RFQ 36C25624Q0872.pdf

36C25624Q0872

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: POC Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

UEI Number:

Tax ID Number:

b. GOVERNMENT: Oney Kelly, Contracting Officer 36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer Road, Suite 750 Houston TX 77056-5643

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management.

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Other [X] Upon delivery and acceptance by the Government.

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.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER

SHIPPING INFORMATION

QUANTITY

DELIVERY

DATE

0001 SHIP TO: Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center 2002 Holcombe Blvd Houston, TX 77030

USA

1.00 TBD

FOB: DESTINATION

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Requirement:

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center needs to replace existing door hardware in the operating room suite. These doors are Critical Life Safety doors that define the suite and were identified as deficient during the Joint Commission Survey. The door hardware needs replacing with positive latching exit device hardware, electrically operated. This work will include replacing the door’s hardware with a positive latching exit device (electric operation) and adjusting the doors to obtain the correct gap at the frame. This will include all parts for complete compliant operating and exiting from the suite. Existing power, automatic door operators, card readers, and push-to-exit devices are to be reused. This project also includes replacing 1 set of double egress doors in the existing frame within the operating room suite critical barrier. Drawings are also provided with locations for each door and the type of operation required.

2. Information:

This project will replace the existing door hardware with surface surface-mounted electric exit device (panic hardware) with a vertical rod. This will include all required hardware for complete

0001 1.00 JB

SERVICE: The Contractor shall provide all material, labor, supervision, and equipment to replace the door hardware on the Operating Room Suite per the Statement of Work. All work is at the main hospital, 5th floor of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030.

GRAND

TOTAL

operation. This will include a new power supply connected to existing power, wire loop, surface mounted strike, and IC rim cylinder large format (compatible with Yale core).

The new hardware will be connected to the existing security system (card readers, push to exit buttons) and automatic door operators where currently installed. Door release to be activated by motion sensor at each door for compliance to NFPA 101.

This project includes installing new double egress doors (pr. 3’-8’ x 7’-0”) in the existing frame (doors have been removed, frame remains). This includes surface mounted electric exit device with vertical rod, power supply, hinges, new automatic door operator, new push buttons and controls connected to existing power.

The contractor shall provide all labor, material, and equipment for a complete installation for all hardware required for the doors to operated completely and within the required NFPA codes. This work will be completed without removing the doors and can be done in place.

3. Equipment Specifications:

Listed below are the requirements for the door hardware and doors.

FIRE RATED DOORS: (PR. 3’-8” X 7’-0” double egress)

Fire Rated Doors (Labeled):

A. Conform to NFPA 80 when tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual for the class of door or door opening shown.

B. Fire rated labels of metal, with raised or incised markings of approving laboratory shall be permanently attached to doors.

C. Close top and vertical edges of doors flush. Vertical edges shall be seamless. Apply steel astragal to the meeting stile of the active leaf of pairs of fire rated doors, except where vertical rod exit devices are specified for both leaves swinging in the same direction.

DOOR HARDWARE:

A. All hardware shall comply with UFAS, (Uniform Federal Accessible Standards) unless specified otherwise.

B. Provide rated door hardware assemblies where required by most current version of the International Building Code (IBC).

C. Hardware for Labeled Fire Doors and Exit Doors: Conform to requirements of NFPA 80 for labeled fire doors and to NFPA 101 for exit doors, as well as to other requirements specified.

Provide hardware listed by UL, except where heavier materials, large size, or better grades are specified herein under paragraph below. In lieu of UL labeling and listing, test reports from a nationally recognized testing agency may be submitted showing that hardware has been tested in accordance with UL test methods and that it conforms to NFPA requirements.

D. Hardware for application on metal and wood doors and frames shall be made to standard templates.

LOCKS AND LATCHES

A. Conform to ANSI A156.2. Locks and latches for doors 45 mm (1-3/4 inch) thick or over shall have beveled fronts. Lock cylinders shall have not less than seven pins large format core.

Cylinders for all locksets shall be removable core type. Cylinders shall be furnished with construction removable cores and construction master keys. Cylinder shall be removable by special key or tool. Construct all cores so that they will be interchangeable into the core housings of all mortise locks, rim locks, cylindrical locks, and any other type of lock included in the Great Grand Master Key System. Disassembly of lever or lockset shall not be required to remove core from lockset. Provide temporary keying device or construction core of allow opening and closing during the installation of final cores.

B. In addition to above requirements, locks and latches shall comply with following requirements: The current hardware is Yale 8800 series large format cores. VA will provide the electric cores.

BUTT HINGES

A. ANSI A156.1. Provide only three-knuckle hinges, except five-knuckle where the required hinge type is not available in a three-knuckle version (e.g., some types of swing-clear hinges).

The following types of butt hinges shall be used for the types of doors listed, except where otherwise specified:

1. Interior Doors: Type A8111/A5111 for doors over 900 mm (3 feet) wide. Hinges for doors exposed to high humidity areas (toilet rooms, janitor rooms, etc.) shall be of stainless-steel material.

EXIT DEVICES:

A. Conform to ANSI Standard A156.3. Exit devices shall be Grade 1; type and function are specified in hardware sets. Trim shall have cast satin stainless-steel lever handles of design similar to locksets (option to use of push pull). Provide key cylinders for keyed operating trim and, where specified.

B. Surface vertical rod panics shall only be provided less bottom rod, vertical top rod.

C. Exit device shall be Von Duprin SVR Exit Device, electrically operated.

AUTOMATIC DOOR OPERATOR:

A. Automatic door operator for double egress door meeting the requirements for ADA and accessibility standards. Meeting BHMA Power assist low energy power operated doors.

B. Complete assembly including receiver, transmitter, and safety sensors.

C. Unit to be surface mounted.

D. Adjustable time delay, adjustable speed for opening and closing, adjustable back check, motion sensor.

E. Maximum opening force 15 lbf.

4. General Information and Requirements

4.1. Vendor field verify existing conditions.

4.2. Vendor shall provide submittals for approval prior to placing order.

5. Work Schedule and Period of Performance

5.1. The work will be performed at the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center Main

Hospital.

5.2. This work will be completed during non-standard work hours (Mon- Fri, 7am - 5am

CST), and weekends (All day). This is due to the location operation and the operating rooms. Work needs performed without disruption to the operations of the facility.

5.3. Federal Holidays. The contractor is not required to perform services on Federal Holidays.

New Year’s Day - 1 January Martin Luther King Day - 3rd Monday in January Washington’s Birthday - 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day - last Monday in May Juneteenth – 19 June Independence Day - 4 July Labor Day - 1st Monday in September Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day - 11 November Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day - 25 December

5.4. If these holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed. If these holidays fall on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. If a holiday falls on a scheduled service day, the Contractor will be responsible for rescheduling services for the first day post the holiday observance.

5.5. Period of performance for this project is 90 calendar days.

6. Parking

6.1. Parking is rigidly controlled throughout the Medical Center. Contractor parking is only allowed in authorized areas. Contractor shall abide by all police requirements.

Parking in designated patient parking areas is strictly prohibited. Parking for unloading equipment necessary to perform the work will be authorized in advance of starting the project.

7. Code Requirements

7.1. All work and installation shall meet the current required codes\. The VA follows the current codes and NFPA life Safety Codes.

8. Project Safety

1.1. Contractor shall comply with the following and keep a copy of the attached-on site at all times:

Interim Life Safety Measure Assessment (completed on-site by phase) Infection Control Risk Assessment (completed on site by phase)

(End of Statement of Work)

(End of Section B)

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/ondex/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST JUN 2020

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--- COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

DEC 2022

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS---

MAR 2023

52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES NOV 1999

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

MAR 2023

(End of Clause)

C.3 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

C.5 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority. A copy of the designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.6 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) In an effort to achieve socioeconomic small business goals, VA shall evaluate offerors based on their service-disabled veteran-owned or veteran-owned small business certification status and their proposed use of eligible certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as subcontractors.

(b) Eligible and certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit for the certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status evaluation factor. To receive credit, an offeror must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ (see 13 CFR 128) and be otherwise eligible in accordance with SBA size standards for the acquisition and limitations on subcontracting requirements set forth in SBA regulations (see 13 CFR 121, 125 and 128.).

(c) Non-Veteran offerors proposing to use certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. Offerors must state in their proposals the names of the certified SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be listed at the time of submission of offers and at time of award, as a certified SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database.

(d) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

C.7 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTORS COMMITMENTS (OCT 2019)

(a) The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) or veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-

Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more SDVOSBs or VOSBs for subcontract work of the same or similar value.

(b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business.

C.8 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office.

Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

(3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies;

(4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or

(5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above.

(End of Clause)

C.9 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract.

Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of Clause)

C.10 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

(a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to Contractor’s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor’s address at the Contractor’s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor.

(b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products.

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR

ATTACHMENTS

Nothing in this Section

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

E.2 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/ondex/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

AUG 2020

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS---COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERICAL SERVICES

SEP 2023

52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—NOTICE

AND REPRESENTATION

JUN 2020

852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE

FEB 2023

(End of Provision)

OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL INFORMATION DESIGNATED IN THE

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS PRIOR

TO THE TIME SPECIFIED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION MAY PRECLUDE THE OFFEROR FROM FURTHER

CONSIDERATION OR ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACT AWARD WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS:

1. System for Award Management (SAM): Prospective awardees are required to be registered in SAM. Offerors are encouraged to go to the SAM database at www.sam.gov and start the registration process as soon as possible to avoid possible delays should the contractor be selected as a prospective awardee. If already registered in SAM, contractor must have an active valid SAM registration. Effective October 26, 2018, per FAR Subpart

4.1102 (a), Offerors and quotes are required to be registered in SAM at the time an offer or quotation is submitted in order to comply with the annual representations and certifications requirement. Note: If the Offeror submits a quote to the Government without a valid SAM registration, contractor shall be ineligible for contract award.

2. Technical Questions: All questions must be received in writing. No phone inquiries will be accepted. The government reserves the discretion not to respond to any inquiries submitted after August 06, 2024, at 16:00 EST. All inquiries about this solicitation must be sent to the Contracting Officer email at frank.sanders1@va.gov. All responses to questions will be incorporated into a written amendment to this solicitation.

3. Period of Acceptance of Offers: The Offeror agrees to hold prices in its offer firm for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the date specified for the receipt of offers.

4. Electronic Quotes: Offerors shall submit their scanned documents electronically via email to frank.sanders1@va.gov. Faxed quotes will NOT be accepted. All submitted documents must be legible. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all electronic documents have good resolution to be legible. All documents must be submitted and in the Government’s control by the due date and time set forth on page 1 of this solicitation. The Government email can only receive documents up to 5 megabytes (MB). If the file size exceeds 5 MB, the contractor may consider breaking the documents into separate documents for smaller sizes and send them as separate files. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all documents are in the Government’s control by the set forth due date and time.

5. Offeror shall complete and/or submit the following:

a. Complete B.1 Contract Administration Data, Contractor information.

b. Complete B.2 Price Cost Schedule/Schedule of Services.

c. Complete number 5 Acknowledgement of Amendments and sign all Amendment(s) to the solicitation if applicable.

Failure to provide any of the above-stated documentation shall result in the Offer not being eligible for an award. See additional detail under Section E.7 Evaluation-Commercial Products Commercial Services.

(End of Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items)

E.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument’’ in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204–26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212–3, Offeror Representations and Certifications– Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it ‘‘does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services’’ in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204–26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212–3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract.

Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services.”

(d) Representations. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It [ ] will, [ ] will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds “will’’ in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does’’ in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “will’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does’’ in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand;

model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of Provision)

E.4 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition—

(1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by-

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ‘‘Unique Entity Identifier’’ followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror’s name and address.

The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) [Reserved]

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

E.8 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) to perform certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract. Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor.

E.5 VAAR 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018)

(a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to Contractor’s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor’s address at the Contractor’s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor.

(b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products.

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

E.6 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Factor 1: Technical

Factor 2: Price

Factor 3: Past Performance

(b) Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b)(3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government.

(1) Under Factor 1 Technical, the quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government’s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and SOW based on the information requested in the instructions to offers section of this solicitation.

(2) Under Factor 2 Price, the Government will evaluate the quoted price for reasonableness by adding the total of all line-item prices, including all ordering periods. The government will also compare the proposed prices with the Independent Government Estimate (IGCE) and quotes posed by other offers.

(3) Past Performance: Past Performance history will be reviewed through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System to assist in making the responsibility determination.

Past Performance will be reviewed as part of the responsibility determination only. (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

E.7 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Covered telecommunications equipment or services has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR 127, and the concern is identified by SBA or an approved third-party certifier in accordance with 13 CFR 127.300. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw…