VA FORM


JUNE 2001 0737








**The
      Statement of Work is attached and incorporated into the purchase
      order.**


1. **Invoicing
      Instructions** **:** The
      contractor shall submit an invoice upon the completion of each task to the
      Financial Service Center (FSC) to initiate the certification and payment
      process. As a courtesy, please forward a copy of the invoice to both the Program
      Office and the Contracting Officer (CO) for the file. *Travel
      shall be reimbursed, if approved in advance via written notice from the COTR,
      based on actual usage in accordance with GSA Federal Travel Regulations.* Please
      forward invoices to the following FSC addresses or fax number only:


Regular
                  Delivery Service:
              
              Overnight
                  Delivery Service:
              
              Fax:Financial
                  Services Center (FSC)
                P.O.
                  Box 149971
                Austin,
                  TX 78714
              
              FSC
                1615
                  E. Woodward Street
                Attn:
                  Mail Prep Unit
                Austin,
                  TX 78772
              
              Financial
                  Services Center
                (512)
                  460-5432




Please
      include the Purchase Order number on all invoices. For inquiries regarding
      payment, please contact the Vendor Inquiry Line toll free at: (877) 353-9791





2. **Reporting
      Instructions** **:** Reports
      shall be submitted in accordance with the SOW (If applicable).





3. **COTR/TOPM
      Designations** **:** The
      COTR
      for this project is noted below. A copy of the Memorandum of Delegation listing
      responsibilities for these designees will be provided under separate cover.





**POC**


Junius
      Lewis


810
      Vermont Avenue, NW


Washington,
      DC 20420


Phone:
      (202) 461-6760


Email: junius.lewis@va.gov





4. **Contractor’s
      Point of Contact** for
      all
      contractual issues on subject order is:


InferX
      Corporation


1600
      International Drive, Suite 110


McLean,
      VA 22102


Attn:
      Dr.
      Jerzy Bala (703) 917-0880 ext. 226


Email: jbala@inferx.com


**Key
          Personnel** **:** The
          key
          personnel identified in the Contractor’s proposal shall be considered key
          personnel essential for successful completion of the work performed under
          this
          order. The Contractor agrees that such personnel shall not be removed,
          diverted
          or replaced from the work without prior written approval from the Contracting
          Officer (CO).
  5. **Contract
          Performance Period:** The
          Period of Performance for this effort is for six (6) months from date of
          award.
 
 **STATEMENT
          OF WORK**
 **OUTSIDE
          CONSULTANCY SUPPORT**
  2




C.1
      TITLE





Department
      of Veterans Affairs National Teleretinal Imaging Program automated system to
      assist in interpreting readings





C.
      2.
      OBJECTIVES





The
      services contracted for, through this statement of work, will enable the
      Veterans Health Administration (VHA), within the Department of Veterans Affairs
      (VA), to assess whether it is appropriate to consider automated systems to
      assist in the interpretation of teleretinal images taken for the purpose of
      assessing diabetic retinopathy in routine clinical care.





C.3.
      BACKGROUND





The
      Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has almost 7 million enrolled veterans
      (with about 5 million active users) for whom it provides health care services
      at
      an annual cost of approximately $27 billion. Of this population approximately
      20% (1 million patients) have diabetes.





To
      screen
      this population for diabetic eye disease and prevent avoidable blindness VHA
      has
      implemented a national diabetic retinopathy screening program that uses VA
      information systems to acquire, read and report digital retinal images that
      have
      been acquired on digital retinal cameras. The 159 acquisition sites are, or
      will
      shortly all be transmitting images to 60 reading sites. The images that are
      acquired at these sites are transmitted via store-and-forward telehealth using
      VA’s the digital imaging system – VistA Imaging that complements VA’s
      national computerized patient record CPRS.





Within
      2
      years VA anticipates that digital retinal images for 200,000 patients per year
      will be captured via this system. This will be both new and follow-up patients
      and provide a means to look at the progression, or non-progression of diabetic
      eye disease sequentially.





Given
      the
      large volume of digital image data and associated reports, VA is interested
      to
      learn whether existing endeavors for the automated interpretation to assist
      in
      the assessment of these images can be used to:





a)
      Assess
      routine clinical digital retinal images


b)
      Replicate existing reports (sensitivity and specificity is required)


c)
          Assist
          readers in interpreting diabetic retinopathy in the future.
 
 C.4.
          DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
 
 To
          provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with an impartial analysis on
          the
          design, development to date and future potential of automated reading systems
          that assesses diabetic retinopathy from digital retinal images to provide
          decision support in the interpretation of these images in the routine provision
          of digital retinal screening for diabetic retinopathy within the Veterans
          Health
          Administration.
  3




C.5.
      TYPE
      OF CONTRACT:


Firm
      Fixed Price





C.
      6.
      PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS





1.
      The
      Contractor shall check deliverables with the COTR for each component and meet
      agreed timeframes, and provide metrics from non-telehealth comparisons.





2.
      The
      Contractor’s entire technical proposal submitted in response to this
      solicitation, as revised and accepted by VA is incorporated herein by reference
      and shall be a performance requirement of this contract.





3.
      The
      Contractor shall fully perform in accordance with the terms of the Government’s
      requirements.





4.
      The
      Contractor shall also fully perform in accordance with its technical proposal
      when the technical proposal offers more than the Government’s requirements.
      Failure of the Contractor to fully perform in accordance with the applicable
      provisions of its technical proposal, as solely determined by the Contracting
      Officer, will entitle the Government to remedies under the Federal Acquisition
      Regulations, PART 49 - Termination of Contract.





C.7.
      Period of Performance:





The
      Period of Performance for this effort shall be six (6) months from date of
      award.





A. GENERAL
      REQUIREMENTS





Section
      1.





REQUIREMENTS
      FOR AUTOMATED READING SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN THE INTERPRETATION OF DIGITAL RETINAL
      IMAGES TO ASSESS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY





1.
      Delineate exact requirements for such a system. Including the conceptual basis
      for how machine learning and pattern recognition would support such a system.
      The contractor will elaborate how this system would be ideally constructed.




4


IDEAL
                  No
              
              Description
              
              MinimumRequirements
              
              Notes1.1
              
              Detailed
                  description of the conceptual basis for the technology approach/es
                  best
                  suited for the purpose of automated reading of digital retinal
                  images to
                  assist in the interpretation of diabetic retinopathy
              
              Narrative
                  text with supporting evidence from published literature.1.2.
              
              A
                  detailed description of the technology components required for
                  automated
                  reading of digital retinal images to assist in the interpretation
                  of
                  diabetic retinopathy. This will include:
                
                •
                  Methodology for acquiring images
                •
                  Mechanism for reviewing the images
                •
                  Nature of the algorithms for machine learning to interpret images
                •
                  Constraints, caveats and complexities associated with technology
                  including
                  critical success factors and the degrees of tolerance to anticipate.
                •
                  Quality assurance/safety mechanisms
              
              A
                  section of the report that delineates the process from image acquisition
                  to provision of an automated report to assist the reader together
                  with the
                  process for the reader to accept or reject the report.




5





1.3.
              
              Outline
                  of the workflow and “people” processes associated with the automated
                  reads.
              
              A
                  detailed mapping of associated processes including log on and password
                  protection.
              
              1.
                  Per curriculum at training.
                2.
                  deviations?1.4.
              
              A
                  list of all standards that need to be adhered to make the platform
                  as
                  “open systems” as possible. Including the preferred operating system, data
                  fields and data exchange processes.
              
              An
                  Appendix in the report with all standards that are referred to
                  in the text
                  with explanatory notes, as required.1.5.
              
              System
                  security and integrity requirements. This needs to include mechanisms
                  to
                  prevent inadvertent or malicious tampering with the system or reports
                  and
                  an audit trail to check activities of those logged onto the system
                  The
                  administrator requirements need to be delineated in the “people”
                  requirements above but need to be documented here in terms of system
                  design for security.
              
              A
                  detailed section of system integrity and security with necessary
                  explanations.1.6.
              
              Privacy
                  and confidentiality of data
              
              An
                  outline of the standards for data transfer and use of encryption
                  and data
                  privacy and protection in the system itself and all feeds to the
                  system.





6




2.
      Ranked
      comparison the current systems in development for the automated interpretation
      of digital retinal images with the ideal requirements.


Vendor
                  No
              
              Description
              
              MinimumRequirements
              
              Notes2.1.
              
              Research
                  through published literature, Internet information and personal
                  visit the
                  systems listed in Appendix 1 for the purpose of providing a detailed
                  analysis of the comparison between this system and the ideal requirements
                  outlined in General Requirements 1 above.
              
              Complete
                  analysis of all requirements of the review system and how it compares
                  with
                  the “ideal” system for each of the systems listed in Appendix 1.2.2.
              
              Compare
                  each of the vendor systems with the ideal requirements with a check
                  list
                  of how well each system meets the requirements. This needs to include
                  a
                  recommendation as to whether a system is viable or non viable and
                  give an
                  explanation
              
              Detailed
                  analysis of all necessary dimensions and assessment of scalability
                  to
                  production version potential.





7


3.
      Provide recommendations as to which if any of the existing automated systems
      to
      assist in the interpretation of teleretinal images are sufficiently robust
      to
      work to develop in VHA and link with the databank of images in VHA. Attention
      will be given to:


Options
                  No
              Description
              MinimumRequirements
              Notes3.1.
              A
                  detailed recommendation, if one exists of which system or systems
                  is
                  worthy of using and or developing. This needs to cover the following:
                · Image
                    format compatibility
                ·
                  Image exchange
                · Image
                  storage and accessibility
                · Viability
                  of conceptual model
                Sensitivity
                  and specificity requirements
                · Obviating
                  non-diabetic conditions of the eye
                · Usability
                · Scalability
                  to production model
                ·
                  Software design and stability
                Versioning of software
                · Future
                  hardware requirements
                · Security
                · Standards
                  for data
                · Critical
                  success factors
                · Patent
                  issues
                · Licensing
                  of software components or technology
                · Intellectual
                  property issues
              A
                  clear analysis of the options to consider and why with purchase
                  or
                  development costs being factored in and a breakdown of where these
                  costs
                  would be and of contingencies that might need to be built-in.




8





4.
      If a
      suitable existing technology exists, or is in development for the purpose of
      assisting with interpretation of digital retinal images taken to screen for
      diabetic retinopathy what would be the projected costs


Cost
                  No
              
              Description
              
              MinimumRequirements
              
              Notes4.1.
              
              A
                  detailed cost projection with possible variances for the following
                  for the
                  preferred option if one is forthcoming:
                · An
                  initial pilot evaluation?
                · Linking
                  this technology with the VHA storage
                  capacity for digital retinal images?
                ·Refining
                  the machine reading process?
                · Taking
                  this into a routine production version?
              
              Itemized
                  costs for each of the pieces required including costs on VA’s side for any
                  assistance in development. These costs need to include development
                  costs
                  and projected recurring costs.




C.8.
      EVALUATION CRITERIA





Quotes
      will be reviewed and evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria
      identified below:


Each
      offeror’s submission is evaluated according to the factors shown below. Factors
      A .
      Understanding of the Problem; Factor
      B .
      Personnel Qualifications; and Factor
      C .
      Past
      Performance /Organizational Experience are of equal importance. Factor
      D .
      Price
      is less important. Sub-factors listed under each factor are of equal importance
      to each other. Factors are listed in order of importance.





TECHNICAL
      QUOTE (Volume
      1)





A.
      Clear
      Understanding of the Requirement





1.
      Clearly demonstrate an understanding of the work, technical requirements, and
      specific tasks to be performed.





2.
      Evidence of that specific methods and techniques for proposed are appropriate,
      complete and adequate.





9




B.
      Personnel Qualifications





1.
      Identification of key roles and specific responsibilities for each key role.





2.
      Qualifications of the professional and technical experts proposed are adequate
      for full performance of task.





3.
      Project Manager and senior level professionals proposed are qualified,
      available.





C.
      Past
      Performance/Organizational Experience





1.
      Evidence that the organization has current capabilities; and for assuring
      performance of this requirement; evidence of supporting subcontractors,
      consultants and business partners will be considered.





2.
      Appropriate mix and balance of education and training of team members.





3.
      The
      Offeror shall identify three (3) contracts/task orders with the Federal
      Government and/or commercial customers that demonstrate recent and relevant
      past
      performance. Recent is defined as within the last three years. Relevant is
      defined as work similar in complexity
      and magnitude of
      the
      work described in this Statement of Work. Include the following information:


·
      Project title


·
      Description of the project


·
      Contract number


·
      Contract amount


·
      Government Agency/Organization and Point of Contact


The
      Government may also consider information obtained through other sources. Past
      performance information will be utilized to determine the quality of the
      contractor’s past performance as it relates to the probability of success of the
      required effort.





PRICE
      QUOTE (Volume 2)





E.
      Price/Cost





Technical
      Factors are more important than cost or price. Selection of the firm to perform
      this task order will be based on the Government’s assessment of the best overall
      value.





CONTRACT
      AWARD





Contract
      award shall be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer, in conforming to
      this RFQ, provides an overall best value to the Government, technical evaluation
      factors, and cost considered. The Government's objective is to obtain the
      highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project
      objectives, with a realistic and reasonable cost. Technical evaluation factors
      are more important than cost. In the event quotes are evaluated as technically
      equal in quality, price or cost will become a major consideration in selecting
      the successful Offeror.





10




C.9.
      TRAVEL





The
      contractor shall be entitled to recover reasonable non-local transportation
      costs incurred for employees. Allowable travel cost shall be determined in
      accordance with Subpart 31.2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
      Reimbursement of travel costs shall be made when the contractor submits an
      invoice for travel along with supporting documentation (receipts as required
      by
      Federal Travel Regulations). Expenses for subsistence and lodging shall be
      reimbursed to the contractor only to the extent that overnight stay is necessary
      and authorized for performance of services under this task order at the per
      diem
      rates authorized by the Federal Travel Regulations in effect at that time.





C.10.
      CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON DISCLOSURE





It
      is
      agreed that:





The
      preliminary and final deliverables and all associated working papers, and other
      materials deemed relevant to the 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 Contracting Officer for response.





The
      Contracting Officer will be the sole authorized official to release verbally
      or
      in writing, any data, the draft deliverables, the 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 Contracting
      Officer.





Press
      releases, marketing material or any other printed or electronic documentation
      related to this contract, shall not be publicized without the written approval
      of the Contracting Officer.





The
      Contractor will retain files received from the VA for 30 calendar days after
      the
      mailing date. Files must be destroyed when they reach 31 days old. The
      Contractor shall not use any of the data for any purpose and shall not share
      the
      data with any other entity.





C.11.
      INVOICING AND EQUIPMENT ACCEPTANCE





Invoices
      must include certifications, signed by the Client Representative, the name
      of
      the contractor, task/deliverables, billing hours for invoice period, current
      cumulative billing hours, dollar amount for invoicing period, current cumulative
      hours and dollars expended, and one invoice per month. All invoices must be
      certified by the government representative prior to remitting for payment.





Regular
      Mail:


VA
      Austin
      Finance Service Center (VAFSC)


VAFSC
      FOS
      Region 1 Team


P.
      O. Box
      149971


Austin,
      TX 78714


Phone
      #
      512-460-5544


Email: www.fsc.va.gov


FAX:
      512-460-5540





11




C.12.
      SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES





The
      proposed schedule shall include working with the Josline Vision Network in
      Boston, MA, VHA leads for teleoptometry/teleophthalmology, Dr. M. Goldsbaum,
      University of California, San Diego CA and the Office of Care Coordination,
      Washington, DC to:





a)
      Delineate exact requirements for such a system. Including the conceptual basis
      for how machine learning and pattern recognition would be engineered and the
      hardware and software used to support this infrastructure.





b)
      Review
      and provide an assessment of published material and visiting sites of
      vendors/developers of teleretinal interpretation systems (appendix 1) and the
      current configurations and state of development of existing automated systems
      to
      assist in the interpretation of digital retinal images.





c)
      Compare the current systems in development for the automated interpretation
      of
      digital retinal images with the requirements delineated in a) above.





d)
      Provide recommendations as to which if any of the existing automated systems
      to
      assist in the interpretation of teleretinal images are sufficiently robust
      to
      work to develop in VHA and link with the databank of images in VHA. Attention
      will be given to:





a.
      Image
      format compatibility


b.
      Image
      exchange


c.
      Image
      storage and accessibility


d.
      Viability of conceptual model


e.
      Sensitivity and specificity requirements


f.
      Obviating non-diabetic conditions of the eye


g.
      Usability


h.
      Scalability to production model


i.
      Software design and stability


j.
      Versioning of software


k.
      Future
      hardware requirements





e)
      If a
      suitable existing technology exists, or is in development for the purpose of
      assisting with interpretation of digital retinal images taken to screen for
      diabetic retinopathy what would be the projected costs of:





a.
      An
      initial pilot evaluation?


b.
      Linking this technology with the VHA storage capacity for digital retinal
      images?


c.
      Refining the machine reading process?


d.
      Taking
      this into a routine production version?




C.13.
      REPORTING





The
      Contractor will provide monthly reports of status and performance on each
      guideline. The format for the report will be submitted in draft by the
      Contractor within 20 days of award and finalized within 2 weeks following
      approval by the COTR. The schedule for deliverables will be determined by the
      work group meeting schedules and approved in advance by the COTR. The Contractor
      will meet face-to-face at least monthly in Washington, DC with the COTR and
      other staff involved with contract administration. The Contractor will provide
      summary reports of management meetings with Central Office staff. These reports
      will be in a format approved by the Contracting Officer or designee and will
      be
      submitted for the revision and approval by the COTR. Reports are due 14 days
      after each meeting. This report will also identify any problems that have arisen
      but have not been completely resolved with an explanation.





12




C.14.
      PLACE AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE





All
      work
      shall be performed at location as determined and agreed to by Chief Consultant,
      Office of Care Coordination, Washington DC., with meetings at VHA Central Office
      as necessary.





The
      period of performance for this effort is for 6 months from date of award.





All
      contractor personnel shall follow a standard work schedule: Monday through
      Friday 8am-530pm. The following Federal Holidays shall be observed as
      non-working days:




1.
                  New Year's Day
              1
                  January2.
                  King's Birthday
              Third
                  Monday in January3.
                  President's Day
              Third
                  Monday in February4.
                  Memorial Day
              Last
                  Monday in May5.
                  American Independence Day
              4
                  July6.
                  Labor Day
              First
                  Monday in September7.
                  Columbus Day
              Second
                  Monday in October8.
                  Veteran's Day
              11
                  November9.
                  Thanksgiving Day
              Fourth
                  Thursday in November10.
                  Christmas Day
              25
                  December




Plus any other day designated by the following:


·
      Federal statute.


· Executive
      Order.


· The
      Director, Office of Personnel Management


· Presidential
      proclamation.





When
      any
      such day falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; when any such
      day falls on Sunday, the following Monday is observed. It is understood and
      agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of these days
      by the Contractor personnel shall not "on-its-face" cause an additional period
      of performance, or entitlement of compensation except as set forth above.


When
      administrative leave is granted to the on-site Federal employees, on-site
      Contractor personnel will also be dismissed. When administrative leave is
      granted to Contractor personnel because of inclement weather, potentially
      hazardous conditions or other special circumstances, it will be without loss
      to
      the Contractor. The cost of salaries for on-site personnel for the period of
      any
      such excused absence will be reimbursed as though the employee had worked those
      hours.





13




C.15.
      CONTRACT CLAUSES





FAR
      52.217-8   Option
      to
      Extend Services (Nov 1999)





The
      Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits
      and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only
      as
      a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of
      Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total
      extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting
      Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 14
      days.


(End
      of
      Clause)





FAR
      52.217-9   Option
      to
      Extend the Term of the Contract (March 2000)





a)
      The
      Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the
      Contractor within 7
      days ;
      provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice
      of its intent to extend at least 30
      days before
      the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government
      to
      an extension. (b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract
      shall be considered to include this option clause. (c) The total duration of
      this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall
      not exceed 5
      Years.





(End
      of
      Clause)





VAAR
      852.233-71 Alternate Protest Procedure: As an alternative to filing a protest
      with the contracting officer, an interested party may file a protest with the
      Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Material Management, Acquisition
      Administration Team, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW,
      Washington, DC 20420, or, for solicitations issued by the Office of Facilities
      Management, the Chief Facilities Management Officer, Office of Facilities
      Management, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. The protest will
      not
      be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar
      issues pending with the contracting officer.





VAAR
      852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities: The contractor shall obtain all
      necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/she shall
      take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from
      injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be
      responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as
      for
      any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance
      of
      this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and
      shall
      maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for
      a
      limit as required by the laws of the District of Columbia. Further, it is agreed
      that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and
      employees, shall not be the responsibility of the contractor hereunder with
      the
      regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting therefrom.





(End
      of
      Clause)





VAAR
      852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers: The contracting officer
      reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing
      technical guidance and advice or generally supervise 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
      shall be furnished the contractor.





(End
      of
      Provision)





14




VAAR
      852.270-4 Commercial Advertising: The bidder or offeror agrees that if a
      contract is awarded to him/her, as a result of this solicitation, he/she will
      not advertise the award of the contract in his/her commercial advertising in
      such a manner as to state or imply that the Department of Veterans Affairs
      endorses a product, project or commercial line of endeavor.





(End
      of
      Clause)





Note:
      Due
      to heightened security concerns all vendors are advised that service shall
      be
      provided in accordance with the safeguards of VA Directive 6504, Restrictions
      on
      Transmission, Transportation and Use Of, and Access To, VA Data outside VA
      Facilities, issued June 7, 2006. The directive identifies compliance with the
      technology and processes necessary to ensure that all VA sensitive data
      (personal identifying data such as name, address, SSN and date of birth; and,
      personal information such as medical condition, diagnostic codes, treatments,
      medications or billing information) is secure. This includes data that is
      stored, generated or exchanged by VA, a contractor, subcontractor or a third
      party, or of any of these entities, regardless of format (i.e., paper,
      microfiche, electronic or magnetic portable media), or whether it resides on
      a
      VA or contractor or subcontractor’s electronic information system. This document
      (in full text) may be found at http://www.va.gov/pubs/directives/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6504dir06.doc





C.16.
      TASK ORDER TERMINATION





VA
      has
      the right to terminate (in whole or in part) this task order at any time in
      accordance with the termination clauses of the governing GSA Schedule Contract.
      The Contractor will be paid only for the services rendered up to the point
      of
      receiving the termination notice, and then only to the extent that those
      services meet the requirements of this SOW.




C.17.
      CONTRACTING AND ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY





The
      Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify
      any of the requirements under this contract on behalf of the Government. In
      the
      event the contractor affects any change(s) at the direction of any person other
      than the Contracting Officer that change shall be considered to have been made
      without authority and no adjustment in price shall be made in the contract
      to
      cover any increase in charges incurred as a result thereof. The Contractor
      shall
      submit all requests for modification of this contract and any inquiries
      pertaining to the administration of the contract to the Contracting Officer.


Office
      of
      Acquisition and Material Management (049A3H)


Department
      of Veterans Affairs


810
      Vermont Avenue, NW


Washington,
      DC 20420


Telephone
      Number:





Contact
      for Technical Questions:


Department
      of Veterans Affairs


Office
      of
      Care Coordination


810
      Vermont Avenue, NW


Washington,
      DC 20420


Telephone
      Number:


E-mail:





15




C.18.
      PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS





1.
      The
      Offeror is asked to respond in accordance with the Firm Fixed Price


Proposal
      Pricing Instructions





2.
      The
      contractor shall complete the schedule B price matrix below. The prices shall
      be
      all inclusive and contain all costs associated with the deliverable. The
      contractor shall provide adequate price details to enable the government to
      perform a comprehensive price analysis. All travel expenses, training, and
      other
      direct costs are to be included in the total solution price. The Government
      reserves the right to make a contract award without further discussion;
      contractors are encouraged to propose their best price.





Schedule
      B Price Matrix


Work
                  Description
              Material
                  and Labor
              TotalDelineate
                  exact requirements for such a systemRanked comparison the current systemsSystem RecommendationsSystem Development Cost Estimates




16