36C78625Q50008 LINC Upright Headstone Cleaning Services AM (002).doc

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Document Type:

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Solicitation Number:

36C78625Q50008 Title: Upright Headstone & Flat Marker Cleaning Services

Post Date:

12/16/2024 Response Date:

1/15/2025 at 10:00am EST

Applicable NAICS:

561730 – Landscaping Services Classification Code:

S208 – Housekeeping – Landscaping/groundskeeping Set Aside Type:

Serviced Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Period of Performance:

Base Year from Date of Award + 4 Option year periods Issuing Contracting Office:

Department of Veterans Affairs

National Cemetery Administration, Contract Services

18434 Joplin Road

Triangle, VA 22172

Place of Performance:

Long Island National Cemetery 2040 Wellwood Avenue

Farmingdale, NY. 11735 Attachments:

Attachment A – Statement of Work (SOW) (page 24) Attachment C – Past Performance Questionnaire (page 32)

Attachment B - Schedule (page 33) Wage Determination – 2015-4157, Rev 25, Dated: 7-22-2024 (page 34) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.603 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78625Q50008.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-07, (eff. September 30, 2024).

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE:

The (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730. The business size standard number of employees is $9,500,000.00.

This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, anticipates the award of an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) requirement for a base year and 4-one-year options, if exercised. The contractor shall be responsible for providing Headstone Cleaning and Flat Marker Services at the Long Island National Cemetery (LINC), located at 2040 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY. 11735.

SITE VISIT:

Quoters are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance.

The Long Island National Cemetery will host a Site Visit on December 26, 2024, at 10AM EST at the Administration Building to sign in and individually visit the grounds.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted via email, no later than close of business, December 27, 2024. Answers will be posted within two business days. Questions pertaining to this announcement shall be sent by email to: Hugh.ONeil@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Associated answers to questions submitted will be provided via a solicitation amendment. Should an amendment not be endorsed by the interested Quoters, the quote may be considered ineligible for award.

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ): Quotes are due to the Contracting officer no later than 10AM EST on January 15, 2025. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information provided nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided for the Government. Quoters are responsible for obtaining all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement.

INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERSS:

Interested Quoters MUST be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov and must compete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://www.sam.gov prior to the solicitation closing date. Failure to comply may result in a quoter being considered ineligible.

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) socio-economic category concerns MUST have an active/current registration with www.verterans.certify.sba.gov. Failure to comply will result in the Quoters being considered ineligible.

All quotes are to be submitted via email at Hugh.ONeil@va.gov.

Company Information (Volume A)

The following information shall be included in Volume A:

· Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov)

· Complete Company Address (No P.O. Boxes)

· Duns Number

· SAM UID

· Company Point of Contract Name and Title

· Telephone Number

· Email Address

· Company Capabilities Statement

· One (1) Signed Copy of all Solicitation Amendments

· One (1) Copy of Completed FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data” (if applicable).

· One (1) copy of Completed FAR Provisions 52.212-3 “Certifications and Representations” or indicate whether contractor has completed the annual representation and certifications electronically at www.sam.gov (copy of current SAM status)

· In accordance with Public Law 116-183 a Small Business claiming Veterans First Status, Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), must certify in writing that their firm are performing 50 percent of the work. Therefore, Quoters who claim SDVOSB status shall provide their proof of compliance with PL 116-183. Failure to provide such document will result in the Interested Quoters being considered ineligible. Should award be made to an SDVOSB or a VOSB who is suspected of violating PL 116-183 this Agency will refer suspected violators to its department’s inspector general for investigation and possible fines, suspensions, or debarments.

Technical Proposal (Volume B)

Quoter shall include the following in Volume B in accordance with the Technical Qualifications criteria listed in the Evaluation Process section of this combined synopsis solicitation (this list is just a summarized list):

· List of Key Personnel, with resumes.

· List of planned equipment

· Provide proof of at least 3 years’ experience in managing a ground’s maintenance contract/agreement.

· Provide a copy of license(s) to use any controlled chemicals.

· Provide a cleaning work plan for an ideal week.

· Provide proof of the insurance coverages listed.

Past Performance (Volume C)

The following shall be included as part of the Quoter’s Past Performance submission, Volume C:

· Past performance Questionnaire (Attachment D) from at least three (3) references in the last five (5) years. Past Performance information provided must be similar or somewhat similar to the required service(s). Please see the Past Performance section below.

Pricing (Volume D)

The following information shall be included in Volume D

· Proposed pricing shall be submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule of Services (Attachment A) EVALUATION PROCESS: The Government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery

Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract resulting from this Solicitation to the responsible Quoter whose

Quote provides the best benefit to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Quotations will be evaluated by performing a comparative evaluation in accordance with FAR

13.106-2(b)(3) to determine which response represents the “best” as a whole.

Quotations will be evaluated by performing a direct comparison of one Quotation/Offer with another in a uniform manner to determine which Quotation/Offer provides the government with its needs, as identified in the RFQ. The government reserves the right to consider a response that Quotes more than the minimum and select that response if it provides a benefit to the government. The government has the discretion to accept other than the lowest priced Quoter/Offer that provides additional benefits. The government also has the discretion to make an award based on whether the lowest priced of the Quotation/Offer having the highest past performance rating possible represents the best benefit to the government.

The non-price factors used to evaluate quotations are: Technical Qualifications and Past Performance.

CONTRACT MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VALUES: The guaranteed minimum for the life of the contract is $5,000.00. The maximum aggregate value of the contract, inclusive of the Five One-Year ordering periods, shall not exceed $7,200,000.00. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any order under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum amount.

Task orders may be executed any time during the term of the IDIQ; however, each task order shall not exceed twelve (12) months.

Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work:

Technical Qualifications

Quotes shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria contained in the Statement of

Work and on how well the technical approach meets the Government requirements. If any of the required information is missing, a Quoter will not be considered technically qualified. Technical approach will be evaluated for the following:

1. List of Key Personnel, with resumes for each, to include Site Manager/Foreman/Team Lead and/or any other Manager/Supervisor that will be on site performing the work. Any licenses included must match the resume for Key Personnel. Site Manager MUST have 5 years’ experience and be employed by the prime, not subcontractor.

2. List of equipment/ vehicles to be used.

3. Provide proof of at least 3 years’ experience in managing a headstone cleaning contract/agreement.

4. Provide a copy of license(s) to use any controlled chemicals which match resumes provided.

5. Provide a work plan/staffing plan for an ideal week that presents cost efficiency and minimal impact to cemetery operation.

6. Provide proof of the insurance coverages in accordance with FAR 52.228-5 and CL-120

(Clauses section).

a. Employers’ Liability: $100,000

b. General Liability:

i. Bodily Injury Liability: $500,000 per occurrence

ii. Property Damage Liability: $100,000 per occurrence

c. Automobile Liability:

i. Bodily Injury: $200,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence

ii. Property Damage: $20,000 per occurrence

PAST PERFORMANCE

Past Performance will be evaluated for recent and relevant experience. To demonstrate recency and relevancy, the Quoters shall submit at least two (2) past performance questionnaires from projects they worked on within the last five (5) years. The questionnaires should be for contracts that are similar in size, scope, and complexity. The questionnaires may include the same projects used to demonstrate experience in the technical qualifications section.

The Quoter is to utilize Attachment B – Past Performance Questionnaire and submit copies with their quote. The Government also reserves the right to use past performance information available from other sources, such as Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). It’s at the Government’s discretion to decide whether they confirm the accuracy of the Past Performance questionnaires and/or CPARS; however, if the Government chooses to confirm past performance, it will do so for all Quoters that submitted Past Performance information.

Price: Proposed price will be evaluated for Reasonableness.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE: A Post-Award conference will be scheduled by the Contract Specialist to discuss the requirements with the Awardee and all other stakeholders.

End of Document

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES / COSTS

Price Schedule: Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide complete Upright Headstone & Flat Marker Cleaning Services at the Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY. 11735. Services will be provided in accordance with all terms, conditions, specifications, requirements and schedules of the contract, including National Cemetery Administration Standard Operating Procedures and Operational Standards & Measures.

Contract period will consist of a base period from Date of Award through 1 year, with four (4) one-year renewal options if exercised.

Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Nov 2023)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 Clauses in corporate by reference in numeric order starting with FAR and followed by VAAR.

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4 – Show FAR clauses followed by VAAR clauses in numeric order. List all clauses incorporated by reference in numeric order under 52.252-2 (see below), starting first with FAR and followed by VAAR.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by References (FEB 1998). The full text of FAR/VAAR clauses may be accessed electronically at:

http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/ The following solicitation clauses apply to this acquisition:

52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (JUN 2020)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from 3/1/2025 through 2/28/2026, or during one of the follow-on option periods.

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when--

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor's fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either--

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor's email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of clause)

*52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) *52.216-18 Ordering (AUG 2020)

*52.216-19 Ordering Limitations (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than [$5,000.00], the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor--

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of [up to 100% of current option year value];

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of [100%]; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 10 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

*52.216-21 Requirements (OCT 1995)

(a) This is a requirement contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies or services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. Except as this contract may otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements do not result in orders in the quantities described as "estimated" or "maximum" in the Schedule, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. Subject to any limitations in the Order Limitations clause or elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Government all supplies or services specified in the Schedule and called for by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(c) Except as this contract otherwise provides, the Government shall order from the Contractor all the supplies or services specified in the Schedule that are required to be purchased by the Government activity or activities specified in the Schedule.

(d) The Government is not required to purchase from the Contractor requirements in excess of any limit on total orders under this contract.

(e) If the Government urgently requires delivery of any quantity of an item before the earliest date that delivery may be specified under this contract, and if the Contractor will not accept an order providing for the accelerated delivery, the Government may acquire the urgently required goods or services from another source.

(f) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after [8/31/2030, plus six (6) months (-8 Clause)].

*52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (OCT 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum."

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after [9/1/2025].

*52.217-8 Options to Extend Services (NOV 1999) The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within [60 days].

*52.217-9 Options to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within [30 days]; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least days [60 days] before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years and 6months.

*52.222-49 Service Contract Labor Standards – Place of Performance Unknown (MAY 2014)

(a) This contract is subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, and the place of performance was unknown when the solicitation was issued. In addition to places or areas identified in wage determinations, if any, attached to the solicitation, wage determinations have also been requested for the following: Wage Determination No 2015-4157, Revision No. 25, Publish Date 7-22-2024. The Contracting Officer will request wage determinations for additional places or areas of performance if asked to do so in writing by Long Island National Cemetery.

(b) Quoters who intend to perform in a place or area of performance for which a wage determination has not been attached or requested may nevertheless submit bids or proposals. However, a wage determination shall be requested and incorporated in the resultant contract retroactive to the date of contract award, and there shall be no adjustment in the contract price.

52.228-5 Insurance-Work on Government Installation (JAN 1997)

52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts (MAY 2024)

52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984)

52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991)

852.201-70 Contracting Officer’s Representative (DEC 2022)

*852.219-73 VA Notice to Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (JAN 2023)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB”:

(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 or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.101, Surviving Spouse definition);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR part 74 and is listed in VA’s Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/; and

(v) The business will comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, provided that any reference therein to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed SDVOSB, unless otherwise stated in this clause.

(2) The term “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).

(3) The term “small business concern” has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term “small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities” has the meaning given the term “small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans” under section 3(q)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(2)), except that for a VA contract the firm must be listed in the VIP database (see paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this clause).

(b) General. (1) Offers are solicited only from VIP-listed SDVOSBs. Offers received from entities that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a VIP-listed SDVOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only VIP-listed SDVOSBs are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 38 CFR part 74, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 13 CFR 125.6. Unless otherwise stated in this clause, a requirement in 13 CFR parts 121 and 125 that applies to an SDVO SBC, is to be construed to also apply to a VIP-listed SDVOSB. For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only VIP-listed SDVOSBs (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219-75 or 852.219-76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.

(2) Supplies/products. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CRF 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

(5) Subcontracting. An SDVOSB must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be listed in VIP to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VIP-listed SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. An SDVOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

[X] By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or

By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture is listed in VIP and complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.18(b), provided that any requirement therein that applies to an SDVO SBC is to be construed to apply to a VIP-listed SDVOSB. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Program for SDVO SBCs, and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

(h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 USC 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406-2 Causes for Debarment).

*852.219-74 VA Notice to Total Set-Aside for Certified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (JAN 2023)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Veteran-owned small business or VOSB”:

(1) Means a small business concern-

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more 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 Veteran(s);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more Veteran(s);

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR part 74 and is listed in VA’s Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at: https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/; and

(v) The business will comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, provided that any requirement therein that applies to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to also apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed VOSB, unless otherwise stated in this clause.

(vi) The term VOSB includes VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB).

(2) “Veteran” is defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2).

(3) The term "small business concern" has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term "small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans" has the meaning given that term under section 3(q)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(3)), except that for a VA contract the firm must be listed in the VIP database (see paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this clause).

(b) General. (1) Offers are solicited only from VIP-listed VOSBs, including VIP-listed SDVOSBs. Offers received from entities that are not VIP-listed at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made only to a VIP-listed VOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as a VOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only VIP-listed VOSBs are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible VOSB as defined in this clause, 38 CFR part 74, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, a VOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the VOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 125.6. Unless otherwise stated in this clause, any requirement in 13 CFR parts 121 and 125 that applies to an SDVO SBC, is to be construed to also apply to a VIP-listed VOSB. For the purpose of the limitations on subcontracting, only VIP-listed VOSB, (including independent contractors) is considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219-75 and/or 852.219-76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not VIP-listed VOSBs (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.

(2) Supplies/products. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not VIP-listed VOSBs. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the VOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the VOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not VIP-listed VOSBs.

(4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not VIP-listed VOSBs.

(5) Subcontracting. A VOSB must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be listed in VIP to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VIP-listed VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. A VOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

[X] By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or

By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as a VOSB if the joint venture is listed in VIP and complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 125.18(b), provided that any requirement therein that applies to an SDVO SBC is to be construed to also apply to a VIP-listed VOSB. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Program for SDVO SBCs and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

(h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s VOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406-2, Causes for Debarment).

852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (NOV 2018)

852.237-75 Key Personnel (OCT 2019) 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer (OCT 2020) End of Addendum to 52.212-4

*52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (MAY 2024)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab Covered Entities (Dec 2023) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999)

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004)(Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

[X] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) (41 U.S.C. 4712); this clause does not apply to contracts of DoD, NASA, the Coast Guard, or applicable elements of the intelligence community--see FAR 3.900(a).

(5) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(6) [Reserved].

(7) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

(8) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

(9) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

(10) 52.204-28, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts, and Multi-Agency Contracts. (Dec 2023) (Pub. L. 115-390, title II).

(11)(i) 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders-Prohibition. (Dec 2023) (Pub. L. 115-390, title II).

(ii) Alternate I (Dec 2023) of 52.204-30.

(12) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(13) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

(14) [Reserved].

(15) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

(16) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the Quoters elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

(17) [Reserved]

(18)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

(19)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

(20) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Feb 2024) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

(21)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2023) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

(ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

(iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

(v) Alternate IV (Sep 2023) of 52.219-9.

(22)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

(23) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

(24) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

(25) 52.219-27, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the SDVOSB Program (Feb 2024) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

(26)(i) 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Feb 2024) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

(27) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(28) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

(29) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(30) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

(31) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O. 11755).

(32) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Feb 2024) (E.O. 13126).

(33) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

[X] (34)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

(35)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (36)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

(37) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(38) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (39)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(40) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022). (E.O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

(41)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

(ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

(42) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

(43) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

(44) 52.223-20, Aerosols (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

(45) 52.223-21, Foams (May 2024) (42 U.S.C. 7671, et seq.).

(46) 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) (E.O. 14057, 7 U.S.C. 8102, 42 U.S.C. 6962, 42 U.S.C. 8259b, and 42 U.S.C. 7671l).

(47)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(48)(i) 52.225-1, Buy American--Supplies (Oct 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

(49)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Nov 2023) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

(ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

(iii) Alternate II (Dec 2022) of 52.225-3.

(iv) Alternate III (Feb 2024) of 52.225-3.

(v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

(50) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

(51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(52) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

(54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[X] (55) 52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) (E.O. 13513).

(56) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

(57) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

(58) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

(59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(60) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(62) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(63) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

(64)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

(ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[X] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards--Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment--Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain…