Amendment_1_-_Solicitation_QTA0016AWA0001.pdf

VETS 2 GWAC

QTA0016AWA0001 – Amendment 1

SECTION A

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

THE OFFICIAL SF33 IS ATTACHED. THE SF33 MUST BE COMPLETED AS DESCRIBED IN L.5.1.1.

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 GENERAL

The Veterans Technology Services (VETS) 2 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide customized Information Technology (IT) services and IT services-based solutions. The principal nature of any resulting task order procurement must be for IT services; however ancillary support may be included when it is integral to and necessary for the IT services-based effort.

The Contractor shall provide all management, supervision, labor, facilities and materials necessary to perform on a task order basis.

Hereafter, the VETS 2 GWAC (or “VETS 2”) will be also referred to as the “Master Contract” while task orders issued under the Master Contract will be referred to as “task order(s)” or “order(s).”

B.2 AUTHORITY

The Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is specifically authorized to purchase supplies and nonpersonal services on behalf of other agencies under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act (40 U.S.C. 501).

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has designated the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as an Executive Agent for Governmentwide IT acquisitions pursuant to Section 5112(e) of the Clinger-Cohen Act, 40 U.S.C. 11302(e).

The scope of this designation includes the award and administration of the Master Contract and delegation of authority for the award and administration of the task orders as set forth in Section G.2.

Through this GWAC, Federal government agencies can award task orders to acquire IT and IT services-based solutions.

B.3 ECONOMY ACT

The Economy Act does not apply to GWACs. GWACs are multiple award task order or delivery order contracts used by other agencies to procure IT products and services outside of the Economy Act. (Refer to FAR 2.101 and FAR Subpart 17.502-2(b)). The specific statutory authority 40 U.S.C. 11302(e) designates the head of one or more executive agencies, such as the US General Services Administration, as Executive Agent for Government-wide acquisitions of IT.

B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING AND MINIMUM CONTRACT GUARANTEE

(a) Maximum. The maximum contract ceiling value of all contracts resulting from this multiple award procurement is established at $5 Billion dollars.

(b) Minimum. The minimum guaranteed award amount is $2,500 dollars in aggregate task order value per contract for the full term of the Master Contract. The exercise of the option period does not re-establish the minimum guaranteed award amount.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/40/11302#e

(c) The Government has no obligation to issue task orders to the Contractor beyond the minimum guaranteed award amount specified in paragraph (b) of this clause.

(d) The minimum guaranteed award amount is fully satisfied through a single or combination of awarded task orders reaching the amount identified in paragraph (b) of this clause.

(e) Should the contract expire or be unilaterally terminated for convenience by the Government without the contractor receiving the minimum guaranteed award amount, the contractor may present a claim to the contracting officer for an amount not to exceed the minimum guaranteed award amount. The minimum guaranteed award amount is not applicable if the contract is terminated for default or is bilaterally cancelled by the parties. The contractor has one year after contract termination or expiration to submit their claim to the contracting officer or waives entitlement.

B.5 PERFORMANCE BASED PREFERENCE

Pursuant to FAR 37.102(a)(2), the Ordering Contracting Officer (OCO) should use performance-based acquisition methods to the maximum extent practicable using the following order of precedence:

(1) A Firm-Fixed Price Performance-Based Task Order;

(2) A Performance-Based Task Order that is not Firm-Fixed Price;

(3) A Task Order that is not Performance-Based.

B.6 GWAC CONTRACT ACCESS FEE (CAF)

GSA’s operating costs are reimbursed through a Contract Access Fee (CAF) charged on orders placed against the Master Contract. The CAF is paid by the ordering agency, but remitted to GSA by the Contractor. GSA maintains the unilateral right to establish and change the CAF rate. GSA will provide reasonable notice prior to the effective date of any change to the CAF payment process. Changes to the CAF only apply to orders awarded after the change is announced.

The CAF rate, which is currently 0.75%, is applied to the total amount paid on each invoice.

Based on the established CAF rate, the Contractor shall include the CAF in each proposal. The Contractor shall include the CAF as a separate cost element on all proposals to the government, regardless of contract type. The CAF shall never be treated as a negotiable element between the Contractor and the ordering agency.

If a customer organization has negotiated a CAF rate based on a special written agreement and/or Memorandum of Agreement by the GWAC Program that is other than the established CAF rate, GSA will provide advance notification.

The Contractor remits the CAF to GSA in accordance with Section G.14.

B.7 TASK ORDER CONTRACT TYPES

Task order contract types permitted include FAR 16.2 Fixed-price Contracts; FAR 16.3 Cost- Reimbursement Contracts; FAR 16.4 Incentive Contracts; FAR 16.601 Time-and-Materials; and FAR

16.602 Labor-Hour Contracts. Task orders may also incorporate FAR 17.1 Multi-year Contracting and FAR 17.2 Options. VETS 2 supports both commercial and non-commercial requirements.

These contract types can be used individually or in combination within a single task order comprising multiple Contract Line Items (CLINS).

B.7.1 ORDER TYPE PREFERENCE

The OCO should determine the task order type using the following order of precedence:

(1) Fixed-Price (all types)

(2) Cost-Reimbursement (all types)

(3) Time-and-Materials or Labor-Hour

B.8 TASK ORDER COST OR PRICING (ALL ORDER TYPES)

The OCO will address cost or pricing with the Contractor, and make the determination of cost or price reasonableness based on the task order contract type.

The OCO should identify the applicable contract type for all CLINs in each VETS 2 task order.

The OCO may reference VETS 2 Labor Categories within any order type, however, the contract maximum rates only apply to Time-and-Material and Labor-Hour task orders.

When adequate price competition exists (see FAR 15.403-1(b)(1)), generally no additional information is necessary to determine the reasonableness of cost or price. If adequate price competition does not exist and no other exceptions apply (see FAR 15.403-1(b)), the OCO must request a Certificate of Current Cost and Pricing Data in accordance with FAR 15.403-4.

If a Contractor does not have an approved purchasing system, the Contractor shall request and receive OCO consent to subcontract in accordance with FAR 44.201-1(b) Consent to Subcontracts, and FAR 52.244-2, Subcontracts.

B.8.1 Fixed Price

The OCO must determine fair and reasonable pricing for all Fixed-Price task orders in accordance with FAR 15.4, Contract Pricing, and FAR 16.2, Fixed-Price Contracts.

B.8.2 Cost Reimbursement

Prior to responding to any Cost Reimbursement Task Order Request, unless specified otherwise by the OCO, Contractors are required to have a Cost Accounting System that has been determined adequate, by DCAA or another Cognizant Federal Agency, for determining costs applicable to a contract or order in accordance with 16.301-3(a)(3). Contractors are required to have an adequate cost accounting system prior to performing any cost reimbursement task order.

The OCO is responsible for preparing appropriate cost and pricing determinations for all cost reimbursement task orders.

B.8.3 Incentive

The OCO must determine fair and reasonable pricing for all Incentive task orders and develop a plan to implement and monitor an Award-Fee, Incentive-Fee, or Award-Term result in accordance with FAR 15.4, Pricing, and FAR 16.4, Incentive Contracts.

B.8.4 Time-and-Materials (T&M) and Labor-Hour (LH)

The Master Contract establishes maximum allowable burdened labor rates (maximum rates) for all labor categories indicated in this Master Contract. The maximum rates include the direct labor cost, general and administrative expenses (G&A), overhead, fringe benefits, and profit. The maximum rates are inclusive of work within the Contiguous United States and already include the U.S. Government security classification up through the Secret level. These maximum rates apply exclusively to T&M and LH contract type orders.

The OCO is responsible for considering the level of effort and the mix of labor proposed to perform a specific task being ordered, and for determining price reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.4, Pricing, and FAR 16.601, Time-and-Materials Contracts.

Based on the specific task order requirements, the OCO may determine pricing in excess of the maximum rates as fair and reasonable. Situations that may necessitate exceeding the established maximum rates include work outside the Contiguous United States or Top Secret security clearances.

In the rare instance that a Contractor must propose a rate in excess of a maximum rate, the Contractor shall provide the OCO with a detailed rationale supporting the rate. The OCO may consider this submitted rationale when evaluating whether to accept a proposed rate in excess of a maximum rate.

The maximum rates shall serve as the basis for all future year pricing for T&M and LH contract type orders. An escalation factor will be applied to the awarded Contract Year 1 rates to establish pricing for Contract Years 2 through 15. This escalation factor will be the average annual Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Cost Index (ECI), “Table 5: COMPENSATION (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) for total compensation for private industry workers, by occupational group and Industry, Professional, scientific, and technical services” - based on the previous three years at the time of solicitation.

Prior to the exercise of the Master Contract option period, if the average annual ECI for the previous three years is different at the start of Contract Year 5 then at time of the solicitation, the maximum rates for Years 6 through 15 will be adjusted to reflect the new escalation rate. For example, if the average BLS ECI index was 1.73% at time of proposal submission and the average BLS ECI index is 3.16% in Year 5 of the Master Contract, the maximum rates for Contract Years 6 through 15 will be recalculated from the Year 5 rates based on the new annual escalation rate of 3.16%. Using this example, if the Year 5 maximum rate for a given labor category is $65.00 per hour based upon the original escalation rate, the Year 6 maximum rate will be $67.05, Year 7 will be $69.17, Year 8 will be $71.36, etc.

The escalation of maximum rates on the Master Contract do not apply to task orders awarded prior to the master contract option period. The Master Contract maximum rates that are in effect at the time a task order is awarded shall remain with the task order award during the entire task order term, including task orders with option periods.

B.8.4.1 ADDITIONAL LABOR CATEGORIES FOR TIME-AND-MATERIAL AND LABOR-HOUR

ORDERS

OCOs may consider additional labor categories for T&M and LH Orders when deemed necessary to provide an IT services-based solution. If a Contractor identifies an additional labor category that is needed to perform an order, the Contractor should communicate with the OCO to identify any necessary supporting documentation. Contractors and OCOs must ensure that existing VETS 2 labor categories do not suffice before utilizing additional labor categories for T&M and LH orders. Additional labor categories must provide skill sets that are not explicitly defined in any labor category description in Attachment J-2.

The OCO will negotiate a fair and reasonable price with the Contractor for any additional labor category.

The OCO shall ensure additional labor categories comply with any requirements of the Service Contract Labor Standards and Wage Rate Requirements (Construction), and, where applicable, include appropriate clauses and wage determinations consistent with B.9 and/or B.10.

B.8.4.2 PAYMENTS UNDER TIME-AND-MATERIAL AND LABOR-HOUR ORDERS

Payments under T&M and LH terms (including matters related to subcontractors, materials, indirect costs, etc.) are governed by the applicable Payments Clause in this contract.

B.9 LABOR SUBJECT TO THE WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS (CONSTRUCTION)

The Master Contract does not include wage determinations or all applicable clauses for labor categories subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Construction). Each task order must be tailored to include the appropriate clauses and wage determinations. To the extent that construction, alteration, and repair are subject to the wage rate requirements and within scope of a task order and the Master Contract, the OCO must identify such work under a separate CLIN on the task order and incorporate the appropriate wage determinations in accordance with FAR 22.4, Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Construction.

Any construction must be integral to and necessary for the IT services-based effort - see Paragraph C.4.

B.10 LABOR SUBJECT TO THE SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS (SCLS)

The Master Contract labor categories are considered bona fide executive, administrative, professional labor and generally exempt from the SCLS if used to perform professional IT services, except as noted in Attachment J-2. The Master Contract does not include wage determinations or all applicable clauses for labor categories subject to the SCLS. Each task order must be tailored to include the appropriate clauses and wage determinations.

To the extent that any labor is subject to the SCLS and within scope of a task order and the Master Contract, the OCO must identify such work under a separate CLIN on the task order and incorporate the appropriate wage determination in accordance with FAR 22.10, Service Contract Labor Standards.

B.11 TRAVEL PRICING (ALL ORDER TYPES)

Contractor personnel may be required to travel to support the requirements of this contract and as stated on individual task orders. Long distance and local travel may be required both in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS). For those task orders requiring travel, the Contractor shall include estimated travel requirements in the proposal as required by the OCO.

If authorized in the task order, travel will be reimbursed at actual cost in accordance with the limitations set forth in FAR Subpart 31.205-46, Travel Costs. Profit shall not be applied to travel costs. To the extent authorized in the task order, contractors may apply indirect costs to travel in accordance with the Contractor’s usual accounting practices consistent with FAR 31.2.

The OCO will typically identify a not-to-exceed travel ceiling under a separate CLIN on the task order.

B.12 WORK OUTSIDE THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES (OCONUS)

It is anticipated that there may be task orders under this contract for work outside the United States.

“OCONUS” is defined as other than the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Individual task orders may identify pricing specific to work performed OCONUS. Standard references for OCONUS pricing include:

For non-foreign OCONUS areas, the Defense Travel Management Office (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/) provides information on overseas cost of living allowances.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Administration, Office of Allowances, (http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/) publishes quarterly report indexes of living costs abroad, per-diem rate maximums, quarter’s allowances, hardship differentials, and danger pay allowances for Contractors to follow when proposing on OCONUS efforts. No allowances, other than those listed by the U. S.

Department of State, shall be allowed on task orders.

The Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) are the controlling regulations for allowances and benefits available to all U.S. Government civilians assigned to foreign areas; however, for task orders issued under the Master Contract, Contractor civilians assigned to foreign areas shall not exceed the allowances and benefits in the DSSR as well.

The OCO is responsible for identifying any additional provisions, clauses, and/or requirements based on the theater of operations.

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/ http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/

SECTION C

CONTRACT SCOPE OF WORK/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1 SCOPE

The Master Contract scope in Section C provides Federal agencies with customized IT services and IT services-based solutions, both commercial and non-commercial, as defined in the Clinger-Cohen Act and FAR 2.101. Customized IT services-based solutions, which can be tailored to meet an agency’s particular mission needs, may include any combination of the IT services identified in Section C, including new and emerging technologies that evolve over the life of the Master Contract. The principal nature of any resulting task order procurement must be for IT services; however ancillary support may be included when it is integral to and necessary for the IT services-based effort. Services may be performed at Government and Contractor locations worldwide, as specified in each task order.

C.1.1 Definition of Information Technology

As referenced in Section C.1, definitions of IT are used to define the scope of the Master Contract and are provided as follows:

C.1.1.1 Clinger-Cohen Act

(a) The term 'information technology', with respect to an executive agency means any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the executive agency. For purposes of the preceding sentence, equipment is used by an executive agency if the equipment is used by the executive agency directly or is used by a contractor under a contract with the executive agency which (i) requires the use of such equipment, or (ii) requires the use, to a significant extent, of such equipment in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product.

(b) The term 'information technology' includes computers, ancillary equipment, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

(c) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (a) and (b), the term 'information technology' does not include any equipment that is acquired by a Federal contractor incidental to a Federal contract.

C.1.1.2 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

The FAR defines information technology in section 2.101(b): “Information technology” means any equipment, or interconnected system(s) or subsystem(s) of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by the agency.

(a) For purposes of this definition, equipment is used by an agency if the equipment is used by the agency directly or is used by a contractor under a contract with the agency that requires—(i) Its use; or (ii) To a significant extent, its use in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product.

(b) The term “information technology” includes computers, ancillary equipment (including imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance), peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

(c) The term “information technology” does not include any equipment that— (i) Is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract; or (ii) Contains imbedded information technology that is used as an integral part of the product, but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. For example, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment, such as thermostats or temperature control devices, and medical equipment where information technology is integral to its operation, are not information technology.

C.2 SCOPE ALIGNMENT WITH FEDERAL ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE AND DOD

INFORMATION ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE

C.2.1 Federal Enterprise Architecture Operations Support

The Master Contract provides IT services in support of the business functions and services performed in the Federal government, as described in the Business Reference Model (BRM) of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA). The BRM provides a standardized way of classifying government operations, which in turn enables Federal agencies to utilize a common framework to describe and analyze IT investments.

More detailed information about FEA and each of the associated reference models may be found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov/fea.

C.2.2 DoD Information Enterprise Architecture Mission Area Support

The Master Contract provides IT services in support of the Department of Defense Information Enterprise Architecture (DoD IEA) reference models relating DoD’s specialized mission, business, and program areas. The DoD IEA reference models leverage existing DoD standards and reflect the alignment with the FEA. The Master Contract includes IT support services for DoD’s Global Information Grid (GIG) architecture, Business, Warfighter, Intelligence, and Enterprise Information Environment (EIE) mission areas. More detailed information about DoD IEA may be found at http://dodcio.defense.gov/IntheNews/DoDInformationEnterpriseArchitecture.aspx

C.3 COMPONENTS OF AN IT SOLUTION

Within each section below, an overview of the contract solution is provided, followed by examples of work to be performed relative to task order requirements. Examples are not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather general indications of the types of services within a given solution. Other services not listed as examples, but adhere to the definition of IT, are within scope and may be provided to meet an agency’s particular mission needs.

• Data Management

• Information and Communications Technology

• IT Operations and Maintenance

• IT Security

• Software Development

• Systems Design

• New and Emerging Technologies

C.3.1 Data Management

Data Management is the development, execution and supervision of plans, policies, programs and practices that control, protect, deliver and enhance the value of data and information assets.

Examples of Data Management services include, but are not limited to:

• Cloud Computing Services

• Data Architecture, Analysis and Design

• Data Governance

• Data Migration

• Data Quality Management

• Data Security Management

• Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence Management

• Document, Record and Content Management

• Network and Individual Storage Management

C.3.2 Information and Communications Technology

Information and Communications Technology refers to the technology used to manage telecommunications, broadcast media, intelligent building management systems, audiovisual processing and transmission systems, and network-based control and monitoring functions.

Examples of Information and Communications Technology services include, but are not limited to:

• Collaboration Technology Services

• IPv6 Implementation and Support Services

• Telepresence and Video Services

• Virtual Private Network (VPN) and other Remote Network Access Services

• Virtualization Services

• Voice over IP (VoIP) Services

• Wireless Services

C.3.3 IT Operations and Maintenance

IT Operations and Maintenance includes the operation and management of technology infrastructure.

Examples of IT Operations and Maintenance services include, but are not limited to:

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Support Services

• Data Center Management

• Email and File Server Management

• IT Helpdesk / IT Support

• IT Training

• Mobile Device Management

• PC Provisioning

• Server and Device Management

C.3.4 IT Security

IT Security, often referred to as cyber security, is the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access.

Examples of IT Security services include, but are not limited to:

• Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation

• Continuous Security Monitoring Services

• Identity Management and Access Management

• Information Assurance

• Intrusion Detection

• IT Disaster Recovery Services

• IT Security Incident Response

• Network Security Monitoring

• Security Assessment Services / Vulnerability Analysis Services

C.3.5 Software Development

Software Development is the process of developing software through successive phases in an orderly way. This process includes not only the actual writing of code but also the preparation of requirements and objectives, the design of what is to be coded, and confirmation that what is developed has met objectives. All software development methodologies, including Agile, are supported.

Examples of Software Development services include, but are not limited to:

• Mobile Application Development Services

• Software Design

• Software Maintenance

• Software Programming

• Software Testing

• Web Development

C.3.6 Systems Design

Systems Design includes the planning and designing of computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. The hardware and software components of the system may be provided by this establishment or company as part of a customized IT solution. These establishments often install the system and train and support users of the system.

Examples of Systems Design services include, but are not limited to:

• Computer Systems Integration Design Consulting Services

• Configuration Management Services

• Information Management Computer Systems Integration Design Services

• IT Specifications Development

• Network Infrastructure Design

• Office Automation Computer Systems Integration Design Services

• Smart Buildings Systems Integration

C.3.7 New and Emerging Technologies

In addition to the services identified in C.3, IT services resulting from new and emerging technologies are also within scope.

C.4 ANCILLARY SUPPORT: SERVICES, SUPPLIES AND CONSTRUCTION

The Contractor may provide ancillary support as necessary to offer an IT services-based solution. The ancillary support described here may only be included in a task order when it is integral to and necessary for the IT services-based effort. Ancillary support may include, but is not limited to:

• Clerical support

• Data entry

• IT products

• Minor construction, alteration, and repair to real property

• Server racks

• Software licenses

The Contractor shall not accept or perform work for a task order having the principal purpose of:

• Ancillary support

• Personal Services as defined in FAR Subpart 2.101(b)

• A requirement that primarily uses employees not employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity as defined in 29 CFR Part 541 and/or employees primarily employed as labor or mechanics as defined in FAR Subpart 22.401.

C.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

The Master Contract is a stand-alone Performance-based Acquisition (PBA) independent from task order PBA requirements. The PWS is limited to post award contract administration performance and reporting requirements noted throughout Section G and Section H. Critical performance standards are established for the Master Contract in Attachment J-1 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The PRS listings of Performance Objectives indicate the performance level required by the Government to meet the Master Contract requirements. For task orders issued under the Master Contract, OCO’s may develop and execute their own PWS and PBA methods independent of the Master Contract PWS and PBA requirements.

C.6 SCOPE REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

The following resources are offered in support of the overall concept and scope of the Master Contract:

(i) FEA Reference Model: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov/fea

(ii) DoD IEA Reference Model:

http://dodcio.defense.gov/IntheNews/DoDInformationEnterpriseArchitecture.aspx

(iii) Definitions of Information Technology (IT)

● Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 2.101(b)

● Clinger-Cohen Act http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/staffoffices/Clinger.htm http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov/fea http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov/fea http://dodcio.defense.gov/IntheNews/DoDInformationEnterpriseArchitecture.aspx http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/staffoffices/Clinger.htm

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 552.211-73 MARKING (FEB 1996)

(a) General requirements. Interior packages, if any, and exterior shipping containers shall be marked as specified elsewhere in the contract. Additional marking requirements may be specified on delivery orders issued under the contract. If not otherwise specified, interior packages and exterior shipping containers shall be marked in accordance with the following standards:

(1) Deliveries to civilian activities. Supplies shall be marked in accordance with Federal Standard 123, edition in effect on the date of issuance of the solicitation.

(2) Deliveries to military activities. Supplies shall be marked in accordance with Military Standard 129, edition in effect on the date of issuance of the solicitation.

(b) Improperly marked material. When Government inspection and acceptance are at destination, and delivered supplies are not marked in accordance with contract requirements, the Government has the right, without prior notice to the Contractor, to perform the required marking, by contract or otherwise, and charge the Contractor therefore at the rate specified elsewhere in this contract.

This right is not exclusive, and is in addition to other rights or remedies provided for in this contract.

(End of Clause)

D.2 552.211-75 PRESERVATION, PACKAGING, AND PACKING (FEB 1996)

Unless otherwise specified, all items shall be preserved, packaged, and packed in accordance with normal commercial practices, as defined in the applicable commodity specification. Packaging and packing shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Freight Classification and the National Motor Freight Classification (issue in effect at time of shipment) and each shipping container or each item in a shipment shall be of uniform size and content, except for residual quantities. Where special or unusual packing is specified in an order, but not specifically provided for by the contract, such packing details must be the subject of an agreement independently arrived at between the ordering agency and the contractor.

D.3 552.211-77 PACKING LIST (FEB 1996)

(a) A packing list or other suitable shipping document shall accompany each shipment and shall indicate:

(1) Name and address of the consignor;

(2) Name and complete address of the consignee;

(3) Government order or requisition number;

(4) Government bill of lading number covering the shipment (if any); and

(5) Description of the material shipped, including item number, quantity, number of containers, and package number (if any).

(b) When payment will be made by Government commercial credit card, in addition to the information in (a) above, the packing list or shipping document shall include:

(1) Cardholder name and telephone number and

(2) The term “Credit Card.”

D.4 UNCLASSIFIED AND CLASSIFIED MARKING

Unclassified data shall be prepared for shipment in accordance with requirements set forth in the Order, or if none is specified, pursuant to industry standards.

Classified reports, data, and documentation shall be prepared for shipment in accordance with requirements set forth in the Order, or if none is specified, pursuant to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DOD 5220.22-M.

D.5 SOFTWARE AND MAGNETIC MEDIA MARKINGS

Packages containing software or other magnetic media shall be marked in accordance with requirements set forth in the Order, or if none is specified, shall be marked on external containers with a notice reading substantially as follows: “CAUTION: SOFTWARE/MAGNETIC MEDIA ENCLOSED. DO NOT EXPOSE

TO HEAT OR MAGNETIC FIELDS”.

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 FAR 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 address: https://www.acquisition.gov/.

The following clauses apply to the Master Contract and may apply at the task order level, as applicable, depending upon the task order contract type, or as specifically referenced in the applicable task order for different line items:

CLAUSE # CLAUSE TITLE DATE FP COST TM

52.246-2 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES— FIXED PRICE AUG 1996 X

52.246-2 ALTERNATE I JUL 1985 X

52.246-2 ALTERNATE II JUL 1985 X

52.246-3 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES— COST

REIMBURSEMENT

MAY 2001 X

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES— FIXED PRICE AUG 1996 X X

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES— COST

REIMBURSEMENT

APR 1984 X

52.246-6 INSPECTION— TIME-AND-MATERIAL AND LABOR-

HOUR

MAY 2001 X

52.246-7 INSPECTION OF RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT— FIXED PRICE

AUG 1996 X

52.246-8 INSPECTION OF RESEARCH AND

DEVELOPMENT— COST REIMBURSEMENT

MAY 2001 X

52.246-8 ALTERNATE I APR 1984 X

52.246-9 INSPECTION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

(SHORT FORM)

APR 1984 X X

52.246-11 HIGHER-LEVEL CONTRACT QUALITY

REQUIREMENT

DEC 2014 X X X

52.246-15 CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE APR 1984 X X

52.246-16 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPPLIES APR 1984 X

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The following section applies to the Contractor at the Master Contract level.

Inspection of the deliverables provided hereunder shall be made by the GSA GWAC COR or any Inspectors designated by the Contracting Officer. The place of inspection for reports required under this contract shall be at the addresses for deliverables set forth in Section F. Final acceptance of deliverables shall be made by the GSA GWAC COR (See G.4.4) designated in the contract.

E.3 TASK ORDER CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The OCO may designate COR(s) for individual task orders issued under this contract. Designated CORs may participate in the administration of the task orders by evaluating contractor performance, inspecting and accepting services for the Government, and providing a report of inspection as well as contractor performance assessments to the Ordering Contracting Officer. This designation does not include authority to direct and/or authorize the contractor to make changes in the scope or terms and conditions of the task order without written approval of the Ordering Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall be notified in writing by the Ordering Contracting Officer of the name, duties, and limitations of the CORs by means of the COR Designation Letter.

Ordering Contracting Officers should provide their agency specific inspection, acceptance, and quality assurance requirements within their task orders.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 FAR 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 address: https://www.acquisition.gov/

The following clauses apply at the Order level, as applicable, subject to specific delivery and performance requirements as set forth in the applicable Order:

CLAUSE # CLAUSE TITLE DATE FP COST TM

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989 X X

52.242-15 ALTERNATE I APR 1984 X

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK APR 1984 X

52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION NOV 1991 X

52.247-35 F.O.B. DESTINATION WITH

CONSIGNEES PREMISES

APR 1984 X

F.2 MASTER CONTRACT ORDERING PERIOD

The ordering period of this contract is from (To Be Determined) through (To Be Determined). (inclusive of all options, if exercised).

The contract ordering period for the Master Contract is from the date of the Notice-To-Proceed through 5 years thereafter, with one, 5-year option that may extend the cumulative term of the contract to 10 years in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contact, if exercised.

After the Master Contract ordering period expires, the Master Contract will remain an active contract until the final task order performance is completed and shall govern the terms and conditions with respect to active task orders to the same extent as if it were completed during the Master Contract ordering period.

F.3 TASK ORDER PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for each Order placed under the Master Contract shall be specified in the individual Order. All the following conditions apply:

1) Under no circumstances may an Order be placed under the Master Contract if the Master Contract has expired, or has been terminated or cancelled by the Government;

2) No Order may exceed ten (10) years, inclusive of options, from the date that the Order is placed;

https://www.acquisition.gov/

3) No Order may extend more than five (5) years after the expiration of the Master Contract;

4) Order options, if included at initial issuance of the Order, may be exercised after the expiration date of the Master Contract; and

5) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, a multi-year Order placed under the Master

Contract must be consistent with FAR Subpart 17.1 and any applicable funding restrictions.

F.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The services to be provided under the Master Contract shall be accomplished at the locations identified in the task order and may include locations in the Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside the

CONUS (OCONUS).

The place of performance and/or delivery requirements will be specified in each individual Order.

F.5 VETS 2 MASTER CONTRACT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The VETS 2 GWAC is a performance based contract with measurable standards in terms of quality and timeliness of deliverables, in accordance with Section F.6 Deliverables and Attachment J-1 Performance Requirements Summary.

F.6 DELIVERABLES

The following table contains deliverables required under the Master Contract. Individual Orders may have additional deliverables specified in each Order by the issuing agency. The Government does not waive its right to request deliverables under the Master Contract, even if such requirements are not specifically listed in this table. (See Attachment J-1 for additional requirements on Deliverables)

ID SECTION DELIVERABLE

TITLE

FREQUENCY DELIVER TO

1 G.5 Contractor Program Manager

Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed and/or any change

VETS2@gsa.gov and government designated system

2 G.7 Contractor Webpage

Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed and periodic updates

Contractor Webpage

3 G.8 Establish a shared company email address

Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed

VETS2@gsa.gov

G.13.1 Task Order Award Notifications

Within 3 business days of task order award

VETS2@gsa.gov

5 G.13.2

Order Award and Modification Data

Report within 30 calendar days after the month the document was signed by the OCO

Government Designated System

Invoice Data

Due within 30 calendar days after the month in which the invoice(s) was paid

Zero Invoice Data

Due by end of each calendar month if no invoices were paid

CAF Remittance Data

Due within 30 calendar days after the month in which the CAF was paid

Missing or Inaccurate data

Data corrections are due within ten (10) calendar days of notification, or as directed by the GWAC Program

6 G.14 CAF Remittance

CAF shall be paid within 30 calendar days following the month in which the invoice is paid.

Pay.gov via the government designated system

7 G.15 Data Calls Occasional surveys, due as indicated in request

As indicated in request

8 G.16.2 Subcontracting Reports

Subcontracting data shall be current no later than 30 calendar days after each annual reporting period

Government Designated System

9 G.17.1

Task Order Closeout Verification and Validation

Within 6 months after task order period of performance ends

Government Designated System

F.7 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS

In the event the Contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements for the Master Contract or any task order, the Contractor shall immediately notify the cognizant Contracting Officer, in writing, giving pertinent details, provided that this data shall be informational only in character and that this shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date or of any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

SECTION G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

G.1 GENERAL

This section provides contract administration requirements for the VETS 2 GWAC, and where applicable, for each task order placed under this Master Contract. Costs associated with these administration requirements shall not be billed as a direct cost to the Government.

Additional contract administration requirements, not related to the Master Contract, may be specified in each task order. Costs associated with these administration requirements shall be billed in accordance with terms of the task order.

G.2 AUTHORIZED AGENCIES AND DELEGATION OF PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY

G.2.1 Authorized Agencies

The Master Contract is available for use by all Federal agencies and other entities as listed in General Services Administration (GSA) Order ADM 4800.2H, Eligibility to use GSA Sources And Supply; and any future versions of that directive, e.g. ADM 4800.2I, ADM 4800.2J, etc.. The GSA Order is publicly available and accessible for review on GSA’s website http://www.gsa.gov/.

G.2.2 Delegation of Procurement Authority

Warranted federal Contracting Officers who wish to issue and/or administer a VETS 2 GWAC task order must first receive a written Delegation of Procurement Authority (“DPA” or “delegation”) from GSA, whereupon they are authorized as Ordering Contracting Officers (OCOs).

To obtain a DPA, the warranted federal contracting officer must complete VETS 2 GWAC DPA training and then complete the DPA request form at www.gsa.gov/gwacs.

The OCO training and written delegation requirements provide a clearly structured understanding of roles and responsibilities between the GWAC Contracting Officer(s) and OCOs. The training and DPA arise out of GSA’s obligations to the Office of Management and Budget, are consistent with Section 865 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009, P.L. 110-417 (“DHNDAA” or “NDAA 2009”) and are in-line with the related recommendation of the Acquisition Advisory Panel/SARA Panel (authorized by Section 1423 of the Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003).

While delegation can only be granted to warranted federal Contracting Officers, all individuals (i.e. project managers, program officials, etc.) involved with a task order are encouraged to participate in the training.

No work should be performed; no debt or obligation accrued and no payment made except as authorized by a bona-fide written order signed by an OCO having a written GSA-issued VETS 2 GWAC DPA.

G.3 552.216-74 TASK-ORDER AND DELIVERY-ORDER OMBUDSMAN (JAN 2016)

(a) GSA has designated a Task-Order and Delivery-Order Ombudsman who will review complaints from contractors and ensure that they are afforded a fair opportunity for consideration in the award of task or delivery orders under Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts, http://www.gsa.gov/ http://www.gsa.gov/ http://www.enter/ consistent with the procedures in the contract. Written complaints shall be submitted to the Ombudsman, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(b) In the case that the contractor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint by the GSA Task-Order and Delivery-Order Ombudsman, the contractor may follow the procedures outlined in subpart 33.1.

(c) The GSA Ombudsman is located at the General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), Office of Acquisition Policy (MV). Contact information for the GSA Ombudsman can be found at: http://www.gsa.gov/ombudsman.

G.4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This section describes the roles and responsibilities of Government personnel after the Master Contract is awarded. The Government may modify the roles and responsibilities at any time during the period of performance of the Master Contract.

G.4.1 GWAC Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO)

The GSA GWAC PCO is the sole and exclusive government official with actual authority to award the Master Contract. After award of the Master Contract, the PCO may delegate any or all of the contract administration functions, described in FAR 42.302, to an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO). The PCO may also designate one or more Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to assist in contract surveillance.

G.4.2 GWAC Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO)

ACO authority is established in the designation letter issued by the PCO. Responsibilities not specifically delegated to the ACO by the PCO are reserved to the PCO.

G.4.3 GWAC Program Manager (PM)

The Government will designate a VETS 2 GWAC PM who will perform program level functions, such as business development and industry engagement. The VETS 2 GWAC PM has no actual, apparent or implied authority to contractually bind the Government.

G.4.4 GWAC Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR)

The PCO may designate one or more representatives to perform specified surveillance functions such as quality assurance and technical review. CORs have no actual, apparent or implied authority to contractually bind the Government.

G.4.5 Task Order Ordering Contracting Officer (OCO)

As described in Section G.2, only OCOs may issue and/or administer a task order. Upon request, the OCO for any specific Order may provide a copy of the applicable DPA to a requesting contractor.

http://www.gsa.gov/ombudsman

G.4.6 Task Order Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The OCO may designate in writing a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) to perform specific surveillance for their specific task order(s).

The OCO should provide a copy of the designation(s) to the task order contractor.

G.5 CONTRACTOR PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE GWAC MASTER CONTRACT

The Contractor’s corporate management structure shall guarantee senior, high-level, program management of the VETS 2 GWAC Program. The Contractor shall assign a Program Manager, who is a direct employee of the company, to represent the Contractor as a primary point-of-contact and to manage functions relating to the Master Contract and task orders solicited and issued under the Master Contract.

The Contractor Program Manager responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the Contractor as the primary point-of-contact for the PCO/ACO to help resolve issues and perform other functions that may arise relating to the contract and task orders under the contract;

• Advising and assisting VETS 2 GWAC customers regarding the technical scope of the Master Contract and the overall attributes of the VETS 2 GWAC;

• Promoting the VETS 2 GWAC to the Federal government through participation in trade shows, conferences, and other meetings where federal government personnel are present;

• Promoting Contractor identity as a VETS 2 GWAC contract holder by using the GSA logo in advertising, placing these identifiers in printed and in on-line communications; displaying VETS 2 GWAC promotional placards; and, disseminating VETS 2 GWAC marketing materials.

• Educating and training Contractor staff to ensure that they are able to effectively communicate with existing and potential customers regarding the technical scope, the value, and the benefits of the VETS 2 GWAC;

• Providing all reporting information required under the contract accurately and in a timely manner;

• Attending VETS 2 meetings and conferences, as required by G.10.

Name, email address, and telephone number of the Program Manager shall be emailed to VETS2@gsa.gov within 30 calendar days of the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall ensure that GSA has current contact information for the Contractor’s Program Manager. The Contractor shall notify GSA at VETS2@gsa.gov any time there is a change in the Program Manager or their contact information. All costs associated with the Contractor’s Program Manager shall be at no direct cost to the Government.

G.6 ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO CONTRACT

The Government intends to post a conformed version of the Master Contract on the GSA VETS 2 website, along with fully burdened Contractor and Government site labor rates for each Contractor for Contract Years 1 through 15. The GSA VETS 2 website will be available to the general public.

G.7 CONTRACTOR WEBPAGE

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a current, publicly available webpage accessible via the Internet throughout the ordering period of the Master Contract. The webpage link shall be prominently displayed on the Contractor’s main government business homepage.

mailto:VETS2@gsa.gov

This webpage must conform to the relevant accessibility standards referenced in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105- 220), August 7, 1998, Section 1194.22, Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications.

The Contractor shall provide the web address to VETS2@gsa.gov within 30 days after the receipt of Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall ensure all information provided on their webpage is updated continually until Master Contract expiration. At a minimum, the webpage must include the following items:

● Link to the GSA VETS 2 website;

● Master Contract Number;

● Contractor DUNS number, CAGE Code;

●…