Q301--Reference Lab Services - BCVAMC & WCBOC PoP 08/01/2026-07/31 Implementing EO 14398 DEI Discrimination.

The purpose of this amendment is to implement EO 14398 DEI Discrimination to this solicitation and contract. Please see below applicable clause. There are no other changes to the terms and conditions of this solicitation. [52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors As prescribed in 22.2203, insert the following clause: ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (APR 2026) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause Program participation means membership or participation in, or access or admission to: training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations; or similar opportunities that are sponsored or established by the contractor or subcontractor. Racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities means disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in the recruitment, employment (e.g., hiring, promotions), contracting (e.g., vendor agreements), program participation, or allocation or deployment of an entity's resources. (b) In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows: (1) The Contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities; (2) The Contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the Contracting Officer, for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause; (3) In the event of the Contractor's or a subcontractor's noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the Contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts; (4) The Contractor will report any subcontractor's known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the Contracting Officer and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the Contracting Officer; and (5) The Contractor will inform the Contracting Officer if a subcontractor sues the Contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause. (6) The Contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government's payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4). (c) The Contractor must include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in subcontracts at any tier, including those for commercial products and commercial services, except those where the place of delivery or performance is outside the United States. (End of clause)