S02 - Combined Synopsis-Solicitation - NEJM_A0001.pdf

Combined Synopsis-Solicitation for Commercial Items

Last Updated: 02/01/22

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued. The Government reserves the right to make no award from this solicitation.

Solicitation number 36C77623Q0174 is being issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ).

The government anticipates awarding a firm-fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-01.

The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 519290 (size standard 1,000 Employees) and PSC R605. This requirement will be competed using Full and Open competition under FAR Parts 12 and

13. To be eligible for award, you must be registered in System for Award Management under this NAICS.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires a commercial off the shelf web-based purchase of NEJM & Catalyst subscriptions purchase that will be made available throughout the VHA healthcare system. Please reference the Statement of Work in the Standard Form (SF)1449 Solicitation document for specific project information and requirements.

This solicitation is set-aside for Small Business.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Supplies/Services

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Price

Total Price

0001 The vendor shall provide all sites on the VA network with access to a single online, web-based product. Main authentication will be through VA gateway IP addresses. Secondary authentication will be based on Liblynx’s two IPs 157.230.189.45 and 162.243.143.27.

These 2 LibLynx IPs must be included in any online subscription

1 EA

or purchase of any VA electronic acquisition All other access means must be approved in advance by the Library Network Office staff.

An unlimited number of simultaneous users are to have immediate access from any computer with internet access within VA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access also must grant access to the product. A username and/or password option must be offered for remote users if needed, rarely.

Option Year 1

The vendor shall provide all sites on the VA network with access to a single online, web-based product. Main authentication will be through VA gateway IP addresses. Secondary authentication will be based on Liblynx’s two IPs 157.230.189.45 and 162.243.143.27.

These 2 LibLynx IPs must be included in any online subscription or purchase of any VA electronic acquisition All other access means must be approved in advance by the Library Network

1002 An unlimited number of simultaneous users are to have immediate access from any computer with internet access within VA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access also must grant access to the product. A username and/or password option must be offered for

Option Year 2

The vendor shall provide all sites on the VA network with access to a single online, web-based product. Main authentication will be through VA gateway IP addresses. Secondary authentication will be based on Liblynx’s two Ips 157.230.189.45 and 162.243.143.27.

These 2 LibLynx Ips must be included in any online subscription or purchase of any VA electronic acquisition All other access means must be approved in advance

2002 An unlimited number of simultaneous users are to have immediate access from any computer with internet access within VA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access also must grant access to the product. A username and/or password option must be offered for

Option Year 3

The vendor shall provide all sites on the VA network with access to a single online, web-based product. Main authentication will be through VA gateway IP addresses. Secondary authentication will be based on Liblynx’s two Ips 157.230.189.45 and 162.243.143.27.

These 2 LibLynx Ips must be included in any online subscription or purchase of any VA electronic acquisition All other access means must be approved in advance

An unlimited number of simultaneous users are to have immediate access from any computer with internet access within VA. It is required that all authorized remote users with VPN access also must grant access to the product. A username and/or password option must be offered for

Optional

CLIN

52.217-8 Option to extend services (6months)

Total base + option periods

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical center libraries, Central Office staff, and the staff at all the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and other affiliated programs and offices continue to require continued access to the web-based version of the New England Journal of medicine (NEJM) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See Attached SOW – SOW NEJM for additional details.

The contract period of performance shall be from the date of award for a base period of 12 months plus three (3) 12-month option years. Due dates for deliverables are detailed in the SOW.

Place of Performance/Place of Delivery

Address: TBD

Postal Code: TBD

Country: UNITED STATES

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items” (NOV 2021)

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have 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 following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard are stated in the combined synopsis/solicitation.

(b) Submission of quotations. Submit quotations to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Quotations may be submitted on letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, quotations must show-

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of quotations;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the quoter;

(4) A technical description of the items being quoted in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) “Remit to” address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3( b ) for those representations and certifications that the quoter shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) If the quotation is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Quotations that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotations. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during testing.

(e) Multiple quotations. Quoters are encouraged to submit multiple quotations presenting alternative terms and conditions or commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each quotation submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions

(1) Quoters are responsible for submitting quotations so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that quotations are due.

