Questions and Answers for SAM.docx

September 20, 2024

Questions and Answers #1

1. The SOW indicates a flat monthly rate for waste removal. Given the potential fluctuations in the amount of waste generated, would it be possible to bill based on the number of containers serviced?

ANSWER: No, Price Schedule must be completed from the Statement of Work. Average amount needed for pickup is in the SOW.

2. Does the scope of waste removal include any pathological waste, trace chemotherapy waste, or non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste streams?

ANSWER: The waste may contain pathogen waste and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste streams but not trace chemotherapy waste. We identify the waste as “Regulated Medical Watse.”

3. We would prefer to utilize larger reusable sharps containers (10 or 17 gallons) to increase efficiency in our pickups. Is the team open to using 10 or 17 gallon reusable sharps containers for everything?

ANSWER: No, because some of the reusable sharps containers need to fit on the laboratory bench and inside biological safety cabinets.

4. If the use of smaller containers is required, would it be acceptable for us to provide disposable sharps containers instead of reusable ones?

ANSWER: No.

5. Could you please clarify the specific hours during which pickups can be scheduled?

ANSWER: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, excluding weekends or Federal Holidays.

6. Regarding the reusable sharps containers, will they be centralized in a designated storage area for pickup, or is the contractor expected to service each individual room where these containers are located?

ANSWER: Sharps containers and waste containers are stored in a centrally located room. Individual scientists take containers from that room to their labs and return filled containers to the same room. Delivery/pick-up is directly to this one room.

7. Could you please provide the average weight of the 96 gallon containers and the smaller (28-30 gallon containers).

ANSWER: 96 gallons are usually around 50-60lbs, but the range goes from 25 to 125 lbs.

The 28 gallons are usually 25-35lbs and don’t get much above 40 lbs.

8. Is there any soil in the containers (the concern is the weight of the containers)?

ANSWER: Not typically.

9. Is there any animal carcasses or pathological waste that would require incineration?

ANSWER: No animal carcasses but definitely pathogen waste.

10. Can you please clarify the frequency of the sharps supplies? (below is from the specification, is this a weekly, monthly or annual count) 1 gallon containers 95 each (annual estimate) 2 gallon containers 50 each (annual estimate) 10 gallon containers 80 each (annual estimate)

11. Can we substitute the 96 gallon tote with a 150 gallon tote? (What is the 96/150 gallon tote going to be used to carry?)

ANSWER: No, because our staff must move the 96-gallon tote from one part of the building (individual labs) to another part of the building (bio-waste storage room) and anything larger would not be manageable. In addition, lab space is limited so the 96 gallon seems to be the largest, we can go in size. These totes carry larger amounts of biological waste.

12. How many on average will we be picking up weekly?

ANSWER: 30 gallon containers: 8-20 96/150 gallon Containers: 1-6

13. Please advise the number of areas for sharps placement throughout the facility ANSWER: 2-gallon containers (small): 1 8 Gallon containers (medium): 1 17 allon containers (large): 1

All sharps containers begin at the 1 central location and then are taken by scientists to many labs throughout the facility.

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