S02. 36C26322Q0669.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

To be entered with each

Task Order

36C26322Q0669 06-22-2022

Curt LaRose 605-336-3230 X7573 07-13-2022 10:00am CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls SD 57105 Curt LaRose 605-336-3230 X7573 curt.larose@va.gov

X 100

X

561492

$16.5 Million

N/A

X

Veteran Integrated Service Network 23 2805 Dodd Road Suite 250 Eagan MN 55121

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls SD 57105

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

See CONTINUATION Page

Court Reporter Services to support the Veteran Integrated Service Network 23 (VISN23).

Period of performance shall be for one base year and four option years exercisable at the discretion of the Government Contractor shall be registered and active at the following during period of performance of this contract:

https://www.vetbiz.va.gov https://www.sam.gov Service Contract Labor Standards apply to this contract.

Completion of Business Associate Agreement is required upon award of contract; see section D.

Services will be provided either virtual or in person. If in-person services are required, travel expenses will be reimbursed at the actual cost up to Government rates for economy-sized car rental and per-diem for meals. All flights will be reimbursed for the cost of coach fare.

Travel estimates in quotes will not be used in determining lowest quote for award purposes.

See Section E.1 for quote submittal instructions.

Continued on page 4.

See CONTINUATION Page

To be included on all task orders issued against Contract

X X

Curt LaRose

36C26322Q0669

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

ITEM INFORMATION

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.4 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.6 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...39

C.7 52.223-99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION)

C.8 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.9 VAAR 852.211-72 TECHNICAL INDUSTRY STANDARDS (NOV 2018)

C.10 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

C.11 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

C.12 VAAR 852.219-77 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (SEP 2021)

(DEVIATION)

C.13 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) ..45

C.14 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.15 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

C.16 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2022) (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

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

1998)

E.7 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.8 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021) (JUL 2020)

(DEVIATION)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

20. (cont.) With regards to Service Contract Act Wage Determinations, if services are to be done virtually, the Contractor will be required to provide the location (county and State) of court reporter; if services are to be provided in-person, the Contracting Officer will provide the wage determination base on the place of performance within VISN23.

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 Curt LaRose

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

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:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Upon completion of each task order

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

5. 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

Contract guaranteed minimum is $20,000 for base year (08/01/2022 – 07/31/2023) against Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Contract maximum is $3,500,000 for lifetime of the contract.

Quantities listed are estimates only based on projected volumes. Actual quantities on task orders can be less than, equal to, or greater than estimated quantities listed based on VISN 23 needs.

Only warranted Contracting Officers from Network 23 Contracting Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, can issue task orders against this single award IDIQ contract.

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0.00

COURT REPORTER SERVICES BASE YEAR

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: R606 - Support - Administrative: Court Reporting

0001AA

640.00 HR __________________ __________________

COURT REPORTER HOURLY RATE

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AB

80.00 HR __________________ __________________

COURT REPORTER OVERTIME

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AC

32,000.00 PG __________________ __________________

COST PER PAGE (ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Stenotype Services

0001AD

COST PER PAGE (SECOND COPY TRANSCRIPT)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AE

COST PER PAGE (THIRD COPY TRANSCRIPT)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AF

8,000.00 PG __________________ __________________

EXHIBIT SCANNING

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AG

16.00 EA __________________ __________________

POSTAGE

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AH

15,000.00 PG __________________ __________________

EXPEDITED TRANSCRIPT DELIVERY FOR 24 HOUR

TURNAROUND

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023

Stenotype Services

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001AI

80.00 DY __________________ __________________

HOTEL PER DIEM FOR COURT REPORTER

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AJ

MEAL PER DIEM FOR COURT REPORTER

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AK

AIRLINE PER DIEM ROUND TRIP COACH FOR COURT

REPORTER

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

0001AL

16.00 DY __________________ __________________

CAR RENTAL FOR COURT REPORTER

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2022 POP End: 07-31-2023 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

COURT REPORTER SERVICES OPTION YEAR 1

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

1001AA

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AB

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AC

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AD

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AE

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

1001AF

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AG

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AH

TURNAROUND

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AI

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AJ

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AK

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

AIRLINE PER DIEM ROUND TRIP COACH FOR COURT

REPORTER

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

1001AL

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2023 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

COURT REPORTER SERVICES OPTION YEAR 2

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AA

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AB

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AC

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

COST PER PAGE (ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT)

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AD

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AE

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AF

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AG

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AH

TURNAROUND

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AI

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AJ

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AK

REPORTER

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

2001AL

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

COURT REPORTER SERVICES OPTION YEAR 3

Contract Period: Option 3

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AA

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AB

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AC

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AD

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AE

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AF

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AG

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AH

TURNAROUND

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AI

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AJ

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Stenotype Services

3001AK

REPORTER

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

3001AL

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2025 POP End: 07-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

COURT REPORTER SERVICES OPTION YEAR 4

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AA

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AB

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

4001AC

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AD

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AE

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AF

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AG

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

4001AH

TURNAROUND

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AI

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AJ

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AK

REPORTER

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and Stenotype Services

4001AL

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561492 - Court Reporting and

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

GRAND TOTAL __________________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION 1 GENERAL

1.1. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, vehicles, certifications, supervision, and all other technologies and technical services to provide Court Reporter services for the VISN 23 VA Medical Center (VAMC) upon request. The services may be required for, but not limited to: Administrative Investigations, Disciplinary Appeals Boards, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) hearings or Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) hearings, Office of Resolution Management, or Regional Counsel requirements. It will also be used for any other meetings that require legal documentation.

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA-attachment A) will be required for this blanket purchase agreement as well as a Business Associate Profile Questionnaire (Attachment B).

1.2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE.

The period of performance for Court Reporting services shall be for one base and four option years. Court reporting requirements shall occur intermittently through each fiscal year; the requirement may be an urgency of need with only one (1) calendar day in advance notice.

However, the VISN 23 VAMC’s shall strive to inform the Contractor at least three (3) calendar days in advance. It must be noted here that the Government does not automatically extend contracts beyond their initial period of performance period. Option periods are always subject to the availability of funds, Contractor’s Performance, Continued Need and FAR Clause 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract.

1.3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

1.3.1. It is the intent of this document to establish a BPA contract for the VISN 23 VA Midwest Network Office and VISN 23 Medical Centers.

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

1.3.2.1. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The FSC uses a third-party Contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission.

Please go to this website: https://portal.tungsten-network.com/mvc/registration to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

1.3.2.2. A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site (http://www.x12.org).

1.3.2.3. The Contractor may contact FSC at the phone number or email address listed below with any questions about the e-invoicing program:

• Tungsten Network Client Services o Phone: 1-866-340-4980 o E-mail: va.registration@tungsten-network.com

• Tungsten Network Support o Phone: 1-877-752-0900 o Website: https://us.tungsten-network.com/resources/support/ o Please contact the Department of Veteran Affairs at:

Financial Service Center Phone: 1-877-353-9791

Payment of invoices are made in arrears, upon certification of invoice. Invoices shall be submitted in accordance with the invoice clauses. Ensure the obligation # and a company invoice # is included on the invoice.

1.3.3. The type of exams performed includes forums such as administrative investigations, EEO and MSPB hearings, and others.

NOTE: The estimated quantities are based on annual historic data based on prior year needs.

Actual quantities may be more or less of these estimated amounts.

1.3.4. The term “Administrative Investigation” (AI) refers to a systematic process for determining facts and documenting evidence about matters of significant interest to VA. AIs are conducted to collect and analyze evidence to determine what happened and why it happened, so that individual and systemic deficiencies can be identified and effectively corrected. These investigations are governed by VA Directive 0700, Administrative Investigations and VA Handbook 0700, Administrative Investigations. These investigations are established by the VISN 23 Executive Director or Medical Center Director as the convening authority.

Administrative Investigation Boards are not scheduled in advance; therefore, short notice will be provided for the need of transcription services. Once scheduled, the schedule may change or even be cancelled at any time up until the time scheduled because of unforeseen events that may arise.

1.3.5. EEO Hearings and MSPB and/or arbitration hearings are similar processes and are established by a judge or other Government source. EEO Hearings may be scheduled a few weeks in advance; MSPB hearings may be scheduled several weeks to a month or more in advance. These hearings may also have to be rescheduled or cancelled because of unforeseen events.

1.3.6. The number of witnesses can only be estimated in advance of the start of the process and may change during the course of the investigation or activity.

1.4. PERSONNEL

1.4.1. The Contractor shall provide only qualified, certified Court Reporters to perform these services. The Court Reporter must be fluent and communicate in the English language, to include both oral and written communications. If an unforeseen emergency should occur that would require absence of the assigned Court Reporter, the proposed substitute shall have comparable qualifications to those of the person being replaced. The Contractor shall provide a mailto:va.registration@tungsten-network.com https://us.tungsten-network.com/resources/support/ detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer (CO).

1.4.2. The Contractor must provide competent, efficient Court Reporters who are experienced and have the necessary training and education in Court Reporting with adequate and appropriate court reporting equipment, in order to produce accurate, timely, and properly indexed, transcribed testimony from witnesses in these processes. The Court Reporter must hold the certification as a National Court Reports Association (NCRA) Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), or equivalent (determination of equivalency at the discretion of VAMC).

Appropriate credentials must be provided within one (1) week upon request.

The Court Reporter shall be punctual and present at all proceedings, demonstrate a professional demeanor, and provide all the necessary equipment to perform their duties and accomplish the deliverables described below. The Court Reporter must be available and equipped to perform the service in person and on site, virtually, or a combination of both.

VAMC will provide seating and a work surface for the Court Reporter to perform their duties in the case the Court Reporter is required to perform the service on site. The Court Reporter shall read portions of transcript during the proceedings at the request of the Board or other presiding body and ask speakers to clarify inaudible statements. Proceedings may occur over multiple days and the services of the Court Reporter may be needed for varying lengths of time each day. Court Reporters who have experience with the Administrative Investigation Board (AIB) process, Equal Opportunity Hearing, Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) or arbitration hearings are preferred in the performance of this contract.

1.4.3 OATHS - The Court Reporter shall be competent to administer oaths.

1.4.4. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for the protection of its personnel furnishing services under this contract, in accordance with the personnel policy of the Contractor. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide the following for these personnel:

• Worker’s compensation

• Professional liability insurance NOTE: A copy of liability insurance on an individual must be presented to the CO prior that person being assigned to this facility.

• Health examinations

• Income tax withholding, and

• Social security payments

1.4.5. The parties agree that such personnel shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor. Note: To be in compliance with Homeland Security standards, each assigned Court Reporter shall be subject to the same rules and regulations as all contracted employees. Parking is allowed only in those areas not designated for patient use. All traffic laws and parking rules on the grounds are strictly enforced. Failure to follow these laws and regulations may result in a citation being issued that will have to be resolved through the Federal Court system. The contracted employee will check into the facility/property as a visitor.

1.4.6. The Contractor shall ensure that all assigned Court Reporters perform all work in a professional, business-like manner and in accordance with the best standards of the reporting profession and the Contractor.

1.4.7. Removing Employees for Misconduct or Security Reasons: The Government, may, at its sole discretion, direct the Contractor to remove their employee from the Government-owned or leased facility for misconduct or for security reasons. Removal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under this contract.

The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide the Contractor with a written explanation to support any request to remove an employee.

1.4.8. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor shall not assign any person who is an employee of the federal Government to work under this contract if that employment would appear to cause a conflict of interest.

1.4.8.1. In any instance where the Contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation may delay, or threaten to delay, the timely performance of this contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and the CO. This notice shall include all relevant information and corrective action being taken. The Government reserves the right to hold the Contractor fully accountable for problems incurred as a result of such delays, including denial of delivery time extensions, if such notification is not provided.

1.4.8.2. If, after notice of a proposed hearing, the Contractor’s employee does not appear at the time and place specified for the hearing, the Contractor shall be responsible for finding another equally qualified individual for the hearing. The Contractor may be responsible for the reimbursement to the Government for any expenses over and above that which would have been incurred if the Contractor had performed in accordance with this Performance Work Statement. The Government may deduct such expenses from any other sums due or that may become due the Contractor.

1.4.9. Place of Performance: Services may be required to occur on site at the designated VA Medical facility within the VISN 23 Network, to include location in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska, in a conference room setting. Services may also be required to be provided virtually, from a remote location for which the Contractor is responsible for providing, or a combination of both on site and virtual settings. The COR will give explicit instructions to the Contractor as to where and when the needed services will be required.

1.5. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

1.5.1 The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring compliance by its employees with the security regulations of the Veterans Administration’s (VA’s) work is performed under this contract. A Business Associate’s Agreement (BAA) will be entered into by both parties.

Contracted employees will have to complete VA’s Cyber Security and Privacy Act Training annually and sign the VA’s Rules of Behavior document prior to performing services.

Note: All work associated with this contract shall be performed in the United States of America.

Because this contract is funded with American appropriated tax dollars, all persons working under this contract shall be American Citizens. There shall be no exception to this requirement.

1.5.2. The information obtained in the performance of this contract is considered to be confidential and must not be revealed to anyone who is not authorized to know. Portions of information disclosed during the performance of this contract are protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974; therefore, all personnel assigned to this Contract are required to take proper precautions to protect the information from disclosure.

1.5.3. Commitment to Protect Sensitive Information. The Contractor and its employees shall not release, publish, or disclose sensitive information to unauthorized personnel, and shall protect such information in accordance with provisions of 18 U.S.C. 641 (Criminal Code: Public Money, Property or Records) and any other pertinent laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of sensitive information.

1.5.4. In the performance of official duties, the Contractor's employees shall have access to information containing sensitive data, which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC 552a); the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and E, the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (“Privacy Rule”); and 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and C, the Security Standard (“Security Rule”); Federal Regulations and statutes;

and VAMC policies and standard operating procedures. The Contractor and Contractor's employees are responsible for:

• Protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.

• Completing annual privacy training that conforms to the requirements of VA Privacy Training.

• Completing annual security awareness training that conforms to the requirement of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Cyber and Information Security Training.

• Within 24 hours of first becoming aware of a HIPAA Electronic Transaction and Code Set, Privacy, Security or Standard Identifier Incident, or use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) not provided for by this contract, notify the COR and CO, and promptly provide a report to the COR and CO.

• An incident will be considered any attempted or successful unauthorized access to use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of, or interference with, PHI, or an event that causes the VA to be considered non-compliant with the Administrative Simplification provisions of HIPAA as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Use only contractors, subcontractors, or agents who are physically located within a jurisdiction subject to the laws of the United States. Ensure there is no use or disclosure of PHI received from the VA in any way that will remove the PHI from such jurisdiction.

• Upon completion of the applicable contract(s), return all PHI gathered, created, received or processed during the performance of the contract(s), and no data will be retained by the Contractor, or any agents or subcontractors, unless retention is required by law or regulation or expressly permitted herein.

• Assure that all PHI has been returned to the COR.

• If immediate return of all data is not possible, assure that all PHI retained will be safeguarded to prevent unauthorized uses or disclosures. Until assurance is provided, the Department of Veterans Affairs may withhold 15% of the final payment of the contract(s).

1.5.5. Computer security is a vital part of patient rights and privacy. All computer information from the VA is considered sensitive and shall not be disclosed to anyone by the Contractor, or its employees. The Contractor and its employees shall follow all VA computer security guidelines. Violation of this policy could result in the federal prosecution of the individual(s) involved.

1.5.6. Confidentiality. All Contractor personnel performing services under this contract must complete a confidentiality certification.

1.6. QUALITY CONTROL.

1.6.1. The Contractor shall provide the reviews and quality checks necessary to ensure that the reporting, recording, transcripts and photocopying conform to acceptable Government standards. No transcripts shall be forwarded to the Government until the quality checks reveal full format conformance and freedom from error.

1.6.2. The Contractor shall closely monitor its performance in meeting the requirements for timely delivery of hearing transcripts. The Contractor shall advise the COR, in advance, by specific case number only (no names, SSNs, or any other personal identification data), when timely delivery cannot be made, and estimated time when correction of delivery will be made.

1.7. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN)

1.7.1 The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the method of surveillance specified below. All surveillance observations will be recorded by the Government. When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will provide the Contractor with a copy of the record of the observation.

The Government shall reduce Contractor invoices by 15% in the event the Contractor’s level of performance falls below 90% of the expected performances as outlined in this PWS.

Confirmation of these delinquent performances will be made known to the Contractor immediately upon discovery.

Para No.

Performance Objective Standard (AQL)

5.3 Full Representative at

all scheduled hearings

A trained and experienced transcriptionist with

Not late to more than one hearing per year.

experience in AIB’s, EEO Hearings, and MSPB Hearings is prompt and present (on site and/or virtually) for all scheduled hearings with functioning recording equipment

All direct and indirect costs associated with re-hearings will be reimbursed to the Government

5.7 Timely Delivery Transcribed paper and

copies (no digital, e-mailed, etc.) of reports are delivered as stated in all parts of paragraph 5.7.

Less than one percent of the reports are late

5.8 – 5.11

Error-Free Deliverables Hearing recordings, transcriptions and photocopies accurately reflect that which transpired at the hearing, the individual testimonies are appropriately bound in a sturdy plastic folder, clear front cover, with metal prongs, include an acknowledgement/errata sheet inserted at the front, and a word index behind the testimony.

Less than 1% of recordings, transcriptions and photocopies must be returned for correction by the Contractor. All corrections are made and re-delivered to the COR within five (5) days of notification of the need for correction.

1.7.2. The VA designated representative will evaluate the quality and timeliness of the product and services and notify the COR and the Government-designated official of the acceptability of the product and services within three (3) calendar days of receipt. However, only an appointed COR is authorized to monitor contract performance and only a Warranted CO is authorized to make changes to the contract by way of written contract modifications.

1.8. HOURS OF OPERATION.

1.8.1. Normal Business Hours. The VA’s normal business hours are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal Holidays. Services required by this contract may be required before, during, and/or after normal business hours.

1.8.2. Federal Holidays. The ten holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King’s Birthday; President’s Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day;

Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans’ Day; Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday. In the event a holiday falls on a weekend day (Saturday or Sunday), the normal observance is the connecting weekday.

SECTION 2 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The AQL is the maximum percent defective that, for purposes of sampling inspections, can be considered satisfactory.

Administrative Investigation (AI). A process of gathering evidence and ascertaining facts about particular matters, conducted primarily to enhance administrative effectiveness and efficiency.

Administrative Investigation Board (AIB). The standard procedures established under VA Directive 0700 and accompanying Handbook for collecting and analyzing evidence, ascertaining facts, and documenting complete and accurate information regarding matters of interest to the VA. “Members” are the person or persons appointed by a Convening Authority to conduct the

AIB.

Contracting Officer (CO). A sole individual appointed with the authority to enter into and administer contracts on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). An individual designated by the CO to act as his representative to assist in administering a contract. The source and authority for a COR are contained in the written letter of designation from the CO.

Convening Authority. The authority responsible for convening and supervising administrative investigations.

Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The laws governing federal Government contracting procedures.

Investigative Report (IR). The standard format for conveying the results of an AIB, designed to enhance clarity and to facilitate review and decision-making. The essential components an investigative report are findings of fact, conclusions, and exhibits.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

Performance Work Statement (PWS). A statement that outlines the services needed for a Performance Based Service contract.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

SECTION 3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES.

The Government will provide to the Contractor for contract performance at no cost a shared meeting location, utilities, and the use of a telephone (local calls only) when the service is required to be provided on site. Normally, the usage of cell phones within the Government-owned or leased property is permitted; however, there are some areas of the hospital where the usage of such devices is restricted because of the possible interference with operating medical equipment. Strict adherence to the rules concerning the usage of these devices must be observed.

SECTION 4 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES.

4.1. GENERAL. Except for those items or services specifically stated to be Government-furnished in Section 3, the Contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this contract.

SECTION 5 SPECIFIC TASKS.

5.1. The Contractor agrees that, at a minimum, all assigned court reporters shall:

• Prior to the scheduled meeting time when performing services on Government-owned or leased property on site and in person:

o Present himself/herself to the presiding COR to obtain a temporary identification badge from the appropriate VA Office. (Estimated time for this evolution is 30 minutes.) This badge will be returned by the Contractor to the VA-issuing office upon completion of the assignment.

o After receipt of badge, the Contractor will proceed to the designated hearing location and have all equipment set up and ready by the scheduled hearing time.

• Adhere strictly to the instructions of the presiding official in matters affecting the composition of the record, adjourning to other times or places, the hours of hearing, and associated matters.

• Report everything spoken while a hearing is in session unless the presiding official directs an off-the-record proceeding for which notes have been taken as required.

5.2. Hearings shall be properly recorded by the Court Reporter using electronic recording devices, in addition to their physical and/or virtual presence at the hearing. The Contractor shall provide a back-up system to whichever primary recording method is used. When proceedings are recorded by an electronic recording device, it shall at a minimum:

• have two (2) channels.

• be continuously monitored by an operator.

• have simultaneous playback, listening pre-amplification and speaker identification capabilities.

• have an equipment malfunction indicator.

The Court Reporter must maintain an audio recording of the testimony, available to the team leader or COR for the process as needed to clarify issues associated with testimony content.

5.3. An experienced, competent Court Reporter shall be present when witnesses are interviewed, testimony is given, and/or when witnesses are called back for additional testimony.

The team leader or other designated VA staff member will inform the Court Reporter of the anticipated duration of the process, and when the process has been completed.

5.4. The Contractor shall provide the reviews and quality checks necessary to ensure that the reporting, recording, transcripts and photocopying conform to acceptable Government standards. No final transcripts shall be forwarded to the Government until the quality checks reveal full format conformance and freedom from error.

5.5. When actual discrepancies in the transcribed testimony and the audio recording are identified and verified by the Government-designated point of contact, the Court Reporter shall produce a corrected version at no additional cost to the Government.

5.6. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for all loss or damage to materials associated with this PWS while in the Contractor’s care and custody. The Contractor shall keep accurate records of the materials obtained from the Government. The listing shall include a list of materials, the status of the assignment and the case number assigned by the Government.

5.7. HEARING AND DELIVERABLES TIMELINES:

5.7.1. The Administrative Investigation Boards have an established timeframe for completion of 45 calendar days of the date the AIB is convened; whereby sworn or affirmed testimony is obtained by a team charged with investigating a particular issue or event. Transcribed testimony, in final form, must be returned to the Board within five business days of each testimony for the deadline to be met. Electronic, searchable and printable pdf copies of unofficial transcriptions of each testimony are to be provided to the Board at the end of each day of that same day’s testimonies. In the event that an extension of time should become necessary for completion beyond the initial 45-day period, the designated Board representative will notify the Court Reporter of this change.

5.7.2. EEO Hearings may have a short turnaround time for completion of three days to 14 days, as established by a judge. Transcribed testimony must be returned to the designated Government designated representative within five business days of each testimony for the deadline to be met.

5.7.3. MSPB processes rarely exceed three to five business days. Transcribed testimony must be returned to the designated Government representative within five business days of each testimony for the deadline to be met.

5.7.4. Upon completion of the proceedings, the final deliverable(s) must be provided to the designated Human Resources Office, DAB, or other agency-designated recipient within 10 calendar days of the conclusion of the event or within 24 hours when expediting is deemed necessary by the Government.

5.7.5 The Government will review the final deliverables within three (3) business days of receipt and notify the Contractor of its acceptance or rejection. If rejected, the Contractor will have five

(5) calendar days to correct the deficiencies at no cost to the Government. The Government will have three (3) business days to review subsequent submissions of the same deliverable for acceptance.

5.8. TRANSCRIPTION FORMAT:

5.8.1. The Court Reporter shall index each individual transcript and include behind each bound testimony a tabbed index stating, “WORD INDEX.” The evidence and information gathered during the course of the investigation shall be organized in an appropriately indexed investigative file that includes a numerical or alphabetical list of each time a symbol, number or word was used and the page number and line number.

5.8.2. The transcribed testimony product must be accurate, double-spaced, printed, and bound in a satisfactory manner, according to accepted standards for court reporting, which at a minimum, includes one (1) original and four (4) copies of each witnesses’ testimony. All are to be securely fastened with metal prongs (not plastic binding). Line numbers must be listed in the left margin and the page number in the bottom right corner of each page. The Court Reporter shall include their signed, dated, and officially sealed certificate as the last page of the testimony.

An electronic pdf copy shall be provided that is converted from a Word document, not scanned images of the hard copy transcripts. The electronic pdf file must be searchable by the Government, cannot be password protected, and printable by the Government in unlimited quantities.

5.8.3. An “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT” sheet shall be included as the last page of each testimony to include a certification statement at the top that the testimony is accurate, to include blanks for a date to be filled in and a signature block for each. The second half of this acknowledgement sheet shall include a place for corrections, i.e., Page No. ____, Line No. ____, and a blank to write in the corrections.

5.8.4. Visible Black Character.

5.8.4.1. A Visible Black Character is defined strike-able and includes any printed letter, number, symbol, and/or punctuation mark excluding any or all formatting (e.g., bold, underline, italics, table structure, codes). All visible black characters can be seen with the naked eye as a mark, regardless of whether viewed electronically or on a printed page.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b C D e f G H I j k l m n o p q r s t u v w X y z ` 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = [ ] \ ; ‘ , . / “

5.8.4.2. Visual Black Character (VBC) Line or ASCII no Spaces Line. A VBC Line is defined as the total number of characters you can see with the naked eye, divided by 65. It includes any character contained within a header or footer. Spaces, carriage returns, and hidden format instructions, such as bold, underline, text boxes, printer configurations, spell check, etc., which are not counted in the total character count. A VBC Line is calculated by counting all visual characters and simply dividing the total number of characters by 65 to arrive at the number of defined lines.

5.8.5. All documents shall by typed using black ink…