01_SolicitationDocument_65IIA_R10_20190308.docx

01 - SOLICITATION DOCUMENT

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CLAUSES,

PROVISIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS PERTINENT

TO THIS SOLICITATION.

READ THIS DOCUMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY.

DO NOT RETURN THIS DOCUMENT

WITH YOUR OFFER.

01 – Solicitation Document

RFP-797-FSS-99-0025-R10

CP-20

NOTICE CONCERNING SOLICITATION

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DUE DATE: None (open and continuous)

NATIONAL ACQUISITION CENTER (003B6B)

P.O. BOX 76, Bldg. 37 1st Avenue, 1 Block North of Cermak

HINES, IL 60141

CP-FSS-1-C (MAY 2000) Standing Solicitation No. RFP-797-FSS-99-0025-R10 (Refreshed 3/8/2019)

WORLDWIDE FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE CONTRACT

FOR

FSC GROUP 65, PART II, SECTION A

COMMODITY: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

FSC CLASS(ES) PRODUCT CODE(S):

6515 – Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies 6510 – Surgical Dressing Materials 6530 – Hospital Furniture, Equipment, Utensils, and Supplies 6532 – Hospital and Surgical Clothing and Related Special Purpose Items 6540 – Ophthalmic Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies 6545 – Replenishable Field Medical Sets, Kits, and Outfits J065 – Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment – Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment & Supply ANY INFORMATION THAT MAY BE DESIRED ON THIS PARTICULAR SOLICITATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISSUING OFFICE ADDRESS SHOWN HEREIN.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

READ ME FIRST

Important Criteria to Consider:

ADDITIONAL COVER PAGES

Part I – TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO GOODS AND SERVICES

Part II – CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS_________________________ 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) (Tailored) 5 Clauses for Addendum 52.212-4:

552.212-71 Contract Terms and Conditions Applicable to GSA Acquisition of

552.216-70 Economic Price Adjustment—FSS Multiple Award Schedule Contracts

CI-FSS-056 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 51 Deviation Authority (Federal

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 46 Part III – VENDOR INSTRUCTIONS_________________________________ 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 52

PROVISIONS FOR ADDENDUM 52.212-1:

Part IV – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR CONTRACT AWARD________________ 552.212-73 Evaluation—Commercial Items (Multiple Award Schedule) (Aug 1997) 63 Part V – OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATION________________

ADDENDUM: REGULATIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

INCORPORATED UNDER 52.212-4:

52.202-1 Definitions (Nov 2013) 78

INCORPORATED UNDER 52.212-5:

52.232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Other Than System for Award Management

INCORPORATED UNDER 552.212-71:

INCORPORATED UNDER 552.212-72:

READ ME FIRST

DOING BUSINESS WITH VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates a nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), data processing centers, and National Cemeteries, all of which require a broad spectrum of goods and services. These goods and services are purchased on a national, regional, and local level – so no matter how large or small your business, VA is a potential customer. The VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Program establishes long-term governmentwide contracts that allow VA and other government agencies to acquire a vast array of medical equipment and supplies directly from commercial suppliers.

IS A VA FSS CONTRACT RIGHT FOR YOU?

VA awards contracts to responsible companies offering commercial items at fair and reasonable prices. Contracting Officers determine whether prices are fair and reasonable by comparing the prices/discounts that a company offers the government with the prices/discounts offered to commercial customers; this practice is commonly known as “most favored customer” pricing. In order to make this comparison, VA requires offerors to furnish commercial pricelists and disclose information regarding their commercial pricing/discounting practices.

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR A VA FSS CONTRACT?

To qualify for a VA FSS contract you should:

1. Be able to demonstrate that your firm is responsible.

2. Complete the GSA “Pathway to Success” education seminar. Submit a copy of the certificate of completion with your proposal. Please note that this is only required for new offerors without an existing FSS contract.

3. Meet all the requirements of the solicitation.

4. Be able to fulfill all contract obligations outlined in the solicitation.

Contact the VA FSS Help Desk to discuss your firm’s eligibility!

IMPORTANT CRITERIA TO CONSIDER

Assess Your Competition It is recommended that you identify and assess your competition prior to submitting a proposal. This task can be completed by reviewing the Contract Catalog Search Tool, GSA eLibrary or GSA Advantage. These websites contain information regarding the supplies and services that current VA FSS contractors already offer. Your review of the competition should include: competitor’s pricing, delivery times, warranty terms, services, and any other elements that make their offering distinct when compared to your own.

Best Value Determination Schedule buyers award task/delivery orders to FSS contractors based upon a “best value” determination. In FAR 2.101, best value is defined as the “expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.”

Factors that may be considered when making a best value determination include (but are not limited to):

· Price

· Special features of the service or supply required for effective performance

· Past performance records

· Quality of the proposed solutions and cost differences

· Trade-in considerations

· Warranty

· Delivery terms

· Expertise of the offeror

· Socioeconomic status Minimum Sales Criteria VA expects all FSS contractors to exceed $25,000 in sales within the first two years after contract award and $25,000 each succeeding year in order to retain your VA FSS contract. You should consider the difficulty you may have in meeting this performance requirement if your company is newly established or has low sales of the services/supplies you want to offer to the Government. If you decide to submit an offer under the VA FSS program, it is suggested that you draft a business plan covering how you intend to meet this performance requirement.

GETTING ON SCHEDULE

Once you’ve determined that a VA FSS contract is in your company’s best interest you will need to submit an offer for contract award. While not all firms are awarded VA FSS contracts, the VA FSS program is open to all responsible offerors. To be considered for contract award, you must demonstrate that your firm is responsible and is able to meet all Schedule program requirements, including price reasonableness. By following the best practices and understanding the review and award processes discussed in this document, vendors will be well equipped to submit a quality offer and negotiate to receive a Schedule contract.

Prior to submitting a proposal, interested companies should:

1. Choose the Schedule program that best aligns to the supplies and/or services your company wants to offer. Select the appropriate solicitation number to be linked directly to the solicitation files. Download the solicitation, including all corresponding documents, and follow the instructions for completion.

2. Read the entire Schedule solicitation thoroughly and respond to all requirements.

3. Make sure all offered line items fall within the scope of the Schedule solicitation.

4. Make sure the company is financially sound.

5. Be ready to negotiate the company’s best offer.

Other helpful hints:

(1) Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, also known as the unique entity identifier.

(2) Register in the System for Acquisition Management (SAM). Vendors must be registered in SAM prior to the award of the Schedule contract (see FAR 52.204-7). Contractors that complete electronic annual representations and certifications via SAM must update as necessary, but at least annually, to ensure they are kept current, accurate, and complete.

(3) Submit all required documents including Manufacturer Letter of Supply and proof of insurance as required.

BEST PRACTICES

Key Elements of a Successful Offer:

Ensuring these key elements are included in your proposal may expedite the review and award process:

· Scope – Are the supplies/services within the scope of the Schedule? See the Scope of Solicitation section in the Vendor Response Document 02.

· Past Performance – Does your firm meet its commitments and responsibilities?

· Financial Capability – Is your firm financially sound?

· Pricing – Is your proposed pricing competitive with current market conditions?

· Subcontracting Plan – Required if your firm is considered “other than a small business” and if the estimated value of the contract exceeds $700,000 (including all option periods).

· Other Regulatory Compliance – Is your firm debarred? Are all registration requirements complete? See the Contractor Responsibilities page for a complete list of all required registrations.

Your regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) offers a wide range of assistance (most free of charge) through one-on-one counseling, classes, seminars, and matchmaking events. Contact your local PTAC for help in

· Determining your firm’s suitability for contracting

· Proposal preparation

· Securing necessary registrations and socioeconomic registrations

· Researching procurement histories

· Networking

· Identifying bid opportunities

· Contract performance issues

· Preparing for audit

PROPOSAL REVIEW & AWARD PROCESS

Review & Award Process

The goal of this review process is to ensure the vendor is responsible, the Government is receiving a fair and reasonable price, and that any potential contract award is in the best interest of the Government.

Process Time In general, proposals will be reviewed and, if applicable, awarded within six (6) months from the time they are assigned to a Contract Specialist. To further discuss the review process, please contact your assigned contract specialist or the FSS Help Desk. Well prepared offers with competitive pricing are easier to evaluate and, therefore, may expedite the award process. The offer process time can vary depending on:

· The timeliness of your responses to requests for clarification or additional information

· The quality and completeness of the proposal and subsequent clarification responses

· Complexity of the proposal, including number of line items offered

· Quality assurance reviews

TRAINING

Required Training New offerors without an existing FSS contract must successfully complete GSA’s Pathway to Success at GSA’s Vendor Education Center and include a copy of the certificate with their proposal. This seminar is designed to assist prospective Schedule contractors in making an informed business decision as to whether obtaining a GSA Schedule contract is in their best interests.

Please note that the individual whose name appears on the course completion certificate must be an officer of the company and also be designated as an authorized negotiator. This designation is made at K-FSS-1 Authorized Negotiators, located in the Vendor Response section of Document 02. The course must be completed within one year of the date of your proposal (the date listed on the SF 1449).

Recommended Training The VA FSS Service offers extensive training presentations on our VA FSS Training web page. Under our “Webinars” section, you will find presentations outlining the steps involved in getting a VA Schedule contract. These presentations describe:

· How to submit an offer

· How to effectively negotiate your offer

· The post-award contract administration process and reporting requirements

· FSS electronic tools Please utilize the two solicitation guides found in the “Solicitation Assistance” section of our VA FSS Training page. These guides will provide step-by-step instructions for completing the Vendor Response and Commercial Sales Practices sections of the solicitation and will assist you with submitting a more accurately prepared proposal.

Additionally, the FSS Training page offers best practice tip sheets offering information on the various aspects of the VA Schedules program.

GSA offers numerous in-person and virtual training sessions that provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of acquisition vehicles and policies. Visit the GSA Interact Training page as well as GSA’s YouTube channel and Schedule podcast offerings! Additional training is offered by the GSA Vendor Support Center.

Additional Information While VA provides its Government customers with training in “Using VA Schedules,” including information on the benefits of the Schedules Program, VA does not promote the use of any company’s specific Schedule contract. Vendors should be aware that obtaining a VA Schedule contract is not a guarantee of sales. Vendors awarded a VA Schedule contract will need to market their supplies and services to Government customers as they would to commercial customers.

Contact Us Contact the FSS Help Desk for additional information on submitting a proposal or on the VA FSS review and award process!

ADDITIONAL COVER PAGES

ATTENTION!

Offerors are hereby advised to read the entire solicitation document and retain a copy for your records. Offerors will be held accountable and responsible for complying with all of the provisions and clauses located herein. As set forth under the solicitation checklist (see Vendor Response Document 02), offerors need only submit completed applicable sections and supporting documentation. However, all clauses and provisions, including those set forth in this Solicitation Document will be incorporated into the contract award with full force and effect. We do not accept hard copy offers; all offers must be submitted electronically. Please consult our Electronic Acceptance of FSS Offers/Proposals web page for more information.

CP-FSS-2 SIGNIFICANT CHANGES (OCT 1988)

The attention of the offeror is invited to the following changes made since the issuance of the last solicitation for supplies/services covered herein:

(1) Regulations / Special Language Changes - Additions, deletions updates, and revisions since the previous solicitation (RFP-797-FSS-99-0025-R9), issued September 2013, and its subsequent amendments.

Removed:

52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence to Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2007) 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Oct 2010) 52.203-15 Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011) 52.212-5 Contract Terms & Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Alternate II – Oct 2015) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011, Alternate I – Nov 2011) 52.222-1 Notice to the Government of Labor Disputes (Feb 1997) 552.238-76 Definition (Federal Supply Schedules) - Recovery Purchasing (Feb 2007) 552.238-80 Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by Certain Entities - Recovery Purchasing (Feb 2007, Tailored) 852.219-71 VA Mentor-Protégé Program (Dec 2009) 852.203-71 Display of Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline Poster (Dec 1992) A-FSS-31 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 1988) A-FSS-35 Exceptions to Clause 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Nov 2002) AS1508 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2005) CP-FSS-4-A Solicitation Copies (Mar 1996, Tailored) ACH Vendor Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form and Instructions American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Program Participation Med-Surge Prime Vendor Program Participation (Sep 2011) Pre-Market Approval (Formerly AS215) (Aug 2000) Regulatory Requirement Provisions (Formerly AS1904) (Aug 2000, Tailored) Supplemental Commercial Sales Practices Total Small Business Set-Aside for Sins A-13a and A-13c

Added:

52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Jul 2016) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Jul 2016) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Jun 2016) 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal (Jan 2017) 52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) 52.207-6 Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Oct 2016) 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000, Tailored) 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards - Price Adjustment (Multiple Year Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Certification (May 2014) 52.222-55 Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015) 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) 52.223-20 Aerosols (Jun 2016) 52.223-21 Foams (Jun 2016) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (May 2014) 52.242-5 Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) 52.246-2 Inspection of Supplies – Fixed Price (Aug 1996) 552.238-79 Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by Non-Federal Entities (Jul 2016) Alternate Contact for Contract Administration (Aug 2017) General Terms and Conditions Applicable to Rental (Nov 2018) Medical Devices (Aug 2017) Ordering Contact (Mar 2018) Scope of Solicitation (Nov 2018) SIN A-200: Additional Representations / Requirements (Nov 2018) Warranty and Return Goods Policy (Aug 2017) Updated/Revised:

52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 52.212-5 Contract Terms & Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Exec. Orders - Commercial Items (Oct 2018) 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984) 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018, Alternate II – Nov 2016) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Jan 2017) 52.222-19 Child Labor - Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2018) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) 52.223-11 Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (Aug 2018) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 552.211-78 Commercial Delivery Schedule (Multiple Award Schedule) (Feb 1996, Tailored, Notes) 552.211-89 Non-Manufactured Wood Package Material for Export (Jul 2016) 552.212-71 Contract Terms and Conditions Applicable to GSA Acquisition of Commercial Items (Jun 2016) 552.212-72 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to GSA Acquisition of Commercial Items (Jun 2015) 552.219-71 Notice to Offerors of Subcontracting Plan Requirements (Oct 2016, Tailored) 552.219-72 Preparation, Submission, and Negotiation of Subcontracting Plans (Oct 2016, Tailored) 552.238-71 Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelists (Jul 2016, Tailored) 552.238-74 Industrial Funding Fee and Sales Reporting (Jan 2016, Tailored) 552.238-75 Price Reductions (Jul 2016) 552.238-78 Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities) (Jul 2016, Tailored) 552.238-81 Modification (Federal Supply Schedule) (Apr 2015, Alt I - Jun 2016, Tailored) 852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities (Apr 1984) A-FSS-11 Consideration of Offers under Standing Solicitation (Jan 2016, Tailored) CP-FSS-2 Significant Changes (Oct 1988) CSP-1 (Tailored, Notes – Aug 2017) F-FSS-202-G Delivery Prices (Jan 1994, Note) I-FSS-600 Contract Price Lists (Oct 2016, Tailored) I-FSS-644 Dealers and Suppliers (Oct 1988, Notes – Mar 2018) Additional Discounts / Concessions Offered to the Government (Nov 2018) Agent Authorization (Mar 2018) Business Size Determination & NAICS Code Designation (Aug 2017) Compliance Confirmation (Oct 2018) Continuation of SF1449 Direct-to-Patient Distribution Program Participation (Apr 2018) Instructions for Pre-Award Review Process (Aug 2017) Minimum Acceptable Order Proposal (Aug 2016) Notice Regarding Schedule Sales (Feb 2019), formerly Notice Regarding Prime Vendor Sales & Distribution and Pricing Agreements (DAPA) Pricelist Proposal Preparation (Doc 03 Excel Spreadsheet) Proposed Pricing – Required Format Signatory Authority (Mar 2018) Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Nov 2018) Utilization of Dealers/Distributors (Aug 2017)

(2) Scope of Solicitation – Please see our new Scope of Solicitation located in Vendor Response Document 02 after the Continuation of SF1449.

(3) Electronic Acceptance of Offers (Aug 2017) - Beginning on January 1, 2015, VA FSS ceased accepting paper offers and began the acceptance of electronic offers. Any paper offers will be returned without consideration. The following protocol must be followed to avoid the return of your offer.

· File Format

· Fill-in documents may be submitted as Word or pdf documents. However, documents requiring a wet signature must be submitted separately in a pdf format if the offeror chooses to submit the fill-in documents in Word.

· Excel files should be submitted in their original Excel format.

· EMail Address: All potential contractors are required to submit an FSS offer electronically to vafssoffers@va.gov.

· eMail Subject Line: Identify in the subject line FSS-Offer-Schedule ID-Company Name.

· eMail Attachments: We can no longer accept zip files which may require you to submit your offer files in multiple e-mails. It is essential that you identify the number of emails you are sending in the subject line to ensure that we receive your entire offer.

EXAMPLE: FSS-Offer-Schedule ID-Company Name-1 of # (FSS-Offer 65IIA-ABC Medical – 1 of 4)

· CD-ROM: CD-ROM will only be accepted if your proposal is so large that it can’t be compressed and it is unmanageable to send multiple emails. Any offer where the Document 03 - Proposed Price List exceeds 5MB shall be submitted on CD in its entirety. Submission of offers on thumb drives is prohibited and will be rejected and returned.

· Documents Requiring Signature: Documents requiring signature include, but are not limited to, SF-1449, Signatory Authority, letters of supply, etc. Please note that the Signatory Authority Form and SF1449 signature date must be no later than 10 calendar days from submission of the proposal. Failure to comply with this date restriction will result in your proposal being returned to you without further consideration. Please also note that we cannot accept digital/electronic signatures at this time, including .jpeg or other picture formats of signatures inserted into the document. Please apply a wet signature and submit a pdf copy of the signed document.

(4) 508 Compliance Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. With the requirement to submit all VA FSS offers electronically, effective January 1, 2015, you must ensure that all of the documents (e.g. Microsoft word documents, pdf documents, Excel files, etc.) you submit as part of your proposal are 508 compliant. A guide to 508 compliance for electronic documents is found on the Section508.gov website at https://www.section508.gov/content/build/create-accessible-documents. This guide provides information on formatting and testing and includes helpful checklists. You can find further information on Section 508 standards at https://www.section508.gov/content/learn/standards. This standards web page also includes a Quick Reference Guide to Section 508.

(5) Financial Services Center (FSC) Mandatory Electronic Invoice Submission Program The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on November 27, 2012 (https://federalregister.gov/a/2012-28612), to require contractors to submit payment requests in electronic form in order to enhance customer service, departmental productivity, and adoption of innovative information technology, including the appropriate use of commercial best practices. The rule was effective December 27, 2012, and it will apply only to orders placed by VA ordering activities.

Benefits of e-Invoicing Electronic invoicing offers simple and secure solutions, complying with HIPAA, to eliminate the cost and time of processing paper invoices. The benefits of e-Invoicing include:

· Delivery of invoices directly into the FSC payment system and routed nationally for approval

· Elimination of mail processing time, postage, and invoice receipt inquires

· Elimination of data error and lost or misplaced invoices

· Verification of invoice receipt or rejection through automated notification reports

· No installation of hardware or software required VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission, a free invoice submission process. The Tungsten system conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site is found at http://www.x12.org.

Vendor e-Invoice Set-Up Information While most VA Vendors already use Tungsten, new vendors can contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address below to begin submitting their electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If they have question about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

· Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

· Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

· FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

· FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov Additional Information:

http://www.tungsten-network.com/VeteransAffairs/ http://www.fsc.va.gov/FSC/FSC/Tungsten_Support_Videos_Ref_2014.pdf

(4) Prime Vendor Sales: Sales to a Government prime vendor that are ultimately shipped to a Federal Government activity qualify as FSS sales; therefore, these sales (except those ordered under a Department of Defense Distribution and Pricing Agreement) must be reported as FSS sales and the IFF collected and remitted.

CP-FSS-3 NOTICE: REQUESTS FOR EXPLANATION OR INFORMATION (MAR 1996)

Oral or written requests for explanation or information regarding this solicitation should be directed to:

Dept. of Veterans Affairs, National Acquisition Center (003B6B) P.O. Box 76 1st Avenue, 1 Block North of Cermak Rd., Bldg. 37 Hines, IL 60141 Phone: FSS Helpdesk (708) 786-7737 E-mail: FSS Helpdesk helpdesk.ammhinFSS@va.gov

CP-FSS-19 PRICING (DEC 1998) FSS A/L FC-98-2

Offerors are advised that separate pricing may be submitted for different countries if separate pricing is consistent with the offeror’s commercial sales practice.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRE-AWARD REVIEW PROCESS (AUG 2017)

All offers may be subject to a pre-award review at the discretion of the Contracting Officer (CO). A pre-award review will be requested from the Office of Contract Review (OCR) within the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General for all offers with an estimated contract value (for a 10-year contract period) that exceeds $3,000,000 per year for a total of $30,000,000 for the base contract period plus the 5-year option period.

The purpose of performing a pre-award review is to assist the CO in making a determination as to the reasonableness of the offer. This is accomplished by reviewing the contractor’s proposal and additional documents to: (i) determine if the proposal and the supporting data are accurate, complete, and current; (ii) verify the contractor is offering the government most favored commercial customer (MFC) discounts; (iii) verify the validity of disclosed information relating to rebates, incentive programs, and other concessions: and, (iv) address other issues as deemed necessary by the CO or OCR. To help facilitate the process, the CO will notify the Offeror of those proposals forwarded to OCR for a pre-award review. OCR will contact the Offeror and issue a Request for Information for those reviews accepted by OCR. The Offeror is expected to provide the requested data and documents to OCR within 15 business days. Delays in receiving this information will delay the pre-award review process and could ultimately delay the negotiations and award of a contract under this solicitation.

Request for Electronic Data To respond to a pre-award review, you will be required to submit certain data, including sales transaction data. The sales transaction should include all products sold to all customers for the 6-month (minimum) period as determined by OCR. The transactions will include all transactions for FSS customers and non-FSS customers. This data must reconcile to your financial accounting records. The data should include all direct and indirect sales, if applicable. The direct and indirect sales can be provided in separate data tables. Although not required, it will expedite the process, if all data tables use the same record layout leaving fields that do not apply blank.

Please provide a record layout for the data describing field position, length, format (e.g. numeric, number of decimals, alpha, etc.) and a descriptive field name. We will need complete descriptions of all codes used in the data. Below is a sample record layout which describes the types of information needed in the electronic data. After reviewing this information, OCR suggests a discussion take place regarding the specifics of your data prior to extracting the data for the review.

Acceptable media/methods: CD-ROM, DVD, Internet Download; E-Mail (PGP Encryption available) Acceptable formats: ASCII Text (fixed width or delimited); Excel Sample Record Layout:

METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT

Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418) designates the metric system of measurement as the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce. It requires that each Federal agency use the metric system of measurement in its procurements, grants and other business-related activities. Offerors are advised that the use of the metric system of measurement is highly encouraged and that offers should be provided utilizing the metric system of measurement.

Offerors are also advised that, at the ordering activity level or as a result of a standardization effort, they may be required to submit all units of measure for products offered utilizing the metric system of measurement, or they may be required to identify the conversion on a separate document.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please pay particular attention to all italicized, bolded notes. Several clauses have been limited in application to direct delivery orders or have been adapted to fit with the operations of the Government Prime Vendor (PV) program.

CP-17

PART I – TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO GOODS AND SERVICES

CONTINUATION OF SF-1449 BLOCKS 19-21, SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

See Continuation of SF-1449 Blocks 19-21, Schedule of Items in Document 02 - Vendor Response.

C-FSS-427 ANSI STANDARDS (JUL 1991)

ANSI Standards cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (Tel: (212) 642-4900).

