36C77623Q0063 0001.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) A See Task Orders

NA

36C776 Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central Attn: Laura Nabity, CS 6150 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 300 Independence OH 44131 36C776 Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central Attn: Laura Nabity, CS 6150 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 300 Independence OH 44131

36C77623Q0063 01-19-2023

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 11:00 a.m. CT, January 30, 2023 See Individual Task Orders Solicitation Amendment A0001

Acquisition Utilization Specialist (AUS) / 1101s for 8 VA NCOs and PCAC.

The solicitation due date has been extended to 11:00 CT, Monday, January 30, 2023.

Please see the Summary of Changes to the Solicitation and the Answers to Questions received.

Andrew Schoenecker Contracting Officer

Summary of Changes Solicitation Amendment A0001

The following changes were made to Solicitation No. 36C77623Q0063:

1. This commercial service acquisition is now being procured using FAR Part 15 – Contracting by Negotiation, not FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

2. Revised the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Section E.2. See attached revision where the changes are shown in blue, bold font.

3. Revised the Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation Factors, Section E.8. See attached revision where the changes are shown in blue, bold font.

4. Changed the Solicitation’s Response Due Date to 11:00 a.m. Central Time, Monday, January 30, 2023.

5. Increased the Contract’s Ceiling / Maximum Amount located on page 7 to $20,500,000.00.

6. Added a one-year Ordering Period. Contract period of performance is now two (2) years. New Period of Performance is from 2/20/2023 – 2/19/2025.

7. Changes made to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) include:

a. Corrected the number shown in parenthesis in Section 1. INTRODUCTION of the Performance Work Statement from nine (9) to six (6) located on page 7 of the solicitation.

b. Added “a.k.a. key personnel” to paragraph 2.1.3. of the PWS.

c. Added “Based on current VA policy” to the Table in PWS section 2.4.2. under Timeliness.

d. Added “No more than 3 significant and substantiated complaints” to the Table in PWS section 2.4.2., under Customer Service.

e. Changed wording to “Contracting Officer and COR reviews of submitted and completed documents” to the Table in PWS section 2.4.2., under Quality of Contractual Documentation.

f. Reworded PWS paragraph 3.6.2. to be “Candidates with a past or current Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level II or III certification are preferred.”

g. Renamed PWS section 6.1. to be Period of Performance and changed it to “The contract will have two (2), one-year ordering periods from Date of Award (DOA).”

h. Changed PWS section 8.1. – Monthly Activity Report is due on or before the 15th day of the following month.

i. Changed PWS section 8.2. – Quarterly Activity Report is due on or before the 15th day following the end of each quarter”.

8. Line Item Numbers (LINs) have been changed to reflect 1000 type numbers for the first year ordering period and 2000 numbers for the second year ordering period.

9. Added Clause FAR 52.217-8 -- Option to Extend Services.

10. Added Clause FAR 52.232-19 -- Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year.

11. Changed the date in Clause FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity, Section C.4(d) to September 30, 2026.

12. Renamed Attachment D.4 to Attachment D.4 - Past Experience Reference Questionnaire (PERQ).

13. Added Attachment D.5 – Excel Price Schedule Spreadsheet AUS / 1101s.

14. Changed Clause 852.219-10 to full-text instead of being “referenced” in C.7 VAAR 852.212-70.

15. Unchecked FAR 52.219-27 in C.12 FAR 52.212-5.

16. See all questions received on or before January 17, 2023, and their corresponding answers.

Questions (Q) & Answers (A)

Q.1a. Can the Government specify if resumes are to be included with the proposal, or a statement that we have screened all resumes and certify that all candidates meet minimum education and experience requirements will suffice?

Q.1b. Section 2.1.1 states the contractor will provide a detailed resume, but there is no requirement given for personnel resumes in the response. Please confirm no resumes are requested as part of the solicitation.

A.1. Resumes are not to be included with the proposal/offer. We do not need a signed or certified statement. After contract award, if submitted resumes show they have not been pre-screened and candidates do not meet the minimum education and experience this will show that the contractor is not meeting performance standards and may be reflected in the performance rating (CPARS), a contract deficiency report, and/or contract termination. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Q.2. The map (Attachment D.1 – Map of VA’s NCOs) seems to show all VA Regions, however the map does not highlight the 8 NCOs specific to this opportunity. Can VA provide exact locations of the 8 NCOs being supported by this opportunity?

A.2. The Schedule of Items/Price Schedule states in the Line Item Number (LIN) and Description of the LIN, the specific NCO locations being supported by this opportunity. This requirement requires contractor personnel to work off-site (virtual, remote location - home/contractor’s office …. (Section 6.2.1. of the Performance Work Statement {PWS}). There are no “exact locations” due to the work being off-site/remote.

Q.3a. Paragraph 1 of the PWS (Page 7 of the RFQ) states, "Contractor personnel will work off-site (virtually /remotely) for one of eight (8) VA Network Contracting Offices (NCOs) identified in Attachment D.1. or for the Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC) office." However, paragraph 5.2.2 implies that contractors hired under this opportunity will have to live near the NCO they are supporting. Is this opportunity a true "work from anywhere" opportunity? Or do contractors hired under this contract have to live driving distance of their supported NCO/PCAC?

Q.3b. Solicitation Page 11: Section 5.2.2. Local Travel – The solicitation states: Local travel to attend meetings or community events may be required at no cost to the Government. (i) Does the Government anticipate routine attendance for onsite events? If so, what is the anticipated frequency? (ii) Does the Government require contractor personnel to live locally to the NCO they support? (iii) Would the Government consider removing this local travel requirement altogether?

Q.3c. If all work is virtual, and the employee does not work locally to the NCO, is there still an expectation that they will need to travel for meetings, or is the intention to use video conferences instead?

A.3. These are remote /off-site positions. Work travel is not envisioned under this contract (PWS 5.2.1.). However, IF an unusual event occurs and travel is required, Sections 5.2.1. and 5.2.2. apply. No, the government will not remove this section. However, contractor employee(s) may be required to physically access the nearest VA facility when receiving Government Furnished Equipment and PIV badge.

Q.4a. The RFQ only contains a base year with a POP of 2-20-23 to 2-19-24. Does the government intend this to be a one year only contract?

Q.4b. The Item Information table indicates that the items listed are for "Contract Period: Base". Can the government please clarify the total Period of Performance for this IDIQ, including option years?

A.4. Yes, the government did intend for this to be a one year only contract. However, with this Amendment, the period of performance period has changed from one (1) year to two (2) years. There are no ‘option’ years on this contract; it has two one-year Ordering Periods.

Q.5. Please clarify whether the requirement is for six(6) or nine(9) years. (PWS paragraph 1: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), has a need for an experienced contractor who has six (9) or more years of experience supplying acquisition support services to federal agencies.)

A.5. The contractor must have six (6) years of years of experience supplying acquisition support services to federal agencies. This typo is being corrected on this Amendment.

Q.6a. The SF 1449 states this will be a fixed price contract. However, the table and language in RFQ Section B.2 requests the information in a format more commonly associated with a Time and Materials contract. Request the Government confirms this contract is a Firm Fixed Price contract.

Q.6b. The government states that they intend on awarding a firm fixed price IDIQ; the wording in E.8 and 8.6.2 reads as if this will be a FFP contract where the contractor will invoice an FFP amount for each month per FTE. However, B.2 Price/Cost Schedule indicates a labor hour pricing. Will the government please clarify if this is an FFP contract per pages 15 and 47?

A.6. This is a Firm Fixed Price contract based on an hourly rate; it is not a Time and Materials contract.

Q.7. Is this a new requirement or a follow-on to an existing contract? If the latter, please provide the incumbent contractor's name and contract number.

A.7. See page 40 of the solicitation.

Q.8. Is this solicitation related to the RFI Acquisition support services - Notice ID 36C77622Q0355 posted in May 2022?

A.8. No, it is not.

Q.9a. Given each Acquisition Utilization Specialist (AUS) is required to have 8 years of experience and the breadth of responsibilities each AUS will have (PWS Para 3), Concordant recommends the Government consider competing this contract using a Best Value approach.

Q.9b. Given the detailed requirement in the PPQs for personnel quality metrics, would the government consider changing this evaluation to a Best Value Trade-off or Best Value vs. LPTA, given the "Satisfactory" nature of Past Performance in a true LPTA environment?

A.9. Thank you for your recommendations and opinions. This will remain as a LPTA.

Q.10a. RFQ States: To assure timely and equitable evaluation of Quotes, Offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Question: For clarification purposes do you want us to submit our Quote consisting of a Cover Letter, Signed SF 1449, Technical Ability /Approach, Past Performance and a Price Schedule as one file?

Q.10b. Based upon Pg. 42 instruction to offerors, all non price documents such as cover letter, technical approach, and past performance must be separate documents. For ease of submission, would the government allow all non-price documents to be included in the Technical and increase the page count accordingly, so the government receives only 1 PDF file as opposed to multiple PDF files?

A.10. See revised Instructions.

Q.11a. RFQ States: One page as an Excel spreadsheet OR pages 5-7 of the solicitation filled out. Question: An Excel spreadsheet utilizing the narrative in Solicitation Section B.8.2 for the DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES exceeds one page in length. Can the one page limit be modified, or can we use brief summaries of the narrative for each item?

Q.11b. Section E.2 stipulates "The Price submission (Microsoft Excel format – limit 1 page...". Will the government please clarify if a limit of 1 page means one tab within an MS Excel file?

Q.11.. Section E.2 stipulates "The Price submission (Microsoft Excel format – limit 1 page...". If the government means one printed page, will the government please clarify the minimum font size for the MS Excel formatted Price submission to meet one printed page?

A.11. Please see Attachment D.5. – Excel Price Schedule Spreadsheet -AUS / 1101s. This Attachment is being added to the solicitation on this Amendment.

Q.12a. RFQ States: Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible and shall not exceed 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Question: Can Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures be less than 12 point font as long as they are uncomplicated and legible?

Q.12b. Will the government allow font smaller than 12pt for tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, figures, exhibits, and callout boxes?

Q.12c.. What size can the text be in tables/charts/etc., in order to still be readable? We propose 8 pt font as a best practice.

A.12. Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures may be less than 12 point font as long as they are uncomplicated and legible.

Q.13. RFQ States: Contractor must request three past performance questionnaires to be submitted to the government by three different companies or agencies for which contractor has performed similar services. Question: Can the government please define the term agency in this case? For example, could past performances from 3 different offices within the FAA or within the Air Force be used?

A.13. Agency is any federal agency or department including Department of Defense(DOD). The Air Force is part of DOD. Different departments within an agency is acceptable as long they are separate contracts. See Amendment Summary for renamed Past Performance Questionnaire.

Q.14a. Does the 40-day window for filling positions begin after the government deems the resumes acceptable?

Q.14b. Will the government please confirm that "filled" in each of these sections is defined as contractor has provided a qualified resume to the government given that all other factors are outside of the contractor's control?

A.14. The government expects to receive and approve resumes of qualified candidates, along with acceptance, of the offered position within 40 days of contract award; this applies to all positions. The 40-day window does not include onboarding and background investigation.

Q.15a. What is the average time for the SIC to complete background checks on candidates?

Q.15b. How long is it typically taking to get a new hire cleared through the VA Security Screening process?

A.15. There are many variables involved. The range is 7-60 days.

Q.16. How many PPQs (Past Performance Questionnaires) must come from the prime contractor?

A.16. If applicable, none.

Q.17. In the Quote Format instructions on page 41 of the solicitation, it is stated that the cover letter should include the “Name of your contract administration office (if available).” Can you clarify what is meant by this? Does this refer to the contractor office location?

A.17. It refers to the offer’s company name, address, person who is responsible for signing the contracts, their phone number and their email address. If an offeror has a separate contract division/department who reviews all contracts and negotiates for the offeror, please provide their name, phone number and email address.

Q.18a. For the required representations and certifications provisions (FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -Commercial Products and Commercial Services) to be submitted, can the government please clarify what section of the response this information is to be provided (i.e. Technical Ability/Approach, Price Schedule)?

Q.18b. Please verify if 'Reps and Certs' completed within SAM are sufficient? If so, shall Offerors provide that copy?

Q.18c. Section E.1(b)(8) indicates a requirement that "a complete copy of the representations and certifications at … (FAR) 52.212-3 be submitted with the offer; however, Section E.2 - Instructions to Offerors does not indicate the section in which these should be provided. As it is not indicated in the table of documents on page 42, can the government please clarify if it is desired for the offeror to confirm its SAM.gov representations and certifications are current and active in its cover letter OR identify the section the offeror shall provide the complete copy of its representations and certifications?

A.18. Read the 1st paragraph of the provision. If needed, it would be submitted with SF1449 and signed amendment(s).

Q.19. For the Technical Ability/Approach Section in the offeror’s response, can the government please clarify if below is the extend of what is being asked for:

5. Means and Methods to Accomplishing the Deliverables in PWS, Section 8.

A.19. Reference Instructions.

Q.20. Will the contract resulting from this solicitation replace any portion of work currently being performed by contracted 1102-series Contract Specialists for NCOs within Regional Procurement Office-Central?

A.20. No.

Q.21. Can CPARS evaluations be submitted in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires?

A.21. No

Q.22. Can all of the required submission documents listed in the table in on page 42 of the solicitation be submitted in one document as long as the page limits are adhered to?

A.22. See Amended Instructions.

Q.23. Section 2.1.4 of the PWS states: “Contractor will ensure all required information for onboarding and all background investigation paperwork (including eQUIP) is submitted/completed within seven (7) calendar days.” Can the government elaborate on this statement, i.e. within seven days of what date/event?

A.23. Once proposed contractor personnel has accepted the offered position, all required documents need to be filled out and submitted (including completion of eQUIP) within seven (7) calendar days. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Q.24. Page 41, Quote Format and Content. Is the cover of the volume which would contain non evaluated information identifying the volume, outside of page count?

A.24. See Amended Instructions.

Q.25. How many past performance examples is the Government requesting?

A.25. See Instructions.

Q.26. If the offeror possesses CPARS for the Past Performance being used, and can furnish those CPARS at time of proposal submission, can the offeror remove the need for PPQs? In other works, instead of PPQs, can we supply CPARS?

A.26. No. Offerors must submit Past Experience Reference Questionnaires. See revised Instructions.

Q.27. It appears the Government is using 1,992 hours as the basis for an FTE performance year. Will the VA consider 1,912 hours to accommodate paid time off for the professional employees?

A.27. The hours posted on the solicitation is the estimated number of hours needed at each location.

Q.28a. Past Performance, page 27: How will offerors with no past performance be rated for this LPTA effort, as ‘Acceptable’ or ‘Unacceptable’?

Q.28b. The solicitation indicates that the acquisition will be evaluated under the authority of FAR Part 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process (FAR 15.101-2). When using the LPTA process, if the contracting officer elects to consider past performance as an evaluation factor, it shall be evaluated in accordance with 15.305, however, the comparative assessment in 15.305(a)(2)(i) [Past performance information is one indicator of an offeror’s ability to perform the contract successfully. The currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in contractor’s performance shall be considered. This comparative assessment of past performance information is separate from the responsibility determination required under subpart 9.1.] does not apply. As the comparative assessment of past performance does not apply to this solicitation, would the government consider removing the past performance requirement from the evaluation criteria or stipulate that when information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance?

A.28. See Amendment for changes to Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Factors.

Q.29. The government references 1101s vs. 1102s as the requirement for Acquisition Utilization Specialists. We are assuming the reason for choosing 1101 designations vs. 1102 is that the government is seeking personnel that serves as liaisons between the 1102 function and the program office conducting primarily pre-award functions. Could the government please confirm?

A.29. This is for 1101s to work with program personnel, VA officials, and stakeholders.

Q.30. Can the govt please clarify that the AUS work is predominantly pre-award (i.e. market research, sources sought, cost estimates, etc.) with minor post-award administrative support? Furthermore, could the govt give an estimate (percentage) of time worked and supported for pre-award activities vs. post-award.

A.30. The type of work/duties are listed on the PWS Sections 3.1. and 3.2. There is no breakdown or estimate of pre-award or post-award activities.

Q.31. In regards to Timeliness (PWS Section B.3), will the government provide the PALT times that will be used as the standard for the 90% AQL?

A.31. Current VA Policy shows a range from 30-240 days depending on the nature of the requirement.

Q.32. In regards to Customer Service (PWS Section B.3), will the government please provide the methodology to measure this standard to ensure the contractor is meeting the 90% threshold?

A.32. This is based on feedback from customers/stakeholders with no more than 3 significant and substantiated complaints.

Q.33. In regards to Quality Contractual Documentation (PWS Section B.3), will the government please provide the methodology to measure this standard to ensure the contractor is meeting the 90% threshold?

A.33. It is based on the number of documents completed and submitted for review and/or CO/COR signature.

Q.34. In regards to Productivity (PWS Section B.3), will the government please provide the methodology to measure this standard to ensure the contractor is meeting the 90% threshold?

A.34. It is based on the amount and type/kind of work given to a contractor employee.

Q.35. In regards to the Quarterly Activity Report, and as with all of our VA customers nationwide, would the government consider defining the due date for this deliverable to be the 15th day following the end of the quarter? (This provides sufficient time (15 days) to collect all metrics/actions from each resource, QC, and compile all data for final submission to the government.)

A.35. The government is willing to change this to “on or before the 15th day of the following month” (PWS Section 8.). See Amendment.

Q.36. Will the government allow for the substitution of degrees for FAC-C or DAWIA certifications?

A.36. No.

Q.37. Will the government allow for the substitution of degrees for 4 additional years of experience in Federal Contracting / Acquisition?

A.37. Reference PWS Sections 3.6.

Q.38. What constitutes a "Satisfactory" for non-price factors, such as Past Performance and Technical?

A.38. See Instructions.

Q.39. How will the government evaluate the bids regarding price reasonableness to ensure the highest quality and ability to deliver?

A.39. Competition, market research and references.

Q.40. The language in this section appears that the government reserves the right to "accept other than lowest offer" and make an award to another offeror in the best interest of the public. Does this mean that the government can evaluate with criteria other than that which is contained in Section E.8?

A.40. No. This is the standard language for this FAR provision.

Q.41. The government states "In accordance with FAR Part 13 Procedures, the solicitation identifies each non-price evaluation factor as equally important" however in the prior paragraph the solicitation indicates this is LPTA. Will the government please clarify and also consider best value vs. LPTA given how best value permits a more holistic view for long-term success, with greater ROI in the end, ultimately ensuring the long-term success of the program to the government?

A.41. This Amendment changes it to be “In accordance with FAR 15”. No, the government will not consider best value for this solicitation.

Q.42. Will the government please allow for up to 3 pages for each of the 3 past performances (9 in total) to provide full description of our company’s past performance with each selected past performance provided as past performance is so important for this requirement?

A.42. See Instructions; changed to up to 2 pages. The PERQ form has no page limit.

Q.43. The solicitation references Key Personnel in paragraphs 2.2.2. and 8.3. However, there is not any guidance on which positions were deemed to be key. Will the government please clarify which positions are considered Key Personnel?

A.43. Key Personnel on this solicitation (and contract to be awarded) reference the contractor employees who have been approved and assigned to work for the various NCOs and PCAC under this contract.

Q.44. If an Offeror has already sent out Attachment D.4 – Past Performance Questionnaires, does the new revised form, Attachment D.4 – Past Experience Reference Questionnaire, need to be re-sent or re-submitted?

A.44. As long as there are no major changes to be made, the updated and revised form, Attachment D.4 – Past Experience Reference Questionnaire, does not need to be re-sent or re-submitted.

End of Questions and Answers

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

3,984.00 hr

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 1 according to the PWS. Ordering Period 1 (This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: R707 - Support - Management: Contract/Procurement/Acquisition Support

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 9

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 10

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 12

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 15

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 16

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 17

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 23

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for PCAC

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2023 - POP End: 02-19-2024

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 1 according to the PWS. Ordering Period 2 (This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 9

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 10

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 12

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 15

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 16

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 17

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for NCO 23

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) to provide off-site support for PCAC

(This is an estimated number of hours; hours needed may vary based on need and funding.)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-20-2024 - POP End: 02-19-2025

GRAND TOTAL

This IDIQ’s contract minimum guarantee is $10,000; the maximum spend (ceiling) shall not exceed $20,500,000.00.

C.14 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 25 calendar days of end of period of performance.

(End of Clause)

C.15 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond Fiscal Year 2022. The Government's obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond Fiscal Year 2022, until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for performance and until the Contractor receives notice of availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of Clause) C.16 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2019) (DEVIATION)

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

(1) Means a small business concern:

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.101, Surviving Spouse definition);

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

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

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

(v) The business will comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and 125, including the nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 121.406 and 125.6, provided that any reference therein to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern (SDVO SBC), is to be construed to apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed SDVOSB. The nonmanufacturer rule and the limitations on subcontracting apply to all SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides and sole source contracts.

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

(b) General.

(1) Offers are solicited only from eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. Only VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns (SDVOSBs) may submit offers in response to this solicitation. Offers received from concerns that are not VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern that meets the size standard for the applicable NAICS code.

(c) Representation. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 38 CFR part 74, and VAAR subpart 819.70. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only VIP-listed SDVOSBs are considered eligible. Therefore, any reference in 13 CFR part 121 and 125 to a servicedisabled veteran-owned small business concern (SDVO SBC), is to be construed to apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed SDVOSB and only such concern(s) qualify as similarly situated. The offeror must also be eligible at the time of award.

(d) Agreement. Agreement. When awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101, Definitions), including orders under multiple-award contracts, or a subcontract, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and 125, including the nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR part 121.406 and 125.6, provided that for purposes of the limitations on subcontracting, only VIP-listed SDVOSBs shall be considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An independent contractor shall be considered a subcontractor. An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to the following:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(2) Supplies or products.

(i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a nonmanufacturer, it will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) is granted.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, it will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(4) Special trade contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, it will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(5) Subcontracting. Any work that a VIP-listed SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. For mixed contracts and additional limitations, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered an SDVOSB if the joint venture is listed in VIP and complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.18(b), provided that any reference therein to service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to mean a VIP-listed SDVOSB. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(f) Precedence. For any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA program for service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR subpart 819.70 and this clause, the VA Veterans First Contracting Program requirements have precedence.

(End of Clause)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

Attachment D.1 – Map of VA’s NCOs Attachment D.2 – Contractor Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Attachment D.3 – Contractor Rules of Behavior (ROB) Attachment D.4 – Past Experience Reference Questionnaire (PERQ) (for Solicitation) REVISED A0001 Attachment D.5 – Excel Price Schedule (for Solicitation) ADDED A0001

E.2 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES – (Updated 1-19-2023)

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

The Government contemplates award of one, Single-Award, Firm-Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to the responsible Offeror whose submission represents the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) to the Government for Acquisition Utilization Specialists services. To receive consideration for award, a rating of ‘Acceptable’ must be achieved for all the non-price factors. This is a new requirement; there is no incumbent.

This is a commercial service acquisition under the authority of FAR Part 15 Contracting by Negotiation.

This is a Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. Offerors shall identify themselves as a Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business. All SDVOSB businesses must be registered and verified in Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database, https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov/, at time of quotation submission and SAM.gov database at time of award. All SDVOSB offerors must also meet federal small business size standards for the NAICS code assigned to this solicitation at both time of quotation submission and at time of award.

Offeror shall complete the proposal in accordance with FAR provision 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS, which is part of this solicitation, and the following additional instructions:

Submission of Questions:

Questions are due by 11:00 a.m. Central Time (CT), Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Only questions received by email will be considered. All questions shall be submitted via email directly to Laura.Nabity@va.gov.

Submission of Proposals:

Quotations shall be submitted electronically via email and received no later than 11:00 a.m., Central Time (CT), Monday, January 30, 2023. Quotations received after this time will not be considered for award. All proposals shall be submitted via email directly to Laura.Nabity@va.gov and Andrew.Schoenecker@va.gov.

Offerors are encouraged to provide their best offer as the government may not conduct discussions with offerors.

Offeror shall make pricing and terms valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days from the solicitation closing date appearing in block 8 of the SF1449.

Proposal Format and Content:

Proposals should be typed on size 8.5 by 11-inch paper. Pages shall be single-spaced, one-sided, with at least .8 inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides.

Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12 point. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by section. Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures may be less than 12 point font as long as they are uncomplicated and legible. Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures on separate pages will count toward the page limit restrictions.

Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible and shall not exceed 8.5 by 11 inches in size. Elaborate brochures or documentation, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are not required, and neither are they desired.

Section 1: Cover letter packet. The first 8 items on the list below are required to be on the first page of the cover letter packet (any type of format is acceptable) of an offer. The cover letter packet must also give a brief history of the company along with a summary of experience in providing services similar in nature to this solicitation to federal agencies. “Similar in nature” is defined as comparable in terms of such factors as types of services performed, products provided, dollar value, scope, and duration. An offeror must have six (6) or more years of experience in providing acquisition, procurement, and professional technical support services to federal agencies. The cover letter packet cannot exceed 5 pages.

Cover letter packet page 1:

· Solicitation Number;

· Name and address of Contractor;

· Name, telephone number and email address of your point-of-contact;

· Name of your contract administration office (if applicable);

· Date of submission;

· Name, title, and signature of authorized representative;

· DUNS Number, SAM UEI number, and Cage code;

· Taxpayer Identification Number; and

· Brief history of the company.

Cover letter packet – summary of experience:

· Contract number and federal agency name;

· Name, title, address, phone number, and email of customer contact for the contract. (Note, it is incumbent on the Offeror to ensure the customer information is current and accurate.);

· Performance period of contract (dates and length);

· Estimated annual and total dollar value of contract;

· Description of services (including location) provided and the offeror’s level of responsibility and authority on the project (i.e., prime or subcontractor); and

· List of subcontracted services and subcontractors used, along with estimated annual cost of each subcontracted service.

Section 3: The Offeror’s technical ability/approach must be described in sufficient detail as to reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and demonstrate the ability to meet and/or exceed the requirements presented in the PWS (filling the positions with qualified personnel within 40 days of award, replacing personnel within 14 days of their departure, and ability to retain personnel). The technical proposal must describe the means and methods for accomplishing the activities and deliverables described in the PWS along with the Offeror’s methods of filling the positions and retaining contractor employees for the life of the contract. The ten page limit does not include the cover letter packet, price schedule or past experience reference questionnaires.

Section 4: Contractor must request three past experience reference questionnaires to be submitted to the government by three federal agencies for which contractor has performed similar services as those stated in this solicitation. To be considered, the questionnaires must be received by the government no later than the closing date of this solicitation. In addition, Contractor must submit with its proposal a PDF document (limited to two pages per reference) identifying the reference (contract number, agency name, address, phone number, point of contact, and date of performance) and, IF not included in the cover letter packet, a description of the projects/services/work performed for that reference in sufficient detail for the Government to determine whether the project was similar in size, scope and complexity to the requirements identified in this solicitation. The proposal must also reflect that the offeror has at least six years of experience in providing acquisition, procurement, and professional technical support services to federal agencies.

Section 5: The Price submission (use Attachment D.5 {Microsoft Excel format}) – limit 1 page or solicitation’s Schedule of Items) shall include at a minimum, an Hourly Rate expressed with no more than two decimal places for cents.

The Contractor shall prepare the response as shown below. The titles and contents of the sections shall be as defined in the table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies specified. Pages exceeding this page limitation set forth will not be read or evaluated.

The Proposal shall consist of five (5) separate sections:

To assure timely and equitable evaluation of Proposals, Offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being ineligible for award.

May be either in PDF or MS Word format

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION-COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021) (Updated 1-19-2023)

This is a commercial service acquisition under the authority of FAR Part…