest with the Contracting Officer, an interested party may file a protest by mail or electronically with: Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management and Compliance Service (003A2C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or Email: EDProtests@va.gov.

(b) The protest will not be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar issue(s) pending with the Contracting Officer.

(End of Provision)

2.17 VAAR 852.236-92 NOTICE TO BIDDERS—ADDITIVE OR DEDUCTIVE BID LINE ITEMS (APR 2019)

(a) Additive or deductive line items in the bid schedule shall be evaluated to determine the low offeror and the items to be awarded.