Performance Work Statement.pdf

36C24823Q0874

PERFORMACE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

1. General Requirements: The VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) at San Juan, Puerto Rico has a requirement for the Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Repair services of Re-usable Medical Devices (RMD). These services will be performed at the VACHS main facility in San Juan.

2. Period of Performance: The period of performance for this service contract is from May 1, 2023 to April 31, 2024, plus four 12-month option periods.

3. Type of Contract: This is a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract.

4. Description of Services: The Contractor shall provide all sharpening, adjusting, aligning, straightening, refurbishing, calibrating, testing, cleaning, extensive stain removal, polishing, lubricating, adjusting, chemical etching, and parts replacement necessary to perform the PM and repairs of RMD at the VACHS, which consists of various individual surgical instruments sets, and procedural instrument trays.

4.1. Items to be maintained will be provided by the Government individually or as components of a specialty tray.

4.2. The contractor shall provide maintenance services to approximately 20 – 25 surgical instrument trays per month.

4.3. PM and repair services shall be performed on surgical instruments, while only PM services shall be performed on power tools, laparascopes, and highly complex equipment (see section 7 for a complete description of the types of instruments that shall require PM services only).

4.4. All instruments shall be maintained in accordance with the Original Equipment

Manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications, to ensure proper operating conditions. Instruments will not be altered, changed, or tampered with and will be repaired following OEM’s design specifications.

4.5. Instruments to be maintained or repaired by the Contractor shall be retrieved from and delivered to the VACHS Sterile Processing Service (SPS) not earlier than 7:30 AM, Monday through Friday, or later than 4:00pm (Atlantic Standard Time- AST), except Federal Holidays.

4.6. The Contractor shall place all surgical instrumentation trays (including powered surgical instrumentation) maintained under this contract on a quarterly rotation program to ensure that all instrumentation is properly maintained and sharpened.

4.7. Contractor shall follow all approved recommendations regarding third party surgical instrument repairs as set forth by the following entities:

4.7.1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

4.7.2. Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS)

4.7.3. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

4.7.4. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

4.7.5. Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, HSPA (previously known as

Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management, IAHCSMM)

4.7.6. Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN)

4.7.7. Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC)

4.7.8. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directives

4.8. On a quarterly basis, the Contractor shall provide in-service education to the VACHS

SPS staff regarding instrument repairs, instrument care and handling, instrument testing, instrument processing, or any other deficiency identified. This training shall also include a digital presentation that details issues such as cleaning, care, handling of RMD, bioburden, etc.

4.9. The Contractor shall provide a yearly SPS Management Seminar that includes:

4.9.1. Site visit to the Contractor’s repair facility.

4.9.2. Discussion of issues and trends identified by the Contractor, possible misuse of instruments, and proper care to the management and handling of instruments.

4.9.3. Discussion of possible solutions and preventive measures to extend instruments shelf-life expectancy.

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1. Contractor’s service personnel shall visit the VACHS SPS for the pick-up and return of

RMDs following entrance to facility.

5.2. If instruments cannot be repaired, they must be marked or tagged with its set name and number and returned to SPS.

5.3. Instrument sets and trays must be returned throughout the day whenever the repair or maintenance is completed, not at the end of a workday. The exception is for specific instruments that must be repaired through the manufacturer.

5.4. If an instrument needs to be sent out for the manufacturer or a third-party for repairs by the Contractor, authorization must be obtained from the COR. For these exceptions, the Contractor will coordinate with the COR beforehand.

5.5. The Vendor shall provide the following levels of repair services:

5.5.1. Regular Services (PM): 8-hour turnaround (same day, after pick-up in the morning).

5.5.2. Broken and Repair Services: Preferred 24-hour turnaround. Repairs that require a turn-around time longer than 24-hours, which are for a minimum amount of repairs, shall be approved by and coordinated through the COR, to prevent affecting the VACHS care services.

5.5.3. Emergency Services: Turn-in as soon as the instrument is repaired, as per

Service needs. These shall be identified by the COR.

5.6. All instruments serviced under this contract will be handled with care, to avoid further damage. The Contractor’s possession shall take full responsibility and accountability for all RMD when they are removed from the VACHS premises and are in his possession.

5.7. The Contractor shall test instruments for accurate alignment, sharpness, insulation, and calibration.

5.8. All instruments shall be repaired and maintained in proper operating conditions as specified by the OEM.

5.9. New and original german steel medical-grade parts will be used to repair the instruments.

5.10. Suction tubes (e.g., Poole, Adson, Frazier Baron, and Yankauer) will be inspected, and interior lumens flushed.

5.11. Specific custom-made instruments and unique trays will be repaired in coordination with the COR, which must be preceeded with end user consultation (e.g., Operating Room surgeons).

5.12. All instruments that can be disassembled will be disassembled for maintenance and repair, following the OEM’s recommended procedures and timeframes. Any bio burden, dirt, or foreign material found once disassembled, should be photographed, submitted, and reported as part of the service documentation for that service repair.

5.13. The contractor shall ensure that instruments are stain-free and IAW OEM’s specifications. All instruments must be in working condition after any chemicals are used during maintenance services. The Contractor shall be responsible for returning within one (1) business day to fix any instruments found to be in non-working condition after the use of chemicals.

5.14. Any sharpening or polishing done by the Contractor in the performance of these services should not interfere with instrument tracking barcodes. The OEM's part numbers and catalog numbers shall be preserved on all repaired or refurbished instruments, as well. If that is not possible, the information should be chemically etched (not engraved) on to a different part of the instrument (e.g. shaft or main component of the instrument).

5.15. No labels and/or stickers should be placed on instruments and/or sterilization containers. Only chemical etching is allowed. Any tape and/or adhesive found on instruments needing service shall be removed.

5.16. Instruments that cannot be repaired or refurbished due to cracking, pitting, corrosion, or exceeding life expectancy shall be tagged or marked for removal and/or replacement.

Information shall include the reason for removal, and which instrument set the instrument was removed from. A list of all items removed from service shall be provided after each visit.

5.17. For repairs the Contractor shall ensure the appropriate shipping containers, materials and handling are used, to guarantee the integrity and serviceability of the instrument.

5.18. The contractor shall remove from the VACHS premises all excess materials, waste, debris, and barriers generated while provided services under this contract, and discard waste appropriately, in its respective container (e.g. solid waste, aluminum/metal, cardboard, etc.).

6. Hours of Operation:

6.1. The Contractor shall return instruments maintained and repaired under this contract at the VACHS between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST), Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

6.2. The Contractor shall coordinate PM services through COR prior to the performance of services.

6.3. The Contractor shall coordinate services, perform visits to the VACHS facility daily, as needed, and a minimum of two (2) days per week, and pick-up and turn-in instruments/items.

7. Equipment List: Instruments to be serviced under this contract are the following categories:

7.1. Forceps

7.2. Retractors

7.3. Scissors

7.4. Needle Holders

7.5. Suction Cups

7.6. Curettes

7.7. Microsurgery Instruments

7.8. Clip Holders

7.9. Visualization Instruments (e.g., speculum)

7.10. Laparoscopic (PM only)

7.11. Arthroscopic (PM only)

7.12. Rigid Scopes (PM only)

7.13. Power Tools (PM only)

7.14. Amputation or Fracture Instruments Sets

7.15. Endoscopic (PM only)

7.16. Fiber Optic Light Cable & Adapter (PM only)

Note: Complete inventory of the instruments to be serviced under this contract can be seen in attachment D1.

8. Reporting and Documentation:

8.1. All documentation provided by the Contractor shall have a letterhead.

8.2. The Contractor shall submit a preventive maintenance schedule for the VACHS RMD within five (5) to ten (10) days of contract award, for approval.

8.3. Contractor shall provide an inventory of all RMD removed from and returned to the

VACHS premises that are to be serviced or repaired, using the Censitrac count sheet, whenever an instrument is picked-up or delivered. This Censitrac count sheet will be provided by the Government. SPS will document repairs status in Censis.

8.4. Upon return of RMD to the VACHS premises, the Contractor shall provide a summary of serviced instruments that contains the following information: date of PM or repair, instrument tray, instrument type, type of repair.

8.5. The Contractor shall also include on the RMD return report any RMD that has been serviced or repaired for the last time before it needs to be replaced shall be reported after every visit. Additionally, the Contractor shall also report any RMD nearing the end of its useful life to allow the Government to replace such item prior to its next service. In this replacement & end of useful life report, the Contractor shall included the instrument name, catalog number, instrument set it belongs to and a brief description as to why it is near its end of useful life.

8.6. The Contractor shall provide a written summary of all RMD removed for service from the

VACHS premises, and the instrument tray name and number from which it was removed on a monthly basis, within five (5) days of the ensuing month. This summary shall be submitted via email to SAJSPSSupervisors@va.gov.

8.7. In the case that RMD needs off-site repair, the Contractor shall contact the COR to review the instrument tray name and number from which it will be removed. The COR must provide written approval prior to removal of all RMD that require off-site repair.

8.8. The Contractor shall submit a quarterly repair report within seven (7) days of the ensuing quarter.

9. Additional Requirements:

9.1. Repair and maintenance services shall be performed by the Contractor either on location at the VACHS premises, in a mobile repair vehicle, or off-site at the Contractor's repair facility, except for the instruments that require manufacturer’s repair.

9.2. Contractor personnel performing services for RMD under this contract shall possess medical device certifications 1S09001 and 1S013485, and PM and repair services on RMD shall be performed in accordance with such certifications.

9.3. Contractor personnel performing repairs on surgical instruments must possess the American Society for Quality (ASQ) certification, and must also possess the (Certified Quality Inspector) training. PM and repair services for surgical instruments shall be performed in accordance with such certification and training.

9.4. In the case that a new technician is assigned to perform services under this contract, the Contractor shall submit employee licenses, certifications, and experience, one (1) week prior to the employee providing services.

9.5. In the case where the Contractor performs RMD repairs on-site at the VACHS premises in a mobile repair laboratory or vehicle, this vehicle must be clearly labeled with the Contractor's name and have any necessary permit. The Contractor shall ensure safety cones are placed around the perimeter of the mobile repair vehicle to ensure the safety of the VACHS patients, employees, and visitors. The vehicle must be parked in a pre-determined area, to be determined by the VA Police. The COR will coordinate the approval of such pre-determined area with VA Police, as well as the approval of the operation of the vehicle, on the VACHS premises.

9.6. Continued RMD repairs quality monitoring and turnaround times will be progressively monitored by Sterile Processing Service (SPS) COR, which may obtain feedback from the end users.

9.7. RMD cannot be handled by personnel or technicians not certified to handle such.

mailto:SAJSPSSupervisors@va.gov

9.8. Contractor personnel performing services under this contract shall wear distinctive uniform clothing or identification while on VACHS premises.

9.9. Contractor personnel shall present a professional appearance commensurate with standards delineated for Government civilian personnel acting in similar capacities.

9.10. Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner while on VACHS premises. The CO may require the Contractor to remove from VACHS premises any employee performing services under this contract for reasons of suspected misconduct, a suspected security breach, or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the CO that such action is necessary in the interests of the Government. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this PWS.

9.11. The Contractor shall provide the COR all necessary information for the issuing of the

Identification Badges (IDs) to all employees that will provide services on VACHS premises under this contract. No employee will be allowed to work if he/she has not ID.

Contractor personnel shall wear badges provided by the Government at all times when performing. Badge shall be worn on the outer garment, attached to the outer shirt or jacket pocket by a button or clip or worn around the neck secured by an appropriate identification card lanyard.

10. Non-Personal Services: Contractor employees performing services under this contract will be controlled, directed, and supervised by the Contractor. Contractor management will ensure that employees properly comply with the performance standards outlined in the PWS. Contractor employees will perform their duties independent of, and without the supervision of, any Government official.

11. Deliverables: The following items must be delivered by the contract, within the specified timeframe:

Deliverable Reference Submission Date Preventive maintenance schedule Section 8.2 Within five (5) to ten (10) days after award Inventory of RMD removed/returned for service from/to the VACHS premises

Section 8.6 Within five (5) days of the ensuing month

Quarterly repair report Section 8.8 Within seven (7) days of the ensuing quarter

Submit new employee licenses and certifications

Section 9.4 Within one (1) week of the employee providing services

12. List of Federal Holidays: Legal holidays recognized by the Federal Government in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6103, Executive Order 11582 and Public Law 94-97 or any other by the President of the United States to be a national holiday, the following national holidays are observed and for the purpose of this contract is defined as "Legal Federal, official holidays" as follows:

New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King Day Third Monday in January

Presidents’ Day Third Monday in February Good Friday Last Friday in March

Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth June 19

Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September

Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans’ Day November 11

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

*Note: And any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

13. Amount of Surgical Trays to be Serviced: The amount of surgical trays to be serviced on a month-to-month basis is between twenty (20) and twenty-five (25) trays. Due to unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, or the requirements of the facility, services to additional trays may be necessary. In the case(s) that this occurs, the Contractor shall submit a quote for the PM and repair services of such additional trays, and the Government will evaluate such to determine price fair and reasonableness. If the CO determines such price to be fair and reasonable to the Government, then the services shall be added to the contract via supplemental agreement.

14. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the CO in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations Subpart 42.5. The CO and COR may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the contractor’s performance. At these meetings, the CO will appraise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor’s performance and the Contractor will appraise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues within five (5) business days. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

15. Quality Control Program:

Quality Control Plan (QCP) Section 15 Within five (5) business days prior to the start of the contract

15.1. The Contractor shall establish a complete Quality Control Program to assure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified. Within five (5) business days prior to start the contract, the Contractor shall submit a copy of the Quality Control Program to be evaluated and approved by the COR, if different or modified to the one submitted with the offer/quotation. The program shall include the following:

15.1.1. Maintenance and inspection schedule covering all the services described in the contract. The name(s) of the individual(s) who will perform the inspection.

15.1.2. A file of all inspections/maintenance conducted by the Contractor, and the actions taken. This documentation shall be made available to the VACHS upon request, at any time during the term of the contract.

16. Performance Requirement Summary (PRS):

* Note: Overall performance, Appearance of instruments, Function of Instruments, etc. will be evaluated by SPS and the validation of end user and/or customer.

17. VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors:

Performance Objective (Task)

Performance Standard Monitoring Method Acceptable

Quality Limit Incentive (Positive or

Negative)

Perform accurate PM and repairs of RMDs in accordance with OEM specifications

Section 4

Random sampling of 10% from the total of surgical instruments repaired or had undergo preventive maintenance. This will be a periodic inspection, however, deteriorating contractor performance may result in surveillance increase.

97%

Immediate corrective action taken at no additional cost to the Government

Submit a service report at the conclusion of each service

Section 8.5 Validated through report receipt.

No more than 2 customer complaints per year

Immediate corrective action taken at no additional cost to the Government

Timely RMD pick-up and drop-off

Section 5.5.1

– 5.5.3 Validated through SPS.

No more than 2 customer complaints per month

Immediate corrective action taken at no additional cost to the Government

17.1. Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

17.1.1. Documentation requirements:

17.1.1.1. If fully vaccinated, shall show proof of vaccination.

NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

17.1.1.2. If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test.

17.1.1.3. Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

17.1.1.4. Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

17.2. Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

17.2.1. Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

17.3. Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

18. Influenza Vaccination:

https://www.va.gov/covid19screen/

18.1. All contract employees shall comply with VHA Directive 1192.01, Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Healthcare Personnel. This policy applies to all individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other Health Care Personnel (HCP) as part of their duties.

18.2. Masking requirements for unvaccinated HCP: HCP who do not receive influenza vaccination due to medical or religious exemptions must designate this at the VA Employee Health Unit on the HCP Influenza VA Form 10-9050 and wear a face mask while in any VHA location, including both clinical and non-clinical areas. In addition, HCP are required to wear a face mask during performance of their assigned duties and responsibilities. The face mask shall be worn throughout the influenza season, or until the individual HCP receives a flu vaccination and completes the required VA Form 10- 9050.

19. Contractor Rules of Behavior: This User Agreement contains rights and authorizations regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This User Agreement covers my access to all VA data whether electronic or hard copy ("Data"), VA information systems and resources ("Systems"), and VA sites ("Sites"). This User Agreement incorporates Rules of Behavior for using VA, and other information systems and resources under the contract.

19.1. General Terms and Conditions for all actions and Activities under the Contract:

19.1.1. I understand and agree that I have no reasonable expectation of privacy in accessing or using any VA, or other Federal Government information systems.

19.1.2. I consent to reviews and actions by the Office of Information & Technology

(OI&T) staff designated and authorized by the VA Chief Information Officer (CIO) and to the VA OIG regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the VA. These actions may include monitoring, recording, copying, inspecting, restricting access, blocking, tracking, and disclosing to all authorized OI&T, VA, and law enforcement personnel as directed by the VA CIO without my prior consent or notification.

19.1.3. I consent to reviews and actions by authorized VA systems administrators and

Information Security Officers solely for protection of the VA infrastructure, including, but not limited to monitoring, recording, auditing, inspecting, investigating, restricting access, blocking, tracking, disclosing to authorized personnel, or any other authorized actions by all authorized OI&T, VA, and law enforcement personnel.

19.1.4. I understand and accept that unauthorized attempts or acts to access, upload, change, or delete information on Federal Government systems; modify Federal government systems; deny access to Federal government systems; accrue resources for unauthorized use on Federal government systems; or otherwise misuse Federal government systems or resources are prohibited.

19.1.5. I understand that such unauthorized attempts or acts are subject to action that may result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. This includes penalties for violations of Federal laws including, but not limited to, 18 U.S.C. §1030 (fraud and related activity in connection with computers) and 18 U.S.C. §2701 (unlawful access to stored communications).

19.1.6. I agree that OI&T staff, in the course of obtaining access to information or systems on my behalf for performance under the contract, may provide information about me including, but not limited to, appropriate unique personal identifiers such as date of birth and social security number to other system administrators, Information Security Officers (ISOs), or other authorized staff without further notifying me or obtaining additional written or verbal permission from me.

19.1.7. I understand I must comply with VA’s security and data privacy directives and handbooks. I understand that copies of those directives and handbooks can be obtained from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). If the contractor believes the policies and guidance provided by the COR is a material unilateral change to the contract, the contractor must elevate such concerns to the Contracting Officer for resolution.

19.1.8. I will report suspected or identified information security/privacy incidents to the

COR and to the local ISO or Privacy Officer as appropriate.

19.2. General Rules of Behavior:

19.2.1. Rules of Behavior are part of a comprehensive program to provide complete information security. These rules establish standards of behavior in recognition of the fact that knowledgeable users are the foundation of a successful security program. Users must understand that taking personal responsibility for the security of their computer and the information it contains is an essential part of their job.

19.2.2. The following rules apply to all VA contractors. I agree to:

19.2.2.1. Follow established procedures for requesting, accessing, and closing user accounts and access. I will not request or obtain access beyond what is normally granted to users or by what is outlined in the contract.

19.2.2.2. Use only systems, software, databases, and data which I am authorized to use, including any copyright restrictions.

19.2.2.3. I will not use other equipment (OE) (non-contractor owned) for the storage, transfer, or processing of VA sensitive information without a VA CIO approved waiver, unless it has been reviewed and approved by local management and is included in the language of the contract. If authorized to use OE IT equipment, I must ensure that the system meets all applicable 6500 Handbook requirements for OE.

19.2.2.4. Not use my position of trust and access rights to exploit system controls or access information for any reason other than in the performance of the contract.

19.2.2.5. Not attempt to override or disable security, technical, or management controls unless expressly permitted to do so as an explicit requirement under the contract or at the direction of the COR or ISO. If I am allowed or required to have a local administrator account on a government-owned computer, that local administrative account does not confer me unrestricted access or use, nor the authority to bypass security or other controls except as expressly permitted by the VA CIO or CIO's designee.

19.2.2.6. Contractors’ use of systems, information, or sites is strictly limited to fulfill the terms of the contract. I understand no personal use is authorized. I will only use other Federal government information systems as expressly authorized by the terms of those systems. I accept that the restrictions under ethics regulations and criminal law still apply.

19.2.2.7. Grant access to systems and information only to those who have an official need to know.

19.2.2.8. Protect passwords from access by other individuals.

19.2.2.9. Create and change passwords in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 on systems and any devices protecting VA information as well as the rules of behavior and security settings for the particular system in question.

19.2.2.10. Protect information and systems from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, or destruction. I will only use encryption that is FIPS 140-2 validated to safeguard VA sensitive information, both safeguarding VA sensitive information in storage and in transit regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the VA.

19.2.2.11. Follow VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization to protect VA information. I will contact the COR for policies and guidance on complying with this requirement and will follow the COR's orders.

19.2.2.12. Ensure that the COR has previously approved VA information for public dissemination, including e-mail communications outside of the VA as appropriate. I will not make any unauthorized disclosure of any VA sensitive information through the use of any means of communication including but not limited to e-mail, instant messaging, online chat, and web bulletin boards or logs.

19.2.2.13. Not host, set up, administer, or run an Internet server related to my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the VA unless explicitly authorized under the contract or in writing by the COR.

19.2.2.14. Protect government property from theft, destruction, or misuse. I will follow VA directives and handbooks on handling Federal government IT equipment, information, and systems. I will not take VA sensitive information from the workplace without authorization from the COR.

19.2.2.15. Only use anti-virus software, antispyware, and firewall/intrusion detection software authorized by VA. I will contact the COR for policies and guidance on complying with this requirement and will follow the COR's orders regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with VA.

19.2.2.16. Not disable or degrade the standard anti-virus software, antispyware, and/or firewall/intrusion detection software on the computer I use to access and use information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with VA. I will report anti-virus, antispyware, firewall or intrusion detection software errors, or significant alert messages to the COR.

19.2.2.17. Understand that restoration of service of any VA system is a concern of all users of the system.

19.2.2.18. Complete required information security and privacy training, and complete required training for the particular systems to which I require access.

19.3. Additional Conditions for Use of Non-VA Information Technology Resources:

19.3.1. When required to complete work under the contract, I will directly connect to the VA network whenever possible. If a direct connection to the VA network is not possible, then I will use VA approved remote access software and services.

19.3.2. Remote access to non-public VA information technology resources is prohibited from publicly-available IT computers, such as remotely connecting to the internal VA network from computers in a public library

19.3.3. I will not have both a VA network line and any kind of non-VA network line including a wireless network card, modem with phone line, or other network device physically connected to my computer at the same time, unless the dual connection is explicitly authorized by the COR.

19.3.4. I understand that I may not obviate or evade my responsibility to adhere to VA security requirements by subcontracting any work under any given contract or agreement with VA, and that any subcontractor(s) I engage shall likewise be bound by the same security requirements and penalties for violating the same.

19.4. Statement on Litigation: This User Agreement does not and should not be relied upon to create any other right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law, by a party to litigation with the United States Government.

19.5. Acknowledgement and Acceptance: I acknowledge receipt of this User Agreement. I understand and accept all terms and conditions of this User Agreement, and I will comply with the terms and conditions of this agreement and any additional VA warning banners, directives, handbooks, notices, or directions regarding access to or use of information systems or information. The terms and conditions of this document do not supersede the terms and conditions of the signatory’s employer and VA.

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PERFORMACE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)