RFQ_36C10G23Q0025_FINAL.docx

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION 36C10G23Q0025 Page 21 of 81

SECTION A

A.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

A.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

Contracting Office Address:

Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics (OPAL) Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) 10300 Spotsylvania Ave, Suite 400 Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Description:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541990, with a small business size standard of $19.5M.

This solicitation is a Request For Quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-02 published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2023.

Type of Contract:

The Government will award a single vendor a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract that will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

Number of Contracts to be Awarded:

The Government intends to select one contractor for this acquisition. However, the Government reserves the right not to award a contract at all, depending on the quality of the proposals and prices submitted and the availability of funds.

Acquisition Office:

The Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics, Strategic Acquisition Center, 10300 Spotsylvania Ave, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

All interested companies shall provide proposal for the following Clinical Competency Assessment Services:

SECTION B

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

Contractor Name:

Point of Contact/Title:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Email:

DUNS Number:

Tax Identification Number (TIN):

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10G

Primary: Rodney Burgos, Rodney.BurgosCabassa@va.gov

Contact Specialist 36C10G Primary: Nicole Lowther, Nicole.Lowther@va.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OPAL Strategic Acquisition Center 10300 Spotsylvania Ave I STE 400 Fredericksburg VA 22408-2697

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

TBD

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic

Submission of Payment Requests.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-8917

5. FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION: Contractors are required to submit payment requests in electronic form in accordance with the submission instructions on next page.

TUNGSTEN ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Contracting POC: Nicole Lowther, Nicole.lowther@va.gov COR (Contracting Officers Representative): TBD Contract/Task Order Number: TBD Purchase Order Number: TBD

a. Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below.

1. 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. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

2. A system that 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 (http://www.x12.org)

b. Vendor e-invoice Set-Up Information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If you have question about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

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

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

3. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

4. FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

See https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp for more information.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

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B.2 PERFOMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Part 1. Scope of Work

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction:

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a national need for services of an external organization to assist in assessing clinical competence of privileged providers who have triggered a concern related to their ability to provide safe patient care. Examples of when external assessment may be requested would include, but not be limited to, providers who have not actively practiced clinical care during a period of investigation by VHA or who have had clinical care reviews with findings that raising concern of the provider’s clinical competence. The review and conclusions from the assessment center will be utilized by the requesting VHA facility to support privileging decisions including granting of privileges, denial or revocation of privileges, or need for unique and specific clinical performance monitoring. The external assessment agency must be nationally recognized, including endorsement and use by multiple state licensing boards, for provision of objective and comprehensive assessments for reviews from peers of the same specialty and occupation.

1.3 Objectives:

The objective of this requirement is to:

a. Establish a national contracting tool which may be utilized by individual VHA facilities when a privileged provider has been identified as potentially having clinical performance issues which cannot be safely and thoroughly evaluated through retrospective file reviews. (Note: this contract may also be utilized to assess clinical competence of Physician Assistants who are not privileged within VHA but who are credentialed through the medical staff process).

b. Provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of clinical practice of privileged providers for purposes of privileging decisions including reinstatement, renewal, revocation, or reduction.

c. Provide objective assessments from peers in the same training, specialty, and scope of practice. Assessment center must be able to provide assessments from Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Advance Practice Nurses.

d. Provide specialty assessments for Physicians by peers in specialties including, but not limited to, general surgery, urology, pain management, anesthesia, neurosurgery, cardio-thoracic surgery, general cardiology, interventional cardiology, gastroenterology, emergency medicine, primary care, psychiatry, neurology, and internal medicine.

e. Provide comprehensive analysis including neuro-cognitive testing, structured clinical interviews, simulated patient encounters, and simulations on machines to assess technical skills such as laparoscopy, endoscopy, anesthesia, open surgery, general surgery, and emergency medicine.

f. Provide assessments based upon tools for physicians will be based upon examinations put together by the National Board of Medical Examiners or the National Board of Osteopathic Examiners.

1.4 Scope:

Providers within occupations that are licensed to practice independently may be privileged at VHA facilities. The VHA facility where the provider is privileged is responsible for ongoing monitoring of all providers who are privileged and providing patient care to ensure safe patient care. If a provider triggers a concern related to the safety of their clinical practice, the respective VHA medical facility must complete a review of the provider’s clinical ability and use findings from the review to determine what action needs to be taken to ensure patient safety. Actions may include privileging actions (i.e., reduction or revocation of privileges) or establishing focused monitoring in specific aspects of the provider’s practice based upon findings from the clinical review.

Often reviews are conducted through retrospective chart reviews and documentation. However, retrospective chart reviews may not be comprehensive enough to truly assess a provider’s clinical competence and a more in depth assessment is needed to observe the provider performing a procedure(s), demonstrating knowledge of specialty specific techniques, and assessing clinical judgement in high acuity scenarios. These assessments must be performed in an environment which does not place patients in harm, such as performance of technical skills utilizing simulation.

VHA facilities will assess provider specific clinical concerns, available evidence, and information required to base privileging decisions after clinical competence concerns have been raised. If the facility requires an assessment of clinical competence beyond what can be objectively, efficiently, and safely reviewed internally within the agency, a request can be made for an external review through this contract. The decision to utilize this resource is a facility leadership decision.

The contractor will be expected to have ability to provide a wide-range of occupation and specialty specific assessments including physician assessments in specialties including, but not limited to, primary care, surgical subspecialties, medical subspecialties, anesthesia, and emergency medicine. The contractor must also have assessment ability for, and not limited to, Podiatrists, Physician Assistants and Advance Practice Nurses.

The contractor will perform a complete assessment which will include, but not be limited to, structured clinical interviews, simulated patient encounters, procedure simulations, clinical knowledge assessment, and neuro-cognitive screening. Upon completion of the assessment, the contractor will provide the facility with a comprehensive report which outlines findings from each component of the assessment and concluding statements.

1.5 Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one, 12-month base period and four, 12-month option periods. Option periods are exercised as required and are not guaranteed. The Period of Performance reads as follows:

1.6 Recognized Holidays:

The contractor is not required to perform services on the following Federal holidays.

Juneteenth

1.7 Hours of Operation:

The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 7:00AM and 5:00PM Monday thru Friday except federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

1.8 Place of Performance:

Providers may be assessed at the location of the assessment center if technical simulation is required, and virtual assessment is not possible. Determination of components of the assessment and location of assessment may vary depending upon the provider’s specialty, if technical simulation is required as part of the assessment, and where simulation equipment is located. If travel is required, the facility that is requesting the assessment will be responsible for funding of the provider’s travel and per diem.

1.9 Type of Contract:

This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Firm Fixed Priced (FFP) orders placed during the period of performance.

1.10 Security Requirements:

No specific security requirements are needed. The position sensitivity for this effort has been designated as LOW.

1.11 Physical Security:

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding government information provided for contractor use. No Government furnished equipment is provided.

1.12 Kick-off Award Conference:

Within 10 business days of contract award or Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and the Contracting Officer (CO) to conduct a Project Initiation/Kickoff meeting with VA. The meeting shall initiate the communication process between VA and the Contractor and shall be held via conference call. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the key contractor personnel performing work related to this requirement; provide an overview of requirement administration and reporting; Review contract, contractor and Government responsibilities and authority, and task order issuance, review significant dates; and complete any standard administrative issues.

1.13 Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

The COR will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration, per the contractor provided Performance / Quality Assurance Plan for quality monitoring.

A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially regarding changes in cost or price, or in estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.14 Contractor Travel:

Contractor will not be authorized travel expenses

Part 2. Government Furnished Items and Services

2.1 Government Provided Subject Matter Experts

n/a

Part 3. Specific Tasks

3.1 Assessment Requirements:

The Contractor Shall:

a. Conduct assessments at one of the Contractors established facilities when technical simulation is required. Assessments may be completed virtually for components of assessment which do not require specialized equipment for simulation purposes.

b. Provide capability to provide assessments from peers of the same occupation and specialty for physicians, physician assistants, and advance practice nurses. Capability for specialty assessments must include, but not limited to, surgical subspecialties, medical subspecialties, anesthesia, primary care, and emergency medicine.

c. Provide an assessment process that includes a series of structured clinical interviews.

d. Offer an evaluation process that focuses on medical knowledge, clinical judgment reasoning, communication skills, and patient care documentation specific to the provider’s occupation and specialty.

e. Ensure the assessor has the same training, specialty, and scope of practice as the provider who is being assessed. The purpose is to provide accurate and specialized insight into the provider’s clinical knowledge, judgment, skills, and capabilities.

f. Provide on-site technical simulation to assess technical skills, when applicable. Technical simulation is required so that provider can demonstrate technical skills while not risking patient safety.

g. Include opportunity to interpret EKG tracings, fetal monitoring strips, or other measurements of clinical competence when applicable to the provider’s specialty and clinical duties.

h. Demonstrate endorsement and recognition of quality of assessments from multiple state medical licensing boards.

i. Ensure the agency COR is aware of all pertinent issues or concerns as they arise

j. Provide a comprehensive report which includes assessment(s) performed, findings, and conclusions within twenty business days.

Reports:

In accordance with FAR 37.114(c) all documents or reports produced by the Contractor shall be suitably marked to clearly show they are Contractor products, or that the Contractor participated in creating the document or report. The Contractor shall:

a. Provide a copy of the final report to the requesting official from the respective VHA facility

3.2 Kickoff Meeting

The contractor shall participate and have all critical positions required to meet the PWS requirements present at the meeting. The time and place shall be designated by the CO. No performance shall begin on the contract until after the Kickoff Meeting and a Notice to Proceed is provided by the CO.

The objective of this task is to provide a post award orientation to aid both Government and contractor personnel to achieve a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and identify and resolve potential problems. The desired outcome is the clear understanding of the requirements by both parties and the Notice to Proceed is issued.

3.3 Reporting:

Contractor will provide a quarterly report which includes, but is not limited to, requesting facility, date assessment was requested, date assessment was completed, and date final report was submitted to the requesting facility.

Facilities will be asked to complete a satisfaction survey and return to the COR of this contract upon completion of the assessment.

Part 4. Deliverables:

4.1 Deliverables/Reporting Requirements:

The Contractor shall provide a final report consisting of a clinical competence assessment, an evaluation/analysis of the participant, and a detailed report of summarizing all evaluation findings.

4.2 Method and Distribution of Deliverables:

Unless specified or otherwise mutually agreed to, all information, data, and reports used or produced for this contract shall be in an electronic format fully compatible with Microsoft Office software.

Part 5. Performance Metrics:

5.1 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

The contractor shall perform to the requirements in the PRS. The Government shall utilize the performance metrics in relation to the PRS to ensure performance to the requirements of the PWS.

TASKS

ITEM DESCRIPTION

5.2 Acceptable Quality Level (AQL):

The ratings shall be used as a guide when conducting quality assurance throughout the life of the contract. This is to ensure the Contractor is performing the services required by this PWS in an acceptable manner as indicated in the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

3.1 Clinical competence assessment Appropriate expertise and staffing level to successfully complete assigned tasks within required deadlines

3.2 Kickoff Meeting

3.3 Feedback Report

Submits reports as described in the PWS, and PRS 90% as defined in PWS and PRS for timeliness quality of the product

Periodic review by VA COR Task re-performance; CAR; Termination; CPARS

5.3 Performance Ratings:

The following ratings shall be used in order to determine the level of performance achieved by the contractor in accordance with the PWS, in relation to the AQLs, along with the PRS as a guide when conducting quality assurance throughout the life of the contract. Performance above or below the standard, for above factors, will be documented in the Contractor’s Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for the reporting period.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 07-21-23 POP End: 07-20-24

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 07-21-24 POP End: 07-20-25

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 07-21-25 POP End: 07-20-26

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 07-21-26 POP End: 07-20-27

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 07-21-27 POP End: 07-20-28

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 4701 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

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

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

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[] (1) 52.203–6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

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

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

[X] (4) 52.204–10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109–282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (5) [Reserved] [] (6) 52.204–14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[] (7) 52.204–15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

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

[] (10) [Reserved] [] (11) 52.219–3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[X] (12) 52.219–4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (13) [Reserved] [] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

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

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (17)(i) 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2021) of 52.219–9.

[] (18)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[] (19) 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[] (21) 52.219–27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22) (i) 52.219–28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation (MAR 2023) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219–28.

[] (23) 52.219–29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (24) 52.219–30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (26) l(26) 52.219–33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[X] (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (28) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEC 2022) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (30)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (31)(i) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (33) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (35)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

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

[X] (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022). (E. O. 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

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

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

[] (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (40)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

[] (41)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[] (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

[] (43)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

[X] (44) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

[] (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (46) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[X] (47)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[] (48)(i) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (OCT 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2022) of 52.225–1.

[] (49)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (DEC 2022) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[] (ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

[] (iii) Alternate II (DEC 2022) of 52.225-3.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JAN 2021) of 52.225-3.

[] (v) Alternate IV (OCT 2022) of 52.225-3.

[] (50) 52.225–5, Trade Agreements (DEC 2022) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

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

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

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

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

[] (55) 52.229–12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (FEB 2021).

[] (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

[] (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

[X] (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

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

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

[] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2021) of 52.247-64.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[] (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[X] (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (JAN 2022).

[X] (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2022) (E.O. 13706).

[] (9) 52.226–6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records—Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving…