RFI - Sources Sought.docx

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 Request For Information (RFI)

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE, PROPOSAL, OR BID. This notice is not a solicitation as defined by FAR 2.101, therefore it shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to an acquisition approach. All information contained in this Request for Information (RFI) is preliminary as well as subject to amendment and is in no way binding on the Government. Information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. The Government is requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings not be used in response to this notice. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Contract Opportunities website or GSA. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this RFI.

1. Title: Integrated Pest Management Services (for Integrated Pest Management Plan)

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS (AT THE END OF DOCUMENT)

2. Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to identify potential sources which will aid in defining the procurement strategy (e.g., set-aside, sole source, unrestricted) for a solicitation the VA intends on issuing shortly for the following:

PROJECT MANAGER Period of Performance FROM TO 02/04/2024 9/30/2025 Ordering Period 1 10/01/2025 9/30/2026 Ordering Period 2 10/01/2026 9/30/2027 Ordering Period 3 10/01/2027 9/30/2028 Ordering Period 4 10/01/2027 9/30/2029 (Escalation Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) during warranty, repairs to be performed by certified vendor.

The anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561710___________ is ___$17.5 MIL (employees or dollars).

3. Responses Requested: The following questions must be answered in response to this RFI.

Answers that are not provided shall be considered non-responsive to the RFI:

a. Where are the requested items/equipment manufactured?

Vendor must attach documentation of this information to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice

b. Are the requested items/equipment manufactured by a Small or Large business? Is the potential vendor in compliance with the Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR)?

Vendor must attach documentation of this to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice

c. Is the Vendor an authorized distributor with access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts which may be required in performance of this requirement?

The VA does not accept grey market items and therefore the Vendor must attach evidence of this access (Authorized Distributor letter) to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice.

d. Name of potential Contractor that possess the capability to fulfill this requirement. Contractors shall also provide the following:

Point(s) of contact name: _______________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Telephone number: ___________________________________________ Email address: _______________________________________________

Company's business size: ________________________________________________ Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) #: _______________________________ Unique Entity ID (UEI): ____________________________________________

e. Is your company considered a small business concern, SB, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, or 8A concern, with the requisite __________________ NAICS code?

· Please provide proof of qualifications.

f. Is your company available under any Government Wide Agency Contract (GWAC), General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and/or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?

If so, please identify the contract number for the Government to review as part of this Market Research.

4. Opportunity/Market Pricing: G.V. Sonny Montgomery VAMC is seeking information from potential vendors on their ability to provide the required items/equipment. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. Small Business Concerns are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in determining potential levels of competition and general market pricing available in the industry. Therefore, vendors are requested to submit estimated market research pricing along with their responses to the above. The estimated pricing will be considered when determining the procurement strategy for the forthcoming solicitation.

5. Instructions and Response Guidelines: Questions regarding this RFI shall be submitted no later than 4:00 pm (CST), February 7, 2025 via email to stephanie.watts@va.gov

RFI responses are due by 04:00pm (CST), Tuesday February 11, 2025; size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins in Microsoft Word format via email to stephanie.watts@va.gov The subject line shall read: G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center RFI. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. There is no page limitation on subparagraphs 3(a) - 3(f).

Please provide the information you deem relevant in order to respond to the specific inquiries of the RFI. Information provided will be used solely by G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center as “Market Research” and will not be released outside of the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VAMC Purchasing and Contract Team.

7. Contact Information:

Stephanie Watts stephanie.watts@va.gov

Your response to this notice is greatly appreciated!

Performance Work Statement Integrated Pest Management Services (for Integrated Pest Management Plan) G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Jackson, MS 39216 03/01/2024

2. OBJECTIVE

2.1 The contractor shall provide all supervision, management, laboratory testing, tools, supplies, equipment, transportation, and labor to develop and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center located at 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216. The implementation of an IPM shall be done in a manner that ensures the health and general well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. Such a plan must also include structural and procedural variations that reduce the food, water, harborage, and access used by pests. Contractor’s IPM shall also offer surveillance, trapping, pesticide application, pest removal components, and applicable reporting along with detailed, site-specific recommendations for structural and technical alterations, for pest control indoor and outdoor, within the property boundaries of the buildings.

3. GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The expected Period of Performance for this contract is a base year (of 12 months) and (4) option years (that are 12 months each). Option year renewals may or may not be exercised (based on needs of and at the discretion of) the U.S. Government. The actual performance period shall be established at the time of contract award.

3.2 TYPE OF CONTRACT: The Government contemplates the award of a Firm Fixed Price contract for this requirement.

3.3 WORK HOURS (FOR EXECUTION OF SERVICES): The service schedule will be developed between the contractor and the Contractor Officer Representative (COR) (or other authorized designee/representative) at the beginning of the performance period. Normal, routine services will occur three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is expected that the contractor be on site and perform work on these days. While on site it is required that the contractor check in with facility representatives to discuss the status/progress of the IPM and other pest management issues if needed. Services shall be performed during the VA normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Any work that needs to take place outside of the scope of normal business hours shall be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) (or other authorized designee/representative) prior to the commencement of work. At least one (1) day advanced notice is required for work that is to be performed outside of normal business hours.

3.4 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: As stated in Section 3.3 the Federal Holidays which are observed by the federal government are annotated below.

· New Year’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· President’s Day

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving Day

· Christmas Day

· Any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday

3.5 INTERFERENCE TO NORMAL FUNCTION:

Contractor may be required to interrupt their work at any time so as not to interfere with the normal functioning of the facility, including utility services, fire protection systems, and passage of facility patients, personnel, equipment and carts. In the event of an emergency, contractor services may be stopped and rescheduled at no additional cost to the government.

3.6 SCOPE OF CONTRACT AND CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS

The final contract will stipulate the responsibilities of the contractor and/or the government. The contractor and the government are required to adhere to the scope of the finalized contract. Any and all modifications shall be initiated and approved by the contracting officer. The contractor shall not receive payment for any work/services/deliverables that are/were not specifically authorized under the contract (as written or as modified).

4. CONTRACTOR STAFF/PERSONNEL QUALFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

4.1. All personnel performing work and executing services/deliverables shall possess the necessary capabilities, qualifications, and experience necessary to execute the specific tasks in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). No unqualified individuals shall perform work which is covered under the scope of the finalized contract at any time during the performance period.

The following requirements/stipulations are mandatory for contractors/contractor personnel (i.e. Inspectors, Chemical Applicators, and/or Technicians)

· Contractor shall be appropriately licensed and permitted in the State of Mississippi to perform pest control services, including wood destroying insect evaluation and control. (Only EPA and Mississippi Department of Agriculture approved pesticides and equipment shall be used during the performance of services).

· The contractor and personnel assigned to this contract shall be certified, licensed, and permitted to use pesticides for each given State (to include having current knowledge and recent experience in the commercial application of pest control treatments and execution of pest control services).

· Appropriate certifications and licenses to perform yearly inspection for termite infestation and treatment if required by the facility

· Basic proficiency in speaking and writing English.

· While on VA premises, all contractor personnel shall comply with the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of personnel and the operation of the facility. This includes but is not limited to wearing/displaying identification badges and identifiable uniforms which specifies the company they are working for.

· Contractor will ensure that employees assigned to this service contract have had a general background check. Employees that cannot meet security and clearance requirements shall not be allowed to perform work under this contract.

· It is the responsibility of the contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas while on site. Parking arrangements shall be coordinated between the government and contractor at the beginning of the performance period before work begins. (The medical facility/government will not/does not validate or make reimbursement for parking violations for contractor personnel under any circumstances).

SITE SPECIFIC REQUIRMENTS (ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS)

· Certification required for all applicators is Industrial, Institutional, Structural, and Health Related certificate acceptable to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry

· The vendor firm must hold a General Pest and Rodent Control License issue by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry

· Technicians used who are not certified will have the appropriate Technician's Card issued by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry. Evidence of such card for technicians will be provided.

· Comply with the pest control operations for the State Mississippi (Pesticide Laws and Regulations INSECT CONTROL)

5.0 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PLAN

Contractor’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan shall address and mitigate pest control issues for the facility within the scope described herein. The IPM consists of the following deliverables described below. Contractor’s IPM is also subject to the following conditions and stipulations that are referenced in this section. In addition to Section 5.0, Contractor personnel who are executing the IPM and performing services under the IPM must meet or exceed the requirements as contained in Section 4 of this PWS.

An Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) is not just routine application of pesticides, but rather a process of initializing a program that determines the best method of application after a thorough inspection, monitoring, and reviewing the data collected regarding the pest, so as to put in place control measures for environmentally safe treatment. Therefore, it is the government’s expectation that a contractor has knowledge and expertise regarding the methodologies of an IPM and how to best execute such an IPM in a medical center/hospital environment.

5.1 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PLAN COVERAGE AREAS

The Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) will cover/encompass the buildings, levels/floors, and rooms that are annotated in Table A – Coverage Areas for IPM. When developing their Integrated Pest Management Plan for the facility contractors shall refer to Table A to ensure that their plan provides the appropriate and necessary pest management, controls, and prevention that is required for these areas. Approximately 600,000 square feet of coverage will be needed from the contractor’s Integrated Pest Management Plan when implemented.

5.2 DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PLAN

PESTS INCLUDED:

1. General structural arthropod pests (i.e., cockroaches, ants, carpet beetles, spiders, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and any other arthropod pests not specifically excluded from this contract).

2. Flying insect pests (i.e., housefly, stable fly, blow flies, etc.).

3. Predatory pests (i.e., lice, bedbugs, fleas, mites, ticks, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, scorpions, etc.)

See additional comments below regarding bedbugs

4. Stored product pests (i.e., saw tooth grain beetle, red confused flour beetle, trogderma beetles, grain moths etc.)

5. Mice and Rats (i.e., house mouse, field mouse, roof rat, Norway rats, etc.)

6. Pest birds (i.e., pigeons, sparrows, blackbirds, etc.)

7. Other vertebrate pests (i.e., dogs, cats, bats, squirrels, gophers, moles, skunks, snakes, rabbits, raccoons, etc.).

8. Aquatic pests (i.e., mosquito larva/pupae, algae etc.).

9. Wood destroying organisms (i.e. Winged termite warmers, subterranean termites, dry wood termites, fungi, wood boring beetles, etc.)

See additional comments below regarding termites

Bedbugs are included in the contractor’s IPM for this requirement. See contractor requirement for bedbugs below.

· Bed Bugs – The Contractor shall employ the latest technology to eradicate bed bug infestation applicable to medical care facilities. Treatment will occur on a needed basis.

· Upon notice of a treatment, Contractor shall be able to provide treatment within four (4) hours of notification. Reasonable exceptions will be made for cases such as adverse weather or restriction of accessed by the Medical Center that are beyond a Contractor’s direct control. See Section 5.4. EMERGENCY CALLS (CALL BACKS).

Termites are included in the contractor’s IPM for this requirement. See contractor requirements for termites below.

· Contractor shall perform yearly inspection for termite infestation, treatment and must have appropriate certifications and licenses to perform such work.

· Preferred month for inspection: APRIL Inspection Services

· Upon initial service requirement the contractor shall make an assessment to determine if a particular location needs a weekly inspection services to address or mitigate issues relating to termites.

**Portable vacuums are the preferred method used for initial cleanouts of cockroach infestations, for swarming (winged) ants and termites, and for control of spiders in webs wherever appropriate.

PESTS EXCLUDED:

1). Pests that primarily damage outdoor vegetation

5.3 GENERAL CONSTRAINTS (which apply during execution of IPM)

Listed below are operation, service performance, bait, and pesticide constraints that apply to all locations being serviced under the contractor’s Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM).

a. Operation Constraints: As described in Section 3.3 and 3.4 of this PWS work is to be performed during normal business hours (excluding federal holidays) unless specifically authorized/approved in advance.

b. Service Performance Constraints

i. The Contractor shall observe all safety precautions throughout the performance of this contract

ii. All work shall comply with the applicable requirements of Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910, 29 CFR 1926, and 40 CFR

iii. The Contractor shall provide routine pest control services that do not adversely affect patients and employee health or productivity during the regular hours of operation in buildings.

iv. All work shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and municipal safety and health requirements. Where there is a conflict between applicable regulations, the most stringent will apply.

v. Adhere to the requirements for entering restricted areas. Contractor shall contract COR prior to going into these areas.

vi. The contractor shall determine the need for and provide any personal protective items required for the safe performance of work.

vii. Protective clothing, equipment, and devices shall, as a minimum, conform to United States (U.S.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for the products being used.

viii. Contractor shall adhere to all isolation precaution requirements, when need arise to perform service in patient care areas.

ix. Contractor shall not store or mix pesticides on Veterans Administration (VA) property

c. Bait and Pesticides Constraints

i. When applicable, an “eco-sensitive” approach to pest control is applied.

ii. All pesticides used by the Contractor shall be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Transport, handling and use of all pesticides shall be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s label instructions and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

iii. Adherence to Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

iv. The Contractor shall not apply any pesticide product that has not been approved in writing by the COR.

v. Pesticide application shall be used/applied according to need.

vi. Contractor shall employ the least hazardous material, most precise application technique, and minimum quantity of pesticide that is necessary to achieve desired results.

vii. USE OF THE HERBICIDE 2, 4-D IS PROHIBITED ON VA PROPERTY BY NATIONAL VA POLICY

viii. Non-chemical methods (spraying) shall be used to the maximum extent practicable.

ix. Contractor shall notify COR of affected areas prior to spraying

x. Application of insecticides to exposed surfaces or as space sprays (including fogs, mists, fumigation, and ultra-low volume applications) shall be restricted to unique situations where no alternative measures are practical. The Contractor shall obtain the approval of the COR prior to any application of insecticide to an exposed surface or any space spray treatment. No surface application or space spray shall be made while tenant personnel are present. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to ensure patient and employee safety, and all necessary steps to ensure the containment of the pesticide to the site of application.

xiii. Application of insecticide shall not be visible to a bystander during or after the application processes.

d. Rodent Control Constraints

i. Rodent control inside occupied buildings shall be accomplished with trapping devices only.

ii. Contractor shall obtain the approval of the COR prior to making any interior rodenticide treatment.

iii. All Rodenticides, shall be placed either in locations not accessible to children, pets, wildlife, and domestic animals, or in EPA approved tamper- resistant bait boxes.

Liability: The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable regulations pertaining to the health and safety of personnel during the execution of work.

Government Responsibilities

1). The COR, with the assistance of the (Green Environment Management System) GEMS Coordinator or Chief, Environmental Management Services (EMS) ensure the contractor compliance with VHA Directive 1850.02 Pest Management Operations (Dated 2017).

2). Any action required for correction as specified in Section 5 (b). The COR shall take the needed action to correct the problem.

3). Provide escort in restricted areas or when applicable.

4). Any trapping devices employed, shall be checked by COR, between the contractor’s visit.

5). COR will document all unscheduled services within scope of the contract performance (Emergency and Non-Emergency calls).

5.4 EMERGENCY CALLS (CALL BACKS):

· The contractor shall provide same day emergency service (for areas occupied by or accessible to patients) when notified by the government on or before 12:00 Noon on that day. Emergency calls that are received after 12:00 Noon shall be serviced the following day (including weekends and holidays).

· Contractor shall report to the facility within four (4) hours after notification for same day service calls.

· During the performance period of the contract the contractor or his/her designee/alternate must be accessible/reachable by the government in the event that an emergent condition needs to be addressed at the facility.

*ALL Emergency services within scope of the final contract shall have prior approval by the COR. Any services performed that were not previously approved by the COR may result in NO Payment by the government to the contractor.

5.5 ADMINISTRATIVE DUTY REQUIREMENTS (ADR) AND CONTRACTOR REPORTING

The Contractor shall develop a recording system or plan to address the following in a hardcover format, at the location listed above. These records shall be kept on-site at each location and maintained on each visit by the Contractor:

a. The Contractor shall provide current labels and Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) of all pesticides to be used and their application, along with equipment used to apply.

b. Additional SDS shall be provided anytime a new pesticide is used or an updated SDS is provided to the

i. Certification document for each contractor personnel applying and/or treatment of pesticides -Updated as needed (i.e. new personnel, certification/license renewal, etc.)

The Contractor shall receive the concurrence of the COR prior to implementing any subsequent changes to the system, including additional or replacement pesticides and on-site personnel.

5.6 ONGOING SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

a. A certified applicator or Technician who reports to a certification applicator who remains at the contractor’s office is not allowed. Non-certified technicians may only work under the supervision of a certified applicator that is ON-SITE during pest control servicing and personally directing all pest control activities occurring.

b. Contractor must advise Medical Center of any non-pest control actions that need to be taken such as sealing cracks, pickup of spilled food, etc.

c. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposing of all trapped rodents and all rodent carcasses off-site, in accordance with local, country, or state regulations. While on Veterans Administration (VA) premises, all contractor personnel shall comply with the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of personnel and the operation of the facility.

5.7 EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FLY PROGRAM

In addition to the insect control requirements contained within the IPM, a separate Exterior and Interior Fly Program is needed at the facility.

Table 1 (below) specifies the coverage areas for this program. Locations 1 thru 12 specify where fly light units/kits are currently located. Location 13 specifies where fly light units/kits could be needed in the future at the facility.

TABLE 1 – EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FLY LIGHT COVERAGE AREAS

5.8 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FLY PROGRAM

For the areas listed in Table 1 the government will remove the fly light units/kits that are currently in these areas. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to do the following:

1. Install new exterior and interior fly light units/kits in the areas specified in Table 1. (For the areas not known or specified the contractor shall install new units/kits in these areas when these areas have been identified).

2. Once installation of new fly light units/kits are complete, the contractor shall monitor performance to ensure continual and uninterrupted operation (i.e. replacing bulbs and other accessories).

3. Contractor will clean/empty catch basins and tray areas of the units as well as dispose of any replaced bulbs offsite. (Fly lights are hazardous waste and must be disposed of by the contractor).

NARA Records Management Language Clause

The following standard items relate to records generated in executing the contract and should be included in a typical contract:

1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

4. G.V. Sonny Montgomery VAMC (GVSMVAMC) and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of [Agency] or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to [Agency]. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Contractor personnel shall sign VA Form 10-0708 “Employee Clearance from Indebtedness” before resigning or termination from Contractor working for GVSMVAMC and Facility Records Officer must sign form. A copy of completed signed VA Form 10-0708 (Contractor personnel and Facility Records Officer signatures) shall be place in each competency folder. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to [Agency] control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and [Agency] guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with GVSMVAMC policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public GVSMVAMC information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

9. The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

10. The GVSMVAMC owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which GVSMVAC shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take [Agency]-provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training. TMS (Talent Management System) course VA 4192704: “Records Management for Everyone” [Note: To the extent an agency requires contractors to complete records management training, the agency must provide the training to the contractor.]