Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Page 25 of 25 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice *= Required Field Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Page 1 of 25 Des... Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Page 25 of 25 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice *= Required Field Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Page 1 of 25 Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2024-03 2/23/2024 This solicitation is for a Small Business set-aside. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is (335220), with a small business size standard of 900 employees. The FSC/PSC is 7320 The purpose of this procurement request is to obtain a heavy-duty stainless-steel conveyor dish machine for the VANJHCS Lyons Campus. A heavy-duty stainless-steel dish machine is ideal for this institution since we serve over 600 meals daily. This dish machine maintains high temperature washing which kills bacteria and viruses. It provides the advantage of volume and speed. All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following: This action is to request firm-fixed price, brand name or equal contract for the purchase of Hobart Model No. CL44VL 1 and meet all salient characteristics. Supplies/Services DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES REQUIRED Training for the proper use of the Dish machine will be provided by the Vendor. Specific Deliverables The contractor shall provide: Conveyor Dishwasher, single tank with Ventless Energy Recovery 208v/60/3 ph, Left to Right, (202) racks/hour, .45 gallon/rack, Standard Height (19.5 h x 22 w opening Disposer, with 1-1/2 HP motor, steel housing, with adjustable flange feet Heat Pump Soiled Breakdown system Soiled dish table, with pre-rinse sink, and spray with sink grill, overhead racks and storage shelf. Water Softener 14 gallons water volume, with salt alarm and able to hold 2 bags of salt. The system must include a complete delime and booster guard to minimize lime scale build-up. The unit must be equipped with intuitive touch screen controls to ensure easy and efficient operation. The equipment s opening must accommodate full-size sheet pans placed horizontally. The supplied item must meet the requirements to fit within existing space parameters: Room location of installation dimensions - H: 107 W: 125 L: 183 Dishwasher crated dimensions: H: 84 W: 38 L: 74 Heat pump assembly: H: 36 W: 34 L: 52 The contractor shall deliver, uncrate, and set in place. Vendor must install unit to be performed during regular work hours (M-F) 8 am 5pm). The dish machine will be delivered, received, uncrated and set up in building 135, Rm -108 (Pot Room). Once all utilities have been connected by the Customer Facility Management Services, the Vendor will make return trip to perform dishwasher startup and verify operation of all equipment. Special Instructions Installations completed during normal business hours. Monday Friday; 8:00am 5:00pm Receipt of equipment at VAMC Lyons. 151 Knollcroft Rd, Lyons Nj 07939, building 135 (Community Living Center), Ground floor, Main Kitchen Uncrating and set in place in existing location on the ground level Final hook ups (within 5 feet) to existing utilities Validation equipment is working properly upon completion of installation Removal of packaging materials and rubbish Warranty/Guarantee information Standard warranty - 1-Year parts, labor & travel time during normal working hours within the USA The Contracting Officer or his/her designee will notify the contractor of any noncompliance with the foregoing provisions and the action to be taken. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the conditions to which attention has been directed. Such notice, when served on the Contractor or his/her representative at the site of the work, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose aforesaid. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all and any part of the work and hold the Contractor in default. Upon delivery and assembly, the [Helen Kane/Natalie Roberts-Moore] will perform the inspection in the presence of the contractor personnel, prior to the contractor personnel leaving the facility. This inspection will ensure that all equipment/supplies are accounted for in the delivery and that there is no discrepancy with the delivery manifest. Any damaged items identified during the inspection will not be accepted. Place of Performance/Place of Delivery Address: Lyons VAMC 151 Knollcroft Rd. Bldg., 135, CLC Ground Floor Main Kitchen Lyons, NJ 07939 Postal Code: 07939 Country: UNITED STATES The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition: 1.FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services (March 2023) The following provisions are included as addenda to FAR 52.212-1: FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) As prescribed in 52.107(a), insert the following provision: Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (FAR) and http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR) VAAR 852.252-70, Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (JAN 2008) As prescribed in 852.102(a), insert the following provision: Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (JAN 2008) The following provisions or clauses incorporated by reference in this solicitation must be completed by the offeror or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer. Copies of these provisions or clauses are available on the Internet at the Web sites provided in the provision at FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference, or the clause at FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference. Copies may also be obtained from the contracting officer. FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management (OCT 2018) 52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020) 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999) (End of Addendum to 52.212-1) 2. FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Oct 2018) Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services . If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required. The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) The following clauses are included as addenda to FAR 52.212-4: 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (MAY 2018) As prescribed in 803.570-2, insert the following clause: COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018) The Contractor shall not make a reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor s products or services or considers the Contractor s products or services superior to other products or services. (End of clause) 852.211-70 Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals (a) As prescribed in 811.107-70, insert the following clause: EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS (NOV 2018) The Contractor shall follow standard commercial practices to furnish manual(s), handbook(s) or brochure(s) containing operation, installation, and maintenance instructions, including pictures or illustrations, schematics, and complete repair/test guides, as necessary, for technical medical equipment and devices, and/or other technical and mechanical equipment provided per CLIN(s) # 0001. The manuals, handbooks or brochures shall be provided in hard copy, soft copy or with electronic access instructions, consistent with standard industry practices for the equipment or device. Where applicable, the manuals, handbooks or brochures will include electrical data and connection diagrams for all utilities. The documentation shall also contain a complete list of all replaceable parts showing part number, name, and quantity required. (End of clause) 852.212-71 Gray Market and Counterfeit Items. As prescribed in 812.301(f), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for new medical and information technology equipment: GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS (FEB 2023) (a) No used, refurbished, or remanufactured supplies or equipment/parts shall be provided. This procurement is for new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items only. No gray market items shall be provided. Gray market items are OEM goods intentionally or unintentionally sold outside an authorized sales territory or sold by non-authorized dealers in an authorized sales territory. (b) No counterfeit supplies or equipment/parts shall be provided. Counterfeit items include unlawful or unauthorized reproductions, substitutions, or alterations that have been mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic, unmodified item from the original manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitutions include used items represented as new, or the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or performance characteristics. (c) Vendor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor, or authorized reseller for the proposed equipment/system, verified by an authorization letter or other documents from the OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the equipment/system shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions. (End of clause) As prescribed in 819.7011, insert the following clause: VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) (a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB : (1) Means a small business concern (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.101, Surviving Spouse definition); (ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran; (iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document; (iv) The business has been certified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, 13 CFR 128, and is listed as certified in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/; and (v) The business agrees to comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size, government contracting, and the Veteran Small Business Certification Program at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128. (2) The term Service-disabled Veteran means a Veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16). (3) The term small business concern has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). (4) The term small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities has the meaning given the term small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under section 3(q)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(2)). (5) The term "SDVOSB participant or certified SDVOSB means a small business that has been certified in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102). (b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of an SDVOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be listed as an SDVOSB participant in the SBA certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128. (1) Offers received from entities that are not certified SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered. (2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award. (3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences. (c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70. (d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 13 CFR 125.6. For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or similarly situated (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required (LOS) certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219-75 or 852.219-76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows: (1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract. (2) Supplies/products. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract. (ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements. (3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. (4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. (5) Subcontracting. An SDVOSB subcontractor must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be certified and listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VIP-listed SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6. (e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. An SDVOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows: [Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] ____ By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or ____ By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract. (f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture 13 CFR 128.402 and the managing joint venture partner makes the representations under paragraph (c) of this clause. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants. (g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program, and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program. (h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 USC 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company s SDVOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406-2 Causes for Debarment). (End of clause) 852.219-76 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products. As prescribed in 819.7011(c), insert the following clause. The contracting officer shall tailor the clause in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) as appropriate: VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SUPPLIES AND PRODUCTS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) (a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(l)(2), the offeror certifies that (1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [Offeror check the appropriate box] (i) [ ] In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDBOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. (ii) [ ] In the case of a contract for supplies from a nonmanufacturer, it will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) is granted. The offeror understands that, as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(7), such a waiver has no effect on requirements external to the Small Business Act, such as the Buy American Act or the Trade Agreements Act. (2) Manufacturer or nonmanufacturer representation and certification. [Offeror fill-in check each applicable box below. The offeror must select the applicable provision below, identifying itself as either a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer]: (i) [ ] Manufacturer or producer. The offeror certifies that it is the manufacturer or producer of the end item being procured, and the end item is manufactured or produced in the United States, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(i). (ii) [ ] Nonmanufacturer. The offeror certifies that it qualifies as a nonmanufacturer in accordance with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.406(b) and paragraph (a)(1)(ii). The offeror further certifies it meets each element below as required in order to qualify as a nonmanufacturer. [Offeror fill-in check each box below.] [ ] The offeror certifies that it does not exceed 500 employees (or 150 employees for the Information Technology Value Added Reseller exception to NAICS code 541519, which is found at 13 CFR 121.201, footnote 18). [ ] The offeror certifies that it is primarily engaged in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sells the type of item being supplied. [ ] The offeror certifies that it will take ownership or possession of the item(s) with its personnel, equipment, or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice. (iii) [ ] The offeror certifies that it will supply the end item of a small business manufacturer, processor, or producer made in the United States, unless a waiver as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been issued by SBA. [Contracting Officer fill-in or removal (see 13 CFR 121.1205). This requirement must be included for a single end item. However, if SBA has issued an applicable waiver of the nonmanufacturer rule for the end item, this requirement must be removed in the final solicitation or contract.] or [Contracting officer tailor clause to remove one or other block under subparagraph (iii).] [ ] If this is a multiple item acquisition, the offeror certifies that at least 50% of the estimated contract value is composed of items that are manufactured by small business concerns. [Contracting Officer fill-in or removal. See 13 CFR 121.406(d) for multiple end items. If SBA has issued an applicable nonmanufacturer rule waiver, this requirement must be removed in the final solicitation or contract.] (3) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution. (4) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following: (i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee; (ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and (iii) Prosecution for violating 18 U.S.C. 1001. (b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract or to determine whether the offeror qualifies as a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer in compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed. (c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate. (d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Certification: I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. Further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror]. Printed Name of Signee: ________________________________________ Printed Title of Signee: _________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: _____________________ Company Name and Address: ______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ (End of clause) 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests As prescribed in 832.7001-2, insert the following clause: ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause- (1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001. (2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment; (3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests; (4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and (5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the Contractor under this contract. (b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required. (c) Data transmission. A Contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following: (1) VA s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract. (2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905. (e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances below, the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for (1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States; (2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information; (3) Contracts awarded by contracting officers in the conduct of emergency operations, such as responses to national emergencies; (4) Solicitations or contracts in which the designated agency office is a VA entity other than the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, Texas; or (5) Solicitations or contracts in which the VA designated agency office does not have electronic invoicing capability as described above. (End of clause) 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer As prescribed in 842.271, insert the following clause: ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate an Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) for the purpose of performing certain tasks/duties in the administration of the contract. Such designation will be in writing through an ACO Letter of Delegation and will identify the responsibilities and limitations of the ACO. A copy of the ACO Letter of Delegation shall be furnished to the Contractor. (End of clause) 852.246-71 Rejected Goods As prescribed in 846.370-1, insert the following clause: REJECTED GOODS (OCT 2018) (a) Supplies and equipment. Rejected goods will be held subject to the Contractor s order for not more than 15 days, after which the rejected merchandise will be returned to the Contractor s address at the Contractor s risk and expense. Expenses incident to the examination and testing of materials or supplies that have been rejected will be charged to the Contractor. (b) Perishable supplies. The Contractor shall remove rejected perishable supplies within 48 hours after notice of rejection. Supplies determined to be unfit for human consumption will not be removed without permission of the local health authorities. Supplies not removed within the allowed time may be destroyed. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for, nor pay for, products rejected. The Contractor will be liable for costs incident to examination of rejected products. (End of clause) 52.252-2, This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronica...