36C24119Q0269-001.docx

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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Rev. March 2010 S

VISN 1 LAUNDRY SERVICES

04330 36C24119Q0269 06-14-2019 N 812332 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 1 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330 Tammy Davis Tammy.Davis6@va.gov Contractor Facility - See Performance Work Statement

USA

va.gov va.gov Tammy.Davis6@va.gov Tammy.Davis6@va.gov

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 36C24119Q0269 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2019-02.

(iv) This requirement is being issued as unrestricted. The associated NAICS code is 812332 Industrial Launders and small business size standard is $38.5 million.

(v) The Government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract for a Contractor to perform temporary bulk laundry/linen services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN1) at a contractor owned facility located within a 60-mile geographic range from VA Brockton, MA. The range is restricted because the VA will deliver and pick up the laundry from the contractor owned facility. Please see the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the Price Schedule full requirement details and pricing submission.

ESTIMATED

02/14/2020-08/13/2020

ESTIMATED

08/14/2020-02/13/2021

ESTIMATED

Total

(vi) The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, tools, and materials necessary to complete all TEMPORARY Laundry Services at the contractor’s facility in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement. The 60 mile geographic proximity is required since laundry will be transported to and from the contractor site via VA personnel. No transportation of laundry is required in the performance of this effort.

(vii) The Place of Performance is the contractor’s facility within 60 miles of the VAMC Brockton, MA. The period of performance is one 6-month base period and two six month option periods.

(viii) Provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition in addition to the following addenda’s to the provision:

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998);

52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013) ;

52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984);

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990);

52.233-2 Service of Protest (SEPT 2006);

852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors (JUL 2016) (DEVIATION);

852.233-70 Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution (OCT 2018);

852.233-71 Alternate Protest Procedure (OCT 2018); 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers (JAN 2008);

52.222-49 -- Service Contract Labor Standards -- Place of Performance Unknown. (May 2014)

(a) This contract is subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, and the place of performance was unknown when the solicitation was issued. In addition to places or areas identified in wage determinations, if any, attached to the solicitation, wage determinations have also been requested for the following: MA, CT, RI, NH, VT. The Contracting Officer will request wage determinations for additional places or areas of performance if asked to do so in writing by 06/15/2019 1200 PM.

(b) Offerors who intend to perform in a place or area of performance for which a wage determination has not been attached or requested may nevertheless submit bids or proposals. However, a wage determination shall be requested and incorporated in the resultant contract retroactive to the date of contract award, and there shall be no adjustment in the contract price.

(ix) 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Oct 2014) Submission of Quotes and Evaluation process:

Evaluation Process:

Award will be made to the best value, as determined to be the most beneficial to the Government. Please read each section below carefully for the submittals and information required as part of the evaluation. Failure to provide the requested information below shall be considered non-compliant and your quote could be removed from the evaluation process.

Quotes shall be evaluated under FAR Part 13.106-2(b) -- Evaluation of Quotations or Offers. The Contracting Officer will conduct a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 (b). After the evaluation of quotes, the Contracting Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing a purchase order. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those that represent the best value to the Government and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR Part 15. The Contracting Officer may issue a purchase order to other than the lowest priced quoter.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quote conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes:

1. Price - Vendor will complete the Price Schedule (attached) with proposed contract line item prices inserted in appropriate spaces.

1. Past Performance: Provide (3) references of work, similar in scope and size with the requirement detailed in the Performance Work Statement. References shall include contact information; brief description of the work completed, total price and contract # (if relevant). You may utilize Attachment 2 – Past Performance Worksheet for your references and please submit as part of your quote submission. References may be checked by the Contracting Officer to ensure your company is capable of performing the Statement of Work. The Government also reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and all sources to include PPIRS.

1. Technical: The vendor’s quote shall be evaluated to determine if the organization has the experience and capabilities to provide the requested services in accordance with the PWS in a timely efficient manner.

2. Contractor shall demonstrate its corporate experience with laundry/linen services for a medical facility to meet all requirements stated in the PWS.

2. The contractor shall provide the address of the laundry drop off/pick up location within 60 miles of Brockton, MA.

2. The contractor shall demonstrate its capacity to launder 400,000 pounds of laundry per month.

2. If you are planning to sub-contract some or all of this work, please provide the name and address(s) of all subcontractor(s) (if applicable) and a description of their planned subcontracting effort.

SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (LARGE BUSINESS OFFERORS ONLY)

Each Large Business Offeror shall provide a Small Business Subcontracting Plan that contains all of the elements required by FAR 52.219-9 if there are subcontracting possibilities. If the large business does not have an approved Master Plan or approved Commercial Plan, then an Individual Subcontracting Plan must be submitted that includes an assurance that small businesses will be given the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance if subcontracting opportunities are available. The Subcontracting Plan is not a requirement for evaluation in source selection, but rather, a requirement for award to a Large Business and the Plan, as negotiated, will be incorporated into any resultant contract.

For consideration by Offerors, VA’s Fiscal Year 2019 subcontracting goals are 3% SDVOSB, 5% VOSB, 3% HUBZONE, 5% SDB, 5% WOSB and 17.5% Small Business.

A written notice of award, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the quote, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the quote’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept a quote whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(x) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (OCT 2018). Ensure your representations and certifications are complete in the System for Award Management (SAM) ( https://www.sam.gov). Otherwise, you will need to fill out solicitation Clause 52.212-3 "Offeror Representation and Certifications -Commercial Items", and submit with the quote. Federal Acquisition Regulations require that federal contractors register in the SAM database at http://www.sam.gov and enter all mandatory information into the system. Award cannot be made until the contractor has registered. Offerors are encouraged to ensure that they are registered in SAM prior to submitting their quotation.

(xi) Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition in addition to the following addenda’s to the clause:

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) 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 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)

52.217-8 -- Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 10 days of contract expiration. (End of Clause) 52.217-9 -- Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) (a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 2 Years. (End of Clause)

(xii) Clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items (MAY 2019), applies to this acquisition and in addition to the following FAR clauses cited, which are also applicable to the acquisition: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (OCT 1995); 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation & First-Tier Subcontract Awards (OCT 2018); 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016); 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (OCT 2015); 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018); 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014); 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (NOV 2016); 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (AUG 2018); 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999); 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (JUL 2013); 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUNE 2003); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEPT 2016); 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015); 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014); 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (FEB 2016); 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010); 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015); 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015); 52.222-59, Compliance with Labor Laws (Executive Order 13673) (OCT 2016); 52.222-60, Paycheck Transparency (Executive Order 13673) (OCT 2016); 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011); 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUNE 2008); 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (JUL 2013); 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (JAN 2017); 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (MAY 2014); 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014); 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards--Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (MAY 2014); 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2015); 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017);

(xiii) All contract requirement(s) and/or terms and conditions are stated above.

(xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating are not applicable to this requirement.

(xv) RFQ responses are due 06/14/2017 at 4:00 PM EST. RFQ responses must be submitted via email to: Tammy.Davis6@va.gov. Hand deliveries will not be accepted.

(xvi) The POC of this solicitation is Tammy Davis (Tammy.Davis6@va.gov).

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

LAUNDRY SERVICES VISN 1

DESCRIPTION: Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, management, supplies, and facilities necessary to perform bulk laundry/linen services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN1), which includes VA Medical Centers in New England at a contractor owned facility. All services are to be performed in accordance with standard industry practices and quality control measures.

Services are required Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays except as awarded. VISN 1 Medical Centers are required to provide 24-hour support operations essential to patient care and contractor services turn-around shall be performed accordingly to support VAMC (s) operations.

All services shall be provided FOB at Contractor’s (s) location identified elsewhere in this PWS. The VA will drop off and pick up all laundry at the Contractor’s facility; therefore, the Contractor’s processing facility CANNOT be more than 60 miles from Brockton, MA 02301.

NOTE: Definitions of acronyms can be found in Section 2

VA PICK-UP AND DELIVERY HOURS: Pick-up and delivery schedule shall be coordinated with the COR and the Contractor. Schedule modification/alteration opportunities, which would improve operations and turn-around time, without major interruption to either contractor or the Government, shall be negotiated between the Contractor and Lead COR and shall not be implemented until all parties have concurred. Changes to the PWS will be documented in a bilateral modification to the contract before they are initiated.

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES: Historical data is provided in Section 6. However, it is impossible to determine the exact quantities that will be required during the contract term. The contractor shall be required to provide all services that may be ordered during the contract term. The quantities are estimated and the fact that all quantities are not ordered shall not constitute a price adjustment to the contract.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The laundry services are temporary while the Brockton laundry facility renovations are completed. The Contract period will be 6 consecutive months with two 6-month renewal option period in accordance with the terms and conditions defined herein. the laundry services will begin 08/14/2019 and end 2/13/20 with two six-month extensions if needed.

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Scope of Work

1.1.1.1. The work required by this PWS, consists of furnishing the physical laundry plant (at an off-site location), all labor, supervision, management, management support, supplies, ancillary equipment, and materials necessary for accomplishment of complete textile processing services, as described in Section 5.

1.1.1.2. All workmanship shall be in accordance with practices established by the Association of Linen Management (ALM), International Fabricare Institute (IFI), Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) and accepted industry standards. It is intended that services shall include all processes necessary for the laundering of the articles even though every step involved is not specifically mentioned. All work shall be performed under sanitary conditions as specified by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Physical separation, through the presence of a barrier wall and the use of pass-through equipment is required to maintain positive air pressure in the clean section relative to a negative air pressure in the soiled section. In no case shall clean and soiled linen share the same physical space. * Plants in which the work is done shall be open to inspection of sanitary conditions by Government representatives. After processing, laundered articles shall be in serviceable and sanitary condition, meeting established quality and performance requirement standards as shown in Section 7.

*The Laundry Plant layout/design shall incorporate a “design for asepsis” whereby clean linen does not come into contact with soiled linens nor share the same physical space, thus avoiding cross-contamination or reintroduction of bacteria once processed.

1.1.2. Any change of function by the Government, which may affect this contract as contemplated by this paragraph, and which requires permanent adjustments in frequency or type of performance, will be coordinated with the Contractor by the Lead COR and CO prior to initiation of such a change to assure adequate contractual coverage. Changes to the PWS will be documented in a bilateral modification to the contract before they are initiated.

1.1.3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the contract covering inspection, acceptance, and deduction from payment, any items found to have been unsatisfactorily cleaned according to quality and performance standards established in Section 7, shall be re-cleaned at no additional cost to the Government. Such items shall be identified, for contractor recognition, by the Facility COR when they are returned on the next scheduled pickup after an unsatisfactory condition is discovered. These items are to be kept separate from the normal laundry items for separate processing. Re-cleaned items shall be identified separately and not charged to the Government.

1.1.4. Scheduled services are to be accomplished subject to emergency situations, which may require alteration of schedules. Emergency situations will be defined by the COR. In the event of Medical Facility emergencies, disaster, or drills, the Contractor shall perform all laundry/linen services required by the Medical Facility.

1.1.5. This specification is intended to produce minimal acceptable level of performance. The Government does recognize the possibility of the Contractor achieving the same or improved results due to innovative approaches, advances in the state-of-the-art materials, equipment and supplies. Accordingly, provision is hereby made for alterations when a Contractor demonstrates the ability to maintain the standards established herein through use of improved techniques, materials, scheduling, etc. All changes are contingent upon the recommendations of the COR and the approval of the CO or other management official as may be deemed appropriate.

1.2. Contractor Experience. The Contractor shall have experience in providing Medical Center laundry/linen services. The firm must have gained this experience as a result of being primarily engaged in the business of providing laundry/linen services in Medical Center environments (e.g. inpatient and outpatient medical treatment facilities) for a minimum of three consecutive years.

1.3. Supervision By Contractor:

1.3.1. The Contractor shall assign an on-site manager at their laundry processing plant who shall be physically present during prescribed work hours. The on-site manager is solely responsible to supervise the provision of these laundry/linen services to VISN 1 and serves as the primary point of contact with the Government. The Contractor shall designate a qualified alternate to substitute for the on-site manager in his absence or during periods of work performed after normal work hours. The Contractor’s Plant Manager (CPM) shall meet the following requirements:

1.3.1.1. Certified by ALM or graduate of an independently controlled management-training program emphasizing institutional laundry. The formal course must have been previously established.

1.3.1.2. CPM shall have at least three years of specialized experience in this capacity. This specialized experience may be substituted for certification.

1.3.2. The CO and COR must be provided with the name, address and telephone number where the CPM is to be reached during normal business hours and off duty hours within 15 days after award. The same information will be provided for a qualified alternate when the CPM is not available.

1.3.3. The Contractor is responsible for the effective implementation of their Quality Control program, and shall be responsive to the requirements of the Government’s Quality Assurance Plan conducted by the COR.

1.3.4. CPM or alternate shall respond in person, or by telephone, within 1 hour of notification by the COR. The CPM and any designated alternate shall have full authority to contractually commit the Contractor for prompt action on matters pertaining to the contract.

1.4. Personnel Qualifications and Requirements for Contract Service:

1.4.1. Employment:

1.4.1.1. The CPM and qualified alternate must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

1.4.1.2. The Contractor shall provide sufficient and adequately trained personnel, who are paid at the prevailing rate, as necessary to perform the services required by this contract and shall meet all variations, shift schedules, and changes as may be required to assure prompt response to the requirements of contract.

1.4.2. Training:

1.4.2.1. No contractor personnel may be assigned to work under the contract until initial orientation and training, as specified in the Contractor’s procedures manual is completed. Documentation verifying the content of the training and a list of the personnel who attended shall be maintained by the Contractor. If the Government exercises the two 6-month options, the Contractor shall provide, to the COR, documentation that personnel have had refresher training.

1.4.2.2. Initial intensive training covering the topics below shall be completed prior to initial start-up for all personnel. Initial training plan, including topics, with a brief statement of content and method of training shall be available for review. Initial training shall include the following topics:

1.4.2.2.1. A general orientation of basic bacteriological concepts, including the basics of how disease is caused and transmitted.

1.4.2.2.2. Infection control orientation, relating duty functions to how infections can be prevented, reduced, or contained through proper environmental sanitation methods and to the technical provisions of this specification.

1.4.2.2.3. Proper use and handling of supplies and equipment.

1.4.2.2.4. Care and maintenance of Contractor and Government-furnished property.

1.4.2.2.5. Familiarization with local fire prevention and safety procedures.

1.4.2.2.6. Familiarization with equipment operational manuals.

1.4.2.2.7. Individual duties and responsibilities.

1.4.2.2.8. Procedures for replenishing supplies and obtaining equipment repair.

1.4.2.2.9. Role of Contractor personnel and their impact on patient care.

1.4.2.2.10. Techniques or methods for measuring the quality of work performance.

1.4.2.2.11. A general orientation of laundry operating procedures and policies.

1.4.2.2.12. Hazard communication, including location and access to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

1.4.2.2.13. Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, which covers Universal precautions and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

1.4.2.2.14. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) requirement.

1.4.2.3. Safety or protective clothing or equipment shall be provided and maintained by the contractor at the Contractor’s own expense.

1.4.2.4. Personal Hygiene. Contractor personnel shall be clean and neat in appearance.

1.4.2.5. Exposure to Hazardous Working Conditions. Contractor personnel are required to perform work under potentially hazardous conditions. Contractor personnel shall be informed of potentially hazardous situations by Contractor, trained by Contractor in techniques required to recognize and deal with potentially hazardous situations in a manner which will minimize personal risk, and required to adhere to standard techniques for personal that become injured or ill on the job at no cost to the Government.

1.4.2.6. Physical Examinations:

1.4.2.6.1. The contractor shall be responsible for any physical examinations and emergency medical care of personnel.

1.4.2.6.2. Contractor’s personnel who acquire a communicable illness must not perform service under the contract and must be free of illness before returning to work.

1.4.2.7. Miscellaneous: The Contractor is responsible for compliance with all appropriate JCAHO, FDA, VA and other regulatory agencies record keeping requirements.

1.5. Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Contract Service:

1.5.1. Quality Control. The Contractor shall have a Quality Control program to assure that the requirements of the contract are provided as specified. One copy of the Contractor’s basic Quality Control Program shall be available for review by the COR. Subsequent changes to the approved Quality Control Program must also be reviewed and approved by the COR. The program shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1.5.1.1. An inspection system covering the performance indicators given in Section 7, of the Quality Assurance/Performance Requirements summary.

1.5.1.2. A method for identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

1.5.1.3. A file of all quality control inspections, inspection results, and any corrective action required shall be maintained by the Contractor throughout the duration of this contract. This file shall be available to the COR during normal working hours. The file shall be turned over to the Government within 14 days of completion of termination of the contract.

1.5.2. Quality Assurance. The Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the Quality Assurance Procedures outlined in Section 7. Assessments may be made monthly by the Government in accordance with stated limits on discrepancies.

1.5.3. Post Award Conference. The Contractor shall also be prepared to present a briefing regarding the manner in which these contractual obligations are to be accomplished. As a minimum, the Contractor shall address the following items of information in the presentation:

1.5.3.1. Start-up and phase-in schedule.

1.5.3.2. Procedures to secure Government property while under Contractor’s jurisdiction.

1.5.3.3. Availability of labor force (manning chart), plan for recruiting, type and extent of training.

1.5.3.4. The role of the CPM and extent of authority.

1.5.3.5. A copy of the Contractor’s Policy and Procedure Manual.

1.5.3.6. Plans and management procedures for logistical administrative support of all functions; that is receipt, processing, packaging and delivery of clean linens.

1.5.3.7. Procedures to be used to ensure contract requirements are met (Quality Control Program).

1.5.3.8. Certification that Contractor’s scales used for weighing soiled and clean linens have been calibrated on a regular basis (i.e. quarterly).

1.6. Government Representative. The COR is responsible for providing technical assistance to the CO in administration of the contract. This responsibility involves quality assurance inspection, surveillance reporting and monthly certification of the Contractor’s performance by the COR. The CO will furnish the name of COR prior to the start date of the contract. The Contractor shall be advised of the extent of the authority of the COR. The COR shall have access to plant facilities, without necessity of prior notification to Contractor. Each phase of the services rendered under this contract is subject to Government inspection during both the Contractor’s operation and after completion of tasks. The Government’s program is not a substitute for quality control by the Contractor.

1.7. Performance Evaluation Meetings:

1.7.1. The CPM shall meet with the COR on a minimum frequency of once each month according to schedule established by the COR

1.7.2. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) may be cause for the scheduling of additional meeting(s) between the CPM and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The COR will prepare written minutes of these meetings. Should the CPM not concur with the minutes, a written statement will be presented to the CO, and the CPM will be notified of the decision in writing by the CO.

1.8. Correspondence. All correspondence relative to this contract shall bear the VA contract number, title, and name of the VA medical center, and shall be addressed to the COR with a copy to the CO.

1.9. Security. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all extraneous articles, except trash, found in linens or in areas under the jurisdiction of the Contractor (i.e., medical instruments and personal items) are turned in to the COR daily (M - F). A note will accompany the articles returned identifying the area or origination, and the type of linen or item it was found on (ex: general, OR, special).

1.10. Safety and Fire Prevention:

1.10.1. In the performance of this contract, the Contractor must take such safety precautions as necessary to protect the lives and health of individuals within the laundry plant and transportation vehicles.

1.10.2. Fire and safety deficiencies, which exist and are part of the responsibility of the Contractor, must be corrected immediately. If the Contractor fails or refuses to correct deficiencies promptly, the CO may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work, and hold the Contractor in default of the contract.

1.10.3. The Contractor shall comply with Federal, State, and local safety and fire regulations and codes. The Contractor shall keep abreast of and comply with changes in these regulations and codes.

1.10.4. Contractor’s personnel shall follow policies concerning fire/disaster programs.

1.10.5. The Contractor shall display approved warning devices in all areas where operations may cause traffic obstruction or personnel hazard.

1.11. Damage and Equipment loss:

1.11.1. All tasks accomplished by Contractor’s personnel shall be performed to preclude damage or disfigurement of Government-owned textiles, fixtures, equipment, and architectural or building structures. The Contractor shall verbally report immediately to the COR, any damage or disfigurement to these items when caused by Contractor’s personnel. A follow-up written report shall be given to the COR.

1.11.2. When the Contractor has caused damage or loss of government property, or performance is determined to be unsatisfactory; the COR will issue a CDR. The Contractor shall reply in writing, to the COR within 10 working days, stating the reason for the unsatisfactory condition, the corrective measures which have been taken, and preventive procedures initiated.

1.11.3. Any damage caused to Government property during the course of the Contractor’s performance of work under the contract shall be repaired or replaced to preexisting conditions at Contractor’s own expense.

1.12. Linen Control

1.12.1. Contractor shall comply with all Government request and policies relative to linen control.

1.12.2. Contractor shall participate, as required by VA policy, in inventories of Government-provided specialty linen.

1.12.3. Any articles billed for, but missing, shall be supplied by the Contractor in the next regularly scheduled delivery at no additional cost to the Government.

1.12.4. VA owned items lost or badly damaged while under the control of the Contractor must be replaced within a 30-day period at the Contractor’s cost.

1.12.5. Unusual losses, including suspected pilferage, shall be reported at once to the Lead COR, who will take immediate action to investigate the loss. If the loss is not recovered, the cost of replacement will be negotiated with the Contracting Officer, along with the approval of the COR, on a quarterly basis. The Vendor will supply an itemized list (by location) of linen that will be replaced, (including item description, quantity and unit cost).

1.12.6. Claim of Patients and Employees. The Contractor shall establish procedures for the settlement of claims for loss or damage to property of patients and employees while in Contractor’s possession. The procedures shall be established, and a copy provided to the Contracting Officer for approval, within 20 calendar days after the contract award date.

1.13. Delivery Requirements:

1.13.1. The Contractor shall provide the COR with a written report of all soiled linen processed and all clean linen delivered, showing cart number and weight. The information must be recorded on a daily basis and delivered to the COR at the end of the current workweek. The reports of soiled linen received, and clean linen delivered must show date, the name of the item, number of pieces received or delivered per Schedule Line Item number, pounds received or delivered per Schedule Line Item number, cart number/ weight and where they were delivered.

1.13.2. The COR will verify the deliveries daily and discuss any discrepancies with the CPM.

1.13.3. The Contractor shall disinfect carts after removing soiled linen from them and before placing clean linen in them, with a Tuberculocidal Germicide, which has been approved by the COR. Carts containing clean linen being returned shall be covered with clean covers to protect them against contamination while in transit between the laundry plant and the Medical Center. Laundry bags or liners, used to transport soiled laundry, must be laundered after use.

1.13.4. Clean linen and specialty items shall be available for transport Monday - Friday except for federal holidays. Soiled linen and specialty items shall be processed Monday - Friday except for federal holidays. Deliveries will be made at a time set by this contract or the COR at the Medical Center served.

1.13.5. Clean linen shall be processed and packaged as specified in Section 5.

1.14. Circumstances to be reported. The Contractor shall report any circumstances, which may affect the performance of the work and unhealthy or hazardous conditions or any delays or interference with work. Such reports shall be made immediately upon discovery by the Contractor to the COR by phone and a follow-up fax or email.

Section 2 - Definitions/Acronyms

2.1. Definitions. Definitions used throughout this Performance Work Statement shall have the following meanings as set forth below:

Ancillary Equipment. Equipment required for Contractor’s operations but not directly related to laundry production, e.g., cleaning equipment.

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level). The maximum percent of defective work, or number of defects that will be allowed before work is considered unsatisfactory. An AQL does not imply that the Contractor has knowingly performed in an unsatisfactory way. It implies that the Government recognizes that unsatisfactory performance sometimes happens unintentionally. As long as unsatisfactory performance does not exceed the AQL, the contractor will not be subject to payment reduction by the Government. The Contractor, however, must correct all unsatisfactory work unless excused by the Lead COR.

CDR (Contract Discrepancy Report). Government formal documentation of Contractor’s failure to provide services as required under the terms of the contract. The CDR requires the Contractor to explain in writing why performance was unsatisfactory, how performance will be returned to satisfactory levels, and how recurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future.

Clean. Laundered articles are dry and free of visible soil, lint and objectionable odor. Spots and stains are removed where practical without fabric damage. No residual harmful chemicals are present.

Consumable Supplies. Those supplies used in the day-to-day operation of the laundry, e.g., detergent, bleach, and alkali.

Contractor. An individual, partnership, or organization having a contractual relationship with the Government for provision of service.

CO (Contracting Officer). The person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative). Any person or persons authorized to act for the Contracting Officer within authority limits.

CPM (Contractor’s Plant Manager). Contractor’s representative having supervisory responsibility and authority for total performance of work under the contract.

Cure Notice. A formal notification to Contractor to correct a deficient situation or risk termination of contract.

Defect. Each instance of noncompliance with a contract requirement. A defect may be caused by either nonperformance or poor performance. Each defect is subject to deductions, as set forth in Section VII.

Delivery Point. Point which soiled linen is dropped off for processing by the VA and clean linen picked up from the Contractor.

Department of Veterans Affairs. Government agency requiring services under the terms of the contract.

Emergency. An unforeseen combination of circumstances, or the resulting state, which requires immediate action. An emergency situation shall be declared by the Facility COR and/or the Lead COR.

Fair Wear and Tear Condition. That which is worn out by normal usage with no negligent misuse involved and cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Federal Holidays. The date of observance by the Federal Government of the following holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January), Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (25 December). If any Holidays fall on a weekend, then no changes will be made for drop off and pick up.

General Linens. Linens which are commercially available, such as, sheets, towels, blankets, bedspreads, pillowcases, washcloths, bath blankets, pajamas, bathrobes, bed pads, fitted sheets, surgical linen and other items identified in Attachment 1. VA items are to be properly kaumagraphed for identification.

Government. The United States Government, Headquarters, VA, VAMC, and the term used to refer to the officials designated to administer the contract or their designated representatives.

Infection Control Committee. The group designated for implementation and monitoring of the infection control program for the Medical Center as prescribed by JCAHO and the VA.

JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations). A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety, and treatment of patients in health care facilities.

Launder. To clean by chemical and mechanical action materials composed of natural or synthetic fibers. For the purposes of the contract the terms include tumble-drying, ironing, folding, and all other industry standard processes, which textile products undergo while in the laundry.

Linen. Reusable textile items composed, in whole or in part, of natural, synthetic or blended fibers.

Linen Inventory. An itemized listing of quantities and values for accounting purposes of linen items in circulation at the Medical Center(s).

Manning Chart. A survey chart or inventory for scheduling manpower requirements in an industrial plant showing each operation with number of workers.

Medical Center Director (s). The person with final responsibility for the mission of the Medical Center. A Medical Center Director may have final authority over more than one Medical Center.

Must. This word is used in connection with the Contractor and specifies that the provision is binding.

Packaging. Packaging is the process by which cleaned garments and linen are returned to the Medical Center. Linen is delivered in linen carts by quotas according to established arrangement agreed upon by the Facility COR, CPM, and Lead COR. All linen is packaged securely to prevent possible contamination.

Patient Clothing. Personal property of patients, e.g., pants, shirts, underwear.

Personal Property. All Government property, except real property and expendable property.

Procedures Manual. A Contractor’s written document describing in detail the methods normally used to accomplish tasks required by the contract, proper operation of equipment, and normal fire/ safety precautions.

PWS (Performance Work Statement). A document that describes accurately the essential technical requirements for services, including the standards used to determine whether the requirements have been met.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to check goods or services to determine that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Quality Assurance Evaluator. Government employee(s) assigned to monitor and evaluate the quality and compliance with the Performance Work Statement requirements.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the production of goods or services so that they will meet the requirements of the PWS.

Sanitary. In a clean state, protected from the contamination of pathogenic organisms.

Satisfactory Performance. Within limits of the AQL, adherence to the requirements of the PWS.

Separation. Physical separation of contaminated materials from other materials or personnel to prevent the spread of contamination.

Serviceable Articles. Articles usable in their current condition, or restorable by economically justified repair methods to usable condition.

Specialty Items. All textile items not classified as general linens. Examples – soap free linen, Posey boots and mitts, curtains, etc.

Standard. A Government acknowledged measure of comparison.

Surgical Linen. Linen utilized by surgical and / or specialized units. Normally blue or green linen.

Surveillance Plan. An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance.

Task and Frequency Chart. Displays the required tasks and the minimum frequencies of performance.

Textile Care Processing Facility. A facility designed to render soiled linens clean, sanitary and aesthetically acceptable for reuse, in an efficient and non-damaging manner.

Uniforms. Government owned clothing worn by VA employees as a means of identification.

Unsatisfactory Performance. Failure to meet the AQL.

Unserviceable Item. An item, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose.

VA (Department of Veterans Affairs). The Government agency requiring services under the terms of the contract.

VAMC. Veterans Affairs Medical Center

2.2. Commonly used Acronyms

Section 3 - Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1. Materials:

3.1.1 Fair/wear/tear or unserviceable condition of specialty items will be determined by the Facility COR.

3.1.2 The Government will provide a detailed list of specialty items to be laundered.

3.1.3 Vehicles. The VA shall provide all required vehicles, vehicle fuels, lubricants, and repairs necessary to perform services under this contract.

3.1.4. Carts. The VA shall maintain bulk delivery linen carts in good repair for employee safety/ergonomics. Replacement or additional cart requirements shall be the responsibility of the VA. All carts shall be numbered and have empty weight indicated on both ends.

Section 4 - Contractor Furnished Items

4.1. Materials. Contractor shall furnish all materials necessary to perform the tasks specified in the contract except to the extent specified in Section III. The Contractor shall secure all materials and supplies that comply with Local, State and Federal environmental laws.

4.5. Rags. All unusable linen items shall be returned to the VA for proper inventory accountability and proper disposal.

4.6. Reports and Data. The Contractor shall provide, in writing, to the COR the data and reports identified in Technical Exhibit 3.

4.7. Miscellaneous. The Contractor shall furnish other items as identified within this contract, such as, orientation and training, medical exams, procedures manual, quality control program, required data.

4.8 The Contractor shall provide restroom and handwashing facilities for Contractor employees to wash their hands following exposure to blood and other bodily fluids

Section 5 - Specific Tasks

5.1. The Contractor shall accept for processing all soiled linens, uniforms, patient clothing, mops, etc. After processing all items are to be finished and placed in carts and covered for VA pick up.

5.1.1. Flatwork items that must be conditioned, ironed, and folded:

Medium

5.1.2. Items that must be dried and placed on hangers: