*= Required Field Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Page 1 of 39 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-05. This solicitation is a Small Business Set-Aside. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 311812 with a small business size standard of 1,000 Employees. The FSC/PSC is 8920. The Murfreesboro VAMC is seeking a base plus four option year contract to purchase the items below. All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following: Item: Bread and Bakery Produce Base Year: 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2025 CLIN Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price Total Cost 0001 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 0002 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a): sliced (1); enriched (A): seedless (2) Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 0003 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Sytle 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (1) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 0004 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package 1,500 EA 0005 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1): pan baked (a): sliced (i); fresh (a): seedless 300 EA Shipping is FOB Destination Option Year 1: 10/01/2025 to 09/30/2026 CLIN Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price Total Cost 1001 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 1002 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a): sliced (1); enriched (A): seedless (2) Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 1003 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Sytle 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (1) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 1004 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package 1,500 EA 1005 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1): pan baked (a): sliced (i); fresh (a): seedless 300 EA Shipping is FOB Destination Option Year 2: 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2027 CLIN Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price Total Cost 2001 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 2002 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a): sliced (1); enriched (A): seedless (2) Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 2003 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Sytle 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (1) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 2004 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package 1,500 EA 2005 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1): pan baked (a): sliced (i); fresh (a): seedless 300 EA Shipping is FOB Destination Option Year 3: 10/01/2027 to 09/30/2028 CLIN Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price Total Cost 3001 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 3002 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a): sliced (1); enriched (A): seedless (2) Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 3003 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Sytle 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (1) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 3004 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package 1,500 EA 3005 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1): pan baked (a): sliced (i); fresh (a): seedless 300 EA Shipping is FOB Destination Option Year 4: 10/01/2028 to 09/30/2029 CLIN Description Quantity Unit Price Extended Price Total Cost 4001 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 4002 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a): sliced (1); enriched (A): seedless (2) Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 4003 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Sytle 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (1) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 4004 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package 1,500 EA 4005 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1): pan baked (a): sliced (i); fresh (a): seedless 300 EA Shipping is FOB Destination Place of Performance/Place of Delivery Tennessee VA Health Care System (Murfreesboro) Address: Murfreesboro VA Medical Center 3400 Lebanon Road Murfreesboro, TN Postal Code: 37129 Country: UNITED STATES STATEMENT OF WORK: GENERAL INFORMATION Title of Project: Bread products for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Murfreesboro campus. 2. Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this statement of work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified. The scope of this requirement involves providing bread products, which conform to the specifications outlined and referenced herein to TVHS Nutrition & Food Services Alvin C. York Campus, located at 3400 Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro TN 37129. 3. Background: The VA intends to award a firm, fixed price contract for the provision of bread products. The quantities listed in the attached Pricing Schedule are estimated requirements for the Nutrition & Food Services. The contractor shall be a United States (US) Vendor and a US citizen. 4. Performance Period: The period of performance for the provision of milk and dairy products shall be 60 months, five, one year periods from October 01, 2024, through September 30, 2029. The base period shall begin October 01, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Base Period October 01, 2024 September 30, 2025 1st Option Period October 01, 2025 September 30, 2026 2nd Option Period October 01, 2026 September 30, 2027 3rd Option Period October 01, 2027 September 30, 2028 4th Option Period October 01, 2028 September 30, 2029 B. CONTRACT AWARD MEETING The contractor shall not commence performance on the tasks in this SOW until the CO has conducted a kickoff meeting or has advised the contractor that a kickoff meeting is waived. C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Contracted items shall be delivered to Building 2, room 102 at the VA Medical Center, 3400 Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro TN 37129. Deliveries must be made FOB destination on Mondays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am excluding Federal Holidays. Deliveries that fall on Federal holidays may require additional coordination with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in advance. Requirements are for the period 10/01/2024 through 9/30/2029. Requests for deliveries on different days and/or at a different time shall be submitted to and approved by the CO and his/her designee in writing. 2. The quantities listed in Section D represent the estimated quantities that will be ordered annually over the base period and option years. The actual quantity ordered may vary from this estimate but shall not exceed the total estimated quantity for the base and four (4) option years without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. 3. The contractor must be able to always ensure delivery to the VA, inclusive of disasters, and/or any other emergency condition. The VA may place a special order in preparation for, or in response to, a disaster or emergency. For anticipatory situations, such orders will be placed 24 hours or less in advance. In an emergency, the contractor will be notified with the amount and type of products required by the VA that shall be delivered within 24 hours of order placement. The order may be placed for larger quantities than the normal weekly order. The contractor shall provide both the CO and the COR with its designated point of contact and contact information for emergency orders. 4. The delivered products shall meet the specification as listed in the attached Pricing Schedule document and comply with all applicable Federal and State mandatory requirements and regulations relating to the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sales of the products with the commercial marketplace. All deliveries shall conform in every respect to the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations, promulgated hereunder. 5. By submitting an offer, the contractor certifies that the product offered meets the specified salient characteristics and requirements of the Federal Hospital Subsistence Guide; conforms to the producer's own specifications and standards, including product characteristics, manufacturing procedures, quality control procedures, and storage and handling territories, or possessions; and is sold in the commercial market. The Government reserves the right to determine proof of such conformance prior to the first delivery from point of origin and any time thereafter, up to and including, delivery at final destination as may be necessary to determine conformance with the terms of the contract. 6. Offers may propose alternate items, packaging, or packing. Offerors shall clearly indicate, in their offer, the quantity, packaging size, unit or other different features upon which the offer is submitted. Evaluation of the alternate item will be made against a common denominator (i.e., weight, package quantity, etc.). Offers are reminded that the alternate item must meet all the requirements of the Government specifications. 7. Should the contractor manufacturer and provide company brand bread and roll products, the contractor should utilize, if possible, recycled materials for containers if they meet the FDA sanitary standards for the specified commodity. List recycled materials for containers if they meet the FDA sanitary standards for the specified commodity. 8. The fresh or frozen bread provided shall meet the salient characteristics of the CID cited, conform to the producer's own specifications, standards, and quality assurance practices, and be the same fresh or frozen bread offered for sale in the commercial market. The Government reserves the right to require proof of such conformance. 9. When required, the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, shall determine the quality assurance of the fresh or frozen bread according to the requirements of the CID or applicable standards or specifications. The fresh or frozen bread shall be examined or analyzed in accordance with applicable provision in the CID, solicitation, contract, or purchase order, and, when applicable, the United States Standards for Condition of Food container in effect on the date of the offer. 10. Fresh bread shall be delivered less than 24 hours old upon arrival at the receiving point. Failure to comply with this provision will be considered grounds for default of contract. 11. All products furnished under this contract shall be processed and packed under sanitary conditions in strict accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, using the best commercial practices that are standard for the industry. All containers shall be clean, sound, and securely covered or sealed to provide adequate protection from dirt, filth, or contamination. All ingredients shall be clean, sound, wholesome, and free from evidence of rodent or insect infestation. Failure to comply with this provision will be considered grounds for default of contract. 12. Ingredients for fresh or frozen bread shall consist of flour, water, salt, yeast, emulsifiers or stabilizers, and other ingredients appropriate for the type of bread specified in the schedule of items. The fresh or frozen bread shall include mold inhibitors of proper levels as allowed by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 13. Enriched flour. When the bread is enriched, the wheat flour used for the bread shall conform to the U.S. Standards of Identity for Enriched Flour (21 CFR 137.165) and shall be milled from a variety of hard and/or soft wheat. 14. Appearance and color. The fresh or frozen bread shall have a uniformly brown crust characteristic of the product. The fresh or frozen bread shall have a typical volume, characteristic grain, and be evenly baked without evidence of foreign odors or flavors, burnt, scorched, stale, rancid, or moldy. The delivered fresh or frozen bread shall not be crushed or damaged. 15. Unless otherwise specified in the item specification or solicitation, marking shall be in accordance with best commercial practice. 16. Any commercial or additional labeling, as specified, which complies with the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and regulations promulgated there under, is acceptable. 17. Products manufactured to metric dimensions will be considered on an equal basis with those manufactured using inch-pound units, providing they fall within the tolerances specified using conversion tables contained in the latest revision of Federal Standard No. 376. If a product is manufactured to metric dimensions and those dimensions exceed the tolerances specified in the inch-pound units, a request should be made to the Contracting Officer to determine if the product is acceptable. The COR, in accordance with the Contracting Officer, will accept or reject the product. 18. All products furnished under the awarded contract shall be processed at plants that have been inspected by the Federal Government. Approved inspection reports of another VA Facility or other Federal Government agency will be accepted as satisfactory evidence that the facilities/plants meet these requirements, provided that the inspection was made not more than six (6) months prior to the proposed contract period. The Contracting Officer or his/her designee reserves the right to make pre-award, on-site survey and inspection of the plant, personnel, equipment, and processes of the offeror. If the plant of the apparent low offeror does not meet specification or is not acceptable, the offer will be rejected. Please provide a copy of your last inspection report with your offer. 19. An inspection may be made of the premises and employees of bidder, prior to making award, and conditions found will be considered in awarding the contract. Inspection may also be made at any time during the life of the contract and, if it is found that the contractor is not complying with specifications, deliveries will be rejected, and the products covered by this contract will be procured in the open market. Any excess cost occasioned by this action will be charged against the contractor s account. 20. Quantities shown on previous pages represent the quantities estimated to be ordered over the delivery period. Quotes will be evaluated based on the estimated quantities. Actual quantities ordered may vary among the line items. 21. The Contractor shall provide the name, location, and telephone number, whereby calls, including emergency calls are to be placed: Name _____________________________ Address ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone Number____________________________________ 22. Deliveries shall occur up to three times per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., local time Mondays excluding federal holidays, as requested by the COR or his/her designee. Requests for deliveries on different days and/or at a different time shall be submitted to and approved by the Contracting Officer and his/her designee in writing. Recognized Holidays: The following federal holidays set by law (5 U.S.C. §6103), or as approved by the CO. The following are recognized United States (US) federal holidays: New Year s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. s Birthday, President s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. 23. Deliveries and invoicing for the Nutrition and Food Services must be accomplished separately at the office listed below. Invoices must contain at a minimum the purchase order and itemized list of products delivered, unit prices, and total price. Nutrition & Food Services (120) Alvin C. York VAMC 3400 Lebanon Pike Murfreesboro, TN 37129 24. While performing under this contract, all vehicles used by the contractor shall be locked and the keys removed when not in use. This is intended to protect the contractor s property as well as the safety of patients and staff at the medical centers. 25. While performing under this contract, all vehicles used by the contractor shall have temperature tracking systems in place on the refrigerated trucks to ensure they are being maintained in accordance with federal safety & sanitation guidelines. 26. There shall be a packing list enclosed with any shipments made under this contract. The packing list shall show the following as a minimum: Contractor s name and address; VA Purchase Order Number (if one is provided); the VA Facility and Service placing the order; the items shipped; and quantity. 27. Offerors shall clearly indicate their return policy with their bid. Defective product or incorrect product shipped by contractor error shall be replaced at no cost to the Government and on the day of receipt of the original product. Product shipped by Government error may be returned subject to the contractor s normal return policy. Offerors shall provide the name and telephone number for reporting delivery/product problems for each VA location. 28. Payments under this contract shall be made by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) by the VA or VCS Finance Center. See Clause 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Other than Central Contractor Registration for further information. Contractor may elect to accept the Government Purchase Card as a method of payment for all orders under $3,000.00 if the contractor is set-up to accept credit cards. 29. The Government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is most advantageous to the Government, with past performance and price considered, prices being rated higher than past performance. Past Performance: The offeror must provide documentation of three (3) references for verification purposes of past performance which demonstrate the company's ability to meet the qualifications herein, inclusive of point of contact information and current phone numbers. D. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The contractor shall provide the specific deliverables described below within the performance period stated in Section A.4 of this SOW. Task One: The contractor shall provide a detailed work plan and briefing for the VA project team, which presents the contractor's plan for completing the contract. The contractor's plan shall be responsive with this SOW and describe, in further detail, the approach to be used for each aspect of the contract as defined in the technical proposal. Deliverable One: A detailed work plan and briefing. Task Two: The contractor shall provide the following items (estimated quantities) on an annual basis during the base and four option years: Item # Description Estimated Quantity Unit 1 White Bread, Grain Essential (whole wheat), 20 oz. round top loaf (fresh), 19+2 slices, seedless 10,000 EA 2 Bread, Type II (whole wheat), regular (Style B), fresh (1); 20 ounce-c; pan baked (i); round top (a); sliced (1); enriched (A); seedless (2). Each slice to weigh approximately 1 ounce 3,500 EA 3 Buns, Type I, (enriched), Class C (hamburger), Style 1 (white), Bake type a (pan-baked), sliced, Product state (a) (fresh), (seedless) 12 per package, 24 oz per package 2,000 EA 4 Rolls, Type I (enriched), Class E, (dinner), Style 1 (white), pan baked (a); Unsliced (ii), Product State (a) (fresh), Seed type (I) (seedless) 24 per package. 1,500 EA 5 Buns, Type 1, Class D, 12 per package (hotdog), white (1); pan baked (a); sliced (i); fresh (a), seedless 300 EA Deliverable Two: Deliver the items listed in the above schedule in accordance with the terms listed in section C. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES 1. If for any reason any deliverable cannot be delivered within the scheduled time frame, the contractor is required to explain why in writing to the CO, including a firm commitment of when the delivery shall be affected. This notice to the CO shall cite the reasons for the delay, and the impact on the overall project. The CO will then review the facts and issue a response, in accordance with applicable regulations. If deliverable cannot be delivered within the scheduled time frame, compensation may be taken from the contractor. 2. The York (Murfreesboro) VA Medical Center shall place orders no less than 2 workdays prior to required delivery date, upon delivery at the receiving location, items ordered shall be less than 24 hours of age. Orders shall not be placed more than 5 days prior to required delivery date, with the Government reserving the right to adjust orders 24-hours prior to scheduled delivery. Orders will be placed by the COR or his/her designee. Each order will show ship to and bill to addresses and purchase order number (if required). Orders for product may be placed by phone, fax, mail, email, in writing to the delivery driver, or EDI. If the contractor is not already set up as an EDI Vendor, they must be set-up by contacting the VA Austin Automation Center. G. CHANGES TO STATEMENT OF WORK Any changes to this SOW shall be authorized and approved only through written modifications to the contract by the CO. A copy of each modification will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the contractor. H. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 1. The COR is required to provide quarterly progress reports to the Contracting Officer by the fifth workday of the new calendar month. 2. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the preceding months and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent months. This report shall also identify any problems that arose, along with a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved, with an explanation. I. TRAVEL NA J. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES NA K. CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Quotes will be considered only from Contractors who are regularly established in the business called for and who in the judgment of the contracting officer are financially responsible and able to show evidence of their reliability, ability, experience, equipment, facilities, and personnel directly employed or supervised by them to render prompt and satisfactory service in the volume called for under this contract. The VA reserves the right to thoroughly inspect and investigate the establishment, facilities, equipment, business reputation, and other qualifications of any offeror and to reject any offeror, irrespective of price, that shall be administratively determined lacking in any of the essentials necessary to assure acceptable standards of performance. L. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE It is agreed that: 1. The preliminary and final deliverables, and all associated working papers, application source code, and other material deemed relevant by VA which have been generated by the contractor in the performance of this contract, are the exclusive property of the U.S. Government and shall be submitted to the CO at the conclusion of the contract. 2. The CO will be the sole authorized official to release, verbally or in writing, any data, draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this contract. No information shall be released by the contractor. Any request for information relating to this contract, presented to the contractor, shall be submitted to the CO for response. 3. Press releases, marketing material, or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this project, shall not be publicized without the written approval of the CO. The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services SEP 2023 FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services FEB 2024 Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required. The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services NOV 2023 FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Products and Commercial Services FEB 2024 The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable: [X] (4) 52.204 10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109 282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). [X]  (9) 52.204 27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117 328). [X] (11)(i) 52.204 30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders Prohibition. (DEC 2023) (Pub. L. 115 390, title II). [X] (12) 52.209 6, Protecting the Government s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). [X] (25) 52.219 27, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the SDVOSB Program (FEB 2024) (15 U.S.C. 657f). [X] (26) (i) 52.219 28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation (FEB 2024) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)) [X]  (32) 52.222 19, Child Labor Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (FEB 2024) (E.O. 13126). [X]  (33) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015). [X] (34)(i) 52.222 36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). [X]  (34)(i) 52.222 26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246). [X] (36)(i) 52.222 36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). [X] (39)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627). [X] (46) 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (MAY 2024) (E.O. 14057, 7 U.S.C. 8102, 42 U.S.C. 6962, 42 U.S.C. 8259b, and 42 U.S.C. 7671I). [X] (48) 52.223 18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513). [X] (51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). [X] (55) 52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (MAY 2024) (E.O. 13513) [X] (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer System for Award Management (OCT 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332). [X] (61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (MAY 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332). All quoters shall submit the below items. Non-compliance to the below items with this requirement may result in disqualification of the quote. Only one quote. Quote shall be on offeror s company letterhead, in PDF format and emailed to delaney.dickey@va.gov NO LATER THAN 09/17/2024 at 10:00 AM CT. The solicitation number, 36C24925Q0017 must be referenced in the subject line. Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government. The following are the decision factors: PRICING Quoting firms shall submit the pricing schedule that shows unit and Line-Item total prices for all items IAW the estimated annual usage shown in SOW Section II: PRICING SCHEDULE. All ordering periods must be completed. Pricing shall include a final tally of estimated project price. Must complete and submit excel spreadsheet highlighted columns. PAST PERFORMANCE Quoting firms may submit three references for past projects of similar projects. Past performance information shall include: Customer Project price Date of project completion Associated contract number (if USG project) Customer Point of contact information, to include name, email address, and phone number. TECHINCAL Quotes will be reviewed to ensure the items identified via the SOW are quoted as available. Quotes will be reviewed to ensure that quoting firms clearly indicate they can meet the delivery requirements outlined on the SOW. 52.252-2  CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)  This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):   http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html                                                             http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/       FAR Number Title Date 52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS NOV 2023 52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018 52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE AUG 2020 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS APR 1984 52.217-6 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY MAR 1989 52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY-SEPARATELY PRICED LINE ITEM MAR 1989 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING MAY 2018 852.212-71 GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS FEB 2023 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (DEVIATION) JAN 2023 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS NOV 2018 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER OCT 2020 852.246-71 REJECTED GOODS OCT 2018 852.247-73 PACKING FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENT OCT 2018 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS NOV 2018 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) (a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition (1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or (3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value. (b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show (1) The solicitation number; (2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers; (3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror; (4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary; (5) Terms of any express warranty; (6) Price and any discount terms; (7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address; (8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); (9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments; (10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and (11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration. (c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation. (d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing. (e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately. (f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers. (1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due. (2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and (A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or (B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or (C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received. (ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted. (3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel. (4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. (5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer. (g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received. (h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer. (i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. (2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by- (i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or (ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil. (4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance. (j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation Unique Entity Identifier followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror s name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier. (k) [Reserved] (l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable: (1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer. (2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror. (3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection. (4) A summary of the rationale for award; (5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror. (6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency. 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/ FAR Number Title Date 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING AUG 2020 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT NOV 2021 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT ORDERS REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES DEC 2023 52.229-11 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS-NOTICE AND REPRESENTATION JUN 2020 52.233-1 SERVICE OF PROTEST SEP 2006 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OCT 2018 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE OCT 2018 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (MAY 2010) NOTE MAY 2010 852.215-72 NOTICE OF INTENT TO RE-SOLICIT OCT 2019 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE FEB 2023 (End of Provision) E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Evaluation factors, in no particular order of importance, are price, past performance, and technical capability. Price Quoting firms shall submit pricing data in accordance with the instructions found at 52.212-1 addendum Submission Requirements. The Government will evaluate more highly the cumulative lowest priced quote. Must complete and return the excel spreadsheet highlighted columns. Past Performance Quoting firms shall submit past performance information in accordance with the instructions found at 52.212-1 addendum Submission Requirements. The Government will evaluate more highly quoting firms with past performance information of successfully completing projects of similar size and scope at other Veterans Affairs Medical facilities. Technical Quoting firms shall submit sufficient documentation for evaluators to ensure that the quoted items are in accordance with the items outlined at SOW Section II: PRICING SHEDULE. This is a go/no-go requirement. Quoting firms shall submit confirmation that delivery requirements as outlined it the SOW can be met. This is a go/no-go requirement. (b) Ordering Periods. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all ordering periods to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the ordering period prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of ordering period pricing shall not obligate the Government to ordering during that period. (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, 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 before award. (End of Provision) Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation shall be sent in writing only via email addressed to delaney.dickey@va.gov subject line: 36C24925Q0017. Questions shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 09/13/2024 @ 10:00 AM CT. Quote must be submitted NO LATER THAN 09/17/2024 @ 10:00 AM CT.
