S02 36C26325Q0367.pdf

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

636-25-4-9172-0022

36C26325Q0367 01-23-2025

Marie Weathers 605-347-2511 x16673 02-05-2025

10:00AM CST

36C263 Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office (NCO 23) Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System 2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

X 100

X

541350

$11.5 Million

X

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affairs Central Iowa VA Healthcare System 3600 30th St.

Des Moines, IA 50310

Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office (NCO 23) Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System 2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Department of Veterans Affairs Tungsten Electronic Invoicing VA Tungsten Number: AAA544240062 va.registration@tungsten-network.com Refer to VAAR 852.232-72

See CONTINUATION Page

Request for quotes for Firm Alarm Testing and Inspections in support of the Central Iowa VA Healthcare System.

See below in the Statement of Work for details.

All technical questions must be in writing and received by 01/28/2025 by 10:00AM CST to marie.weathers@va.gov

This requirement is being solicitated as a Total Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside.

All offerors shall fill out the certificate of compliance For limitations on subcontracting (LOS) at C.5 and return With quote. Failure to sign LOS form will result in quote Being unresponsive.

Period of Performance: 03-01-2025 to 02-28-2026 plus Four (4) Option Years.

All quotes must be received by 02-05-2025 by email to marie.weathers@va.gov.

See CONTINUATION Page 636-3650162-9172-850300-2543-0300410S5 636-25-4-9172-0022

X X

X 1(one)

Scott Morrison

NCO2316L2-65423

36C26325Q0367

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.4 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.217-6 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY (MAR 1989)

C.3 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.4 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...24

C.5 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.6 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.7 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

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

C.9 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.10 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2024)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT

ORDERS—REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

E.4 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.7 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

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 36C263

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network 23 Contracting Office (NCO 23)

Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System

2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

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, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears: Upon Delivery

4. Billing/Accounting/Invoices a Payments shall be made monthly in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice.

IAW FAR 52.212-4 (g), FAR 52.232-33, and VAAR 852.232-72.

b. In order to comply with the Improper Payment Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), the VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with Tungsten Corporation e-Invoicing network for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. Tungsten Network electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with Tungsten Network by submitting an email to VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com or calling 1-877-752-0900 option 2 for Enrollment.

c. Invoices will be electronically submitted to the Tungsten website at Tungsten direct vendor support number is 877-489-6135 for VA contracts. The VA-FSC pays all associated transaction fees for VA orders. During Implementation (technical set-up) Tungsten will confirm your Taxpayer ID Number with the VA-FSC. This process can take up to 5 business days to complete to ensure your invoice is automatically routed to your Certifying Official for approval and payment. To successfully submit an invoice to VA-FSC please review “How to Create an Invoice” within the how to guides. All invoices submitted through Tungsten to the VA-FSC should mirror your current submission of Invoice, with the following items required. Clarification of additional requirements should be confirmed with your Certifying Official (your CO or buyer).

The VA-FSC requires specific information in compliance with the Prompt Pay Act and Business Requirements. For additional information, please contact:

Tungsten Support

Phone: 1-877-489-6135

Website: https://www.tungsten-network.com/us/support/

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center

Phone: 1-877-353-9791 Email: vafscched@va.gov

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVI

CES

QUANTI

TY

UNI

T UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 YR _______________

FUNDING FOR BASE YEAR OF FIRE ALARM

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541350 - Building Inspection Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: H112 - Quality Control - Fire Control Equipment

FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR ONE OF FIRE ALARM

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541350 - Building Inspection Services

FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR TWO OF FIRE ALARM

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541350 - Building Inspection Services

FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR THREE OF FIRE ALARM

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 03-01-2028 POP End: 02-28-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541350 - Building Inspection Services

FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR FOUR OF FIRE ALARM

INSPECTION AND TESTING

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 03-01-2029 POP End: 02-28-2030 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541350 - Building Inspection Services

GRAND TOTAL _______________

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

FIRE ALARM INSPECTION, TESTING, AND REPORTING SERVICE

1. BACKGROUND. The VA Central Iowa Health Care System has a need for fire alarm inspection, testing, Fire Alarm system upgrade and reporting services in accordance with National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA 72) to ensure all applicable codes, regulations and standards are being met.

Inspections, testing and reporting will be conducted semi-annually on designated Simplex Fire alarm systems. The services are required for a base year period and four (4) one-year option periods.

2. APPLICABLE CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS:

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code – Most Recent Edition

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – Most Recent Edition

• NFPA 80 - Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protective - Most Recent Edition

• NFPA 105 – Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protective - Most Recent Edition

• VA Fire Protection Design Manual – Most Recent Edition

• Simplex Manufacturer’s maintenance manuals.

• Simplex Manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance recommendation.

3. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITES.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, tools, equipment, transportation, and certified personal to perform fire alarm testing and inspection services in accordance with the technical guidance listed below. Contractor will be responsible for all transportation cost at no cost to the government. Services will be provided at structures on the VA-CIHCS main campus at 3600 NW 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310.

4. TECHNICAL GUIDANCE.

a. Inspection -Technicians performing work shall be NICET Level 2 Certified.

b. The contractor shall always maintain a safe work area. This includes checking in with Safety Office (Life Safety Manger) to get contractor badges, properly barricading the work area from access by un-authorized personnel and the use of proper personal protective equipment by inspection technicians.

c. Inspect and test all currently installed dampers in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, and regulations.

d. Test off-site notification system to ensure compliance within 90 seconds per NFPA requirements.

e. A complete report of all alarms will be provided to the Life Safety Manager. The report provided by the contractor must be The Joint Commission (TJC) approved/accepted. The report must identify what edition the inspection was conducted under. The VA Technical Representative must agree with the current edition.

f. A summary report of the inspection/test (Joint Commission Standard EC.02.03.05 SG-INSP-

102) will be provided to the Life Safety Manager. The Fire Alarm and Detection System Inspection Report will include, as a minimum, the following information:

i. Deficiency Report. Discrepancies to be grouped by device type for each area and location and device type.

ii. Proposed Recommendations Report. Recommendations for each testing/inspection section, grouped by device type.

iii. Comments Report. Comments for each testing/inspection section, grouped by device type.

iv. Inspection Summary. Listed by Inspection item, total inspected, passed, failed, not inspected, and passed after repair.

v. Quarterly and Semi-Annual Fire Alarm System Report of Inspection for all testable items.

vi. Duct Detector Inspection Results

vii. Heat Detector Inspection Results

viii. Smoke Detector Inspection Results

ix. Pull Station Inspection Results

x. Alarm Notification Device Inspection Results

xi. Electromechanical Releasing Devices

xii. Air Handler, Fan, and Fan Shutdown Device Inspection Results

xiii. Remote Power Supply Inspection Results

xiv. Sensitivity Testing Detail Test Results

g. The operational test of the alarms shall verify that the alarm operates properly and that no components are damaged, rusted/corroded, misaligned or misadjusted.

h. Repair work:

i. If additional repairs are required to make an alarm operational, provide the nature of the repair and a budgetary cost estimate needed in the inspection summary report.

ii. Any additional charges claimed must be approved by the Contracting officer before service commences. Any additional work performed by the contractor without the prior written approval of the CO will be performed by the contractor at no additional cost to the government.

i. Panel Listing

Building Number Panel Type

1/1W 4100ES

2 4100ES

3 4010

4 4100ES

5 4100ES

6M 4100U

7M 4100ES

9 4010

10 4020

11 4010ES & 4100U (main control Panel)

12 4100U

21/24 4010

25 (Cottage) 4100ES

Parking Garage 4010ES

Warehouse (new) 4100ES

5. SECURITY, SAFETY, AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. The Security and Safety Requirements pertains to station policy for projects performed at the Central Iowa Health Care Center. Safety and health concerns are taken seriously at this facility. All employees of the Contractor are expected to strictly adhere to these regulations and requirements. This is exceedingly important, since we must be primarily concerned for the safety and health of our patients. In this regard, OSHA Standards may protect worker safety and health, but they have minimal benefit for protecting the safety and health of our patients, due primarily to their differing medical conditions. Review this information as orientation with your personnel performing work on site. Where the requirements as outlined in this, or other regulations are differing, the more stringent shall apply.

a. Security Plan:

i. The security plan defines both physical and administrative security procedures that will remain effective for the entire duration of the project.

ii. The General Contractor is responsible for assuring that all sub-contractors working on the project and their employees also comply with these regulations.

b. Security Procedures:

i. Secure all construction areas, especially mechanical and electrical rooms against entry of unauthorized individuals including patients.

ii. Unless specified, working hours other than regular working hours will require authorization by the contracting officer. Regular work hours for the medical centers are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

iii. General Contractor’s employees shall not enter the project site without appropriate badge.

They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering or leaving the project site.

iv. For working outside the “regular hours” as defined in the contract, The General Contractor shall give three (3) working days’ notice too the Contracting Officer and/or VA Technical Representative so that arrangements can be provided for the employees. This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdown described later in this section.

v. No photography of VA premises is allowed without written permission of the Contracting Officer and/or VA Technical Representative.

vi. VA reserves the right to close or shut down the project site and order General Contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of a national emergency. The General Contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer and/or VA Technical Representative.

c. Key Control:

i. The general contractor's superintendent and/or primary representative will be issued necessary keys daily for those areas outside the construction barriers that require their access (i.e. utility closets, electrical closets, mechanical spaces, etc.) and return these keys at the end of each business day. No more than two keys/day will be issued. The Engineering Office will maintain a logbook to account for these keys. Contractors that fail to return these keys will be assessed a $25.00 charge.

d. All publications listed below shall be followed and adhered to while conducting repairs, testing, maintenance, and inspections.

• National Fire Protection Association Standards. (NFPA) (most recent edition)

• National Electrical Code. (NEC) (most recent edition)

• Joint Commission (TJC) requirements.

• VA Fire Protection Design Manual. (most recent edition)

6. FACILITY HOURS OF OPERATION

a. Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time, excluding federal holidays. All work shall be performed during normal hours of operation unless prior approval from the VA Technical Representative is received.

b. Contractor may be authorized to provide services after hours and on weekends. Contractor must obtain prior approval from VA Technical Representative before working after hours. No additional fees shall be authorized for after hour service.

c. No service shall be performed before 7:00 AM or after 9:00 PM unless prior authorization is received from the VA Technical Representative.

d. Federal holidays observed include:

i. New Year's Day (January 1)

ii. Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)

iii. Washington's Birthday (Third Monday in February)

iv. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

v. Independence Day (July 4)

vi. Labor Day (First Monday in September)

vii. Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)

viii. Veterans Day (November 11)

ix. Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

x. Christmas Day (December 25)

xi. Also included would be any other day specifically declared by the President.

of the United States to be a federal holiday.

7. FACILITY-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

a. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities are smoke-free. No smoking on the grounds and/or property of the Des Moines VAHCS. Smoking inside of vehicles is also not allowed.

b. Government Parking. Contract employees shall park in designated parking locations. The location will be provided by the Des Moines VA Technical Representative.

c. Possession of weapons on Government property is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search at any time.

d. Contractor Employee Conduct and Behavior. Contractor employees shall be professional at all times, not use profanity, or make/use derogatory comments while on Government property.

e. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are allowed on the installation.

f. Any violation on Federal Property may result in a citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state or municipal court. This includes traffic citations on Federal property.

B.4 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

1. GENERAL.

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

2. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE. -Not Applicable

3. ACESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS – Not Applicable

4. TRAINING.

a. All contractors and subcontractors requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall successfully complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) Complete Talent Management System (TMS) course #10203 HIPAA initially and annually thereafter. Send to contracting officer.

b. The contractor shall provide to the CO a copy of the training certificates for each applicable employee within five days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the required training is complete.

5. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION.

a. The contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall immediately (within one hour) report suspected security / privacy incidents to the VA OIT’s Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) by calling (855) 673-4357 (TTY: 711). The ESD is OIT’s 24/7/365 single point of contact for IT-related issues. After reporting to the ESD, the contractor, subcontractor, their employees, or business associates shall, within one hour, provide the COR/CO the incident number received from the ESD.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/ subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the following:

(1) The date and time (or approximation of) the Security Incident occurred.

(2) The names of individuals involved (when applicable).

(3) The physical and logical (if applicable) location of the incident.

(4) Why the Security Incident took place (i.e., catalyst for the failure).

(5) The amount of data belonging to VA believed to have been compromised.

(6) The remediation measures the contractor is taking to ensure no future incidents of a similar nature.

c. After the contractor has provided the initial detailed incident summary to VA, they will continue to provide written updates on any new and relevant circumstances or facts they discover. The contractor, subcontractor, and their employes shall fully cooperate with VA or third-party entity performing an independent risk analysis on behalf of VA. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

d. VA IT contractors shall follow VA Handbook 6500, Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems VA Information Security Program, and VA Information Security Knowledge Service guidance for implementing an Incident Response Plan or integrating with an existing VA implementation.

e. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG, and the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident, or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident.

f. The contractor shall comply with VA Handbook 6500.2, Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information, which establishes the breach management policies and assigns responsibilities for the oversight, management and reporting procedures associated with managing of breaches.

g. With respect to unsecured Protected Health Information (PHI), the contractor is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the contractor knew or should have known of breach of such information. When a business associate is part of VHA contract, notification to the covered entity (VHA) shall be made in accordance with the executed BAA.

h. If the contractor or any of its agents fails to protect VA sensitive personal information or otherwise engages in conduct which results in a data breach involving any VA sensitive personal information the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under the contract;

the contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the VA as set forth in clause 852.211-76, Liquidated Damages— Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs.

6. INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.

a. Information systems designed or developed on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities shall comply with all applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. This includes standards for the protection of electronic Protected Health Information (PHI), outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C and information and system security categorization level designations in accordance with FIPS 199, Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems and FIPS 200, Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information Systems.

Baseline security controls shall be implemented commensurate with the FIPS 199 system security categorization (reference VA Handbook 6500 and VA Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Architecture).

b. Contracted new developments require creation, testing, evaluation, and authorization in compliance with VA Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes in VA Handbook 6500 and VA Information Security Knowledge Service to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO). VA Directive 6517, Risk Management Framework for Cloud Computing Services, provides the security and privacy requirements for cloud environments.

c. VA IT contractors, subcontractors and third-party service providers shall address and/or integrate applicable VA Handbook 6500, VA Handbook 6517, Risk Management Framework for Cloud Computing Services and Information Security Knowledge Service specifications in delivered IT systems/solutions, products and/or services. If systems/solutions, products and/or services do not directly match VA security requirements, the contractor shall work though the COR/CO to identify the VA organization responsible for governance or resolution. Contractors shall comply with FAR 39.1, specifically the prohibitions referenced.

d. The contractor (including producers and resellers) shall comply with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) M-22-18 and M-23-16 when using third-party software on VA information systems or otherwise affecting the VA information. This includes new software purchases and software renewals for software developed or modified by major version change after the issuance date of M- 22-18 (September 14, 2022). The term “software” includes firmware, operating systems, applications and application services (e.g., cloud-based software), as well as products containing software. The contractor shall provide a self- attestation that secure software development practices are utilized as outlined by Executive Order (EO)14028 and NIST Guidance. A third-party assessment provided by either a certified Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Third Party Assessor Organization (3PAO) or one approved by the agency will be acceptable in lieu of a software producer's self- attestation.

e. The contractor shall ensure all delivered applications, systems and information systems are compliant with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 and VA Identity and Access management (IAM) enterprise identity management requirements as set forth in OMB M-19-17, M-05-24, FIPS 201-3, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors (or its successor), M-21-31 and supporting NIST guidance. This applies to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product(s) that the contractor did not develop, all software configurations and all customizations.

f. The contractor shall ensure all contractor delivered applications and systems provide user authentication services compliant with VA Handbook 6500, VA Information Security Knowledge Service, IAM enterprise requirements and NIST 800-63, Digital Identity Guidelines, for direct, assertion-based authentication and/or trust-based authentication, as determined by the design and integration patterns. Direct authentication at a minimum must include Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) based authentication supportive of PIV and/or Common Access Card (CAC), as determined by the business need and compliance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service specifications.

g. The contractor shall use VA authorized technical security baseline configurations and certify to the COR that applications are fully functional and operate correctly as intended on systems in compliance with VA baselines prior to acceptance or connection into an authorized

VA computing environment. If the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has created a Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) for the technology, the contractor may configure to comply with that STIG. If VA determines a new or updated VA configuration baseline needs to be created, the contractor shall provide required technical support to develop the configuration settings. FAR 39.1 requires the population of operating systems and applications includes all listed on the NIST National Checklist Program Checklist Repository.

h. The standard installation, operation, maintenance, updating and patching of software shall not alter the configuration settings from VA approved baseline configuration. Software developed for VA must be compatible with VA enterprise installer services and install to the default “program files” directory with silently install and uninstall. The contractor shall perform testing of all updates and patching prior to implementation on VA systems.

i. Applications designed for normal end users will run in the standard user context without elevated system administration privileges.

j. The contractor-delivered solutions shall reside on VA approved operating systems.

Exceptions to this will only be granted with the written approval of the COR/CO.

k. The contractor shall design, develop, and implement security and privacy controls in accordance with the provisions of VA security system development life cycle outlined in NIST 800-37, Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy, VA Directive and Handbook 6500, and VA Handbook 6517.

l. The Contractor shall comply with the Privacy Act of1974 (the Act), FAR 52.224- 2 Privacy Act, and VA rules and regulations issued under the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish a VA function.

m. The contractor shall ensure the security of all procured or developed information systems, systems, major applications, minor applications, enclaves and platform information technologies, including their subcomponents (hereinafter referred to as “Information Systems”) throughout the life of this contract and any extension, warranty, or maintenance periods. This includes security configurations, workarounds, patches, hotfixes, upgrades, replacements and any physical components which may be necessary to remediate all security vulnerabilities published or known to the contractor anywhere in the information systems (including systems, operating systems, products, hardware, software, applications and firmware). The contractor shall ensure security fixes do not negatively impact the Information Systems.

n. When the contractor is responsible for operations or maintenance of the systems, the contractor shall apply the security fixes within the timeframe specified by the associated controls on the VA Information Security Knowledge Service. When security fixes involve installing third party patches (such as Microsoft OS patches or Adobe Acrobat), the contractor shall provide written notice to the VA COR/CO that the patch has been validated as to not affecting the Systems within 10 business days.

7. INFORMATION SYSTEM HOSTING, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE.

a. The contractor shall comply with all Federal laws, regulations, and VA policies for Information systems (cloud and non-cloud) that are hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities. Security controls for collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of VA sensitive information, must be in place. The controls will be tested by VA or a VA sanctioned 3PAO and approved by VA prior to hosting, operation, maintenance or use of the information system or systems by or on behalf of VA. This includes conducting compliance risk assessments, security architecture analysis, routine vulnerability scanning, system patching, change management procedures and the completion of an acceptable contingency plan for each system. The contractor’s security control procedures shall be the same as procedures used to secure VA-operated information systems.

b. Outsourcing (contractor facility, equipment, or staff) of systems or network operations, telecommunications services or other managed services require Assessment and Authorization (A&A) of the contractor’s systems in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 as specified in VA Information Security Knowledge

Service. Major changes to the A&A package may require reviewing and updating all the documentation associated with the change. The contractor’s cloud computing systems shall comply with FedRAMP and VA Directive 6517 requirements.

c. The contractor shall return all electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) on non-VA leased or non-VA owned IT equipment used to store, process or access VA information to VA in accordance with A&A package requirements. This applies when the contract is terminated or completed and prior to disposal of media. The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements and NIST 800-88. The contractor shall send a self-certification that the data destruction requirements above have been met to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

d. All external internet connections to VA network involving VA information must be in accordance with VA Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) Reference Architecture and VA Directive and Handbook 6513, Secure External Connections and reviewed and approved by VA prior to implementation. Government-owned contractor-operated systems, third party or business partner networks require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interconnection Security Agreements (ISA).

e. Contractor procedures shall be subject to periodic, announced, or unannounced assessments by VA officials, the OIG or a 3PAO. The physical security aspects associated with contractor activities are also subject to such assessments. The contractor shall report, in writing, any deficiencies noted during the above assessment to the VA COR/CO. The contractor shall use VA’s defined processes to document planned remedial actions that address identified deficiencies in information security policies, procedures, and practices. The contractor shall correct security deficiencies within the timeframes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

f. All major information system changes which occur in the production environment shall be reviewed by the VA to determine the impact on privacy and security of the system. Based on the review results, updates to the Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation and parameters may be required to remain in compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements.

g. The contractor shall conduct an annual privacy and security self-assessment on all information systems and outsourced services as required. Copies of the assessment shall be provided to the COR/CO. The VA/Government reserves the right to conduct assessment using government personnel or a third-party if deemed necessary. The contractor shall correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered during the assessment.

h. VA prohibits the installation and use of personally owned or contractor-owned equipment or software on VA information systems. If non-VA owned equipment must be used to fulfill the requirements of a contract, it must be stated in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD or contract. All security controls required for government furnished equipment must be utilized in VA approved Other Equipment (OE). Configuration changes to the contractor OE, must be funded by the owner of the equipment. All remote systems must use a VA-approved antivirus software and a personal (host-based or enclave based) firewall with a VA-approved configuration. The contractor shall ensure software on OE is kept current with all critical updates and patches. Owners of approved OE are responsible for providing and maintaining the anti-virus software and the firewall on the non-VA owned OE. Approved contractor OE will be subject to technical inspection at any time.

i. The contractor shall notify the COR/CO within one hour of disclosure or successful exploits of any vulnerability which can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the information systems. The system or effected component(s) need(s) to be isolated from the network. A forensic analysis needs to be conducted jointly with VA. Such issues will be remediated as quickly as practicable, but in no event longer than the timeframe specified by VA Information Security Knowledge Service. If sensitive personal information is compromised reference VA Handbook 6500.2 and Section 5, Security Incident Investigation.

j. For cases wherein the contractor discovers material defects or vulnerabilities impacting products and services they provide to VA, the contractor shall develop and implement policies and procedures for disclosure to VA, as well as remediation. The contractor shall, within 30 business days of discovery, document a summary of these vulnerabilities or defects. The documentation will include a description of the potential impact of each vulnerability and material defect, compensating security controls, mitigations, recommended corrective actions, root cause analysis and/or workarounds (i.e., monitoring). Should there exist any backdoors in the products or services they provide to VA (referring to methods for bypassing computer authentication), the contractor shall provide the VA CO/CO written assurance they have permanently remediated these backdoors.

k. All other vulnerabilities, including those discovered through routine scans or other assessments, will be remediated based on risk, in accordance with the remediation timelines specified by the VA Information Security Knowledge Service and/or the applicable timeframe mandated by Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22- 01 and BOD 19-02 for Internet-accessible systems. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the approval of the COR/CO.

8. SECURITY AND PRIVACY CONTROLS COMPLIANCE TESTING, ASSESSMENT

AND AUDITING.

a. Should VA request it, the contractor shall provide a copy of their (corporation’s, sole proprietorship’s, partnership’s, limited liability company (LLC), or other business structure entity’s) policies, procedures, evidence and independent report summaries related to specified cybersecurity frameworks (International Organization for Standardization (ISO), NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), etc.). VA or its third-party/partner designee (if applicable) are further entitled to perform their own audits and security/penetration tests of the contractor’s IT or systems and controls, to ascertain whether the contractor is complying with the information security, network or system requirements mandated in the agreement between VA and the contractor.

b. Any audits or tests of the contractor or third-party designees/partner VA elects to carry out will commence within 30 business days of VA notification. Such audits, tests and assessments may include the following: (a): security/penetration tests which both sides agree will not unduly impact contractor operations; (b): interviews with pertinent stakeholders and practitioners; (c): document review; and (d): technical inspections of networks and systems the contractor uses to destroy, maintain, receive, retain, or use VA information.

c. As part of these audits, tests and assessments, the contractor shall provide all information requested by VA. This information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

equipment lists, network or infrastructure diagrams, relevant policy documents, system logs or details on information systems accessing, transporting, or processing VA data.

d. The contractor and at its own expense, shall comply with any recommendations resulting from VA audits, inspections and tests. VA further retains the right to view any related security reports the contractor has generated as part of its own security assessment. The contractor shall also notify VA of the existence of any such security reports or other related assessments, upon completion and validation.

e. VA appointed auditors or other government agency partners may be granted access to such documentation on a need-to-know basis and coordinated through the COR/CO. The contractor shall comply with recommendations which result from these regulatory assessments on the part of VA regulators and associated government agency partners.

9. PRODUCT INTEGRITY, AUTHENTICITY, PROVENANCE, ANTI-COUNTERFEIT

Not Applicable

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(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…