36C77624B0015 - Newington EHRM - Solicitation 12.4.24.pdf

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER 2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 3. DATE ISSUED PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER 5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER 6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying number, date)

12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within ____________ calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES NO

a. Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________

(hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b. An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c. All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d. Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C77624B0015

X

12-04-2024

689A4-22-700

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs

Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490

Independence OH 44131

Department of Veterans Affairs

Program Contract Activity Central

Shardae Webb 216-447-8300

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

Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside.

The contractor shall provide all tools, equipment, materials, labor, supervision, personnel, and shall do all things necessary that will result in the completion of the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades construction project, in accordance with the attached Specifications and Drawings.

The project is located at the:

VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) – West Haven Campus

555 Williard Avenue

Newington, CT 06111

NAICS:236220

PSC: Z2DA

For instructions concerning the organized Site Visit - see Attachment 28 - Site Visit Instructions

Instructions for Bid Opening will be posted via Amendment on SAM.gov on or by January 21, 2025.

10 (TEN) 540

X X 52.211-10

X

0 11:00 AM EST

02-04-2025

X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR 15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT 23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM 25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) ( )

26. ADMINISTERED BY 27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE: FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT 29. AWARD Your

Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code)

(Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each)

(Type or print)

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror)

(To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

See Price Schedule

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs

Program Contracting Activity Central

VAFSC

Department of Veterans Affairs

Financial Services Center

Invoices to be Submitted Electronically https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp e-Invoice Setup Info Phone 877-489-6135

877-353-9791 512-460-5429

Gabriel Escarciga

Table of Contents

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

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

Repair)

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

ALTERATION, OR REPAIR)– BACK

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

1.1 BID MATERIAL:

1.2 BID GUARANTEE:

1.3 PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE BONDS:

1.4 TAXES:

2.17 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

2.18 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

2.19 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY

SITE OF THE WORK (MAY 2014)

2.20 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO

ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION (FEB 1999)

2.21 52.225-12 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (MAY 2014)

2.22 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

2.23 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

2.24 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

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

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

2.26 VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTS (WITHOUT NAS– CPM) (NOV 2018)

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

2.28 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

2.29 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

3.1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2024) .. 23

3.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

3.3 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT ORDERS—

REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

3.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

3.5 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS—

CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021)

3.6 52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE AND

REPRESENTATION (JUN 2020)

GENERAL CONDITIONS

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

4.2 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

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

(APR 1984)

4.4 52.219-28 POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION

(FEB 2024)

4.5 52.223-9 ESTIMATE OF PERCENTAGE OF RECOVERED MATERIAL CONTENT

FOR EPA-DESIGNATED ITEMS (MAY 2008)

4.6 52.223-20 AEROSOLS (MAY 2024)

4.7 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.8 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995) ALTERNATE I (FEB 1995)

4.9 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

4.10 52.225-11 BUY AMERICAN—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER TRADE

AGREEMENTS (NOV 2023)

4.11 52.223-21 FOAMS (MAY 2024)

4.12 52.228-5 INSURANCE—WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN

1997)

4.13 52.228-11 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (FEB 2021)

4.14 52.228-15 PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS—CONSTRUCTION (JUN

2020)

4.15 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

4.16 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (FEB 2013)

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

4.18 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

4.19 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

4.20 VAAR 852.204-71 INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY

(FEB 2023)

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

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

(DEVIATION)

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

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (NOV 2022)

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

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

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

2018)

4.26 VAAR 852.236-71 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONSTRUCTION

(APR 2019)

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

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

4.29 VAAR 852.239-76 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2023)

4.30 VAAR 852.242-70 GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

ADMINISTRATION (OCT 2020)

4.31 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) .. 78

4.32 VAAR 852.243-70 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT CHANGES—SUPPLEMENT

(SEP 2019)

NOTICE

1. Line Item 0001 (General Construction) contains all the work for this project.

2. Bidders must provide a lump sum price for Line Item 0001 (General Construction). Failure to do so may render their bid as nonresponsive.

3. Award will be made on Grand Total (Line Item 0001).

4. Pricing shall be submitted in whole dollar values. Please do NOT include pricing in cents.

5. Contractor is required to fill in their Unique Entity Identifier number associate with SAM.gov in Block No. 14 on Standard Form (SF) 1442.

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

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE

AND BONDS

1.1 BID MATERIAL:

Bid materials consisting of drawings, specifications, and contract forms are included and/or attached as part of this Invitation for Bid (IFB). The VA will not provide printed copies of drawings or specifications. It is the responsibility of the offeror to obtain the bid materials in a time and manner sufficient to respond to this solicitation by the specified due date.

1.2 BID GUARANTEE:

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

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

1.3 PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE BONDS:

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

1.4 TAXES:

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

Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local

Taxes:

Offerors are hereby notified that under Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. 12-412, the United States of America, or any of its respective agencies, is a tax-exempt entity immune from taxation when it is the purchaser, http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP user, or consumer of tangible personal property. Pursuant to Conn.

Agencies Regs. 12-426-18, when a contractor enters into a construction contract with a tax-exempt entity, it may purchase materials and supplies without payment of tax if the property will be installed or placed in the project and will remain in the project after completion. Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such materials and supplies as are to be installed or placed in projects being performed within the State of Connecticut to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA) is subject to the exemption from the State of Connecticut Taxes.

To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete CERT-141 “Contractor’s Exempt

Purchase Certificate” when it purchases construction materials for this contract and retain adequate records to support contractor’s use of the certificate and to show disposition of the materials and supplies purchased.

Notwithstanding FAR 52.229-3, all bids received in response to this solicitation are presumed to reflect this tax exemption, and therefore should not include the State of Connecticut sales tax on sales of materials for incorporation into VA real estate under this contract.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

2.1 AVAILABILITY OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS:

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

2.2 INVITATION FOR BID:

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

2.3 SDVOSB SET-ASIDE:

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

All SDVOSBs must be listed as “certified” by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert). Bidders must be certified in the SBA VetCert database (Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov)) at TIME OF SUBMISSION OF BIDS AND TIME OF AWARD. Failure to be certified at the time of bid submission and time of award will result in the offeror’s bid being non-responsive.

2.4 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:

Questions of a technical nature must be provided in writing and must be submitted by the prospective offerors to Shardae Webb at Shardae.webb@va.gov . Questions must be submitted only via e-mail to: Shardae Webb at Shardae.webb@va.gov and Gabriel Escarciga at Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov . The subject line must read: Newington, CT CONSTRUCT EHRM INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES- Technical Questions. Oral questions of a technical nature are not acceptable due to the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. THE CUT-OFF DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF QUESTIONS IS January 14, 2025 @ 11:00

AM EST.

2.5 AMENDMENTS:

Amendments to this solicitation will be posted at https://Sam.gov. Paper copies of the amendments will NOT be individually mailed. No other notification of amendments will be provided. Potential offerors are advised that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging any amendments to the solicitation. Failure to acknowledge an amendment may result in your bid being considered non-responsive.

2.6 PRE-BID SITE VISIT:

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

All potential bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are strongly encouraged to attend this site visit.

2.7 PREPARATION OF BIDS:

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

2.8 BID SUBMISSION:

https://sam.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fveterans.certify.sba.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7C8e7e79ec26e24b76315a08dafed3d7c1%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638102483047735633%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=A6miKyttg2IAFGmDSciek4gm%2FPoHYc%2F0Uqk6dvC9Wlg%3D&reserved=0 mailto:Shardae.webb@va.gov mailto:Shardae.webb@va.gov mailto:Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov https://sam.gov/

A. GENERAL:

(a) Offerors must submit their bids via email to: Shardae Webb at Shardae.webb@va.gov , Gabriel Escarciga at Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov and Megan Johnson at Megan.Johnson9@va.gov

(b) Only emailed bids will be accepted. Bids submitted by any method other than email are not allowed and will be deemed non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award.

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

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

B. BID PACKAGE CONTENTS:

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

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

(b) Acknowledgement of All Amendments:

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

(c) Price Schedule:

The Offeror must complete the Price Schedule contained in the solicitation. The Offeror must submit separate pricing for all items listed. Bidders not submitting the Price Schedule will be deemed non-responsive and therefore ineligible for award.

(d) Bid Guarantee:

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

(e) Representations & Certifications:

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

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

Offeror must provide their response to FAR 52.204-24 (d) Representation.

(g) Information Regarding Responsibility Matters:

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

(h) Violation of Arms Controls Treaties or Agreements:

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

(i) Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements:

Offeror must provide their response to FAR 52.229-11 (d).

(j) Post Award Small Business Program Representations:

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

(k) Limitations on Subcontracting:

In accordance with VAAR 852.219-75, offeror must complete ATTACHMENT 26 - VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting-Certificate of Compliance for Construction and return with their bid submission. Completed form will become part of the official award documentation. Failure to submit the signed certification in the form of the offerer’s signed Joint Venture Agreement with the offeror’s proposal, may result in the proposal being incomplete and therefore, ineligible for award.

(l) Notice to SDVOSB Joint Venture/Mentor Protegee:

Any offeror submitting a bid as a joint venture must provide a certification from each SDVOSB joint partner, signed by an authorized official of each partner to the joint venture, stating that the parties to the joint venture (1) have entered into a joint venture agreement that fully complies with paragraph (c) of 13 CFR § 128.402 and (2) will mailto:Shardae.webb@va.gov mailto:Gabriel.escarciga@va.gov mailto:Megan.Johnson9@va.gov perform the contract in compliance with the joint venture agreement. Failure to submit the certification with the offeror’s bid will deem the bid non-responsive.

C. BID OPENING:

(a) Bids will be publicly read aloud. A conference line will be announced via an amendment to the solicitation approximately seven (7) calendar days prior to the receipt date for bids.

(b) In the event there are any concerns with the bids, in accordance with FAR 14.402-1 (c), Microsoft Teams will be used to assist in the examination of the bid(s).

2.9 DETERMINATION OF NON-RESPONSIVE:

Bids received pertaining to this solicitation will be reviewed for responsiveness. Failure to provide documentation as outlined in the Bid Submission section of the solicitation, at the date and time set for bid opening may deem the bid non-responsive.

2.10 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:

A Determination of Responsibility will be conducted for the apparent “low bidder/awardee” prior to award of the project. The above information, along with other information obtained from Government systems, as well as any other information the Contracting Officer has determined to be valid, will be used to make the Determination of Responsibility. NOTE: Any information received by the Government that would cause for a negative Determination of Responsibility may make the Offeror ineligible for award.

2.11 VETS 4212:

Title 38, USC Section 4212(d), codified at 41 CFR Section 61-300, requires that federal contractors report, at least annually, the number and category of veterans who are within their workforce. Submission of the VETS-4212 reporting information can be done electronically at:

http://www.dol.gov/vets/vets4212.htm. Award cannot be made unless the awardee has filed their VETS-4212 report. Therefore, all offerors are encouraged to file every year. The Contracting Officer may request a copy of the email confirmation of receipt notification, prior to awarding the project.

2.12 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM):

Federal Acquisition Regulations require that federal contractors register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at http://www.sam.gov and enter all mandatory information into the system.

Per FAR 52.204-7(b), "[a]n Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation, and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation." So an offeror MUST appear in SAM at the time of offers due AND at the time of award. Otherwise, that offeror is technically unacceptable and the award would go to the next offeror(s) in line.

See TLS Joint Venture, LLC, B-422275, April 1, 2024 where the tentative awardee's SAM registry was active at the time of offers due and at the time of award but had some how lapsed for 9 hours and 48 minutes during the time in between. So that tentative awardee was not eligible for award.

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

2.13 CONTRACT AWARD:

Award may only be made with the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the government, considering only price (see FAR 52.214-19). The low price will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer prior to award to confirm that it is “a fair and reasonable price that is most advantageous to the Government.”

2.14 REVIEW REQUIRED REGISTRATION WITH CONTRACTOR

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (CPARS):

As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.1502(e), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all construction contracts that exceed $750,000 and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Seal Logistics Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. CPARS is available to all Federal agencies and is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity information system (FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for contractor responsibility determination information.

Each contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed $750,000 is required to register with CPARS database at the following web address: http://www.cpars.gov/. Help in registering can be obtained by contacting Customer Support Desk @ DSN: 684-1690 or COMM: 207- 438- 1690. Registration should occur no later than thirty days after contract award and must be kept current should there be any change to the contractor’s registered representative.

For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report will be assigned in CPARS to the contractor’s designated representative for comment. The contractor representative will have thirty days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer.

Failure to have a current registration in the CPARS database, or to re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer within those thirty days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the contractor failed to respond.

2.15 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SPECIAL AGREEMENT CHECKS:

All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation is commensurate with the level of access needed to perform all work as identified in the solicitation documents. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. As per VA Directive 0710, costs of background investigations will be borne by the contractor. Please be advised that the awardee will need to coordinate with the VA Medical Center concerning badging requirements. If the site requires an investigation, the contractor must follow VA Directive 0710.

2.16 REFERENCES TO VA ENGINEER, RESIDENT ENGINEER OR PROJECT

MANAGER:

Any reference contained within the solicitation/contract specifications and/or drawings to the “VA Engineer,” “Resident Engineer,” or “Project Manager” or their abbreviations must be replaced with “Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).”

2.17 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

(a) All actual and potential offerors are encouraged to provide feedback on the preaward and debriefing processes, as applicable. Feedback may be provided to agencies up to 45 days after award. The feedback is anonymous, unless the participant self-identifies in the survey. Actual and potential offerors can participate in the survey by selecting the following link: https:// www.acquisition.gov/360.

(b) The Contracting Officer will not review the information provided until after contract award and will not consider it in the award decision. The survey is voluntary and does not convey any protections, rights, or grounds for protest. It creates a way for actual and potential offerors to provide the Government constructive feedback about the preaward and debriefing processes, as applicable, used for a specific acquisition.

(End of Clause)

2.18 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.19 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—

SECONDARY SITE OF THE WORK (MAY 2014)

(a)(1) The offeror shall notify the Government if the offeror intends to perform work at any secondary site of the work, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of the FAR clause at 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements, of this solicitation.

(2) If the offeror is unsure if a planned work site satisfies the criteria for a secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a determination from the Contracting Officer.

(b)(1) If the wage determination provided by the Government for work at the primary site of the work is not applicable to the secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a wage determination from the Contracting Officer.

(2) The due date for receipt of offers will not be extended as a result of an offeror's request for a wage determination for a secondary site of the work.

(End of Provision)

2.20 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO

ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION

(FEB 1999)

(a) The offeror's attention is called to the Equal Opportunity clause and the Affirmative Action

Compliance Requirements for Construction clause of this solicitation.

(b) The goals for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the

Contractor's aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:

Goals for minority participation for each trade

Goals for female participation for each trade

6.9 % 6.9 %

These goals are applicable to all the Contractor's construction work performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, the Contractor shall apply the goals established for the geographical area where the work is actually performed. Goals are published periodically in the Federal Register in notice form, and these notices may be obtained from any Office of Federal Contract Compliance

Programs office.

(c) The Contractor's compliance with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on (1) its implementation of the Equal Opportunity clause, (2) specific affirmative action obligations required by the clause entitled "Affirmative Action

Compliance Requirements for Construction," and (3) its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade. The Contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor, or from project to project, for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor's goals shall be a violation of the contract, Executive Order

11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.

(d) The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Federal Contract Compliance, U.S. Department of Labor, within 10 working days following award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the—

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor;

(2) Employer's identification number of the subcontractor;

(3) Estimated dollar amount of the subcontract;

(4) Estimated starting and completion dates of the subcontract; and

(5) Geographical area in which the subcontract is to be performed.

(e) As used in this Notice, and in any contract resulting from this solicitation, the "covered area" is

Newington, CT - Hartford County

2.21 52.225-12 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material,"

"designated country construction material," "domestic construction material," and "foreign construction material," as used in this provision, are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements" (Federal Acquisition

Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-11).

(b) Requests for determination of inapplicability. An offeror requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute should submit the request to the

Contracting Officer in time to allow a determination before submission of offers. The offeror shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of

FAR clause 52.225-11 in the request. If an offeror has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute before submitting its offer, or has not received a response to a previous request, the offeror shall include the information and supporting data in the offer.

(c) Evaluation of offers.

(1) The Government will evaluate an offer requesting exception to the requirements of the

Buy American statute, based on claimed unreasonable cost of domestic construction materials, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(i) of FAR clause 52.225-11.

(2) If evaluation results in a tie between an offeror that requested the substitution of foreign construction material based on unreasonable cost and an offeror that did not request an exception, the Contracting Officer will award to the offeror that did not request an exception based on unreasonable cost.

(d) Alternate offers.

(1) When an offer includes foreign construction material, other than designated country construction material, that is not listed by the Government in this solicitation in paragraph (b)(3) of FAR clause 52.225-11, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic or designated country construction material.

(2) If an alternate offer is submitted, the offeror shall submit a separate Standard Form 1442 for the alternate offer, and a separate price comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of FAR clause 52.225-11 for the offer that is based on the use of any foreign construction material for which the Government has not yet determined an exception applies.

(3) If the Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with paragraph (c) of FAR clause 52.225-11 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic or designated country construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic or designated country construction material. An offer based on use of the foreign construction material for which an exception was requested—

(i) Will be rejected as nonresponsive if this acquisition is conducted by sealed bidding; or

(ii) May be accepted if revised during negotiations.

(End of Provision)

2.22 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

(a) Failure to furnish a bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, may be cause for rejection of the bid.

(b) The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the form of a firm commitment, e.g., bid bond supported by good and sufficient surety or sureties acceptable to the Government, postal money order, certified check, cashier's check, irrevocable letter of credit, or, under Treasury

Department regulations, certain bonds or notes of the United States. The Contracting Officer will return bid guarantees, other than bid bonds—

(1) To unsuccessful bidders as soon as practicable after the opening of bids; and

(2) To the successful bidder upon execution of contractual documents and bonds (including any necessary coinsurance or reinsurance agreements), as required by the bid as accepted.

(c) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20% percent of the bid price or $3,000,000.00, whichever is less.

(d) If the successful bidder, upon acceptance of its bid by the Government within the period specified for acceptance, fails to execute all contractual documents or furnish executed bond(s) within 10 days after receipt of the forms by the bidder, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract for default.

(e) In the event the contract is terminated for default, the bidder is liable for any cost of acquiring the work that exceeds the amount of its bid, and the bid guarantee is available to offset the difference.

(End of Provision)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.228-17 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (BID

GUARANTEE)

FEB 2021

52.236-1 PERFORMANCE OF WORK BY THE CONTRACTOR APR 1984

2.23 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government

Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Hand-Carried Address:

Gabriel D. Escarciga

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central 6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence, OH 44131

Mailing Address:

Gabriel D. Escarciga

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central 6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence, OH 44131

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

2.24 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

AUG 2020

52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL JAN 2017

52.214-3 AMENDMENTS TO INVITATIONS FOR BIDS DEC 2016

52.214-4 FALSE STATEMENTS IN BIDS APR 1984

52.214-5 SUBMISSION OF BIDS DEC 2016

52.214-6 EXPLANATION TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS APR 1984

52.214-7 LATE SUBMISSIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND

WITHDRAWALS OF BIDS

NOV 1999

52.214-18 PREPARATION OF BIDS—CONSTRUCTION APR 1984

52.214-19 CONTRACT AWARD—SEALED BIDDING—

CONSTRUCTION

AUG 1996

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

52.214-35 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN U.S. CURRENCY APR 1991

52.223-11 OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES AND HIGH GLOBAL

WARMING POTENTIAL HYDROFLUOROCARBONS

MAY 2024

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

AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES IN OBTAINING BONDS (DEC

2009)

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

(End of Clause)

2.26 VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTS (WITHOUT NAS– CPM) (NOV 2018)

The clause FAR 52.232–5, Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, is implemented as follows:

(a) Retainage.

(1) The Contracting Officer may retain funds—

(i) Where performance under the contract has been determined to be deficient or the Contractor has performed in an unsatisfactory manner in the past; or

(ii) As the contract nears completion, to ensure that deficiencies will be corrected and that completion is timely.

(2) Examples of deficient performance justifying a retention of funds include, but are not restricted to, the following—

(i) Unsatisfactory progress as determined by the Contracting Officer;

(ii) Failure to meet schedule in Schedule of Work Progress;

(iii) Failure to present submittals in a timely manner; or

(iv) Failure to comply in good faith with approved subcontracting plans, certifications, or contract requirements.

(3) Any level of retention shall not exceed 10 percent either where there is determined to be unsatisfactory performance, or when the retainage is to ensure satisfactory completion. Retained amounts shall be paid promptly upon completion of all contract requirements, but nothing contained in this paragraph (a)(3) shall be construed as limiting the Contracting Officer’s right to withhold funds under other provisions of the contract or in accordance with the general law and regulations regarding the administration of Government contracts.

(b) The Contractor shall submit a schedule of cost to the Contracting Officer for approval within 30 calendar days after date of receipt of notice to proceed. Such schedule will be signed and submitted in triplicate. The approved cost schedule will be one of the bases for determining progress payments to the

Contractor for work completed. This schedule shall show cost by the work activity/event for each building or unit of the contract, as instructed by the resident engineer.

(1) The work activities/events shall be subdivided into as many sub-activities/events as are necessary to cover all component parts of the contract work.

(2) Costs as shown on this schedule must be true costs and the resident engineer may require the

Contractor to submit the original estimate sheets or other information to substantiate the detailed makeup of the schedule.

(3) The sums of the sub-activities/events, as applied to each work activity/event, shall equal the total cost of such work activity/event. The total cost of all work activities/events shall equal the contract price.

(4) Insurance and similar items shall be prorated and included in the cost of each branch of the work.

(5) The cost schedule shall include separate cost information for the systems listed in the table in this paragraph (b)(5). The percentages listed in the following table are proportions of the cost listed in the

Contractor’s cost schedule and identify, for payment purposes, the value of the work to adjust, correct and test systems after the material has been installed. Payment of the listed percentages will be made only after the Contractor has demonstrated that each of the systems is substantially complete and operates as required by the contract.

VALUE OF ADJUSTING, CORRECTING, AND TESTING SYSTEM

System Percent

Pneumatic tube system………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Incinerators (medical waste and trash)……………………………………………………….. 5

Sewage treatment plant equipment……………………………………………………………. 5

Water treatment plant equipment……………………………………………………………… 5

Washers (dish, cage, glass, etc.)………………………………………………………………….. 5

Sterilizing equipment……………………………………………………………………………….…. 5

Water distilling equipment…………………………………………………………………………. 5

Prefab temperature rooms (cold, constant temperature)………………………….. 5

Entire air-conditioning system (Specified under 600 Sections)…………………… 5

Entire boiler plant system (Specified under 700 Sections)………………………….. 5

General supply conveyors…………………………………………………………………………… 10

Food service conveyors………………………………………………………………………….…… 10

Pneumatic soiled linen and trash system…………………………………………………… 10

Elevators and dumbwaiters………………………………………………………………………… 10

Materials transport system…………………………………………………………………………. 10

Engine-generator system……………………………………………………………………………. 5

Primary switchgear……………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Secondary switchgear………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Fire alarm system………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Nurse call system………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Intercom system………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Radio system……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

TV (entertainment) system………………………………………………………………………… 5

(c) In addition to this cost schedule, the Contractor shall submit such unit costs as may be specifically requested. The unit costs shall be those used by the Contractor in preparing its bid and will not be binding as pertaining to any contract changes.

(d) The Contracting Officer will consider for monthly progress payments material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site, under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves, including but not limited to the following—

(1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings;

(2) The materials and/or equipment are approved by the resident engineer;

(3) The materials and/or equipment are stored separately and are readily available for inspection and inventory by the resident engineer;

(4) The materials and/or equipment are protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and

(5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage.

(e) The Government reserves the right to withhold payment until samples, shop drawings, engineer’s certificates, additional bonds, payrolls, weekly statements of compliance, proof of title, nondiscrimination compliance reports, or any other requirements of this contract, have been submitted to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer.

(f) The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing within 10 calendar-days of exercising retainage against any payment in accordance with FAR clause 52.232–5(e). The notice shall disclose the amount of the retainage in value and percent retained from the payment, and provide explanation for the retainage.

(End of Clause)

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

(a) As an alternative to filing a protest with the Contracting Officer, an interested party may file a protest by mail or electronically with: Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management and Compliance Service (003A2C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810

Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or Email: EDProtests@va.gov.

(b) The protest will not be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar issue(s) pending with the Contracting Officer.

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

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

Washington, DC 20420 Or for solicitations issued by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management:

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

Washington, DC 20420

2.28 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

(a) Any protest filed by an interested party shall—

(1) Include the name, address, fax number, email and telephone number of the protester;

(2) Identify the solicitation and/or contract number;

(3) Include an original signed by the protester or the protester’s representative and at least one copy;

(4) Set forth a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including a description of resulting prejudice to the protester, and provide copies of relevant documents;

(5) Specifically request a ruling of the individual upon whom the protest is served;

(6) State the form of relief requested; and

(7) Provide all information establishing the timeliness of the protest.

(b) Failure to comply with the above may result in dismissal of the protest without further consideration.

(c) Bidders/offerors and Contracting Officers are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(End of Provision)

2.29 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

(a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established VA Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) (formerly Electronic and Information (EIT)) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.section508.va.gov/.

(b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 852.239–75, Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable

Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit appropriate VA Section 508

Checklists, in accordance with the checklist completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists is to assist VA acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, or information, documentation and services conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards.