36C77623Q0425_1.docx

36C77623Q0425

GENERAL INFORMATION

Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Haley Huff Haley.Huff@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

· Solicitation number 36C77623Q0425 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ)

· This RFQ is 100% set aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVODBs)

· The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04

· This solicitation is issued using associated NAICS code 611430 Professional and Management Development Training, small business size standard $15 Million.

· The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and its addendum applies to this acquisition.

· The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services applies to this acquisition.

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C776 Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL BILLER (CPB) TRAINING SERVICES

FLORIDA CARIBBEAN CONSOLIDATED PATIENT ACCOUNT CENTER (FCCPAC)

ORLANDO, FL

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: The Contractor shall provide all labor, expertise, and materials to perform CPB training services to help with billing accuracy resulting in clean claim creation, reduce claim follow up touches, rejections, and denials at the FCCPAC. The Contractor shall provide instructor-led CPB training services that will prepare FCCPAC staff for the CPB exam.

1.1. The FCCPAC intends on CPB training services, as identified in the Performance Work Statement, to be performed by CPBs and other credentialed professionals. The Contractor shall provide Contractor personnel who have credentials as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P), Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Biller (CPB). Certification is required at the time of contract award.

1.2. The Contractor personnel will provide instructor-led online training on the principles of medical billing, as they relate to proper claim form preparation, submission and payment processing, and follow-up processes. The Contractor will use instructional methods such as reading assignments, practice exercises, practical applications, interactive video lectures, chapter review tests, and a final exam geared toward successful completion of the CPB exam.

1.3. Performance shall be in accordance with the requirements contained in this PWS and all pertinent Civilian and VA Directives, to include the Joint Commission (formerly known as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or JCAHO), American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association (AHA), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), coding practices for International Classification of Diseases-Version 9 (ICD-9-CM), International Classification of Diseases-Version 10 (ICD-10), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4), Evaluation and Management (E/M) Level Coding, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), Title 10 USC 1095, 32 CFR, Part 220 and future updates. The Contractor shall comply with all the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.

1.4. REQUIREMENTS:

1.4.1. CPB Certification Course content must include: Health insurance models and consumer driven health plans (group vs individual health plans, Health Maintenance Organizations [HMO], Managed Care Organizations [MCO], Accountable Care Organizations [ACO], government payers, physician credentialing/National Provider Identifier [NPI] requirements), patient registration process and data capture (overview of an office visit, patient types, demographic and insurance information, medical insurance coverage validation, authorization form, encounter form, discharge process/check out), introduction to ICD-10-CM (overview of ICD-10-CM layout, ICD-10-CM conventions, steps to look up a diagnosis code, ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Concepts (evaluation and management codes, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, laboratory, medicine, modifiers), HCPCS Level II concepts (HCPCS Level II codes, HCPCS Level II modifiers, reporting for discarded drugs/medications), medical necessity (National Correct Coding Initiative [NCCI/CCI], National Coverage Determinations [NDC], and Local Coverage Determinations [LCD]), claim forms (CMS-1500, UB-04 [CMS]), billing (fee schedules, data entry, reduce payment delay, prior authorization, claim scrubber, technology and insurance claims submission, audits, hospital facility and professional billing, primary vs secondary/tertiary insurance), Accounts Receivable (AR) and collection concepts (Explanation of Benefits [EOB] and Remittance Advice [RA], AR management, denials and appeals, refunds), government carriers (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, medigap), Blue Cross/Blue Shield (common types of medical insurance plans, claims filing requirements, EOB, common denials), commercial insurance carriers (common denials/rejections, appeals and the Affordable Care Act, appeals), Workers’ Compensation (coverage and provider reimbursement, claims completion).

1.5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

1.5.1. A certified instructor shall have at least one of the following credentials from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS or CCS-P), or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional Biller (CPB). Contractor employees must also be citizens of the United States and proficient in spoken and written English. All trainers are required to have a minimum of five years of continuous coding or billing experience.

1.6. REQUIRED OUTCOMES AND SPECIFIC TASKS:

1.6.1 Contractor personnel shall provide training to 30 FCCPAC Billers, to meet specifications to pass the Certified Professional Biller (CPB) exam. The training should be consistent with industry standards and requirements outlined in 1.4 above. Contractor personnel will provide training for 30 FCCPAC Billers throughout the duration of the period of performance.

1.6.2. Contractor personnel providing training services shall meet (teleconference) with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) bi-weekly, or within two business days upon request of the COR, during performance of this contract. The Contractor shall provide the COR approved meeting agenda and minutes that focus on the following:

1.6.2.1. FCCPAC staff attendance report.

1.6.2.2. FCCPAC staff progress report. Progress report to include daily feedback, if applicable, to encourage student engagement and success along with chapter review test scores to ensure successful course completion.

1.6.3.3. Written minutes shall be documented by the Contractor, approved, and signed by the COR, and Project Manager. The minutes shall state, if necessary, all corrective actions taken and accountable/responsible function/person for each actionable item. If Government or the Contractor do not concur with the minutes, they shall so state any areas of non-concurrence in writing to the COR within ten (10) business days of receipt of the signed minutes. The minutes shall be included in the contract file.

1.7. DOCUMENTATION. Contractor shall prepare all documentation to meet or exceed established standards of the FCCPAC to include but not limited to: timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content, and signature.

1.8. QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM PLAN:

1.8.1. The Contractor shall propose, establish, and maintain a complete quality control program to assure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified and shall provide one copy of the proposed program plan to the CO with the initial proposal. The CO or COR may review the proposed Quality Control Program Plan, make proposed changes, and return to Contractor for revision, if necessary. An approved/accepted copy shall be provided to the CO prior to award of contract. The Government reserves the right to request copies of all inspection systems, internal policies and procedures, and medical protocols. The program shall include procedures to evaluate Contractor implementation of all requirements of the contract:

1.8.1.1. Quality Control Plan: The Contractor shall design and recommend a quality control plan to fulfill and maintain all deliverables and requirements of the PWS.

1.8.1.2. COR Inspection Plan: The Contractor shall design and recommend an inspection plan for the COR to utilize in evaluating the delivery of the services and deliverables specified in the PWS.

1.8.1.3. The Contractor shall submit the proposed Quality Control Plan and the COR Inspection Plan in the original proposal for the Government’s consideration.

1.8.1.4. In formulating the proposed plans, the Contractor shall address the following at a minimum:

1.8.1.4.1. The provision of supplementary staffing.

2. SERVICES SUMMARY (SS)

Para

Timeliness and Completeness:

Test results post chapter Student Feedback Bi-weekly Progress report as outlined in 1.6.

Periodic surveillance and customer complaint

3 GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 CONDUCT: In disagreements or deviations from established guidelines or new protocols, the COR will notify the Contracting Officer who will be responsible for negotiating a bi-lateral modification to the contract.

3.2. REMOVAL OF CONTRACT PERSONNEL: At any time during the performance of this contract, the CO may direct the Contractor to immediately remove any Contractor personnel whose actions or impaired state raises reasonable suspicion that contract services may be compromised in any way or that a threat of harm may occur to other Contractor personnel, Government personnel, or the impaired individual as a result of their impairment. This provision shall be used in emergency situations only and not for the purpose of bringing performance issues or other non-urgent concerns to the attention of the Contractor. The COR may request Contractor personnel believed to be impaired to submit to Government provided drug/alcohol testing. If the Contractor personnel refuse such testing, the Contracting Officer may request that the Contractor replace(s) the Contractor employee.

3.4 COMMUNICATION. The Contractor shall ensure Contractor personnel providing training services maintain open and professional communication with members of the FCCPAC through bi-weekly meetings or ad hoc within two business days of government request. Complaints validated by the COR and/or CO shall be reported in writing to the FCCPAC Administrator and the Contractor for action. Failure of the Contractor to correct validated complaints raised by the FCCPAC staff and the CO will be considered a failure to perform. When issues arise that need to be addressed in order to meet the turnaround time the Contractor should address the issues within 24-48 hours after notification of issues.

3.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year or duration of offered course (not to exceed one year)

3.6 TYPE OF CONTRACT: The government anticipates a Firm Fixed Price Contract

Acronym List

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Certified Billing Professional training services in accordance with the Performance Work Statement Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

B.4 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

30.00

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 4701 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Clauses 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 clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.2 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority. A copy of the designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.3 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 60 days.

(End of Clause) C.4 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

(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 802.201, 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 U.S.C. 8127 and 13 CFR 128, and is certified and listed in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.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 parts 121 and 125, provided that any reference therein to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to apply to a VA verified and VIPlisted SDVOSB, unless otherwise stated in this clause.

(2) The term ‘‘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).

(3) The term ‘‘small business concern’’ has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term "small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans" has the meaning given that term under section 3(q)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(3)), except that for a VA contract the firm must be certified and listed in the SBA certification database.

(5) The term “VOSB participant” or certified VOSB means a small business that has been certified as eligible to participate in the Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102). It includes certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs).

(b) General.

(1) Offers received from entities that are certified VOSBs or SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a VIP-listed SDVOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified VOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, a VOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the VOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 125.6. For the purpose of the limitations on subcontracting, only certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database, (including independent contractors) 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 otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required LOS certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219-75 and/or 852.219-76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.

(2) Supplies/products. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CRF 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(5) Subcontracting. A VOSB must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VIP-listed VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. An SDVOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

[X] By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or [] By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture is listed in VIP and complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.18(b), provided that any requirement therein that applies to an SDVO SBC is to be construed to apply to 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.

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

(h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406–2 Causes for Debarment).

(End of Clause) C.5 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING--CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (NOV 2022)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that—

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows:

(i) [X] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219–73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

(ii) [] General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219–73or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 85% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(iii) [] Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219–73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219–74. Any work that a similarly situated subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/ VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror’s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

Certification I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee: ___________ Printed Title of Signee: _____________ Signature: ____________ Date: ______________ Company Name and Address: _______________ (End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

(3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies;

(4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or

(5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above.

(End of Clause)

C.7 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

The…