36C77623B0063 - Solicitation - EHRM Chicago IL.pdf

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)

SOLICITATIONSOLICITATION

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)

11. 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 68

36C77623B0063 X 08-02-2023

556-21-700

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contract Activity Central 6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490

Independence OH 44131

Gabriel D. Escarciga 216-447-8300 x49696

In accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 8127 (Public Law 109-461), this project is a competitive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside.

The contractor shall provide all tools, equipment, materials, labor, supervision, personnel, and shall do all things necessary that will result in the completion of the "EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades" project at the East Campus of North Chicago, IL.

VAAR Magnitude of Construction: $10,000,000 to $20,000,000

PLEASE NOTE: The Contractor agrees to attend any Post Award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 42.5.

The project is located at:

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center 3001 Green Bay Rd North Chicago, IL 60064

10 244 x 52.211-10

X

1 2:00 PM EDT

09-05-2023

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 print)

(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

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

VAFSC

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center Invoices to be Submitted Electronically https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp e-Invoice Setup Info Phone 877-489-6135 877-353-9791 512-460-5429

William Henkel Contracting Officer

36C77623B0063

Table of Contents

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

A.1 SF 1442 SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD (Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

A.2 SF 1442 SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD (CONSTRUCTION,

ALTERATION, OR REPAIR)– BACK

A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

1.1 BID MATERIAL:

1.2 BID GUARANTEE:

1.3 PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE BONDS:

1.4 TAXES:

1.5 AVAILABILITY OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS:

1.6 INVITATION FOR BID:

1.7 SDVOSB SET-ASIDE:

1.8 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

1.9 AMENDMENTS:

1.10 PRE-BID SITE VISIT:

1.11 PREPARATION OF BIDS:

1.12 BID SUBMISSION:

1.13 DETERMINATION OF NON-RESPONSIVE:

1.14 CONTRACT AWARD:

1.15 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1.16 VETS 4212:

1.17 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM):

1.18 REVIEW REQUIRED REGISTRATION WITH CONTRACTOR

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (CPARS):

1.19 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SPECIAL AGREEMENT CHECKS:

1.20 REFERENCES TO VA ENGINEER, RESIDENT ENGINEER OR PROJECT

MANAGER:

1.21 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

1.22 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO

ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION (FEB 1999)

1.23 52.225-12 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (MAY 2014)

1.24 52.228-17 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (BID GUARANTEE)

(FEB 2021)

1.25 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

1.26 VAAR 852.228-72 ASSISTING SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES IN OBTAINING BONDS (DEC 2009)

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

1.28 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

1.29 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

3.1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2023) ..18

3.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

3.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

GENERAL CONDITIONS

4.1 52.203-14 DISPLAY OF HOTLINE POSTER(S) (NOV 2021)

4.2 52.204-27 PROHIBITION on a Byte DANCE COVERED APPLICATION (JUNE 2023)

4.3 52.211-10 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK

(APR 1984)

4.4 52.219-28 POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION

(MAR 2023)

4.5 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY SITE

OF THE WORK (MAY 2014)

4.6 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (JUN 2020)

4.7 52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL

LABOR RELATIONS ACT (DEC 2010)

4.8 52.223-20 AEROSOLS (JUN 2016)

4.9 52.223-21 FOAMS (JUN 2016)

4.10 52.223-2 AFFIRMATIVE PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED PRODUCTS UNDER

SERVICE AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (SEP 2013)

4.11 52.225-11 BUY AMERICAN—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER TRADE

AGREEMENTS (DEC 2022)

4.12 52.228-11 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (FEB

2021)(DEVIATION APR 2020)

4.13 52.228-15 PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS—CONSTRUCTION (JUN

2020)(DEVIATION APR 2020)

4.14 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (FEB 2013)

4.15 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

4.16 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

4.17 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.18 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

4.19 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

4.20 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

4.21 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

4.22 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

4.23 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

4.24 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

4.25 VAAR 852.236-71 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONSTRUCTION

(APR 2019)

4.26 VAAR 852.236-79 CONTRACTOR PRODUCTION REPORT (APR 2019)

4.27 VAAR 852.236-80 SUBCONTRACTS AND WORK COORDINATION (APR 2019)

4.28 VAAR 852.239-76 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2023)

4.29 VAAR 852.242-70 GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

ADMINISTRATION (OCT 2020)

4.30 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) ..62

4.31 VAAR 852.243-70 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT CHANGES—SUPPLEMENT

(SEP 2019)

4.32 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

4.33 VAAR 852.223-71 SAFETY AND HEALTH (SEP 2019)

4.34 VAAR 852.228-70 BOND PREMIUM ADJUSTMENT (JAN 2008)

4.35 VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTS (WITHOUT NAS– CPM) (NOV 2018)

A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMB

ER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTIT

Y UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 1.00 EA _____________

556-21-700, EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades (Construction) - East Campus Contractor shall provide professional services to a construction project as part of a multi-project program at Captain James A. Lovell FHCC, North Chicago, IL to enable expedited, compliant, and complete construction and activation of a new Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) system in accordance with this design scope of work.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-16-2023 POP End: 03-05-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Y1DZ - Construction of Other Hospital Buildings

GRAND TOTAL _____________

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE

AND BONDS

1.1 BID MATERIAL:

Bid materials consisting of drawings, specifications, and contract forms are included and/or attached as part of this Invitation for Bid (IFB). The VA will not provide printed copies of drawings or specifications.

It is the responsibility of the offeror to obtain the bid materials in a time and manner sufficient to respond to this solicitation by the specified due date.

1.2 BID GUARANTEE:

A Bid Guarantee, Standard Form 24 (SF 24), is required in an amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $3,000,000. Failure to furnish the required bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for receipt of bids, may result in the rejection of the bid. Copies of the SF 24 may be obtained from http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP.

1.3 PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE BONDS:

The offeror to whom award is made will be required to furnish two bonds. A Payment Bond shall be provided on Standard Form 25A (SF 25A) and a Performance Bond shall be provided on Standard Form 25 (SF 25). Both bonds shall be submitted in accordance with FAR 52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction. Copies of SFs 25A and 25 may be obtained from http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP.

1.4 TAXES:

Contractor must take into account FAR 52.229-3; “Federal, State and Local Taxes” and its Special Note in their pricing. The FAR clause and its Special Note provide guidance on taxes being applied to pricing.

1.5 AVAILABILITY OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS:

All solicitation related documents will be published to Contract Opportunities https://Sam.gov.

1.6 INVITATION FOR BID:

This solicitation is being issued as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) in accordance with FAR Part 14.

1.7 SDVOSB SET-ASIDE:

This procurement is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns. Offers received from other than SDVOSBs will not be considered.

Offerors must be certified as SDVOSBs by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and visible in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database (https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/) at the time of bid submission and time of award. Failure to be BOTH certified and visible in the VetCert database at these times will result in the offeror being deemed ineligible for award.

NOTE: As of January 1, 2023, all SDVOSBs that were previously verified by VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) are automatically granted certification by the SBA for the remainder of the firm’s eligibility period. The SBA intends to grant a one-time, one-year extension of certification to current SDVOSBs verified by the VA as of the transfer date on January 1, 2023. This additional year will be added to the existing eligibility period of a current participant. New applicants certified by SBA after January 1, 2023, will receive the standard three-year certification period.

1.8 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

Questions of a technical nature must be provided in writing and shall be submitted by the prospective offerors both Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov and William.henkel@va.gov , questions shall be submitted only via e-mail. The subject line must read: EHRM Upgrades East Chicago, IL - Technical Questions. Oral questions of a technical nature are not acceptable due to the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. THE CUT-OFF DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF QUESTIONS IS Monday, Aug 14 2023 at 1:00 PM ET

1.9 AMENDMENTS:

Amendments to this 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. Potential offerors are advised that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging any amendments to the solicitation. Failure to acknowledge an amendment may result in your bid being considered non-responsive.

1.10 PRE-BID SITE VISIT:

A formal site visit has been scheduled for this project. This will be the only opportunity for potential bidders to visit the site. See FAR Clause 52.236-27 of this solicitation for further information.

An organized site visit has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug 10, 2023 @ 9am EST that will provide an opportunity to walk thru the work site. This site visit is not

Participants will meet at-

Building 3, conference room 114.

Interested parties are required to complete and submit at the time of the Aug 10 site visit an individual SECNAV_55512_2024 (Attachment provided) form for each member of their company requesting access to the site visit location.

1.11 PREPARATION OF BIDS:

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

1.12 BID SUBMISSION:

A. GENERAL:

(a) Offerors shall submit their bids via email to both: Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov and William.henkel@va.gov

(b) Only electronic bids will be accepted. No original or hard copies will be accepted.

(c) The bid opening will be conducted via teleconference. An in-person bid opening will not be facilitated.

(d) The bid bond shall be submitted as part of the electronic submission. In accordance with Class Deviation from the Federal Acquisition Regulation to Eliminate Hard Copy Original Documents, Signatures, Notarization, Seals on Bonds, and Other Seals for Certain Contract Requirements issued by the VA Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics and the Senior Procurement Executive on May 11, 2020, the requirement for an original bond, with the original signatures, notarization and seals has been eliminated.

(e) Failure to provide electronic bids and the electronic copy of the bid bond on the date and time set for bid opening, may deem the bid non-responsive.

B. BID PACKAGE CONTENTS:

(a) Standard Form (SF) 1442 Solicitation, Offer and Award:

The Offeror shall complete & sign the “OFFER” section of the SF 1442. Please include your company’s Unique Entity Identifier number associate with SAM.gov in Block 14.

(b) Acknowledgement of All Amendments:

The offeror shall acknowledge all amendments by either 1.) Completing block 19 of the SF 1442, or 2.) Returning the signed amendment form(s) with the submission.

(c) Pricing Schedule:

The Offeror shall complete the Price Schedule located in the solicitation. The Offeror shall submit separate pricing for all items listed.

(d) Bid Guarantee:

The Offeror shall furnish a bid guarantee (see FAR 52.228-1). The bid guarantee shall be provided on Standard Form 24.

(e) Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements – Notice and Representation:

The offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.229-11 (d).

(f) Representations & Certifications:

The offeror shall provide their Representations and Certifications or their response to FAR 52.204-8 (2) (i) or (ii) Annual Representations and Certifications.

(g) Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment:

Offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.204-24 (d) Representations.

(h) Information Regarding Responsibility Matters:

Offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.209-7 (b) Information Regarding Responsibility Matters.

(i) Violation of Arms Controls Treaties or Agreements:

Offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.209-13 (b) (1) or (2) Violation of Arms Controls Treaties or Agreements.

(j) Post Award Small Business Program Representations:

Offeror shall provide their response to FAR 52.219-28 (h), if applicable.

(k) Limitations on Subcontracting:

In accordance with VAAR 852.219-75, offeror shall complete ATTACHMENT 9- VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting-Certificate of Compliance for Construction and return with their bid submission. Completed form will become part of the official award documentation.

(l) Experience Modification Rate:

The Offeror shall include the Safety of Environmental Violations and Experience Modification Rating (EMR) Information, including filling out ATTACHMENT 8 - Contractor Safety and Environmental Record Evaluation Form.

(1) Provide offeror’s information pertaining to their past Safety and Environmental record. The information must contain a certification that the offeror has no more than three (3) serious, or one (1) repeat or one (1) willful OSHA or any EPA violation(s) in the past three years. If such certification cannot be made, a Offeror shall explain why and submit as much information as possible regarding the circumstances of its past safety and environmental record, including the number of EPA violations and/or the number of serious, repeat, and/or willful OSHA violations, along with a detailed description of those violations.

(2) Provide offeror’s information regarding their current EMR. This information shall be obtained from the Offeror’s insurance carrier and be furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead. If a Offeror’s EMR is above 1.0, Offeror must submit a written explanation of the EMR from its insurance carrier furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead, describing the reasons for the elevated EMR and the anticipated date the EMR may be reduced to 1.0 or below.

(3) Self-insured contractors or other contractors that cannot provide their EMR rating on insurance letterhead must obtain a rating from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI) by completing/submitting form ERM-6 and providing the rating on letterhead from NCCI. Note: Self-insured contractors or other contractors that cannot provide EMR rating on insurance letterhead from the states or territories of CA, DE, MI, NJ, ND, OH, PA, WA, WY, and PR shall obtain their EMR rating from their state run worker’s compensation insurance rating bureau.

(4) If the NCCI cannot issue an EMR because the Bidder/Offeror lacks insurance history, Bidder/Offeror shall submit a letter indicating so from its insurance carrier furnished on the insurance carrier’s letterhead, and include a letter from the NCCI indicating that is has assigned Bidder/Offeror a Unity Rating of 1.0.

(5) The above information, along with other information obtained from Government systems, such as the OSHA and EPA online inspection history databases, will be used to make an initial Determination of Responsibility.

(6) This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers, and prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors.

(7) Failure to provide the above documentation, may result in a determination that an Offeror is non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award.

C. BID OPENING:

(a) Bids will be publicly read aloud via Microsoft Teams on the bid opening date at the specified time. A Microsoft Teams link and call-in number will be announced via an amendment to the solicitation approximately seven (7) calendar days prior to the due date for bids.

(b) In the event that 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).

1.13 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 section of the solicitation, at the date and time set for bid opening, may deem the bid non-responsive.

1.14 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.”

1.15 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 cause for a negative Determination of Responsibility may make the Offeror ineligible for award.

1.16 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 at:

http://www.dol.gov/vets/vets4212.htm. 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.

1.17 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM):

Federal Acquisition Regulations require that federal contractors register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at http://www.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).

1.18 REVIEW REQUIRED REGISTRATION WITH CONTRACTOR

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT 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 that 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 at the following web address: http://www.cpars.gov/. Help in 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.

1.19 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 that the awardee will need to coordinate with the VA Medical Center concerning badging requirements. If the site requires an investigation, the contractor shall follow VA Directive 0710.

1.20 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).”

1.21 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)

1.22 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:

Goals for minority participation for each trade

Goals for female participation for each trade

19.6 % 6.9 %

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

(End of Provision)

1.23 52.225-12 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material," "designated country 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 Under Trade Agreements" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-11).

(b) Requests for determination 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 FAR clause 52.225-11 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 materials, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of FAR clause 52.225-11.

(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 construction material, other than designated country construction material, that is not listed by the Government in this solicitation in paragraph (b)(3) of FAR clause 52.225-11, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic or designated country 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 FAR clause 52.225-11 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 FAR clause 52.225-11 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic or designated country construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic or designated country 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)

1.24 52.228-17 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (BID

GUARANTEE) (FEB 2021)

(a) Offerors shall obtain from each person acting as an individual surety on a bid guarantee—

(1) A pledge of assets that meets the eligibility, valuation, and security requirements described in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 28.203–1; and

(2) Standard Form 28, Affidavit of Individual Surety.

(b) The Offeror shall include with its offer the information required at paragraph (a) of this provision within the timeframe specified in the provision at FAR 52.228–1, Bid Guarantee, or as otherwise established by the Contracting Officer.

(c) The Contracting Officer may release the security interest on the individual surety’s assets in support of a bid guarantee based upon evidence that the offer supported by the individual surety will not result in contract award.

(End of Provision)

1.25 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/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

AUG 2020

52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL JAN 2017

52.214-4 FALSE STATEMENTS IN BIDS APR 1984

52.214-6 EXPLANATION TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS APR 1984

52.214-18 PREPARATION OF BIDS—CONSTRUCTION APR 1984

52.214-34 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE APR 1991

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

1.26 VAAR 852.228-72 ASSISTING SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED

AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES IN OBTAINING BONDS (DEC

2009) Prime contractors are encouraged to assist service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small business potential subcontractors in obtaining bonding, when required. Mentor firms are encouraged to assist protégé firms under VA's Mentor-Protégé Program in obtaining acceptable bid, payment, and performance bonds, when required, as a prime contractor under a solicitation or contract and in obtaining any required bonds under subcontracts.

(End of Clause)

1.27 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)

PLEASE NOTE: The correct mailing information for filing alternate protests is as follows:

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management Team, Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20420

Or for solicitations issued by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management:

Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management 811 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20420

1.28 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)

1.29 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

(a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established VA Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (formerly Electronic and Information (EIT)) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.section508.va.gov/.

(b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 852.239–75, Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit appropriate VA Section 508 Checklists, in accordance with the checklist completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists is to assist VA acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, or information, documentation and services conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The checklists allow offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document—in detail—whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues.

(c) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any exception to Section 508 requirements. If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense.

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

3.1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR

2023) (a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 236220.

(2) The small business size standard is $45 Million.

(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 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.

(b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204–7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[ ] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[ ] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations— Representation.

(viii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance—Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

(xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

(xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated items.

(xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals-- Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.)

(xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate.

(Basic, Alternates II and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $50,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $92,319, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $92,319 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan— Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(A) Solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions; and

(B) For DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard acquisitions, solicitations that contain the clause at 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[X](i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

[X](ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

[](iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

[](iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Certification.

[](v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Certification.

[](vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

[](vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

[](A) Basic.

[](B) Alternate I.

[](viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through https://www.sam.gov.