36C78624B0045_1.docx

36C78624B0045

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.

36C78624B0045 X 10-07-2024 Funds Assurance

856CM3012

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services Michael.giaquinto2@va.gov giaquinto, michael 917-943-8284 Lebanon National Cemetery; Correct Cemetery Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Deficiencies Project Number 856CM3012 The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration has a requirement for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for a Contractor to provide all Management and Supervision, Labor, Equipment, Material, Supplies, etc., necessary and required to provide FCA Construction services at the Lebanon National Cemetery as defined and described in accordance with applicable Local, State and Federal laws and regulations in accordance with the Scope of Work and Specifications herein.

This Invitations for Bids (IFB) procurement opportunity is 100% Set-Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small-Business, (SDVOSB) firms; Authority 38 U.S.C. 8127 (Public Law 109-461).

This is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside procurement and will be conducted in accordance with Public Law 109-461. Bidders must be CVE verified prior to submitting a bid in accordance with VAAR 819-7003(B) and FAR Provision 52.204-7(a). All prospective bidders must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov and have SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, and are verified/visible/certified in SBA site https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/, Vets 4212 at https://www.dol.gov at the time of offer submission and before award of Vets 4212 at https://www.dol.gov; and System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov/SAM at the time of this procurement.

The Product / Service Code (PSC) for this procurement is Y1PZ

- Construction of Other Non-Building Facilities.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 237990

- Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

The Size Standard for this procurement is $45.0 million dollars.

The magnitude of construction range for this procurement is estimated to be between $2,000,000.00 and $5,000,000.

There is an organized pre-bid site visit scheduled. See 52.236-27 Site Visit for detailed site visit information.

Interested Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Site Visit Conference.

Scheduled to meet at the admin building at 9:00am on October 15, 2024 at the Lebanon National Cemetery.

All Requests for Information (RFI) must be sent in writing to the Contracting Officer. See section A.3 8 QUESTIONS

BID DUE DATE November 8 at 2PM EST emailed to MICHAEL.GIAQUINTO2@VA.GOV

Complete and return the Limitations on Subcontracting certificate along with your bid.

X x 52.211-10 X 2pm

EDT

11-08-2024 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 001): $ ________________________ 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 X Michael Giaquinto

Table of Contents

A.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

856CM3012

BASE BID

Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor, materials, equipment and services and perform and complete all work for Lebanon National Cemetery; Correct Cemetery Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Deficiencies Project Number 856CM3012

General Construction: The Contractor will provide all Management, Supervision, Labor, Material, Parts, and Equipment necessary to complete the FCA deficiencies. Work of the contract includes but not limited to General Conditions, General Construction, Burial Areas, Structures, Alterations, Roads, Walks, Grading, Drainage, Landscaping, Irrigation, Structural, Architectural, Electrical, Utility systems, Necessary removal of existing structures and Construction and certain of other items and all other work necessary to construct the improvements as shown on and described in the contract documents.

The Contractor will have Three Hundred Sixty-Five (365) calendar days to complete the work from the date of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

(End of Bid Schedule)

Statement of Work Description Correct Cemetery Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Deficiencies Project Number 856CM3012

The purpose of this undertaking is to correct the facility condition assessment deficiencies of this national cemetery to preserve historic structures, extend the service life of the facilities, provide safe access, and increase energy efficiency. Major scope items include repairs and renovation to Bldg. 2021; Lodge/Administration building; repairs to Bldg. 3001, New Maintenance building; repairs to Bldg. HA-5, Old Maintenance building; repairs to Bldg. 4101, Rostrum; repairs to historic perimeter wall and entrance gate; repairs to main cemetery entrance gate; IT upgrades in Bldg. 3001 and 2021; repairs to the Committal Shelter; and site level repairs to roads, landscaping fencing, storm water and sanitary sewer systems.

A.3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individual(s):

a. CONTRACTOR: ____________________________________

Unique Entity ID: _______________________________ DUNS Number: __________________________________ Tas Identification Number: _________________________ Contact Person: __________________ Telephone #: __________________ e-Mail Address: __________________

NOTE: Starting Monday, April 4, 2022, the new Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov will be the official, Federal Government-wide identifier used for Federal contract awards.

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer (36C786) Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service 18434 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: Effective January 1, 1999, all payments by the Government to the Contractor will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer. Contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-1(k).

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted within ten (10) business days after performance and acceptance of services and must include the VA Project Number, Contract Number, Purchase Obligation Number, Dates of Service, Detailed description of the services provided and Total Amount Due. Payment for services provided under the terms of this contract will be made in arrears, within thirty (30) calendar days, upon receipt of properly executed invoice(s) in accordance with:

· 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2012)

· UPON ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICES

· In order to comply with the Improper Payment Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), the VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with OB10 e-Invoicing network, for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. OB10 electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with OB10 by submitting an email to VA.Registration@ob10.com or calling 1-877-752-0900 option 2 for Enrollment.

· Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice within ten (10) business days after performance and acceptance of services to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-Invoice through the website at https://portal.tungsten-network.com/Login.aspx . For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, OB10 customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

· All invoices shall reference the vendor name and address, customer name, contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, quantity provided, unit price, and total invoice amount (any additional info). Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms.

· For questions regarding invoice receipt or payment, please call VAFSC directly at 1-877-353-9791 or email vafsccshd@va.gov

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All invoices from the Contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 “Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.” to the following web address: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

FACSIMILE, E-MAIL, AND SCANNED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF SUBMISSION FOR PAYMENT REQUESTS.

For assistance setting up e-Invoice, the below information is provided:

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@ob10.com <http://VA.Registration@ob10.com/>

* FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

* FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov <http://va.gov/>

5. CONTRACT AUTHORITY: The Contracting Officer acting within the scope of the contract and his/her duties and responsibilities is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this request. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to Contract Administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that affect pricing, quantities or quality of performance, delivery terms and conditions, or the term of the contract.

6. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE: Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of the contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the project, of which all work coordination shall be made through the COR. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the COR’s Delegation of Authority letter outlining the scope of the COR’s duties and responsibilities. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

7. SUBMITTAL OF BIDS: All bids must be submitted to the attention of the Contracting Officer identified No Later Than the date/time specified. E-mail bids will be acceptable at michael.giaquinto2@va.gov.

BID DUE DATE November 8, 2024 BY 2PM EST

A public bid opening will occur by telephone conference using the following:

Meeting ID: 282 522 844 906 Passcode: fSHRfv

Dial in by phone +1 347-566-4838,,359741418# United States, New York City Find a local number Phone conference ID: 359 741 418#

a. All bids shall be submitted VIA EMAIL TO MICHAEL.GIAQUINTO2@VA.GOV. NO LATE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED

b. DO NOT wait until the last day to upload bid documents. Bidders are highly encouraged to submit bid packages 2-3 days in advance to avoid system lock outs:

1. Bid submitted must meet the time constraints as set forth in the solicitation.

2. Bids submitted via email without set requirements will not be accepted and will be considered to be NONRESPONSIVE.

3. Late or incomplete Bids will NOT be considered and deemed to be nonresponsive.

c. Document /transmittal naming convention. Solicitation number, Project Description, and Company name EXAMPLE: 36C78622B0021_Construction Services _ ABC 123 Corp.

d. Bid package shall consist of the following minimum required documents:

· Company cover letter identifying the Solicitation number, Project Description, Company name and address, POC name, Phone number, eMail address, and Company’s Unique Entity ID number;

· Completed blocks 14-20c of the back of the SF 1442, ensuring full completion of all blocks;

· Completed Price/Cost Schedule;

· Completed, signed and attached SF30 Amendments (if applicable);

· Attached scanned digital copy of the Bid Bond; (ensure to lightly darken raised seals)

· SIGNED LIMITATION OF SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATE

NO FAX/ FACSIMILE SUBMITTED BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Bids shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this solicitation.

8. QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to: Michael Giaquinto (michael.giaquinto2@va.gov) by October 23 at 2pm. Any prospective bidder desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. No phone responses will be accepted. NOTE: All questions must reference the Solicitation number, Project number (if applicable) and the Description of the project in the Header or Opening Statement.

(End of Administration Data) Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of

36C78624B0045

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

Page 1 of

Page 1 of

Page 1 of

(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 36C78624B0045. 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 Number: 856CM3012 Correct Cemetery Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Deficiencies at the Lebanon National Cemetery Magnitude of Construction: $2,000,000 and $5,000,000

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

NCA Dignity Clause Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that 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.

2.1 52.214-31 ELECTRONIC (DEC 1989)

(a) Definition. "Electronic Bid," as used in this solicitation, means a bid, modification of a bid, or withdrawal of a bid that is transmitted to and received by the Government via electronic equipment that communicates and reproduces material.

(b) Bidders may submit Electronic Bids as responses to this solicitation. These responses must arrive at the place and by the time, specified in the solicitation.

(c) Electronic Bids that fail to furnish required representations or information or that reject any of the terms, conditions, and provisions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(d) Electronic Bids must contain the required signatures.

(e) The Government reserves the right to make award solely on the Electronic Bid. However, if requested to do so by the Contracting Officer, the apparently successful bidder agrees to promptly submit the complete original signed bid.

(f) Electronic receiving data and compatibility characteristics are as follows:

(1) Receiving email address:

(g) If the bidder chooses to transmit an Electronic Bid, the Government will not be responsible for any failure attributable to the transmission or receipt of the facsimile bid including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Receipt of garbled or incomplete bid.

(2) Availability or condition of the receiving equipment.

(3) Incompatibility between the sending and receiving equipment.

(4) Delay in transmission or receipt of bid.

(5) Failure of the bidder to properly identify the bid.

(6) Illegibility of bid.

(7) Security of bid data.

(End of Provision)

2.2 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)

2.3 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)

2.4 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:

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 City of Lebanon South Carolina (End of Provision)

2.5 52.225-10 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "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" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-9).

(b) Requests for determinations 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 the clause at FAR 52.225-9 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 material, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9.

(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 solicitation in paragraph (b)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic 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 the clause at FAR 52.225-9 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 the clause at FAR 52.225-9 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic 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)

2.6 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, 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)

2.7 52.228-17 INDIVIDUAL SURETY—PLEDGE OF ASSETS (BID GUARANTEE) (FEB 2021)

(a) Offerors shall obtain from each person acting as an individual surety on a bid guarantee—

(1) A pledge of assets that meets the eligibility, valuation, and security requirements described in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 28.203–1; and

(2) Standard Form 28, Affidavit of Individual Surety.

(b) The Offeror shall include with its offer the information required at paragraph (a) of this provision within the timeframe specified in the provision at FAR 52.228–1, Bid Guarantee, or as otherwise established by the Contracting Officer.

(c) The Contracting Officer may release the security interest on the individual surety’s assets in support of a bid guarantee based upon evidence that the offer supported by the individual surety will not result in contract award.

(End of Provision)

2.8 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:

Contracting Office Contracting Service Hand-Carried Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service 18434 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172 Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service 18434 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172

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

(End of Provision)

2.9 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995) ALTERNATE I (FEB 1995)

(a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

(b) Accordingly, bidders are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work/services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of the contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably accurate and obtainable. In no event shall failure of the offeror to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

(c) An organized pre-bid site visit has been scheduled for October 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Interested bidders are to meet at the:

Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, Lebanon National Cemetery, 20 Highway 208, Lebanon, KY 40033.

Interested bidders should contact the CO to confirm attendance at the pre-bid site visit conference.

Due to limited capacity of the cemetery, attendance is limited to no more than three (3) individuals per interested bidder/company/firm.

If late or lost to the site visit contact Cemetery Director Please advise of your attendance with CO, Michael Giaquinto at Michael.giaquinto2@va.gov (End of Provision)

2.10 52.246-26 REPORTING NONCONFORMING ITEMS (NOV 2021)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Common item means an item that has multiple applications versus a single or peculiar application.

Counterfeit item means an unlawful or unauthorized reproduction, substitution, or alteration that has been knowingly mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic, unmodified item from the original manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitution includes used items represented as new, or the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or performance characteristics.

Critical item means an item, the failure of which is likely to result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the item; or is likely to prevent performance of a vital agency mission.

Critical nonconformance means a nonconformance that is likely to result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the supplies or services; or is likely to prevent performance of a vital agency mission.

Design activity means an organization, Government or contractor, that has responsibility for the design and configuration of an item, including the preparation or maintenance of design documents. Design activity could be the original organization, or an organization to which design responsibility has been transferred.

Major nonconformance means a nonconformance, other than critical, that is likely to result in failure of the supplies or services, or to materially reduce the usability of the supplies or services for their intended purpose.

Suspect counterfeit item means an item for which credible evidence (including but not limited to, visual inspection or testing) provides reasonable doubt that the item is authentic.

(b) The Contractor shall—

(1) Screen Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) reports, available at www.gidep.org, as a part of the Contractor’s inspection system or program for the control of quality, to avoid the use and delivery of counterfeit or suspect counterfeit items or delivery of items that contain a major or critical nonconformance. This requirement does not apply if the Contractor is a foreign corporation or partnership that does not have an office, place of business, or fiscal paying agent in the United States;

(2) Provide written notification to the Contracting Officer within 60 days of becoming aware or having reason to suspect, such as through inspection, testing, record review, or notification from another source (e.g., seller, customer, third party) that any end item, component, subassembly, part, or material contained in supplies purchased by the Contractor for delivery to, or for, the Government is counterfeit or suspect counterfeit;

(3) Retain counterfeit or suspect counterfeit items in its possession at the time of discovery until disposition instructions have been provided by the Contracting Officer; and

(4) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, submit a report to GIDEP at www.gidep.org within 60 days of becoming aware or having reason to suspect, such as through inspection, testing, record review, or notification from another source (e.g., seller, customer, third party) that an item purchased by the Contractor for delivery to, or for, the Government is—

(i) A counterfeit or suspect counterfeit item; or

(ii) A common item that has a major or critical nonconformance.

(c) The Contractor shall not submit a report as required by paragraph (b)(4) of this clause, if—

(1) The Contractor is a foreign corporation or partnership that does not have an office, place of business, or fiscal paying agent in the United States;

(2) The Contractor is aware that the counterfeit, suspect counterfeit, or nonconforming item is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation, unless the report is approved by the cognizant law enforcement agency; or

(3) For nonconforming items other than counterfeit or suspect counterfeit items, it can be confirmed that the organization where the defect was generated (e.g., original component manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer, aftermarket manufacturer, or distributor that alters item properties or configuration) has not released the item to more than one customer.

(d) Reports submitted in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this clause shall not include—

(1) Trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information protected under the Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905); or

(2) Any other information prohibited from disclosure by statute or regulation.

(e) Additional guidance on the use of GIDEP is provided at http://www.gidep.org/about/opmanual/opmanual.htm.

(f) If this is a contract with the Department of Defense, as provided in paragraph (c)(5) of section 818 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Pub. L. 112–81), the Contractor or subcontractor that provides a written report or notification under this clause that the end item, component, part, or material contained electronic parts (i.e., an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic component (including, but not limited to, a transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode), or a circuit assembly) that are counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit electronic parts shall not be subject to civil liability on the basis of such reporting, provided that the Contractor or any subcontractor made a reasonable effort to determine that the report was factual.

(g) Subcontracts.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this clause, the Contractor shall insert this clause, including this paragraph (g), in subcontracts that are for—

(i) Items subject to higher-level quality standards in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.246–11, Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement;

(ii) Items that the Contractor determines to be critical items for which use of the clause is appropriate;

(iii) Electronic parts or end items, components, parts, or materials containing electronic parts, whether or not covered in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this clause, if the subcontract exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101 on the date of subcontract award, and this contract is by, or for, the Department of Defense (as required by paragraph (c)(4) of section 818 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Pub. L. 112–81)); or

(iv) For the acquisition of services, if the subcontractor will furnish, as part of the service, any items that meet the criteria specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(iii) of this clause.

(2) The Contractor shall not insert the clause in subcontracts for—

(i) Commercial products and commercial services; or

(ii) Medical devices that are subject to the Food and Drug Administration reporting requirements at 21 CFR 803.

(3) The Contractor shall not alter the clause other than to identify the appropriate parties.

(End of Clause)

2.11 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):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Provision)

2.12 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)

2.13 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)

2.14 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.

(End of Provision) PLEASE NOTE: The correct mailing information for filing alternate protests is as follows:

Or for solicitations issued by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management:

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 237990.

(2) The small business size standard is $45 Million.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology…