S02 36C26326Q0124.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

636-26-2-3278-0009

36C26326Q0124 11-10-2025

Marie Weathers 605-347-2511 11-24-2025

10:00AM CST

36C263

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 23

VA BLACK HILLS HCS FORT MEADE CAMPUS

113 COMANCHE RD

FORT MEADE SD 57741

X 100

X

811210

$34 Million

X

N/A

X

36C263

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Central Iowa VA Healthcare System 3600 30th St.

Des Moines, IA 50310

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 23

VA BLACK HILLS HCS FORT MEADE CAMPUS

113 COMANCHE RD

FORT MEADE SD 57741

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

See CONTINUATION Page

Histology Lab Equipment Maintenance and Service in support of the Central Iowa VA Healthcare System Refer to Section B.2 for line itmes.

Refer to Statement of Work for more details

This will be solicited as a Small Business Total Set Aside Period of Performance:

Base Year: 02-02-2026 to 02-01-2027 Option Year 1: 02-02-2027 to 02-01-2028 Option Year 2: 02-02-2028 to 02-01-2029 Option Year 3: 02-02-2029 to 02-01-2030 Option Year 4: 02-02-2030 to 02-01-2031

All Technical Questions must be received in writing by 11/17/2025 by 10:00AM CST by marie.weathers@va.gov

All Quotes must be received by 11/24/2025 by 10:00AM by marie.weathers.gov

See CONTINUATION Page

636-3660160-3278-822300-2520-030055500 636-26-2-3278-0009

X X

X 1(one)

Marie Weathers

VA-VHA-RPOC-2026-0001

36C26326Q0124

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 VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY

LANGUAGE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.4 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.5 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.6 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.7 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025)

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 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.2 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

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

NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 23

VA BLACK HILLS HCS FORT MEADE CAMPUS

113 COMANCHE RD

FORT MEADE SD 57741

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 may be submitted 1 (one) time during the annual period of performance, in arrears, following the annual PM visit conducted. Submission will be submitted no later than 15 calendar days after the date of service. Invoices shall be based on the applicable fixed rates for services provided to VA in accordance with the contract terms and conditions. The VA Technical Representative or Contracting Officer Representative will review all invoices submitted. The VA Technical Representative or Contracting Officer Representative is responsible for certifying invoices for payment for only those services received and deemed acceptable by VA.

4. Billing/Accounting/Invoices

4.1 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.

4.2 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.

4.3 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 Tax Payer 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

4.4 Reduction in Services: This is a fixed quantity contract for a specified number of hours. If, at the end of the period of performance, the government has not utilized the total number of hours required under this contract because of a change in its requirements, the parties agree that they will attempt to negotiate in good faith a contract modification reducing the scope of the contract with a corresponding adjustment in the total contract price.

4.5 In no event will VA pay for hours worked that exceed the total number of hours specified in the contract for the period of performance.

4.6 Payments in full/no billing VA beneficiaries: The Contractor shall accept payment for services rendered under this contract as payment in full. VA beneficiaries shall not under any circumstances be charged nor their insurance companies charged for services rendered by the Contractor, even if VA does not pay for those services. This provision shall survive the termination or ending of the contract.

4.7 To the extent that the Veteran desires services which are not a VA benefit or covered under the terms of this contract, the Contractor must notify the Veteran that there will be a charge for such service and that the VA will not be responsible for payment.

4.8 The Contractor shall not bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration, or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against, any person or entity other than VA for services provided pursuant to this contract. It shall be considered fraudulent for the Contractor to bill other third-party insurance sources (including Medicare) for services rendered to Veteran enrollees under this contract. Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice by the tenth (10th) of the following month services were performed to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-Invoice through the website at https://portal.tungsten-network.com/Login.aspx. For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, OB10 customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

4.9 For questions regarding invoice receipt or payment, please call VAFSC directly at 1-877- 353-9791 or email vafsccshd@va.gov.

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

1.00 JB __________________ __________________

Preventative maintenance and emergency maintenance on Tissue Processor SN45110382 and 2 Microtomes SN

1343052006, SN 1961052007

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 02-02-2026 POP End: 02-01-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: SVC5332

Tissue Processor SN45110382 and 2 Microtomes SN

1343052006, SN 1961052007

Contract Period: Option 1

POP Begin: 02-02-2027 POP End: 02-01-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and

Tissue Processor SN45110382 and 2 Microtomes SN

1343052006, SN 1961052007

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 02-02-2028 POP End: 02-01-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and

Tissue Processor SN45110382 and 2 Microtomes SN

1343052006, SN 1961052007

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 02-02-2029 POP End: 02-01-2030 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and

Tissue Processor SN45110382 and 2 Microtomes SN

1343052006, SN 1961052007

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 02-02-2030 POP End: 02-01-2031 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 811210 - Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: J065 - Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment - Medical, Dental, and

GRAND TOTAL __________________

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Scope of Work:

1.1. To provide repair and preventive maintenance services to the Histology Lab equipment listed in line 3.1 below at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS) in Des Moines, Iowa.

1.2. Work includes, but is not limited to, performing periodic preventive maintenance, performing repairs, and replacing parts of the Histology lab equipment and keeping existing system current with manufacturers recommendations. Annual PM is due in October of each calendar year for all equipment listed on line 3.1, with a PM completion window by vendor starting September 1st and ending on November 30th.

1.3. Normal service requirements under this contract consist of scheduled preventive maintenance inspections, adjustments and repairs in response to service calls made by VA Central Iowa Health Care System to the contractor due to a partial or complete system failure which requires the contractor to respond within a specified time frame to make needed repairs/adjustments to the system.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. To be considered eligible for consideration, bidders must have a field service representative trained by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on the specific model of equipment he/she is being asked to work on. Bidders must provide, upon request, documentation of factory-certified service/maintenance training on the specific equipment under the terms of this contract. All parts used shall be OEM parts only. Reverse engineered and/or refurbished parts shall not be utilized under the terms of this contract without explicit permission, in writing, from the Contracting Officer.

3. Equipment:

3.1. The equipment to be serviced/maintained includes:

Manufacturer Equipment Model Serial Number

Leica Microtome RM2255 1343052006

Leica Microtome RM2255 1961052007

Leica Tissue Processor PELORIS 3 45110382

36C26326C0007

4. Definitions/Acronyms:

4.1. VACIHCS – VA Central Iowa Health Care System

4.2. CO – Contracting Officer

4.3. COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4.4. IAW – In Accordance With

4.5. PM – Preventive Maintenance. Services which are periodic in nature and are required to maintain the equipment in such a condition that it may be operated in accordance with its intended design and functional capacity with minimal incidence of malfunction or inoperative conditions.

4.6. FSE – Field Service Engineer. A person who is authorized by the contractor

4.7. ESR – Vendor Engineering Service Report. Documentation of the services rendered for each incidence of work performance under the terms and conditions of the contract.

4.8. BESS — Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist. VA employee responsible vendor coordination of maintenance for VA owned medical equipment.

5. Conformance Standards:

5.1. Contractor shall ensure that the equipment/system functions in conformance with OEM documentation, System upgrades/updates shall be installed in strict accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and must operate within manufacturer's specifications and parameters.

6. Hours of Coverage:

6.1. The contractor shall respond to phone calls within 4 hours during normal business hours (M- F 7:30AM to 4:30PM (CST))

6.2. All scheduled service/repairs shall be performed during these normal hours of coverage unless the following condition exists:

6.2.1 The contractor wishes to perform such maintenance at a time that is outside of the normal hours of coverage, at no additional cost to the Government, and the contractor submits a request to the COR prior to the proposed start of the maintenance and the request is approved by the COR before work is begun.

6.3. Scheduled maintenance shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and should be scheduled/completed during the month the VA requests.

Changes in this periodicity will occur only when approval is granted by the COR.

6.4. Scheduling for unscheduled maintenance requirements outside of normal hours shall be coordinated with and require the approval of the COR.

6.5. Federal holidays observed by VA Central Iowa Health Care System are:

New Years Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Day Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth (June 19 Christmas Day

Independence Day and any other day specifically designated by the President of the United States.

7. Unscheduled Maintenance:

7.1. Contractor shall maintain the equipment in accordance with Conformance Standards in line 5.1.

7.2. The contractor shall provide repair service, which may consist of calibration, adjustments, replacing and installing parts.

7.3. All travel, labor and parts will be covered in this agreement.

7.4. The Contracting Officer, COR, BESS have the authority to approve/request a service call from the contractor.

7.5. Contractor shall provide a 24-hour on-site response time.

7.5.1. If the problem cannot be corrected by phone the contractor will dispatch a technician to arrive not later than the next business day after the call is placed.

8. Scheduled Maintenance:

8.1. Contractor shall perform PM service to ensure that the equipment listed in the schedule performs in accordance with the manufacturers as published in the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Manuals for the system.

8.1.2. Scheduled maintenance shall be performed in accordance at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and should be scheduled/completed during the window of September 1 to November 30 to meet VA PM schedule requirements. Changes in this periodicity will occur only when approval is granted by the COR.

8.2. Contractor shall provide and utilize procedures and checklists with worksheet originals indicating work performed and actual values obtained (as applicable) provided to the COR at the completion of the PM.

9. Parts:

9.1 The Contractor will provide all replacement parts needed to keep the system in operating condition as originally designed by the manufacturer.

10. Documentation/Reports:

10.1. Documentation shall include detailed descriptions of the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance procedures performed, including replaced parts and prices required to maintain the equipment in accordance with performance requirements.

11. Reporting Requirements:

11.1. Upon arrival at VA Central Iowa Health Care System the contractor shall be required to notify Biomedical Engineering of their arrival and check in with the VA Police office and receive a visitors badge.

11.2. When service is completed, the FSE shall document services rendered on a legible ESR(s) and submit to the BESS who set-up the service. The ESR can be submitted by paper copy when logging out with Biomed, or e-mail. ESRs should be submitted not later than 5 business days after service is complete.

11.3. In those cases, hen after-hours work is necessary, contractor personnel shall check in with the VA Police and receive a vistors badge. They will then check in with Lab personnel for access to Histology. All after-hours work shall be pre-arranged with the COR or designee.

12. Contractor Qualifications:

12.1. Contractor must have full time staff that is “fully qualified” FSE and a “fully qualified” FSE who will serve as the backup for the equipment identified in 3.1 of this solicitation.

12.1.1. “Fully qualified” is based upon training for equipment listed in line 3.1. For training, the FSE(s) has successfully completed a formalized training program for the equipment identified in this solicitation as required by the manufacturer.

B.4 VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY

LANGUAGE

B1. GENERAL. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language. 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.

B2. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The Government shall receive unlimited rights to data/intellectual property first produced and delivered in the performance of this contract or order (hereinafter “contract”) unless expressly stated otherwise in this contract. This includes all rights to source code and all documentation created in support thereof. The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General. The primary clause used to define computer software license (not data/intellectual property first produced under this contractor or order) is FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License.

b. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract will be used only for the purposes specified in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD, and/or contract. The contractor shall not use VA information in any other manner without prior written approval from a VA Contracting Officer (CO). The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General.

c. VA information will not be co-mingled with any other data on the contractor’s information systems or media storage systems. The contractor shall ensure compliance with Federal and VA requirements related to data protection, data encryption, physical data segregation, logical data segregation, classification requirements and media sanitization.

d. VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled audits, assessments, or investigations of contractor Information Technology (IT) resources to ensure information security is compliant with Federal and V VA requirements. The contractor shall provide all necessary access to records (including electronic and documentary materials related to the contracts and subcontracts) and support (including access to contractor and subcontractor staff associated with the contract) to VA, VA's Office Inspector General (OIG), and/or Government Accountability Office (GAO) staff during periodic control assessments, audits, or investigations.

The contractor may only use VA information within the terms of the contract and applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. If new Federal information security laws, regulations or VA policies become applicable after execution of the contract, the parties agree to negotiate contract modification and adjustment necessary to implement the new laws, regulations, and/or policies.

f. The contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as specifically authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies shall be destroyed in accordance with VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program and VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

g. If a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contract is terminated for default or cause with a business associate, the related local Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall also be terminated and actions taken in accordance with VHA Directive 1605.05, Business Associate Agreements. If there is an executed national BAA associated with the contract, VA will determine what actions are appropriate and notify the contactor.

h. The contractor shall store and transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools which are, at a minimum, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (or its successor) validated and in conformance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements.

The contractor shall transmit VA sensitive information using VA approved Transport Layer Security (TLS) configured with FIPS based cipher suites in conformance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52, Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations.

i. The contractor’s firewall and web services security controls, as applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notification to VA CO (ii) with written approval from the VA CO. The contractor shall refer all requests for, demands for production of or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA CO for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. § 5705, Confidentiality of medical quality-assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of certain medical records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If the contractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the contractor shall immediately refer such court order or other requests to the VA CO for response.

l. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract will be protected and secured in accordance with VA Directive 6500 and Identity and Access Management (IAM) Security processes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

m. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor shall be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, VA Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules.

n. The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Directive 6500 and NIST 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization prior to termination or completion of this contract. If directed by the COR/CO, the contractor shall return all Federal Records to VA for disposition.

o. Any media, such as paper, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, solid state devices or optical discs that is used to store, process, or access VA information that cannot be destroyed shall be returned to VA. The contractor shall hold the appropriate material until otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or CO. Items shall be returned securely via VA-approved methods. VA sensitive information must be transmitted utilizing VA-approved encryption tools which are validated under FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52. If mailed, the contractor shall send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and immediately provide the COR/CO with the tracking information. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met shall be sent to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

p. All electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) used to store, process or access VA information will not be returned to the contractor at the end of lease, loan, or trade-in. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the written approval of the VA CO.

B3. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS. This section is not applicable.

B4. TRAINING. – This section is not applicable.

B5. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION. This section is not applicable.

B6. INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. This section is not applicable.

B7. INFORMATION SYSTEM HOSTING, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE. - This section is not applicable.

B8. SECURITY AND PRIVACY CONTROLS COMPLIANCE TESTING, ASSESSMENT AND

AUDITING. This entire section applies whenever section 6 or 7 is included.

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. transfer, installation, dealing in or use of any information and communications technology or service, including ongoing activities, such as managed services, data transmission, software updates, repairs or the platforming or data hosting of applications for consumer download.

b. When contracting terms require the contractor to procure equipment, the contractor shall purchase or acquire the equipment from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an authorized reseller of the OEM. The contractor shall attest that equipment procured from an OEM or authorized reseller or distributor are authentic. If procurement is unavailable from an OEM or authorized reseller, the contractor shall submit in writing, details of the circumstances prohibiting this from happening and procure a product waiver from the VA COR/CO.

c. All contractors shall establish, implement, and provide documentation for risk management practices for supply chain delivery of hardware, software (to include patches) and firmware provided under this agreement. Documentation will include chain of custody practices, inventory management program, information protection practices, integrity management program for sub-supplier provided components, and replacement parts requests. The contractor shall make spare parts available. All contractor(s) shall specify how digital delivery for procured products, including patches, will be validated, and monitored to ensure consistent delivery. The contractor shall apply encryption technology to protect procured products throughout the delivery process.

d. If a contractor provides software or patches to VA, the contractor shall publish or provide a hash conforming to the FIPS Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (FIPS 140-2 or successor).

e. The contractor shall provide a software bill of materials (SBOM) for procured (to include licensed products) and consist of a list of components and associated metadata which make up the product. SBOMs must be generated in one of the data formats defined in the National

Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) report “The Minimum Elements for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM).”

f. Contractors shall use or arrange for the use of trusted channels to ship procured products, such as U.S. registered mail and/or tamper-evident packaging for physical deliveries.

g. Throughout the delivery process, the contractor shall demonstrate a capability for detecting unauthorized access (tampering).

h. The contractor shall demonstrate chain-of-custody documentation for procured products and require tamper-evident packaging for the delivery of this hardware.

B9 PRODUCT INTEGRITY, AUTHENTICITY, PROVENANCE, ANTI-COUNTERFEIT AND

ANTI-TAMPERING. This entire section applies when the acquisition involves any product (application, hardware, or software) or when section 6 or 7 is included.

a. The contractor shall comply with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 15 Part 7, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain”, which prohibits ICTS Transactions from foreign adversaries. ICTS Transactions are defined as any acquisition, importation, transfer, installation, dealing in or use of any information and communications technology or service, including ongoing activities, such as managed services, data transmission, software updates, repairs or the platforming or data hosting of applications for consumer download.

b. When contracting terms require the contractor to procure equipment, the contractor shall purchase or acquire the equipment from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an authorized reseller of the OEM. The contractor shall attest that equipment procured from an OEM or authorized reseller or distributor are authentic. If procurement is unavailable from an OEM or authorized reseller, the contractor shall submit in writing, details of the circumstances prohibiting this from happening and procure a product waiver from the VA COR/CO.

c. All contractors shall establish, implement, and provide documentation for risk management practices for supply chain delivery of hardware, software (to include patches) and firmware provided under this agreement. Documentation will include chain of custody practices, inventory management program, information protection practices, integrity management program for sub-supplier provided components, and replacement parts requests. The contractor shall make spare parts available. All contractor(s) shall specify how digital delivery for procured products, including patches, will be validated and monitored to ensure consistent delivery. The contractor shall apply encryption technology to protect procured products throughout the delivery process.

d. If a contractor provides software or patches to VA, the contractor shall publish or provide a hash conforming to the FIPS Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (FIPS 140-2 or successor).

e. The contractor shall provide a software bill of materials (SBOM) for procured (to include licensed products) and consist of a list of components and associated metadata which make up the product. SBOMs must be generated in one of the data formats defined in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) report “The Minimum Elements for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM).”

f. Contractors shall use or arrange for the use of trusted channels to ship procured products, such as U.S. registered mail and/or tamper-evident packaging for physical deliveries.

g. Throughout the delivery process, the contractor shall demonstrate a capability for detecting unauthorized access (tampering).

h. The contractor shall demonstrate chain-of-custody documentation for procured products and require tamper-evident packaging for the delivery of this hardware.

B10. VIRUSES, FIRMWARE AND MALWARE. - This entire section applies when the acquisition involves any product (application, hardware, or software) or when section 6 or 7 is included.

a. The contractor shall execute due diligence to ensure all provided software and patches, including third-party patches, are free of viruses and/or malware before releasing them to or installing them on VA information systems.

b. The contractor warrants it has no knowledge of and did not insert, any malicious virus and/or malware code into any software or patches provided to VA which could potentially harm or disrupt VA information systems. The contractor shall use due diligence, if supplying third-party software or patches, to ensure the third-party has not inserted any malicious code and/or virus which could damage or disrupt VA information systems.

c. The contractor shall provide or arrange for the provision of technical justification as to why any “false positive” hit has taken place to ensure their code’s supply chain has not been compromised. Justification may be required, but is not limited to, when install files, scripts, firmware, or other contractor-delivered software solutions (including third-party install files, scripts, firmware, or other software) are flagged as malicious, infected, or suspicious by an anti-virus vendor.

d. The contractor shall not upload (intentionally or negligently) any virus, worm, malware or any harmful or malicious content, component and/or corrupted data/source code (hereinafter “virus or other malware”) onto VA computer and information systems and/or networks. If introduced (and this clause is violated), upon written request from the VA CO, the contractor shall:

(1) Take all necessary action to correct the incident, to include any and all assistance to VA to eliminate the virus or other malware throughout VA’s information networks, computer systems and information systems; and

(2) Use commercially reasonable efforts to restore operational efficiency and remediate damages due to data loss or data integrity damage, if the virus or other malware causes a loss of operational efficiency, data loss, or damage to data integrity.

B11. CRYPTOGRAPHIC REQUIREMENT. This entire section applies whenever the acquisition includes section 6 or 7 is included.

a. The contractor shall document how the cryptographic system supporting the contractor’s products and/or services protect the confidentiality, data integrity, authentication and non-repudiation of devices and data flows in the underlying system.

b. The contractor shall use only approved cryptographic methods as defined in FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52 standards when enabling encryption on its products.

c. c. The contractor shall provide or arrange for the provision of an automated remote key-establishment method which protects the confidentiality and integrity of the cryptographic keys.

d. d. The contractor shall ensure emergency re-keying of all devices can be remotely performed within 30 business days.

e. e. The contractor shall provide or arrange for the provision of a method for updating cryptographic primitives or algorithms.

B12. PATCHING GOVERNANCE. - This entire section applies whenever the acquisition includes section 7 is included

a. The contractor shall provide documentation detailing the patch management, vulnerability management, mitigation, and update processes (to include third-party) prior to the connection of electronic devices, assets, or equipment to VA’s assets. This documentation will include information regarding the follow:

(1) The resources and technical capabilities to sustain the program or process (e.g., how the integrity of a patch is validated by VA); and

(2) The approach and capability to remediate newly reported zero-day vulnerabilities for contractor products.

b. The contractor shall verify and provide documentation all procured products (including third-party applications, hardware, software, operating systems, and firmware) have appropriate updates and patches installed prior to delivery to VA.

c. The contractor shall provide or arrange the provision of appropriate software and firmware updates to remediate newly discovered vulnerabilities or weaknesses for their products and services within 30 days of discovery. Updates to remediate critical or emergent vulnerabilities will be provided within seven business days of discovery. If updates cannot be made available by contractor within these time periods, the contractor shall submit mitigations, methods of exploit detection and/or workarounds to the COR/CO prior to the above deadlines.

d. The contractor shall provide or arrange for the provision of appropriate hardware, software and/or firmware updates, when those products, including open-source software, are provided to the VA, to remediate newly discovered vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Remediations of products or services provided to the VA’s system environment must be provided within 30 business days of availability from the original supplier and/or patching source. Updates to remediate critical vulnerabilities applicable to the Contractor’s use of the third-party product in its system environment will be provided within seven business days of availability from the original supplier and/or patching source. If applicable third-party updates cannot be integrated, tested, and made available by Contractor within these time periods, mitigations and/or workarounds will be provided to the COR/CO before the above deadlines.

B13. SPECIALIZED DEVICES/SYSTEMS (MEDICAL DEVICES, SPECIAL PURPOSE

SYSTEMS, RESEARCH SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING). - This entire section applies when the acquisition includes one or more Medical Device, Special Purpose System or Research

Scientific Computing Device. If appropriate, ensure selected clauses from section 6 or 7 and 8 through 12 are included.

a. Contractor supplies/delivered Medical Devices, Special Purpose Systems-Operational Technology (SPS-OT) and Research Scientific Computing Devices shall comply with all applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. New developments require creation, testing, evaluation, and authorization in compliance with processes specified on the Specialized Device Cybersecurity Department Enterprise Risk Management (SDCD-ERM) Portal, VA Directive 6550, Pre-Procurement Assessment and Implementation of Medical Devices/Systems, VA Handbook 6500, and the VA Information Security Knowledge Service. Deviations from Federal law, regulations, and VA Policy are identified and documented as part of VA Directive 6550 and/or the VA Enterprise Risk Analysis (ERA) processes for Specialized Devices/Systems processes.

b. All contractors and third-party service providers shall address and/or integrate applicable VA Handbook 6500 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 for governance or resolution.

c. The contractor shall certify to the COR/CO that devices/systems that have completed the VA Enterprise Risk Analysis (ERA) process for Specialized Devices/Systems are fully functional and operate correctly as intended. Devices/systems must follow the VA ERA authorized configuration prior to acquisition and connection to the VA computing environment. If VA determines a new VA ERA needs to be created, the contractor shall provide required technical support to develop the configuration settings. Major changes to a previously approved device/system will require a new ERA.

d. The contractor shall comply with all practices documented by the Food Drug and Administration (FDA) Premarket Submission for Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices and Postmarket Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices.

The contractor shall design devices capable of accepting all applicable security patches with or without the support of the contractor personnel. If patching can only be completed by the contractor, the contractor shall commit the resources needed to patch all applicable devices at all VA locations. If unique patching instructions or packaging is needed, the contractor shall provide the necessary information in conjunction with the validation/testing of the patch. The contractor shall apply security patches within 30 business days of the patch release and have a formal tracking process for any security patches not implemented to include explanation when a device cannot be patched.

f. The contractor shall provide devices able to install and maintain VA-approved antivirus capabilities with the capability to quarantine files and be updated as needed in response to incidents. Alternatively, a VA-approved whitelisting application may be used when the contractor cannot install an anti-virus / anti-malware application.

g. The contractor shall verify and document all software embedded within the device does not contain any known viruses or malware before delivery to or installation at a VA location.

h. Devices and other equipment or systems containing media (hard drives, optical disks, solid state, and storage via chips/firmware) with VA sensitive information will be returned to the contractor with media removed. When the contract requires return of equipment, the options available to the contractor are the following:

(1) The contractor shall accept the system without the drive, firmware, and solid state.

(2) VA’s initial device purchase includes a spare drive or other replacement media which must be installed in place of the original drive at time of turn-in; or

(3) Due to the highly specialized and sometimes proprietary hardware and software associated with the device, if it is not possible for VA to retain the hard drive, firmware, and solid state, then:

(a) The equipment contractor shall have an existing BAA if the device being traded in has sensitive information stored on it and hard drive(s) from the system are being returned physically intact.

(b) Any fixed hard drive, Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), solid state and firmware on the device must be non-destructively sanitized to the greatest extent possible without negatively impacting system operation.

Selective clearing down to patient data folder level is recommended using VA approved and validated overwriting technologies/methods/tools. Applicable media sanitization specifications need to be pre-approved and described in the solicitation, contract, or order.

B14 DATA CENTER PROVISIONS: - This section is 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,…