36C26324B0008.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.

1 to 36C26324B0008 X 437-24-3-6602-0039 437-23-150 36C263 Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

Daniel Dobler Contract Specialist 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

Daniel Dobler Contract Specialist 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Daniel Dobler 651-293-3015 Project Number: 437-23-150 Test Fire Dampers POC: Daniel Dobler; daniel.dobler@va.gov; 651-293-3015

Contractor shall provide all tools, materials, equipment, labor, and supervision necessaryto inspect and test approximately 3 82 fire dampers and complete Fargo VA Health Care System construction project 437-23-150. All work shall be in accordance with Contracting Documents, Scope of Work (SOW), NFPA, local building codes, VA facility standards, and other applicable require ments.

This solicitation is issued in accordance with Public Law 109-461, the Veterans Benefits, 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 th at 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 verified SDVOSB in VetCert (formally VIP) database at https://www.veterans.certify.sba.gov.

The applicable NAICS Code for this acquisition is 236220 with a $45 Million small business size standard. The magnitude of construction cost range is between $250,000.00and $500,000.00.

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

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

CDT

08-30-2024 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 -3222 23NRNR000

Obligation Number:

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

Daniel Dobler 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Y Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 Zachary Koutz

A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Construction work shall include, but shall not be limited to providing all labor, materials, equipment, etc. necessary to inspect and test approximately 382 fire dampers and complete Fargo VA Health Care System construction project 437-23-150. All work shall be in accordance with Contracting Documents, Scope of Work (SOW), NFPA, local building codes, VA facility standards, and other applicable requirements.

Period of Performance will be 150 days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed or (NTP). Period of performance will start upon notice to proceed.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Z1DA - Maintenance of Hospitals and Infirmaries

A.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

0.00

Table of Contents

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.”

Note: Funds are not presently available for this contract. The Government's obligation under this contract is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. The Government anticipates funds will become available by September 30, 2024. If current Fiscal Year (FY24) funds become available, contract award will be made no later than September 30, 2024. If FY24 funds are not made available, the Government intends to fund this project with FY25 funds by November 30, 2024. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for this contract and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer. Additionally, the Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after Request for Proposal closing date with no obligation to the offeror by 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 2:00 pm (CT) on Thursday August 15, 2024, at the Fargo VA Health Care System, 2101 Elm St NE, Fargo, ND 58102, 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, Daniel Dobler. Questions shall be submitted only via email to: daniel.dobler@va.gov. The subject line must read: PN: 437-23-150 Test Fire Dampers Questions. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Questions, inquiries, or such are due no later than August 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM (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 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).

· 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 (Limitations on Subcontracting Cert of Compliance (2pages)). The completed and signed form will become part of the official award documentation.

· Experience Modification Rate: The offeror shall provide the Safety and Environmental Violations and Experience Modification Rating (EMR) information, including filling out the attached document (Safety or Environmental Violations and EMR Information (2 pages)).

DELIVERY OF BIDS

In accordance with FAR 14.202-8, send all submission documents via email to the Contract Specialist, Daniel Dobler at daniel.dobler@va.gov by 2:00 PM (CT), Wednesday, August 31, 2024. The subject line must read: PN: 437-23-150 Test Fire Dampers.

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 Microsoft Teams the date and time that the bids are due. Bidders join by calling 205-235-3524 and using passcode 9VZT4L. The meeting ID number is 228 593 183 39. 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 $3,000,000.00. 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 –

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

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

· Have a satisfactory performance record.

· Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

· 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).

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

· 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 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator means a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity to establish additional System for Award Management records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity.

Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) means that—

(1) The Offeror has entered all mandatory information, including the unique entity identifier and the EFT indicator, if applicable, the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, as well as data required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (see subpart 4.14) into SAM;

(2) The offeror has completed the Core, Assertions, and Representations and Certifications, and Points of Contact sections of the registration in SAM;

(3) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The offeror will be required to provide consent for TIN validation to the Government as a part of the SAM registration process; and

(4) The Government has marked the record “Active”.

Unique entity identifier means a number or other identifier used to identify a specific commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity. See http://www.sam.gov/ for the designated entity for establishing unique entity identifiers.

(b)(1) An Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation, and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.

(2) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ‘‘Unique Entity Identifier’’ followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror’s name and address exactly as stated in the offer. The Offeror also shall enter its EFT indicator, if applicable. The unique entity identifier will be used by the Contracting Officer to verify that the Offeror is registered in SAM.

(c) If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at http://www.sam.gov/ for establishment of the unique entity identifier directly to obtain one. The Offeror should be prepared to provide the following information:

(1) Company legal business name.

(2) Tradestyle, doing business, or other name by which your entity is commonly recognized.

(3) Company physical street address, city, state, and Zip Code.

(4) Company mailing address, city, state and Zip Code (if separate from physical).

(5) Company telephone number.

(6) Date the company was started.

(7) Number of employees at your location.

(8) Chief executive officer/key manager.

(9) Line of business (industry).

(10) Company headquarters name and address (reporting relationship within your entity).

(d) Processing time should be taken into consideration when registering. Offerors who are not registered in SAM should consider applying for registration immediately upon receipt of this solicitation. See https://www.sam.gov/ for information on registration.

(End of Provision)

2.3 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG 2020)

(a) Definition. As used in this provision— Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means—

(1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

(b) The Offeror shall provide its CAGE code with its offer with its name and location address or otherwise include it prominently in its proposal. The CAGE code must be for that name and location address. Insert the word "CAGE" before the number. The CAGE code is required prior to award.

(c) CAGE codes may be obtained via—

(1) Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. If the Offeror is located in the United States or its outlying areas and does not already have a CAGE code assigned, the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch will assign a CAGE code as a part of the SAM registration process. SAM registrants located outside the United States and its outlying areas shall obtain a NCAGE code prior to registration in SAM (see paragraph (c)(3) of this provision).

(2) The DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch. If registration in SAM is not required for the subject procurement, and the Offeror does not otherwise register in SAM, an Offeror located in the United States or its outlying areas may request that a CAGE code be assigned by submitting a request at https://cage.dla.mil.

(3) The appropriate country codification bureau. Entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas may obtain an NCAGE code by contacting the Codification Bureau in the foreign entity's country if that country is a member of NATO or a sponsored nation. NCAGE codes may be obtained from the NSPA at https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/scage/CageList.aspx if the foreign entity's country is not a member of NATO or a sponsored nation. Points of contact for codification bureaus, as well as additional information on obtaining NCAGE codes, are available at http://www.nato.int/structur/AC/135/main/links/contacts.htm.

(d) Additional guidance for establishing and maintaining CAGE codes is available at https://cage.dla.mil.

(e) When a CAGE code is required for the immediate owner and/or the highest-level owner by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-17 or 52.212-3(p), the Offeror shall obtain the respective CAGE code from that entity to supply the CAGE code to the Government.

(f) Do not delay submission of the offer pending receipt of a CAGE code.

(g) If the solicitation includes FAR clause 52.204-2, Security Requirements, a subcontractor requiring access to classified information under a contract shall be identified with a CAGE code on the DD Form 254. The Contractor shall require a subcontractor requiring access to classified information to provide its CAGE code with its name and location address or otherwise include it prominently in the proposal. Each location of subcontractor performance listed on the DD Form 254 is required to reflect a corresponding unique CAGE code for each listed location unless the work is being performed at a Government facility, in which case the agency location code shall be used. The CAGE code must be for that name and location address. Insert the word "CAGE" before the number. The CAGE code is required prior to award.

(End of Provision)

2.4 52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL (JAN 2017)

(a) The Government recognizes that the line items established in this solicitation may not conform to the Offeror's practices. Failure to correct these issues can result in difficulties in acceptance of deliverables and processing payments. Therefore, the Offeror is invited to propose alternative line items for which bids, proposals, or quotes are requested in this solicitation to ensure that the resulting contract is economically and administratively advantageous to the Government and the Offeror.

(b) The Offeror may submit one or more additional proposals with alternative line items, provided that alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. However, acceptance of an alternative proposal is a unilateral decision made solely at the discretion of the Government. Offers that do not comply with the line items specified in this solicitation may be determined to be nonresponsive or unacceptable.

(End of Provision)

2.5 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)

2.6 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999)

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government's needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must—

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by—

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and

(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.7 52.214-3 AMENDMENTS TO INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (DEC 2016)

(a) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.

(b)(1) Bidders shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation—

(i) By signing and returning the amendment;

(ii) By identifying the amendment number and date in space provided for this purpose on the form for submitting a bid;

(iii) By letter;

(iv) By facsimile, if facsimile bids are authorized in the solicitation; or

(v) By email, if email bids are authorized in the solicitation.

(2) The Government must receive the acknowledgement by the time and at the place specified for receipt of bids.

(End of Provision)

2.8 52.214-4 FALSE STATEMENTS IN BIDS (APR 1984)

Bidders must provide full, accurate, and complete information as required by this solicitation and its attachments. The penalty for making false statements in bids is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(End of Provision)

2.9 52.214-5 SUBMISSION OF BIDS (DEC 2016)

(a) Bids and bid modifications shall be submitted in sealed envelopes or packages (unless submitted by electronic means) (1) addressed to the office specified in the solicitation, and (2) showing the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the bidder.

(b) Bidders using commercial carrier services shall ensure that the bid is addressed and marked on the outermost envelope or wrapper as prescribed in subparagraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this provision when delivered to the office specified in the solicitation.

(c) Facsimile bids, modifications, or withdrawals, will not be considered unless authorized by the solicitation; or

(d) Bids submitted by electronic commerce shall be considered only if the electronic commerce method was specifically stipulated or permitted by the solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.10 52.214-6 EXPLANATION TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS (APR 1984)

Any prospective bidder desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective bidders before the submission of their bids. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding. Any information given a prospective bidder concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective bidders as an amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary in submitting bids or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective bidders.

(End of Provision)

2.11 52.214-7 LATE SUBMISSIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND WITHDRAWALS OF BIDS (NOV 1999)

(a) Bidders are responsible for submitting bids, and any modifications or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the invitation for bids (IFB) by the time specified in the IFB. If no time is specified in the IFB, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that bids are due.

(b)(1) Any bid, modification, or withdrawal received at the Government office designated in the IFB after the exact time specified for receipt of bids is ``late'' and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late bid would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

(i) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the IFB, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of bids; or

(ii) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of bids and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of bids.

(2) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful bid that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(c) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the bid wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(d) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that bids cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of bids by the exact time specified in the IFB and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the IFB, the time specified for receipt of bids will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(e) Bids may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of bids. If the IFB authorizes facsimile bids, bids may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of bids, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.214-31, Facsimile Bids. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of bids, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid.

(End of Provision)

2.12 52.214-18 PREPARATION OF BIDS—CONSTRUCTION (APR 1984)

(a) Bids must be—

(1) Submitted on the forms furnished by the Government or on copies of those forms, and

(2) Manually signed. The person signing a bid must initial each erasure or change appearing on any bid form.

(b) The bid form may require bidders to submit bid prices for one or more items on various bases, including—

(1) Lump sum bidding;

(2) Alternate prices;

(3) Units of construction; or

(4) Any combination of subparagraphs (1) through (3) above.

(c) If the solicitation requires bidding on all items, failure to do so will disqualify the bid. If bidding on all items is not required, bidders should insert the words "no bid" in the space provided for any item on which no price is submitted.

(d) Alternate bids will not be considered unless this solicitation authorizes their submission.

(End of Provision)

2.13 52.214-19 CONTRACT AWARD—SEALED BIDDING—CONSTRUCTION (AUG 1996)

(a…