36C78624Q0078.docx

PAGE OF PAGES

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

1. REQUEST NO.

2. DATE ISSUED

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

4.

CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

RATING

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5A. ISSUED BY

6. DELIVER BY (Date) 5B. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

7. DELIVERY

NAME

TELEPHONE NUMBER

FOB DESTINATION

(See Schedule)

OTHER

AREA

CODE

NUMBER

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO:

a. NAME

b. COMPANY

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY

d. CITY

e. STATE

f. ZIP CODE

d. STATE

e. ZIP CODE 10.

PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE ISSUING OFFICE ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date) This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

ITEM NO.

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS %

b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS %

c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS %

d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER

PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN QUOTATION

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

16. SIGNER

a. Name (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY

AREA CODE

d. CITY

e. STATE

f. ZIP CODE

c. TITLE (Type or print)

NUMBER

IMPORTANT:

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Previous edition not usable Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

X 36C78624Q0078 07-17-2024 7874-000019

PROJECT NO. 849-MM24-01

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

06 AUGUST 2024

Sheryl Palacio-Davis 1-703-630-9343

HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Department of Veterans Affairs 1 Cemetery Road Hampton, VA 23669

VA

23669 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) 18434 Joplin Rd.

Triangle, VA 22172

VA

22172 08-06-2024 See CONTINUATION Page Request for Quote (RFQ), Hampton National Cemetery, VA.

RFQ's Due Date is 06 August 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. (EST). This is a Firm, Fixed Price Construction Contract. The contractor shall provide all equipment, labor, materials, tools, and professional supervision, for the FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION Construction Project; In Accordance With Specs, SOW and Drawings, project located at the Hampton National Cemetery.

An organized Site Visit has been scheduled for 24 July 2024 at 11:00 A.M. (EST).

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Hundred and Twenty (120) Calendar Days.

NAICS CODES: 237130 - Power and Communication Line & Related Structures Construction.

MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION RANGE IS BETWEEN $150,000.00 AND

$250,000.00.

TECHNICAL PROPOSALS: LOWEST PRICE TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE

(LPTA).

This Procurement is a 100% Competitive Set-Aside Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Business (SDVOSB).

X

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTINUATION PAGE

SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ) | HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY | FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION | PROJECT NO. 849-MM24-01 Request for Quote (RFQ) Due Date is, 06 August 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. (EST). The contractor shall provide all equipment, labor, materials, tools, and professional supervision for construction performance of all work I for the FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION; In Accordance With (IAW) the Solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), Specifications, Drawings, and required permits. The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA); anticipates Awarding a Firm, Fixed Price Contract for, Line Item 0001, to complete all work as described herein for the Construction Project Fiber Optic Extension, located at the Hampton National Cemetery, on 1 Cemetery Road Hampton, VA 23669.

NOTE: Bidders Shall complete below information, failure to fill out required Fill-Ins may result in your BID submission being determined Non-Responsive and or Unacceptable and your BID may be removed for further consideration.

· DUNS NO: __________________________________________

· UEI NO: ____________________________________________

· TAX ID NO: _________________________________________

· E-MAIL: ____________________________________________

· PHONE NO: _________________________________________

SITE VISIT: Site Visit (52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995) ALTERNATE I - FEB 1995): An Organized Site Visit has been scheduled for 24 July 2024 @ 11:00 A.M.(EST).

PLEASE NOTE: Last Day for RFIs’ is 30 July 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. (EST). Questions shall be submitted to sheryl.palacio-davis@va.gov, NLT 30 July 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. (EST). Email subject line must contain the following in the Subject Line: Solicitation Number, Proj. Name & Proj. Number. Questions received after 30 July 2024 @ 1:00 P.M. (EST), WILL NOT be accepted. Telephone inquiries are not accepted during the Solicitation period.

NAICS CODES: 237130 - Power and Communication Line & Related Structures Construction.

PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIRED: YES

Greater than $150,000.00, Payment Bonds are required with Performance Bonds.

TECHNICAL PROPOSALS: 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

· LOWEST PRICE TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE: XX

MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION: Pursuant to FAR 36.204 as supplemented, and In Accordance With (IAW) VAAR 836.204:

MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION RANGE IS BETWEEN $150,000.00 AND $250,000.00.

This acquisition is 100% Set-Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Only verified SDVOSB firms are eligible to submit an offer or receive an award of a VA contract that is set aside for SDVOSB In Accordance With VAAR Part 819. A non-verified vendor that submits a Quote or Proposal will be rejected as Non-Responsive. To be eligible for award, the SDVOSB must be considered small under the relevant NAICS Code and must be registered and verified at https://www.SAM.GOV. Companies must have the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) seal on their registration to be considered for an award; the VIP database will be checked both upon receipt of an offer and prior to award.

The Government intends to award WITHOUT Discussions, however; the Government reserves the right to conduct discussion prior to award.

QUOTE SUBMISSION: Completed and signed QUOTE Must be submitted through https://www.SAM.GOV.

Additionally, the QUOTE can (Optional) be submitted via the Department of Veterans Affairs - Electronic Contract Management System (eCMS) Vendor Portal website to be considered. Go to https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov to register, but submitting via the Vendor Portal is OPTIONAL, however you MUST submit the QUOTE via https://www.SAM.GOV.

NOTE: FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS REQUIRED FOR THE SOLICITATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR SUBMISSION BEING DETERMINED TECHNICALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND REMOVED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

***THIS PROCUREMENT IS A 100% COMPETITIVE SET-ASIDE FOR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWN SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB)***

A.2 CONTRACT DESCRIPTION | REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ) | HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION.

PROJECT NO: 849-MM24-01.

PROJECT LOCATION:

CEMETERY ADDRESS:

HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1 Cemetery Road.

Hampton, VA 23669

STATEMENT OF WORK SUMMARY:

Contractor shall furnish all tools, labor, materials, equipment, and professional supervision to perform work described in the Statement of Work (SOW), Specification & Drawings, for the Construction of FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION Construction Project, located at the Hampton National Cemetery, VA.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP):

· Period of Performance (POP): One Hundred and Twenty (120) Calendar Days from Issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

A.3 SBA ACT 8(d)(13)(B)

(B) NOTICE. —

(i) IN GENERAL.—A Prime Contractor for a covered contract shall notify in writing the Contracting Officer for the covered contract if the Prime Contractor pays a reduced price to a Subcontractor for goods and services upon completion of the responsibilities of the Subcontractor or the payment to a Subcontractor is more than 90 days past due for goods or services provided for the covered contract for which the Federal agency has paid the Prime Contractor.

(ii) CONTENTS. —A Prime Contractor shall include the reason for the reduction in a payment to or failure to pay a Subcontractor in any notice made under clause (i).

A.4 DIGNITY STANDARDS

1. 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.

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

1. 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.

A.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Contractor shall provide all labor, tools, materials, equipment, services, testing and professional supervision related work for the Construction of New Conduit, Fiber Optic Extension, Under Project No. 849-MM24-01, located at the Hampton National Cemetery. The work Shall be completed In Accordance With (IAW) Scope of Work (SOW), Specs and Drawings.

ITEM INFORMATION

WORK ELEMENT:

Contractor shall furnish all tools, labor, materials, equipment, and professional supervision to perform work for the Construction of New Conduit, FIBER OPTIC EXTENSION, located at the Hampton National Cemetery, VA.

GRAND TOTAL

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

2.1 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)

2.2 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD:

· The Contract will be awarded to the most highly qualified Offeror(s) In Accordance with (IAW) FAR Part 15.101-2 & VAAR 815.304 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) and Part 36.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. PRICE:

The Government anticipates that adequate price competition will establish a fair and reasonable price. However, if the Government does not receive adequate price competition, it will evaluate price proposals to ensure price reasonableness of the products being provided to the Government, considering the specific terms and conditions and relevant commercial practices.

1. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

An experienced technical representative from the Northern Atlantic District Engineer (NAD) will evaluate the technical aspect of the Quote; In Accordance With (IAW) this solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), Specs and Drawings, and the Technical COR will determine if the contractor’s Quote meets the requirement SOW, Specs, Drawings and that the Technical Quote is acceptable or unacceptable.

1. PAST PERFORMANCE:

This factor will indicate Performance History/Experience in relationship to successful performance and ability to fulfill the requirements of this solicitation. The Government may also obtain information from customers known to the Government, consumer protection organizations, and any other sources that may have useful and relevant information with regards to performance history/experience. If discussions are held, the Government will allow Offerors an opportunity to comment on any negative past performance information obtained by the Government. In the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

(b) Options. N/A

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, emailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer, whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

The Contract will be awarded to the most highly qualified Offeror(s) In Accordance with (IAW) FAR Part 15 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) and Part 36.

(End of Provision)

2.3 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (OCT 2019)

(a) The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) or veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more SDVOSBs or VOSBs for subcontract work of the same or similar value.

(b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

(End of Clause)

2.4 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)

2.5 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

(End of Provision)

2.6 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)

2.7 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 percent of the bid price or , 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)

2.8 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)

2.9 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) An organized site visit has been scheduled for 24 July 2024 @ 11:00 A.M. (EST).

(c) Participants will meet at HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY:

Hampton National Cemetery 1 Cemetery Road Hampton, VA 23669

CEMETERY POC: Micah Lee (Cemetery Director) | 1-757- 723-7104 | Micah.Lee@va.gov

TECHNICAL POC: Brian C. Murdock (North Atlantic District (NAD) Engineer) | Brian.Murdock@va.gov

2.10 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/

(End of Provision)

2.11 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)

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 237130.

(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 value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(i) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(ii) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(iii) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[ ] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[ ] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation.

(viii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance—Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

(xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract is for supplies to be delivered or services to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas, or when the contracting officer has applied part 19 in accordance with 19.000(b)(1)(ii).

(xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial products or commercial services.

(xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of biobased products in USDA-designated product categories; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated items.

(xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals—Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.

(xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates II and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $50,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $100,000 or more but is less than $102,280, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan—Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(A) Solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions; and

(B) For DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard acquisitions, solicitations that contain the clause at 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[X] (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

[X] (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

[] (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

[] (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Certification.

[] (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Certification.

[] (vi) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

[] (A) Basic.

[] (B) Alternate I.

[] (vii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

3.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument’’ in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204–26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212–3, Offeror Representations and Certifications–Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services’’ in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204–26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212–3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds “will’’ in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that— It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does’’ in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “will’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of Provision)

3.3 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT ORDERS—REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, Covered article, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, National security system, Reasonable inquiry, Sensitive compartmented information, Sensitive compartmented information system, and Source have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204–30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders— Prohibition.

(b) Prohibition. Contractors are prohibited from providing or using as part of the performance of the contract any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the prohibition is set out in an applicable Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) order, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204–30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition.

(c) Procedures. (1) The Offeror shall search for the phrase ‘‘FASCSA order’’ in the System for Award Management (SAM)(https://www.sam.gov) for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204–30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition.

(2) The Offeror shall…