48 CFR Part 852 — Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

PART 852—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES Authority: 38 U.S.C. 8127-8128 and 8151-8153; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 1303; 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304. Source: 73 FR 2717, Jan. 15, 2008, unless otherwise noted. Subpart 852.1—Instructions for Using Provisions and Clauses 852.101-70 Using part 852. Part 852 prescribes supplemental provisions and clauses to the FAR. Provision and clause numbering are as prescribed in FAR 52.101 (e.g., supplementary construction clauses under part 836 are numbered 852.236-71, 852.236-72, etc.). [73 FR 2717, Jan. 15, 2008. Redesignated at 86 FR 54403, Oct. 1, 2021] 852.102 Incorporating provisions and clauses. (a) As authorized by FAR 52.102(c), any 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) provision or clause may be incorporated in a quotation, solicitation, or contract by reference, provided the contracting officer complies with the requirements stated in FAR 52.102(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3). To ensure compliance with FAR 52.102(c)(1) and (c)(2), contracting officers shall insert the provision found at 852.252-70, Solicitation provisions or clauses incorporated by reference, in full text in a quotation, solicitation, or contract if the quotation, solicitation, or contract incorporates by reference a FAR or 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) provision or clause that requires completion by the offeror or prospective contractor and submittal with the quotation or offer. (b) For any FAR or 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) provision or clause that requires completion by the contracting officer, the contracting officer shall, as a minimum, insert the title of the provision or clause and the paragraph that requires completion in full text in the quotation, solicitation, or contract. The balance of the provision or clause may be incorporated by reference. (c) When one or more FAR or 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) provisions, or portions thereof, are incorporated in a quotation or solicitation by reference, the contracting officer shall insert in the quotation or solicitation the provision found at FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference. (d) When one or more FAR or 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) clauses, or portions thereof, are incorporated in a quotation, solicitation, or contract by reference, the contracting officer shall insert in the quotation, solicitation, or contract the clause found at FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (e) If one or more FAR provisions or clauses, or portions thereof, are incorporated in a quotation, solicitation, or contract by reference, the contracting officer shall insert in the FAR provision or clause required by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section the following internet address: https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. (f) If one or more 48 CFR chapter 8 (VAAR) provisions or clauses, or portions thereof, are incorporated in a quotation, solicitation, or contract by reference, the contracting officer shall insert in the FAR provision or clause required by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section the following internet address: https://www.acquisition.gov/vaar. [73 FR 2717, Jan. 15, 2008, as amended at 86 FR 54403, Oct. 1, 2021] Subpart 852.2—Text of Provisions and Clauses 852.201-70 Contracting Officer's Representative. As prescribed in 801.604, insert the following provision: Contracting Officer's Representative (DEC 2022) The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee's authority. A copy of the designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor. (End of provision) [87 FR 70751, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising. As prescribed in 803.570-2, insert the following clause: Commercial Advertising (MAY 2018) The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor's products or services or considers the Contractor's products or services superior to other products or services. (End of clause) [83 FR 16209, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.203-71 [Reserved] 852.204-70 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel. As prescribed in 804.1303, insert the following clause: Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (MAY 2020) (a) The Contractor shall comply with current Department of Veterans Affairs policy for personal identity verification of all employees performing under this contract when frequent and continuing access to VA facilities or information systems is required. (b) The Contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor's employees will require frequent and continuing access to VA facilities or information systems. (End of clause) [85 FR 36349, June 16, 2020] 852.204-71 Information and Information Systems Security. As prescribed in 804.1903, insert the following clause: Information and Information Systems Security (FEB 2023) (a) Definitions. Business Associate Business Associate Agreement (BAA) Information system Information technology see Information technology-related contracts Privacy officer Sensitive personal information (1) Education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history. (2) Information that can be used to distinguish or trace the individual's identity, including but not limited to name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometric records. Security plan VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users (VA National Rules of Behavior) VA sensitive information (b) General. Personnel Security and Suitability Program, see (c) Access to VA information and VA information systems. (2) All Contractors, subcontractors, third parties, and business associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors to access VA information and VA information systems shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program. (3) Contractors, subcontractors, third parties, and business associates who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. (4) HIPAA Business Associate Agreement requirement. Contractors shall enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA, VA's Covered Entity, when contract requirements and access to protected health information is required and when requested by the Contracting Officer, or the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (see VAAR 824.103-70). Under the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, a Covered Entity (VHA) must have a satisfactory assurance that its PHI will be safeguarded from misuse. To do so, a Covered Entity enters into a BAA with a contractor (now the business associate), which obligates the business associate to only use the Covered Entity's PHI for the purposes for which it was engaged, provide the same protections and safeguards as is required from the Covered Entity, and agree to the same disclosure restrictions to PHI that is required of the Covered Entity in situations where a contractor— (i) Creates, receives, maintains, or transmits VHA PHI or that will store, generate, access, exchange, process, or utilize such PHI in order to perform certain health care operations activities or functions on behalf of the Covered Entity; or (ii) Provides one or more of the services specified in the Privacy Rule to or for the Covered Entity. (A) Contractors or entities required to execute BAAs for contracts and other agreements become VHA business associates. (B) BAA requirement flow down to subcontractors. i.e., (d) Contractor operations required to be in United States. (e) Contractor/subcontractor employee reassignment and termination notification. (f) VA information custodial requirements. Release, publication, and use of data. (2) Media sanitization. see (3) Data retention, destruction, and contractor self-certification. (4) Return of VA data and information. (5) Use of VA data and information. (6) Copying VA data or information. (7) Violation of information custodial requirements. (8) Encryption. (9) Firewall and web services security controls. (10) Disclosure of VA data and information. (11) Compliance with privacy statutes and applicable regulations. (g) Report of known or suspected security/privacy incident. https://www.oprm.va.gov/dbrs/about_dbrs.aspx. (1) Such issues shall be remediated as quickly as is practical, but in no event longer than __ days [ Fill in: Contracting Officer fills in the number of days (2) When the security fixes involve installing third party patched ( e.g., Fill in: Contracting Officer fills in the number of days in consultation with requiring activity (3) All other vulnerabilities shall be remediated in a timely manner based on risk, but within 60 days of discovery or disclosure. Contractors shall notify the Contracting Officer, and COR within 2 business days after remediation of the identified vulnerability. Exceptions to this paragraph ( e.g., (h) Security and privacy incident investigation. (2) The term “security incident” means an occurrence that (A) actually or imminently jeopardizes, without lawful authority, the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information systems; or (B) constitutes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable policies. The Contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and COR for the contract of any known or suspected security or privacy incident, or any other unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the Contractor/subcontractor has access. (3) To the extent known by the Contractor/subcontractor, the Contractor/subcontractor's notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the Contractor/subcontractor considers relevant. (4) With respect to unsecured PHI, the Business Associate is deemed to have discovered a security incident as defined above when the Business Associate either knew, or by exercising reasonable diligence should have been known to an employee of the Business Associate. Upon discovery, the Business Associate must notify VHA of the security incident immediately within one hour of discovery or suspicion as agreed to in the BAA. (5) In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the Contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement. The Contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The Contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident, or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident. (i) Data breach notification requirements. (2) The Contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a privacy or security incident as set forth in the Security and Privacy Incident Investigation section of this clause. 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. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with VA or third-party entity performing an independent risk analysis on behalf of VA. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination. (3) The Contractor/subcontractor shall fully cooperate with VA or any Government agency conducting an analysis regarding any notice of a data breach or potential data breach or security incident which may require the Contractor to provide information to the Government or third-party performing a risk analysis for VA, and shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following: (i) Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access). (ii) Description of the event, including— (A) Date of occurrence; (B) Date of incident detection; (C) Data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code. (D) Number of individuals affected or potentially affected. (E) Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected. (F) 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., (G) Amount of time the data has been out of VA control. (H) The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons). (I) Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any. (J) Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals. (K) Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information, as appropriate. (L) 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. (M) Steps taken in response to mitigate or prevent a repetition of the incident. (j) Training. (i) On an annual basis, successfully complete the VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and VA Information Security Rules of Behavior training. (ii) On an annual basis, sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users, relating to access to VA information and information systems. (iii) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access. (2) The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer and/or the COR a copy of the training certificates and affirmation that VA Information Security Rules of Behavior for Organizational Users signed by each applicable employee have been completed and submitted within five (5) days of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required. (3) Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and acknowledgement of the VA Information Security Rules of Behavior, 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 as the training and documents are complete. (k) Subcontract flow down. i.e., (End of clause) [88 FR 4748, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.207-70 [Reserved] 852.208-70 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors—Orders or BPAs. As prescribed in 808.405-570, insert the following clause: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors—Orders or BPAs (Nov 2022) (a) In an effort to increase contracting opportunities for Veterans, depending on the evaluation factors included in the solicitation, VA will evaluate responses received based on the schedule Contractor's VIP-verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business/veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB/VOSB) status; and/or their proposed use of VIP-listed SDVOSB/VOSB as subcontractors or teaming partners. (b) To receive credit under this clause a contractor or subcontractor must be listed, at time of submission of offer/quotes and at time of award, as an eligible SDVOSB/VOSB in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/. (c) A VIP-listed SDVOSB schedule holder will receive full credit, and a VIP-listed VOSB schedule holder will receive partial credit for the SDVOSB/VOSB status evaluation factor. (d) Offerors other than SDVOSBs or VOSBs proposing to use VIP-listed SDVOSBs/VOSBs as subcontractors/teaming partners, will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. To receive consideration, offerors must provide in their proposals: (1) The name(s) and contact information of the VIP-listed SDVOSB(s)/VOSB(s) with whom they intend to team or subcontract. (2) A brief description of the proposed team or subcontractor(s) arrangement. (3) The approximate dollar value of the proposed teaming arrangements or subcontract(s). (4) Evidence of teaming partner/subcontractor's VIP database registration and verification. (e) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company's SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. (End of clause) [87 FR 63011, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.208-71 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factor Commitments—Orders and BPAs. As prescribed in 808.405-570, insert the following clause: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factor Commitments—Orders and BPAs (Nov 2022) (a) The Contractor agrees, if selected on the basis of service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) or veteran-owned small business (VOSB) status, to comply with the eligibility requirements in subpart 819.70, including the limitation on subcontracting requirements at 13 CFR 125.6. (b) The Contractor agrees, if selected for award on the basis of teaming/subcontracting in accordance with 852.208-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors—Orders and BPAs, to use the evaluated firm(s) as proposed or if approved by contracting officer to substitute one or more VIP-verified SDVOSB/VOSB for work of the same or similar value. (c) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company's SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. (End of clause) [87 FR 63011, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest. As prescribed in 809.507-1(b), insert the following provision: Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCT 2020) (a) It is in the best interest of the Government to avoid situations which might create an organizational conflict of interest or where the Offeror's performance of work under the contract may provide the Contractor with an unfair competitive advantage. The term “organizational conflict of interest” means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or the person has an unfair competitive advantage. (b) The Offeror shall provide a statement with its offer which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided under this solicitation. The Offeror shall also provide statements with its offer containing the same information for any consultants and subcontractors identified in its proposal and which will provide services under the solicitation. The Offeror may also provide relevant facts that show how its organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. (c) Based on this information and any other information solicited or obtained by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer may determine that an organizational conflict of interest exists which would warrant disqualifying the Contractor for award of the contract unless the organizational conflict of interest can be mitigated to the Contracting Officer's satisfaction by negotiating terms and conditions of the contract to that effect. If the conflict of interest cannot be mitigated and if the Contracting Officer finds that it is in the best interest of the United States to award the contract, the Contracting Officer shall request a waiver in accordance with FAR 9.503. (d) Nondisclosure or misrepresentation of actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest at the time of the offer or arising as a result of a modification to the contract, may result in the termination of the contract at no expense to the Government. (End of Provision) [85 FR 60078, Sept. 24, 2020] 852.211-70 Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals. As prescribed in 811.107-70, insert the following clause: Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals (NOV 2018) The Contractor shall follow standard commercial practices to furnish manual(s), handbook(s) or brochure(s) containing operation, installation, and maintenance instructions, including pictures or illustrations, schematics, and complete repair/test guides, as necessary, for technical medical equipment and devices, and/or other technical and mechanical equipment provided per CLIN(s) #______ [ Contracting Officer insert CLIN information (End of clause) [83 FR 49307, Oct. 1, 2018] 852.211-71 [Reserved] 852.211-72 Technical Industry Standards. As prescribed in 811.204-70, insert the following clause: Technical Industry Standards (NOV 2018) (a) The Contractor shall conform to the standards established by:______ [ Contracting Officer: Insert name of organization establishing the requirement, reference title, cite and date, e.g., United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS), Series 100, Beef products, Jan 2010 Contracting Officer: Insert item and CLIN, e.g., CLIN 0005 Ground Beef (b) The Contractor shall submit proof of conformance to the standard. This proof may be a label or seal affixed to the equipment or supplies, warranting that the item(s) have been tested in accordance with the standards and meet the contract requirement. Proof may also be furnished by the organization listed above certifying that the item(s) furnished have been tested in accordance with and conform to the specified standards. (c) Offerors may obtain the standards cited in this provision by submitting a request, including the solicitation number, title and number of the publication to: [Organization]__________ [Mail or email address] __________. (d) The offeror shall contact the Contracting Officer if response is not received within two weeks of the request. (End of clause) [83 FR 49307, Oct. 1, 2018] 852.211-73--852.211-75 [Reserved] 852.211-76 Liquidated Damages—Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs. As prescribed in 811.503-70, insert the following clause: Liquidated Damages—Reimbursement for Data Breach Costs (FEB 2023) (a) Definition. (b) Non-disclosure requirements. (1) The Contractor, subcontractor, their employees or business associates shall not, directly or through an affiliate or employee of the Contractor, subcontractor, or business associate, disclose sensitive personal information to any other person unless the disclosure is lawful and is expressly permitted under the contract; and (2) The Contractor, subcontractor, their employees or business associates shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) of any security incident that occurs involving sensitive personal information. (c) Liquidated damages. Contracting Officer insert amount (d) Purpose of liquidated damages. Contracting Officer insert amount (1) Notification related costs. (2) Credit monitoring reports. (3) Data breach analysis and impact. (4) Fraud alerts. (5) Identity theft insurance. (e) Relationship to termination clause, if applicable. (End of clause) Alternate I (e) Relationship to termination clause, if applicable. Alternate II see (e) Relationship to termination clause, if applicable. [88 FR 4752, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.212-70 [Reserved] 852.212-71 Gray Market and Counterfeit Items. As prescribed in 812.301(f), insert the following clause: Gray Market and Counterfeit Items (FEB 2023) (a) No used, refurbished, or remanufactured supplies or equipment/parts shall be provided. This procurement is for new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items only. No gray market items shall be provided. Gray market items are OEM goods intentionally or unintentionally sold outside an authorized sales territory or sold by non-authorized dealers in an authorized sales territory. (b) No counterfeit supplies or equipment/parts shall be provided. Counterfeit items include unlawful or unauthorized reproductions, substitutions, or alterations that have been mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic, unmodified item from the original manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitutions include used items represented as new, or the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or performance characteristics. (c) Vendor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor, or authorized reseller for the proposed equipment/system, verified by an authorization letter or other documents from the OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the equipment/system shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions. (End of clause) [88 FR 4752, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.212-72 Gray Market and Counterfeit Items—Information Technology Maintenance Allowing Other-than-New Parts. As prescribed in 812.301(f), insert the following clause: Gray Market and Counterfeit Items—Information Technology Maintenance Allowing Other-Than-New Parts (FEB 2023) (a) Used, refurbished, or remanufactured parts may be provided. No gray market supplies or equipment shall be provided. Gray market items are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) goods intentionally or unintentionally sold outside an authorized sales territory or sold by non-authorized dealers in an authorized sales territory. (b) No counterfeit supplies or equipment shall be provided. Counterfeit items include unlawful or unauthorized reproductions, substitutions, or alterations that have been mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic, unmodified item from the original manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitutions include used items represented as new, or the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or performance characteristics. (c) Vendor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor or authorized reseller for the proposed equipment/system, verified by an authorization letter or other documents from the OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the equipment/system shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions. (End of clause) [88 FR 4752, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.214-70 [Reserved] 852.214-71 Restrictions on Alternate Item(s). As prescribed in 814.201-6(a)(1), insert the following provision: Restrictions on Alternate Item(s) (MAY 2018) Bids on [ ]* will be considered only if acceptable bids on [ ]** are not received or do not satisfy the total requirement. *Contracting Officer will insert an alternate item that is considered acceptable. **Contracting Officer will insert the required item and item number. (End of provision) [83 FR 16210, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.214-72 Alternate Item(s). As prescribed in 814.201-6(a)(2), insert the following provision: Alternate Item(s) (MAY 2018) Bids on [ ]* will be given equal consideration along with bids on [ ]** and any such bids received may be accepted if to the advantage of the Government. Tie bids will be decided in favor of [ ].** *Contracting Officer will insert an alternate item that is considered acceptable. **Contracting Officer will insert the required item and item number. (End of provision) [83 FR 16210, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.214-73 Alternate Packaging and Packing. As prescribed in 814.201-6(a)(3), insert the following provision: Alternate Packaging and Packing (MAY 2018) The bidders offer must clearly indicate the quantity, package size, unit, or other different feature upon which the quote is made. Evaluation of the alternate or multiple alternates will be made on a common denominator such as per ounce, per pound, etc., basis. (End of provision) [83 FR 16210, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.214-74 Marking of Bid Samples. As prescribed in 814.201-6(b), insert the following provision: Marking of Bid Samples (MAY 2018) Any bid sample(s) furnished must be in the quantities specified in the solicitation. Cases or packages must be plainly marked `Bid Sample(s)” with the complete lettering/numbering and description of the related bid item(s), the number of the Invitation for Bids, and the name of the bidder submitting the bid sample(s). (End of provision) [83 FR 16210, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors. As prescribed in 815.304-71(a), insert the following clause: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors (OCT 2019) (a) In an effort to achieve socioeconomic small business goals, VA shall evaluate offerors based on their service-disabled veteran-owned or veteran-owned small business status and their proposed use of eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as subcontractors. (b) Eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status evaluation factor. To receive credit, an offeror must be registered and verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. (c) Non-Veteran offerors proposing to use SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. Offerors must state in their proposals the names of the SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be registered and verified in the VIP database. (d) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company's SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. (End of clause) [84 FR 46454, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.215-71 Evaluation Factor Commitments. As prescribed in 815.304-71(b), insert the following clause: Evaluation Factor Commitments (OCT 2019) (a) The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) or veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more SDVOSBs or VOSBs for subcontract work of the same or similar value. (b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company's SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. (End of clause) [84 FR 46454, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.215-72 Notice of Intent to Re-Solicit. As prescribed at 815.370-5, use the following provision: Notice of Intent to Re-Solicit (OCT 2019) This solicitation provides offerors fewer than 30 days to submit proposals. In the event that only one offer is received in response to this solicitation, the Contracting Officer may cancel the solicitation and re-solicit for an additional period of at least 30 days in accordance with 815.370-2. (End of provision) [84 FR 46454, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.216-70 [Reserved] 852.216-71 Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(1), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index (MAR 2018) (a) To the extent that contract cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the Contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for the base period and any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent cost increases. (b) The Base and Adjusting Indexes, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be ______, 1 2 3 4 1 2 http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.t01.htm”. 3 e.g., 4 (1) The Base Index, for the purposes of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the most recent Index published prior to the date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of best and final offers if discussions were held whichever is later. The Base Index shall remain constant for the entire term of the contract, including all option periods. (2) The Adjusting Index shall be the most recent Index published prior to the date of contract adjustment, as specified in paragraph (d) of this clause. (c) The percentage difference between the Base Index and the Adjusting Index, rounded to the nearest .01 percent ( e.g., 5 e.g., 5 (d) The dates of contract adjustment shall be ______ 6 6 (e) An example of an adjustment calculation is provided herein for informational purposes only. (1) The original contract price or line item prices for that contract term ( e.g., (2) For purposes of this example, the contract prices for the line items as specified in paragraph (c) will be adjusted by the percentage calculated as follows: Adjusting Index for the current period 196.6 Minus the Base Index −188.0 Equals the Index Point Change 8.6 Index Point Change Divided by the Base Index 8.6/188.0 = .0457 * Result Multiplied by 100 Equals the Percentage Change 4.57% (The Index Point Change Percentage) * This figure shall be rounded to the fourth decimal place. When the fifth decimal is 1 to 4, the figure shall be rounded down, 5 to 9, rounded up. (3) For a line item with an original bid price of $25.00 and a 4.57 percent Index Point Change increase as of the first contract adjustment period, as shown above, the calculations for a new contract price for the first contract adjustment period would be as follows: $25.00 × .0457 = $1.14, $25 + $1.14 = $26.14 **. The new contract price for this line item from the beginning of that first contract adjustment period until the start of the next contract adjustment period would be $26.14 and the Contracting Officer would issue a contract modification reflecting this price change. ** The unit price adjustment shall be rounded up or down, as in paragraph (e)(1) of this clause, to match the number of decimal places in the original bid. (4) If the Adjusting Index went down for the second adjustment period, reflecting only a 3 percent Index Point Change increase over the Base Index, the new price for this sample line item would be reduced for the second contract adjustment period from $26.14 to $25.75 as follows: $25 × .03 = $0.75, $25 + $0.75 = $25.75. Note that the calculations for the second contract adjustment period are based on the original contract price for that contract term of $25.00. The contract price for this line item is modified to reflect this new price for the second contract adjustment period. (5) At the start of the first option year and each subsequent option year period (as well as for each contract adjustment period specified in paragraph (d) during that option year, if different), the Contracting Officer shall recalculate the contract or unit prices for that first option year based on any changes between the Adjusting Index and the Base Index, from the original contract award date to the start of the first option period, and based on the Contractor's new option year prices. Assume the Contractor's bid price for the first option year for the above sample line item was $25.50 and the calculations shown in paragraph (e)(1) of this clause at the start of the first option period reflected a 6 percent Index Point Change. The new contract price for this sample line item at the start of the first option period would be calculated as follows: $25.50 × .06 = $1.53, $25.50 + $1.53 = $27.03. The Contracting Officer would process a contract modification reflecting a revised contract price of $27.03 for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year. (f) Price adjustments pursuant to this clause, shall be documented by a contract modification issued by the Contracting Officer, show the Base Index (see paragraph (b)(1)), the Adjusting Index, the adjusted contract prices (see paragraph (c)), the mathematical calculations used to arrive at the adjusted contract prices, and the effective date of the adjustment (see paragraph (d)). (g) At the start of each option year, the Contracting Officer shall, within 5 days of the start of the option year period, process a contract modification adjusting the option year prices by the then current Index Point Change percentage, if any, reflecting the new adjusted prices for that first contract adjustment period in that option year. (h) In the event that ______ 7 7 (i) Any dispute arising under this clause shall be resolved subject to the “Disputes” clause of the contract. (End of clause) [83 FR 7405, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46454, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.216-72 Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(2), insert the following clause: Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(S) Based on a Price Index (MAR 2018) (a) To the extent that contract cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the Contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent cost increases. (b) The cost index, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be ______ 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 (1) The Base Index, (2) The Adjusting Index (c) For purposes of this clause, it will be conclusively presumed that ______ percent (%) 5 6 7 8 5 6 e.g., 7 8 (d) The percentage of the price of the indexed commodity (see paragraph (c)) remains fixed throughout the life of the contract and is not subject to modification under this clause. Any pricing actions pursuant to the “Changes” clause or other clause or provision of the contract, except for this clause, will be priced as though there were no provisions for economic price adjustment. (e) All price adjustments shall be applicable only to the specific contract adjustment period to which the calculations are made. For every contract adjustment period, new calculations shall be made and new prices determined. Every adjustment during the Base Year shall be based on the original contract prices for that contract year and every adjustment during an option year shall be based on the original contract prices for that option year. The Contracting Officer must make new calculations for each and every contract adjustment period specified in paragraph (f) and at the beginning of each new option year, if different. (f) The dates of contract adjustment shall be ______ 9 9 (g) An example of an adjustment calculation is provided herein for informational purposes only. (1) For purposes of this example, assume that a contract is for ambulance services, that the contract price is $2.10 per mile one way, that price adjustments will be made on the basis of the cost of gasoline, that the cost of gasoline represents 10% of the total cost per mile (the Base Cost is 10% of $2.10 (the per mile one way price in Line Item X), or $0.21), and that contract adjustments will be made quarterly. If the Base Index (the price of gasoline the week prior to receipt of bids) is $1.559 per gallon and the price of gasoline at the first date of contract adjustment is $2.129 per gallon, the calculations for contract price adjustment would be as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index cost of gasoline as of the date of the first adjustment period) $2.129 per gallon. Minus the Base Index (Index cost of gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers) −$1.559 per gallon. Equals increase (or decrease) to the Base Index $0.570. Divide increase (or decrease) to the Base Index by the Base Index $0.570 + $1.559 = .3656 * Base Cost of $0.21 (10% of $2.10) multiplied by .3656 = $0.0768 unit price increase. New Unit price following the adjustment is $2.10 plus $0.0768 = $2.1768 per mile (rounded to $2.18) ** * This figure shall be rounded to the fourth decimal place. When the fifth decimal is 1 to 4, the figure shall be rounded down, 5 to 9, rounded up. ** The unit price adjustment shall be rounded up or down, as above, to match the number of decimal places in the original bid. (2) For the second contract adjustment period, all calculations would be based on the original contract bid price for that contract year, $2.10 per mile in this example. If the price of gasoline goes down during the second adjustment period to the original Base Index price of $1.559 per gallon, the adjusted contract price for that second period would return to $2.10 per mile (there would be a zero percent increase or decrease to the Base Cost and thus no change to the original bid price for that contract adjustment period). The Contracting Officer would then issue a contract modification returning the contract price from $2.18 to $2.10 per mile for that contract adjustment period. If, on the other hand, the price of gasoline actually went below the Base Index price, say to $1.449 per gallon, the calculations for the second economic price adjustment period would be as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index cost of gasoline as of the date of the second adjustment period) $1.449 per gallon. Minus the Base Index (Index cost of gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers) −$1.559 per gallon. Equals increase (or decrease) to Base Index ($0.110) (a negative $.11). Divide increase (or decrease) to the Base Index by the Base Index ($0.11) + $1.559 = (.0706) (7.06% decrease). Base Cost of $0.21 (10% of $2.10) multiplied by (.0706) = ($0.0148) unit price decrease New Unit price following the second economic price adjustment is $2.10 minus $0.0148 = $2.0852 per mile (rounded to $2.09) (3) At the start of the first option year, the Contracting Officer shall recalculate the price per mile based on any changes in the price of gasoline from the original contract award date and based on the Contractor's new first option year price per mile. Assuming the Contractor's bid price per mile for the first option year was $2.25 per mile, the new Base Cost for gasoline would be 10% of $2.25, or $0.225 (note that the original percent figure from paragraph (c) (10% in this sample) stays constant throughout the life of the contract), but the Base Cost would change if the option year contract price changes. If the Adjusting Index for gasoline at the start of the first option year was now up to $1.899 per gallon, the new first option year price for the first contract adjustment period would be calculated as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index cost of gasoline as of the first day of the first option period) $1.899 per gallon. Minus the Base Index (Index cost of gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers) −$1.559 per gallon. Equals increase (or decrease) to the Base Index $0.340. Divide the increase (or decrease) to the Base Index by the Base Index $0.34 + $1.559 = .2181 (21.81% increase). Base Cost of $0.225 (10%* of $2.25) multiplied by .2181 = $0.0491 unit price increase New Unit price for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year is $2.25 plus $0.0491 = $2.2991 per mile (rounded to $2.30 per mile). * Note that the percentage remains constant (10%) but that the Base Cost has been increased for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year, since the Base Cost is a percentage of the first option year unit cost per mile (in this sample), and the unit cost per mile has increased in this sample for the first option year from $2.10 to $2.25. Although the new unit price for the first contract adjustment period of the first option year following application of the economic price adjustment in this sample would be $2.30 per mile, all economic price adjustment calculations made during that first option year would be based on the original first option year bid price ($2.25 in this sample). If in the second contract adjustment period of the first option year, the calculations resulted in a unit price increase for gasoline of $0.0332, the adjusted price for that period would be $2.25 + $0.0332 = $2.2832, rounded to $2.28 per mile. (h) Price adjustments pursuant to this clause, which shall be made by contract modification issued by the Contracting Officer, shall show the Base Index (see paragraph (b)(1)), the Adjusting Index, the Base Cost (see paragraph (c)), the mathematical calculations used to arrive at the adjusted contract unit price, and the effective date of the adjustment. (i) In the event that ______ 10 10 (j) Any dispute arising under this clause shall subject to the “Disputes” clause of the contract. (End of clause) [83 FR 7406, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46454, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.216-73 Economic Price Adjustment—State Nursing Home Care for Veterans. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(3), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment—State Nursing Home Care for Veterans (MAR 2018) This clause does not apply to rates for non-Medicaid nursing homes. (a) Rate Determination. (1) The Medicaid rate covers room, board, and routine nursing care services. (2) For all levels of nursing care a percentage is added for routine ancillary services/supplies, such as drugs, nursing supplies, oxygen (occasional use), x-ray, laboratory, physician visits, and rental equipment. (3) Special equipment, e.g. (4) Drug costs which comprise more than eight and one-half percent (8.5%) of the per diem rate are generally not considered routine ancillary supplies (and may not be provided by the VA). (5) Rehabilitation therapies will be provided as distinct levels of care, i.e., (b) Economic Price Adjustment. (1) The per diem rate(s) will apply throughout the term of this contract, including extension period(s). The rate(s) may be adjusted only to reflect a change in a Medicaid rate as authorized by the SMA. Normally, this will be on an annual basis. The negotiated percentage above the Medicaid rate, to cover the all-inclusive nature of the contract, will not be renegotiated; but will be applied and added to the new Medicaid rate for the adjusted per diem rate for each level of care item. In this regard, new rates will be negotiated requiring a modification to the contact. Each per diem price adjustment under this clause is subject to the following limitations: (2) Any adjustment shall be limited to the effect of increases or decreases in the approved SMA's patient care components within the affected Medicaid groups. (3) Adjustments will occur no more frequently than those issued by the SMA. (4) No adjustments are made until the Contracting Officer receives from the SMA an authenticated copy of the new rates signed and dated at the top right of the document by the authorized nursing home official. Within ten days after this occurs, the Contracting Officer will execute an approval signature and date at the approximate locations of the nursing home official's signature, the action of which will serve as the effective date of the adjusted rate. A copy of the fully executed document will be sent to the nursing home official for record keeping purposes. (End of clause) [83 FR 7408, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.216-74 Economic Rice Adjustment—Medicaid Labor Rates. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(4), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment—Medicaid Labor Rates (MAR 2018) This clause does not apply to rates for non-Medicaid nursing homes. (a) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer if, at any time during contract performance, the Medicaid rate set by the State Medicaid Agency (SMA) for contract line item increases or decreases in the Schedule. The Contractor shall furnish this notice within 60 days after the increase or decrease, or within any additional period that the Contracting Officer may approve in writing, but not later than the date of final payment under this contract. The notice shall include the Contractor's proposal for an adjustment in the contract unit prices to be negotiated under paragraph (b) of this clause, and shall include, in the form required by the Contracting Officer, supporting data explaining the cause, effective date, and the amount of the increase or decrease and the amount of the Contractor's adjustment proposal. (b) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor shall negotiate a price adjustment to the contract's unit prices and its effective date upon receipt of the notice and data under paragraph (a) of this clause. However, the Contracting Officer may postpone the negotiations until an accumulation of increases and decreases of the Medicaid labor rates (including fringe benefits) shown in the Schedule results in an adjustment allowable under paragraph (c)(3) of this clause. The Contracting Officer shall modify this contract as follows: (1) Include the price adjustment and its effective date; (2) Revise the Medicaid labor rates (including fringe benefits) as shown in the Schedule to reflect the increases or decreases resulting from the SMA adjustment. The Contractor shall continue performance pending agreement on, or determination of, any adjustment and its effective date. (c) Any price adjustment under this clause is subject to the following limitations: (1) Adjustment shall be limited to the effect on unit prices of the increases or decreases of the Medicaid rates of pay for labor (including fringe benefits) shown in the Schedule. There shall be no adjustment for changes in rates or unit prices other than those shown in the Schedule. (2) No upward adjustment shall apply to supplies or services that are required to be delivered or performed before the effective date of the adjustment, unless the Contractor's failure to deliver or perform according to the delivery schedule results from causes beyond the Contractor's control and without its fault or negligence, within the meaning of the Default clause. (3) There shall be no adjustment for any change in rates of pay for labor (including fringe benefits) or unit prices for material which would not result in a net change of at least three percent of the then-current total contract price. This limitation shall not apply, however, if, after final delivery of all contract line items, either party requests an adjustment under paragraph (b) of this clause. (4) The aggregate of the increases in any contract unit price made under this clause shall not exceed 10 percent of the original unit price. There is no percentage limitation on the amount of decreases made under this clause. (d) The Contracting Officer, precluding certified cost and pricing data may examine the Contractor's books, records, and other supporting data relevant to the cost of labor (including fringe benefits) and material during all reasonable times until the end of 3 years after the date of final payment under this contract or the time periods specified in Subpart 4.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), whichever is earlier. (End of clause) [83 FR 7408, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.216-75 Economic Price Adjustment—Fuel Surcharge. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(5), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment—Fuel Surcharge (NOV 2021) (a) To the extent that contract fuel cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the Contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent fuel cost increases. (b) The fuel cost index, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the “Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices Index.” The Base Fuel Cost, for the purpose of price adjustments under this clause, shall be the most recent Index Weekly Average Diesel Fuel Price per gallon published prior to the closing date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of final proposal revisions if discussions are held. (c) For purposes of this clause, it will be conclusively presumed that x% increase or decrease of the Base Fuel Cost represents a reasonable fluctuation of diesel fuel prices. The Base Fuel Cost (±) x% price range will be determined for the base contract year and will remain constant throughout the life of the contract, including option years. Base Fuel Cost price range is documented at time of contract award. (d) Increases (or decreases) in the diesel fuel costs (Base Fuel Cost x%) as listed on the Index two weeks prior to the end of each calendar quarter can trigger a request from the Contractor to the Government (or from the Government to the Contractor) for cost adjustments. Notice must be in writing to the Subsistence Prime Vendor (SPV) Contracting Officer (or Contracting Officer's Representative) no less than ten days prior to the beginning of the next quarter. (e) Since fuel cost is only a part of the SPV Contracted distribution cost, the adjustment will be made as a penny per delivered case for every ten cent fuel price per gallon increase or decrease to the Base Fuel Cost x%. The difference is rounded down to the nearest whole cent and will be added to last line of each invoice noted as “Fuel Adjustment”. Example calculation of fuel price change: Price $2.50 Base (+ or −) 15% Average National Diesel Fuel $2.88−$2.13. 3rd QTR (3rd week June) first year. Fuel Price $3.05 Calculation: $3.05−2.88 = $.17 (rounded down to 10 cents) Add one cent per delivered case to each invoice, starting first Monday of July. 3rd QTR Diesel Fuel Price decrease $2.13−1.80 = $ .33 (rounded down to $.30 cents) Credit each invoice. $1.80 Calculation: $.03 cents per delivered case. (f) Once approved, the date for contract fuel price adjustment will be the first Monday of the first month of each quarter unless otherwise designated at time of contract award. (g) The Contracting Officer shall retain a copy of the Base Fuel Index establishing the Base Fuel Cost and the calculation of the price range incorporating the (±) x% adjustment in the contract file. All subsequent changes will be documented within the contract file and communicated to the Contractor and VA SPV customers via email one week prior to the fuel price adjustment implementation. (h) Any adjustments for fuel price changes will only be implemented if requested in writing, reviewed by both parties, and provided within the designated time frames. No retroactive cost adjustments will be made. A contract modification will be issued at inception of first increase or decrease detailing Base Fuel Cost, price range, and calculation of first fuel adjustment charge. Adjustment will remain in effect with quarterly calculation changes as needed until price falls within Base Fuel Cost price range. A contract modification will be issued to terminate the adjustment when price returns to Base Fuel Cost (±) x% price range. (i) In the event that “the Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy” discontinues, or substantially alters its method of calculating the national average diesel fuel prices cited herein, the parties shall mutually agree upon an appropriate substitute for determining the price adjustment described herein. If the Contracting Officer determines the Index consistently and substantially fails to reflect market conditions, the Contracting Officer may modify the contract to specify use of an appropriate substitute Index, effective on the date the Index specified herein begins to consistently and substantially fail to reflect market conditions. (j) Any dispute arising under this clause shall be determined in accordance with and subject to the “Disputes” clause of the contract. (End of clause) [83 FR 7409, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019; 86 FR 54404, Oct. 1, 2021] 852.216-76 Requirements—Supplement for Mortuary Services. As prescribed in 816.506-70, insert the following clause: Requirements—Supplement for Mortuary Services (OCT 2019) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this clause, the Government will order from the Contractor all of its requirements in the area of performance for the supplies and services listed in the schedule of this contract. (b) Each order will be issued as a delivery order and will list— (1) The supplies or services being ordered; (2) The quantities to be furnished; (3) Delivery or performance dates; (4) Place of delivery or performance; (5) Packing and shipping instructions; (6) The address to send invoices; and (7) The funds from which payment will be made. (c) The Government may elect not to order supplies and services under this contract in instances where the body is removed from the area for medical, scientific, or other reason. (d) In an epidemic or other emergency, the contracting activity may obtain services beyond the capacity of the Contractor's facilities from other sources. (e) Contracting Officers of the following activities may order services and supplies under this contract: (End of clause) [84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.217-70 Contract Action Definitization. As prescribed in 817.7005(a), insert the following clause: Contract Action Definitization (JUL 2019) (a) A [ Insert specific type of contract action Insert type of proposal, e.g. , fixed-price, or cost-and-fee (b) The schedule for definitizing this contract action is as follows [ Insert target date for definitization of the contract action and dates for submission of proposal, beginning of negotiations, and, if appropriate, submission of the make-or-buy plans, subcontracting plans, and cost or pricing data (c) If agreement on a definitive contract action to supersede this undefinitized contract action is not reached by the target date in paragraph (b) of this clause, or within any extension of it granted by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer may, with the approval of a Contracting Officer one level above, determine a reasonable price or fee in accordance with FAR subpart 15.4 and FAR part 31, subject to Contractor appeal as provided in the Disputes clause. In any event, the Contractor shall proceed with completion of the contract, subject only to FAR 52.216-24, Limitation of Government Liability. (1) After the Contracting Officer's determination of price or fee, the contract shall be governed by— (i) All clauses required by the FAR on the date of execution of this undefinitized contract action for either fixed-price or cost-reimbursement contracts, as determined by the Contracting Officer under this paragraph (c); (ii) All clauses required by law as of the date of the Contracting Officer's determination; and (iii) Any other clauses, terms, and conditions mutually agreed upon. (2) To the extent consistent with paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, all clauses, terms, and conditions included in this undefinitized contract action shall continue in effect, except those that by their nature apply only to an undefinitized contract action. (d) The definitive contract action resulting from this undefinitized contract action will include a negotiated ________ [ Insert “cost/price ceiling” or “firm-fixed-price” Insert the not-to-exceed amount (End of clauspe [84 FR 29394, June, 24, 2019] 852.219-70 VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements. As prescribed in 819.708, insert the following clause: VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirements (NOV 2022) (a) This clause does not apply to small business concerns. (b) If the offeror is required to submit an individual subcontracting plan, the minimum goals for award of subcontracts to VA verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business and veteran-owned small business SDVOSB/VOSB shall be at least commensurate with the Department's annual SDVOSB/VOSB subcontracting goals. (c) For a commercial plan, the minimum goals for award of subcontracts to SDVOSB/VOSB shall be at least commensurate with the Department's annual service-disabled veteran-owned small business and veteran-owned small business subcontracting goals for the total value of projected subcontracts to support the sales for the commercial plan. (d) To be credited toward goal achievements, SDVOSB/VOSBs must be verified as eligible in the VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/. (e) The Contractor shall annually submit a listing of SDVOSB/VOSB (for which credit toward goal achievement is to be applied) for review by personnel in the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Use VA Form 0896A, Report of Subcontracts to Small and Veteran-Owned Business. (f) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company's SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment for a period of not less than five years. This includes the debarment of all principals in the business. (End of clause) [87 FR 63011, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.219-71 Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Participants. As prescribed in 819.811-370, when FAR 52.219-18, Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Participants, is utilized, use this clause in conjunction with the FAR clause. Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(A) Participants (NOV 2022) Substitute paragraph (c) in FAR Clause 52.219-18 as follows: (c) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made directly by the Contracting Officer to the successful 8(a) offeror. Although SBA is not identified as such in the award form, SBA is still the Prime Contractor. Contractor shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as provided in 13 CFR 125.6 and other 8(a) program requirements, as set forth in 13 CFR part 124. (End of clause) [87 FR 63011, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.219-72 Notification of Section 8(a) Direct Award. As prescribed in 819.811-370, paragraph (a), insert the following clause: Notification of Section 8(a) Direct Award (NOV 2022) (a) Offers are solicited only from small business concerns expressly certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for participation in the SBA's 8(a) Program. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that it is in good standing and that it meets all of the criteria for participation in the program in accordance with 13 CFR part 124. (b) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made directly by the Contracting Officer to the successful 8(a) offeror. Although SBA is not identified as such in the award form, SBA is still the Prime Contractor. (c) This contract is issued as a direct award between the contracting activity and the 8(a) Contractor pursuant to the Partnership Agreement (PA) between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (d) SBA retains responsibility for 8(a) certification, 8(a) eligibility determinations and related issues, and providing counseling and assistance to the 8(a) Contractor under the 8(a) program. The cognizant SBA district office is: [To be completed by the Contracting Officer at the time of award] (e) The contracting activity is responsible for administering the contract and taking any action on behalf of the Government under the terms and conditions of the contract. However, the contracting activity shall give advance notice to the SBA before it issues a final notice terminating performance, either in whole or in part, under the contract. The contracting activity shall obtain SBA's approval prior to processing any novation agreement(s). The contracting activity may assign contract administration functions to a contract administration office. (f) The Contractor agrees: (1) To notify the Contracting Officer, simultaneous with its notification to SBA (as required by SBA's 8(a) regulations), when the owner or owners upon whom 8(a) eligibility is based plan to relinquish ownership or control of the concern. (2) Consistent with 15 U.S.C. 637(a)(21), transfer of ownership or control shall result in termination of the contract for convenience, unless SBA waives the requirement for termination prior to the actual relinquishing of ownership and control. (3) It will adhere to the requirements of 52.219-14, Limitations of Subcontracting and other requirements in 13 CFR part 124 and 13 CFR 125.6, as applicable (g) Any proposed joint venture involving an 8(a) Participant must be approved by SBA before contracts are awarded. (End of clause) [87 FR 63011, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.219-73 VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. As prescribed in 819.7011, insert the following clause: VA Notice Of Total set-Aside For Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (NOV 2022) (a) Definition. Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB”: (1) Means a small business concern— (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.101, Surviving Spouse definition); (ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran; (iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document; (iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR part 74 and is listed in VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/; (v) The business will comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, provided that any reference therein to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed SDVOSB, unless otherwise stated in this clause. (2) The term “Service-disabled Veteran” means a Veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16). (3) The term “small business concern” has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). (4) The term “small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities” has the meaning given the term “ small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans” (b) General. (2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a VIP-listed SDVOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award. (3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences. (c) Representation. (d) Agreement. i.e., (1) Services. (2) Supplies/products. (ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CRF 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements. (3) General construction. (4) Special trade construction contractors. (5) Subcontracting. (e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. [ Contracting Officer check as appropriate. __By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or __By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract. (f) Joint ventures. (g) Precedence. (h) Misrepresentation. (End of clause) [87 FR 63012, Oct. 18, 2022; 87 FR 71262, Nov. 22, 2022] 852.219-74 VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Verified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. As prescribed in 819.7011, insert the following clause: VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Verified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (NOV 2022) (a) Definition. Veteran-owned small business or VOSB”: (1) Means a small business concern— (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more Veteran(s); (ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more Veteran(s); (iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document; (iv) The business has been verified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 CFR part 74 and is listed in VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at: https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/; (v) The business will comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR parts 121 and 125, provided that any requirement therein that applies to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern or SDVO SBC, is to be construed to also apply to a VA verified and VIP-listed VOSB, unless otherwise stated in this clause. (vi) The term VOSB includes VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). (2) “ Veteran” (3) The term “ small business concern” (4) The term “ small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans” (b) General. (2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made only to a VIP-listed VOSB who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at time of award. (3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as a VOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences. (c) Representation. (d) Agreement. i.e., (1) Services. (2) Supplies/products. (ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the VOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements. (3) General construction. (4) Special trade construction contractors. (5) Subcontracting. (e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. [ Contracting Officer check as appropriate. __By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or __By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract. (f) Joint ventures. (g) Precedence. (h) Misrepresentation. (End of clause) [87 FR 63013, Oct. 18, 2022; 87 FR 71262, Nov. 22, 2022] 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction. As prescribed in 819.7011(b), insert the following clause: VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (NOV 2022) (a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that— (1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [ Contracting Officer check the appropriate box below based on the predominant NAICS code assigned to the instant acquisition as set forth in FAR 19.102. (i) □ Services. (ii) □ General construction. (iii) □ Special trade construction contractors. (2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution. (3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following: (i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee; (ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and (iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18. (b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed. (c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate. (d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Certification I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [ insert name of offeror insert name of offeror Printed Name of Signee: Printed Title of Signee: Signature: Date: Company Name and Address: (End of clause) [ 87 FR 63014, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.219-76 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products. As prescribed in 819.7011(c), insert the following clause. The contracting officer shall tailor the clause in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) as appropriate: VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products (NOV 2022) (a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that— (1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [ Offeror check the appropriate box (i) □ In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. (ii) □ In the case of a contract for supplies from a nonmanufacturer, it will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) is granted. The offeror understands that, as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(7), such a waiver has no effect on requirements external to the Small Business Act, such as the Buy American Act or the Trade Agreements Act. (2) Manufacturer or nonmanufacturer representation and certification. [ Offeror fill-in—check each applicable box below. The offeror must select the applicable provision below, identifying itself as either a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer (i) □ Manufacturer or producer. (ii) □ Nonmanufacturer. Offeror fill-in—check each box below. □ The offeror certifies that it does not exceed 500 employees (or 150 employees for the Information Technology Value Added Reseller exception to NAICS code 541519, which is found at 13 CFR 121.201, footnote 18). □ The offeror certifies that it is primarily engaged in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sells the type of item being supplied. □ The offeror certifies that it will take ownership or possession of the item(s) with its personnel, equipment, or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice. (iii) □ The offeror certifies that it will supply the end item of a small business manufacturer, processor, or producer made in the United States, unless a waiver as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been issued by SBA. [ Contracting Officer fill-in or removal (see 13 CFR 121.1205). This requirement must be included for a single end item. However, if SBA has issued an applicable waiver of the nonmanufacturer rule for the end item, this requirement must be removed in the final solicitation or contract. or [ Contracting officer tailor clause to remove one or other block under subparagraph (iii). □ If this is a multiple item acquisition, the offeror certifies that at least 50% of the estimated contract value is composed of items that are manufactured by small business concerns. [ Contracting Officer fill-in or removal. See 13 CFR 121.406(d) for multiple end items. If SBA has issued an applicable nonmanufacturer rule waiver, this requirement must be removed in the final solicitation or contract. (3) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution. (4) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following: (i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee; (ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and (iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18. (b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract or to determine whether the offeror qualifies as a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer in compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed. (c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate. (d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Certification I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [ insert name of offeror insert name of offeror Printed Name of Signee: Printed Title of Signee: Signature: Date: Company Name and Address: (End of clause) [87 FR 63014, Oct. 18, 2022] 852.222-70 Contract Work-Hours and Safety Standards—Nursing Home Care for Veterans. As prescribed in 822.305, insert the following clause: Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards—Nursing Home Care for Veterans (MAY 2018) (a) No Contractor and subcontractor under this contract shall prohibit the payment of overtime wages to their employees for work in excess of 40 hours in any workweek, which would otherwise be a violation of Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards (the statute) (40 U.S.C. 3701, et seq. (1) The Contractor or subcontractor is primarily engaged in the care of nursing home patients residing on the contractor's or subcontractor's premises; (2) There is an agreement or understanding between the Contractor or subcontractor and their employees, before performance of work, that a work period of 14 consecutive days is acceptable in lieu of a work period of 7 consecutive days for the purpose of overtime compensation; (3) Employees receive overtime compensation at a rate no less than 1 1/2 (4) Pay is otherwise computed in accordance with the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended. (b) Subcontracts. (End of clause) [83 FR 16210, Apr. 16, 2018] 852.223-70 Instructions to Offerors—Sustainable Acquisition Plan. As prescribed in 823.103-71, when the Contracting Officer deems a Sustainable Acquisition Plan necessary, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following provision: Instructions to Offerors—Sustainable Acquisition Plan (SEP 2019) Offerors shall include a Sustainable Acquisition Plan in their technical proposals. The plan must describe the approach and quality assurance mechanisms for applying FAR subpart 23.1, Sustainable Acquisition Policy and other Federal laws, regulations and Executive Orders governing sustainable acquisition. The plan shall clearly identify those products and services included in the proposal. (End of provision) [84 FR 45682, Aug. 30, 2019] 852.223-71 Safety and Health. As prescribed by 823.303-70, the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause: Safety and Health (SEP 2019) (a) To help ensure the protection of the life and health of all persons, and to help prevent damage to property, the Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations applicable to the work being performed under this contract. These laws are implemented or enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory/enforcement agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels. (1) Additionally, the Contractor shall comply with the following regulations when developing and implementing health and safety operating procedures and practices for both personnel and facilities involving the use or handling of hazardous materials and the conduct of research, development, or test projects: (i) 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens; 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. These regulations are available at https://www.osha.gov/. (ii) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Standards and Regulations, pursuant to the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq. (2) The following Government guidelines are recommended for developing and implementing health and safety operating procedures and practices for both personnel and facilities: (i) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available at http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/index.htm. (ii) Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington, DC 20001, available at http://www.nap.edu. (b)(1) The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of, and promptly report to the Contracting Officer, all accidents or incidents resulting in the exposure of persons to toxic substances, hazardous materials; the injury or death of any person; or damage to property incidental to work performed under the contract resulting from toxic or hazardous materials and resulting in any or all violations for which the Contractor has been cited by any Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency. (2) The report shall include a copy of the notice of violation and the findings of any inquiry or inspection, and an analysis addressing the impact these violations may have on the work remaining to be performed. The report shall also state the required action(s), if any, to be taken to correct any violation(s) noted by the Federal, State, or local regulatory/enforcement agency and the time frame allowed by the agency to accomplish the necessary corrective action. (c) If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply with the Federal, State or local regulatory/enforcement agency's directive(s) regarding any violation(s) and prescribed corrective action(s), the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action (as approved by the Federal, State, or local regulatory/enforcement agencies) has been taken and documented to the Contracting Officer. No part of the time lost due to any such stop work order shall form the basis for a request for extension or costs or damages by the Contractor. (d) The Contractor shall insert this clause in each subcontract involving toxic substances or hazardous materials. The Contractor is responsible for the compliance of its subcontractors with the provisions of this clause. (End of clause) [84 FR 45682, Aug. 30, 2019] 852.228-70 Bond Premium Adjustment. As prescribed in 828.106-70, insert the following clause: Bond Premium Adjustment (JAN 2008) When net changes in original contract price affect the premium of a Corporate Surety Bond by $5 or more, the Government, in determining the basis for final settlement, will provide for bond premium adjustment computed at the rate shown in the bond. (End of clause) 852.228-71 Indemnification and Insurance. As prescribed in 828.306, insert the following clause: Indemnification and Insurance (MAR 2018) (a) Indemnification. (b) Insurance. (End of clause) [83 FR 7409, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.228-72 Assisting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in Obtaining Bonds. As prescribed in 828.106-71, insert the following clause: Assisting Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in Obtaining Bonds (DEC 2009) Prime contractors are encouraged to assist service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small business potential subcontractors in obtaining bonding, when required. Mentor firms are encouraged to assist protégé firms under VA's Mentor-Protégé Program in obtaining acceptable bid, payment, and performance bonds, when required, as a prime contractor under a solicitation or contract and in obtaining any required bonds under subcontracts. [74 FR 64638, Dec. 8, 2009] 852.228-73 Indemnification of Contractor—Hazardous Research Projects. As prescribed in 828.7003, insert the following clause: Indemnification of Contractor—Hazardous Research Projects (MAR 2018) (a) This contract involves work with a risk of an unusually hazardous nature as specifically defined in the contract. The government shall indemnify the Contractor, including subcontractors of any tier, against losses or liability specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this clause if— (1) The losses or liability arise out of or results from a risk defined in this contract as unusually hazardous; and (2) The losses or liability are not covered by the financial protection required by paragraph (c). (b) The Government shall indemnify a Contractor for— (1) Liability (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) to third persons for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous. This indemnification shall not cover liability under State or Federal worker's injury compensation laws to employees of the Contractor who are both: (i) Employed at the site of the contract work; and (ii) Working on the contract for which indemnification is granted. (2) The Government shall also indemnify the Contractor for loss of or damage to property of the Contractor from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous. (c) A Contractor shall have and maintain an amount of financial protection to cover liability to third persons and loss of or damage to the Contractor's property. Financial protection may include private insurance, private contractual indemnities, self-insurance, other proof of financial responsibility, or a combination that provides the maximum amount required. The financial protection provided must meet one of the following— (1) The maximum amount of insurance available from private sources; or (2) A lesser amount that the Secretary establishes after taking into consideration the cost and terms of private insurance. (d) Actions in event of a claim— (1) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of any claim or suit against the Contractor for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property; and (2) The Government may elect to control or assist in the defense of any suit or claim for which indemnification is provided in the contract. (End of clause) [83 FR 7410, Feb. 21, 2018, as amended at 84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.229-70--852.229-71 [Reserved] 852.232-70 Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (Without NAS-CPM). As prescribed in 832.111-70, insert the following clause in contracts that do not contain a section entitled “Network Analysis System—Critical Path” Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (Without NAS-CPM) (NOV 2018) The clause FAR 52.232-5, Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, is implemented as follows: (a) Retainage. (i) Where performance under the contract has been determined to be deficient or the Contractor has performed in an unsatisfactory manner in the past; or (ii) As the contract nears completion, to ensure that deficiencies will be corrected and that completion is timely. (2) Examples of deficient performance justifying a retention of funds include, but are not restricted to, the following— (i) Unsatisfactory progress as determined by the Contracting Officer; (ii) Failure to meet schedule in Schedule of Work Progress; (iii) Failure to present submittals in a timely manner; or (iv) Failure to comply in good faith with approved subcontracting plans, certifications, or contract requirements. (3) Any level of retention shall not exceed 10 percent either where there is determined to be unsatisfactory performance, or when the retainage is to ensure satisfactory completion. Retained amounts shall be paid promptly upon completion of all contract requirements, but nothing contained in this paragraph (a)(3) shall be construed as limiting the Contracting Officer's right to withhold funds under other provisions of the contract or in accordance with the general law and regulations regarding the administration of Government contracts. (b) The Contractor shall submit a schedule of cost to the Contracting Officer for approval within 30 calendar days after date of receipt of notice to proceed. Such schedule will be signed and submitted in triplicate. The approved cost schedule will be one of the bases for determining progress payments to the Contractor for work completed. This schedule shall show cost by the work activity/event for each building or unit of the contract, as instructed by the resident engineer. (1) The work activities/events shall be subdivided into as many sub-activities/events as are necessary to cover all component parts of the contract work. (2) Costs as shown on this schedule must be true costs and the resident engineer may require the Contractor to submit the original estimate sheets or other information to substantiate the detailed makeup of the schedule. (3) The sums of the sub-activities/events, as applied to each work activity/event, shall equal the total cost of such work activity/event. The total cost of all work activities/events shall equal the contract price. (4) Insurance and similar items shall be prorated and included in the cost of each branch of the work. (5) The cost schedule shall include separate cost information for the systems listed in the table in this paragraph (b)(5). The percentages listed in the following table are proportions of the cost listed in the Contractor's cost schedule and identify, for payment purposes, the value of the work to adjust, correct and test systems after the material has been installed. Payment of the listed percentages will be made only after the Contractor has demonstrated that each of the systems is substantially complete and operates as required by the contract. Value of Adjusting, Correcting, and Testing System System Percent Pneumatic tube system 10 Incinerators (medical waste and trash) 5 Sewage treatment plant equipment 5 Water treatment plant equipment 5 Washers (dish, cage, glass, etc.) 5 Sterilizing equipment 5 Water distilling equipment 5 Prefab temperature rooms (cold, constant temperature) 5 Entire air-conditioning system (Specified under 600 Sections) 5 Entire boiler plant system (Specified under 700 Sections) 5 General supply conveyors 10 Food service conveyors 10 Pneumatic soiled linen and trash system 10 Elevators and dumbwaiters 10 Materials transport system 10 Engine-generator system 5 Primary switchgear 5 Secondary switchgear 5 Fire alarm system 5 Nurse call system 5 Intercom system 5 Radio system 5 TV (entertainment) system 5 (c) In addition to this cost schedule, the Contractor shall submit such unit costs as may be specifically requested. The unit costs shall be those used by the Contractor in preparing its bid and will not be binding as pertaining to any contract changes. (d) The Contracting Officer will consider for monthly progress payments material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site, under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves, including but not limited to the following— (1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings; (2) The materials and/or equipment are approved by the resident engineer; (3) The materials and/or equipment are stored separately and are readily available for inspection and inventory by the resident engineer; (4) The materials and/or equipment are protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and (5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage. (e) The Government reserves the right to withhold payment until samples, shop drawings, engineer's certificates, additional bonds, payrolls, weekly statements of compliance, proof of title, nondiscrimination compliance reports, or any other requirements of this contract, have been submitted to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer. (f) The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing within 10 calendar-days of exercising retainage against any payment in accordance with FAR clause 52.232-5(e). The notice shall disclose the amount of the retainage in value and percent retained from the payment, and provide explanation for the retainage. (End of clause) Alternate I (Nov 2018). (6)(i) The Contractor shall at the time of contract award furnish the total cost of the guarantee period services in accordance with specification section(s) covering guarantee period services. The Contractor shall submit, within 15 calendar days of receipt of the notice to proceed, a guarantee period performance program that shall include an itemized accounting of the number of work-hours required to perform the guarantee period service on each piece of equipment. The Contractor shall also submit the established salary costs, including employee fringe benefits, and what the Contractor reasonably expects to pay over the guarantee period, all of which will be subject to the Contracting Officer's approval. (ii) The cost of the guarantee period service shall be prorated on an annual basis and paid in equal monthly payments by VA during the period of guarantee. In the event the installer does not perform satisfactorily during this period, all payments may be withheld and the Contracting Officer shall inform the Contractor of the unsatisfactory performance, allowing the Contractor 10 days to correct deficiencies and comply with the contract. The guarantee period service is subject to those provisions as set forth in the Payments and Default clauses. [83 FR 49307, Oct. 1, 2018] 852.232-71 Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (Including NAS-CPM). As prescribed in 832.111-70, insert the following clause in contracts that contain a section entitled “Network Analysis System—Critical Path Method (NAS-CPM).” Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (Including NAS-CPM) (NOV 2018) The clause FAR 52.232-5, Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, is implemented as follows: (a) Retainage. (i) Where performance under the contract has been determined to be deficient or the Contractor has performed in an unsatisfactory manner in the past; or (ii) As the contract nears completion, to ensure that deficiencies will be corrected and that completion is timely. (2) Examples of deficient performance justifying a retention of funds include, but are not restricted to, the following— (i) Unsatisfactory progress as determined by the Contracting Officer; (ii) Failure to meet schedule in Schedule of Work Progress; (iii) Failure to present submittals in a timely manner; or (iv) Failure to comply in good faith with approved subcontracting plans, certifications, or contract requirements. (3) Any level of retention shall not exceed 10 percent either where there is determined to be unsatisfactory performance, or when the retainage is to ensure satisfactory completion. Retained amounts shall be paid promptly upon completion of all contract requirements, but nothing contained in this paragraph (a)(3) shall be construed as limiting the Contracting Officer's right to withhold funds under other provisions of the contract or in accordance with the general law and regulations regarding the administration of Government contracts. (b) The Contractor shall submit a schedule of costs in accordance with the requirements of section “Network Analysis System—Critical Path Method (NAS-CPM)” to the Contracting Officer for approval within 90 calendar days after date of receipt of notice to proceed. The approved cost schedule will be one of the bases for determining progress payments to the Contractor for work completed. (1) Costs as shown on this schedule must be true costs and the resident engineer may require the Contractor to submit its original estimate sheets or other information to substantiate the detailed makeup of the cost schedule. (2) The total costs of all work activities/events shall equal the contract price. (3) Insurance and similar items shall be prorated and included in each work activity/event cost of the critical path method (CPM). (4) The CPM shall include a separate cost loaded activity for adjusting and testing of the systems listed in the table in paragraph (b)(5) of this clause. The percentages listed in paragraph (b)(5) will be used to determine the cost of adjust and test work activities/events and identify, for payment purposes, the value of the work to adjust, correct and test systems after the material has been installed. (5) Payment for adjust and test activities will be made only after the Contractor has demonstrated that each of the systems is substantially complete and operates as required by the contract. Value of Adjusting, Correcting, and Testing System System Percent Pneumatic tube system 10 Incinerators (medical waste and trash) 5 Sewage treatment plant equipment 5 Water treatment plant equipment 5 Washers (dish, cage, glass, etc.) 5 Sterilizing equipment 5 Water distilling equipment 5 Prefab temperature rooms (cold, constant temperature) 5 Entire air-conditioning system (Specified under 600 Sections) 5 Entire boiler plant system (Specified under 700 Sections) 5 General supply conveyors 10 Food service conveyors 10 Pneumatic soiled linen and trash system 10 Elevators and dumbwaiters 10 Materials transport system 10 Engine-generator system 5 Primary switchgear 5 Secondary switchgear 5 Fire alarm system 5 Nurse call system 5 Intercom system 5 Radio system 5 TV (entertainment) system 5 (c) In addition to this cost schedule, the Contractor shall submit such unit costs as may be specifically requested. The unit costs shall be those used by the Contractor in preparing its bid and will not be binding as pertaining to any contract changes. (d) The Contracting Officer will consider for monthly progress payments material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site, under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves, including but not limited to the following— (1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings; (2) The materials and/or equipment are approved by the resident engineer; (3) The materials and/or equipment are stored separately and are readily available for inspection and inventory by the resident engineer; (4) The materials and/or equipment are protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and (5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage. (e) The Government reserves the right to withhold payment until samples, shop drawings, engineer's certificates, additional bonds, payrolls, weekly statements of compliance, proof of title, nondiscrimination compliance reports, or any other requirements of this contract, have been submitted to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer. (f) The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing within 10 calendar-days of exercising retainage against any payment in accordance with FAR clause 52.232-5(e). The notice shall disclose the amount of the retainage in value and percent retained from the payment, and provide explanation for the retainage. (End of clause) Alternate I (Nov 2018). (6)(i) The Contractor shall show on the critical path method (CPM) the total cost of the guarantee period services in accordance with the guarantee period service section(s) of the specifications. This cost shall be priced out when submitting the CPM cost loaded network. The cost submitted shall be subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer. The activity on the CPM shall have money only and not activity time. (ii) The Contractor shall submit with the CPM a guarantee period performance program which shall include an itemized accounting of the number of work-hours required to perform the guarantee period service on each piece of equipment. The Contractor shall also submit the established salary costs, including employee fringe benefits, and what the Contractor reasonably expects to pay over the guarantee period, all of which will be subject to the Contracting Officer's approval. (iii) The cost of the guarantee period service shall be prorated on an annual basis and paid in equal monthly payments by VA during the period of guarantee. In the event the installer does not perform satisfactorily during this period, all payments may be withheld and the Contracting Officer shall inform the Contractor of the unsatisfactory performance, allowing the Contractor 10 days to correct and comply with the contract. The guarantee period service is subject to those provisions as set forth in the Payments and Default clauses. [83 FR 49309, Oct. 1, 2018] 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. As prescribed in 832.7001-2, insert the following clause: Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (NOV 2018) (a) Definitions. (1) Contract financing payment (2) Designated agency office (3) Electronic form (4) Invoice payment (5) Payment request (b) Electronic payment requests. (c) Data transmission. (1) VA's Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract. (2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (d) Invoice requirements. (e) Exceptions. (1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States; (2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information; (3) Contracts awarded by Contracting Officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies; (4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or (5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above. (End of clause) [83 FR 49310, Oct. 1, 2018] 852.233-70 Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution. As prescribed in 833.106-70(a), insert the following provision: Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution (SEP 2018) (a) Any protest filed by an interested party shall— (1) Include the name, address, fax number, email and telephone number of the protester; (2) Identify the solicitation and/or contract number; (3) Include an original signed by the protester or the protester's representative and at least one copy; (4) Set forth a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including a description of resulting prejudice to the protester, and provide copies of relevant documents; (5) Specifically request a ruling of the individual upon whom the protest is served; (6) State the form of relief requested; and (7) Provide all information establishing the timeliness of the protest. (b) Failure to comply with the above may result in dismissal of the protest without further consideration. (c) Bidders/offerors and Contracting Officers are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (End of provision) [83 FR 46417, Sept. 13, 2018] 852.233-71 Alternate Protest Procedure. As prescribed in 833.106-70(b), insert the following provision: Alternate Protest Procedure (SEP 2018) (a) As an alternative to filing a protest with the Contracting Officer, an interested party may file a protest by mail or electronically with: Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management and Compliance Service (003A2C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or Email: EDProtests@va.gov. (b) The protest will not be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar issue(s) pending with the Contracting Officer. (End of provision) [83 FR 46418, Sept. 13, 2018] 852.235-70 Research Misconduct. As prescribed at 835.003-71, insert the following clause: Research Misconduct (DEC 2022) (a) The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the integrity of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the prevention, detection and remediation of research misconduct as defined in 835.001-70. (b) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 7 business days of any research misconduct allegations received by the facility concerning this contract award. (c) The Contractor shall conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of research misconduct. If the Contractor determines that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and, unless otherwise instructed shall— (1) Conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding of research misconduct and an identification of appropriate remedies, or a recommendation that no further action is warranted; (2) When the investigation results in a research misconduct finding, ensure the matter is adjudicated by a responsible official who was not involved in the inquiry or investigation and is organizationally separated from the element which conducted the investigation. The adjudication shall include a review of the investigation record and a recommendation of appropriate corrective actions and sanctions; and (3) When an investigation is complete, the Contractor shall forward to the Contracting Officer a copy of the evidentiary record, the investigative report, any recommendations made to the Contractor's adjudicating official, the adjudicating official's recommendation and notification of any proposed corrective action, and the subject's written response, if any. The Contracting Officer will review the documentation to determine whether the proposed corrective action can proceed. (d) The VA may elect to act in lieu of the Contractor in conducting an inquiry or investigation into an allegation of research misconduct if the Contracting Officer finds that— (1) The research organization is not prepared to handle the allegation in a manner consistent with this clause and it is believed it cannot reasonably conduct the inquiry; (2) VA involvement is necessary to ensure the public health, safety, and security, or to prevent harm to the public interest; or (3) The allegation involves possible criminal misconduct. (e) The Contractor shall provide safeguards for information received and protect informants, witnesses and respondents of allegations as follows: (1) The Contractor shall provide safeguards to ensure that individuals may bring allegations of research misconduct made in good faith to the attention of the Contractor without suffering retribution. Safeguards include: protection against retaliation; fair and objective procedures for examining and resolving allegations; and diligence in protecting positions and reputations. (2) The Contractor shall also assure the respondent that their rights are protected and that the mere filing of an allegation of research misconduct will not result in an adverse action. Safeguards include timely written notice regarding substantive allegations against them, a description of the allegations and reasonable access to any evidence submitted to support each allegation. Respondents must be given the opportunity to prepare a response to an allegation and notice of any findings of research misconduct. (f) Objectivity and expertise. (End of clause) [87 FR 70749, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.235-71 Protection of Human Subjects. As prescribed at 835.003-72, insert the following clause: Protection of Human Subjects (DEC 2022) (a) Research involving human subjects is not permitted under this award unless expressly authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. Such authorization will specify the details of the approved research involving human subjects and will be incorporated by reference into this contract. (b) The Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the “Common Rule”), adopted by VA (see 38 CFR part 16), requires Contractors to maintain appropriate policies and procedures for the protection of human subjects in research. The Common Rule defines a “human subject” as a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information. The term “research” means a systematic investigation, including research development and/or testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge. The Common Rule also sets forth categories of research that may be considered exempt from 15 CFR part 27. These categories may be found at 15 CFR 27.101. (c) Should research involving human subjects be included in the proposal, prior to issuance of an award, the Contractor shall submit the following documentation to the Contracting Officer: (1) Documentation to verify that the Contractor has established a relationship with an appropriate Institutional Review Board (“cognizant IRB”). An appropriate IRB is one that is located within the United States and within the community in which the research will be conducted; (2) Documentation to verify that the cognizant IRB possesses a valid registration with the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Human Research Protections (“OHRP”); (3) Documentation to verify that the Contractor has a valid Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) issued by OHRP. (d) Prior to starting any research involving human subjects, the Contractor shall submit appropriate documentation to the Contracting Officer for institutional review and approval. This documentation may include: (1) Copies of the research protocol, all questionnaires, surveys, advertisements, and informed consent forms approved by the cognizant IRB; (2) Documentation of approval for the research protocol, questionnaires, surveys, advertisements, and informed consent forms by the cognizant IRB; (3) Documentation of continuing IRB approval by the cognizant IRB at appropriate intervals as designated by the IRB, but not less than annually; and/or (4) Documentation to support an exemption for the project from the Common Rule (Note: this option is not available for activities that fall under 45 CFR part 46, subpart C). (e) Additionally, if the Contractor modifies a research protocol, questionnaire, survey, advertisement, or informed consent form approved by the cognizant IRB, the Contractor shall submit a copy of all modified material along with documentation of approval for said modification by the cognizant IRB to the Contracting Officer for institutional review and approval. The Contractor shall not implement any IRB approved modification without written approval by the Contracting Officer. (f) No work involving human subjects may be undertaken, conducted, or costs incurred and/or charged to the project, until the Contracting Officer approves the required appropriate documentation in writing. (g) The Contractor shall bear full responsibility for the performance of all work and services involving the use of human subjects under this contract in a proper manner and as safely as is feasible. The parties hereto agree that the Contractor retains the right to control and direct the performance of all work under this contract. Nothing in this contract shall be deemed to constitute the Contractor or any subcontractor, agent or employee of the Contractor, or any other person, organization, institution, or group of any kind whatsoever, as the agency or employee of the Government. The Contractor agrees that it has entered into this contract and will discharge its obligations, duties, and undertakings and the work pursuant thereto, whether requiring professional judgement or otherwise, as an independent Contractor without imputing liability on the part of the Government for the acts of the Contractor or its employees. (h) If at any time during performance of this contract, the Contracting Officer determines, in consultation with the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the requirements, the Contracting Officer may immediately suspend the research and further payments under this contract until the Contractor corrects such noncompliance. Notice of the suspension may be communicated by telephone and confirmed in writing. If the Contractor fails to complete the corrective action within the period of time designated in the Contracting Officer's written notice of suspension, the Contracting Officer may, in consultation with OPRR, NIH, terminate this contract and the Contractor's name may be removed from the list of those Contractors with approved Department of Health and Human Services Human Subject Assurances. (End of clause) [87 FR 70749, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.235-72 Animal Welfare. As prescribed in 835.003-73, insert the following clause: Animal Welfare (DEC 2022) (a) The Contractor shall— (1) Use the Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Research Oversight (ORO) Laboratory Animal Welfare Checklist; (2) Comply with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare, https://www.nal.usda.gov/awic; (3) Develop and provide to the Contracting Officer a written plan of providing adequate veterinary care to laboratory animals, including— (i) The frequency of visits; and (ii) Provisions for after-hours, weekend and holiday veterinary coverage. (b) The Contracting Officer may immediately suspend the work by issuance of a stop work order and suspend further payments under this contract for failure to comply with the requirements of this clause. (c) The suspension will stay in effect until the Contractor complies with the requirements. Failure to complete corrective action within the time specified by the Contracting Officer may result in termination of this contract. (d) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, in all subcontracts involving research and development, testing, evaluation or training that use live vertebrate animals. (End of clause) [87 FR 70750, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.235-73 Facilities. As prescribed at 835.003-74, insert the following clause: Facilities (DEC 2022) (a) The facilities specified in the contract are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract. Therefore, prior to removing, replacing, or diverting any of the listed or specified facilities, the Contractor shall— (1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing; and (2) Submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the potential impact on this contract. (b) The Contractor shall make no removal, replacement or diversion of facilities without the Contracting Officer's written consent. (End of clause) [87 FR 70750, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.235-74 Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer. As prescribed at 835.003-75, insert the following clause: Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer (DEC 2022) (a) The Contractor shall include an acknowledgment of the Government's support in the publication of any material based on or developed under this contract, stated in the following terms: This material is based upon work supported by the (name of contracting agency) under this VA contract. (b) All material, except scientific articles or papers published in scientific journals, must, in addition to any notices or disclaimers by the Contractor, also contain the following disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the VA. (End of clause) [87 FR 70750, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.235-75 Scientific and Technical Reports. As prescribed at 835.010, insert the following clause: Scientific and Technical Reports (DEC 2022) The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the approved scientific technical reports, not a summary, delivered under this contract to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) as delineated at FAR 35.010. (End of clause) [87 FR 70750, Nov. 21, 2022] 852.236-70 [Reserved] 852.236-71 Specifications and Drawings for Construction. As prescribed in 836.521, insert the following clause: Specifications and Drawings for Construction (APR 2019) The clause entitled “Specifications and Drawings for Construction” in FAR

52.236-21 is supplemented as follows: (a) The Contracting Officer's interpretation of the drawings and specifications will be final, subject to the Disputes clause. (b) The Contractor shall— (1) Check all drawings and specifications furnished immediately upon receipt; (2) Compare all drawings and the specifications, and verify the figures before laying out the work; (3) Promptly notify the Contracting Officer of any discrepancies; (4) Be responsible for any errors that might have been avoided by complying with this paragraph (b); and (5) Reproduce and print contract drawings and specifications as needed. (c) In general— (1) Drawings of greater detail shall govern over drawings of lesser detail unless specifically noted otherwise; and (2) Figures and numerical quantities noted on drawings govern over scale measurements. (d) Omissions from the drawings or specifications or the misdescription of details of work that are manifestly necessary to carry out the intent of the drawings and specifications, or that are customarily performed, shall not relieve the Contractor from performing such omitted or misdescribed details of the work. The Contractor shall perform such details as if fully and correctly set forth and described in the drawings and specifications. (e) The work shall conform to the specifications and the contract drawings identified on the following index of drawings: Title File Drawing No. (End of clause) [84 FR 9974, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.236-72 Performance of Work by the Contractor. As prescribed in 836.501, insert the following clause: Performance of Work by the Contractor (APR 2019) (a) In accordance with FAR 52.236-1, the contract work accomplished on the site by laborers, mechanics, and foreman/superintendent on the Contractor's payroll and under their direct supervision shall be used in establishing the percent of work to be performed by the Contractor. Cost of material and equipment installed by such labor may be included. The work by the Contractor's executive, administrative and clerical forces shall be excluded in establishing compliance with the requirements of this clause. (b) The Contractor shall submit, simultaneously with the schedule of costs required by the Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts clause of the contract, a statement designating the portions of contract work to be performed with the Contractor's own forces. The approved schedule of costs will be used in determining the value of a work activity/event, or portions thereof, of the work for the purpose of this article. (c) Changes to established activity/event identifiers or responsibility codes for Contractor activities shall not be made without approval from the Contracting Officer. (d) In the event the Contractor fails to comply with FAR 52.236-1, Performance of Work by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer will withhold retention in the amount of 15% of the value of any work activity/element being invoiced that was not authorized by the Contracting Officer to be performed by someone other than the prime Contractor's own workforce. (End of clause) Alternate I (APR 2019). (b) The Contractor shall submit, simultaneously with the cost per activity of the construction schedule required by Section 01310 or 01311, NETWORK ANALYSIS SYSTEM, a responsibility code for all activities of the network for which the Contractor's forces will perform the work. The cost of these activities will be used in determining the portions of the total contract work to be executed by the Contractor's forces for the purpose of this article. [84 FR 9974, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.236-73--852.236-78 [Reserved] 852.236-79 Contractor Production Report. As prescribed in 836.573, insert the following clause: Contractor Production Report (APR 2019) (a) The Contractor shall furnish to the resident engineer, for each workday, a consolidated report for the preceding workday. Reporting shall begin from date of mobilization until the date of final acceptance except for authorized holidays. VA Form 10101, Contractor Production Report, or a Contractor generated form containing the same type of information shall be signed, dated and submitted by the Contractor superintendent. (b) Each report shall include and specifically identify at least one safety topic germane to the jobsite that day. (End of clause) [84 FR 9974, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.236-80 Subcontracts and Work Coordination. As prescribed in 836.574, insert the following clause: Subcontracts and Work Coordination (APR 2019) (a) Nothing contained in this contract shall be construed as creating any contractual relationship between any subcontractor and the Government. Divisions or sections of specifications are not intended to control the Contractor in dividing work among subcontractors, or to limit work performed by any trade. (b) The Contractor shall be responsible to the Government for acts and omissions of his/her own employees, and of the subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor shall also be responsible for coordination of the work of the trades, subcontractors, and material suppliers. (c) The Government or its representatives will not undertake to settle any differences between the Contractor and subcontractors or between subcontractors. (d) The Government reserves the right to refuse to permit employment on the work, or require dismissal from the work, of any subcontractor or subcontractor employee who, by reason of previous unsatisfactory work on Department of Veterans Affairs projects or for any other reason, is considered by the Contracting Officer to be incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable. (End of clause) Alternate I (APR 2019). (b) The Contractor shall be responsible to the Government for acts and omissions of his/her own employees, and subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor shall also be responsible for coordination of the work of the trades, subcontractors, and material suppliers. The Contractor shall, in advance of the work, prepare coordination drawings showing the location of openings through slabs, the pipe sleeves and hanger inserts, as well as the location and elevation of utility lines, including, but not limited to, conveyor systems, pneumatic tubes, ducts, and conduits and pipes two inches and larger in diameter. These drawings, including plans, elevations, and sections as appropriate, shall clearly show the manner in which the utilities fit into the available space and relate to each other and to existing building elements. Drawings shall be of appropriate scale to satisfy the previously stated purposes, but not smaller than 3/8 [84 FR 9974, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.236-81--852.236-89 [Reserved] 852.236-90 Restriction on Submission and Use of Equal Products. As prescribed in 836.202-70, insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts when it is determined that only one product will meet the Government's minimum needs and the submission of “equal” products is not permitted: Restriction on Submission and Use of Equal Products (APR 2019) (a) This clause applies to the following items: [ Contracting Officer fill-in] (b) Notwithstanding the “Material and Workmanship” clause of this contract, FAR 52.236-5(a), nor any other clause or provision, only brand name products for the items listed above will be authorized for use on this contract. (End of clause) [84 FR 9975, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.236-92 Notice to Bidders—Additive or Deductive Bid Line Items. As prescribed in 836.580, insert the following provision: Notice to Bidders—Additive or Deductive Bid Line Items (APR 2019) (a) Additive or deductive line items in the bid schedule shall be evaluated to determine the low offeror and the items to be awarded. The evaluation shall be made as follows— (1) Prior to the opening of bids, the Government will determine the amount of funds available for the project. (2) The low bid shall be the Bidder that— (i) Is otherwise eligible for award; and (ii) Offers the lowest aggregate amount for the first or base line item, plus or minus (in the order stated in the list of priorities in the bid schedule) those additive or deductive line items that provide the most features within the funds determined available. (3) All bids shall be evaluated on the basis of the same additive or deductive line items. (i) If adding another item from the bid schedule list of priorities would make the award exceed the available funds for all offerors, the Contracting Officer will skip that item and go to the next item from the bid schedule of priorities; and (ii) Add that next item if an award may be made that includes that line item and is within the available funds. (b) The Contracting Officer will use the list of priorities in the bid schedule only to determine the low offeror. After determining the low offeror, an award may be made on any combination of items if— (1) It is in the best interest of the Government; (2) Funds are available at the time of award; and (3) The low offeror's price for the combination to be awarded is less than the price offered by any other responsive, responsible offeror. (c) Example: “The amount available is $100,000. Offeror A's base bid and four additives (in the order stated in the list of priorities in the bid schedule) are $85,000, $10,000, $8,000, $6,000, and $4,000. Offeror B's base bid and four additives are $80,000, $16,000, $9,000, $7,000, and $4,000. Offeror A is the low offeror. The aggregate amount of offeror A's bid for purposes of award would be $99,000, which includes a base bid plus the first and fourth additives. The second and third additives were skipped because each of them would cause the aggregate bid to exceed $100,000.” (End of provision) [84 FR 9975, Mar. 19, 2019] 852.237-70 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance. As prescribed in 837.403-70(a), insert the following clause: Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance (OCT 2019) (a) It is expressly agreed and understood that this is a non-personal services contract, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.101, under which the professional services rendered by the Contractor or its health-care providers are rendered in its capacity as an independent contractor. The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided but retains no control over professional aspects of the services rendered including, by example, the Contractor's or its health-care providers' professional medical judgment, diagnosis, or specific medical treatments. The Contractor and its health-care providers shall be liable for their liability-producing acts or omissions. The Contractor shall maintain or require all health-care providers performing under this contract to maintain, during the term of this contract, professional liability insurance issued by a responsible insurance carrier of not less than the following amount(s) per specialty per occurrence: [ Contracting Officer's Note: Insert the dollar amount value(s) of standard coverage(s) prevailing within the local community as to the specific medical specialty, or specialties, concerned, or such higher amount as the Contracting Officer deems necessary to protect the Government's interests. (b) An apparently successful offeror, upon request of the Contracting Officer, shall, prior to contract award, furnish evidence of the insurability of the offeror and/or of all health-care providers who will perform under this contract. The submission shall provide evidence of insurability concerning the medical liability insurance required by paragraph (a) of this clause or the provisions of State law as to self-insurance, or limitations on liability or insurance. (c) The Contractor shall, prior to commencement of services under the contract, provide to the Contracting Officer Certificates of Insurance or insurance policies evidencing the required insurance coverage and an endorsement stating that any cancellation or material change adversely affecting the Government's interest shall not be effective until 30 days after the insurer or the Contractor gives written notice to the Contracting Officer. Certificates or policies shall be provided for the Contractor and/or each health-care provider who will perform under this contract. (d) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 5 days of becoming aware of a change in insurance providers during the performance period of this contract for all health-care providers performing under this contract. The notification shall provide evidence that the Contractor and/or health-care providers will meet all the requirements of this clause, including those concerning liability insurance and endorsements. These requirements may be met either under the new policy, or a combination of old and new policies, if applicable. (e) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in all subcontracts for health-care services under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for compliance by any subcontractor or lower-tier subcontractor with the provisions set forth in paragraph (a) of this clause. At least 5 days before the commencement of work by any subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer evidence of such insurance. (End of clause) [84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-71 Nonsmoking Policy for Children's Services. As prescribed in 837.403-70(b), insert the following clause: Nonsmoking Policy for Children's Services (OCT 2019) (a) Smoking in facilities where certain federally funded children's services are provided shall be prohibited. The Pro-Children Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. 7181-7183) prohibits smoking within any indoor facility (or portion thereof), whether owned, leased, or contracted for, that is used for the routine or regular provision of health or day care services that are provided to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies to indoor facilities that are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. (b) By acceptance of this contract or order, the Contractor agrees to comply with the requirements of the Act. The Act also applies to all subcontracts awarded under this contract for the specified children's services. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understands, and complies with the provisions of the Act. Failure to comply with the Act may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate violation. (End of clause) [84 FR 46455, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-72 Crime Control Act—Reporting of Child Abuse. As prescribed in 837.403-70(c), insert the following clause: Crime Control Act—Reporting of Child Abuse (OCT 2019) (a) Public Law 101-647, also known as the Crime Control Act of 1990 (Act), imposes responsibilities on certain individuals who, while engaged in a professional capacity or activity, as defined in the Act, on Federal land or in a federally-operated (or contracted) facility, learn of facts that give the individual reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse. (b) The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the Act. The Act also applies to all applicable subcontracts awarded under this contract. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understands, and complies with the provisions of the Act. (End of clause) [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-73 Crime Control Act—Requirement for Background Checks. As prescribed in 837.403-70(d), insert the following clause: Crime Control Act—Requirement for Background Checks (OCT 2019) (a) Public Law 101-647, also known as the Crime Control Act of 1990 (Act), requires that all individuals involved with the provision of child care services, as defined in the Act, to children under the age of 18 undergo a criminal background check. (b) The Contracting Officer will provide the necessary information to the Contractor regarding the process for obtaining the background check. The Contractor may hire a staff person provisionally prior to the completion of a background check, if at all times prior to the receipt of the background check during which children are in the care of the newly-hired person, the person is within the sight and under the supervision of a previously investigated staff person. (c) The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the Act. The Act also applies to all applicable subcontracts awarded under the contract. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understands, and complies with the provisions of the Act. (End of clause) [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-74 Non-discrimination in Service Delivery. As prescribed in 837.110-70(a), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts: Non-Discrimination in Service Delivery (OCT 2019) It is the policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs that no person otherwise eligible will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in the administration of VA programs and services based on non-merit factors such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability (physical or mental). By acceptance of this contract, the Contractor agrees to comply with this policy in supporting the program and in performing the services called for under this contract. The Contractor shall include this clause in all subcontracts awarded under this contract for supporting or performing the specified program and services. Accordingly, the Contractor shall ensure that each of its employees, and any subcontractor staff, is made aware of, understands, and complies with this policy. (End of clause) [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-75 Key Personnel. As prescribed in 837.110-70(b), insert the following clause: Key Personnel (OCT 2019) The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to the Contractor voluntarily diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit a justification for the diversion or replacement and a request to replace the individual. The request must identify the proposed replacement and provide an explanation of how the replacement's skills, experience, and credentials meet or exceed the requirements of the contract. If the employee of the Contractor is terminated for cause or separates from the contractor voluntarily with less than thirty days notice, the Contractor shall provide the maximum notice practicable under the circumstances. The Contractor shall not divert, replace, or announce any such change to key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The contract will be modified to add or delete key personnel as necessary to reflect the agreement of the parties. (End of clause) [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-76 Award to Single Offeror. As prescribed in 837.7001(a)(1), insert the following provision: Award to Single Offeror (OCT 2019) (a) Award shall be made to a single offeror. (b) Offerors shall include unit prices for each item. Failure to include unit prices for each item will be cause for rejection of the entire offer. (c) The Government will evaluate offers on the basis of the estimated quantities shown. (d) Award will be made to that responsive, responsible offeror whose total aggregate offer is the lowest price to the Government. (End of provision) Alternate I (OCT 2019). (d) Award will be made to that responsive, responsible offeror whose total aggregate offer is in the best interest of the Government. [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-77 Area of Performance. As prescribed in 837.7001(b)(1), insert the following clause: Area of Performance (OCT 2019) (a) The area of performance is as specified in the contract. (b) The Contractor shall take possession of the remains at the place where they are located, transport them to the Contractor's place of preparation, and later transport them to a place designated by the Contracting Officer. (c) The Contractor will not be reimbursed for transportation when both the place where the remains were located and the delivery point are within the area of performance. (d) If remains are located outside the area of performance, the Contracting Officer may place an order with the Contractor under this contract or may obtain the services elsewhere. If the Contracting Officer requires the Contractor to transport the remains into the area of performance, the Contractor shall be paid the amount per mile in the schedule for the number of miles required to transport the remains by a reasonable route from the point where located to the boundary of the area of performance. (e) The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to deliver remains to any point within 100 miles of the area of performance. In this case, the Contractor shall be paid the amount per mile in the schedule for the number of miles required to transport the remains by a reasonable route from the boundary of the area of performance to the delivery point. (End of clause) [84 FR 46456, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-78 Performance and Delivery. As prescribed in 837.7001(b)(2), insert the following clause: Performance and Delivery (OCT 2019) (a) The Contractor shall furnish the material ordered and perform the services specified as promptly as possible, but not later than 36 hours after receiving notification to remove the remains, excluding the time necessary for the Government to inspect and check results of preparation. (b) The Government may, at no additional charge, require the Contractor to hold the remains for an additional period not to exceed 72 hours from the time the remains are casketed and final inspection is completed. (End of clause) [84 FR 46457, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-79 Subcontracting. As prescribed in 837.7001(b)(3), insert the following clause: Subcontracting (OCT 2019) The Contractor shall not subcontract any work under this contract without the Contracting Officer's written approval. This clause does not apply to contracts of employment between the Contractor and its personnel. (End of clause) [84 FR 46457, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.237-80 Health Department and Transport Permits. As prescribed in 837.7001(b)(4), insert the following clause: Health Department and Transport Permits (OCT 2019) The Contractor shall meet all State and local licensing requirements and obtain and furnish all necessary health department and shipping permits at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall ensure that all necessary health department permits are in order for disposition of the remains. (End of clause) [84 FR 46457, Sept. 4, 2019] 852.239-70 Security Requirements for Information Technology Resources. As prescribed in 839.106-70, insert the following clause: Security Requirements for Information Technology Resources (FEB 2023) (a) Definitions. Information technology means Information system security plan (b) Responsibilities. (1) Hosting of VA e-Government sites or other information technology operations; (2) Acquisition, transmission, or analysis of data owned by VA with significant replacement cost should the contractor's copy be corrupted; and (3) Access to VA general support systems/major applications at a level beyond that granted the general public, e.g., (c) Information system security plan. (1) OMB Circular A-130, Managing Information as a Strategic Resource; (2) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Guidelines; and (3) VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program, and the directives and handbooks in the VA 6500 series related to VA information (including VA sensitive information and sensitive personal information and information systems security and privacy), as well as those set forth in the contract specifications, statement of work, or performance work statement. These include, but are not limited to, VA Handbook 6500.6, Contract Security; and VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, which establishes VA's procedures, responsibilities, and processes for complying with current Federal law, Executive Orders, policies, regulations, standards and guidance for protecting VA information, information systems (see 802.101, Definitions) security and privacy, and adhering to personnel security requirements when accessing VA information or information systems. (d) Submittal of plan. (e) Security accreditation. (f) Annual validation. (g) Banners. (h) Screening and access. (i) Training. (j) Government access. (k) Notification of termination of employees. (l) Subcontractor flow down requirement. (End of clause) [88 FR 4753, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-71 Information System Security Plan and Accreditation. As prescribed in 839.106-70, insert the following provision: Information System Security Plan and Accreditation (FEB 2023) All offers submitted in response to this solicitation or request for quotation shall address the approach for completing the security plan and accreditation requirements in clause 852.239-70, Security Requirements for Information Technology Resources. (End of provision) [88 FR 4753, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-72 Information System Design and Development. As prescribed in 839.106-70, insert the following clause: Information System Design and Development (FEB 2023) (a) Design or development at non-VA facilities. (b) Privacy Impact Assessment. (c) Security of procured or developed systems and technologies. (d) Subcontract flow down requirements. (End of clause) [88 FR 4754, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-73 Information System Hosting, Operation, Maintenance, or Use. As prescribed in 839.106-70, insert the following clause: Information System Hosting, Operation, Maintenance, or Use (FEB 2023) (a) Definitions. Assessment and Authorization Information system security plan (b) Hosting, operation, maintenance, or use at non-VA facilities. (c) Collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of VA sensitive information. (d) Annual FISMA security controls assessment. e.g., (e) Annual self-assessment. (f) Prohibition of installation and use of personally-owned or Contractor-owned equipment or software on VA networks. (g) Disposal or return of electronic storage media on non-VA leased or non-VA owned IT equipment. (1) Completion or termination of the contract; or (2) Disposal or return of the IT equipment by the Contractor/subcontractor or any person acting on behalf of the Contractor/subcontractor, whichever is earlier. Media ( e.g., (h) Bio-Medical devices and other equipment or systems. e.g., (1) The Contractor must accept the system without the drive; (2) A spare drive must be installed in place of the original drive at time of turn-in if VA's initial medical device purchase included a spare drive; or (3) The Contractor may request reimbursement for the drive at a reasonable open market replacement cost to be separately negotiated by the Contracting Officer and the Contractor at time of contract closeout. (End of clause) [88 FR 4754, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-74 Security Controls Compliance Testing. As prescribed in 839.106-70(d), insert the following clause: Security Controls Compliance Testing (FEB 2023) On a periodic basis, VA, including the Office of Inspector General, reserves the right to evaluate any or all of the security and privacy controls implemented by the Contractor under the clauses contained within the contract. With 10 working-days' notice, at the request of the government, the Contractor must fully cooperate and assist in a government-sponsored security controls assessment at each location wherein VA information is processed or stored, or information systems are developed, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of VA, including those initiated by the Office of Inspector General. The government may conduct a security control assessment on shorter notice, to include unannounced assessments, as determined by VA in the event of a security incident or at any other time. (End of clause) [88 FR 4755, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-75 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Notice. As prescribed in 839.203-70(a), insert the following provision: Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Notice (FEB 2023) (a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established VA Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (formerly Electronic and Information (EIT)) accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.section508.va.gov/. (b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 852.239-75, Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed ICT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit appropriate VA Section 508 Checklists, in accordance with the checklist completion instructions. The purpose of the checklists is to assist VA acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed ICT supplies, or information, documentation and services conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The checklists allow offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document—in detail—whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. (c) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any exception to Section 508 requirements. If an offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., (End of provision) [88 FR 4755, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.239-76 Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. As prescribed in 839.203-70(b), insert the following clause: Information and Communication Technology Accessibility (FEB 2023) (a) All information and communication technology (ICT) (formerly referred to as electronic and information technology (EIT)) supplies, information, documentation and services support developed, acquired, maintained or delivered under this contract or order must comply with the “Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Standards” ( see http://www.section508.va.gov/. (b) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this contract or order are identified in the specification, statement of work, or performance work statement. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense. (c) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this contract are: __ [ Contracting Officer: insert the applicable Section 508 accessibility standards (d) In the event of a modification(s) to this contract or order, which adds new EIT supplies or services or revises the type of, or specifications for, supplies or services, the Contracting Officer may require that the Contractor submit a completed VA Section 508 Checklist and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies or services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense. (e) If this is an Indefinite-Delivery type contract, a Blanket Purchase Agreement or a Basic Ordering Agreement, the task/delivery order requests that include ICT supplies or services will define the specifications and accessibility standards for the order. In those cases, the Contractor may be required to provide a completed VA Section 508 Checklist and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies or services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the provided documentation, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense. (End of clause) [88 FR 4755, Jan. 25, 2023] 852.241-70 Disputes—Utility Contracts. As prescribed in 841.501-70, insert the following clause: Disputes—Utility Contracts (SEP 2020) (a) Definition. Independent regulatory body (b) Independent Regulatory Body determinations. (End of Clause) [85 FR 60078, Sept. 24, 2020] 852.242-70 Government Construction Contract Administration. As prescribed in 842.272, insert the following clause. This is a fill-in clause. Government Construction Contract Administration (OCT 2020) (a) Contract administration functions set forth in FAR 42.302 are hereby delegated to: [ Insert name and office address of Contracting Officer [ Note: If any of the functions set forth in FAR 42.302 are to be retained by the Contracting Officer, identify those as well with the notation: “With the exception of the following contract administration functions: ______.” Delete this notation if not required. (b) The following functions will be retained by the Contracting Officer or Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) and are not redelegable to Resident Engineers: (1) Award of contract modifications either through supplemental agreements or change orders that exceed the ACO's appointed warrant limitations. (2) Issuance of default letters. (3) Issuance of Cure or Show-Cause Notices. (4) Suspension of work letters and/or modifications. (5) Issuance of Contracting Officer final determination letters. (6) Issuance of termination notices. (7) Authorization of final payment. (c) The work will be under the direction of a Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Officer, who may designate another VA employee to act as resident engineer at the construction site who possesses limited warranted authority. (d) Except as provided below, the resident engineer's directions will not conflict with or change contract requirements. Within the limits of any specific authority delegated by the Contracting Officer, the resident engineer may, by written direction, make changes in the work. The Contractor shall be advised of the extent of such authority prior to execution of any work under the contract. (e) The Contracting Officer or an Administrative Contracting Officer identified in paragraph (a) may further delegate limited authority and specialized support services responsibilities below to the following warranted Resident Engineer personnel on site, not to exceed the dollar value and threshold of their warrant: [ Insert name and office address of Resident Engineer with limited authority (1) Conduct post-award orientation conferences. (2) Issue administrative changes (see FAR 43.101) correcting errors or omissions, contractor address, facility or activity code, remittance address, computations which do not required additional contract funds, and other such changes. (3) For actions not to exceed $ [ Insert dollar amount (4) Negotiate and execute supplemental agreements changing contract delivery schedules where the time extension does not exceed [ Insert number (End of Clause) [85 FR 60078, Sept. 24, 2020] 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer. As prescribed in 842.271, insert the following clause: Administrative Contracting Officer (OCT 2020) The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract. Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation will be furnished to the Contractor. (End of Clause) [85 FR 60079, Sept. 24, 2020] 852.243-70 Construction Contract Changes—Supplement. As prescribed in 843.205-70, the Contracting Officer shall insert this clause in solicitations and contracts for construction that are expected to exceed the micro-purchase threshold. The Contracting Officer shall fill in the number of days in which a Contractor must assert its right to an equitable adjustment; however, such amount shall not exceed 60 calendar days. Construction Contract Changes—Supplement (SEP 2019) The FAR clauses 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions; 52.243-4, Changes; and 52.243-5, Changes and Changed Conditions, are supplemented as follows: (a) Submission of request for equitable adjustment proposals. When directed by the Contracting Officer or requested by the Contractor, the Contractor shall, in accordance with FAR 15.403-5, submit proposals for changes in the work exceeding $500,000 in writing to the Contracting Officer or Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO), and to the resident engineer. (1) The Contractor must provide an itemized breakdown for changes exceeding the micro-purchase threshold (see FAR 2.101). (2) The itemized breakdown shall include materials, quantities, unit prices, labor costs (separated into trades), construction equipment, etc. Labor costs shall be identified with specific material placed or operation performed. (3) Proposals shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer or ACO and the resident engineer as expeditiously as possible, but not later than [ fill-in (4) Proposals shall be signed by each subcontractor participating in the change. (5) The Contracting Officer will consider issuing a settlement by determination to the contract if the Contractor's proposal required by paragraph (a)(3) of this clause is not received within the time period specified in paragraph (a)(3), or if agreement has not been reached. (b) Paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this clause and the following paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) apply to proposals for changes in the work $500,000 or less: (1) As a basis for negotiation, allowances not to exceed 10 percent each for overhead and profit for the party performing the work will be based on the value of labor, material, and equipment required to accomplish the change. As the value of the change increases, a declining scale will be used in negotiating the percentage of overhead and profit. This declining scale will also be used to negotiate the prime Contractor's or upper-tier subcontractor's fee when work is performed by lower-tier subcontractors (to a maximum of three tiers) and will be based on the net increased cost to the prime or upper-tier subcontractor, as applicable. Profit (fee) shall be computed by multiplying the profit percentage by the sum of the direct costs and computed overhead costs. Allowable percentages on changes will not exceed the following: (i) 10 percent overhead and/or 10 percent profit (fee) on the first $20,000. (ii) 7.5 percent overhead and/or 7.5 percent profit (fee) on the next $30,000. (iii) 5 percent overhead and/or 5 percent profit (fee) on a balance over $50,000. (2) The Contracting Officer will consider issuing a settlement by determination to the contract if the Contractor's proposal required by paragraph (3) is not received within 30 calendar days, or if agreement has not been reached. (c)(1) Overhead and Contractor's fee percentages shall be considered to include insurance other than mentioned herein, field and office supervisors and assistants, security police, use of small tools, incidental job burdens, and general home office expenses and no separate allowance will be made. Assistants to office supervisors include all clerical, stenographic and general office help. Incidental job burdens include, but are not necessarily limited to, office equipment and supplies, temporary toilets, telephone and conformance to OSHA requirements. Items such as, but not necessarily limited to, review and coordination, estimating and expediting relative to contract changes are associated with field and office supervision and are considered to be included in the Contractor's overhead and/or fee percentage. (2) Where the Contractor's or subcontractor's portion of a change involves credit items, such items must be deducted prior to adding overhead and profit for the party performing the work. The Contractor's fee is limited to the net increase to Contractor or subcontractors' portions of cost computed in accordance with this clause. (3) Where a change involves credit items only, a proper measure of the amount of downward adjustment in the contract price is the reasonable cost to the Contractor if it had performed the deleted work. A reasonable allowance for overhead and profit are properly includable as part of the downward adjustment for a deductive change. The amount of such allowance is subject to negotiation. (End of clause) [84 FR 45683, Aug. 30, 2019] 852.246-70 [Reserved] 852.246-71 Rejected Goods. As prescribed in 846.370-1, insert the following clause: Rejected Goods (OCT 2018) (a) Supplies and equipment. (b) Perishable supplies. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.246-72 Frozen Processed Foods. As prescribed in 846.370-2, insert the following clause: Frozen Processed Foods (OCT 2018) The products delivered under this contract shall be in excellent condition, shall not show evidence of defrosting, refreezing, or freezer burn and shall be transported and delivered to the consignee at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.246-73 Noncompliance with Packaging, Packing, and/or Marking Requirements. As prescribed in 846.370-3, insert the following clause: Noncompliance With Packaging, Packing and/or Marking Requirements (OCT 2018) Failure to comply with the packaging, packing and/or marking requirements indicated herein, or incorporated herein by reference, may result in rejection of the merchandise and request for replacement or repackaging, repacking, and/or marking. The Government reserves the right, without obtaining authority from the Contractor, to perform the required repackaging, repacking, and/or marking services and charge the Contractor at the actual cost to the Government for the same or have the required repackaging, repacking, and/or marking services performed commercially under Government order and charge the Contractor at the invoice rate. In connection with any discount offered, time will be computed from the date of completion of such repackaging, repacking and/or marking services. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.246-74 [Reserved] 852.246-75 Warranty of Construction—Guarantee Period Services. As prescribed in 846.702-70(e), insert the following clause: Warranty of Construction—Guarantee Period Services (OCT 2018) The clause 52.246-21, Warranty of Construction, is supplemented as follows: Should the Contractor fail to complete the work or fail to proceed promptly to provide guarantee period services after notification by the Contracting Officer, the Government may, subject to the default clause contained at FAR 52.249-10, Default (Fixed-Price Construction), and after allowing the Contractor 10 days to correct and comply with the contract, terminate the right to proceed with the work (or the separable part of the work) that has been delayed or unsatisfactorily performed. In this event, the Government may take over the work and complete it by contract or otherwise, and may take possession of and use any materials, appliances, and plant on the work site necessary for completing the work. The Contractor and its sureties shall be liable for any damages to the Government resulting from the Contractor's refusal or failure to complete the work within this specified time, whether or not the Contractor's right to proceed with the work is terminated. This liability includes any increased costs incurred by the Government in completing the work. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.246-76 Purchase of Shellfish. As prescribed in 846.370-4 insert the following clause: Purchase of Shellfish (OCT 2018) The supplier certifies that oysters, clams, and mussels will be furnished only from plants approved by and operated under the supervision of shellfish authorities of States whose certifications are endorsed currently by the U.S. Public Health Service, and the names and certificate numbers of those shellfish dealers must appear on current lists published by the U.S. Public Health Service. These items shall be packed and delivered in approved containers, sealed in such manner that tampering is easily discernible, and marked with packer's certificate number impressed or embossed on the side of such containers and preceded by the State abbreviation. Containers shall be tagged or labeled to show the name and address of the approved producer or shipper, the name of the State of origin, and the certificate number of the approved producer or shipper. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-70 Determining Transportation Costs for Evaluation of Offers. As prescribed in 847.305-70, insert the following provision: Determining Transportation Costs for Evaluation of Offers (OCT 2018) For the purpose of evaluating bids and for no other purpose, the delivered price per unit will be determined by adding the nationwide average transportation charge to the f.o.b. origin bid prices. The nationwide average transportation charge will be determined by applying the following formula: Multiply the guaranteed shipping weight by the freight, parcel post, or express rate, whichever is proper, to each destination shown below and then multiply the resulting transportation charges by the anticipated demand factor shown for each destination. Total the resulting weighted transportation charges for all destinations and divide the total by 20 to give the nationwide average transportation charge. Anticipated Demand Area destination Factor Oakland, California 3 Dallas, Texas 2 Omaha, Nebraska 3 Fort Wayne, Indiana 4 Atlanta, Georgia 3 New York, New York 5 Total of factors 20 (End of Provision) [83 FR 48262, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-71 Delivery Location. As prescribed in 847.302, insert a clause substantially as follows: Delivery Location (OCT 2018) Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be to: ____ [ Contracting Officer shall insert appropriate identifying data (End of Clause) [83 FR 48263, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-72 Marking Deliverables. As prescribed in 847.305-10(a) insert a clause substantially the same as: Marking Deliverables (OCT 2018) (a) The contract number shall be placed on or adjacent to all exterior mailing or shipping labels of deliverable items called for by the contract. (b) Mark deliverables, except reports, for: ____[ Contracting Officer shall insert appropriate identifying data (End of Clause) [83 FR 48263, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-73 Packing for Domestic Shipment. As prescribed in 847.305-10(b), insert the following clause: Packing for Domestic Shipment (OCT 2018) Material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will insure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with regulations of carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48263, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-74 Advance Notice of Shipment. As prescribed in 847.305-71(a), insert the following clause: Advance Notice of Shipment (OCT 2018) ____ [ Insert number of work days ____ [ Insert items to be shipped Insert individual(s) to receive notification (End of Clause) [83 FR 48263, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.247-75 Bills of Lading. As prescribed in 847.305-71(b), insert the following clause: Bills of Lading (OCT 2018) The purpose of this clause is to define when a commercial bill of lading or a Government bill of lading is to be used when shipments of deliverable items under this contract are f.o.b. origin. (a) Commercial bills of lading. “I certify that the shipments identified below have been made, transportation charges have been paid by ____ [ company name Contract or Order Number: ____ Destination: ____ .” (b) Government bills of lading. i.e., (2) At least 15 days before shipment, the Contractor shall request in writing GBLs from: ____ [ Insert name, title, and mailing address of designated transportation officer or other official delegated responsibility for GBLs Insert appropriate telephone number (i) Item identification/description. (ii) Origin and destination. (iii) Individual and total weights. (iv) Dimensional weight. (v) Dimensions and total cubic footage. (vi) Total number of pieces. (vii) Total dollar value. (viii) Other pertinent data. (End of Clause) [83 FR 48263, Sept. 24, 2018] 852.249-70 Termination for Default—Supplement for Mortuary Services. As prescribed in 849.504-70, insert the following clause: Termination for Default—Supplement for Mortuary Services (MAY 2020) The FAR clause entitled Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service), at 52.249-8, is supplemented as follows: The Contracting Officer may terminate this contract for default by written notice without the ten-day notice required by paragraph (a)(2) of the Default clause if— (a) The Contractor, through circumstances reasonably within its control or that of its employees, performs any act under or in connection with this contract, or fails in the performance of any service under this contract and the act or failures may reasonably be considered to reflect discredit upon the Department of Veteran Affairs in fulfilling its responsibility for proper care of remains; (b) The Contractor, or its employees, solicits relatives or friends of the deceased to purchase supplies or services not under this contract. (The Contractor may furnish supplies or arrange for services not under this contract, only if representatives of the deceased voluntarily request, select, and pay for them.); (c) The services or any part of the services are performed by anyone other than the Contractor or the Contractor's employees without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer; (d) The Contractor refuses to perform the services required for any particular remains; or (e) The Contractor mentions or otherwise uses this contract in its advertising in any way. (End of clause) [85 FR 36349, June 16, 2020] 852.252-70 Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference. As prescribed in 852.102(a), insert the following provision: Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (JAN 2008) The following provisions or clauses incorporated by reference in this solicitation must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer. Copies of these provisions or clauses are available on the Internet at the Web sites provided in the provision at FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference, or the clause at FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference. Copies may also be obtained from the contracting officer. [ Contracting officer shall list all FAR and 48 CFR Chapter 8 (VAAR) provisions and clauses incorporated by reference that must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer. (End of provision) 852.271-70--852.271-71 [Reserved] 852.271-72 Time Spent by Counselee in Counseling Process. As prescribed in 871.211, insert the following clause: Time Spent by Counselee in Counseling Process (NOV 2021) The Contractor agrees that no counselee referred under the provisions of this agreement will be required to participate or engage in additional sessions or expend any extra time in connection with the counseling process, to supply test results or other information, for purposes other than those specified in this contract. (End of clause) [86 FR 54406, Oct. 1, 2021] 852.271-73 Use and Publication of Counseling Results. As prescribed in 871.211, insert the following clause: Use and Publication of Counseling Results (NOV 2021) The Contractor agrees that none of the information or data gathered in connection with the services specified in this contract, or studies or materials based thereon or relating thereto, will be publicized without the prior approval of the Under Secretary for Benefits or his/her designee. (End of clause) [86 FR 54406, Oct. 1, 2021] 852.271-74 Inspection of Instruction, Counseling or Testing Operations. As prescribed in 871.211, insert the following clause: Inspection of Instruction, Counseling or Testing Operations (NOV 2021) The Contractor shall permit the duly authorized representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs to visit the place of instruction or the counseling and testing operations as may be necessary and to examine the training facilities, the work of the Veterans in training under this contract, and the records of these operations, along with any other rights to examine records and conduct inspections in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and clauses contained in the contract or order. (End of clause) [86 FR 54406, Oct. 1, 2021] 852.271-75 [Reserved] 852.273-70 Late offers. As prescribed in 873.110(a), insert the following provision: Late Offers (NOV 2021) This provision replaces paragraph (f) of FAR provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items. Offers or modifications of offers received after the time set forth in a request for quotations or request for proposals may be considered, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer, if determined to be in the best interest of the Government. Late bids submitted in response to an invitation for bid (IFB) will not be considered. (End of provision) [86 FR 54118, Sept. 30, 2021] 852.273-71 Alternative negotiation techniques. As prescribed in 873.110(b), insert the following provision: Alternative Negotiation Techniques (NOV 2021) The Contracting Officer may elect to use the alternative negotiation techniques described in 873.111(d) in conducting this procurement. If used, Offerors may respond by maintaining offers as originally submitted, revising offers, or submitting an alternative offer. The Government may consider initial offers unless revised or withdrawn, revised offers, and alternative offers in making the award. Revising an offer does not guarantee an offeror an award. (End of provision) [86 FR 54118, Sept. 30, 2021] 852.273-72 Alternative evaluation. As prescribed in 873.110(c), insert the following provision: Alternative Evaluation (NOV 2021) (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror submitting the lowest priced offer that conforms to the solicitation. During the specified period for receipt of offers, the amount of the lowest offer will be posted and may be viewed by [ Contracting Officer insert description of how the information may be viewed electronically or otherwise (b) Except when it is determined not to be in the Government's best interest, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are materially unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (End of provision) [86 FR 54118, Sept. 30, 2021] 852.273-73 Evaluation—Health-Care Resources. As prescribed in 873.110(d), in lieu of FAR provision 52.212-2, the Contracting Officer may insert a provision substantially as follows: Evaluation—Health-Care Resources (NOV 2021) (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose proposal, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following information or factors shall be used to evaluate offers: [ Contracting Officer insert evaluation information or factors, such as technical capability to meet the Government's requirements, past performance, or such other evaluation information or factors as the Contracting Officer deems necessary to evaluate offers. Price must be evaluated in every acquisition. The Contracting Officer may include the evaluation information or factors in their relative order of importance, such as in descending order of importance. The relative importance of any evaluation information must be stated in the solicitation. (b) Except when it is determined not to be in the Government's best interest, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are materially unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government's interest. Additionally, the Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received. (c) If this solicitation is a request for proposals (RFP), a written notice of award or acceptance of a proposal, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful Offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received by the Contracting Officer before award. (End of provision) [86 FR 54118, Sept. 30, 2021] 852.273-74 Award without exchanges. As prescribed in 873.110(e), insert the following provision: Award Without Exchanges (NOV 2021) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without exchanges with Offerors. Therefore, each initial proposal should contain the Offeror's best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct exchanges if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary.

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