(2) Any quotation received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of quotations is late and will not be considered unless it is received before purchase order issuance and the

Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quotation would not unduly delay the acquisition.

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

(g) Issuance of purchase order. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best technical and price terms. The Contracting Officer may reject any or all quotations. The Contracting Officer may issue a purchase order to other than the quoter with the lowest priced quotation. After the evaluation of quotations, the Contracting Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing any purchase order. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those of the Government’s choice and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR part 15.

(h) Multiple purchase orders. The Government may issue a purchase order for any item or group of items of a quotation, unless the quoter qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, quotations may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to issue a purchase order for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the quoter specifies otherwise in the quotation.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to-

GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or

Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) [Reserved].

(k) Requests for information. The contracting officer will not notify unsuccessful quoters that responded to this solicitation. Quoters may request information on purchase order(s) resulting from this solicitation from the contracting officer.

2. FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items”

(NOV 2021)

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions–Commercial Items” (NOV 2021)

2. FAR 52.212-5, “Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders” (JAN 2022)

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(1) 52.203–6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

(2) 52.204–14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111– 117, section 743 of Div. C).

(3) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(4) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

(5) 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services

(6) 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

(7) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(8) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

(9) 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

(10) 52.219–27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Set-Aside (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

(11) 52.219–28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation (SEP

2021) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

(12) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR

2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(13) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

(14) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(15) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(16) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(17) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29

U.S.C. 793).

(18) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C.

4212).

(19) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor

Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

(20) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(21) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (NOV 2021). (E. O. 12989).

(Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

(22) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

(23) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(24) 52.225–26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(25) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(26) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(27) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

(28) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

(29) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(30) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(31) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(32) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(33) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

(34) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government.

The following are the decision factors:

(a) Basis for Award. The Government will issue a purchase order to the responsible quoter whose quotation conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

(b) The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotations: (1) technical capability; (2) price.

(c) Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b) (3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s).

Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotations.

The evaluation will consider the following:

(1) Technical: The quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government’s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and based on the information requested in the instructions to quoters section of the solicitation.

(2) Price: The Government will evaluate the price by adding the total of all line item prices, including all options. The Total Evaluated Price will be that sum.

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

Responses should contain your best terms, conditions.

INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS

All quoters shall submit the following: one (1) copy of pricing and a technical approach and any material that supports quoter’s ability to accomplish, meet or exceed the tasks and deliverables as stated in the SOW. The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each section shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date, and solicitation number in the header and/or footer. Quote page limitations are applicable to this procurement. The maximum page count for the Offeror’s quote shall be 5 pages*. The use of hyperlinks in quotes is prohibited.

* A Cover Page, Table of Contents and/or a glossary of abbreviations or acronyms will not be included in the page count of the technical Volume. However, be advised that any and all information contained within any Table of Contents and/or glossary of abbreviations or acronyms submitted with an Offeror’s quote may not be evaluated by the Government.

The quote shall be broken down in the following sections:

i. TECHNICAL VOLUME. Offerors shall, demonstrate a clear understanding of all features involved in meeting and supporting the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Offeror shall clearly and completely address the deliverables in the SOW. Information presented in the technical approach should clearly demonstrate that the Offeror is fully capable and prepared to perform the tasks described in the SOW as well as demonstrate the Offeror’s understanding of the requirements and associated risks, as well as the Offeror’s mitigation plan for any identified risks.

ii. PRICE VOLUME. The Offeror shall submit a firm-fixed price quote for each line item outlined in the appropriate table above. The total price must match the amount provided in the Total Evaluated Price table. The Government requires Offerors to propose unit prices and total prices that are two (2) decimal places and requires the unit prices and total prices to be displayed as two (2) decimal places. Ensure that the two (2) digit unit price multiplied by the item quantity equals the two (2) digit total item price (there should be no rounding). The Government will evaluate proposed prices by adding the Offeror’s total proposed price for the base year and all options. Failure to provide a unit price and total amount for each CLIN will render the offer unacceptable.

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

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

OR

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

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

Submission of your response shall be received no later than 1PM ET, January 31, 2023, via email at Joseph.Rossano@va.gov

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

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below.

Point of Contact Joseph Rossano, Contract Specialist Joseph.Rossano@va.gov