Solicitation VEO CX Institute_36C10X21Q0219.pdf

36C10X21Q0219

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 in conjunction with Part 13 of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This Solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), and the solicitation number is 36C10X21Q0219.

This notice incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-06, effective July 12, 2021, and the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations (VAAR). The complete text of any of the clauses and provisions may be accessed in full text at https://www.acquisition.gov/.

This Solicitation is being conducted as a tiered evaluation, competed as a 100%

UNRESTRICTED.

The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611430 – Professional and Management Development Training. The size standard is $12 Million.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following services:

• See Attachment A, Statement of Objectives (SOO).

The result of this solicitation will be a single award, firm-fixed price, Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).

The anticipated Period of Performance will be 60 months from the date of award.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be issued on a Standard Form 1449.

https://www.acquisition.gov/

SECTION B - CONTINUATION PAGES

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

POC:

Phone:

Email:

b. GOVERNMENT: Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick

Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

Contracting Officer (CO): Anthony Zibolski Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov 240-215-1763

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): See the COR Designation of Authority. In the absence of a

COR Designation of Authority the Contracting Officer will retain and execute all COR duties.

mailto:Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov

B.2 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Submission - In accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests, all invoices shall be submitted electronically.

Tungsten (fka OB10) ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Fax, email 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 data transmissions below.

• VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Financial Services Center (FSC) in Austin, TX uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

• 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 is http://www.x12.org.

Vendor e-invoice Set-up information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, TX for payment processing. If you have questions about the payment status of a properly submitted invoice, the e-invoicing program, or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

• Tungsten e-Invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135

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

• FSC e-Invoice contact information: 1-877-353-9791

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

• http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

COMMUNICATIONS:

• https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/vaacquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests

• http://fcw.com/articles/2012/11/27/va-epayments.aspx?s=fcwdaily http://www.x12.org/ https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/vaacquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/vaacquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests http://fcw.com/articles/2012/11/27/va-epayments.aspx?s=fcwdaily

2.Submission of Proper Invoice - The following data must be included in an invoice for it to constitute a proper invoice:

a. Name and address of the contractor

b. Invoice date and number

c. IFCAP Purchase Order No.:

d. Contract No.: TBD

e. Item number, description, quantity, unit of measure, price, extended price and a total of supplies delivered, or services performed.

1. Cumulative billing (per line item and total)

2. Final invoices must be marked ‘FINAL INVOICE’

3. Proof of supplies delivered, or services performed MUST also be provided.

Signature, printed name and title of Government receiving official and date of delivery or performance period must be included.

INVOICES THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE

REJECTED.

3.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

4.Invoice shall be submitted in the arrears

a. Quarterly [ ]

b. Semi-Annually [ ]

c. Other [X] Monthly, after delivery and acceptance by the COR.

B.3 DESCRIPTON OF BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA)

In the spirit of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and [awardee TBD] hereby enter into a cooperative agreement, otherwise referred to as a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), to further reduce the administrative costs of acquiring services.

The agreement details all services with accompanying prices and descriptions, which may be ordered under this BPA. The awardee shall furnish the services described in SECTION B.5 of this agreement, if and when requested by an authorized user.

All orders placed against this BPA are subject to the terms and conditions of all the clauses and provisions in full text or incorporated by reference in this document.

The Contractor agrees to the following terms of a BPA exclusively with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Extent of Obligation: This BPA does not obligate any funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized orders against this BPA.

Purchase Limitation: The individual purchase limit for orders under this BPA is in accordance with FAR 13.303-5(b)(2).

BPA Ordering Period: The period of performance shall be 60 months from the date of award.

Extent of Obligation: This BPA does not obligate any funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized orders against this BPA.

Type of Contract: This is a single award BPA with one or more firm-fixed priced orders expected during the Period of Performance.

Authorized Users: Contracting Officers (CO’s) within Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick are the only users authorized to place orders under this BPA. Orders shall only be issued if appropriate funding is available. The BPA holder shall not accept or perform any work in response to orders received from unauthorized users.

BPA Ordering Procedures:

a) As the need arises, orders will be issued by an authorized user.

b) Orders shall be submitted by email to the contractor point of contact referenced in Section B.1 of this agreement. The contractor shall acknowledge receipt of an order within 48 hours of receipt. The contractor’s acknowledgement of the order shall indicate acceptance.

c) Orders will include a completed call order price schedule in the firm-fixed price amount indicated in the BPA Price/Cost Schedule.

d) Tasks shall be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) included in Section B.5 of this BPA within the timeframe indicated within the deliverables schedule.

e) Performance shall begin within 30 days of award of an order.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE

0001 Task 1.1: Certification Refinement 1.00 JB $__________

0002 Task 1.2: Certification Development 1.00 JB $__________

0003 Task 1.3: Facilitation Delivery Training 1.00 JB $__________

0004 Task 1.4: Pilot Certification 1.00 JB $__________

Task 2.1: Develop CX Institute Fellowship Model

1.00 JB $__________

Task 2.2: Pilot the CX Institute Fellowship Model

1.00 JB $__________

Task 3.1: Develop CX Certification for Secondary Priority Audience

1.00 JB $__________

Task 3.2: Facilitation Delivery Second Priority Audience

1.00 JB $__________

Task 3.3: Pilot Second Priority Audience Certification

1.00 JB $__________

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT:

[Reserved for FINAL Performance Work Statement]

SECTION C - ADDITIONAL SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

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

VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

(a) The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement agency policy applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The following provisions and clauses that have been checked by the Contracting Officer are incorporated by reference.

[X] 852.203–70, Commercial Advertising.

[X] 852.215–70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors.

[X] 852.215–71, Evaluation Factor Commitments.

[X] 852.219–9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements.

[X] 852.232–72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

[X] 852.233–70, Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution.

[X] 852.233–71, Alternate Protest Procedure.

[] 852.246–73, Noncompliance with Packaging, Packing, and/or Marking Requirements.

[X] 852.270–1, Representatives of Contracting Officers.

(End of Clause)

VAAR 852.219-75 SUBCONTRACTING COMMITMENTS MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

(a) This solicitation includes the clause: 852.215-70 Service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small business evaluation factors. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include the clause 852.215-71 Evaluation factor commitments.

(b) The Contractor is advised that in performing contract administration functions, the Contracting Officer may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing Contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments incorporated into the contract. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding contract compliance with this requirement.

(c) All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the Contracting Officer in assessing the Contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs.

(d) Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the Contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, Obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The Contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the Contracting Officer to assess the Contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments.

VAAR 852.219-76 SUBCONTRACTING PLANS MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

(JUL 2018)

(a) This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and VAAR 852.219-9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirement.

(b) Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses, unless the contract is awarded to a small business concern. The Contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the Contracting Officer may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing the Contractor's compliance with the plan, including reviewing the Contractor's accomplishments in achieving the subcontracting goals in the plan. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding the Contractor's compliance with this requirement.

(c) All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the Contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the Contracting Officer in assessing the Contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs.

(d) Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the Contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, Obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The Contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the Contracting Officer to assess the Contractor compliance with the subcontracting plan.

VAAR 852.219-71 VA MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM (DEC 2009)

(a) Large businesses are encouraged to participate in the VA Mentor-Protégé Program for the purpose of providing developmental assistance to eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses to enhance the small businesses' capabilities and increase their participation as VA prime contractors and as subcontractors.

(b) The program consists of:

(1) Mentor firms, which are contractors capable of providing developmental assistance;

(2) Protégé firms, which are service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns or veteran-owned small business concerns; and

(3) Mentor-Protégé Agreements approved by the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

(c) Mentor participation in the program means providing business developmental assistance to aid protégés in developing the requisite expertise to effectively compete for and successfully perform VA prime contracts and subcontracts.

(d) Large business prime contractors serving as mentors in the VA Mentor-Protégé Program are eligible for an incentive for subcontracting plan credit. VA will recognize the costs incurred by a mentor firm in providing assistance to a protégé firm and apply those costs for purposes of determining whether the mentor firm attains its subcontracting plan participation goals under a VA contract. The amount of credit given to a mentor firm for these protégé developmental assistance costs shall be calculated on a dollar-for-dollar basis and reported by the large business prime contractor via the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS).

(e) Contractors interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for more information.

VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to the Contractor voluntarily diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit a justification for the diversion or replacement and a request to replace the individual. The request must identify the proposed replacement and provide an explanation of how the replacement’s skills, experience, and credentials meet or exceed the requirements of the contract. If the employee of the Contractor is terminated for cause or separates from the contractor voluntarily with less than thirty days notice, the Contractor shall provide the maximum notice practicable under the circumstances. The Contractor shall not divert, replace, or announce any such change to key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The contract will be modified to add or delete key personnel as necessary to reflect the agreement of the parties.

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR Number Title Date

52.203-17

CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html

52.204-4

PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE

OCT

52.204-18

COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG

52.232-40

PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

DEC

852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER

OCT

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2021) (JUL

2020) (DEVIATION)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(3) 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115– 232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[X] (1) 52.203–6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[] (2) 52.203–13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

[] (3) 52.203–15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.204–10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109–282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[] (5) [Reserved]

[] (6) 52.204–14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L.

111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (7) 52.204–15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111–117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (JUN 2020) (31 U.S.C.

6101 note).

[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[] (10) [Reserved] [] (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-3.

[X] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-4.

[] (13) [Reserved] [] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C.

644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[X] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)).

[] (17)(i) 52.219–9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (JUN 2020) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[X] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (v) Alternate IV (JUN 2020) of 52.219–9.

[] (18)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

[X] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

[] (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set- Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

[X] (22)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

[] (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

[] (25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

[] (26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(17)) [X] (27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

[] (28) 52.222–19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JUL

2020) (DEVIATION) (E.O. 13126).

[X] (29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

[X] (30)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

[] (ii) Alternate I (FEB 1999) of 52.222-26.

[X] (31)(i) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-35.

[X] (32)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JULY 2014) of 52.222-36.

[X] (33) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

[X] (34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

[X] (35)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020) (22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

[X] (36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (E. O. 12989).

(Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

[] (37)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA- Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C.6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

[] (38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (40)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2015) of 52.223-13.

[] (41)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (JUN 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-14.

[] (42) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (MAY 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

[] (43)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (OCT 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JUN 2014) of 52.223-16.

[X] (44) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513).

[] (45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (46) 52.223-21, Foams (JUN 2016) (E.O. 13693).

[] (47) (i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[] (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

[] (48) 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (JAN 2021) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

[] (49)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Pub. L. 103-182, 108- 77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

[] (ii) Alternate II (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION) of 52.225-3.

[] (iii) Alternate III (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION) of 52.225-3.

[] (50) 52.225–5, Trade Agreements (JUL 2020) (DEVIATION) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

[X] (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

[] (52) 52.225–26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

[] (53) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[] (54) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

[X] (55) 52.229–12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (JUN 2020).

[] (56) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[] (57) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (JAN 2017) (41 U.S.C.

4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

[X] (58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (59) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (60) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

[] (61) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

[X] (62) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

[] (63)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

[] (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

[] (iii) Alternate II (FEB 2006) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards— Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards— Price Adjustment (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment— Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

[] (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

[] (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

[] (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

[] (9) 52.226–6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records—Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement.

Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and

(d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203–13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204–23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115–91).

(iv) 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L.

115–232).

(v) 52.219–8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219–8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(vii) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(viii) 52.222–35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(ix) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(x) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiii)(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020) (22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(B) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment— Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015) (E. O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020).

(xviii) 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O.

13706).

(xix)(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225–26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (OCT 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

(xxi) 52.226–6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (JUN 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT A_36C10X21Q0219_STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

D.2 ATTACHMENT B_36C10X21Q0219_LEVEL OF EFFORT_LABOR MIX

D.3 ATTACHMENT C_36C10X21Q0219_QUESTION TEMPLATE

D.4 ATTACHMENT D_36C10X21Q0219_PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES

D.5 ATTACHMENT E_ 36C10X21Q0219_PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

D.6 ATTACHMENT F_36C10X21Q0219_CALL ORDER 1

SECTION E - EVALUATION

FAR 52.212-1 –INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS –COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

APPLIES TO THIS ACQUISITION.

In addition to the information provided by FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors- Commercial Items, the following details apply:

QUOTE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

(a) All questions, and quote submissions shall be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer (CO) at anthony.zibolski@va.gov.

(b) Submissions not including “36C10X21Q0219” in the email subject line may not be considered.

1. All questions shall be submitted using the template provided as ATTACHMENT C on or before August 13, 2021, at 8:00 AM Eastern.

Only written questions will be accepted. Any questions received after the due date may not be answered.

2. Quotes shall be submitted on or before August 23, 2021, at 8:00 AM

Eastern. Quotes received after the due date and time will be late and may not be considered for award.

(c) Revisions to this solicitation will be posted on Contract Opportunities. Copies of the revisions will NOT be individually mailed or sent via email. No other notification of revisions will be provided. Potential contractors are advised that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging any revisions to the solicitation.

(d) Quotes shall be submitted in accordance with the following instructions:

1. Format. The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and solicitation number in the header and/or footer. Quote page limitations are applicable to this procurement. The Table below indicates the maximum page count (when applicable) for each volume of the contractor’s submission.

All files will be submitted as either a Microsoft Excel (.XLS) file or an Acrobat (PDF) file or compatible as indicated in the table. Page size shall be no greater than 8 1/2" x 11" with printing on one side, only.

The top, bottom, left and right margins shall be a minimum of one inch (1”) each. Font size shall be no smaller than 12-point. Arial or Times New Roman fonts are required. Characters shall be set at no less than normal spacing and 100% scale. Tables and illustrations may use a mailto:anthony.zibolski@va.gov reduced font size not less than 8-point and may be landscape. Line spacing shall be set at no less than single space. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. Page numbers, company logos, and headers and footers may be within the page margins ONLY and are not bound by the 12-point font requirement.

All proprietary information shall be clearly and properly marked.

Footnotes to text shall not be used. Additionally, contractors shall not use hyperlinks or embedded files of any kind in any quote volume. If included, these will not be reviewed or evaluated. If the contractor submits annexes, documentation, attachments or the like, not specifically required by this solicitation, such will count against the contractor’s page limitations unless otherwise indicated in the specific volume instructions below. Pages in violation of these instructions, either by exceeding the margin, font or spacing restrictions or by exceeding the total page limit for a particular volume, may not be evaluated. Pages not evaluated due to violation of the margin, font or spacing restrictions will not count against the page limitations. The page count will be determined by counting the pages in the order they come up in the print layout view.

2. File Packaging: Quote files may not be compressed (zipped) into one file; the quote files shall be submitted individually.

3. Content Requirements. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. The contractor shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the quote and provide an adequate basis for evaluation. Contractors are responsible for including sufficient details, in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each quote.

The titles and page limits requirements for each file are shown in the Table below:

Volume Number

Evaluation Factor

File Name Page Limitations

Volume I Technical Approach

[Respondent Name]_Tech.[ext]

[Respondent Name]_KP.[ext]

[Respondent]_Attachment B.[ext]

Technical Approach: 10 pages Key Personnel: 2 pages resume/bio for each key personnel Attachment B Level of Effort_Labor

Mix, no Limit

Volume II PWS

[Respondent Name]_PWS.[ext]

[Respondent

Name]_QASP.[ext]

PWS: 20 pages, not inclusive of Government provided security language (Attachment A, Section 14 and Addendum A)

QASP: 4 pages

Volume III Past

Performance [Respondent

Name]_PP.[ext] 3 pages

Volume IV Sub-contracting Consideration

[Respondent]_Socio.doc/pdf No Limit

Volume V Factor 5:

Price [Respondent

Name]_[attachment].xlsx

None.

Submit Section B.4 Price/Cost

Attachment F: Call Order 1 Price

Schedule

The cover page, table of contents, and/or a glossary of abbreviations or acronyms will not be included in the page count of any Volume.

VOLUME I - TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

Under no circumstances shall any pricing be included in the Technical Capability Volume.

The Respondent shall submit a technical volume that describes in specific detail how it will accomplish the Government’s objectives, as outlined in Attachment A, to provide the Government with a high level of confidence that the Respondent understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing all tasks without Government intervention. Respondents shall, at a minimum, address the following in their Technical Approach:

1. Understanding of the objectives, planned execution of the work, including Project

Management Plan (PMP) that lays out the Contractor’s approach, timeline, and tools to be used in execution of the objectives. The PMP shall describe how the

Contractor manages and schedules Contractor resources, manages communications with Contractor resources and Government points of contact

(POCs), and manages project change and risk.

The PMP shall take the form of both a narrative and graphic format that displays the schedule, milestones, risks and resource support. The PMP shall also include how the Contractor shall coordinate and execute reporting requirements as identified within the schedule of deliverables.

2. Allocation of key personnel, and resources. The currency, quality, and depth of experience of proposed individuals in working on similar projects. To be considered relevant, referenced experience must be similar in size, scope, and complexity to this requirement.

a. Résumés that are provided as part of contractor’s technical response are not included in the page count for Volume I. Résumés shall be limited to two pages per résumé and shall document experience that is recent (within past three years) and relevant to performance of the Government’s objectives. Résumés are requested for all quoted key personnel.

b. The Government will also evaluate the quoted level of effort and labor mix (Attachment B).

3. Organizational experience of similar size, scope, and complexity to this requirement. Experience is the skill and knowledge gained by performing services. The information provided will be evaluated to determine the extent to which the contractor has previously provided relevant services which would meet or exceed the needs of this procurement. The Government will consider the level of risk associated with the contractor’s experience.

VOLUME II –PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Respondent shall submit a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that describes all performance objectives, as outlined in Attachment A, in terms of required results, deliverables, delivery schedule and measurable outcomes.

VOLUME III –Past Performance

The Respondent shall complete Attachment D: Past Performance References in its entirety, listing a total of three contracts/orders for work performed in the past three years or currently being performed, for similar support services described in Attachment

A. The Government will make the determination of relevance (based on size, scope, and complexity of the requirement).

Contracts/orders listed may include those entered into with the Federal Government, agencies of state and local governments and commercial concerns. Respondents may also submit past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the acquisition.

For the purposes of this solicitation, a major subcontract is defined as 20% of the total contract effort. Data concerning the prime contractor shall be provided first, followed by each proposed major subcontractor, in alphabetical order.

Respondents shall indicate on Attachment D if there are Contractor Performance

Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) report(s) available for each reference. In the event an assessment was not completed in CPARS for the contract/order, Respondents may request the reference point of contact (POC) to complete and submit a Past

Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (See Attachment E of this solicitation). The

Respondent shall instruct the POC at the referenced entity to return a copy of the completed PPQ directly to the CO Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov NO LATER THAN THE

CLOSING DATE OF THE SOLICITATION (inclusive of any closing date extensions granted via amendment). PPQs will only be evaluated for those contracts/orders that do not have a CPARS report available.

The Government is not required to contact references provided by the Respondent.

Also, references other than those identified by the Respondent may be contacted by the mailto:Anthony.Zibolski@va.gov

Government to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation of the

Respondent's past performance. The Government may consider past performance information obtained through other sources which is reasonably available and determined to be relevant.

Respondents shall indicate on Attachment D if they have no record of relevant or recent past performance.

VOLUME IV –SUBCONTRACTING CONSIDERATION

a) Veterans Preference

1. In accordance with VAAR 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, the Government will assign full evaluation credit for a Contractor (prime contractor) which is a CVE registered and verified SDVOSB and partial credit for a verified VOSB prime contractor.

2. Non-SDVOSB Contractors proposing to subcontract 5% or more of the value to a verified SDVOSB concern or 7% or more of the value to a verified VOSB concern will receive some evaluation credit. Note that in order to receive credit under this evaluation factor, prime contractor SDVOSBs and/or VOSBs or proposed subcontractor SDVOSBs and/or VOSBs must be registered in SAM, the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) at http://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/, and verified by the CVE at the time of award.

3. Substantiating documents such as teaming agreements, mentor protégé agreements, and the like must be submitted with the quote. To receive credit as an SDVOSB or VOSB, the respondent must be registered and verified in the VetBiz.gov Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/ at the time of award, in accordance with Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) 852.215-70, and registered in System for Award Management (SAM.gov) as required by 48 CFR Subpart 4.11, to be eligible to participate in VA VOSB prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities programs to receive new contract awards.

4. Non-Veteran Owned Respondents must state in their quotes the names of the SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts to detail the percentage of work and dollar value of the SDVOSB contributions. In addition, the proposed Subcontractors must be registered and verified in the VetBiz.gov VIP database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/. VA has the sole authority to determine SDVOSB and/or VOSB status. Center of Veterans Enterprise (CVE) creates the database in VetBiz and is responsible for the status.

b) Subcontracting Plan https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/ https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/

To the maximum extent feasible, the Contractor and any Subcontractors shall comply with VA’s VOSB, SDVOSB, socioeconomic, and other small business goals, including, but not limited to, 38 U.S.C. § 8127.

VOLUME V –PRICE

The CO will be responsible for determining that the total price is fair and reasonable in accordance with this solicitation. The Government will evaluate price reasonableness as prescribed in FAR 13.106-3. Price will not be evaluated adjectivally or assigned a score.

Respondents shall complete Section B.4 –Price/Cost Schedule and Attachment B – Level of Effort_Labor Mix, and Attachment F –Call Order 1. Alternatively, respondents are encouraged to tailor Section B.4, Attachment B, and Attachment F as needed to reflect the respondent’s unique approach to meeting the Government’s objectives.

If awarded a BPA, this pricing shall be incorporated and is the basis for all subsequent pricing for call orders awarded under this BPA.

Price Rounding Issue - The Government requires contractors to quote unit prices and total prices that are two decimal places and requires the unit prices and total prices to be displayed as two decimal places. Ensure that the two digit unit price multiplied by the item quantity equals the two digit total item price (there should be no rounding).

Contractors shall ensure that the actual values in the spreadsheet cells are no more than two decimal places even if values in the spreadsheet cells are formatted to display two decimal places.

All contractors should propose assuming an estimated effective date of September 1, 2021.

This Volume shall also contain the following:

a. Acknowledgement of Revisions(s), if any. An official authorized to bind the firm shall sign all amendment(s) (SF30s), and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

b. Any proposed terms and conditions and/or assumptions upon which the quote is predicated. Contractors are hereby advised that any contractor-imposed terms and conditions and/or assumptions which deviate…