L076--VISN 10 - Online Clinical Drug Information

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Contract Opportunity

The purpose of this solicitation amendment is to address questions received from industry prior to the Q&A deadline and to extend the solicitation closing date.
During its market research, did the agency identify any SDVOSBs that develop, own, and/or operate the SaaS platform being solicited?
During market research, the Government identified two or more SDVOSBs that stated they would provide a quote for services; however, the firms indicated they would function as reseller Prime Contractors.
Will the agency provide a breakdown of what constitutes the amount paid by the Government for contract performance under FAR 52.219 14(e)(1) (e.g., implementation, hosting, training, etc.), and clarify whether such amounts include SaaS licensing fees paid by the Government?
Applicable fees under FAR 52.219 14(e)(1) include implementation, hosting, training, and SaaS fees.
Under VAAR 852.219-75(a)(1)(i), are SaaS licensing fees considered the amount paid by the government to the SDVOSB, or are they considered other direct costs that may be excluded?
SaaS licensing fees represent the principal purpose of the acquisition when the contract is primarily for software services. Consequently, those fees are included in the amount paid by the Government and count against the 50% limit. Only incidental or peripheral costs like optional supplies, travel, or administrative expenses may qualify as "other direct costs" and be excluded.

Given that NAICS 513210 classifies software publishing as a service, can the agency clarify its expectations regarding how an SDVOSB prime would demonstrate compliance with (i) FAR 52.219 14(e)(1), and (ii) VAAR 852.219 75(a)(1)(i), in circumstances where the solicited SaaS platform is operated and maintained by the original developer/publisher rather than the SDVOSB?
The agency will not make any advance determination that an offeror will comply or fail to comply with the Limitations on Subcontracting. Compliance with FAR 52.219 14(e)(1) and VAAR 852.219 75(a)(1)(i) will be evaluated based on each offer as submitted and verified during contract administration.
For SaaS acquisitions under NAICS 513210, the amount paid by the Government for contract performance generally includes primary SaaS cost elements (e.g., licensing, hosting, operation, maintenance). Only other incidental direct costs that are not the principal purpose of the acquisition may be excluded, consistent with the solicitation s clauses.
As part of post award administration, the Government can request compliance reports to demonstrate compliance with Limitations on Subcontracting at any time during performance Per VAAR 819-7004(e). Additionally, under 52.219-14 (d) the Government can request reports at the end of the relevant performance period (e.g., base/option period or order), and the contractor may be required to provide an end of period compliance report summarizing payments to first tier subcontractors and identifying any similarly situated firms. The Government will use this information to confirm adherence to the applicable subcontracting limitations.
How many staffed beds are included in VISN 10; does this include CLC and Domiciliary beds? If not, what is the count for CLC and Domiciliary beds?
Your first question was addressed in Amendment #1, Question #5. The government will provide an answer to the second question upon confirmation from the VISN POC on Monday.

The solicitation deadline is hereby extended, all quotes must be received no later than 1:30 PM EST on 4/8/2026 via email to Joshua.Kovar@VA.gov.

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