SOW revised 082526.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Elevator inspection and test services: Annual, semi-annual, and 5 year load test.

1. SCOPE OF WORK

The Government is seeking for a contractor to provide all labor, supplies, transportation, expertise and supervision necessary to perform a complete independent inspection and safety tests on Government-owned Vertical Transportation Units (VTU) which include elevators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts and cart lifts. Inspection and test services are performed on an annual and semi-annual basis. Furthermore, all VTU’s also requires a 5 year load test to be performed. The contractor shall meet any current or future requirements approvals or certifications as may be levied by applicable legal, regulatory, accrediting body, governing body, and/or local/state/federal requirements as required by law.

2. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor shall provide independent elevator inspection and test services that include inspection, verification and certification of annual and semi-annual inspection, safety tests, and 5 year load testing to ensure reliable and continuous safe operation of Government owned VTU’s.

A list of all VTU’s can be found in “ATTACHMENT 1 this solicitation/contract. The list provides pertinent information for each VTU’s to include make, model, year installed, The list is subject to change throughout the performance of the contract and all parties involved will be notified of any changes within five (5) business days.

i. Contractor shall strictly adhere to the Government Inspection and Test Schedule as published herein. Deviation from the published schedule requires prior written notification and approval of the Contracting Officer (CO) and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

ii. Prior to performing independent inspection and testing services contractor shall provide notification to the CO, COR and the Government Elevator Maintenance and Repair contractor of the dates of proposed services. The notification should reach the Government and Elevator Maintenance and Repair contractor at least fifteen calendar (15) days prior to the proposed inspection. The notification shall be in writing and shall include the proposed inspection and testing dates, estimated time of arrival and completion of services, name and local contact information of the technician performing the services and other information that will facilitate the completion of services. Proposed dates are subject to change based on the needs and schedule of the Government and the maintenance and repair contractor.

iii. Inspections and tests shall be in accordance with the most current edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks and A17.3 Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators. In addition contractor shall be aware of and adhere to all applicable Federal, State, County and City, rules, recommendations, regulations, guidelines and laws not mention.

iv. Contractor shall ensure that annual, semi-annual, 5 year load test inspections required by the publications listed in paragraph B.2.8.1.iii be performed according to required specifications and guidelines. If the Government Inspection and Test Schedule conflicts or does not meet the requirement of paragraph B.2.8.1.iii contractor shall advise the CO and the COR and assist the Government in publishing a revised schedule that meets these requirements.

v. Contractor shall provide the necessary labels, metal tags or other tagging and labeling requirements listed in the publications outlined in paragraph B.2.8.1.iii.

vi. Contractor is responsible FOR ensuring services are provided by qualified and competent personnel for all Elevator Inspections pertinent to this contract. At a minimum, contractor personnel shall maintain a current ASME QEI 1 certification (see paragraph B.2.9)

3. HOURS OF WORK AND SCHEDULING:

Contractor is responsible for conducting business during normal business hours (normally between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to facilitate communication between the Government and the Contractor, Monday through Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the National Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a National Holiday by U.S. Government agencies. Also included would be any day specifically declared by the President of the United States. Contractor is not required to provide any service(s) on nationally recognized U.S. Government holidays, nor shall the contractor be paid for these holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS: All work for the duration of the contract shall be performed by qualified, certified and or licensed personnel. Based on the Nature of the work. Contractor shall be a firm regularly engaged in the servicing and testing of elevators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts and cart lifts. Inventory is listed below in the chart. Contractor’s personnel performing on this contract must be fully qualified competent service technician. “Fully qualified” is defined as meeting the requirements of the most current edition of ASME QEI-1 for the Qualification of Elevator Inspectors. All potential contractors shall show previous experience in the minimum quantity and type of elevators shown below.

VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System

CONFIRMATION OF Inspection WORK: All services will be confirmed and approved by The engineering Department. When service is completed. Within ten (10) business days of the completion of an inspection or test, the contractor shall complete and submit a separate written narrative report for each VTU inspected or tested. The report shall include the date and time of the inspection or test, the location of the equipment, the type of service performed, actual hours spent performing requested service, including, the time work started and ended and the name of the technician performing the service.

The contractor shall submit one copy of each report (CD or Paper Format) to the CO, the designated COR of the facility inspected/tested and the elevator maintenance contractor of the facility inspected/tested. The Contracting Officer, the designated COR may accept Electronic copies of the Inspection Reports in lieu of paper copies.

i. The report shall identify each VTU inspected or tested by building, serial and unit number. The report shall describe any needed adjustments, repairs, worn parts and other items required or recommended for keeping the VTU operating safely. The report shall make specific reference to safety code violations, including the title of the code being cited, the section or clause which refers to the specific violation and other reference that will assist the COR and Elevator Maintenance and Repair contractor in making necessary repairs or adjustments.

ii.

The report shall adhere to the reporting requirements of the publications listed in paragraph B.2.8.1.iii but at a minimum describe the general condition, state of repair and cleanliness of each VTU. The report shall describe the state of the surrounding pits, access, lighting, machine rooms, cabs and landings. In addition the report shall include any contractor recommendation(s) that will assist the Government in maintaining the equipment in optimum operating condition.

Iii .

In addition to the narrative report required in this section, the contractor shall fully complete and submit with report an original and two copies of the most current version of “Checklist for Inspection and Test of Electric Elevators” or “Checklist for Inspection and Test of Hydraulic Elevators” as found in the Appendix of ASME A17.1, A17.2 or A17.3. In lieu of the ASME approved forms listed above, the CO may require the contractor to submit a Government agency approved elevator inspection form.

iv. In the course of an inspection or test if the contractor discovers a defective VTU that requires immediate repair or service he/she shall notify the COR and the Elevator Maintenance and Repair contractor prior to leaving the facility where the defective VTU is located. The contractor shall describe the location of the defective VTU, repairs or adjustment needed and if the VTU can or should remain in service. Contractor shall follow-up in 24 hours with a written report of the defective VTU and describes the action taken to report needed repairs.

1. COMPLIANCE: The contractor shall be fully responsible for compliance with all VA, local, state, and Federal environmental/occupational safety laws, rules and regulations. The contractor shall follow life and safety codes, and take necessary actions to avoid conditions that may be hazardous to the health and safety of hospital personnel and patients. The contractor is responsible for meeting all applicable OSHA and VA guidelines for safe working processes.

2. CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES: The Contractor shall assign a Point of Contact (POC) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with all provisions of this contract. The Contractor POC shall be available on site and have the ability to address performance issues. All employees should be able to read and speak English.

The parties agree that Contractor personnel working under this contract shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor. All Contractor personnel assigned to the performance of this contract shall wear a Contractor-provided uniform or ID that clearly identifies the individual as a Contractor. All Contractor personnel are required to wear identification (I.D.) badges during the entire time they are on the VA Healthcare System grounds. I.D. badges must have picture identification, name of the individual, and the represented company depicted on it.

Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as contractor employees. Example: wearing of distinctive clothing such as uniform, badges, patches, etc. Contractor personnel shall not wear sandals, flip-flop style footwear, or open-toe shoes and shall follow VA dress guidelines. A copy of this will be provided upon request.

The Contractor shall ensure that the staff assigned shall be cognizant of the VA’s sexual harassment and drug-free workplace policies. The Contractor may obtain a copy of this information from the COR or Contracting Officer.

3. ESCORT AND VETERAN’S HOSPITAL SECURITY POLICE CHECK-IN: All contractor personnel working onsite at the VA facility shall check in and out with VA Police dispatch located in the Administrative building #6 south entrance. Access to work areas, and performance monitoring, will be provided by VA Engineering Service personnel. After-hours work will be monitored by VA Central Energy Plant Operators, 702-791-9000 Ext 16900. In all cases, the VA Central Energy Plant Operator shall be notified of any changes which may affect the response time of vital equipment.

4. AUTHORIZED SERVICE: Only those services specified within are authorized under this contract. Before permitting any service or repairs of a non-contract nature, the Contracting Officer must be advised of the reasons for this additional work. The Contractor is cautioned that only the Contracting Officer or his/her designee may authorize additional service or repairs that are outside of the scope of this contract and that reimbursement shall not be made unless prior authorization is obtained.

5. TEST EQUIPMENT: The VA shall not furnish parts and/or test equipment for the performance of this contract. It is the responsibility of the contractor to have/bring the appropriate equipment and/or supplies necessary to complete the work.

6. CONTRACTOR CONTACT INFORMATION: The Contractor shall provide in the space below the name, address and telephone number of the office where service calls are to be placed:

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

7. CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR): The Contractor shall not accept any instructions issued by any other person(s) other than the Contracting Officer. The Government may appoint a COR. If so, a Delegation of Authority letter shall be forwarded to the using service and the Contractor after the contract has been signed, identifying the individual(s) as the COR(s).

8. CHANGES: The Contractor is advised that only the Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of the contract has the authority to make changes which affect the contract in terms of quality, quantity, price or delivery. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment shall be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

9. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS: The Government reserves the right to accept or reject Contractor’s staff for the rendering of services. Complaints concerning Contract Personnel performance or conduct shall be dealt with by the Contractor, and/or the COR with the final decision made by the Contracting Officer.

10. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE CRITERIA: Contractor personnel shall have the following qualifications, but not limited to:

The contractor shall provide a Lead Technician to oversee all contract personnel with documented experience implementing large scale projects equal to, or greater than, the scope of this project.

11. CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES: The Contractor shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance prescribed by the laws of the Federal Government. He/she shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, or others, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by him/her or his/her employees fault or negligence. Contractor shall comply with all VA safety standards, manufacturers/industry standards, FDA, OSHA, JCAHO and the latest edition of NFPA-99.

12. CONTRACTOR SUBMITTALS/INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor is required to comply with Federal and State Workers Compensation and liability insurance (Reference FAR clause 52.228-5-Insurance and Subpart 28.307-2-Liability). The Government shall be held harmless against any or all loss, cost, damage, claim expense or liability whatsoever, because of accident or injury to persons or property of others occurring in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damages to property, which may be done by him/her or any employee engaged in the performance of this contract.

The parties agree that the Contractor’s personnel working as a result of this contract shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing:

13. SMOKING POLICY: Smoking is not permitted within or around the VA, except in designated areas.

14. SAFETY AND FIRE PREVENTION: In the performance of this contact, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as necessary to protect the lives and health of the occupants of the building. Fire and safety deficiencies, which exist and are part of the responsibility of the Contractor, shall be immediately corrected. If the Contractor fails or refuses to correct deficiencies promptly, the COR may issue an order stopping all, or any part, of the work. The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local safety and fire regulations and codes, which are in effect during the performance period of the contract. The Contractor personnel shall follow applicable facility policies concerning fire/disaster programs.

15. VA POLICY: Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, are subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citations answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court.

16. BADGES AND PARKING: It is the responsibility of Contractor personnel to park only in designated parking areas. Parking information is available from the VA Police. The VA will not validate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor’s personnel under any circumstances.

17. HOURS OF SERVICES: The Contractor shall perform the onsite services after normal operating hours. .Monday through Friday with the exception of National Holidays (see below) between the hours of 7:30am to 4pm.

18. OVERTIME AND HOLIDAYS: Any overtime and/or holiday pay that the Contractor’s employees may be entitled to, shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor and shall not be billed to nor reimbursed by the Government.

19. NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

The contractor may be required to provide service on the following National holidays, The following national holidays are observed by the Federal Government:

20. PAYMENTS: Payments will be made in arrears upon receipt of an invoice prepared in accordance with FAR 52.212-4. Invoices should be electronically submitted at the OB10 website https://portal.ob10.com For OB10 system registration please call 877-752-0900, chose option #2, and use promotion code VAPC7Y18. This makes the service free to VA vendors.

26. RECORD MANAGEMENT: Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. Chapters. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, the contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of VASNHS or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701.

In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, the contractor must report to VASNHS. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

The contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer (CO) upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the contract documents. The contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to VASNHS control, or the contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the CO or address prescribed in the contract documents. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

The contractor is required to obtain the CO's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and VASNHS guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

The contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with VASNHS policy.

The contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public VASNHS information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

The contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the FOIA.

VASNHS owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which VASNHS shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

Training. All contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VHA-provided records management training. The contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.

Flow down of requirements to Subcontractors: The contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, its terms and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this contract document, and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same.

Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the contractor.

27. VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security APPENDIX C VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE FOR INCLUSION INTO CONTRACTS, AS APPROPRIATE

1. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontrator shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data - General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

b. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the contractors/subcontractor’s information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA’s information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA’s sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct on site inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements.

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

d. The contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security APPENDIX C 3 policies in this contract.

e. The contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor/subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

f. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12.

g. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business Associate Agreements. Absent an agreement to use or disclose protected health information, there is no business associate relationship.

h. The contractor/subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, FIPS 140-2 validated.

i. The contractor/subcontractor’s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements. VA Configuration Guidelines are available upon request.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA’s prior written approval. The contractor/subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor/subcontractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above mentioned information, that contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA contracting officer for response.

l. For service that involves the storage, generating, transmitting, or exchanging of VA sensitive information but does not require C&A or an MOU-ISA for system interconnection, the contractor/subcontractor must complete a Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) on a yearly basis and provide it to the COTR.

4. INFORMATION SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

a. Information systems that are designed or developed for or on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities shall comply with all VA directives developed in accordance with FISMA, HIPAA, NIST, and related VA security and privacy control requirements for Federal information systems. This includes standards for the protection of electronic PHI, outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 164, Subpart C, information and system security categorization level designations in accordance with FIPS 199 and FIPS 200 with implementation of all baseline security controls commensurate with the FIPS 199 system security categorization (reference Appendix D of VA Handbook 6500, VA Information Security Program). During the development cycle a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) must be completed, provided to the COTR, and approved by the VA Privacy Service in accordance with Directive 6507, VA Privacy Impact Assessment.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall certify to the COTR that applications are fully functional and operate correctly as intended on systems using the VA Federal Desktop Core Configuration (FDCC), and the common security configuration guidelines provided by NIST or the VA. This includes Internet Explorer 7 configured to operate on Windows XP and Vista (in Protected Mode on Vista) and future versions, as required.

c. The standard installation, operation, maintenance, updating, and patching of software shall not alter the configuration settings from the VA approved and FDCC configuration. Information technology staff must also use the Windows Installer Service for installation to the default “program files” directory and silently install and uninstall.

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

e. The security controls must be designed, developed, approved by VA, and implemented in accordance with the provisions of VA security system development life cycle as outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-37, Guide for Applying the Risk Management Framework to Federal Information Systems, VA Handbook 6500, Information Security Program and VA Handbook 6500.5, Incorporating Security and Privacy in System Development Lifecycle.

f. The contractor/subcontractor is required to design, develop, or operate a System of Records Notice (SOR) on individuals to accomplish an agency function subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (as amended), Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Privacy Act may involve the imposition of criminal and civil penalties.

VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security APPENDIX C 5

g. The contractor/subcontractor agrees to:

(1) Comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and the agency rules and regulations issued under the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function when the contract specifically identifies:

(a) The Systems of Records (SOR); and

(b) The design, development, or operation work that the contractor/subcontractor is to perform;

(1) Include the Privacy Act notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation, when the work statement in the proposed subcontract requires the redesign, development, or operation of a SOR on individuals that is subject to the Privacy Act; and

(2) Include this Privacy Act clause, including this subparagraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded under this contract which requires the design, development, or operation of such a SOR.

h. In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved when the violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of the agency when the violation concerns the operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function. For purposes of the Act, when the contract is for the operation of a SOR on individuals to accomplish an agency function, the contractor/subcontractor is considered to be an employee of the agency.

(1) “Operation of a System of Records” means performance of any of the activities associated with maintaining the SOR, including the collection, use, maintenance, and dissemination of records.

(2) “Record” means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and contains the person’s name, or identifying number, symbol, or any other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint, or a photograph.

(3) “System of Records” means a group of any records under the control of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual.

i. The vendor shall ensure the security of all procured or developed systems and technologies, including their subcomponents (hereinafter referred to as “Systems”), throughout the life of this contract and any extension, warranty, or maintenance periods. This includes, but is not limited to workarounds, patches, hotfixes, upgrades, and any physical components (hereafter referred to as Security Fixes) which may be necessary to fix all security vulnerabilities published or known to the vendor anywhere in the Systems, including Operating Systems and firmware. The vendor shall ensure that Security Fixes shall not negatively impact the Systems.

j. The vendor shall notify VA within 24 hours of the discovery or disclosure of successful exploits of the vulnerability which can compromise the security of the Systems (including the confidentiality or integrity of its data and operations, or the availability of the system). Such issues shall be remediated as quickly as is practical, but in no event longer than ____ days.

k. When the Security Fixes involve installing third party patches (such as Microsoft OS patches or Adobe Acrobat), the vendor will provide written notice to the VA that the patch has been validated as not affecting the Systems within 10 working days. When the vendor is responsible for operations or maintenance of the Systems, they shall apply the Security Fixes within ____ days.

l. All other vulnerabilities shall be remediated as specified in this paragraph in a timely manner based on risk, but within 60 days of discovery or disclosure. Exceptions to this paragraph (e.g. for the convenience of VA) shall only be granted with approval of the contracting officer and the VA Assistant Secretary for Office of Information and Technology.

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

a. For information systems that are hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA at non-VA facilities, contractors/subcontractors are fully responsible and accountable for ensuring compliance with all HIPAA, Privacy Act, FISMA, NIST, FIPS, and VA security and privacy directives and handbooks. This includes conducting compliant risk assessments, routine vulnerablity scanning, system patching and change management procedures, and the completion of an acceptable contingency plan for each system. The contractor’s security control procedures must be equivalent, to those procedures used to secure VA systems. A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) must also be provided to the COTR and approved by VA Privacy Service prior to operational approval. All external Internet connections to VA’s network involving VA information must be reviewed and approved by VA prior to implementation.

b. Adequate security controls for collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as determined by the VA Privacy Service, must be in place, tested, and approved by VA prior to hosting, operation, maintenance, or use of the information system, or systems by or on behalf of VA. These security controls are to be assessed and stated within the PIA and if these controls are determined not to be in place, or inadequate, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) must be submitted and approved prior to the collection of PII.

c. Outsourcing (contractor facility, contractor equipment or contractor staff) of systems or network operations, telecommunications services, or other managed services requires certification and accreditation (authorization) (C&A) of the contractor’s systems in accordance with VA Handbook 6500.3, Certification and Accreditation and/or the VA OCS Certification Program Office. Government-owned (government facility or government equipment) contractor-operated systems, third party or business partner networks require memorandums of understanding and interconnection agreements (MOU-ISA) which detail what data types are shared, who has access, and the appropriate level of security controls for all systems connected to VA networks.

d. The contractor/subcontractor’s system must adhere to all FISMA, FIPS, and NIST standards related to the annual FISMA security controls assessment and review and update the PIA. Any deficiencies noted during this assessment must be provided to the VA contracting officer and the ISO for entry into VA’s POA&M management process. The contractor/subcontractor must use VA’s POA&M process to document planned remedial actions to address any deficiencies in information security policies, procedures, and practices, and the completion of those activities. Security deficiencies must be corrected within the timeframes approved by the government. Contractor/subcontractor procedures are subject to periodic, unannounced assessments by VA officials, including the VA Office of Inspector General. The physical security aspects associated with contractor/subcontractor activities must also be subject to such assessments. If major changes to the system occur that may affect the privacy or security of the data or the system, the C&A of the system may need to be reviewed, retested and re-authorized per VA Handbook 6500.3. This may require reviewing and updating all of the documentation (PIA, System Security Plan, Contingency Plan). The Certification Program Office can provide guidance on whether a new C&A would be necessary.

e. The contractor/subcontractor must conduct an annual self assessment on all systems and outsourced services as required. Both hard copy and electronic copies of the assessment must be provided to the COTR. The government reserves the right to conduct such an assessment using government personnel or another contractor/subcontractor. The contractor/subcontractor must take appropriate and timely action (this can be specified in the contract) to correct or mitigate any weaknesses discovered during such testing, generally at no additional cost.

f. VA prohibits the installation and use of personally-owned or contractor/subcontractor-owned equipment or software on VA’s network. If non-VA VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security APPENDIX C 8 owned equipment must be used to fulfill the requirements of a contract, it must be stated in the service agreement, SOW or contract. All of the security controls required for government furnished equipment (GFE) must be utilized in approved other equipment (OE) and must be funded by the owner of the equipment. All remote systems must be equipped with, and use, a VA-approved antivirus (AV) software and a personal (host-based or enclave based) firewall that is configured with a VA-approved configuration. Software must be kept current, including all critical updates and patches. Owners of approved OE are responsible for providing and maintaining the anti-viral software and the firewall on the non-VA owned OE.

g. All electronic storage media used on non-VA leased or non-VA owned IT equipment that is used to store, process, or access VA information must be handled in adherence with VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization upon: (i) completion or termination of the contract or (ii) disposal or return of the IT equipment by the contractor/subcontractor or any person acting on behalf of the contractor/subcontractor, whichever is earlier. Media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) used by the contractors/subcontractors that contain VA information must be returned to the VA for sanitization or destruction or the contractor/subcontractor must self-certify that the media has been disposed of per 6500.1 requirements. This must be completed within 30 days of termination of the contract.

h. Bio-Medical devices and other equipment or systems containing media (hard drives, optical disks, etc.) with VA sensitive information must not be returned to the vendor at the end of lease, for trade-in, or other purposes. The options are:

(1) Vendor must accept the system without the drive;

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

(3) VA must reimburse the company for media at a reasonable open market replacement cost at time of purchase.

(4) Due to the highly specialized and sometimes proprietary hardware and software associated with medical equipment/systems, if it is not possible for the VA to retain the hard drive, then;

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

(b) Any fixed hard drive on the device must be non-destructively sanitized to the greatest extent possible without negatively impacting system operation. Selective clearing down to patient data folder level is recommended using VA approved and validated overwriting technologies/methods/tools. Applicable media sanitization specifications need to be pre-approved and described in the purchase order or contract.

(c) A statement needs to be signed by the Director (System Owner) that states that the drive could not be removed and that (a) and (b) controls above are in place and completed. The ISO needs to maintain the documentation.

6. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the COTR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

c. With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

d. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident.