S02 36C26124Q0782.docx

36C26124Q0782

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C261-24-AP-1952

612-25-1-113-0001

07-08-2024 Tawnya Krommenhoek tawnya.krommenhoek@va.gov 08-12-2024

12PM

PDT

36C261 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 21 VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System 6900 N. Pecos Road, Building 6 North Las Vegas NV 89086

X

334516 1000 Employees

N/A

See Delivery Schedule

36C261 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 21 Southern Nevada Healthcare System 6900 N. Pecos Road, Building 6 North Las Vegas NV 89086

Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page Contractor shall provide Chemistry & Immunoassay Equipment and Testing on a Cost Per Reportable Result (CPRR) basis in accordance with the Statement of Work and Price List.

Period of Performance:

Ordering Period 1: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 Ordering Period 2: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 Ordering Period 3: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 Ordering Period 4: October 1, 2027 – September 30, 2028 Ordering Period 5: October 1, 2028 – September 30, 2029

Questions regarding this RFQ are due by 12PM PDT on Aug 1, 2024; with quotes due by Aug 12, 2024, by 12PM PDT.

Site visit for the VANCHCS will be the week of 22 July 2024.

Please see Addendum to 52.212-1 "Instructions to Offerors" for full schedule.

Contracting POCs: david.alvarez4@va.gov tawnya.krommenhoek@va.gov

See CONTINUATION Page

David J. Alvarez

VA-VHA-RPOW-2024-0082

Table of Contents

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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C261 David J. Alvarez

Network Contracting Office 21 VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System 6900 N. Pecos Road, Building 6 North Las Vegas NV 89086

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.

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

All invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. 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 register and begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge. The Department of Veterans Affairs Tungsten Number is: AAA544240062 (this allows you to file invoices online for free.)

More information on the VA Financial Services Center is available at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

Vendor e-Invoice Set-Up Information:

If you have questions about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

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

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

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

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

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall furnish a Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR), Clinical Laboratory Analyzer for Chemistry and Immunoassay Testing for the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with the specifications listed herein.

The guaranteed minimum award amount for this contract is $10,000.00. The maximum aggregate value of orders that can be placed under this contract is $6,500,000.00. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount. Quantities provided are estimates only and will be used for price evaluation.

ITEM INFORMATION

Ordering Period ONE (1) - Chemistry and Immunoassay Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR) Equipment and Testing.

Please see attached Price List for applicable Ordering Period.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER (MPN): N/A

Ordering Period TWO (2) - Chemistry and Immunoassay Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR) Equipment and Testing.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Ordering Period THREE (3) - Chemistry and Immunoassay Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR) Equipment and Testing.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Ordering Period FOUR (4) - Chemistry and Immunoassay Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR) Equipment and Testing.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Ordering Period FIVE (5) - Chemistry and Immunoassay Cost per Reportable Result (CPRR) Equipment and Testing.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 5 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 4200

USA

10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 4200

USA

10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 4200

USA

10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 4200

USA

10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 4200

USA

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

Statement of Work (SOW)

1. INTRODUCTION

VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM has a requirement for a Cost Per Reportable Results (CPRR) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for clinical laboratory and immunoassay analyzers. The contractor agrees to provide a price schedule with Cost Per Reportable Results (CPRR) Pricing structures only, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SOW to the Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS), identified as the Government herein. The services and prices are specified in the sections entitled Schedule of Supplies/Services of this contract.

Period of Performance: 5-year ordering period with five one-year pricing periods.

The proposed period of performance is:

Place of Performance: The scope of this contract covers the entire area of responsibility (AOR) of VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, including any clinic. The Government may add onto this IDIQ for any Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOCs), clinics, etc.

1.1 Participating Facilities:

STATION 612 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

VA Sacramento Medical Center 10535 Hospital Way Mather, Ca 95655

Martinez CBOC 150 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553

Redding CBOC 3455 Knighton Road Redding, CA 96002

Stockton CBOC 6565 S. Manthey Road French Camp, CA 95231

1.2 VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM has provided estimated volumes of tests performed in the attached Price List for each individual medical center and outpatient clinic laboratory. The Government estimates the volumes listed in the attached Price List per facility but does not guarantee volumes as listed. Volumes may fluctuate up or down during the term of the IDIQ.

Types of Analyzers at each location:

STATION 612 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

2. Required Specifications

2.1 General

· The desired instrumentation will have the capability of performing or reporting the clinical parameters as defined in the Statement of Work and Price List.

· The instrumentation will be able to perform the testing as described below and meet the performance characteristics for accuracy and precision as defined by the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (Hereafter referenced as CLIA) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (Hereafter referenced as CLSI).

· Equipment will be new, state of the art, and not recertified nor refurbished. Equipment will be acquired for each of the clinical laboratories located at VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

· The Contractor is required to provide a continuously stocked inventory of reagents, standards, controls, supplies, disposables, and any other materials required to properly perform tests on the equipment such that equipment operations are not interrupted. These items will be of the highest quality, sensitivity, specificity and tested to assure precision and accuracy. Unexpected changes in methodology/technology will be at the expense of the Contractor. Alert/Notification of any delays in shipment as well as any or all technical advisory/recalls/alerts, prior to or simultaneously with field alerts should be forwarded to the appropriate and local point of contact (hereafter referenced as POC). These individuals will be identified upon award of the delivery order/s.

· Special Handling for Emergency Orders of Supplies: In the event that the supplies are found to be defective and unsuitable for use with the Contractor’s equipment, or the Contractor has failed to comply with the requirements for routine supply delivery, the Contractor is required to deliver the supplies within 24 hours of receipt of a verbal order for emergency delivery. If either circumstance has occurred, the Contractor will deliver to the Government site in the most expeditious manner possible without additional cost to the Government, the necessary consumables in sufficient quantity as required to allow operation of the Contractor’s equipment for one week (under normal Government test load volume). If additional requests for emergency supply delivery are required by the Government, they will be honored by the Contractor until the arrival at the laboratory of the monthly standing order/routine supplies delivery.

· Industry Standards – Unless otherwise stated, all equipment will be held to current industry standards for such equipment as present within the current market for Chemistry, Immunoassay, and automation equipment, supplies and services.

· Only instruments which are FDA approved will be considered. Instruments will be operational and must interface with VA Laboratory Computer systems and upgrades.

· FDA approved test methods will be preferred.

2.2 Definitions

Cost-Per-Reportable-Result (CPRR) – Contractors are required to provide a price for a reportable patient result. The per reportable result price will include costs covering (a) equipment use, (b) all reagents, standards, controls, supplies, consumable/disposable items, parts, accessories and any other item required for the proper operation of the contractor’s equipment and necessary for the generation of a patient reportable result. This does not include those items approved for exclusion by the government such as printer paper, labels etc. This per patient reportable result price will also encompass all costs associated with dilution, repeat and confirmatory testing required to produce a single patient reportable result. It will also include the material to perform as well as all other costs associated with quality control, calibration and correlation study testing that is prescribed by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). (c) All necessary maintenance to keep the equipment in good operating condition (This element includes both preventive maintenance and emergency repairs and (d) training for Government personnel. Contractors are required to provide delivery, installation, and removal of equipment at no additional charge.

Clinical Laboratory Chemistry Analyzer - Automated system for the robotic specimen handling and accurate analysis, data review, and reporting of human chemistry testing.

Clinical Laboratory Immunoassay Analyzer – Automated system for the robotic specimen handling and accurate analysis, data review, and reporting of human immunoassay testing.

Primary analyzers – Base equipment offered that will fully support the scope of operations (minimal requirements) (see attachments A and B).

Business Associate Agreement (Hereafter referenced as BAA) - A business associate agreement is an entity, including an individual, company, or organization that, on behalf of the VHA facility, performs or assists in the performance of functions or activities involving the use or disclosure of PHI, or that provides certain services involving the disclosure of protected health information (PHI). VHA is a covered entity under the HIPAA Privacy Rule (Privacy Rule). HIPAA regulations require VHA to execute HIPAA-compliant BAAs with everyone that receives, uses, or discloses VHA PHI in order to perform some activity for VHA. These BAAs obligate VHA business associates to provide the same protections and safeguards to PHI that is required of VHA under the Privacy Rule.

Community Based Outpatient Clinic (Hereafter referenced as CBOC) – CBOC’s are smaller facilities with smaller throughput than their larger parent facilities. Specific CBOC laboratories with test volumes listed in the Price List will require equipment placements.

2.3 Chemistry Instrumentation:

The instrumentation capabilities:

1 Provide clinical chemistry analyzers with sufficient capacity and throughput to meet the volume demands as defined in the Test Menu and Price List.

2 Ability to aspirate the sample and release the tube, so additional testing can be run without delays.

a) Using third-party analyzers to meet test menu requirements is not acceptable.

b) Using third-party equipment for automation is acceptable.

c) Third party open channel assay on contractors’ solution is acceptable.

a) Relocated equipment and analyzers within the laboratory space must stay within the same room.

b) The following equipment and workspace must not be impacted or moved:

a. Hematology analyzers and current workspace

b. Urinalysis and current workspace

c. Coagulation and current workspace

d. Current handwashing sink (clean)

e. Current sink for urinalysis analyzers

f. Current processing

g. Current send-out locations must not be impacted or moved.

c) Elimination of storage equipment is acceptable if identified in proposal for sites with automation with onboard specimen storage.

31 The contractor has the capability to establish a remote connection for the purpose of instrument troubleshooting, software updates, and delivering test volumes for invoice generation.

32 Calibration frequency not to exceed once per 24 hours per instrument.

33 Ability for long calibration stability for all other testing.

34 Ability to pre-calibrate new lots of reagents prior to use.

35 Quality control testing requirement frequency not to exceed once per 24 hours per instrument.

36 Ability to lock out/suppress test analytes if there are QC failures.

37 No requirements for sample pre-treatment.

38 Lot to lot management of reagents to reduce calibration and storage requirements.

39 The analyzer contains electronic trouble shooting software for instrument errors.

40 Analyzer has/have Fibrin and/or clot detection, in addition to short sample detection.

2.4 Immunoassay Instrumentation

The instrumentation capabilities:

1 Provide immunoassay analyzers with consistent methodology for load balancing (workload) and back up purposes as indicated in the equipment list. Analyzers specified to be manufactured by the same Contractor receiving the award and use(s) the same reagents for each test to allow for standardized test builds.

a) Third-party analyzers to meet test menu requirements is not acceptable.

b) Using third-party equipment for automation is acceptable.

c) Third party open channel assay on contractors’ solution is acceptable.

25 Have the ability to prioritize STAT testing over routine testing with minimal amount of operator intervention.

26 Troponin I, HS Troponin and intact PTH testing times (from sample load to result) not to exceed 30 minutes.

27 A Troponin which meets the IFCC definition of high sensitivity i.e., can be detected in at least 50% of normal reference population.

28 State carryover claim and design solutions to mitigate carryover.

29 Have a minimum of 20 facilities reporting in peer groups for QC programs and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Proficiency Test Program. Ability to export and upload QC data in real time to peer group program.

30 Ability to accept multiple tube sizes, such as 13X100mm, 13X75mm, 16X100mm.

31 Closed Tube Sampling Capability. De-capping or close-tube sampling capability. The system should have access to cap-piercing or pre-analytical de-capping, and automated recapping of sample tubes for storage if required by the facilities.

32 The contractor has the capability to establish a remote connection for the purpose of instrument troubleshooting, software updates, and delivering test volumes for invoice generation.

33 Ability to pre-calibrate new lots of reagents prior to use.

34 Quality control testing requirement frequency not to exceed once per 24 hours per instrument.

35 Ability to lock out/suppress test analytes if there are QC failures.

36 Limited requirements for sample pre-treatment.

37 Test volumes are listed by facility in the Price List.

38 Lot to lot management of reagents to reduce calibration and storage requirements.

2.6 Automation for Chemistry and Immunoassay:

2.7 Data Management for Chemistry and Immunoassay:

11. Listed as preferred but not required: Will automatically calculate and report to the LIS both Free and BioAvailable Testosterone, using values from Total Testosterone, Albumin, and Sex Binding Globulin Hormone.

12. Has/have the capability to transmit QC data to an external real-time QC service.

2.8 Software for Chemistry and Immunoassay:

3. Installation/Site Preparation:

1. Site preparation specifications for each facility to be furnished in writing by the Contractor as a Site Preparation Report after award of the delivery order/s. The report to be provided to the Contracting Officer no later than one week after award of the delivery order/s and all other site reports to be provided at least forty-five (45) days before installation.

All proposed equipment should fit in the available lab space square footage with proper egress (36 inches minimum) for safety. The equipment proposed must accommodate workflow to ensure easy access to other parts/departments of the laboratory.

a) Required to initiate Project Management with VA Northern California Health Care (VANCHCS) designated System POC.

i. Standardization of instrument set up must be coordinated with Project Management team.

b) Relocated equipment and analyzers within the laboratory space must stay within the same room. Elimination of storage equipment is acceptable if identified in proposal for sites with automation with onboard specimen storage.

c) Mather Laboratory

i. Mather will be renovated during the life of this contract.

ii. The contractor will be required to move equipment to a temporary location, and then to a final location.

iii. Revalidation is required at each movement.

d) Redding Laboratory: Cannot remove any casework/fixed cabinetry.

e) Stockton Laboratory: Cannot remove any casework/fixed cabinetry.

4. Service and Maintenance

3. Contractor to furnish a malfunction incident report to the installation upon completion of each repair call. The report includes, at a minimum, the following: (a) date and time notified; (b) date and time of arrival; (c) serial number, type and model number(s) of equipment; (d) time spent for repair; (e) description of malfunction and repair; and (f) proof of repair that includes documentation of quality control being performed and within range, as applicable. Notify the site management if repair is significant enough to require calibration and/or validation following the repair and Contractor performs calibration and/or validation.

4. Maintenance plan: Contractor provides manufacturer’s daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and periodic maintenance plan, outlining time required for hands on and automated tasks.

5. Daily maintenance: Instrumentation requires minimal hands-on daily maintenance.

6. Preventative Maintenance: Contractor provides regular, scheduled maintenance coordinated with the site management to assure the continued reliable operation of the equipment. These preventive maintenance visits are of a frequency that conforms to the manufacturer's operation and maintenance instructions for the supported equipment.

7. Emergency Repair: Emergency repairs performed after notification that the equipment is inoperative. Contractor provides the government with a designated point of contact and shall make arrangements to enable its maintenance representative to receive such notification. Contractor performs emergency repair service within 24 hours of time of notification of the malfunction. Contractor provides all parts and labor needed to repair the malfunction. Travel, per diem and other expenses associated with the repair shall be borne by the Contractor. Contractor furnishes a malfunction incident report to the installation upon completion of each maintenance call. The report includes, at a minimum, the following: (a) date and time of arrival. (b) Serial number type and model numbers(s) of equipment (c) time spent for repair, (d) description of malfunction and (e) proof of repair.

8. Maintenance Support: Service repair person locally based within the geographical area.

9. Maintenance Credit for Equipment Malfunction: If a machine remains inoperative due to a malfunction through no fault or negligence of the government for more than 24 hours, the Contractor is assessed damages at the rate of 1/30 of the preceding average three-month CPRR billings times the total number of days certified as downtime. Each incident starts from the time the user makes a bona fide attempt to contact the Contractor's designated representative at the prearranged contact point until the machine is returned to good operating order less any non-contracted maintenance (emergency repairs) days.

10. Replacement of Laboratory Equipment: During the contract period, should the repair record of any laboratory equipment reflect a downtime of 10% or more of the normal working days in one calendar month, a determination will be made by the representative of the government to replace the initial laboratory equipment with new equipment. The responsibility of maintaining the equipment furnished in good condition shall be solely that of the Contractor.

11. Failure Mean Time Disclosure: Contractor states the failure mean time (between failure and mean time to repair) for each piece of equipment offered. Contractor to provide redundant systems to eliminate need of emergency backup equipment.

12. Upgrades or Replacement: Request for instrumentation upgrades or replacement, due to workload increase, menu changes, technological upgrades, excessive instrumentation failures/malfunctions, breakdowns, or service calls will be evaluated as needed/annually with communication to the Contractor for modification of the contract. A high incidence of problems with any equipment/analyzer supplied may indicate probable non-compliance with the terms of this contract and will entitle the facility/clinic to its replacement with another analyzer that can produce the required criteria of this contract satisfactorily to the user. Removal of instrument by the Contractor performed within 60 days after request.

5. Training

1. Contractor provides an instrument training program that is coordinated with and timely to the equipment installation, sufficient to the size and scope of the facility’s services and minimally equivalent to the terms and conditions for training defined in this contract. This includes training on the operation of the system, data manipulation, and basic trouble shooting and repair. Thereafter, Contractor provides training at a minimum for one operator per installed analyzer per year for the duration of the contract at the discretion of the Government for each model of instrumentation or automation placed. Utilization of the training slots will be mutually agreed upon between the VA and the Contractor. A training program that involves off-site travel includes the cost of airfare, room, and board for each participant.

2. Onsite Training: During the validation process of the installation, the Contractor provides technical resources to train operators on all shifts of operation. This can be accomplished by holding training sessions for multiple employees on each shift.

3. Additional training required:

(1) Advanced training, either off-site or in-house, provided on instrument troubleshooting, advanced middleware rules writing, data analytics, report writing and customization

(2) On-site refresher training in renewal option years of the contract made available annually for the duration of the contract.

4. Contractor provides supplemental on-site operator training to government personnel, without additional charge to the government, upon installation of upgraded equipment hardware or operating system software connected with the operation of an instrument that has already been installed.

6. Upgrade/Updates Contractor provides updates to both the equipment hardware and software in order to maintain the integrity of the system and the state-of–the-art technology, at no additional charge to the Government. Upgrades are provided as they become commercially available and at the same time as they are being provided to commercial customers. This requirement only applies to “system updates” that enhance the model of equipment being offered, i.e., new version of software, correction of hardware defect, update offered to commercial customers at no additional charge, upgrade to replace model of equipment no longer Contractor supported, etc. This does not refer to replacing the original piece of equipment provided under the delivery order/s; however, it does refer to significant changes in the hardware operational capability.