Combined Synopsis Solicitation RFQ 36C25624Q1135 - Ophthalmic Microscope System.pdf

36C25624Q1135

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

General Information:

Document Type: Combined Solicitation/Synopsis

Solicitation Number: 36C25624Q1135

Posted Date: August 02, 2024

Questions Due Date/Time: August 07, 2024/12:00pm (CST)

Response Due Date/Time: August 12, 2024/4:00pm (CST)

Product or Service Code: 6515

Set Aside: N/A

NAICS Code: 334516

Size Standard 1,000 Employees

Point of Contact: Steven A. Berkeley – Email: Steven.berkeley@va.gov

Contracting Office Address

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Rd., Ste 750 Houston, TX 77056

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for

Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” in conjunction with FAR Part 13.5 for Certain

Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular:

2024-05, 05-22-2024. This competitive solicitation is being issued as Unrestricted.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516, with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

The FSC/PSC is 6515

Contractor is required to be actively in the System for Award Management (SAM). Contractor quote may be considered non-compliant and rejected if the Contracting Officer is unable to mailto:Steven.berkeley@va.gov verify active registration status. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), Eye Care department is requesting to purchase Zeiss Ophthalmic Artevo 800 Microscope System. This is a Band Name Only RFQ.

See B.2 Price/Cost Schedule pages 4 through 5 of this document for details regarding the Government’s requirement.

See E.1 52.212-1-Instructions to offerors pages 13 for deliverables.

(Left Blank Intentionally)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: POC Name: _________________ Address: ___________________ Phone: _____________________ Email: ______________________ UEI Number: ______________ Tax ID Number: ______________

b. GOVERNMENT: Steven A. Berkeley, Contracting Officer 36C256

Network Contracting Office 16

5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750

Houston TX 77056-5643

Phone: 713-791-1414

E-mail: Steven.berkeley@va.gov

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management.

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Other [X] Upon delivery and acceptance by the Government.

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.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

mailto:Steven.berkeley@va.gov

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 EA __________________ __________________

Artevo 800 Microscope System

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies MANUFACTURER: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 2314-807-01PDIOCT

24.00 EA __________________ __________________

FORUM CONNECTION

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 266002-1150-893

FORUM-DICOM INTERFACE license to CZM INSTRUMENT (V3)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 2244-886-40FCZDIC

Extended Video Site License (V3)(1X PER ARCHIVE)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): 2244-886-30FEVSL3

GRAND TOTAL __________________

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

See Section B.2 above for Delivery Schedule

(End of Section B)

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

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

(End of Clause)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTREST JUN 2020

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLELOWER RIGTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS---COMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

DEC 2022

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS---

MAR 2023

52.217-6 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY MAR 1989

52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY---SEPARATELY

PRICED LINE ITEM

MAR 1989

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

MAR 2023

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

C.2 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

C.3 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

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

(End of Clause)

C.4 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) In an effort to achieve socioeconomic small business goals, VA shall evaluate offerors based on their service-disabled veteran-owned or veteran-owned small business certification status and their proposed use of eligible certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as subcontractors.

(b) Eligible and certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit for the certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status evaluation factor. To receive credit, an offeror must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the

SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

(see 13 CFR 128) and be otherwise eligible in accordance with SBA size standards for the acquisition and limitations on subcontracting requirements set forth in SBA regulations (see 13

CFR 121, 125 and 128.).

(c) Non-Veteran offerors proposing to use certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. Offerors must state in their proposals the names of the certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database.

(d) 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.

C.5 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTORS 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.

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

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a

Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

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

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

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

Standards Institute (ANSI).

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

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting

Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office.

Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

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

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

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

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

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

(End of Clause)

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

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer

(ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract.

Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.8 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

(a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to Contractor’s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor’s address at the Contractor’s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor.

(b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products.

(End of Clause)

C.9 VAAR 852.247-71 DELIVERY LOCATION (OCT 2018)

Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Attention: Jeannette Head Receiving Warehouse Building 100 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030

C.10 VAAR 852.247-72 MARKING DELIVERABLES (OCT 2018)

(a) The contract number shall be placed on or adjacent to all exterior mailing or shipping labels of deliverable items called for by the contract.

(b) Mark deliverables, except reports, for: Jeannette Head

(End of Section C)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

N/A

(End of Section D)

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 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):

(End of Provision)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

AUG 2020

52.212-1 INSTUCTIONS TO OFFERORS---COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERICAL SERVICES

SEP 2023

52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE

AND REPRESENTATION

JUN 2020

852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE

FEB 2023

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL INFORMATION DESIGNATED IN THE

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS PRIOR

TO THE TIME SPECIFIED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION MAY PRECLUDE THE OFFEROR FROM FURTHER

CONSIDERATION OR ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT AWARD WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS:

1. System for Award Management (SAM): Prospective awardees are required to be registered in SAM. Offerors are encouraged to go to the SAM database at www.sam.gov and start the registration process as soon as possible to avoid possible delays should the contractor be selected as a prospective awardee. If already register in SAM, contractor must have an active valid SAM registration. Effective October 26, 2018, per FAR Subpart 4.1102

(a), Offerors and quoters are required to be registered in SAM at time an offer or quotation is submitted in order to comply with the annual representations and certifications requirement.

Note: If Offeror submits quote to the Government without a valid SAM registration, contractor shall be ineligible for contract award.

2. Technical Questions: All questions must be received in writing. No phone inquiries will be accepted. Government reserves the discretion not to respond to any inquiries submitted after

August 07, 2024, at 12pm CST. All inquiries about this solicitation must be sent to the

Contracting Officer email at steven.berkeley@va.gov. All responses to questions will be incorporated into a written amendment to this solicitation.

3. Period of Acceptance of Offers: The Offeror agrees to hold prices in its offer firm for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the date specified for the receipt of offers.

4. Electronic Quotes: Offerors shall submit their scanned documents electronically via email to steven.berkeley@va.gov. Faxed quotes will NOT be accepted. All submitted documents must be legible. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all electronic documents have good resolution to be legible. All documents must be submitted and in the Government’s control by the due date and time set forth in page 1of this solicitation. The Government email can only receive documents up to 5 megabytes (MB). If the file size exceeds 5 MB, contractor may consider breaking the documents into separate documents for smaller size and send them as separate files. It is contractor’s responsibility to ensure all documents are in the Government’s control by the set forth due date and time.

5. Offeror shall complete and/or submit the following:

a. Complete B.1 Contract Administration Data, Contractor information.

b. Complete B.2 Price Cost Schedule/Schedule of Services.

c. Complete number 5 Acknowledgement of Amendments and sign all Amendment(s) to the solicitation if applicable.

d. Authorized distribution letter from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Third party distribution letters will not be accepted.

e. Quote shall contain estimated ARO lead time.

Failure to provide any of the above stated documentation shall result in the Offer not being eligible for an award.

See additional detail under Section E.7 Evaluation-Commercial Items (Addendum).

(End of Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items) http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:steven.berkeley@va.gov mailto:steven.berkeley@va.gov

E.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— https://www.sam.gov/

(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)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

"Administrative proceeding" means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission

Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed

Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

"Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000" means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

"Principal" means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager;

head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror [ ] has [ ] does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in—

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in

(c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for

Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of Provision)

E.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

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

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

Hand-Carried Address:

Steven A. Berkeley, Network Contracting Office 16

5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750

Houston TX 77056-5643

Mailing Address:

Steven A. Berkeley, Network Contracting Office 16

5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750

Houston TX 77056-5643

(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)

E.5 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)

E.6 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)

E.7 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(NOV 2021)

(a) The Government’s basis for awarding 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:

• Factor 1: Technical

• Factor 2: Price

• Factor 3: Past Performance

(b) Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b)(3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government.

(1) Under Factor 1 Technical, the quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government’s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and based on the information requested in the instructions to offers section of this solicitation.

(2) Under Factor 2 Price, the Government will evaluate the quoted price for reasonableness by adding the total of all line-item prices, including all ordering periods. The government will also compare the proposed prices with the Independent Government Estimate (IGCE) and quotes posed by other offers.

mailto:EDProtests@va.gov

(3) Past Performance: Past Performance history will be reviewed through the Contractor

Performance Assessment Reports System to assist in making the responsibility determination.

Past Performance will be reviewed as part of the responsibility determination only.

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed 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 (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

E.8 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management

(SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause

52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR 127, and the concern is identified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-

9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204–25, Prohibition on

Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment

Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education;

or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field of operation, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR

121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1001, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding the threshold at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2) after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at

13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13

CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38

U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned business concern means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States, and the concern is certified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR

127.300.

(b)(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in

SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212–3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial

Products and Commercial Services, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs .

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting 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). Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business concern; or

(ii) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13

CFR 121.103(h) and 13 CFR 125.8(a) and (b). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __________________.]

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that—

(i) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern; or http://www.sam.gov/

(ii) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR

125.18(b)(1) and (2). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __________________.] Each service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern participating in the joint venture shall provide representation of its service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern status.

(4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

(5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a women-owned small business concern.

(6) WOSB join venture eligible under the WOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a women-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(5) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __________________.]

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) joint venture. The offeror represents that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13

CFR part 127.506(a) through (c). [The offeror shall enter the name and unique entity identifier of each party to the joint venture: __________________.]

Note to Paragraphs (c)(8) and (9): Complete paragraphs (c)(8) and (9) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(8) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). [Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small…