893‐S ABSTRACT Basis

of Proposed Prop

Award Pricing/Unit Total Pricing

Item No.

(a) Shift 1....per hour 2,496 $147.79 $368,883.84 $15

(b) Shift 2 & 3...per hour 4,992 $130.07 $649,309.44 $38

(c) Overtime (any shift)...per hour 750 $63.79 $47,842.50 $13

Contractor's Total $1,066,035.78 

Discount 1% $10,660.36 

Discount Totals $1,055,375.42 

Awarded

MILVETS Systems 
Program 893-S Page 1 of 27 

Specifications by MRN 

Reviewed by JF

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 

Washington, DC 

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND SPECIFICATIONS 

For the Procurement of 

On-Site Production Print Operators 

as requisitioned from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) by the 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

VA Hines Information Technology Center (VAHITC) 

Peripheral Equipment Operations (PEO) Support 

Single Award 

TERM OF CONTRACT: The term of this contract is for the period beginning Date of Award and ending 

March 31, 2017, plus up to four (4) optional 12-month extension period(s) that may be added in accordance with 

the “OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT” clause in SECTION 1 of this contract. 

BID OPENING: Bids shall be publicly opened at 11:00 a.m., prevailing Washington, DC, time, on April 14, 

2016. 

BID SUBMISSION: Submit bid in pre-addressed envelope furnished with solicitation or send to: U.S. 

Government Publishing Office, Bid Section, Room C-848, Stop: CSPS, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, 

Washington, DC 20401. Facsimile bids in response to this solicitation are permitted. Facsimile bids may be 

submitted directly to the GPO Bid Section, Fax No. (202) 512-1782. The program number and bid opening date 

must be specified with the bid. Refer to Facsimile Bids in Solicitation Provisions of GPO Contract Terms, GPO 

Publication 310.2, as revised June 2001. Hand delivered bids are to be taken to: GPO Bookstore, 710 North 

Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing Washington, DC, 

time, Monday through Friday. The contractor is to follow the instructions in the Bid Submission/Opening area. If 

further instruction or assistance is required, call (202) 512-0526. 

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: Bidders are instructed to adhere to all requirements of the solicitation. Special 

attention is directed to the following provisions: 

Service Contract Act of 1965 (specified herein) 

Notice to Employees (see Attachment A) 

Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act (see Attachment B) 

THIS IS A NEW PROGRAM. THERE IS NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE. 

For information of a technical nature, call James Patterson at (202) 512-2132; or email jpatterson@gpo.gov. 
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 2 of 27 

893-S (03/17) 

SECTION 1. – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GPO CONTRACT TERMS: Any contract which results from this Invitation for Bid will be subject to the 

applicable provisions, clauses, and supplemental specifications of GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2, 

effective December 1, 1987 (Rev. 6-01)). 

GPO Contract Terms (GPO Publication 310.2) – http://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/vendors/sfas/terms.pdf. 

DISPUTES: GPO Publication 310.2, GPO Contract Terms, Contract Clause 5. Disputes, is hereby replaced with 

the June 2008 clause found at www.gpo.gov/pdfs/vendors/contractdisputes.pdf. 

SUBCONTRACTING: Subcontracting is NOT allowed. 

OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT: The Government has the option to extend the 

term of this contract for a period of 12 months by written notice to the contractor not later than 30 days before the 

contract expires. If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this 

clause, except, the total duration of the contract may not exceed five (5) years as a result of, and including, any 

extension(s) added under this clause. Further extension may be negotiated under the “EXTENSION OF 

CONTRACT TERM” clause. See also “ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT” for authorized pricing 

adjustment(s). 

EXTENSION OF CONTRACT TERM: At the request of the Government, the term of any contract resulting 

from this solicitation may be extended for such period of time as may be mutually agreeable to the GPO and the 

contractor. 

ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT: The pricing under this contract shall be adjusted in accordance with this 

clause, provided that in no event will any pricing adjustment be made that would exceed the maximum 

permissible under any law in effect at the time of the adjustment. There will be no adjustment for orders placed 

during the first period specified below. Pricing will thereafter be eligible for adjustment during the second and 

any succeeding performance period(s). For each performance period after the first, a percentage figure will be 

calculated as described below and that figure will be the economic price adjustment for that entire next period. 

Pricing adjustments under this clause are not applicable to reimbursable postage or transportation costs, or to 

paper, if paper prices are subject to adjustment by separate clause elsewhere in this contract. 

For the purpose of this clause, performance under this contract will be divided into successive periods. The first 

period will extend from Date of Award to March 31, 2017, and the second and any succeeding period(s) will 

extend for 12 months from the end of the last preceding period, except that the length of the final period may 

vary. The first day of the second and any succeeding period(s) will be the effective date of the economic price 

adjustment for that period. 

Pricing adjustments in accordance with this clause will be based on changes in the seasonally adjusted “Consumer 

Price Index For All Urban Consumers – Commodities less Food” (Index) published monthly in the CPI Detailed 

Report by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The economic price adjustment will be the percentage difference between Index averages as specified in this 

paragraph. An index called the variable index will be calculated by averaging the monthly Indexes from the 12-

month interval ending three (3) months prior to the beginning of the period being considered for adjustment. This 

average is then compared to the average of the monthly Indexes for the 12-month interval ending 

December 31, 2015, called the base index. The percentage change (plus or minus) of the variable index from the 

base index will be the economic price adjustment for the period being considered for adjustment. 
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 3 of 27

893-S (03/17)

The Government will notify the contractor by contract modification specifying the percentage increase or 

decrease to be applied to invoices for orders placed during the period indicated. The contractor shall apply the 

percentage increase or decrease against the total price of the invoice less reimbursable postage or transportation 

costs and separately adjusted paper prices. Payment discounts shall be applied after the invoice price is adjusted.

PREAWARD SURVEY: In order to determine the responsibility of the contractor, the Government reserves the 

right to conduct a preaward survey by requiring evidence of technical, production, managerial, financial, and 

similar abilities to perform, prior to the award of a contract.

Additionally, as part of the preaward survey, the Government will determine the following:

1. General. Contract shall be awarded to the responsible prospective contractor only. 

2. Responsible Contractor. A responsible contractor is one who meets the minimum standards set forth in 

paragraph 4 below to the extent that such standards are applicable to the specific procurement.

3. Authority. The authority for determinations of contractor responsibility/non-responsibility rests with the 

Contracting Officer over whose signature the award of a contract is to be made.

4. Minimum Standards for Responsible Prospective Contractors. A prospective contractor must meet the 

standards set forth below to the extent applicable to the specific procurement. 

The prospective contractor shall:

(a) have adequate financial resources, or the ability to obtain adequate financial resources to perform the 

contract;

(b) be able to comply with the proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration other 

existing commitments, commercial as well as Governmental;

(c) have a satisfactory record of performance in regard to both quality and timeliness on previously awarded 

contracts. A prospective contractor that is or recently has been seriously deficient in contract performance 

shall be presumed to be non-responsible, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the circumstances 

were properly beyond the contractor’s control, or that the contractor has taken appropriate corrective 

action. Past failure to apply sufficient tenacity and perseverance to perform acceptably is strong evidence 

of non-responsibility. Failure to meet the quality requirements of the contract is a significant factor to 

consider in determining satisfactory performance. The Contracting Officer shall consider the number of 

contracts involved and the extent of deficient performance in each contract when making this 

determination. 

(d) possess, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary experienced personnel to perform the predominant 

contract requirement. 

(e) have the flexibility to work multiple shifts (i.e., 24/6 or 24/7, as needed) according to production levels.

(f) be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 4 of 27

893-S (03/17)

PREAWARD QUALITY CONTROL PLAN: The prospective contractor shall present, in writing, to the 

Contracting Officer within five (5) workdays of being notified to do so by the Contracting Officer or his/her 

representative, a detailed Quality Control Plan. The workday after notification to submit will be the first day of 

the schedule. If the Government requests additional information after review of the plan, the contractor must 

submit an updated plan within two (2) workdays of request.

This proposed plan is subject to review and approval by the Government and award will not be made prior 

to approval of same. The Government reserves the right to waive this plan.

The Quality Control Plan shall explain, at a minimum, how the contractor will meet the requirements of the 

contract as specified herein. 

As part of the Preaward Quality Control Plan, the prospective contractor shall provide:

 At least three (3) names of firms, names of contact persons, complete addresses, and telephone numbers 

of such performance.

 Resumes of all prospective employees.

The Government will approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove prospective contractor employees. Approval 

or conditional approval shall not relieve the prospective contractor from complying with the specifications. A 

conditional approval shall state further action required by the contractor. A notice of disapproval shall state the 

reason therefore.

In the event compliance with the specifications cannot be demonstrated by the prospective contractor, he/she may 

be declared non-responsible. 

Option Years – For each option year that may be exercised, the contractor will be required to re-submit, in 

writing, the above plans detailing any changes and/or revisions that may have occurred. The contractor should be 

prepared to submit these plans to GPO within five (5) calendar days of notification of the option year being 

exercised.

If there are no changes/revisions, the contractor will be required to submit to the Contracting Officer a statement 

confirming that the current plans are still in effect.

WORK AREA RESTRICTIONS: The contractor shall observe the Government regulations regarding 

trespassing into areas outside of those authorized for their work, such as security areas. Information gained 

through the work to be performed shall not be divulged outside of the ordering agency or used for personal gain.

ON-SITE CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE: During all operations on Government premises, the contractor

will comply with the rules, regulations, and procedures governing the conduct of personnel as expressed by the 

VA’s written and/or oral procedures. 

INSURANCE LIABILITY: Since the work required by the resulting contract will be performed within a 

Government establishment, the contractor is required to have sufficient insurance to hold and save the

Government and the Government employees free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by their 

operations.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 5 of 27

893-S (03/17)

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES 

(Interim – October 2008):

The contractor and their personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA 

policies as VA personnel regarding information and information system security. These include, but are not 

limited to Federal Information Security management Act (FISMA), Appendix III of OMB Circular A-130, and

guidance and standards, available from the Department of Commerce’s national Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST). This also includes the use of common security configurations available from NIST’s website 

at: http://checklists.nist.gov/.

To ensure that appropriate security controls are in place, contractors must follow the procedures set forth in the 

“VA Information and Information System Security/Privacy Requirements for IT Contracts” located at the 

following website: http://www.iprm.oit.va.gov/.

VA information and Information System Security/Privacy Requirements –

Contractors must follow policies and procedures outlined in VA Directives 6500, Information Security Program

and its handbooks to ensure appropriate security controls are in place.

Access to VA Information and VA Information System –

1. A contractor shall request logical (technical) and/or physical access to VA information and VA 

information systems for employees only to the extent necessary: (1) to perform the services specified in 

the contract; (2) to perform necessary maintenance functions for electronic storage or transmission media 

necessary for performance of the contract; and, (3) for individuals who first satisfy the same conditions, 

requirements and restrictions that comparable VA employees must meet in order to have access to the 

same type of VA information. 

2. All contractor employees working with VA Sensitive Information are subject to the same investigative 

requirements as those of regular VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of 

information. The level of background security investigation will be in accordance with VA Directive 

0710, Handbook 0710, which are available at: http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/ and VHA Directive 0710 and 

implementing Handbook 0710.01 which are available at: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/index.cfm. 

Contractors are responsible for screening their employees. The following are VA’s approved policy 

exceptions for meeting VA’s background screenings/investigative requirements for certain types of 

contractors:

 Contract personnel not accessing VA information resources such as personnel hired to maintain 

the medical facility grounds; construction contracts; utility system contractors; etc.

 Contract personnel with limited and intermittent access to equipment connected to facility 

networks on which no VA sensitive information is available, including contractors who install, 

maintain, and repair networked building equipment, such as fire alarm; heating, ventilation, and 

air conditioning equipment; elevator control systems, etc. If equipment to be repaired is located 

within sensitive areas of a VA facility (e.g., computer room/communications closets), VA IT 

staff must escort contractors while on site.

3. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. 

The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure 

that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards the classified information in their possession while 

performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. Defense Security 

Service (DSS) administers the NISP on behalf of the Department of Defense and 23 other federal 

agencies within the Executive Branch. VA will verify clearance through DSS.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 6 of 27

893-S (03/17)

Information System Security –

The contractor shall ensure adequate LAN/Internet, data, information, and system security in accordance with VA 

standard operating procedures and standard contract language, conditions laws, and regulations. The contractor’s 

firewall and web server shall meet or exceed the Government minimum requirements for security. All 

Government data shall be protected behind an approved firewall. Any security violations or attempted violations 

shall be reported to the VA representative and the VBA headquarters Information Security Officer as soon as 

possible. The contractor shall follow all applicable VA policies and procedures governing information security, 

especially those that pertain to certification accreditation.

VA Information Custodial Requirements –

1. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance and/or administration of this 

contract or information developed by the contractor in performance and/or administration of the contract 

shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written 

agreement of the Contracting Officer. This clause expressly limits the contractor’s rights to use data as 

described in Rights in Data - General, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.227-14(d) (1).

2. Information generated by a contractor as a part of the contractor’s normal business operations, such as 

medical records created in the course of providing treatment, is subject to a review by the Office of 

General Counsel (OGC) to determine if the information is the property of VA and subject to VA policy. 

If the information is determined by OGC to not be the property of VA, the restrictions required for VA 

information will not apply.

3. VA information will NOT be commingled with any other data on the contractor’s information 

systems/media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media 

sanitization can be met. VA also reserves the right to conduct IT resource inspections to ensure data 

separation and on-site inspection of information destruction/media sanitization procedures to ensure they 

are in compliance with VA policy requirements.

4. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, the contractor will not destroy information received 

from VA or gathered or created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior 

written approval by VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor must be done in 

accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA 

Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management 

Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules. These Directives are available at: 

http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/.

5. The contractor will receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information 

only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information 

confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies. Applicable Federal information security 

regulations include all Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and Special Publications (SP) 

issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). If Federal or VA information 

confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies become applicable to the VA information or 

information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS after 

execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information 

confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies, including FIPS or SP, in this contract.

6. Contractors collecting, storing, or disseminating personal identifiable information (PII) or protected 

health information (PHI) data must conform to all pertinent regulations, laws, and VA directives related 

to privacy. Contractors must provide access for VA privacy reviews and assessments and provide 

appropriate documentation as directed.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 7 of 27

893-S (03/17)

NOTE: Personally identifiable information is defined as any information which can be used to distinguish 

or trace and individual’s identity, such as their name, social security number, Veterans identification 

number, biometric records, etc., alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information 

which is linked or linkable to a specific individual, such as date and place of birth, mother’s maiden 

name, etc.

7. The contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as necessary to perform the terms of the 

agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor electronic storage media for 

restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor needs to be restored to an 

operating state.

8. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and 

security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for the Government to terminate the 

contract for default or terminate for cause under the GPO Printing Procurement Regulations (GPO 

Publication 305.3).

9. Contractor will store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using a VAapproved encryption application that meets the requirements of NIST’s FIPS 140-2 standard.

10. The contractor’s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s 

minimum requirements. VA directives are available on the VA directives Web site at 

http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/. 

11. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the 

contract, the contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (1) in response 

to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or, (2) with VA’s prior written approval. The 

contractor will refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and 

information systems to VA for response.

12. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall NOT release information protected by 38 

U.S.C. 5705 or 38 U.S.C. 7332 under any circumstances, including in response to a court order, and shall 

immediately refer such court orders or other inquiries to VA for response.

13. The contractor will not use technologies banned in VA in meeting the requirements of the contract (e.g., 

Bluetooth enabled devices).

Information System Design and Development –

1. The contractor will be required to design, develop, or operate a System of Records on individuals to 

accomplish an agency function subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (as amended), Public Law 93-579, 

December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C.552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Privacy Act may 

involve the imposition of criminal and civil penalties. 

2. The contractor agrees to –

a. Comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and the agency rules and regulations issued under the 

Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish an 

agency function when the contract specifically identifies the systems of records; and the design, 

development, or operation work that the contractor is to perform;

b. Include the Privacy Act notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting 

subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation, when the work statement in the 

proposed subcontract requires the redesign, development, or operation of a system of records on 

individuals that is subject to the Act; and,
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 8 of 27

893-S (03/17)

c. Include this Privacy Act clause, including this subparagraph c., in all subcontracts awarded under this 

contract which requires the design, development, or operation of such a system of records.

3. In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved when the 

violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals to 

accomplish an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of 

the agency when the violation concerns the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish 

an agency function. For purposes of the Act, when the contract is for the operation of a system of records 

on individuals to accomplish an agency function, the contractor is considered to be an employee of the 

agency.

4. “Operation of a system of records” means performance of any of the activities associated with 

maintaining the system of records, including the collection, use, and dissemination of records.

5. “Record” means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained 

by an agency, including, but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and 

criminal or employment history and contains the person’s name, or the identifying number, symbol, or 

other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint, or a photograph.

6. “System of records on individuals” means a group of any records under the control of any agency from 

which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or 

other identifying particular assigned to the individual.

Security Incident Investigation –

1. The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, 

loss of, or damage to VA assets or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security 

procedures. The contractor shall immediately notify (within one (1) hour) the GPO and VA representative 

and simultaneously, the designated ISO/Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected 

security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that 

contained in system(s) to which the contractor has access.

2. To the extent known by the contractor, the contractor’s notice to GPO and VA will identify the 

information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and 

where the VA information/assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the 

contractor considers relevant.

3. The contractor will simultaneously report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity(ies) of 

jurisdiction, including the GPO and VA Offices of the Inspector General and Security and Law 

Enforcement, in instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity. The contractor and its employees 

will 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 will 

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.

Security Controls Compliance Testing – On a periodic basis, VA, including the Office of Inspector General, 

reserves the right to evaluate any or all of the security controls and privacy practices implemented by the 

contractor under the clauses contained within this contract. With 10 workday’s notice, at the request of the 

Government, the contractor will 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)

determined by VA in the event of a security incident or at any other time. 
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 9 of 27

893-S (03/17)

Security Training –

1. All contractor employees requiring access to VA sensitive information and/or VA information systems 

shall complete the following before being granted access to VA networks or sensitive information:

 Sign and acknowledge understanding of, and responsibilities for, compliance with the National Rules 

of Behavior (Attachment C) relating to access to VA information and information systems;

 Successfully complete VA Cyber Security Awareness training and annual refresher training as 

required;

 Successfully complete VA General Privacy training and annual refresher training as required; and

 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 a copy of the training certificates for each 

applicable employee (for the required training as stated above) within seven (7) calendar days of

notification of contract award and annually thereafter, as required. These online courses are located at the 

following web site: https://www.tms.va.gov/plateau/user/login.jsp.

3. Failure to complete this mandatory training within the timeframe required will be grounds for suspension 

or termination of all physical and/or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract 

until such time as the training is completed.

Contractor Personnel Security –

1. All contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Government sites(s) 

and/or access to the VA’s LAN systems shall be the subject of a background investigation and must 

receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Security and Investigations Center (SIC). These 

requirements are applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. 

The level of background security investigation shall be in accordance with VA Directive 0710, dated June 

4, 2010 and is available at:

www.va.gov/securityinvestigationscenter/directives_and_regulatory_guidance.asp

Background Investigation –

The position sensitivity impact for this effort has been designated as Low Risk and the level of background 

investigation is NACI.

If the security clearance investigation is not completed prior to the start date of the contract, the employee may 

work on the contract with an initiated status while the security clearance is being processed, as specified below. 

Contractor Responsibilities –

1. The contractor shall bear the expense of obtaining the background investigations. The cost of the 

background investigations is as follows: NACI - $230.00. The VA will pay for investigations processed 

through the VA Security and Investigations Center and conducted by the Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) in advance; however, the contractor shall reimburse the full cost of the background 

investigations to the VA within 30 calendar days of Bill of Collections from VA. VA shall send up to 

three (3) plus one (1) final delinquent notice to the contractor. If the contractor does not adhere to the Bill 

of Collections, future invoices may be subject to be offset by the VA to recover background investigation 

costs.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 10 of 27

893-S (03/17)

2. Immediately after contract award, the contractor must submit a completed OI&T Contractor Background 

Investigation Request Worksheet (see Attachment D) for all contract employees who will be working on 

this contract and who will have access to VA facilities, VA systems, or privacy data. Forms are to be 

submitted to the VA representative.

3. The contractor and contractor point of contact will received an email notification from SIC identifying the 

website link that includes detailed process and what level of background was requested. Reminder 

notifications will be sent if the complete package is not submitted by the due date.

4. The contractor shall prescreen all personnel requiring access to Government site(s) and/or VA LAN

systems to ensure they maintain a U.S. citizenship or Alien Registration (which authorize them to work in 

the U.S.) and are able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. These worksheets are 

to be submitted to the VA representative.

5. Contractors who have current favorable background investigation conducted by OPM or Defense Security 

Service (DSS) may be accepted through reciprocation. However, it does not preclude the contractor rom 

submitting a completed OI&T Contractor Background Investigation Request Worksheet immediately 

after contract award for all contract employees who will be working on this contract.

6. Contractor performance shall not commence prior to the confirmation from SIC that the investigative 

documents have been received, and SIC deems them complete and submits to OPM, at which time the 

contractor’s background investigation is initiated. Once the contractor’s background investigation has 

been initiated, contract performance may commence. The VA representative will notify and forward the 

contractor a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form 4236) to the contractor when the investigation has 

been favorably completed and adjudicated. 

7. The contractor, if notified of an unfavorable adjudication by the Government, shall withdraw the 

employee from consideration from working on this contract. 

8. Failure to comply with the contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the 

contract for default.

9. If the security clearance investigation is not completed prior to the start date of the contract, the contract 

employee may work on the contract with an initiated status while the security clearance is being 

processed. However, the contractor will be responsible for the actions of those contract employees they 

provide to perform work for the VA. In the event damage arises from work performed by contractor 

personnel, under the auspices of the contract, the contractor will be responsible for resources necessary to 

remedy the incident. 

10. Should the contractor use a vendor other than OPM or DSS to conduct investigations, the investigative 

company must be certified by OPM/DSS to conduct contractor investigations. The Vendor Cage Code 

number must be provided to the VA SIC, which will verify the information and conclude whether access 

to the Government site(s) and or VA LAN systems can be authorized.

11. The investigative history for contractor personnel working under this contract must be maintained in the 

databases of either the OPM or the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Organization (DISCO).

Government Responsibilities –

1. Upon receipt of the necessary forms, the SIC will send an email notification to the contractor identifying 

the website link that includes detailed instructions regarding completion of the background clearance 

application process and what level of background was requested. The SIC will also send reminder 

notifications to the contractor if the complete package is not submitted by the due date.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 11 of 27

893-S (03/17)

2. Upon receipt of the investigative documents, the SIC shall review the investigative documents for 

completion and initiate the background investigation by forwarding the documents to OPM to conduct the 

background investigation. If the investigative documents are not complete, SIC will return the package to 

the contractor with corrective instructions. 

3. The VA will pay for investigations processed through the VA SIC and conducted by OPM in advance; 

however, the contractor shall reimburse VA for the full cost of the background investigations as specified 

above.

4. The VA representative will notify and forward the contractor a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form 

4236) when the investigation has been favorably completed and adjudicated. The VA representative will 

also notify the contractor of an unfavorable adjudication by the Government.

ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS:

Intranet/Internet –

1. The contractor shall comply with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Directive 6102 and VA 

Handbook 6102 (Internet/Intranet Services).

2. VA Directive 6102 sets forth policies and responsibilities for the planning, design, maintenance support, 

and any other functions related to the administration of a VA Internet/Intranet Service Site or related 

service (hereinafter referred to as “Internet”). This directive applies to all organizational elements in the 

Department. This policy applies to all individuals designing and/or maintaining VA Internet Service 

Sites, including but not limited to, full time and part time employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers. 

This policy applies to all VA Internet/Intranet domains and servers that utilize VA resources. This 

includes, but is not limited to, va.gov and other extensions such as, “.com, .eddo, .mil, .net, .org,” and 

personal Internet service pages managed from individual workstations. 

3. VA Handbook 6102 establishes Department-wide procedures for managing, maintaining, establishing, 

and presenting VA Internet/Intranet Service Sites or related services (hereafter referred to as “Internet”). 

The handbook implements the policies contained in VA Directive 6102, Internet/Intranet Services. This 

includes, but is not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), 

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Web pages, Active Server Pages (ASP), email forums, and list 

servers. 

4. VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 are available at:

Internet/Intranet Services Directive 6102

http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=409&FType=2

Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102

http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=410&FType=2

5. Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 Change 1 – updates VA’s cookie use policy, Section 508 

guidelines, guidance on posting of Hot Topics, approved warning notices, and minor editorial errors. 

Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 Change 1 is available at:

http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=410&FType=2

6. In addition, any technologies that enable a Network Delivered Application (NDA) to access or modify 

resources of the local machine that are outside of the browser’s “sand box” are strictly prohibited. 

Specifically, this prohibition includes signed-applets or any ActiveX controls delivered through a 

browser’s session. ActiveX is expressly forbidden within the VA while .NET is allowed only when 

granted a waiver by the VA CIO PRIOR to use.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 12 of 27

893-S (03/17)

7. JavaScript is the preferred language standard for developing relatively simple interactions (i.e., forms 

validation, interactive menus, etc.) and Applets (J2SE APIs and Java Language) for complex network 

delivered applications.

SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE:

1. The contractor shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d), as amended 

by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220), August 7, 1998.

2. In December 2000, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), 

pursuant to Section 508(2) (A) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, established Information 

Technology accessibility standards for the Federal Government. Section 508(a)(1) requires that when 

Federal departments or agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use Electronic and Information 

Technology (EIT), they shall ensure that the EIT allows Federal employees with disabilities to have 

access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and 

data by other Federal employees. The Section 508 requirement also applies to members of the public 

seeking information or services from a Federal department or agency.

3. Section 508 text is available at:

 http://www.opm.gov/HTML/508-textOfLaw.htm

 http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=14

CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE: All preliminary and final deliverables and all associated 

working papers, application source code, and other materials deemed relevant by 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 or VA representative upon completion of this contract.

The Contracting Officer is 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 Contracting Officer for response.

Press releases, marketing material, or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this contract, shall 

not be publicized without the written permission of the Contracting Officer.

POSTAWARD CONFERENCE: Unless waived by the Contracting Officer, the total requirements of the job as 

indicated in these specifications will be reviewed by Government representatives with the contractor’s

representatives at the U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC, immediately after award.

ASSIGNMENT OF JACKETS, PURCHASE AND PRINT ORDERS: A GPO jacket number will be assigned 

and a purchase order issued to the contractor to cover work performed. The purchase order will be supplemented 

by an individual print order for each month of service with the contractor. The print order, when issued, will 

indicate the month and year to be covered and any other information pertinent to the particular order.

ORDERING: Services to be furnished under the contract shall be ordered by the issuance of print orders (for 

each month of service) by the Government. Orders may be issued under the contract from Date of Award through 

March 31, 2017, plus for such additional period(s) as the contract is extended. All print orders issued hereunder 

are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. The contract shall control in the event of conflict with any 

print order. A print order shall be “issued” upon notification by the Government for purposes of the contract 

when it is electronically transmitted or otherwise physically furnished to the contractor in conformance with the 

schedule.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 13 of 27

893-S (03/17)

SERVICE CONTRACT ACT OF 1965, AS AMENDED:

(a) Definitions. “Act,” as used in this clause, means the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended (41 

U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 

“Contractor,” as used in this clause or in any subcontract, shall be deemed to refer to the subcontractor, 

except in the term “Government Prime Contractor.”

“Service employee,” as used in this clause, means any person engaged in the performance of this contract 

other than any person employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity, as these 

terms are defined in Part 541 of Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, as revised. It includes all such 

persons regardless of any contractual relationship that may be alleged to exist between a contractor or 

subcontractor and such persons.

(b) Applicability. This contract is subject to the following provisions and to all other applicable provisions of 

the Act and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR Part 4). This clause does not apply to contracts 

or subcontracts administratively exempted by the Secretary of Labor or exempted by 41 U.S.C. 356, as 

interpreted in Subpart C of 29 CFR Part 4.

(c) Compensation. (1) Each service employee employed in the performance of this contract by the contractor 

or any subcontractor shall be paid not less than the minimum monetary wages and shall be furnished 

fringe benefits in accordance with the wages and fringe benefits determined by the Secretary of Labor, or 

authorized representative, as specified in any wage determination attached to this contract.

(2) (i) If a wage determination is attached to this contract, the contractor shall classify any class of 

service employee which is not listed therein and which is to be employed under the contract (i.e., the 

work to be performed is not performed by any classification listed in the wage determination so as to 

provide a reasonable relationship (i.e., appropriate level of skill comparison) between such unlisted 

classifications and the classifications listed in the wage determination. Such conformed class of 

employees shall be paid the monetary wages and furnished the fringe benefits as are determined 

pursuant to the procedures in this paragraph (c).

(ii) This conforming procedure shall be initiated by the contractor prior to the performance of 

contract work by the unlisted class of employee. The contractor shall submit Standard Form (SF) 

1444, Request For Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate, to the Contracting Officer 

no later than 30 days after the unlisted class of employee performs any contract work. The 

Contracting Officer shall review the proposed classification and rate and promptly submit the 

completed SF 1444 (which must include information regarding the agreement or disagreement of 

the employees’ authorized representatives or the employees themselves together with the agency 

recommendation), and all pertinent information to the Wage and Hour Division, Employment 

Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. The Wage and Hour Division will 

approve, modify, or disapprove the action or render a final determination in the event of 

disagreement within 30 days of receipt or will notify the Contracting Officer within 30 days of 

receipt that additional time is necessary.

(iii)The final determination of the conformance action by the Wage and Hour Division shall be 

transmitted to the Contracting Officer who shall promptly notify the contractor of the action 

taken. Each affected employee shall be furnished by the contractor with a written copy of such 

determination or it shall be posted as a part of the wage determination.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 14 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(iv) (A) The process of establishing wage and fringe benefit rates that bear a reasonable relationship 

to those listed in a wage determination cannot be reduced to any single formula. The approach 

used may vary from wage determination to wage determination depending on the circumstances. 

Standard wage and salary administration practices which rank various job classifications by pay 

grade pursuant to point schemes or other job factors may, for example, be relied upon. Guidance 

may also be obtained from the way different jobs are rated under Federal pay systems (Federal 

Wage Board Pay System and the General Schedule) or from other wage determinations issued in 

the same locality. Basic to the establishment of any conformable wage rate(s) is the concept that 

a pay relationship should be maintained between job classifications based on the skill required 

and the duties performed.

(B) In the case of a contract modification, an exercise of an option, or extension of an existing 

contract, or in any other case where a contractor succeeds a contract under which the 

classification in question was previously conformed pursuant to paragraph (c) of this clause, a 

new conformed wage rate and fringe benefits may be assigned to the conformed classification 

by indexing (i.e., adjusting) the previous conformed rate and fringe benefits by an amount 

equal to the average (mean) percentage increase (or decrease, where appropriate) between the 

wages and fringe benefits specified for all classifications to be used on the contract which are 

listed in the current wage determination, and those specified for the corresponding 

classifications in the previously applicable wage determination. Where conforming actions 

are accomplished in accordance with this paragraph prior to the performance of contract work 

by the unlisted class of employees, the contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of the 

action taken but the other procedures in subdivision (c)(2)(ii) of this clause need not be 

followed.

(C) No employee engaged in performing work on this contract shall in any event be paid less than 

the currently applicable minimum wage specified under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor 

Standards Act of 1938, as amended.

(v) The wage rate and fringe benefits finally determined under this subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause 

shall be paid to all employees performing in the classification from the first day on which contract 

work is performed by them in the classification. Failure to pay the unlisted employees the 

compensation agreed upon by the interested parties and/or finally determined by the Wage and 

Hour Division retroactive to the date such class of employees commenced contract work shall be 

a violation of the Act and this contract.

(vi) Upon discovery of failure to comply with subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause, the Wage and Hour 

Division shall make a final determination of conformed classification, wage rate, and/or fringe 

benefits which shall be retroactive to the date such class or classes of employees commenced 

contract work.

(3) Adjustment of Compensation. If the term of this contract is more than l year, the minimum monetary 

wages and fringe benefits required to be paid or furnished thereunder to service employees under this 

contract shall be subject to adjustment after l year and not less often than once every 2 years, under 

wage determinations issued by the Wage and Hour Division.

(d) Obligation to Furnish Fringe Benefits. The contractor or subcontractor may discharge the obligation to 

furnish fringe benefits specified in the attachment or determined under subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause 

by furnishing equivalent combinations of bona fide fringe benefits, or by making equivalent or 

differential cash payments, only in accordance with Subpart D of 29 CFR Part 4.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 15 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(e) Minimum Wage. In the absence of a minimum wage attachment for this contract, neither the contractor 

nor any subcontractor under this contract shall pay any person performing work under this contract 

(regardless of whether the person is a service employee) less than the minimum wage specified by section 

6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Nothing in this clause shall relieve the contractor or any 

subcontractor of any other obligation under law or contract for payment of a higher wage to any 

employee.

(f) Predecessor Contracts. If this contract succeeds a contract subject to the Act under which substantially the 

same services were furnished in the same locality and service employees were paid wages and fringe 

benefits provided for in a collective bargaining agreement, in the absence of the minimum wage 

attachment for this contract setting forth such collectively bargained wage rates and fringe benefits, 

neither the contractor nor any subcontractor under this contract shall pay any service employee 

performing any of the contract work (regardless of whether or not such employee was employed under the 

predecessor contract), less than the wages and fringe benefits provided for in such collective bargaining 

agreement, to which such employee would have been entitled if employed under the predecessor contract, 

including accrued wages and fringe benefits and any prospective increases in wages and fringe benefits 

provided for under such agreement. No contractor or subcontractor under this contract may be relieved of 

the foregoing obligation unless the limitations of 29 CFR 4.1b(b) apply or unless the Secretary of Labor 

or the Secretary's authorized representative finds, after a hearing as provided in 29 CFR 4.10 that the 

wages and/or fringe benefits provided for in such agreement are substantially at variance with those 

which prevail for services of a character similar in the locality, or determines, as provided in 29 CFR 

4.11, that the collective bargaining agreement applicable to service employees employed under the 

predecessor contract was not entered into as a result of arm’s length negotiations. Where it is found in 

accordance with the review procedures provided in 29 CFR 4.10 and/or 4.11 and Parts 6 and 8 that some 

or all of the wages and/or fringe benefits contained in a predecessor contractor’s collective bargaining 

agreement are substantially at variance with those which prevail for services of a character similar in the 

locality, and/or that the collective bargaining agreement applicable to service employees employed under 

the predecessor contract was not entered into as a result of arm’s length negotiations, the Department will 

issue a new or revised wage determination setting forth the applicable wage rates and fringe benefits. 

Such determination shall be made part of the contract or subcontract, in accordance with the decision of 

the Administrator, the Administrative Law Judge, or the Board of Service Contract Appeals, as the case 

may be, irrespective of whether such issuance occurs prior to or after the award of a contract or 

subcontract (53 Comp. Gen. 401 (1973)). In the case of a wage determination issued solely as a result of 

a finding of substantial variance, such determination shall be effective as of the date of the final 

administrative decision.

(g) Notification to Employees. The contractor and any subcontractor under this contract shall notify each 

service employee commencing work on this contract of the minimum monetary wage and any fringe 

benefits required to be paid pursuant to this contract, or shall post the wage determination attached to this 

contract. The poster provided by the Department of Labor (Publication WH 1313) shall be posted in a 

prominent and accessible place at the worksite. Failure to comply with this requirement is a violation of 

section 2(a)(4) of the Act and of this contract.

(h) Safe and Sanitary Working Conditions. The contractor or subcontractor shall not permit any part of the 

services called for by this contract to be performed in buildings or surroundings or under working 

conditions provided by or under the control or supervision of the contractor or subcontractor which are 

unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to the health or safety of the service employees. The contractor or 

subcontractor shall comply with the safety and health standards applied under 29 CFR Part 1925.

(i) Records. (1) The contractor and each subcontractor performing work subject to the Act shall make and 

maintain for 3 years from the completion of the work, and make them available for inspection and 

transcription by authorized representatives of the Wage and Hour Division, Employment Standards 

Administration, a record of the following:
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 16 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(i) For each employee subject to the Act-

(A) Name and address and social security number;

(B) Correct work classification or classifications, rate or rates of monetary wages paid and fringe 

benefits provided, rate or rates of payments in lieu of fringe benefits and total daily and 

weekly compensation;

(C) Daily and weekly hours worked by each employee; and

(D) Any deductions, rebates or refunds from the total daily or weekly compensation of each 

employee.

(ii) For those classes of service employees not included in any wage determination attached to this 

contract, wage rates or fringe benefits determined by the interested parties or by the 

Administrator or authorized representative under the terms of paragraph (c) of this clause. A 

copy of the report required by subdivision (c)(2)(ii) of this clause will fulfill this requirement.

(iii)Any list of the predecessor contractor’s employees which had been furnished to the contractor as 

prescribed by paragraph (n) of this clause.

(2) The contractor shall also make available a copy of this contract for inspection or transcription by 

authorized representatives of the Wage and Hour Division.

(3) Failure to make and maintain or to make available these records for inspection and transcription shall 

be a violation of the regulations and this contract, and in the case of failure to produce these records, 

the Contracting Officer, upon direction of the Department of Labor and notification to the contractor, 

shall take action to cause suspension of any further payment or advance of funds until the violation 

ceases.

(4) The contractor shall permit authorized representatives of the Wage and Hour Division to conduct 

interviews with employees at the worksite during normal working hours.

(j) Pay Periods. The contractor shall unconditionally pay to each employee subject to the Act all wages due 

free and clear and without subsequent deduction (except as otherwise provided by law or regulations, 29 

CFR Part 4), rebate, or kickback on any account. These payments shall be made no later than one pay 

period following the end of the regular pay period in which the wages were earned or accrued. A pay 

period under this Act may not be of any duration longer than semi-monthly.

(k) Withholding of Payment and Termination of Contract. The Contracting Officer shall withhold or cause to 

be withheld from the Government prime contractor under this or any other Government contract with the 

prime contractor such sums as an appropriate official of the Department of Labor requests or such sums 

as the Contracting Officer decides may be necessary to pay underpaid employees employed by the 

contractor or subcontractor. In the event of failure to pay any employees subject to the Act all or part of 

the wages or fringe benefits due under the Act, the Contracting Officer may, after authorization or by 

direction of the Department of Labor and written notification to the contractor, take action to cause 

suspension of any further payment or advance of funds until such violations have ceased. Additionally, 

any failure to comply with the requirements of this clause may be grounds for termination of the right to 

proceed with the contract work. In such event, the Government may enter into other contracts or 

arrangements from completion of the work, charging the contractor in default with any additional cost.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 17 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(l) Subcontractors. The contractor agrees to insert this clause in all subcontracts subject to the Act.

(m) Collective Bargaining Agreements Applicable to Service Employees. If wages to be paid or fringe 

benefits to be furnished any service employees employed by the Government prime contractor or any 

subcontractor under the contract are provided for in a collective bargaining agreement which is or will be 

effective during any period in which the contract is being performed, the Government prime contractor 

shall report such fact to the Contracting Officer, together with full information as to the application and 

accrual of such wages and fringe benefits, including any prospective increases, to service employees 

engaged in work on the contract, and a copy of the collective bargaining agreement. Such report shall be 

made upon commencing performance of the contract, in the case of collective bargaining agreements 

effective at such time, and in the case of such agreements or provisions or amendments thereof effective 

at a later time during the period of contract performance such agreements shall be reported promptly after 

negotiation thereof.

(n) Seniority List. Not less than 10 days prior to completion of any contract being performed at a Federal 

facility where service employees may be retained in the performance of the succeeding contract and 

subject to a wage determination which contains vacation or other benefit provisions based upon length of 

service with a contractor (predecessor) or successor (29 CFR 4.173), the incumbent prime contractor shall 

furnish the Contracting Officer a certified list of the names of all service employees on the contractor’s or 

subcontractor’s payroll during the last month of contract performance. Such list shall also contain 

anniversary dates of employment on the contract either with the current or predecessor contractors of each 

such service employee. The Contracting Officer shall turn over such list to the successor contractor at the 

commencement of the succeeding contract.

(o) Rulings and Interpretations. Rulings and interpretations of the Act are contained in Regulations, 29 CFR 

Part 4.

(p) Contractor’s Certification. (1) By entering into this contract, the contractor (and officials thereof) certifies 

that neither it (nor he or she) nor any person or firm who has a substantial interest in the contractor’s firm 

is a person or firm ineligible to be awarded Government contracts by virtue of the sanctions imposed 

under section 5 of the Act.

(2) No part of this contract shall be subcontracted to any person or firm ineligible for award of a 

Government contract under section 5 of the Act.

(3) The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in the U.S. Criminal Code, 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(q) Variations, Tolerances, and Exemptions Involving Employment. Notwithstanding any of the provisions 

in paragraphs (b) through (o) of this clause, the following employees may be employed in accordance 

with the following variations, tolerances, and exemptions, which the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to 

section 4(b) of the Act prior to its amendment by Pub. L. 92-473, found to be necessary and proper in the 

public interest or to avoid serious impairment of the conduct of Government business:

(1) Apprentices, student-learners, and workers whose earning capacity is impaired by age, physical or 

mental deficiency, or injury may be employed at wages lower than the minimum wages otherwise 

required by section 2(a)(1) or 2(b)(1) of the Act without diminishing any fringe benefits or cash 

payments in lieu thereof required under section 2(a)(2) of the Act, in accordance with the conditions 

and procedures prescribed for the employment of apprentices, student-learners, handicapped persons, 

and handicapped clients of sheltered workshops under section 14 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 

1938, in the regulations issued by the Administrator (29 CFR Parts 520, 521, 524, and 525).
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 18 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(2) The Administrator will issue certificates under the Act for the employment of apprentices, studentlearners, handicapped persons, or handicapped clients of sheltered workshops not subject to the Fair 

Labor Standards Act of 1938, or subject to different minimum rates of pay under the two acts, 

authorizing appropriate rates of minimum wages (but without changing requirements concerning 

fringe benefits or supplementary cash payments in lieu thereof), applying procedures prescribed by 

the applicable regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 CFR Parts 520, 521, 

524, and 525);

(3) The Administrator will also withdraw, annul, or cancel such certificates in accordance with the 

regulations in 29 CFR Parts 525 and 528.

(r) Apprentices. Apprentices will be permitted to work at less than the predetermined rate for the work they 

perform when they are employed and individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program 

registered with a State Apprenticeship Agency which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, or if 

no such recognized agency exists in a State, under a program registered with the Bureau of 

Apprenticeship and Training, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. Any 

employee who is not registered as an apprentice in an approved program shall be paid the wage rate and 

fringe benefits contained in the applicable wage determination for the journeyman classification of work 

actually performed. The wage rates paid apprentices shall not be less than the wage rate for their level of 

progress set forth in the registered program, expressed as the appropriate percentage of the journeyman’s 

rate contained in the applicable wage determination. The allowable ratio of apprentices to journeymen 

employed on the contract work in any craft classification shall not be greater than the ratio permitted to 

the contractor as to his entire work force under the registered program.

(s) Tips. An employee engaged in an occupation in which the employee customarily and regularly receives 

more than $30 a month in tips may have the amount of these tips credited by the employer against the 

minimum wage required by section 2(a)(1) or section 2(b)(1) of the Act, in accordance with section 3(m) 

of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Regulations, 29 CFR Part 531. However, the amount of credit shall 

not exceed $1.34 per hour beginning January 1, 1981. To use this provision –

(1) The employer must inform tipped employees about this tip credit allowance before the credit is 

utilized;

(2) The employees must be allowed to retain all tips (individually or through a pooling arrangement and 

regardless of whether the employer elects to take a credit for tips received);

(3) The employer must be able to show by records that the employee receives at least the applicable 

Service Contract Act minimum wage through the combination of direct wages and tip credit; and 

(4) The use of such tip credit must have been permitted under any predecessor collective bargaining 

agreement applicable by virtue of section 4(c) of the Act.

(t) Disputes Concerning Labor Standards. The U.S. Department of Labor has set forth in 29 CFR Parts 4, 6, 

and 8 procedures for resolving disputes concerning labor standards requirements. Such disputes shall be 

resolved in accordance with those procedures and not the Disputes clause of this contract. Disputes within 

the meaning of this clause include disputes between the contractor (or any of its subcontractors) and the 

contracting agency, the U.S. Department of Labor, or the employees or their representatives.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 19 of 27

893-S (03/17)

The contractor shall pay the determined wage rate (as specified below) and fringe benefits to all employees 

performing, which include annual leave and pay for holidays, as described in the Service Contract Act of 1965. 

The Government is not responsible for these benefits. 

As established under Wage Determination No. 2015-5017, Revision no. 2:

Peripheral Equipment Operator: $18.11 per hour

REQUIREMENTS: This is a service contract for the items and for the period specified herein. 

Shipment/delivery of items or performance of work shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in 

accordance with the clause entitled “ORDERING.” The services of items specified herein are estimates only, and 

are not purchased hereby. Except as may be otherwise provided in this contract, if the Government’s requirements 

for the services set forth herein do not result in orders in the amounts or quantities described as “estimated,” it 

shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment under this contract.

Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the Government shall order from the contractor all the services set 

forth which are required to be purchased by the Government activity identified on page 1.

The Government shall not be required to purchase from the contractor, requirements in excess of the limit on total 

orders under this contract, if any.

Orders issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that time shall be completed 

by the contractor within the time specified in the order, and the rights and obligations of the contractor and the 

Government respecting those orders shall be governed by the terms of this contract to the same extent as if 

completed during the effective period of this contract.

Subject to any limitations elsewhere in this contract, the contractor shall furnish to the Government all items set 

forth herein which are called for by print orders issued in accordance with the “ORDERING” clause of this 

contract.

PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION: This procurement action requires the contractor to do one or more of the 

following: design, develop, or operate a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function in 

accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and applicable 

agency regulations. Violation of the Act may involve the imposition of criminal penalties as stated in 5 U.S.C. 

552a (i)(1) CRIMINAL PENALTIES. It is incumbent upon the contractor to inform its officers and employees of 

the penalties for improper disclosure imposed by the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, specifically, 5 U.S.C. 

552a (i)(1) CRIMINAL PENALTIES and m(1) GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.

PRIVACY ACT

(a) The contractor agrees:

(1) to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Act in the 

design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals in order to accomplish an 

agency function when the contract specifically identifies (i) the system or systems of records and (ii) the 

work to be performed by the contractor in terms of any one or combination of the following: (A) design, 

(B) development, or (C) operation;

(2) to include the solicitation notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting 

subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation when the statement of work in the 

proposed subcontract requires the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals 

to accomplish an agency function; and
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 20 of 27

893-S (03/17)

(3) to include this clause, including this paragraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded pursuant to this contract 

which require the design, development, or operation of such a system of records.

(b) In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved where the 

violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish 

an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of the agency 

where the violation concerns the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency 

function. For purposes of the Act when the contract is for the operation of a system of records on individuals 

to accomplish an agency function, the contractor and any employee of the contractor is considered to be an 

employee of the agency.

(c) The terms used in this clause have the following meanings:

(1) “Operation of a system of records” means performance of any of the activities associated with 

maintaining the system of records including the collection, use, and dissemination of records.

(2) “Record” means any item, collection or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by 

an agency, including, but not limited to, his education, financial transactions, medical history, and 

criminal or employment history and that contains his name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other 

identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a finger or voice print or a photograph.

(3) “System of records” on individuals means a group of any records under the control of any agency from 

which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or 

other identifying particular assigned to the individual.

PAYMENTS ON PURCHASE ORDER: Each month, the contractor must submit an itemized receipt for 

billing of all work performed during the previous month to an authorized representative of the ordering agency for 

verification. After agency sign-off, contractor’s billing invoice may be submitted to GPO.

When processing billing invoices for payment, contractor is to fax the completed, signed-off invoice to GPO by 

utilizing the GPO barcode coversheet program application. The barcode coversheet can be accessed at the 

following hyperlink: http://winapps.access.gpo.gov/fms/vouchers/barcode/instructions.html. Contractor to follow 

the instructions as indicated. Facsimile transmission should only be used when no samples are required with the 

contractor’s invoice, otherwise payment will be held up while the invoice is returned to the contractor for the 

required sample(s).

ALL invoice packages and envelopes MUST be mailed to: U.S. Government Publishing Office, Comptroller, 

Stop: FMCE, Financial Management Service, Washington, DC 2040l. 

Contractor’s billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the line items in the “SCHEDULE OF 

PRICES.”
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 21 of 27

893-S (03/17)

SECTION 2. – SPECIFICATIONS

SCOPE: These specifications provide coverage for on-site personnel for the production and distribution of VA 

correspondence, reports, and other materials requiring such operations as providing personnel staff to accomplish 

printing/bindery operations, scanning, maintaining manual and automated print output logs, media automation and 

destruction (i.e., microfiche/CDs), document distribution, historical audit trails, mail room activities, and 

customer service related to print output and electronic delivery of letters/reports.

For the purpose of this contract, “on-site” is defined as performing in Government facilities.

TITLE: On-Site Production Print Operators.

BACKGROUND: The VA Hines Information Technology Center (VAHITC) Peripheral Equipment Operations 

(PEO) is responsible for processing and maintaining Compensation, Pension and Education (CP&E) payment, 

Insurance and other Applications that produce print for approximately four (4) million Veterans and their 

dependents. Additionally, VAHITC is responsible for providing on-line and print services to 58 regional offices 

and/or centers, including all VA Medical Centers, a Federal Records Center, and offices outside the continental 

United States (Manila and Puerto Rico). 

Approximately 30 million letters are printed each year and inserted into envelopes using VA owned and 

maintained equipment. Another six (6) million letters are printed and bulk mailed to VA Regional Offices 

annually. These letters were generated by the CP&E, Vetsnet, and other miscellaneous systems processed at the 

Enterprise Operations facilities (VAHITC). 

Large amounts of the data contained in these letters, forms, and reports are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 

and are often times sensitive due to the need for Veterans to respond within a short timeframe. The nature of the 

data mailed (via First Class) to Veterans is critical in that the receipt and response of this correspondence by 

Veterans may have a direct effect on the Veterans’ receipt of financial benefits. Any letters that are mishandled 

can result in critical financial benefits being cut off to elderly and disabled Veterans for whom this is their only 

source of income.

The contractor shall provide qualified personnel and services to staff the PEO functions of the VAHITC. The 

contractor will provide VAHITC with customer service request support, which includes communicating with 

customers and clients by way of email and telephone. 

The contractor shall furnish all services required to meet the specifications, including printing on two or three VA 

owned Xerox (or other similar) laser/network print systems, inserting and folding on two or three owned Bowe 

Bell & Howell Automatic Insert Mail handlers (AIM) systems, separate reports, and forward that information to 

clients in accordance with instructions in Operations Division documentation. Contractor maintains responsibility 

for printing/bindery operations, scanning, maintaining manual and automated print output logs, media automation,

and destruction (i.e., microfiche/CDs), document distribution, historical audit trails, maintenance of print/media 

library, mail room activities, and customer service related to print output and electronic delivery of letters/reports. 

Packaging and shipping of documents will be done using small package carriers to VA Regional Office (ROs), 

VA Central Office (VACO), members of Congress, and other VAHITC customers nationwide.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: VA Hines Information Technology Center, Chief Operations Division, Building 

215, First Avenue (North of 22nd Street), Hines, IL 60141. 

FREQUENCY OF ORDERS: A print order will be issued each month to cover that month’s services.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 22 of 27

893-S (03/17)

GOVERNMENT TO FURNISH: 

Personnel Workspace: On-site workspace for all PEO contractor personnel will be provided at Building 215, 

VAHITC. All PEO contractor personnel will have access to a standard workspace which includes a computer 

desktop, network and printer access, office supplies, phone, facsimile capabilities, and access to a copier.

Building/Office Access: At the discretion and approval of the Government-designated point of contact (POC), 

building and office access (e.g., keys, key cards, combinations) will be provided to applicable PEO contractor 

personnel during the initial transition.

Storage for Personal Items: A locked storage locker will be provided to each contractor employee to securely 

store personal items.

Additionally, the ordering agency will provide the necessary equipment (as specified herein) to accomplish the 

printing/binding, inserting/packing, and distribution requirements.

CONTRACTOR TO FURNISH: All materials and operations, other than those listed under “GOVERNMENT 

TO FURNISH,” necessary to furnish/produce the products in accordance with these specifications.

Contractor will provide on-site personnel to cover 24 hours, six (6) days a week, Monday through Saturday,

during normal and peak printing season time. (NOTE: Peak printing season is November through March 

annually.) On occasion, contractor may be required to provide on-site personnel to cover 24 hours, seven (7) day 

a week, Monday through Sunday, when dictated by production levels. (See “STAFFING” specified herein.)

Contractor personnel must:

 Be responsive to change (e.g., software updates, VA processes), be proactive, and be able to ensure 

maximum continuity in mission operations. 

 Coordinate effectively with the Operations management and staff to ensure operational continuity and 

clear performance accountability. 

 To the maximum extent practicable, incorporate existing VAHITC systems and assets to promote cost 

efficiency and schedule responsiveness, and utilization of Government owned equipment being operated 

to achieve the most optimal return on previous VAHITC investments.

CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS AND KEY PERSONNEL: These skilled, experienced, 

technical personnel are essential for successful contractor accomplishment of the work to be performed under this 

contract. These are defined as key personnel and are those persons whose resumes were submitted and approved

(see “PREAWARD QUALITY CONTROL PLAN”). 

All key personnel must have experience with all items listed under “TASKS (FUNCTIONS) AND 

DELIVERABLES” specified herein.

The contractor agrees that the key personnel shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without 

approval of the Contracting Officer and VA representative. If required, any personnel the contractor offers as 

substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel being replaced. 

Requests to substitute personnel shall be approved by the VA representative and the Contracting Officer. All

requests for approval of substitutions in personnel shall be submitted to the VA representative and Contracting 

Officer 30 calendar days prior to making any change in key personnel. The request shall be written and provide a 

detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution. The contractor shall submit a 

complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested by the Contracting Officer

needed to approve or disapprove the proposed substitute. The Contracting Officer will evaluate such requests and 

promptly notify the contractor of approval/disapproval thereof in writing.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 23 of 27

893-S (03/17)

STAFFING: The contractor shall provide adequate staffing to ensure coverage 24 hours per day, six (6) days a 

week, Monday through Saturday (excluding Federal holidays),

On occasion, contractor may be required to provide on-site personnel to cover 24 hours, seven (7) day a week, 

Monday through Sunday, when dictated by production levels.

Based on historical data, there were approximately four (4) PEO personnel per shift. However, it is the 

contractor’s responsibility to determine the number of personnel needed to meet the needs of the contract. 

Standard Government work shifts are defined as follows:

Shift 1: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Shift 2: 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Shift 3: 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

A work week is based on 40 hours per week. Any employee who works more than 40 hours per work week is 

entitled to overtime.

It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine and establish shifts among his employees (to ensure 24/6 or 24/7 

coverage, as needed) in accordance with all Federal laws.

Additionally, the contractor is responsible for ensuring that no contractor is working alone other than for short 

periods of time (one hour or less for breaks). This is for the personal safety as well as functional coverage of work 

areas, and also to ensure that there are personnel resources in order to satisfy performance objectives and respond 

in a timely manner to peak workload periods (November through March annually) and shifting priorities or 

competing initiatives.

HUMAN RESOURCE (HR) MANAGEMENT: The contractor is responsible for recruiting and retaining 

sufficient, qualified, and appropriately security-cleared personnel resources in order to satisfy performance 

objectives and respond in a timely manner to peak workload periods (November through March annually and 

shifting priorities or competing initiatives).

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The contractor is responsible for the following (VAHITC or other Location):

 Operating Xerox (or other similar) Laser Print Systems to print correspondence to Veterans, ROs, and 

VACO.

 Inserting First Class mail into envelopes using appropriate enclosures

 Preparing bulk mail shipments to VACO and VAROs.

 Completing control logs to track processing and release of printed material.

 Preparing transmittals reporting the number of First Class mail pieces released on a daily basis.

 Performing media automation and destruction (i.e., microfiche/CDs).

 Scanning/copying and document distribution.

 Performing historical audit trails (benefit/chapter research) and providing report of results found.

 Performing mail room activities (i.e., preparing shipments using GBLs/contacting freight movement).

 Delivering printed materials to customers within the VAHITC building.

 Reporting equipment outages to the VA representative.

 Calling for service/ordering supplies, as needed, on PEO equipment, always verifying that service is 

covered by an agreement or as authorized by a VA generated purchase order.

 Releasing all materials in accordance with a schedule of operations to be provided by VA personnel.

See “TASKS (FUNCTIONS) AND DELIVERABLES” for more detailed information regarding the required 

functions and deliverables.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 24 of 27

893-S (03/17)

CUSTOMER SERVICE: The contractor is responsible for customer service, to include, but not limited to:

 Providing, operating, and maintaining a fully functional Peripheral Equipment Operation. 

 Assisting in resolving/redirecting customer support requirements.

 Ensuring minimum VA customer delays.

 Providing coordination with Operations supporting staffs, developers, and equipment contractors for 

accuracy and consistency with all deliverables.

TASKS (FUNCTIONS) AND DELIVERABLES:

Task One Functions: 

Perform all laser/network print operations. Set up, operate, and perform minor adjustments and daily maintenance 

of the specified Laser/Network Print systems. Prepare reporting documentation to include the Laser Print Log. 

Notify VA representative when PEO equipment malfunctions. Perform weekly saves of the print systems, 

distribute saved tapes to the Media Control section.

Task One Deliverables: Daily Laser Print Logs and Daily Priority Print Report.

Task Two Functions:

Perform all Automatic Insert Mail (AIM) system operations. Insert all printed letters to Veterans and other 

recipients into envelopes using appropriate inserts. Includes manual handling of some letters and forms, as well 

as automated inserting. Letter counts are computed and totaled on a report to the mail presort contractor.

Task Two Deliverables: Accurate daily report of the number of letters inserted and released to mail sorter.

Task Three Functions:

Perform all report distribution operations. Separate, bundle, and package printed reports for distribution. Place 

reports, forms, and letters for VA Regional Offices in appropriate mail bins. Package reports for shipping via 

FedEx for release on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or as full packages are accumulated. Complete log of 

forms, letters, and reports packaged for each Region Office for FedEx tracking purposes. Maintain orderly files 

of printed output retained at Hines, rotate and dispose of old reports monthly. Document all reports processed and 

shipped on Output Status Logs and shipping transmittals. All transmittals will be filed daily.

Task Three Deliverables: Daily Output Status Logs. Logs of output shipped per container per day.

Task Four Functions: 

Advise the VA shift manager of missing reports and coordinate their production. Assist with Customer Service

requests for non-receipt, missing reports, or lost products. Mail reports to requester within one (1) workday. A 

daily accomplishment report of items printed and shipped will be completed and provided to the VA 

representative.

Task Four Deliverables: Daily accomplishment report.

TRAVEL: Travel is not anticipated on this contract.

PRINTING AND BINDING: Contractor will be responsible for the printing and folding operations using VA 

owned equipment and supplies as specified herein.
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 25 of 27

893-S (03/17)

PACKING, LABELING, AND MARKING: Contractor will be responsible for the packing, labeling, and 

marking operations using VA owned equipment and supplies as specified herein. 

DISTRIBUTION: Contractor will distribute any and all print/media output according to the Schedule of 

Operations (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual), provided by VA, which specifies the distribution. 

Distribution will be to external/internal customers using mail systems and manual or electronic delivery.

For all shipping and mailing, contractor will use VA’s shipping accounts, postal indicia, and/or Government Bills 

of Lading (GBLs). Contractor will also interact with VA’s presort contractor for pickup and presorting of mail 

pieces.

SCHEDULE: Adherence to this schedule must be maintained. Contractor must not start monthly production 

prior to receipt of the individual print order (GPO Form 2511) for that month.

 Task One Deliverables: Contractor is required to submit one copy of the completed laser print logs on a 

daily basis.

 Task Two Deliverables: Contractor is required to submit one copy of the daily report consisting of the 

number of letters released to the mail presort contractor on a daily basis.

 Task Three Deliverables: Contractor is required to submit one copy of the completed output status logs on 

a daily basis.

 Task Four Deliverables: Contractor is required to submit one copy of the accomplishment report of the 

reprinted and mailed items on a daily basis.

Contractor must complete and distribute all required items produced at VAHITC in accordance with the schedules 

provided at the time each individual job is placed. 
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 26 of 27

893-S (03/17)

SECTION 3. – DETERMINATION OF AWARD

The Government will determine the lowest bid by applying the prices offered in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES” 

to the following units of production which are the estimated requirements to produce one (1) year’s production 

under this contract. These units do not constitute, nor are they to be construed as, a guarantee of the volume of 

work which may be ordered for a like period of time.

The following item designations correspond to those listed in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES.”

I. (a) 2,496

(b) 4,992

(c) 750
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 27 of 27

893-S (03/17)

SECTION 4. – SCHEDULE OF PRICES

Prices must include the cost of all required materials and operations for each item listed in accordance with these 

specifications.

Bidder must make an entry in each of the spaces provided. Bids submitted with any obliteration, revision, or 

alteration of the order and manner of submitting bids may be declared non-responsive.

An entry of NC (No Charge) shall be entered if bidder intends to furnish individual items at no charge to the 

Government. 

Bids submitted with NB (No Bid) or blank spaces for an item may be declared non-responsive.

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to reject any offer that contains prices for individual items of 

production (whether or not such items are included in the DETERMINATION OF AWARD) that are inconsistent 

or unrealistic in regard to other prices in the same offer or to GPO prices for the same operation if such action 

would be in the best interest of the Government.

All invoices submitted to the GPO shall be based on the most economical method of production. 

Contractor’s billing invoice must be itemized in accordance with the line items in the “SCHEDULE OF 

PRICES.”

I. ON-SITE CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL: Prices offered must include all contractor costs to provide 

personnel to perform the required operations in accordance with these specifications.

(a) Shift 1 ................................................................................................................per hour......$___________

(b) Shift 2 and Shift 3..............................................................................................per hour......$___________

(c) Overtime (any shift) ..........................................................................................per hour......$___________

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BID SUBMISSION: Fill out “SECTION 4. - SCHEDULE OF PRICES,” initialing or 

signing each page in the space(s) provided. Submit two copies (original and one exact duplicate) of the 

“SCHEDULE OF PRICES” with two copies of the GPO Form 910 “BID” form. Do not enter bid prices on GPO 

Form 910; prices entered in the “SCHEDULE OF PRICES” will prevail.

Bidder _____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(City - State)

By ________________________________________________________________________________________

(Signature and title of person authorized to sign this bid)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(Person to be contacted) (Telephone Number)
On

-Site Production Print Operators Page 28 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT A Page 1 of 1
On

-Site Production Print Operators Page 29 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT 

B Page 1 of 1
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 30 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT CC Page Page 1 of 1 of 15

National Rules of Behavior
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 31 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT C Page 2 of 5

National Rules of Behavior
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 32 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT C Page 3 of 5

National Rules of Behavior
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 33 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT C Page 4 of 5

National Rules of Behavior
On-Site Production Print Operators Page 34 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT C Page 5 of 5

National Rules of Behavior
On

-Site Production Print Operators Page 35 of 27

893-S (03/17) ATTACHMENT 

D Page 1 of 1