PRODUCT MODIFICATION, REMOVAL OR RECALL (JAN 2008) (TAILORED)

If any product awarded under this solicitation requires modification, is removed or recalled by the contractor or manufacturer due to defects in the product or potential dangers to patients, or if any required modification, removal or recall is suggested or mandated by a regulatory or official agency, the following steps will immediately be taken by the contractor or manufacturer:

a. Notify Chief, Federal Supply Schedule Service (003B6B), VA National Acquisition Center, P.O. Box 76, Building 37, Hines, IL 60141, in writing, by the most expeditious manner possible. Provide two copies of the notification, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(1) Complete item description and/or identification, order numbers from customers, and the contract number assigned as a result of an award on this solicitation.

(2) Reasons for modifications, removal or recall.

(3) Necessary instructions for return for credit, replacement or corrective action.

b. A copy of the notification in a. above shall be provided to:

c. Provide the information in a. above to all agencies and VA Facilities who purchased the product.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS (APR 2011)

Application software (e.g.: image acquisition, manipulation, reconstruction, analysis, display, etc.), and any Off the Shelf commercial Operating System (OS) necessary for operation and maintenance of the system being purchased, are to be provided by the contractor. The OS must be the latest major release currently available for purchase in the commercial marketplace or no older than one release prior to the latest major release. Application software updates compatible with the offered system's hardware shall be kept current at no cost to the Government as long as the equipment is in use in VA or any other Government agency health facility.

· For the purpose of this clause, updates are defined as all modifications to correct or improve system operation and current functions including known remedies for security vulnerabilities. Upgrades are defined as providing additional functions and will be made available for purchase.

· Updates that are bundled with upgrades shall be provided at no cost. The contractor may restrict added upgrade functions if restriction does not limit existing functions.

Modifications of software by the Government will not be made without prior consent of contractor.

· Government may move the application software and OS if the original hardware fails.

· Software and commercial OS provided must not be self-canceling, which is interpreted to mean the function of the software will not be stopped due to elapsing time or other condition not identified with the original equipment purchase. The prime contractor is responsible to ensure any third-party provided software is included in this restriction. No “renewable” licenses or agreements will be entered into by either the Contracting Officer or the using facility.

· Additionally, the Government shall have networking rights for all commercial computer software that it acquires through contracts and orders for equipment awarded under this solicitation. The Government shall be the licensee and all such software acquired shall be for a perpetual duration.

ACCEPTANCE/INSTALLATION/TRAINING (AUG 1998)

Product acceptance will normally be consummated upon delivery and, when applicable, product installation. In the event a device requires using personnel training and/or product demonstration, acceptance will be based upon the completion of these procedures.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO RENTAL (NOV 2018)

Please note that the Scope of Solicitation section of Vendor Response Document 02 contains the following restrictions on adding rental items under FSS contracts: Rental items may be proposed provided that the following conditions are met: 1) the offeror rents such items commercially in the normal course of business; 2) the proposed rental term of any task order does not exceed 12 months; and 3) the offeror must negotiate in good faith a rental agreement at the task order level with such agreement adhering to the parameters set forth below. When proposing rental items, the offeror must clearly identify the item as a rental in the Name/Product Description column of the price proposal spreadsheet (Document 03) and must state the period for the rental (e.g. “daily rental”, “monthly rental”, etc.).

Rental agreements will be negotiated at the base FSS contract level and/or at the task order level. The negotiated terms and conditions shall adhere to the parameters set forth below. Additional terms and conditions may be negotiated at the task order level based upon the specific needs of the Ordering Activity. However, please be advised that any negotiated rental agreement terms do not supersede the terms and conditions of the base FSS contract, including but not limited to terms related to acceptance/installation/training, software licensing, and protection of personally identifiable information. Additionally, If the contractor will have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) in the performance of an order, then a VA ordering activity may require the FSS contractor to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to be in compliance with privacy laws and VA contract security requirements and policies (as advised within this solicitation document at clause 52.216-18 Ordering).

I. STATEMENT

A. It is understood by all parties to this contract that this is a rental arrangement. Any arrangement exceeding 12 months should be treated as leasing and will be outside the scope of the FSS contract*.

B. Agencies are advised to follow the guidance provided in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 7.4 Equipment Leasing or Purchase and the guidelines provided in Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR) 101-25.5 Guidelines for Making Purchase or Lease Determinations to ascertain whether equipment should be acquired…