Source: http://docplayer.net/21314434-Memorandum-department-of-veterans-affairs-acting-deputy-senior-procurement-executive.html
Timestamp: 2018-04-22 13:14:56
Document Index: 175897952

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 17', 'art 817', 'arts 802', 'art 802', 'art 804', 'art 806', 'art 806', 'art 808', 'art 808', 'art 808', 'art 810', 'art 812', 'art 812', 'art 812', 'art 812', 'art 813', 'art 813', 'art 19', 'art 813', 'art 817', 'art 17', 'art 819', 'art 819', 'art 852', 'art 873', 'art 873', 'art 873', 'art 873', 'art 873', 'ART 802', 'ART 804', 'ART 806', 'art 6', 'ART 808', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 17', 'ART 810', 'ART 812', 'art 12', 'art 812', 'ART 813', 'art 19', 'art 19', 'ART 817', 'ART 819', 'art 19', 'art 19', 'art 19', 'art 19', 'art 19', 'art 6', 'art 8', 'art 12', 'art 19', 'art 5', 'art 74']

Memorandum. Department of Veterans Affairs. Acting Deputy Senior Procurement Executive - PDF
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1 Department of Veterans Affairs Memorandum Date: July 25, 2016 From: Subj: To: Acting Deputy Senior Procurement Executive Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) VA Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs) 1. Purpose: This class deviation includes changes to the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) to amend the implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program consistent with the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Kingdomware Technologies, Inc. v. United States, June 16, VAAR Parts Impacted: VAAR 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, 813, 817, 819, 852, and 873. This class deviation supersedes VAAR 808 dated May 5, Effective Date/Expiration Date: Effective immediately and expires when incorporated in the VAAR or the VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM) or is otherwise rescinded. 4. Applicability: This class deviation applies to all VA contracts (see definition of contract at FAR 2.101). Additionally, this deviation applies to contracts conducted by VA or on behalf of VA, using interagency acquisitions in accordance with FAR subpart 17.5, VAAR subpart 817.5, and FAR 8.404(b)(2), and any other arrangement with any governmental entity to acquire goods and services by contract on behalf of the VA. 5. Background: On June 16, 2016 the Supreme Court held that 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) applies to all contracts including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and orders placed against the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. The Court also held the rule of two contracting procedures in section 8127(d) are not limited to those contracts necessary to fulfill the Secretary s goals. 6. Need for Deviation: Full implementation of the Supreme Court s decision in Kingdomware requires a class deviation, in accordance with FAR and VAAR , to revise affected parts of the VAAR. Attachments 1-11 include revised VAAR parts 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, 813, 817, 819, 852, and 873.
2 Page 2 Subject: Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) 7. Current and New Policy: This section provides highlights of current and new policy for affected VAAR parts and sections. a. Definitions of Words and Terms. (Attachment 1 VAAR part 802) 1) Current Policy: Definition section of VAAR excludes some definitions necessary to implement the. In addition, some definitions need revisions in order to reflect the Veterans First Contracting Program. 2) New Policy: New definitions were added and some definitions are revised to define words and phrases unique to the. Therefore, this class deviation changes VAAR as follows: Adds the definition for Public Law (Pub. L.) ; Replaces the definition for Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB); Adds the definition for VA Rule of Two; Replaces the definition for Vendor Information Pages (VIP); Adds the definition for ; and Replaces the definition for Veteran-owned small business (VOSB). b. Administrative Matters. (Attachment 2 VAAR part 804) 1) Current Policy: VAAR is deleted and replaced by VAAR Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database to align with FAR ) New Policy: Requires service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses to be listed as verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database to receive awards under the Veterans First Contracting Program. Therefore, this class deviation adds VAAR c. Competition Requirements. (Attachment 3 VAAR part 806) 1) Current Policy: Use of multiple award schedules for the multiple award schedule program of the General Services Administration (GSA) is a competitive procedure. 2) New Policy: Awards made using the multiple award schedules program of the GSA, including the VA Federal Supply Schedule Program, are competitive. When a set-aside is restricted to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs according to the authorities of and , such awards constitute full and open competition, after exclusion of sources pursuant to 38 U.S.C Therefore, this class deviation adds the following sections to VAAR part 806:
3 Page 3 Subject: Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) VAAR ; VAAR ; and VAAR d. Required Sources of Supplies and Services. (Attachment 4 VAAR part 808) 1) Current Policy: VAAR , per class deviation dated May 5, 2016, includes VA prime-vendor, national and VA FSS contracts as mandatory sources. There is no VAAR to address non-mandatory sources. There is no current VAAR subpart language implementing the Veterans First Contracting Program to the Federal Supply Schedules. 2) New Policy: This class deviation rescinds class deviation VAAR part 808 dated May 5, 2016 and moves VA mandatory contract vehicles to VAAR as non-mandatory, while retaining priority over other existing contract vehicles. This class deviation adds VAAR , , , and to fully implement the Veterans First Contracting Program as it relates to VAAR part 808, Required Sources of Supplies and Services including the Federal Supply Schedules. e. Market Research. (Attachment 5 VAAR part 810) 1) Current Policy: When conducting market research, VA contracting teams shall use the VIP database, at in addition to other sources of information. 2) New Policy: The applies to all VA contracts and takes precedence over other small business programs. This class deviation also provides an updated website for the VIP database. This class deviation adds this new policy at VAAR f. Acquisition of Commercial Items. (Attachment 6 VAAR part 812) 1) Current Policy: When a policy in another part of the VAAR differs from a policy in VAAR part 812, part 812 applies to the acquisition of commercial items. 2) New Policy: If the policy in VAAR part 812 differs from the policy in VAAR subpart , the policies in VAAR subpart apply. This class deviation adds this new policy at VAAR
4 Page 4 Subject: Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) g. Simplified Acquisition Procedures. (Attachment 7 VAAR part 813) 1) Current Policy: Agencies shall use simplified acquisition procedures to the maximum extent practicable for all purchases of supplies or services not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (including purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold). 2) New Policy: The in VAAR subpart applies to VA contract actions under VAAR part 813 and has precedence over other small business programs in FAR part 19. Therefore, this class deviation changes VAAR part 813 as follows: Adds VAAR ; Adds VAAR ; Replaces VAAR ; and Replaces VAAR h. Special Contracting Methods. (Attachment 8 VAAR part 817) 1) Current Policy: Any contract, memorandum of understanding, agreement, or other arrangement with any governmental entity to acquire goods and services, shall include in such contract, memorandum, agreement, or other arrangement a requirement that the entity will comply, to the maximum extent feasible, with the provisions of 38 U.S.C and Nothing in VAAR shall be construed to supersede or otherwise affect the authorities provided under the Small Business Act. 2) New Policy: As a result of updates to FAR subpart 17.5, VAAR is not aligned with FAR Any agreement or other arrangement with any governmental entity to acquire goods and services on behalf of VA by contract, shall comply with the. Contracting officers shall award contracts to verified and qualified SDVOSBs and VOSBs included in the VIP database. This class deviation replaces the language in VAAR in its entirety and renumbers this section as i. Small Business Programs. (Attachment 9 VAAR part 819) 1) Current Policy: VAAR subpart implements 38 U.S.C and 8128 as the. 2) New Policy: Amends implementation of the Veterans First Contracting Program to include emphasizing attainment of the Secretary s annual goals for SDVOSBs/VOSBs does not limit the applicability of the Veterans First Contracting Program. Additionally, VAAR part 819 details full implementation of
5 Page 5 Subject: Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) the to give preference to SDVOSBs and VOSBs for all VA contracts and contracts on behalf of VA. This class deviation revises VAAR subpart to fully implement the Veterans First Contracting Program to comply with 38 U.S.C and 8128 and the Supreme Court decision. j. Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses. (Attachment 10 VAAR part 852) 1) Current Policy: SDVOSBs and VOSBs must be listed in the VIP database, available at and also must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). 2) New Policy: All SDVOSBs and VOSBs participating in the Veterans First Contracting Program must be listed as verified in the VIP database at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ to receive contract awards under the Veterans First Contracting Program as implemented in VAAR subpart This class deviation revises provisions and clauses at VAAR , and to update the web address for the VIP database and to adjust the limitations on subcontracting to comply with Small Business regulations. k. Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Health-Care Resources. (Attachment 11 VAAR part 873) 1) Current Policy: The simplified acquisition procedures in VAAR part 873 apply to the acquisition of health-care resources consisting of commercial services or the use of medical equipment or space. When a policy or procedure in the FAR or another part of the VAAR differs from the policy in VAAR part 873, part 873 shall apply. 2) New Policy: To the extent not otherwise excluded by law, the Veterans First Contracting Program in VAAR subpart applies to VA contracts under VAAR part 873 and has precedence over other small business programs. Therefore, this class deviation revises VAAR and VAAR to reflect this policy. 8. Attachments: Attachments 1-11 detail the revisions to each VAAR part. Note: The symbol ***** is used in the attachments for context, as applicable, to denote remaining text in the FAR and VAAR are unchanged.
6 Page 6 Subject: Implementation of the as a Result of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision ( Veterans First Contracting Program (VFCP 2016) 9. Additional Information: Direct questions regarding this class deviation to the Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Service via at or (202) /s/ Sheila P. Darrell Attachments: 1. Attachment 1 VAAR 802, Definitions of Words and Terms 2. Attachment 2 VAAR 804, Administrative Matters 3. Attachment 3 VAAR 806, Competition Requirements 4. Attachment 4 VAAR 808, Required Sources of Supplies and Services 5. Attachment 5 VAAR 810, Market Research 6. Attachment 6 VAAR 812, Acquisition of Commercial Items 7. Attachment 7 VAAR 813, Simplified Acquisition Procedures 8. Attachment 8 VAAR 817, Special Contracting Methods 9. Attachment 9 VAAR 819, Small Business Programs 10. Attachment 10 VAAR 852, Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses 11. Attachment 11 VAAR 873, Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Health-Care Resources
7 ATTACHMENT 1 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION Definitions. PART 802 DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS ***** Public Law (Pub. L.) means the Veterans Benefits, Health Care and Information Technology Act of 2006, as amended and codified in 38 U.S.C and ***** Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) has the same meaning as service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern defined in FAR 2.101, except for acquisitions authorized by 38 U.S.C and 8128 for the Veterans First Contracting Program. These businesses must be listed as verified in the VIP database. In addition, some of the SDVOSB businesses listed in the VIP database may be owned and controlled by a surviving spouse. See definition of surviving spouse in ***** VA Rule of Two means the process in 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) whereby a contracting officer of the Department shall award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. For purposes of this VA specific rule, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) or a veteran-owned small business (VOSB), must meet the eligibility requirements in 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), (f) and VAAR and be listed as verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. ***** Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database means the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov. This site's database lists businesses that the VA Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) has determined eligible for the. ***** Page 1 of 2 Attachment 1 VAAR 802
8 means the program authorized by 38 U.S.C and 8128 (Pub. L , as amended), implemented under subpart This program applies to all VA contracts (see FAR for the definition of contracts) including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and orders against the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), unless otherwise excluded by law. ***** Veteran-owned small business (VOSB) has the same meaning as veteran-owned small business concern defined in FAR 2.101, except for acquisitions authorized by 38 U.S.C and 8128 for the. These businesses must be listed as verified in the VIP database. A business whose SDVOSB status derives from ownership and control by a surviving spouse shall also be considered a VOSB. Page 2 of 2 Attachment 1 VAAR 802
9 ATTACHMENT 2 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 804 ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Vendor Information Pages database. All service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) participating in the must be listed as verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ at the time of submission of offer/quote to receive contract awards under the. Contracting officers shall check the VIP database before evaluating offers or quotes and before making awards to confirm an offeror s status as a verified SDVOSB or VOSB. Contracting officers shall continue to consult the System for Award Management (SAM) to verify the contractor has represented it meets the size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code applicable to the acquisition, per FAR Page 1 of 1 Attachment 2 VAAR 804
10 ATTACHMENT 3 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 806 COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS Use of competitive procedures. (d)(3) Awards made using General Services Administration (GSA) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) are considered competitive. When set-aside for competition restricted to verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) according to and , such awards constitute full and open competition after exclusion of sources pursuant to 38 U.S.C VA set-asides for verified veteran-owned small businesses using the VA Rule of Two. (a) To fulfill the statutory requirements relating to Public Law , the Veterans Benefits, Health Care and Information Technology Act of 2006 (38 U.S.C and 8128), contracting officers shall set aside solicitations for veteran-owned small businesses (see and ) whenever market research provides the contracting officer with a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers/quotes from verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs at fair and reasonable prices that offer best value to the Government (see and 7006). (b) This requirement applies to all contracts under this subpart, including orders under interagency acquisition vehicles such as FSS, Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs), and multi-agency contracts (MACs). (c) No separate justification or determination and findings are required under this subpart to set aside contracts for SDVOSBs or VOSBs listed as verified in the VIP database. (d) Contracting officers shall utilize the authority in paragraph (a) over other set-asides authorized in FAR subpart 6.2 whenever market research supports the decision. A setaside restricted to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs satisfies competition as well as the fair opportunity requirements (see FAR (b)(2)(i)(F)). (e) Subparts and prescribe policies and procedures that shall be followed with respect to verified SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides. Page 1 of 2 Attachment 3 VAAR 806
11 Noncompetitive procedures for verified small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. (a) Full and open competition need not be provided for when awarding a sole source contract with a verified SDVOSB or a verified VOSB in accordance with or as authorized. Pursuant to FAR (c)(2)(ii), the justification and approval requirements of FAR and apply. (b) Noncompetitive procedures for contracts below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. When entering into a contract with a verified small business concern owned and controlled by veterans for an amount less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a contracting officer may use procedures other than competitive procedures. (Cite: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5), as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 8127(b)). (c) Sole source contracts above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. (Cite: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(5), as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 8127(c)). A contracting officer may award a contract to a verified small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures if 12. Such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity; (1) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, but will not exceed $5 million; and (2) In the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. Page 2 of 2 Attachment 3 VAAR 806
12 ATTACHMENT 4 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 808 REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Priorities for use of mandatory Government sources. (a)(1) Supplies. (i) VA inventories including the VA supply stock program (41 CFR ) and VA excess. (ii) Excess from other agencies (see FAR subpart 8.1). (iii) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (see FAR subpart 8.6). (iv) Supplies or services that are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, known as AbilityOne (FAR subpart 8.7), are mandatory sources. However, VA contracting officers shall, prior to adding any new VA requirements to the Procurement List, conduct market research, apply the VA Rule of Two to consider Vendor Information Pages (VIP) verified service-disabled veteranowned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) as required in 38 U.S.C and implemented in subpart All new VA requirements must be approved by the Chief Acquisition Officer, via the Senior Procurement Executive, before contacting the Committee for adding to the Procurement List. (v) Wholesale supply sources, such as stock programs of the General Services Administration (GSA) (see 41 CFR ), the Defense Logistics Agency (see 41 CFR ), the Department of Veterans Affairs (see 41 CFR ), and military inventory control points. (2) Services. Services that are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (see FAR subpart 8.7). (b) Unusual and compelling urgency. The contracting officer may use a source lower in priority than as specified in FAR and when the need for supplies or services is of an unusual and compelling urgency (see FAR and FAR ). (c) The statutory obligation for Government agencies to satisfy their requirements for supplies or services available from the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Page 1 of 4 Attachment 4 VAAR 808
13 Blind or Severely Disabled also applies when contractors purchase the supplies or services for Government use Use of non-mandatory sources by VA. (a) In order to fulfill the requirements of 38 U.S.C and 8128 (see subpart ), contracting officers shall award contracts (see FAR for the definition of contracts), including Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) and orders against Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) and provide priority in the awarding of contracts to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Contracting officers shall ensure priorities for veteran-owned small businesses are implemented within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences in subpart (b) VA strategic sourcing priorities and application of the VA Rule of Two. To provide medical supplies in Federal Supply Classification (FSC) groups 65 and 66 efficiently and effectively the VA, through previous reform initiatives, has implemented key strategic sourcing contract vehicles (prime-vendor and VA FSS). Contracting officers shall consider the prime-vendor and VA FSS contract vehicles before using other existing contract vehicles. (c) When considering set-asides for verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs against existing contract vehicles, contracting officers shall (1) Search the VIP database by applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code(s); (2) Determine if two or more verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs are listed by the NAICS code(s); (3) Determine if identified SDVOSBs or VOSBs are capable of performing the work and likely to submit an offer/quote at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. (4) If criteria in (c)(1-3) are met, and if the existing contract vehicle represents, in the judgement of the contracting officer, the best business choice, the contracting officer shall set aside the requirement in the contracting order of priority (see and ) using the applicable provision and clause at (5) If the contracting officer determines existing contract vehicles are not suitable for award of a set-aside, an open market set-aside should be pursued. Page 2 of 4 Attachment 4 VAAR 808
14 Use of Federal Supply Schedules the Veterans First Contracting Program. (a) General. The implemented in subpart pursuant to 38 U.S.C 8127 and 8128 applies to VA contracts, BPAs, and orders under FAR 8.4 and has precedence over other small business programs. (b)(1) Contracting officers, when establishing a BPA or placing an order against the FSS, shall ensure that priorities for veteran-owned small businesses are implemented within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences in subpart Specifically, the contracting officer will consider preferences for verified SDVOSBs first, then preferences for verified VOSBs. These priorities will be followed by preferences for other small businesses in accordance with FAR , and (2) Set-asides for verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs are mandatory whenever a contracting officer has a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. This mandate applies to contracting officers issuing BPAs and placing orders against the FSS. Because only verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs can participate on such set-asides, the contracting officer should start by reviewing verified firms in the VIP database, then determine if there is an existing contract vehicle (with priority preference for VA prime-vendor, national and VA FSS contracts) that is most appropriate. The VA Rule of Two for SDVOSBs and VOSBs, in that order, shall be applied in all instances. A set-aside restricted to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs under satisfies the competition requirement in the FAR. (c) When the servicing agency will award contracts under an interagency agreement on behalf of the VA, the contracting officer shall ensure the interagency acquisition complies with FAR subpart 17.5 and subpart and includes terms requiring compliance with the VA Rule of Two (see ) VA Rule of Two ordering procedures for Federal Supply Schedules the. Contracting officers shall use the supplemental ordering procedures of this section when establishing a BPA or placing an order for supplies or services. When a policy in another part of the FAR is inconsistent with a policy in this part and FAR 8.405, this subpart shall take precedence for acquisitions against the FSS. (a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, contracting activities shall set aside BPAs and orders for SDVOSBs or VOSBs when indicated by market research. The set-aside authorities of and are mandatory whenever the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more competitive offers/quotes at fair and reasonable prices that offer best value to the Government from SDVOSBs or VOSBs listed as verified in the VIP database. Page 3 of 4 Attachment 4 VAAR 808
15 (1) When setting aside BPAs and orders against the FSS, the eligibility requirements of , , and apply, including the requirement for offerors to be verified to submit offers/quotes or receive awards. To ensure fair and reasonable prices that offer best value to the Government and compliance with other requirements, the contracting officer shall (i) Notify potential offerors of the unique VA verification requirements by including the applicable set-aside clause prescribed at (ii) Post the RFQ on e-buy to afford all verified SDVOSB or VOSB schedule contractors, depending on the set-aside, offering the required supplies or services under the appropriate multiple award schedule(s) an opportunity to submit a quote; or (iii) Provide the RFQ to as many verified SDVOSB or VOSB schedule contractors as practicable, depending on the set-aside, consistent with market research appropriate to the circumstances. The requirements in FAR , and , apply, except only verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs, will be considered. (b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C and to the extent that market research does not support an SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside, the contracting activity shall give priority to SDVOSBs/VOSBs through the use of evaluation preferences, as provided in The contracting activity, when developing a statement of work and any evaluation criteria in addition to price, shall adhere to and apply the evaluation factor commitments at (c) The SDVOSB and VOSB eligibility requirements in apply, including verification of the SDVOSB and VOSB status at the time of submission of offer/quote and prior to award. The offeror must also represent that it meets the small business size standard for the assigned NAICS and other small business requirements (e.g. nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting) Ordering procedures for services requiring a statement of work. See for SDVOSB/VOSB set-aside requirements and the use of evaluation preferences when a set aside is not feasible Small business set-asides the. When issuing BPAs or placing orders against the FSS, the contracting officer shall restrict competition to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, when market research provides the contracting officer with a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers/quotes from verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs and award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. Page 4 of 4 Attachment 4 VAAR 808
16 ATTACHMENT 5 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION Market research policy. PART 810 MARKET RESEARCH When performing market research, contracting officers shall review the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov as required by subpart The contracting officer will search the VIP database by applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to determine if two or more verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteranowned small businesses (VOSBs), in the appropriate NAICS code, are listed as verified in the VIP database. The contracting officer will determine if identified SDVOSBs or VOSBs are capable of performing the work and likely to submit an offer/quote at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. If so, the contracting officer shall set-aside the requirement in the contracting order of priority (see and ). Page 1 of 1 Attachment 5 VAAR 810
17 ATTACHMENT 6 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 812 ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS Applicability of veterans preferences Based on the authority under 38 U.S.C and 8128, the Veterans First Contracting Program in subpart applies to VA contracts under this part. When a policy in FAR part 12 or part 812 is inconsistent with a policy in subpart , the policy in subpart takes precedence. Page 1 of 1 Attachment 6 VAAR 812
18 ATTACHMENT 7 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION Policy PART 813 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (a) General. The in subpart applies to VA contracts (see FAR 2.101, Definitions) under this part and has precedence over other small business programs referenced in FAR part 19. (b) Notwithstanding FAR (b)(2), the contracting officer shall make an award utilizing the priorities for veteran-owned small businesses as implemented within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences, the Veterans First Contracting Program in subpart Specifically, the contracting officer shall consider preferences for verified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) first, then preferences for verified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs). These priorities will be followed by preferences for other small businesses in accordance with FAR , and (c) When using competitive procedures, the preference for restricting competition to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs is mandatory whenever market research provides a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more offers/quotes from eligible, capable and verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs at fair and reasonable prices that offer best value to the Government. (1) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, contracts under this part shall be set-aside for SDVOSBs or VOSBs, when supported by market research. Contracting officers shall use the applicable set-aside clause prescribed at (2) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C and to the extent that market research does not support an SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside, the contracting officer shall include evaluation factors as prescribed at and the evaluation criteria clause prescribed at (a). (d) The SDVOSB and VOSB eligibility requirements in part apply, including verification of the SDVOSB and VOSB status of an offeror or awardee at the time of submission of offer/quote and prior to award. The offeror must also represent that it meets the small business size standard for the assigned North American Industry Classification Code System (NAICS) code and other small business requirements in FAR part 19 (e.g. subcontracting limitations and non-manufacturer rule). Page 1 of 2 Attachment 7 VAAR 813
19 Source list. (a) Pursuant to , contracting officers shall use the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database to verify SDVOSB/VOSB status Soliciting competition, evaluation of quotations or offers, award and documentation the. (a) General. When using competitive procedures under this part, the contracting officer shall use the in subpart and the guidance set forth in (b) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C 8127(b), contracting officers may use other than competitive procedures to enter into a contract with a verified SDVOSB or VOSB for procurements under the simplified acquisition threshold. (c) Under 38 U.S.C. 8127(c), contracting officers may also award a contract under this part to a firm verified under the at subpart , using procedures other than competitive procedures if (1) Such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity; (2) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, but will not exceed $5,000,000; and (3) In the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers overall best value to the government Purchase guidelines. (a)(1) Open market micro-purchases shall be equitably distributed among all verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs to the maximum extent practicable in keeping with the flexibilities inherent in purchases under the micro-purchase threshold. Page 2 of 2 Attachment 7 VAAR 813
20 ATTACHMENT 8 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION General PART 817 Special Contracting Methods (d) All contracts, agreements, or other arrangements with any governmental entity to acquire goods and services, including construction, that permits the governmental entity to award contracts on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall include a requirement that the entity will comply with the provisions of 38 U.S.C and 8128 and the as implemented at subpart The governmental entity shall award contracts (see FAR for the definition of contracts) to capable service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteranowned small businesses (VOSBs) listed as verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. Page 1 of 1 Attachment 8 VAAR 817
21 ATTACHMENT 9 CLASS DEVIATION VETERANS FIRST CONTRACTING PROGRAM TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION General policy. PART 819 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS (a) It is the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) policy that small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans shall have maximum practicable opportunity to participate in VA acquisitions, consistent with efficient contract performance and the priorities and preferences established under 38 U.S.C and (1) To carry out this policy the Secretary establishes annual goals for servicedisabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small business (VOSB) participation in VA contracting. The VA SDVOSB goal shall be no less than the government-wide goal for SDVOSBs. (2) In support of these goals, each administration and staff office shall in turn establish annual goals for each subordinate contracting activity that present, for that activity, the maximum practicable opportunity for small business concerns, and particularly SDVOSBs/VOSBs, to participate in the performance of the activity s contracts and subcontracts. (3) The attainment of these goals or the use of interagency acquisition vehicles does not limit the applicability of the and priorities in subpart (b) Each Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) shall develop, in coordination with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), an annual small business operating plan to increase the share of contracts and purchase orders awarded under the small business programs prescribed in FAR Part 19 and this part. The HCA shall also ensure that an annual procurement forecast of contracting opportunity is developed pursuant to Section 501 of Public Law (c) In addition to the duties and responsibilities in FAR (c), the OSDBU Director is also responsible for the implementation of the in subpart (d) Each organization with contracting authority shall designate small business specialists/technical advisors in coordination with the OSDBU Director. Page 1 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
22 Specific policies. OSDBU is responsible for reviewing procurement strategies and making recommendations to assist contracting officers in the implementation of this part. These responsibilities shall be conducted within the VA hierarchy of small business program preferences established by 38 U.S.C. 8127(i) (see subpart ), which requires VA to consider preferences for verified SDVOSBs first, then preferences for verified VOSBs. The attainment of contracting goals or the use of Governmentwide or multiagency contract vehicles does not preclude the applicability of these preferences. Contracting officers shall use VA Form 2268, Small Business Program and Contract Bundling Review to document actions and recommendations. Searches and results of the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database shall be saved and attached to the VA Form 2268 along with accompanying market research report or information Priority for service-disabled veteran-owned small business/veteranowned small business contracting preferences. (a) 38 U.S.C and 8128 require the VA to provide priority and establish special acquisition methods to increase contracting opportunities for SDVOSBs and VOSBs. These priorities and special acquisition methods are set forth in subpart and shall be applied by VA contracting officers before other priorities and preferences in FAR (b) When using a contracting preference under FAR part 19 (for example, a womenowned small business set-aside), contracting officers shall give priority to small business concerns verified as owned and controlled by veterans pursuant to subpart , if such business concern(s) also meet the requirements of that contracting preference. Contracting officers shall include the provision and clause prescribed at in solicitations. (c) The attainment of goals or the use of interagency vehicles or Governmentwide contract vehicles (i.e., Federal Supply Schedules (FSS)) does not relieve the contracting officer from using SDVOSB/VOSB set-asides and other preferences as required by subpart U.S.C. 8127(j) requires that if the VA enters into a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with any governmental entity to acquire goods or services, the entity acting on behalf of the VA through such an interagency acquisition or other agreement will comply, to the maximum extent feasible, with the provisions of the program of preferences and priorities for verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs. Page 2 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
23 General principles for setting aside VA acquisitions. (a) The following principles apply to VA acquisitions under this subpart: (1) Before setting aside or reserving an acquisition for small businesses under FAR subpart 19.5, contracting officers shall refer to and subpart for VA SDVOSB/VOSB priorities and preferences. (2) Set-asides under the in subpart (see and ) have precedence over other small business setasides referenced in FAR part 19, both above and below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides also satisfy the requirement to reserve actions below the SAT for small business. (3) Set-asides for verified SDVOSB and VOSB are mandatory whenever a contracting officer has a reasonable expectation of receiving two or more competitive offers/quotes at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. Because only verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs can participate on such set-asides, the contracting officer should start by identifying firms listed as verified in the VIP database and then determine what acquisition strategy and priorities in (a), including FSS, is most appropriate. (4) When a procurement requirement will not be set aside or otherwise awarded to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs pursuant to subpart , the contracting officer shall document the file in accordance with OSDBU guidance and include SDVOSB/VOSB evaluation preferences in the solicitation as set forth in (b) These principles apply even when a procuring activity is meeting its goals or is planning the use of an interagency or Governmentwide contract vehicle. (c) Any reference to small business preferences/set-asides in FAR subpart 19.5 is to be construed to include verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs, unless it clearly conflicts with this subpart Multiple-award contracts and small business set-asides. (c) The requirements in subpart apply to VA orders and BPAs under Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACS) and Multi- Agency Contracts (MACs) awarded by another agency. A set-aside restricted to verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs pursuant to subpart satisfies competition requirements in FAR part 6, as well as the fair opportunity requirements in FAR part (see FAR (b)(2)(i)(F)). Page 3 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
24 General. (a) Sections 502 and 503 of Public Law , the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 as amended (38 U.S.C ) directs a VA specific acquisition program for small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans and those owned and controlled by veterans. (b) The purpose of the program is to provide contracting assistance to verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs, so they can fully participate in the VA contracting process. The program as implemented in this subpart shall be referred to as the Veterans First Contracting Program. (c) 38 U.S.C (b), (c) and (d) provide the authority for VA contracting officers to make awards to verified SDVOSBs/VOSBs using set-asides, as well as other than full and open competition (sole source), when certain conditions are met. (d) Contracting officers shall award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans (see and ), to the maximum extent practicable. The contracting officer may also use other SDVOSB/VOSB preferences in this subpart as appropriate Applicability. This subpart applies to VA contracting activities and to all contracts (see FAR 2.101, Definitions), including BPAs and orders, under FAR subpart 8.4 and FAR part 12 that are not otherwise excluded by law. In addition, this subpart applies to any government entity that has a contract, agreement, or other arrangement with the VA to acquire goods and services on behalf of the VA in accordance with Eligibility. (a) Size eligibility of SDVOSBs/VOSBs continues to be governed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations, 13 CFR subparts through , as well as FAR part 19, except where expressly directed otherwise by this part, and 38 CFR 74 verification regulations for SDVOSBs /VOSBs. (b) At the time of submission of offers/quotes, and prior to award of any contracts, the offeror must represent to the contracting officer that it is a (1) SDVOSB or VOSB eligible under this subpart; (2) Small business concern under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the acquisition; and Page 4 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
25 (3) SDVOSB/VOSB listed as verified in VIP database at: https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov. (c) A joint venture may be considered an SDVOSB/ VOSB concern if (1) At least one member of the joint venture is a verified SDVOSB or VOSB and makes the representations in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) Each other concern is small under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the procurement; (3) The joint venture meets the requirements of paragraph 7 of the size standard explanation of affiliates in FAR ; and (4) The joint venture meets the requirements of 13 CFR (b), modified to include VOSBs where this CFR section refers to SDVOSBs. (d) Any SDVOSB/VOSB (non-manufacturer) must meet the requirements in FAR (f) to receive a benefit under this program. (e) In some instances, SDVOSB eligibility may be extended to businesses owned and operated by surviving spouses, as set forth in ; (f) Pursuant to 38 USC 8127(g), any business concern that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented its SDVOSB/VOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years. This debarment includes all principals in the business. See , Debarment Contracting order of priority. In determining the acquisition strategy applicable to a procurement requirement the contracting officer shall consider, in the following order of priority, contracting preferences prescribed in this part for awarding VA contracts to: (a) Eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans; (b) Eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans that are not covered by paragraph (1); (c) Small business concerns using priorities and preferences in and this subpart. Page 5 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
26 VA service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside procedures. (a) The contracting officer shall consider SDVOSB set-asides, before considering VOSB set-asides. Except as authorized by , and , the contracting officer shall set-aside an acquisition for competition restricted to verified SDVOSB concerns upon a reasonable expectation based on market research that: (1) Offers/quotes will be received from two or more eligible SDVOSB; and (2) Award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the government. (b) When conducting SDVOSB set-asides, the contracting officer shall ensure that: (1) Businesses are registered and verified as eligible in the VIP database at the time of submission of offers/quotes, and prior to making an award; and (2) Offerors affirmatively represent their small business status based on the size standard corresponding to the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the solicitation/contract, as set forth in (b) and/or (c). (c) If the contracting officer receives only one acceptable offer at a fair and reasonable price from a verified SDVOSB in response to a SDVOSB set-aside, the contracting officer should make an award to that SDVOSB. If the contracting officer receives no acceptable offers/quotes from verified SDVOSBs, the set-aside shall be withdrawn and the requirement, if still valid, set aside for VOSB competition, or otherwise procured using the most appropriate strategy based on the results of market research VA veteran-owned small business set-aside procedures. (a) The contracting officer shall consider SDVOSB set-asides before considering VOSB set-asides. Except as authorized by , and , the contracting officer shall set aside an acquisition for competition restricted to SDVOSBs or VOSBs upon a reasonable expectation, based on market research, that: (1) Offers/quotes will be received from two or more eligible SDVOSBs or VOSBs; and (2) Award can be made at a fair and reasonable price. (b) When conducting SDVOSB or VOSB set-asides, the contracting officer shall ensure that: Page 6 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
27 (1) Businesses are listed as verified in the VIP database at the time of submission of offers/quotes and prior to making an award; and (2) Offerors affirmatively represent their SDVOSB/VOSB and small business status based on the size standard corresponding to the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the solicitation/contract as set forth in (b) and/or (c). (c) If the contracting officer receives only one acceptable offer at a fair and reasonable price from a verified SDVOSB/VOSB in response to a SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside, the contracting officer should make an award to that SDVOSB or VOSB. If the contracting officer receives no acceptable offers/quotes from verified SDVOSBs or VOSBs, the SDVOSB or VOSB set-aside shall be withdrawn and the requirement, if still valid, set aside for other small business programs or otherwise procured using the most appropriate strategy based on the results of market research Sole source awards to a verified service-disabled veteran-owned small business. (a) A contracting officer may award a contract to a verified SDVOSB concern using procedures other than competitive procedures provided (1) The anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed $5 million; (2) The justification prepared pursuant to FAR (c)(2)(ii) is posted in accordance with FAR subpart 5.301(d); (3) The SDVOSB concern has been determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance; and (4) In the estimation of the contracting officer, contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the Government. (b) The contracting officer's determination to make a sole source award is a business decision wholly within the discretion of the contracting officer. To ensure that opportunities are available to the broadest number of verified SDVOSBs, this authority is to be used judiciously and only when in the best interest of the Government. (c) A determination that only one SDVOSB can meet the requirement is not required. However, in accordance with FAR (c)(2)(ii), contracts awarded using this authority shall be supported by a written justification and approval described in FAR and 6.304, as applicable. Page 7 of 9 Attachment 9 VAAR 819
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