36C78624B0023.docx

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.

36C78624B0023 X

05-06-2024

898-034/036 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

Flora Taylor 571-992-9125 The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), anticipates awarding a Firm, Fixed Priced contract, in accordance with FAR Part 14, Sealed Bidding. Information on submitting bids can be found in "Virtual Bid Instructions."

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, material, and equipment necessary to perform work to construct a new Maintenance Complex and Corrects FCA Deficiencies. Work includes but is not limited to removal of existing structures, new facility construction, alterations, excavation and regrading, walks & pavers, grading, signage, curb & gutter, drainage, utility systems as shown on the drawings.

The Statement of Work (SOW), Drawings, Specifications and related attachments are for two(2)combined projects.

898-036-FCA Deficiencies and 898-034-Maintenance complex.

Line Items:***See SOW Attached. Price them in Schedule B Bidder shall complete Attachment-IFB Contractor Cost Estimate Worksheet as part of the bid submission package. PLEASE NOTE: This project will be divided into 2 project numbers. Each project/obligation number shall be invoiced separately in Tungsten for payment purposes.

The total performance period for this project is 365 calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). Per VAAR836.204 disclosure of the magnitude of construction projects between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

This acquisition is 100% set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Authority, 38 USC 8127(d). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 236220 Small Business Size Standard $45.0 Million.

There will be ONE (1) organized Site Visit held on May 21, 2024 at 10am Pacific Time.

Participants are to meet at 950 South Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

All request for Information (RFI) questions must be in writing and submitted to: Flora.taylor@va.gov; no later than May 29, 2024, 3:00PM Eastern Time.

All correspondence must contain the following in the subject line: Solicitation Number, Project Name, Cemetery Name.

Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Questions received after this date and time will not be accepted.

Prospective Offerors must also be registered in VetCert-https://veterans.certify. sba.gov/, Vets 4212 and must also be registered in at https://www.dol.gov System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov at the time of proposal submission. Information on submitting bids can be found in the "Virtual Bid Instructions."

A 'VIRTUAL BID OPENING IS SCHEDULED ON June 12, 2024; 1pm EST. Attendance is NOT mandatory. All bids must be submitted electronically via email to the attention of the Contracting Officer at the following email address:

flora.taylor@va.gov.

X X

52.211-10 X

1pm

EDT

06-12-2024 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

Base Bid-CLIN 0001-898-036 $__________________ Base Bid-CLIN 0002-898-034 $ _________________ CLIN 0003-898-036 Option 1 $ _________________ CLIN 0004-898-036 Option 2 $ _________________ CLIN 0005-898-036 Option 3 $ _________________ CLIN 0006-898-036 Option 4 $ _________________ Grand Total $________________________________

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

1-877-752-0900

Flora Taylor

Table of Contents

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

******IF RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE, GOVERNMENT MAY EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO FUND ADDITIONAL OPTION(S):

ITEM INFORMATION

1. Base Bid CLIN 0001 Project# 898-036 1.00 JB __________ Correct FCA Deficiencies, General Construction

2. Base Bid CLIN 0002 Project# 898-034 1.00 JB ___________ ___________ Maintenance Facility

3. CLIN 0003 Project# 898-036 –Bid Option 1: Eastern Ornamental Fencing ___________

4. CLIN 0004 Project# 898-036 - Bid Option 2: Northern Perimeter Fencing ___________ ___________

5. CLIN 0005 Project# 898-036 – Bid Option 3: Western Ornamental Fencing ___________ ___________

6. CLIN 0006 Project# 898-036 –Bid Option 4: Historic Preservation ___________ ___________

GRAND TOTAL

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration:

All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT:

Contracting Officer: Flora Taylor.

Phone: 571-992-9125 Email: Flora.taylor@va.gov Contracting Officer Representative: Juan Kays

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor shall be made in accordance with 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer.

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears Monthly.

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS:

All invoices from the contractor shall be sent electronically by following instruction as stated at website: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp See VAAR clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (NOV 2012).

5. ACQUISITION: Total (100%) Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Set-Aside: The contract will be awarded by the Government to furnish those service and construction tasks as stated in the SOW, Specifications, Drawings and any other solicitation attachments. The Government anticipates awarding this solicitation as a firm fixed-price contract.

Historical Data: Incumbent Contractor: NONE

6. TYPE OF CONTRACT: This is a fixed-price contract in accordance with FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract.

7. CONTRACT AWARD: The contract will become effective as soon as practical with no additional cost to the Government for any elapsed time from the original effective date. It is also, understood and agreed that the award of this contract will be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds and in the event appropriations are not available the Government in its sole discretion may not award a contract.

8. AUTHORITIES OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL: Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government will provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as the Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR). Only the Contracting Officer has the authority to make changes to the contract.

9. CONTRACTOR’S FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR: Contractor must provide an English-speaking foreman/Supervisor at all times while performing the duties of the contract. This is to ensure proper communication between the Contractor and COR.

10. SITE VISIT: See 52.236-27 for site visit information.

11. PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE: Prior to commencement of work, Contractor shall attend a pre-construction conference prior to the commencement of work to assure that all parties understand all contractual obligations and the role that each party serves.

12. FEDERAL HOLIDAYS:

January New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday February President’s Day May Memorial Day June Juneteenth July Independence Day September Labor Day October Indigenous People Day November Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day December Christmas Day Including any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

13. LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING – MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE:

This contract includes (VAAR) 852.219-10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set- Aside. The Contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the contractor’s compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to contractor’s offices where the contractor’s business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the contractor’s compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor’s business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, Obtaining Access to Proprietary Information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor’s compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

14. RELEASE OF CLAIMS:

After completion of work and prior to final payment, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a release of claims against the United States relation to the contract. The Release of Claims form provided by the CO shall be used for this purpose. The form provides for exception of specified claims from the operation of release. Request a copy from the CO.

15. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS - CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM:

a. FAR 42.1502 directs all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has implemented the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR 42.15.

b. The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

c. We request that you furnish the Contracting Officer (CO) with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm's past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than 30 days after award. Each person granted access will have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official (AO). Information in the report must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

d. When your Contractor Representative(s) are registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, systems requirements, and training information for CPARS is available at https://www.cpars.gov/.

e. Within 60 days after the end of a performance period, the AO will complete an interim or final past performance evaluation, and the report will be accessible at https://www.cpars.gov/.

1. Contractor Representatives may then provide comments in response to the evaluation, or return the evaluation without comment.

2. Your comments should focus on objective facts in the AO's narrative and should provide your views on the causes and ramifications of the assessed performance.

3. All information provided should be reviewed for accuracy prior to submission.

4. If you elect not to provide comments, please acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating "No comment" in the space provided, and then selecting “Accept the Ratings and Close the Evaluation”.

5. Your response is due within 60 calendar days after receipt of the CPAR. On day 15, the evaluation will become available in PPIRS-RC marked as “Pending” with or without comments and whether or not it has been closed.

6. If you do not sign and submit the CPAR within 60 days, it will automatically be returned to the Government and will be annotated: "The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this assessment."

f. The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

1. Protect the evaluation as source selection information. After review, transmit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the CO for instructions. Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

2. Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, pre-award surveys, responsibility determinations, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

g. If you wish to discuss a past performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the CO no later than seven days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting will be held in person or via telephone or other means during your 60-day review period.

h. A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been finalized.

(End of Administration Data)

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

(a) Bidding materials consisting of Invitation for Bids, drawings, specifications and contract forms will be available on http://www.sam.gov in electronic format only by searching for solicitation number 36C78624B0023. All interested parties (subs & primes) should register at http://www.sam.gov as an “Interested Vendor” so that others will know of our interest in participating in this procurement. A Bidder’s mailing list WILL NOT BE prepared by the Contract Specialist. SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS: Amendments to the solicitation will be posted at http://www.sam.gov. Paper copies of the amendments will NOT be individually mailed. By registering to “Receive Notification”, you will be notified by e-mail of any new amendments that have been issued and posted. No other notification of amendments will be provided. Bidders are reminded that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging all amendments to this solicitation prior to the time for receipt of bids.

(b) If bid exceeds $150,000 a bid bond must be submitted. A bid guarantee 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 opening of bids, will require rejection of the bid in all cases except those listed in FAR 28.101-4, and may be cause for rejection even then.

(c) If the contract will exceed $150,000 (see FAR 28.102-1 for lesser amount), the bidder to whom award is made will be required to furnish two bonds, a Payment Bond, SF 25A, and a Performance Bond, SF 25, each in the penal sum as noted in the General Conditions of the Specification. Copies of SFs 25 and 25A may be obtained upon application to the issuing office.

(d) If the bid is between $30,000 - $150,000. The bidder to whom award is made will be required to furnish a Payment Bond, Standard Form 25A or alternative payment protection which conforms to the requirements set forth in FAR Clause 52.228-13, Alternative Payment Protections, as noted in the General Conditions of this Specification. Copies of the Standard Form of Payment Bond may be obtained upon application to the Issuing Office.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: The Contractor shall furnish materials, equipment, personnel and supervision to accomplish the work as described in the contract documents for Project 898-034/898-036 NEW MAINTENANCE COMPLEX, CORRECT FCA DEFICIENCIES at the Los Angeles National Cemetery 950 South Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

Magnitude of Construction: $5,000,000 and $10,000,000

DIGNITY STANDARDS

Every action by contractor personnel at a National Cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice those service members, Veterans, and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness, required of the contractor employees, of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

a. Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they drive over them. Contractor personnel should use tools approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), such as shovels, pry bars or pinch bars to lift flat markers out of the ground; pick axes are not an acceptable tool.

b. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or markers. Once headstones/markers are removed from the socket, do not place on dirt piles or mud; they should be carefully placed on each associated gravesite and protected in such a way as to prevent any soiling and be out of the way of any other work.

c. Headstones shall be removed from their sockets using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used, the area that contacts the headstone must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to and marking of the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a skid steer loader (i.e., Bobcat®) or similar machine to extract the headstone from the socket. When headstones are removed from their sockets, they shall be carefully stored on each associated gravesite; do not lean headstones against each other. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. The headstones shall be laid with front inscription side up while the headstone is lying horizontally on the ground. The headstone shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. The protection method shall be as approved by the COR and shall be free of deterioration in weather. An approved method is to support each headstone with two wood 4X4’s. Alternate methods can be approved. Cardboard shall not be used. Wood or other suitable appropriate and attractive material shall be used to keep the headstones from contact with the soil while lying horizontally during the construction period. This also shows respect towards the families visiting the gravesites and the remains that are buried.

d. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers and for restoring turf damaged during performance of this work.

e. Additionally, should any activity result in the exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (i.e., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Contractor must contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, and Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.

Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, and CO for guidance or resolution.

The Contractor is required to discuss the guidance with their employees and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

VIRTUAL BID INSTRUCTIONS

1. Gender: Whenever the masculine gender is used in this solicitation and contract documents, it shall be considered to include feminine.

2. Amendments: Amendments to Solicitation will be posted at https://beta.sam.gov/search?index=opp. Paper copies of the amendments will NOT be individually mailed. Register to the receive email notifications list at https://beta.sam.gov/search?index=opp, and potential bidders will be notified by e-mail of any new amendments that have been issued and posted. No other notification of amendments will be provided. Potential bidders 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.

3. Bid Submission:

a. All bids shall be submitted electronically via email to the attention of the Contracting Officer at the following address: flora.taylor@va.gov. DO NOT wait until the last day to upload bid documents. Offerors are highly encouraged to submit bid packages 2-3 days in advance to avoid system lock outs.

b. If an Offeror is still having difficulties in submitting a quote via the Contracting Officer the Contracting Officer may accept an Offeror’s quote via email under the following circumstances:

1.Offeror must provide evidence that an email discussions or verbal discussion with the CO could not resolve issues.

2.Quote submitted must meet the time constraints as set forth in the solicitation. Proposals submitted via email without set requirements will not be accepted and will be considered to be nonresponsive. Late or incomplete proposals will also be considered to be nonresponsive.

c. Offers are NOT authorized to submit bid packages by US mail; CD versions; Offers ARE authorized to submit by Email to flora.taylor@va.gov.

d. Document naming convention. S00_Bid $_(Company Name)_(Solicitation Number) EXAMPLE: S00_Bid $1,000,000.00_ABC Company_36C78624B0023

e. Bid package shall be One (1) PDF document combining the following minimum required documents:

• Company cover letter with Solicitation number, POC name, phone number, email address, and DUNS number; Page 44 of 58

• Completed front and back blocks 14-20 of the SF 1442 and signed block 20b; 36C78624B0023

• Completed schedule B pricing for each CLIN and grand total;

• Completed S02_Attachment- _IFB Contractor Cost Estimate Worksheet;

• Complete and signed SF30 Amendments;

• Scanned digital copy of the bid bond. (Ensure to lightly darken all raised seals) A public bid opening will occur by phone conference using the following:

Call Line: Code:

Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device; Click here to join the meeting:

*******************Virtual Bid Opening****************************** June 12, 2024 -1pm EST Solicitation Number: 36C78624B0023

LOS ANGELES CA 898-034/036 NEW MAINTENANCE COMPLEX, CORRECT FCA

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 285 289 115 661 Passcode: UFPUNN

Dial-in by phone +1 872-701-0185,,75961424# United States, Chicago Find a local number Phone conference ID: 759 614 24# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

A.3 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses 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. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

(End of Clause)

A.4 VAAR 852.228-70 BOND PREMIUM ADJUSTMENT (JAN 2008)

When net changes in original contract price affect the premium of a Corporate Surety Bond by $5 or more, the Government, in determining the basis for final settlement, will provide for bond premium adjustment computed at the rate shown in the bond.

(End of Clause)

A.5 52.225-11 BUY AMERICAN—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (NOV 2023) ALTERNATE I (NOV 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Bahraini, Mexican, or Omani construction material means a construction material that—

(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of Bahrain, Mexico or Oman; or

(2) In the case of a construction material that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in Bahrain, Mexico, or Oman into a new and different construction material distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.

Caribbean Basin country construction material means a construction material that—

(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a Caribbean Basin country; or

(2) In the case of a construction material that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in a Caribbean Basin country into a new and different construction material distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.

Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item—

(1) Means any item of supply (including construction material) that is—

(i) A commercial product (as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition of ‘‘commercial product’’ at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101;

(ii) Sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace; and

(iii) Offered to the Government, under a contract or subcontract at any tier, without modification, in the same form in which it is sold in the commercial marketplace; and

(2) Does not include bulk cargo, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 40102(4), such as agricultural products and petroleum products.

Component means an article, material, or supply incorporated directly into a construction material.

Construction material means an article, material, or supply brought to the construction site by the Contractor or subcontractor for incorporation into the building or work. The term also includes an item brought to the site preassembled from articles, materials, or supplies. However, emergency life safety systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarm, and audio evacuation systems, that are discrete systems incorporated into a public building or work and that are produced as complete systems, are evaluated as a single and distinct construction material regardless of when or how the individual parts or components of those systems are delivered to the construction site. Materials purchased directly by the Government are supplies, not construction material.

Cost of components means—

(1) For components purchased by the Contractor, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the construction material (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or

(2) For components manufactured by the Contractor, all costs associated with the manufacture of the component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (1) of this definition, plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the construction material.

Critical component means a component that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States and deemed critical to the U.S. supply chain. The list of critical components is at FAR 25.105.

Critical item means a domestic construction material or domestic end product that is deemed critical to U.S. supply chain resiliency. The list of critical items is at FAR 25.105.

Designated country means any of the following countries:

(1) A World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (WTO GPA) country (Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, or United Kingdom);

(2) A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) country (Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Korea (Republic of), Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, or Singapore);

(3) A least developed country (Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, or Zambia); or

(4) A Caribbean Basin country (Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saba, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, or Trinidad and Tobago).

Designated country construction material means a construction material that is a WTO GPA country construction material, an FTA country construction material, a least developed country construction material, or a Caribbean Basin country construction material.

Domestic construction material means—

(1) For construction material that does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both—

(i) An unmanufactured construction material mined or produced in the United States; or

(ii) A construction material manufactured in the United States, if—

(A) The cost of its components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 60 percent of the cost of all its components, except that the percentage will be 65 percent for items delivered in calendar years 2024 through 2028 and 75 percent for items delivered starting in calendar year 2029. Components of foreign origin of the same class or kind for which nonavailability determinations have been made are treated as domestic. Components of unknown origin are treated as foreign; or

(B) The construction material is a COTS item; or

(2) For construction material that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, a construction material manufactured in the United States if the cost of foreign iron and steel constitutes less than 5 percent of the cost of all components used in such construction material. The cost of foreign iron and steel includes but is not limited to the cost of foreign iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the construction material and a good faith estimate of the cost of all foreign iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners. Iron or steel components of unknown origin are treated as foreign. If the construction material contains multiple components, the cost of all the materials used in such construction material is calculated in accordance with the definition of ‘‘cost of components’’.

Fastener means a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. Examples of fasteners are nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, nails, clips, and screws.

Foreign construction material means a construction material other than a domestic construction material.

Foreign iron and steel means iron or steel products not produced in the United States. Produced in the United States means that all manufacturing processes of the iron or steel must take place in the United States, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, except metallurgical processes involving refinement of steel additives. The origin of the elements of the iron or steel is not relevant to the determination of whether it is domestic or foreign.

Free Trade Agreement country construction material means a construction material that—

(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) country; or

(2) In the case of a construction material that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in a FTA country into a new and different construction material distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.

Least developed country construction material means a construction material that—

(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a least developed country; or

(2) In the case of a construction material that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in a least developed country into a new and different construction material distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.

Predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both means that the cost of the iron and steel content exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron and steel is the cost of the iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners.

Steel means an alloy that includes at least 50 percent iron, between 0.02 and 2 percent carbon, and may include other elements.

United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.

WTO GPA country construction material means a construction material that—

(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a WTO GPA country; or

(2) In the case of a construction material that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in a WTO GPA country into a new and different construction material distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.

(b) Construction materials.

(1) This clause implements 41 U.S.C. chapter 83, Buy American, by providing a preference for domestic construction material. In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1907, the domestic content test of the Buy American statute is waived for construction material that is a COTS item, except that for construction material that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the domestic content test is applied only to the iron and steel content of the construction material, excluding COTS fasteners. (See United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement 12.505(a)(2)). In addition, the Contracting Officer has determined that the WTO GPA and all the Free Trade Agreements except the Bahrain FTA, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the Oman FTA apply to this acquisition. Therefore, the Buy American statute restrictions are waived for designated country construction materials other than Bahraini, Mexican, or Omani construction materials.

(2) The Contractor shall use only domestic or designated country construction material other than Bahraini, Mexican, or Omani construction material in performing this contract, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this clause.

(3) The requirement in paragraph (b)(2) of this clause does not apply to information technology that is a commercial product or to the construction materials or components listed by the Government as follows:

(4) The Contracting Officer may add other foreign construction material to the list in paragraph (b)(3) of this clause if the Government determines that—

(i) The cost of domestic construction material would be unreasonable.

(A) For domestic construction material that is not a critical item or does not contain critical components. (1) The cost of a particular domestic construction material subject to the restrictions of the Buy American statute is unreasonable when the cost of such material exceeds the cost of foreign material by more than 20 percent;

(2) For construction material that is not a COTS item and does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, if the cost of a particular domestic construction material is determined to be unreasonable or there is no domestic offer received, and the low offer is for foreign construction material that does not exceed 55 percent domestic content, the Contracting Officer will treat the lowest offer of foreign construction material that is manufactured in the United States and exceeds 55 percent domestic content as a domestic offer and determine whether the cost of that offer is unreasonable by applying the evaluation factor listed in paragraph (b)(4)(i)(A)(1) of this clause.

(3) The procedures in paragraph (b)(4)(i)(A)(2) of this clause will no longer apply as of January 1, 2030.

(B) For domestic construction material that is a critical item or contains critical components.