Statement of Work_Fire Alarm Sprinkler System - Draft.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

NTX Fire Alarm/Sprinkler Systems PM Services

1. CONTRACT PURPOSE:

a. The purpose of this contract is to provide comprehensive life safety fire alarm system and sprinkler suppression systems repair, maintenance, inspection, testing and modification/installation for all building on the Dallas, Bonham, Garland, Grand Prairie campuses, Veteran Resource Center (Herzog and all surrounding buildings) and TR houses in the NTVHCS.

b. This includes all correction of identified deficiencies found either through inadvertent alarms, malfunctions of either the alarms or sprinkler suppression systems and scheduled inspections to include standpipe flow test, quarterly fire department connection testing or testing by other vendors to meet current year compliance standards. All work will be coordinated through the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), but the Contractor must work closely with their sub-contractors to ensure expeditious resolution of all maintenance and repairs.

c. The contractor shall perform quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections according to current requirements. Each deficiency will be given a unique identifier by the Fire Alarm (Notifier System) and Suppression Testing/Inspection contractor. This identifier will be included in all documentation submitted to verify correction along with pertinent device identifiers. Quality control over documentation that is provided along with requests needed for service will need to be managed so that VA is updated promptly and efficiently. All newly installed devices will be given unique identifiers following the same naming pattern as previous devices.

d. Licensed Personnel performing maintenance repair and testing shall be factory trained on the systems they are working on. Programming technician will need to be highly trained and efficient so that systems remain updated as changes occur. All work shall be in accordance with the VA Technical Information Library Management System Technical Information Library (TIL) - Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov)

e. Period of Performance: Base plus 4 Option Years Base Year: January 29, 2025 – January 28, 2026 Option Year 1: January 29, 2026 – January 28, 2027 Option Year 2: January 29, 2027 – January 28, 2028 Option Year 3: January 29, 2028 – January 28, 2029 Option Year 4: January 29, 2029 – January 28, 2030

2. Examples of some of the most frequent repair items for NTVHCS include:

Fire Alarm Repairs

Sprinkler Repairs

3. WORK REQUIREMENT/EQUIPMENT:

a. The contractor shall provide the necessary number of capable and licensed employees to properly perform and complete all work required under the terms of the contract.

b. The contractor shall provide all labor, travel, equipment, supplies/ materials, technical and administrative support required to facilitate the overall operation objectives of the systems in accordance with the most current edition of the NFPA and all applicable publications and will be proficient in with The Joint Commissions standards and performance requirements.

c. All tasks shall be performed in strict accordance with the statement of work.

d. All work will be performed under the supervision of an on-site competent person for the system under work.

e. Prior to performing any required work (Monitoring, Maintenance, Inspection, Repair and Modifications/Installations) of Existing Fire Alarm/Sprinkler Systems a maintenance schedule will be submitted to and coordinated with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the Engineering Department. Two (2) days prior to the approved scheduled inspection date for regular maintenance, programming, testing or repairs the contractor will contact the COR for confirmation to ensure that the scheduled date is still acceptable. Upon work completion a confirmation of a work ticket, report, and or inspection report shall be giving to COR for proof of repair.

4. INSPECTION REPORT:

a. The contractor shall perform quarterly, semi-annual, and annual Inspections during the term of the contract.

b. The quarterly inspections will include supervisory signals, control valves, pressure tank, steam pressure water level supervisory signal, water temperature supervisory and room temperature supervisory according to the current Joint Commission checklist.

c. The annual shall include all fire alarm/sprinkler system devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, duct detector manual pull stations, relay modules, batteries audiovisual devices, strobe power supplies, speakers, water flows, tampers, and pressure switches.

d. The semiannual/annual inspection shall also include fire pump, Backflow preventers, fire hydrants, exercise PIV’s, lubricate valves, test all associated components in accordance with applicable NFPA standards.

e. As the inspection on each system or building is completed, a description of the system condition, description of corrective measures, and any other special notes (tests conducted and maintenance work performed) are annotated on an inspection form (for each building or system).

f. The form will be signed by the service technician/inspector and turned into the COR or COR within (3) working days. The inspection report will also indicate the probable continuance of the condition of each system until the next inspection. The contractor will furnish inspection, testing/maintenance reports and recommendations with the COR within three (3) working days upon completion of a building of Fire Alarm/ Sprinkler System.

g. The semi-annual/annual inspection once completed per building, the contractor shall review the report and present corrective measures for any Red Taggable deficiencies with the COR within three (3) working days.

h. Once inspection is completed and report has been reviewed with the COR, any red tag deficiencies shall be repaired within three (3) working days upon approval. Before submitting any report to the COR, the reports shall be reviewed for any mistakes.

i. The Contractor shall modify the Fire Alarm /Sprinkler system as needed per current NFPA standards. The contactor shall provide testing documents on any repairs as proof that work, or devices are in working condition. Before and after pictures are preferred.

j. The contractor shall provide 3rd party review of fire alarm and sprinkler renovation drawings as requested by facility construction project team to ensure all applicable standards are applied during contracted design.

5. SPARE PARTS AND TEST EQUIPMENT:

a. A complete inventory of spare parts is to be maintained by the contractor for maintenance/repair of the Fire Alarm / Sprinkler systems.

b. All spare parts maintained by the contractor will meet or exceed conformity with current National Fire Code (NFPA) Standards.

c. All equipment and material will be labeled and listed for compliance with appropriate standards.

d. Service technicians/inspectors are to be equipped with all tools and test equipment necessary for preventive maintenance and field repair of fire protection systems and devices.

e. The Contractor shall not proceed with any repairs without permission from the COR.

f. Contractor shall submit turnkey line-item prices to remove and replace the following fire alarm devices:

i. Smoke detectors

i. Heat detectors

ii. Duct detectors

iii. Manuel Pull stations

iv. Control modules, Monitor Modules and Relay Modules

v. Batteries

vi. Audiovisual devices

vii. Strobe power supplies

6. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

a. NTVHCS Dallas Campus

· 4500 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas 75216

b. TR Houses (Residential System (Fire alarm/Sprinkler)

· 2423 Cliff teen, Dallas, TX.

· 2465 Plaza, Dallas, TX.

· 2708 Jefferson, Dallas, TX

· 2710 Jefferson, Dallas TX

c. Bonham Campus

· 1209 E. 9th St., Bonham TX

d. Garland

· 2300 Marie Curie Drive, Garland TX

e. Grand Prairie

· 2737 Sherman St, Grand Prairie TX

f. Veteran Resource Center (Herzog and all addition buildings)

· 4900 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX

7. HOURS OF SERVICES:

a. Work will be conducted within the hours of 0800 until 1630, although evening and weekend work may be scheduled for the mutual benefit of the contractor and the government with advanced notice.

Federal Holidays: National holidays observed by the Federal Government are:

New Year’s Day -------------------------------------------------------- January 1 Martin Luther King Day------------------------------------------------Third Monday in January Presidents’ Day--------------------------------------------------------- Third Monday in February Memorial Day ----------------------------------- ----------------------- Last Monday in May Juneteenth Day----------------------------------------------------------June 19th Independence -----------------------------------------------------------July 4 Labor Day ----------------------------------------------------------------First Monday in September Columbus Day ----------------------------------------------------------Second Monday in October Veterans’ Day -----------------------------------------------------------November 11 Thanksgiving Day ------------------------------------------------------Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day ----------------------------------------------------------December 25

8. REPAIR TIMELINES:

a. Upon notification of any issue by phone/email, the Contractor will provide a cost estimate (quote) that includes specific costs broken out for labor and materials: the cost estimate will include the deficiency identifier assigned to it by the Inspection Contractor if applicable.

b. The COR will verbally approve the ordering of parts and schedule the repair before the contractor proceed with the work. All red tagged items will be investigated and quoted within 24 hours, work completed within 72 hours of being notified by COR.

c. If the identification of the issue occurred during a fire alarm and sprinkler/suppression inspections. The contractor shall compile red tag issues, communicate to the COR of all red tag issues, and provide a cost estimate for the repairs.

d. Any troubles or impairments detected in the system; the contractor shall notify the COR with a Corrective Action Plan. Once, COR gives the approval work shall be completed within 3 working days.

e. The contractor shall maintain and update the current fire alarm / sprinkler system program.

f. The Contractor shall modify the Fire Alarm /Sprinkler system as needed per NFPA standards.

g. The contractor shall provide 3rd party review of fire alarm and sprinkler renovation drawings as requested by facility construction project team to ensure all applicable standards are applied during contracted design.

9. ID BADGES, SIGN-IN/OUT, PARKING AND SMOKING:

a. All contractor personnel are required to sign-in and wear identification badges during the entire time they are on VA grounds.

b. All contractor personnel are required to sign-out. It is the responsibility of contractor personnel to park only in designated parking areas.

c. Parking information is available from VA Police service. The VA will not validate nor make reimbursement for parking violations of the contractor’s personnel under any circumstances.

d. Smoking, tobacco use, or e-cigarettes is not permitted within or around VA Healthcare System facilities.

e. No individual is permitted to bring alcohol or firearms of any type onto a government installation.

10. SERVICE LOG:

a. The contractor shall ensure that the authorized service personnel representative logs include the start and completion times on the service ticket for the service performed.

b. Contractor will provide the following information on the repair or work item: campus, building name or number, floor, type of work performed, parts replaced, hours worked and name of personnel performing the work.

c. The Contractor will provide a service ticket of all work performed to include a basic diagram identifying the parts by device address label and room numbers. If identified during inspections/testing, the Contractor will identify each deficiency corrected by the number assigned by the Inspection Contractor. Corrections for no more than one building will be included in each service ticket. The service ticket will be provided electronically to the COR the day the work is completed.

11. MAINTENANCE/REPAIR OF FIRE ALARM AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS:

a. Contractor will need to coordinate any repairs, modification or anything covered in the contract.

b. Work shall be performed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101, 72, 90A, 25, 17A and 13 required acceptable Fire Safety Standards, as they apply, and the following:

i. Maintenance will be performed on a semi-annual (twice/year) basis and will be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s standards. Contractor should estimate approximately 20 calls per year.

ii. The contractor shall maintain and update the current fire alarm / sprinkler system program.

iii. Contractor shall supply all devices and parts (based on GSA pricing scheduling). At a minimum, all fire alarm / sprinkler systems will be thoroughly inspected and tested for proper operation. Fire Alarm / Sprinkler System will be always maintained in full operating condition and any defects and/or impairments noted will be reported to the COR immediately with a corrective action plan for repairs.

iv. All detectors, manual pull station, strobes and sprinkler heads will be examined and cleaned. If the contractor accidentally or deliberately trips and expels agents, he/she will replace the agent at his/her own expense.

v. Maintenance Times to be determined (TBD) and coordinated with the following individuals.

TBD

*COR: Will ensure repairs are jointly coordinated between all parties.

12. RESPONSE TIMELINESS:

a. The Contractor must be able to provide competent alarm, suppression, or sprinkler technicians to resolve emergent conditions within one hour of notification to the issue; response time for nonemergent conditions are eight hours for red tag deficiencies and 24 hours for all others.

b. Emergent conditions are generally defined as alarms that cannot be silenced in an occupied space or sprinkler water flowing. The Contractor must be able to provide investigation/ correction to any red tag item within 72 hours and to any yellow tag item within 1 week.

13. ON-SITE VENDOR RESPONSIBILITY

a. The Contractor shall be responsible all facilities in which the work will take place and to also be familiar with the conditions under which the work will be accomplished.

b. The Contractor shall inspect existing conditions prior to commencing work, including elements subject to damage or movement during the project/ repair.

c. The Contractor will provide adequate personnel to reset alarm panels.

d. The Contractor will provide adequate staff to respond to repairs such that time frames are not impacted.

e. Should the repair create dust, water or mud, the Contractor will be responsible for cleaning the floors and walls.

f. The Contractor will also be responsible for adhering to NTVHCS Infection Control policies as advised by the COR and the IPC specialists.

14. TAGGING REQUIREMENTS

a. The Contractor shall notify the COR if panel alarm activation occurs unexpectedly during maintenance and immediately upon occurrence. Contractor will contact the COR or energy center for procedures to take monitoring systems offline during repair procedures. The Contractor will take all efforts to prevent this from occurring with any regularity. A panel must show a "no fault or no trouble" condition upon completion of test and/or repairs. After the repairs are completed, the Contractor will contact the COR prior to placing monitoring systems back online, and the appropriate tags will be attached indicating the system status. The Contractor will attach a "white" tag upon commencement of work indicating the work in progress and will remain on until the next inspection. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage to the fire system during the work processes. The tagging and labeling system must clearly identify either a "blue" (operational condition) or "yellow" (troubled condition but functional) or "red" (Impaired or Fault but functional) or "red" (System Inoperable). This labeling system applies to all circuit boards, components in the control panels, annunciator panels, transponders, printers, keyboards, monitors, and peripheral devices (smoke detectors, pull stations, audible and visible units, door contacts, tampers, flows, etc.) associated with the fire alarm/ sprinkler system.

15. QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL

a. The Contractor and persons performing maintenance must be fully licensed from the State of Texas to perform fire alarm/sprinkler testing, maintenance, installation, and authorized repairs. Evidence of all required licenses, as well as documentation of the qualifications of personnel, shall be provided to the Contracting Officer prior to the award of the contract.

b. The contractor shall ensure that all documentation, certificates of training and licenses, permit, bonds (as applicable) are current and valid.

c. All proposals shall include documentation and proof of the above certifications and qualifications for each employee. Service personnel will be fully aware of the requirements and procedures of the (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association in their perspective capacity (fire alarm, sprinkler, or suppression). Failure to comply with these procedures will result in the Contractor returning at their own expense to provide the required services.

d. The Contractor will supply all service personnel necessary to perform the services to include restoring fire alarm system to a normal state after alarm activation.

e. The contractor shall always have enough capable and licensed employees to adequately and safely perform all work required under the contract. The contractor shall ensure that all personnel performing work on this contract shall have at minimum the following certifications.

i. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Level II is required.

ii. Texas Department of Insurance State Licensure is required: Fire Alarm Technician (FAL).

iii. All assigned technicians must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in fire alarm/ fire sprinkler inspections, installation, service.

iv. All inspectors shall be Notifier Factory trained to service and program Notifier 3030 fire alarm systems.

16. CONTRACTOR SHALL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING TEXAS STATE LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS.

a. ACR (fire alarm)

b. ACR-SS (monitoring)

c. APS - fire alarm superintendent

d. SCR – fire sprinkler

e. SCR – U (sprinkler certificate of registration – underground)

f. RME - Responsible Managing Employee

17. SCHEDULING OF SERVICES

a. Various repairs, maintenance, inspection, testing, install, modification services may need to be scheduled for the evening or night to prevent disruption of patient care.

b. All work will be scheduled through the COR. Restoration of normal life safety services will be completed at the end of each shift.

18. SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PROCEDURES

a. If during maintenance or repair, any system or portion thereof is found to be impaired or if any device fails to pass testing criteria, the Contractor will immediately contact the COR via telephone or email notification and provide specific information as to the failed device. Following the phone call, (on the same day) an email will immediately be sent to the COR with all red or yellow deficiencies, specific location and description of the failed part, failure details, and impact.

19. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

a. The Contractor will provide an electronic service ticket identifying each repair corrected or device installed. The service ticket will note any pertinent (TJC) The Joint Commission standard and element of performance and the (NFPA) National Fire Protection Association criteria the correction addresses. The service ticket shall be signed by the POC, or the COR to verify the work is complete, and before the contractor leaves that day. The signed service ticket shall be submitted by the contractor, along with the invoice to the Tungsten portal to receive payment. The following laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in effect on date of contract issuance and all subsequent changes or updates apply:

a. Federal Acquisition Regulation

b. Veterans Administration Acquisition Regulation

c. Service Contract Act (SCA) Directory of Occupations (Fifth Edition) http://www.dol.gov/whd/contracts/sca.htm

d. ANSI: https://pdflakekxng.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/ansi-z133-safety-standard-pdf.pdf

e. VA Directive 0058- VA Green Purchasing Program

f. VA Directive 0057- VA Environmental Program

g. Master Construction Specification: https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp#03

h. TIL Physical Security & Resiliency https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#PHS

i. VA North Texas Construction Safety Accident Prevention Plan Requirements

j. NARA records management Language for Contracts

End Statement of Work image1.emf

VA North Texas Construction Safety Accident Prevention Plan Requirements.doc North Texas VA Health Care Systems

Construction Safety Accident Prevention Plan

Prior to commencing work contractors must submit for approval Accident Prevention Plan. The prime contractor will write this plan for the specific work and hazards of the contract and implementing in detail the requirements for safety and occupational health. This plan shall be reviewed and found acceptable by Government personnel prior to initiation of work at the job site. The plan shall be developed by qualified personnel and shall be signed by a competent person AND a representative of management.

The prime contractor shall integrate all subcontractor work activities into the Safety and health Program, make the program available to all contractor and subcontractor employees and ensure all subcontractors integrate the provisions of the plan into their work activities.

The prime contractor shall integrate in their safety plan a requirement that all subcontractor lead personnel attend a onetime facility construction safety orientation;

Date: every 3rd Thursday

Time: 9:00 am

Location: 4500 Lancaster, Dallas, Texas 75216 (Engineering Building 9)

NOTE: Please provide an anticipated attendance list prior to attendance

The safety plan shall include:

· Title, signature and phone number of the plan preparer

· Title, signature and phone number of the plan approver

· Background information on the project:

· Contractor, contract number, project name, description of work to be performed and location of work to be performed, contractor accident experience such as OSHA 200 forms, corporate safety trend analysis, and a listing of phases of work and hazardous activities requiring hazard analysis.

Statement of safety & health policy

· Administrative responsibilities for implementing the plan

· Identification and accountability of personnel responsible for accident prevention

· Means for controlling work activities of subcontractors and suppliers

· Responsibilities of subcontractors

· Plans for safety orientation of new employees / sub contractors

· Plans for continued safety training

· Provisions for safety inspections to include

· Work site/material and equipment inspection

· Means for recording inspection results

· Timetable for correction of deficiencies

· Procedures for follow-up inspections to ensure correction

· Responsibilities for investigation and reporting accidents/exposure

· All accidents incident to the project will be investigated & reported within 24 hours

· Accidents that result in a fatality, three or more persons admitted to a hospital or significant property damage will be reported immediately to the Contracting Officer. Contractors are responsible for notifying OSHA.

· First aid treatments shall be reported and recorded daily.

· Responsibilities for maintaining accident data, reports and logs

· Emergency response capabilities for disasters

· Emergency Plans will include emergency phone numbers and shall be tested periodically. Plans shall include escape procedures, employee accounting following an emergency evacuation, rescue and medical duties, means of reporting emergencies and persons to be contacted.

· Plans for maintaining job cleanup and safe access

· Public safety requirements (fencing/signs)

· Prevention of alcohol/drug abuse on the job

NOTE: Items that are commonly omitted in safety plans:

· Plans for hazard communication program must include:

1. A list of hazardous chemicals known to be present

2. Methods used to inform employees of the hazards

3. Containers must be present and labeled

4. MSDS for each hazardous chemical on site

Plans must identify monthly supervisor safety meeting and weekly worker safety meetings. Meetings shall be documented including the date, attendance, subjects, and the name of individuals who conducted the meeting.

· Fire protection plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work; prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures. As part of the Fire Safety Plan the contractor shall include the following applicable standards NFPA 101, NFPA 1, NFPA 241. These standards describe requirements when the Fire protection Systems are impaired. Any open piping/conduit and/or penetrations extending through walls or floors from the construction area into a non-construction compartment will need to be capped off and fire stopped. All hot work will require a permit a facility Safety Officer will inspect the area before such work is performed.

NOTE: When fire protection systems are disrupted, contractors shall ensure procedures are incorporated to maintain equivalent levels of fire protection and provide formal notification to the facility. Procedures shall be approved by facility CSO (construction safety officer) or project COR (contracting officer representative) prior to implementation.

Safety requirements for the hazards identified on the job site such as listed but not limited to the following:

· Fall protection

· Alternate measures for impaired fire protection systems (sprinkler, fire alarm, etc)

· Asbestos exposure

· Confined space entry

· Lock out/tag out

· Excavations

· Electrical safety

· Machinery and mechanized equipment

· Hand and power tools

· Contingency plan for severe weather

· Hot work (welding, torch cutting, brazing etc)

· Flammable storage

NOTE: Plan must indicate that no hot work shall be performed without required burn permit issued by safety)

Hazard Analysis

Prior to beginning EACH PHASE OF WORK, an activity hazard analysis shall be prepared by the contractor performing that work. Work shall not proceed until the hazard analysis has been accepted by facility Construction Safety Coordinator.

The analysis will:

· Define the activity being performed

· Identify the sequence of work to be accomplished

· Identify the specific hazards that are anticipated

· Identify the control measures that shall be implemented to reduce each hazard to an acceptable level

Hazard analysis shall identify the principal steps to be accomplished in sequence to accomplish the operations. Equipment used in the operation shall be listed on the hazard analysis form. Inspection requirements for the equipment and machinery shall be listed on the hazard analysis form. Each step shall be analyzed to identify its potential hazards and a recommended control shall be identified to reduce the hazard to an acceptable level.

Hazard Analysis Work Phase:

Activity

Analyzed by/Date

Reviewed by/Date

Principal

Potential

Recommended

Steps

Hazards

Controls

Identify the

Identify the potential hazards

List specific control measures sequence of work activities

Equipment

Inspection

Training / certification requirements to be used

Requirements

List equipment/machinery

List inspection

List trained /certified operators .

used in conducting the work requirement for activities equipment/machinery listed image2.emf

NARA Records Management Language for Contracts UPDATED.docx NARA Records Management Language for Contracts (May 2017)

1. 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. chs. 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.

2. 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.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, 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.

4. VA North Texas Health Care System 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 VA North Texas Health Care System 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, Contractor must report to VA North Texas Health Care System. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer 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 vehicle]. 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 VA North Texas Health Care System 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 Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer'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 VA North Texas Health Care System guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with VA North Texas Health Care System policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public VA North Texas Health Care System information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

9. 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 Freedom of Information Act.

10. The VA North Texas Health Care System 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 VA North Texas Health Care System 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.

11. 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, Talent Management System (TMS) Item #3873736, Records Management for Records Officers and Liaisons. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.