AN12--IDIQ Monitoring Services Extend due date. Add SOW information. Additional vendor questions and answers.

Closed Solicitation Posted Feb 2, 2021

Solicitation number: 36C24E21Q0042
Agency: Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs
Responses due: Feb 17, 2021, 10:00 AM ET
Set-aside: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Opportunity facts

NAICS code: 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
PSC: AN12 Health R&D Services; Health Care Services; Applied Research
Place of performance: Pittsburgh, PA

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated Feb 9, 2021.

Notice text

3 versions

Update #3 · Latest · Feb 9, 2021

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number 36C24E21Q0042 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-92.

This requirement will be made using a cascading set-aside under the associated NAICS code 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services with a small business size standard of $16.5M.

The full solicitation document is included as an attachment to this notice; to include: a list of contract line items, a Description of requirements for the items to be acquired, SOW, Date(s) and place(s) of delivery, and applicable clauses and provisions.

Evaluation procedures: Evaluation of offers will be made in accordance with FAR 13.106-2, and award made on the basis of best value to the government.

Statement of Work

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) Monitoring Services

Introduction:

This requirement is for a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) Monitoring Services.

Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Cooperative Studies Program (CSP), Site Monitoring, Auditing and Resource Team (SMART) requires an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) monitoring services for clinical trials conducted by or requested by CSP. These trials are conducted at VA facilities and associated non-VA facilities throughout the United States and vary over time in number, size, and design. At any given time, CSP will have approximately 25 trials conducted at 300 to 400 investigative sites in various stages of activities (planning, on-going, closeout) but typically only 5 to 10 trials are actively monitor each fiscal year.

SMART, co-located with the CSP Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center (CSPCRPCC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico and tenant to the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System (NMVAHCS) is responsible for ensuring VA CSP clinical trials are conducted in compliance with the scientific and ethical principles embodied in the GCP regulations and guidelines. SMART accomplishes this task by training VA personnel conducting/supporting clinical trials are trained in GCP and identifying any compliance problems at participating research sites and resolved through a program of CRQA site visits (both on-site and virtual/remote off-site monitoring techniques are utilized).

The VA SMART program does not have the required manpower authorized or assigned to support the full workload and relies on experienced contractors to provide support.

This requirement is a follow-on to a current contract for like services.

Scope: The Contractor shall provide services under an IDIQ contract for Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) services to the Site Monitoring, Auditing and Resource Team (SMART). The tasks include performing on- and off-site visits, providing post-visit reports, and providing GCP Program Quality Support (PQS) following SMART guidelines.

Additionally, if requested, the contractor will identify to SMART, a monitor to fulfill the role of a Lead CRQA for a specific study. This Lead will coordinate the overall study monitoring plan and associated activities under the direction and supervision of the VA Employed Chief of SMART Monitoring.

Specific Tasks: The contractor shall provide Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRAQ) visits and associated services as requested by the VA SMART Program.

The contractor shall inspect a clinical trial site using a clinical trial specific monitoring plan developed and provided to the contract monitor by the Chief of SMART Monitoring or designee. These inspections can be off-site (remote review of key critical data) or on-site (in-person or virtual equivalent). The monitoring plan will be compliant with the following standards (or as amended / deleted by the government) which the contract monitor is expected to have familiarity:

VHA Directive 1200.1 Research and Development Committee

VHA Directive 1200.5(1) Requirements for the Protection of Human Subjects in Research

VHA Handbook 1108.04 Investigational Drugs and Supplies

VHA Handbook 1058.01 Research Compliance Reporting Requirements

VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records

45 CFR 46 Protection of Human Subjects

38 CFR 16 Protection of Human Subjects - (VA Common Rule)

ICH E6 (R2) International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines Good Clinical Practice

FDA Regulations (e.g. 21 CRF 312 Investigational New Drug Application; 21 CFR 812

FDA Form 1572 requirements and guidance

CSP Investigator Guidelines

CSP Program level Global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

CSP Study Protocol and Operations Manuals

SMART SOPs and Approved Methods and Procedures (AMPs)

Service requirements consist of the following which are explained in further detail in the requirements

TASK 1 In-Person (or Virtual Equivalent) Site Visit

TASK 2 Travel associated with performing an In-Person Site Visit

TASK 3 GCP Program Quality Support (PQS) including Off-Site Visits

The contractor shall be required to conduct off-site remote / virtual visits and to travel to conduct on-site visits. Travel arrangements shall be the responsibility of the contractor for on-site visits. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (Chapter 300 through 304) utilizing Government rates. Contractors will be reimbursed for actual travel expenses, but the contractor will use the most economical method of travel available, including non-refundable airfares and mid-range hotels matching government per diem rates whenever possible. Reimbursable costs include airfare, car rental, hotel, taxis, and meals and incidentals (M&IE). M&IE expenses are included only at the Federal Per Diem Rate. To receive reimbursement, the Contractor shall submit his/her invoices along with travel expense worksheet (which is supplied at the time of award), receipts and all other supporting documents to SMART focal point. Documentation to support lowest cost available is required for reimbursement. Travel time is not reimbursable. For on-site visits requiring travel, portal-to-portal travel time should be considered as part of the overall cost of the visit. Contractor (PRIME if there are Subcontractors) will submit all required documents noted above.

If travel dates or location are changed at the request of the program, the change fee for new date and/or location will be reimbursed however no expenses will be reimbursed for changes made for the convenience of the CRQA.Â Changes for convenience are the responsibility of the contractor. Documentation supporting change in location or dates must come from CSP program officials and /or site staff and must be submitted when invoicing.

3.1 Task 1 CRQA visits with pre and post work, (INCLUDES PORTAL-TO-PORTAL TRAVEL TIME)

The contractor shall conduct site initiation visits as defined by the CRQA Monitoring Plan and SMART Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with the support of the Lead CRQA. The visits shall be scheduled after the Investigator s Meeting. When conducting a site initiation visit, the CRQA shall perform an evaluation as specified in the CRQA Monitoring Plan that will include at least the following, and additional items as relevant to the design of the trial:

Protocol procedures including inclusion/exclusion criteria

Subject informed consent process

Screening procedure

Randomization procedure

Investigational Product Accountability

Unanticipated Adverse Event reporting and Serious Adverse Event Reports

Source document review and verification

Current requirements and availability

Case Report Form (CRF) completion, correction, QA procedures

Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies and procedures (i.e., adverse events and protocol deviations)

Regulatory and other study document completion and maintenance

Site correspondence with sponsor, CRQA and maintenance

Un-blinding procedures of a blinded study

Other related protocol procedures

The contractor shall assure the following regulatory information is present in the site files:

Current IRB approval protocol/amendments

Current IRB approval consents(s)

Current IRB membership list or documentation of IRB compliance

Investigator agreements

Financial disclosures

Investigator curriculum vitae (CV)

Research and indemnity (if applicable) agreement

All training requirements GCP, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Human Subjects Protections (HSP)

Additionally, the contractor shall ensure the following Study Management Documents are completed (if applicable) and appropriately filed in the Essential Document Binder (Regulatory Binder):

Delegation of Authority Form or CRF Authorization Log

IRB policy and procedures (i.e., adverse event and protocol deviation reporting)

IRB correspondence

Sponsor correspondence

Study contact list

Subject list

Site Visit Log

CRFs (all versions)

CVs

3.1.1 Subtask 1a Conduct Routine Monitoring Visits - one to four days (with pre and post work, (INCLUDES PORTAL-TO-PORTAL TRAVEL TIME)

The contractor shall conduct periodic routine visits per the CRQA Plan and SMART Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to inspect VA investigators for compliance with GCP and with VA and CSP Research policies.

Frequency of Visits The frequency and timing of contractor visits will be determined by SMART Leadership for each site based on the following:

Lead CRQA and Study Team recommendations

Subject accrual rate at the site

Total number of subjects to be enrolled at the site

Complexity and risk level of the study protocol

Data collection and record keeping proficiency at the site

Observations and corrective actions from previous monitoring visits

3.1.2 Subtask 1b Preparing for site visits

Scheduling After approval of planned visit by monitoring study Lead, the contractor shall coordinate visit dates with site Study Coordinator and Site Investigator. The contractor will request current contact information and mailing address.

The contractor shall contact the site coordinator to set up a date/time for the visit and to discuss:

Tentative Agenda

Estimated time needed on site with the Site Investigator/Coordinator

Specific documents needed for review

After the contractor has set up a date/time for the visit, the contractor shall submit a request to the SMART Program Manager (PM) email group for a site announcement letter using the provided email template.

Documents and resources Prior to the contractor visits, the contractor shall assemble all documents and resource materials needed to conduct the visit (i.e., correspondence, previously completed monitoring documents, etc.). Visit will be conducted following the studies Integrated Monitoring Plan.

3.1.3 Subtask 1c Conducting site visits

In conducting these sites visits, the contractor shall:

Review subject and investigator study records for compliance with GCP, VA and CSP research policy

Check for study protocol compliance

Review Essential Documents Binder (EDB)

Conduct Informed Consent and HIPPA review

Conduct participant data review

Verify Case Report From (CRF) data against Source documents

Review source documents for Adverse Events (AE)/Serious Adverse Events (SAE)

Review electronic medical record for unidentified SAEs

Review CRFs for accuracy and legibility

Check for CRF submission to Data Coordinating Center

Know and comply with VA Privacy and Data Security Policy during site visits

Provide CSP Director and SMART Staff Leadership immediate feedback of significant discoveries made during site visits

Provide guidance during site visits on study conduct and use of GCP tools to improve study site practices

Assess effectiveness of interactions between the investigator site study team and the contractor and other representatives of CSP

Determine follow-up actions to be taken

Provide relevant GCP training and re-education as needed

Conduct exit interview with study team to discuss site status

Notify the Lead CRQA and SMART of recurrent and/or serious compliance deficiencies immediately of becoming aware of such deficiencies

Assist during and after the visit as necessary with development and implementation of Corrective Actions and/or Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to mitigate recurrence of compliance deficiency

3.1.4 Subtask 1d Prepare site visit reports and summary letters

Study specific templates are provided to the monitor upon assignment of study training and visit.

Within ten calendar days (or current SOP requirement) of last day on site of site visit, the contractor shall complete a site visit report, Summary for Investigator and applicable attachments (using provided templates), and provide these documents to the SMART PM group by posting to SMART SharePoint site or other location as directed by SMART leadership. See Section 4. Deliverable Schedule.

Provide all QA visit logs and scanned documents related to site visit to SMART and Monitor contractor study lead for review, follow-up and finalization. QA activities performed include:

Summary of findings, conclusions, and any actions taken or planned to correct any deficiencies noted during the visit.

All documents must be submitted in the specified electronic format using the required templates. Content must be understandable by SMART staff, site staff and CSP study personnel. Content shall be grammatically correct, and content verified for accuracy.

Inform the SMART study lead monitor of recurrent and/or serious compliance deficiencies

Assist with development and implementation of Corrective Actions and/or Preventive Actions (CAPAs) in order to mitigate recurrence of compliance deficiency

The contractor shall communicate with and provide follow up with the study lead monitor to answer all questions and issues prior to visit report approval and Summary for Investigator distribution to the intended recipients within current SOP/AMP requirement.

The contractor shall upload QA documents to the SMART portal which includes reports and follow-up summary letter.

All reports and letters will be grammatically correct and sent to the SMART in the specified electronic format.

3.2 Task 2 CRQA Visits without pre and post work (INCLUDES PORTAL-TO-PORTAL TRAVEL TIME)

3.2.1 Subtask 2a Support of another CRQA conducting CRQA visits - one to four days on site (or Virtual Equivalent)

The CRQA may support another CRQA in conducting site Monitoring visits at the request of the Lead CRQA or SMART Leadership. For example, this may include providing support to the lead monitor during a site visit, most often during a monitoring visit, or training as a new monitor on conducting site visits.Â

The supporting monitor is not responsible for the pre work such as scheduling visits, pre visit log reviews, developing special tools for the visit, or any of the post work such as visit summary, visit report, summary attachments or post monitoring communication between site and lead. In summary support of another monitor - requires no pre or post work but does include travel and actions conducted at the site.

Subtask 2b Support of study kickoff, annual, program meetings or training - one to four days on site (or Virtual Equivalent)

The contractor may be required to attend or present at study kickoff meetings, annual meetings or other meetings at the direction of the Lead study monitor or SMART Leadership

The contractor may be required to attend in-house (or Virtual Equivalent) training or perform PQS tasks at the direction of the SMART Leadership.

3.3 Task 3 GCP Program Quality Support (PQS) to the VA Cooperative Studies Program Hourly; no travel required

3.3.1 Subtask 3a Create site visit tools

3.3.2 Subtask 3b Develop GCP tools for use by participating sites

3.3.3 Subtask 3c Design data from casebooks for organizing patient files at investigative sites

3.3.4 Subtask 3d Develop requirements, procedures and guidance for source documentation of key study data within each trial

3.3.5 Subtask 3e Off-Site records review of key critical data in support of risk-based integrated monitoring. Does not include off-site record review related to the preparation for CLIN 1 & 2 On-site (or virtual equivalent) Visits with Pre and Post Activities . This subtask includes but is not limited to:

Conduct Informed Consent and HIPPA review

Review of the Electronic Health Record (HER) for eligibility and protocol/regulatory compliance

Review of the electronic date capture system (EDC), CRF completion, correction, QA procedures

Review for study endpoints or primary outcomes data

Review for safety (unanticipated adverse event reporting and serious adverse event reporting)

Determine follow-up actions to be taken.

3.3.6 Subtask 3f Study Orientation

3.3.7 Subtask 3g Completion of training required by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA CSP and SMART

3.3.8 Subtask 3h Serves as the Sponsor s Designated Representative (SDR)

The SDR shall finalize and approve reports prior to distribution.

The SDR shall complete the site visit portion of the SDR form.

The SDR shall submit a request to the SMART Program Manager (PM) email group for a site visit follow up letter using the provided email template.

The SDR shall review site visit response, verify actions, communicate with site staff and site monitor prior to approving response and submitting response and SDR form to close out study visit. Lead contractor will submit a request to the SMART Program Manager (PM) email group and provide documentation of completion using current business process and forms.

Once the investigator correction action response has been received from the site the Sponsor s Designated Representative (SDR) evaluates the corrective action response for acceptability and completeness. The SDR ensure the Site Investigator response is acceptable and complete by:

Reviewing and evaluating the Site Investigator s written response

Discussing the findings and specified actions with site personnel and Study Leadership as needed

Maintaining the secure CSP Monitor file of documents and correspondence.

Consulting, as needed, with the appropriate CSP Coordinating Center Project Manager, QA Nurse Specialist or designee to assist site personnel in resolving issues raised in the SMART Monitoring report.

Documents resolution and closeout of site visit

Deliverable Schedule

The contractor shall deliver the following as stated in the table below:

SOW Task

Deliverable Description

Due Date

Electronic submission to:

Task 1

See subtasks

Subtask 1a

Site Initiation Visits

Site Initiation final report, investigator summary and supporting documents

Site Initiation 10 calendar days from last day of visit unless otherwise required by CSP Director

SMART Leadership,

SMART PM

Subtask 1b

Routine Monitoring Visit final report, investigator summary and supporting documents

Routine Monitoring

10 calendar days from last day of visit unless otherwise required by CSP Director

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM email group

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Subtask 1c

Schedule as directed by SMART Leadership and submit a request to the SMART Program Manager (PM) email group for a site announcement letter (See Attachment D-Announcement Letter)

30 days prior to visit but no later than 14 days.

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM email group

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Subtask 1c

Contractor shall assemble all documents and resource materials needed to conduct the visit according to monitoring plan and save documents received from site coordinator

Prior to first day of visit

SMART SharePoint site, URL https://www.csp.va.gov/smart/SitePages/Home.aspx

Subtask 1d

Perform monitoring visit

During visit dates

SMART SharePoint site, URL https://www.csp.va.gov/smart/SitePages/Home.aspx

Subtask 1e

The contractor shall finalize and provide logs, site visit report, Summary for Investigator and applicable attachments

Within ten calendar days (or current SOP requirement) of last day on site of site visit

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

SMART SharePoint site, URL https://www.csp.va.gov/smart/SitePages/Home.aspx

Subtask 1f

Monitoring Report Follow-up and Resolution

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Task 2

See subtasks

Subtask 2a

Services provided to support another contractor visit completion

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 2b

Support services provided

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Task 3

See subtasks

Subtask 3a

Site tools submitted

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 3b

GCP tool/s submitted

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 3c

Design data submitted

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 3d

Documents submitted

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 3e

Off-Site Records

By requested date

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

Subtask 3f

Documentation of completed study orientation

Upon completion of training, no later than due date of training requirement.

SMART PM email group

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Subtask 3g

Documentation of completed training

Upon completion of training, no later than due date of training requirement.

SMART PM email group

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Subtask 3h

Properly completed and submitted SDR review activities of visit reports and documents Post Visit

Properly completed and submitted SDR review activities of visit reports and documents Post Site Response

Due 30 days from last date of visit or current SOP requirement.

Due as determined by Director of SMART

SMART Monitoring Lead

SMART PM

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Task 4

Successfully complete the appropriate training courses in TMS

Before being granted access to VA info and systems and annually thereafter

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

COR

Task 5

Submit expenses incurred utilizing the invoice template, travel expense and professional service worksheets and training supplied at the time of award.

Invoices should be submitted in VIS

Within 30 days of visit.

And after all QA services are complete and all associated QA documents are submitted.

Within 30 days of visit and after SMART PM approves the invoice, the contractor will submit the final invoice as directed in the contract

ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov

Note -All communications regarding invoicing from a subcontractor shall be directed through the primary contract holder.

If for any reason a deliverable cannot be delivered as scheduled, the contractor shall notify the COR three business days prior to the due date. This notice must include the reason(s) for the delay, and the impact on the overall project.

Identification, Parking, Smoking, and VA Regulations: Contract monitors shall be issued VA identification and shall wear it in accordance with VA provided guidance while on the premises of any VA facility. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police Section at the specific VA facility. VAHCS will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions. Smoking is prohibited inside any buildings at VA facility and prohibited area may extend as far the facility perimeter. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

Information Security: In accordance with Appendix A, Handbook 6500.6 Checklist blocks 7, the C&A requirements do not apply to this requirement, and Security Accreditation Package is not required.

PHI/PII Protected Health Information/Personally Identifiable Information: PHI/PII is any information about an individual maintained by an agency, including (1) any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual s identity, such as name, social security number that is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information. The CRQA will have access to PHI/PII data during performance of the tasks stated in the Statement of Work. CRQA must know and comply with VA Privacy and Date Security Policy during site visits and properly protect this information.

Other Pertinent Information or Special Considerations: In accordance with VHA Directive 1192.01, SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR VHA HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL, contractor personnel performing direct services requiring physically visiting medical facilities must meet annual flu shot requirements.Â Contractors are expected to follow the stated guidance and provide the SMART Program Manager and COR the required documentation.

Failure to comply could result in the individual not allowed to perform work on VA facilities.

Contracting Officer s Representative

Name:

Dave Older

Section:

Division of Administrative Operations (DAO)

Address:

VA Cooperative Studies Program

Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center

2401 Centre Avenue, SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106-4180

Phone Number:

(505) 248-3203

Fax Number:

(505) 248-3205

Email:

david.older@va.gov

Period of Performance:

Ordering Period 1 April 17, 2021 April 16, 2022

Ordering Period 2 April 17, 2022 April 16, 2023

Ordering Period 3 April 17, 2023 April 16, 2024

Contractor Qualifications: The contractor, contractor s employees, sub-contractor and individuals who will perform work under this contract must meet all the qualifications listed below and submit copies of documents requested below to meet contractor qualifications. Statements such as certificates available up request is cause for rejection of the proposal if the requested documents for all individuals named in the proposal are not provided with the submission. When it is the intent of the contractor to add additional staff after contract award, SMART reserves the right to review the qualifications of and reject proposed additional staff who do not meet the qualifications.

Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or detailed resume.

Documentation of a Bachelor s degree (BA/BS) in a scientific or health-related field or licensure as health care provider, (e.g., RPh, RN, MD, DO, PA CNP, etc.), or advanced degree in health-related or clinical research-related field (e.g. Pharm.D., Masters, Ph.D.) OR Certified as a Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or by an equivalent certifying body. Acceptable documentation: copies of degree certificate, transcripts showing awarding of degree, copy of licenses, certification certificate.

Documentation of completed Good Clinical Practice training provided by nationally recognized training providers (e.g., Barnett International, ACRP, CITI, CFPA). Acceptable documentation: training certification certificate.

Documentation of Specific training or certification in monitoring of clinical research trials and documentation in human subjects protection (HSP), provided by a nationally recognized training providers, e.g., Barnett International, ACRP, CITI, CFPA, University of North Carolina, etc., OR certification as a Clinical Research Associate, (CCRA) by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or by an equivalent certifying body. Clinical trial auditing training or experience is given added consideration. Acceptable documentation: training certification or certification documents OR if clinical trial monitoring training is all on-the-job (OJT) the contractor shall provide a listing of the specifics for each individual clinical trial, duration of the work on the clinical trial and frequency of monitoring visits, disease state monitored.

Documentation of a minimum of ten (10) years providing Good Clinical Practice (GCP) clinical trial monitoring specifically of clinical research sites. Additional consideration given to monitoring of multi-site clinical trials as well as auditing of clinical trials. Acceptable documentation: Experience should be documented in the current Curriculum Vitae or detailed resume of each names monitor in the submission.

Documentation of a minimum of five (5) years experience providing GCP monitoring (or auditing) services for federally funded research with additional consideration to delivery of these servicers to VA funded/sponsored clinical research trials. Monitoring at a VA clinical trial site for a commercial study-sponsor does not qualify as monitoring or auditing of federally funded research.

Acceptable documentation: Provide, for each of the proposed monitors, a listing of the trial sponsors (e.g. a university trial sponsor with funding by NIA, a NIH trial, a VA funded trial, etc.), number of clinical sites monitored for the trial and frequency of monitoring visits, duration of monitoring work for each clinical trial. If the monitoring experience was through a CRO (contract research organization) contracted by a university or NIH to manage the trial, please so indicate.

Provide at least three (3) references for listed experience of delivering GCP monitoring or auditing services for federally funded research.

Experience in medical record and clinical chart review. Resume or CV must demonstrate experience, specifying the type of medical record systems (paper, electronic). For electronic health records specify commercial system experienced with and the tools used to access the electronic health record. Indicate experience with VA electron health record and tools used to access it.

h) Computer knowledge Skilled in Microsoft Office Programs (e.g., Outlook Email, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and SharePoint), and Adobe Acrobat. Resume or CV must demonstrate experience by describing examples such as giving presentations with PowerPoint slides, documents written with Word, schedule planning with Excel, or combine files in Adobe Acrobat.

Quality Assurance: The contractor shall detail their internal processes for working with a customer with regards to:

Selection, assignment and evaluation of qualified personnel.

Communication with a customer regarding scheduling, report transmittals, general interface with the customer, etc.

Security Requirements: All Contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affairs' computer systems shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Law Enforcement Training Center/SIC. The level of background security investigation will be in accordance with VA Directive 0710 dated June 4, 2010 and is available at: http://vaww.va.gov/vapubs (VA Handbook 0710, Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2). Appropriate Background Investigation (BI) forms will be provided upon contract (or task order) award and are to be completed and returned to the VA Law Enforcement Training Center/SIC within 30 days for processing. Contractors will be notified by VA Law Enforcement Training Center/SIC when the BI has been completed and adjudicated. These requirements are applicable to all Contractor personnel requiring the VA computer access. If the security clearance investigation is not completed prior to the start date of the contract, the employee may work on the contract while the security clearance is being processed. However, the investigation must be completed / approved before any site visits are conducted. The Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of those individuals they provide to perform work for the VA. If damage arises from work performed by Contractor personnel, under the auspices of the contract, the Contractor shall be responsible for resources necessary to remedy the incident.

The investigative history for Contractor personnel working under this contract shall be maintained in the databases of either the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Organization (DISCO). Should the Contractor use a vendor other than OPM or Defense Security Service (DSS) to conduct investigations, the investigative company must be certified by OPM/DSS to conduct Contractor investigations.

The contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a security incident as set forth in the Security Incident Investigation section above. Upon such notification, VA must secure from a non-Department entity or the VA Office of Inspector General an independent risk analysis of the data breach to determine the level of risk associated with the data breach for the potential misuse of any sensitive personal information involved in the data breach. The term 'data breach' means the loss, theft, or other unauthorized access, or any access other than that incidental to the scope of employment, to data containing sensitive personal information, in electronic or printed form, that results in the potential compromise of the confidentiality or integrity of the data. Contractor shall fully cooperate with the entity performing the risk analysis. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

Each risk analysis shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access); Description of the event, including date of occurrence and data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code.

Number of individuals affected or potentially affected; Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected.

Ease of logical data access to the lost, stolen or improperly accessed data in light of the degree of protection for the data, e.g., unencrypted, plain text.

Amount of time the data has been out of VA control.

The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons).

Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any.

Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals.

Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Security and Privacy Incidents, as appropriate; and whether credit protection services may assist record subjects in avoiding or mitigating the results of identity theft based on the sensitive personal information that may have been compromised.

Based on the determinations of the independent risk analysis, the contractor shall be responsible for paying to the VA liquidated damages per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to affected individuals consisting of the following: Notification, one year of credit monitoring services consisting of automatic daily monitoring of at least 3 relevant credit bureau reports, data breach analysis, fraud resolution services, including writing dispute letters, initiating fraud alerts and credit freezes, to assist affected individuals to bring matters to resolution, one year of identity theft insurance with $20,000.00 coverage at $0 deductible; and necessary legal expenses the subjects may incur to repair falsified or damaged credit records, histories, or financial affairs.

The contractor is required to report any Information Security or privacy breach, loss of data, inappropriate access immediately to contracting officer representative for this contract (COR), relevant facility Information Security Officer relevant facility Privacy Officer - noting details of breach circumstances, necessary remediation/corrective action as required under HIPAA regulations.

The C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

Position Sensitivity: The position sensitivity impact for this effort has been designated as LOW RISK.

Background Investigation: The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access is NATIONAL AGENCY CHECK WITH WRITTEN INQUIRIES (NACI) (cost is approximately $230).

Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) AND/OR Government-Furnished Information (GFI)

Government furnished: Laptop computer with VA approved software (such as MS Office 365) pre-installed and PIV card shall be provided by the Government for use in providing the contracted services (use of this government-furnished laptop for all work for SMART contract services is mandatory).

Contractor furnished: The contractor shall provide all equipment and supplies necessary to perform the contract requirements as set forth in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The contractor s reporting requirements will necessitate literacy in Microsoft Office Programs, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, as well as Internet capability to send and receive faxes, electronically transmit documents, access email and correspondence, ability to communicate during travel and securely access, store and destroy sensitive documents. Computer access must be maintained following VA regulations.

The contractor shall maintain VA Computer access and ensure computer and program functionality prior to monitoring visit.

Place and hours of Performance: The Contractor will be required to perform work at different sites (hospitals and/or clinics) throughout the United States and territories, at the Contractor s place of business and at the SMART office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Contractor must be available by phone during business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm/Mountain Time) Monday through Friday. There may be times when the Contractor will need to be available beyond business hours in the case of special circumstance or unannounced monitoring visit. It is essential that the Contractor be able to promptly respond to the needs of the SMART, i.e., be able to report within 24 hours to the SMART Office or to the VA research facility where visit will be conducted.

SMART and CSP program leadership reserves the right to accompany the Contractor on site visits or to visit and inspect the Contractor s place of business at reasonable times during normal business hours.

Federal Holidays observed are:

New Years' Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Day Columbus Day

Presidents' Day Veterans' Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day Christmas Day

And any other day the United States Presidents designates as a federal holiday.

Training & Additional Guidance: All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior relating to access to VA information and information systems;

Successfully complete the VA Privacy and Information Security and Rules of Behavior training in TMS and annually complete required security training; before being granted access to VA information and systems and annually thereafter, URL: https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35 course name and course code: VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior VA 10176; and

Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training in TMS and annually complete required privacy training; before being granted access to VA information and systems and annually thereafter, URL https://www.tms.vagov/SecureAuth35 and course name and course code: Privacy and HIPAA Training VA 10203; and

Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access. Course requirement may change, and the COR or PM will inform the contractor, when applicable.

The contractor shall provide to the COR a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Contractor Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and sign the Rules of Behavior annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time the training and documents are complete.

Records Management: Contractor will adhere to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government IT equipment and/or Government records.

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 by the Freedom of Information Act.

Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

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, this contract. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information.

Invoicing: Prior to submitting final invoices as stated in the signed contract (guidance found on https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp), the contractor shall submit preliminary draft invoice for review to the SMART PM group (ABQCSPSMART-PM@va.gov) for services rendered and expenses incurred utilizing the invoice template, travel expense, professional service worksheets, and training documents (see Attachments A-Training for Contractor and Attachment-B Invoice Worksheet). When the contractor is a subcontractor, the primary contract holder is responsible for the review, approval and submission for payment of all invoices submitted under their contract. All communications regarding invoicing from a subcontractor shall be directed through the primary contract holder. Invoices should be submitted WITHIN 30 DAYS after all PQS services are complete and all associated QA documents are submitted. After SMART PM approves the invoice, the contractor will submit the final invoice as directed by the contract.

ACRONYMS:

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System (NMVAHCS)

Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center (CSP CRPCC)

Site Monitoring, Auditing and Resource Team (SMART)

Good Clinical Practice (GCP)

Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA)

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Human Subjects Protections (HSP)

Case Report Form (CRF)

International Conference on Harmonization (ICH)

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Sponsor s Designated Representative (SDR)

Defense Security Service (DSS)

Defense Industrial Security Clearance Organization (DISCO)

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The following provisions apply to this acquisition:

52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial, (ix) A statement regarding the applicability of

Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with its offer.

52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items,

52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items,

52.216-18 ORDERING

Â (a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued fromÂ contractÂ performanceÂ startÂ dateÂ throughÂ contractÂ performanceÂ endÂ dateÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â .

Â (b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

Â Â (c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when

Â Â Â Â (1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the GovernmentÂ deposits the order in the mail;

Â Â Â Â (2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor sÂ fax number; or

Â Â Â Â (3) If sent electronically, the Government either

Â Â Â Â Â Â (i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

Â Â Â Â Â Â (ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor s email address.

Â Â (d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (Oct 1995)

Â (a)Â Minimum order.Â When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less thanÂ $1,000.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

Â (b)Â Maximum order.Â The Contractor is not obligated to honor

Â Â Â (1) Any order for a single item in excess ofÂ $2,000,000.00;

Â Â Â (2) Any order for a combination of items in excess ofÂ $3,000,000.00; or

Â Â Â (3) A series of orders from the same ordering office withinÂ 30Â days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

Â (c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

Â (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office withinÂ 14Â days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons.Â Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (Oct 1995)

Â (a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule.Â The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

Â (b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause.Â The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the "minimum."

Â (c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued.Â The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

Â (d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order.Â The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period;Â provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract afterÂ twelveÂ (12)Â monthsÂ fromÂ endÂ ofÂ orderingÂ period.

52.216-27 SINGLE OR MULTIPLE AWARDS (Oct 1995)

The Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.

52.216-28 MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES (Oct 1995)

The Government intends to award multiple contracts for the same or similar advisory and assistance services to two or more sources under this solicitation unless the Government determines, after evaluation of offers, that only one offeror is capable of providing the services at the level of quality required.

852.246-70, Guarantee

Appendix C VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE FOR INCLUSION INTO CONTRACTS, AS APPROPRIATE

File too large. Attached as separate file. May be found through online search, if a copy is required, contact Contracting Officer at Michael.haydo@va.gov

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL ITEMS

I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: To assure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, offerors shall follow the instructions contained herein. Proposal packages shall be complete, self-sufficient, and respond directly to the requirements of this solicitation. The response shall consist of three (3) separate volumes: Volume I Technical Proposal; Volume II Past Performance; and Volume III Price.

A. Proposals shall be submitted and in VA dominion and control no later than the time/date specified in the solicitation to be considered for award. The Government is not responsible for lost or mishandled packages or late deliveries.

B. The Government reserves the right to extend the notification deadline of the solicitation up to the date proposals are initially due.

C. The Contracting Officer has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial offerors, the Contracting Officer will review this determination and if, in the Contracting Officer s opinion, adequate price competition exists, no additional cost information will be requested and certification under FAR 15.406-2 will not be required. However, if at any time during this competition the Contracting Officer determines that adequate price competition no longer exists; offerors may be required to submit information to the extent necessary for the Contracting Officer to determine the reasonableness of the price.

D. Proposals shall be submitted only in electronic format via email before the submission date and time listed below to be considered for award. Email proposals shall be complete and in VA control no later than the time/date specified. Proposal packages will be accepted only via email at:

Contracting Officer

Michael Haydo

michael.haydo@va.gov

Phone: 412-822-3158

E. The Minimum Proposal Acceptance Period is 60 days. The offeror shall make a clear statement in their proposal that their prices are valid for a period of not less than 60 days from the solicitation close date.

F. Content Requirements. All information shall be confined to the appropriate Volume. The offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal and provide adequate basis for evaluation. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details, in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each Volume of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. The price volume shall be in a separate file from all other information.

G. Proposal packages should be made up of separate technical and price proposals. Proposals shall be in electronic format only utilizing Microsoft Office and/or Adobe software, and not exceed 20 single sided pages, each (inclusive of cover pages, table of contents, glossary, and appendices). Statistical and other technical terminology shall not be used without providing a glossary of terms and acronyms.

II. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: PROPOSALS SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN THREE (3) VOLUMES (Technical, Past Performance and Price):

A) VOLUME I - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: 1) OFFEROR SHALL SUBMIT TWO COPIES OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: COPY ONE: A FULL, NON-REDACTED COPY OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL - OFFEROR MAY INCLUDE COMPANY NAMES, LOGOS, PHOTOS, EMPLOYEE NAMES, ETC. B) COPY TWO: A REDACTED COPY OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL-OFFEROR SHALL ONLY USE OFFEROR CODE (SEE ABOVE) IN THIS COPY. DOCUMENT SHALL BE OF A PLAIN TEXT FORM AND ALL MENTION OF COMPANY NAMES, LOGOS, PHOTOS, EMPLOYEE NAMES, ETC SHALL BE REMOVED AND/OR REPLACED WITH THE OFFEROR CODE (SEE NOTES ABOVE).

SUB-FACTOR 1. Understanding and Compliance with requirements The offeror shall address each task and solicitation requirement in sufficient detail to demonstrate a clear understanding of the statement of work and specific tasks, including the contractor qualifications, and certifications. The offeror shall provide a plan to address the tasks necessary to complete the Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) Site Monitoring services which shall include technical solutions to the indicated requirements and how tasks will be met on schedule. Simply acknowledging the VA s requirements of the statement of work does not qualify for sufficiently demonstrating an understanding of the tasks.

SUB-FACTOR 2. Relevant Experience: Experience reflects whether contractors have performed similar work before and is independent from the past performance factor below.

1. The offeror shall provide within its proposal the Relevant Experience which includes past, similar experience with performing Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Clinical Research Quality Associate (CRQA) Monitoring Services. This relevant experience shall also include the experience of Key Personnel and shall provide resumes. Project staff shall have the skills and experience in providing support for the tasks include performing on- and off-site visits, providing post-visit reports, and providing GCP Program Quality Support (PQS) following SMART guidelines.

2. The offeror shall provide data on the level of experience in specific contracts of this type. Provide information on performance in these contracts, particularly as it relates to the offeror s Overall abilities. Information shall include Contract numbers, contracting activity points of contact, contract type, total awarded price, and a brief explanation of the scope of work. The Government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from all sources.

SUB-FACTOR 3. Delivery/Turnaround time The offeror shall address the turnaround time from the time the samples are received to the time the VA receives the required data. The offeror shall indicate solutions to how tasks will be met on schedule.

B) VOLUME II PAST PERFORMANCE: PAST PERFORMANCE IS AN ASSESSMENT OF HOW WELL A CONTRACTOR PERFORMED UNDER PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CONTRACTS AND IS RATED SEPARATELY FROM EXPERIENCE.

1. Past performance The Offeror shall request past performance surveys from at least three (3) current or previous contractors for contracts similar in size, scope, and complexity to this solicitation. Relevant contracts shall be within the past 3 years. Information shall include contract numbers, contracting activity points of contact, contract type, total awarded price, and a brief explanation of the scope of work. Surveys shall be sent directly from the agency to the contracting officer at: michael.haydo@va.gov and titled with this solicitation number. The Government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from all sources.

2. Past performance questionnaires shall be submitted to Michael.haydo@va.gov no later than the close date/time listed on the solicitation.

3. The offeror shall provide past performance information or affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant information directly related to a similar past performance. An offeror failing to provide the past performance information or to assert that it has no relevant directly related or similar past performance may be considered in-eligible for award. Offerors lacking relevant past performance history will receive a neutral rating for past performance.

C) VOLUME III PRICE: 1) PRICE SHALL BE ON THE CONTRACT LINE ITEM PAGE IN THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - OFFEROR MAY SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS IN ADDITION TO THE CONTRACT LINE ITEM PAGE IF THE OFFEROR FEELS IT TO BE NECESSARY, HOWEVER THE CLIN STRUCTURE MUST REMAIN AS IS.

Set Aside Cascading set-aside procedures.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made using a cascading set-aside order of precedence as follows:

1. In accordance with FAR Subpart 19.1405 and VAAR Subpart 819.7005, any award under this solicitation will be made on a competitive basis first to an eligible Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business [SDVOSB] concern provided that the conditions of 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) are met (the VA Rule of Two) whereby the Contracting Officer receives adequate competition of two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.

2. If there is inadequate competition for award to an SDVOSB concern, the SDVOSB set-aside shall be withdrawn and cascaded to the next contracting order of priority in accordance with VAAR 819.7004, which is Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in VAAR 819.7006 provided that the conditions of 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) are met (the VA Rule of Two) whereby the Contracting Officer receives adequate competition of two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.

3. If there continues to be inadequate competition between SDVOSB and VOSB concerns, the cascading will continue through the contracting order of priority in accordance with VAAR 819.7004 and FAR 19.203. If the contracting officer determines that offers from small business concerns do not meet the solicitation requirements in terms of technical acceptability, past performance, and fair market price, the small business set-aside[s] will be withdrawn and award will be made on the basis of full and open competition.

Adequate competition: Adequate competition shall be deemed to exist if At least two competitive offers are received from qualified, responsible business concerns at the set-aside tier under consideration; and Award could be made at fair market price as determined in accordance with FAR 19.202-6.

The VA contracting officer reserves the right to consider competitive proposals submitted from all responsible offerors (including large businesses) in determining the fair market price.

Due date and submission of quotes:

1. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR THE POSTING OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 02/9/2021 AT 10:00 AM EST. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WILL BE ADDRESSED VIA RFQ AMENDMENTS AND POSTED WITH THE RFQ. QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO MICHAEL.HAYDO@VA.GOV.

The quotes are due on 2/17/2021 at 10:00 AM (EST) and shall be directed electronically to michael.haydo@va.gov. Quotes shall be marked with the solicitation number.

Information regarding the solicitation can be addressed to the Contracting Officer, Michael Haydo, michael.haydo@va.gov

Update #2 · Feb 4, 2021