36C24221Q1207 0001.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

Network Contracting Office 2 James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contracting Officer Clifford S. Harrison Clifford.Harrison@va.gov 718.741.4680

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

113 Holland Ave

Albany 12208

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

DESCRIPTION

Page 1 of

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4.

REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date spe cified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE C

HANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO

PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48

CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE

CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) none 36C242 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 2 James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904 36C242 Department of Veterans Affairs James J. Peters VA Medical Center Network Contracting Office 2 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904

36C24221Q1207 x x x 52.212-4(c) Changes x The purpose of this amendment is to address the following changes to Solicitation No. 36C242-21-Q-1207.

1. To address all questions

2. Updated Price Schedule

3. Extend closing date and time in block 6 from original due date 08/19/2021, 12PM EST to 08/23/2021 12PM EST.

The nature of this amendment is to correct an ambiguity andthe thereby correcting an administrative error.

Clifford S. Harrison Contracting Officer A.1 Question and Answers

1. Who is the incumbent contractor?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. What was the previous award amount for each service?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. Have there been any changes from the previous contract to the new solicitation?

I have no idea what was in the previous contract this is a new requirement and should be treated as such.

How many drivers are currently being used?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. What are pick-up times for all clinics?

1pm & 2pm depending on distance. Samples must be returned to the Lab by 3pm.

1. Will it only be blood specimens; and mail being transported?

No, office supplies and small equipment. Please review the Statement of Work this information was provided.

The Department Of Veterans Affairs VA Healthcare System Upstate New York, Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY intends to award an Firm Fixed Indefinite Quantity, Indefinite Delivery Service Contract to a qualified, responsible, responsive firm for performance of courier services for the pickup and subsequent delivery of blood specimens, supplies, and mail from the VA operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located in Catskill, Clifton Park, Bainbridge, Fonda, Elizabethtown and Saranac Lake, NY and office space in Albany, NY to the Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY. Contract performance will be for one (1) base year and four (4) one-year options.

1. Can you confirm that the VA will provide coolers and ice packs?

Yes, Please review the Statement of Work this information was provided.

e. The Contractor transporting vehicles shall be equipped with appliances and/or containers and other necessary items to maintain appropriate temperatures at all times for frozen and/or refrigerated specimens from pick-up point to final drop-off point. All vehicles shall have heating and air conditioning to maintain a temperature between 65- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit. During transport of specimens from the clinic, the courier service will in all aspects, try to prevent any/all extreme temperature changes to the coolers causing the ice inside to melt. Vehicles shall not be left in extreme heat or cold while specimens, pharmaceuticals, and films are being transported. Damages that occur due to improper temperature controls will be levied against the contractor.

1. Will dry ice be required?

No,

1. Will couriers originate at Stratton VA?

No

1. What was the cost of the final full option year of the previous contract?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. How many drivers/vehicles are currently used to service the current contract?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. What is the vehicle size currently servicing this location?

It is illegal for a contracting officer to provide this information to an entity that was not an interested party to the previous procurement.

1. Will on-call STAT services be needed for this contract, and if so to which locations and at what annual trip frequency for each location?

No, On-call Stat services will be need for this requirement.

1. Regarding specific employees’ information: It is common practice for small businesses that the drivers, cars and other equipment used for a contract are not sourced until after an award has been made, for cost effectiveness and to reduce loss. However, we will be forwarding our standard Training Certificates-Procedures for your reference.

The NC02 Contracting Department would like for all vendors to have all equipment needed for this requirement before the award of this requirement. If your company does not have the equipment/trucks, there is no way the contract is going to the awarded to your company because you don’t have the necessary equipment to perform the services.

1. Regarding evaluation factors for the price Volume: we usually like to provide a “Pricing realism” cost break-down, to include SCA minimum per year, the number of drivers, hours and miles that are estimated to be required for performance, and other costs. Is it acceptable that we forward this Pricing Realism chart with our Price response?

The NC02 Contracting Department updated the price schedule for this requirement. It would be very confusing to get different price schedules from numerous interest vendors and I would have to break it down. Please follow the price schedule provided.

1. There was a duplicate with the Price Schedule submitted line items five and six are the same addresses.

Line items 0005, 1005, 2005, 3005 & 4005, will remain the same:

Pickup and Delivery between CBOC located at 33 Depot Street, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983, and the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Bldg. 1 and Laboratory 2B and basement mailroom Albany, NY.

Line items 0006, 1006, 2006 3006 & 4006 have been updated to:

Pickup and Delivery between CBOC located at 7426 US RT 9 Westport, NY 12993, and the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Bldg. 1 and Laboratory 2B and basement mailroom Albany, NY.

1. On the Price Schedule 4008, the Contracting Department provided the incorrect option year in column C.

That error has been addressed please see the new Price Schedule column C it now states Option year 4 Total.

See attached document: Updated Price Schedule 36C24221Q1207 LineItems.

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COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION STRATTON VA MEDICAL CENTER COURIER SERVICES THROUGH-OUT ALBANY

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” and FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items” 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.

(ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). Request for Quote will be submitted through beta.sam.gov on RFQ reference number 36C242-21-Q-1207.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-05 (eff. 03/10/2021) & VAAR Update 2008-28 (eff. 01/27/21).

(iv) This solicitation is Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set-aside open market solicitation. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 492110 size standards in number of employees 1500. The FSC/PSC is R602.

(v) This is a services contract to provide Courier Services for multiple CBOC’s and office space located at:

1. 159 Jefferson Heights, Greene Medical Arts Building, Suite 102A, Catskill. NY 12414

2. 963 Rt. 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065

3. 2623 St Highway 30A, Fonda, NY 12068

4. 109 North Main Street, Bainbridge, N.Y. 13733

5. 33 Depot Street, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983

6. 7426 US RT 9 Westport, NY 12993

7. 20 Madison Avenue Extension Albany, NY 12203

The Contractor shall provide clear pricing as the Contracting Specialist will need to distinguish between the varying costs of the procurement in order to determine price reasonableness.

(vi) The required work is as contained below in the Statement of Work.

Statement of Work for Stratton VA Medical Center Courier Services

The Department Of Veterans Affairs VA Healthcare System Upstate New York, Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY intends to award an Firm Fixed Indefinite Quantity, Indefinite Delivery Service Contract to a qualified, responsible, responsive firm for performance of courier services for the pickup and subsequent delivery of blood specimens, supplies, and mail from the VA operated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located in Catskill, Clifton Park, Bainbridge, Fonda, Elizabethtown and Saranac Lake, NY and office space in Albany, NY to the Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY. Contract performance will be for one (1) base year and four (4) one-year options.

Due to the critical nature of this service, the successful offeror must possess the necessary expertise and resources required by these specifications in order to be considered for contract award. Section II describes the minimum needs that the government will accept for performance of the services described herein.

I. General Task Statement:

a. Contractor will provide all necessary, labor, equipment, supervision and transportation (vehicles and gasoline) needed to provide same day courier services (inside pick up) to transport laboratory specimens and mail (10 envelopes per day) between the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and office space located at:

8. 159 Jefferson Heights, Greene Medical Arts Building, Suite 102A, Catskill. NY 12414

9. 963 Rt. 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065

10. 2623 St Highway 30A, Fonda, NY 12068

11. 109 North Main Street, Bainbridge, N.Y. 13733

12. 33 Depot Street, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983

13. 7426 US RT 9 Westport, NY 12993

14. 20 Madison Avenue Extension Albany, NY 12203

b. Delivery (inside delivery) is to be made to the Chemistry Laboratory B Wing, 2nd Floor, (Upon moving, the contractor will then be expected to deliver to the new Laboratory on the 3rd floor, Core.) and mailroom in the basement located in the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.

c. The Contractors employee will sign a log book at the CBOC that specifies what is being picked up and transported. The pickup will be co-signed by a CBOC VA employee as a witness to the pickup. Contractor’s employee will only pick up items that are to be delivered to the Laboratory Service.

d. There may be hazards associated with specimen/supply transportation; therefore, the Contractor shall be equipped to handle these items accordingly in a safe and appropriate manner and in accordance with all regulatory agencies, federal, state and local laws and regulations. Contractor will complete OSHA approved training for transporting Bio-hazardous specimens. Each vehicle used in the performance of this contract shall be adequately stocked with at least one up-to-date complete SPILL KIT for a bio-hazardous cleanup in case of leakage or accidental discharge from controlled containers.

e. If there are reasons for potential delays for delivery and/or pick-ups, the contractor shall contact and inform the COR of the situation. Drivers shall not make non-emergent stops.

II. Schedule of Coverage:

a. Courier services will be provided as needed five days a week, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and Federal Holidays. All service will be performed during normal hours of coverage unless requested and approved by the Contracting Officer Representative with final approval by the Contracting Officer.

b. Federal Holidays observed by the VAMC are:

c. Pickups will be made from the VA CBOC(s) in Catskill Clifton Park and Fonda at approximately 2:00PM EST. The Pickups will be made from the VA CBOC at Bainbridge no later than 1:00PM. The Contractor will make any deliveries back to the Stratton VA Medical Center Laboratory Service located at 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208 NO LATER THAN 3:00pm Eastern Standard Time.

d. Delivery must be made on the same day that the pickups are made, NO LATER THAN 3:00 pm., to the Stratton VAMC, Chemistry Laboratory B Wing, and 2nd Floor. (Upon moving, the contractor will then be expected to deliver to the new Laboratory on the 3rd floor, Core) These deadlines are extremely critical to the integrity of the specimens and will be closely monitored for compliance. Specimens shall be delivered to Lab Department employee only, signing in as required. Couriers will check in and out at the lab by filling out the Delivery Sign-In Sheet/Log (which will be provided upon contract award) with their complete name and initials. Specimens will not be left without ensuring that a Lab department employee has acknowledged receipt of the container(s).

SECTION II ADDENDUM TO STANDARD FORM 1449 DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

e. If the Lab Department personnel have not received the delivery by 3:00pm, they will call the courier Point of Contact (POC) to find out why the delivery is late. The POC will let the Lab know the reason for the delay and/or they will call the Lab within thirty (30) minutes with the reason for the delay and with a response to what is being done to resolve the situation. This information will be sent to the VA COR for documenting performance. The courier will provide a second POC that may be reached when no response has been received after the 30 minutes has expired.

f. The key element is the timely arrival of laboratory specimens at Stratton VA Medical Center Lab in Albany, NY. Failure to maintain that schedule will be a consideration for termination of the contract.

III. Transportation & Containers:

a. Contractor shall pick up all empty containers and other items from the delivery site and return them to the specified clinic location at the next scheduled pick up date/time.

b. Specimen containers will be provided by the VA Medical Center. However, the courier will be liable for replacement of any container that are lost or damaged while in their care. Prior to pick-up, courier will visually inspect the container (s) for damage. If any container is found to be damaged, he/she will so notify the Lab Department and request a replacement for transport.

c. Each container will be marked with a Ship to address and a Sent from address for its proper identification.

d. All containers shall be transported in a manner that will ensure that all specimens are delivered in the same condition in which they were received by the courier service (specimens in wire rack and in upright position or biohazard bags, unbroken vials or bottles).

e. The Contractor transporting vehicles shall be equipped with appliances and/or containers and other necessary items to maintain appropriate temperatures at all times for frozen and/or refrigerated specimens from pick-up point to final drop-off point. All vehicles shall have heating and air conditioning to maintain a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During transport of specimens from the clinic, the courier service will in all aspects, try to prevent any/all extreme temperature changes to the coolers causing the ice inside to melt. Vehicles shall not be left in extreme heat or cold while specimens, pharmaceuticals, and films are being transported. Damages that occur due to improper temperature controls will be levied against the contractor.

f. The Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY will provide any other supplies necessary to transport specimens including shipping containers, tapes and labels.

IV. Contractor Qualifications:

a. The Contractor shall have all necessary licenses and follow all applicable federal, state and/or local regulations regarding the requested transportation services.

b. Contractor shall be established in the business called for and be financially responsible.

c. Contractor shall ensure that its employees are qualified and capable of performing these services. All drivers must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated as required by the State of New York.

d. The Government reserves the right to thoroughly inspect and investigate the establishments’ vehicles, facilities, and other qualifications of offeror and to reject any offer, irrespective of price, if it is administratively determined to be lacking in any of the essentials necessary to assure acceptable standards of performance.

e. Contractor shall provide a list of personnel including, drivers, office personnel and who to contact in case of emergency. The list shall include names, phone numbers and pager numbers. The contract manager, drivers and alternates, must be able to read, write, speak and understand English. An updated listing will be provided as changes in personnel occur.

f. Contractor shall provide and maintain training for its employees in appropriate safety and packaging procedures suitable to specimen type and distances transported. This should include issues such as adherence to regulations for transport of biohazards, use of rigid containers where appropriate, temperature control, notification procedures in case of accident or spills, etc. Upon request by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or designee, contractor shall provide documentation certifying that training has been provided to contractor’s employees.

g. Contractor shall submit at least 3 references from past related jobs. They would also need to furnish a point of contact from the business/organization, in which the job was completed. All included information may be subject to verification.

V. Evaluation Factors

All Offerors will respond to the initial solicitation for qualification package by submitting a proposal to the assigned Contracting Officer. An evaluation decision will be made based upon the following factors, as listed below according to weight:

1. Past Performance (with preference to medical facilities): interested parties would need to submit an outline detailing at least three past related jobs. They would also need to furnish a point of contact from the business/organization, in which the job was completed. All included information may be subject to verification.

2. Ability to perform the entire contract without sub-contracting to other vendors. This should be expressed in the developed contingency plan.

3. Experience: The contractor shall provide personnel resume and/or other information that will satisfactory prove selected candidate are qualified to perform the required services.

4. Price: Parties should complete the attached worksheet.

VI. Special Contract Requirements:

a. Service Contract Act of 1965: All service employees who will be employed in the performance of the contract awarded as a result of this solicitation shall be paid no less than the wages shown on the Wage Determination which is incorporated and made a part of this solicitation and resulting contract.

b. Lost, Stolen or Damaged Items: Contractor will make all reasonable provisions to protect items being transported against loss, such as placing items in a secure area until delivery has been accomplished. Should an item be lost or stolen while in the Contractors possession, the Contractor shall reimburse the VA Medical Center for the cost.

SECTION II ADDENDUM TO STANDARD FORM 1449 DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

VII. Definitions /Acronyms:

a. CBOC: Community Based Outpatient Clinic.

b. CO - Contracting Officer: The person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings, including changes within the original contract scope, on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

c. COR - Contracting Officer Representative. Any person(s) designated in writing by the contracting officer to act for the CO within the limits of the delegated authority. Under this contract, the COR shall be the VA person who is qualified to operate the equipment called for and shall render advice and assistance to the contractor’s service personnel. The COR shall also be responsible for certifying that services performed have been satisfactorily rendered in accordance with contract terms.

d. Pickup Receipt: A documentation of the services including time and date of pick up.

e. VAMC - Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

f. Quality Assurance (QA): Actions taken by the CO or COR to ensure that contractor performance is in accordance with contract requirements.

g. Quality Control Plan (QCP): A plan of action to be employed by the contractor to ensure that its performance is in accordance with contract requirements.

VIII. Sexual Harassment Policy:

The policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to create an environment free of discrimination and to promote an atmosphere for the residents, visitors and workforce, free of discrimination and/or harassment, without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap. Contractors performing services on a Federal worksite must take any and all necessary measures to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination from occurring, by assuring that his/her employees and those of his/her subcontractors maintain the highest degree of conduct and standards in this regard.

Any complaints received by the Contractor, alleging misconduct toward contractors employees from other than contractor related personnel, i.e. VA personnel, patients, and/ or visitors shall be reported to the COR.

IX. Contingency Plan.

The Contractor shall furnish with his proposal a written Contingency Plan indicating that services can be continued in the event of failure of the Contractors primary personnel, equipment, facility and/or performance. This Contingency Plan must also include transportation vehicle failure.

X. Compliance with Regulations/Security Requirements & Confidentiality:

1. Contractor employees are subject to and must comply with HIPAA Regulation, Public Law 104-191; Public Law 93-579 Privacy Act of 1974 and all applicable Federal and VA confidentiality Laws and Regulations insuring the integrity and confidentiality of the information and protect against any reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of the information and unauthorized uses or disclosures of the information. This includes any exposures to PHI by support personnel or disclosure of any PHI to any other agents during the course of regular service and support activities, and to any PHI obtained during the course of complaint investigation or any other FDA mandated activity. Upon termination of this contract, the contractor shall continue to extend this protection to any PHI retained during this activity.

2. The Contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all packages being transported and will be held liable in the event of breach of confidentiality. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579), the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1972 (Public Law 93-282, the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (Public Law 93-255), as well as other statutes regarding confidentiality of patient information. Any contractor personnel found to be reading any of the materials shall be promptly removed from the government premises. The persons involved will not be allowed to return to the for any future service requests. Disclosure of any sensitive data obtained during the performance of the particular contractual duty is prohibited. Violations may involve imposition of criminal penalties.

3. The Contractor will ensure that security measures have been implemented which are consistent with all VHA, VA, and other federal standards and guidelines. The contractor will be responsible for the actions of all individuals provided to work for the VA under this contract. In the event that damages arise from work performed by contractor provided personnel, under the auspices of this contract, the contractor will be responsible for all resources necessary to remedy the incident.

4. Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall satisfy all requirements for appropriate security eligibility in dealing with access to sensitive information belonging to or being used on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. All contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ computer system, access to sensitive records or access to the facility shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement prior to contract performance. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. If the investigation is not completed prior to the start of the contract, the contractor will be responsible for the actions of those individuals they provide to perform work for VA.

(1) Position Sensitivity - The position sensitivity has been designated as low risk.

(2) Background Investigation - The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access is National Agency Check with Written Inquiries.

(3) Contractor Responsibilities

(a) The contractor shall bear the expense of obtaining background investigations. If the investigation is conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the contractor shall reimburse VA within 30 days. The cost of Background investigation is currently $250.00. This price is subject to change.

(b) The contractor shall submit or have their employees submit the following required forms to the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement within 30 days of receipt:

(c) The contractor, when notified of an unfavorable determination by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration from working under the contract.

(d) Failure to comply with the contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract for default.

5. The contractor shall prescreen all personnel providing services to ensure they maintain an U.S. citizenship and are able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

6. Failure to comply with the contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract for default.

XI. Identification, Parking, Smoking and VAMC Regulations:

Contractor personnel shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the VAMC and any Federal property. The Contractors delivery personnel must be in a Contractor uniform or some apparel that identifies them with the Contractor and VA reserves the right to request picture identification and to verify employment prior to allowing access.

It is the responsibility of the vendor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police Section. The VAMC will not invalidate or make reimbursement of parking violations of the vendor under any conditions. Smoking is prohibited inside any buildings at the VAMC. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

XII. Documentation Delivery Reports:

The Contractor shall provide to VAs COR or designee, a written report of all items transported to and from each location. The report shall also provide the number of items delivered, and their delivery locations. The report must show date, the name of the item, number of pieces delivered, and where they were delivered. The COR or designee will verify the delivery date and discrepancies will be addressed with the Contractors authorized representative.

XIII. Invoices and Payment:

Payment of services rendered under this contract shall be made upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice submitted by the Contractor to the payment address shown elsewhere herein (See Std. Form 1449, Block 18a). For faster service, the contractor may also fax invoice in by using (512) 460-5540. Whether faxed or mailed the invoice must be produce on company letterhead Invoices. It shall reference the Contract Number and Purchase Order Number, provide an accurate description of services provided, including dates of pickups and deliveries, location of service, amounts, unit prices, extended totals and any other data required for payment purposes.

Payment will be made for the actual number of trips made. A trip is defined as a pick up at the CBOC and delivery at the VAMC. If a pick up is not made, and proof of pickup is through Contractors employee signature, then a deduction from the invoice will be made. If the Contractor goes to each CBOC and the CBOC has no items for pick up, the vendor will receive payment for that trip

XVI. Ordering:

The VA shall issue purchase order transactions to the Contractor. Purchase transactions shall be made by authorized VA officials using one of the following methods:

a. Government VISA Credit Card transaction (I.M.P.A.C.) b. Delivery Orders

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer or his/her designee may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The Contracting Officer or his/her designee will notify the Contractor of any noncompliance with the foregoing provisions as well as 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 work, shall be deemed to be sufficient for the purpose of the aforesaid. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting officer may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work and hold the Contractor in default.

(vii) The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items” (Jun 2020)

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

(viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items (OCTOBER 2014), applies to this acquisition.

Award will be made to the offeror whose offer is determined to be the best value to the government, considering technical capability past performance and price. The offeror must be a responsible offeror and submit a package that meets all the technical and past performance requirements. Offeror must also meet the terms and conditions of all clauses and provisions. The award will be made to the responsible offerors, whose offer is the best value. When combined, technical and past performance is more important than price. A quote may be determined to be unacceptable/incomplete if required information is missing or if the quote materially deviates from the requirements of the RFQ. All complete quotes will be considered. Evaluation Factors:

**Submit (1) un-redacted file for (a) technical capability (1) performance capability & (2) technical experience and (b) management, certification & training (1) & (2) not to exceed 25 pages collectively and (1) un-redacted file for (c) price. Acknowledgement of any solicitation amendments if issued.

(A) Technical Capability - Technical capability is defined as an offeror’s ability to satisfy the solicitation’s requirements, providing the highest quality service to the specified facilities. Technical Capability will be determined based on the qualifications of the offeror’s proposal, and demonstration of the following sub-factors.

1. Performance Capability – The offeror’s performance capability document shall include a detailed statement of contractor’s capability to perform the duties of this requirement.

2. Technical Experience (Past Performance) – Contractor must provide a list of 3 to 5 past or current contracts where you performed a requirement of similar scope and complexity (detailed). The contractors Past Performance shall also be reviewed in CPARs.

(B) Management, Certification & Training:

1. Contractor shall provide a written quality control plan which includes procedures for mitigating deficiencies in service and a proposed mechanism for correcting for issues that may arise, in support of the SOW.

2. Contractor shall provide documentation of all driver field training, HIPPAA & OSHA Training and Certification in the safe transport of infectious/diagnostic specimens.

(C) Price, the government will evaluate offers for total price; however please keep in mind When combined, technical and past performance is more important than price.

(viiii) FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items” (FEB 2021) 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 Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

(x) FAR 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions–Commercial Items” October 2018 The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

The following clauses are incorporated into Addendum to FAR 52.212-4,

52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (DEC 2013)

(xi) FAR 52.212-5, “Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items” (JAN 2021) The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(xii) All quoters shall submit the following: one copy of technical capability and pricing, and an additional redacted copy.

All quotations shall be sent ONLY to Clifford S. Harrison at Clifford.Harrison@va.gov This is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set-aside open market for Stratton VA Medical Center Courier Services as defined herein. The government intends to award a contract as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition."

OR

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:"

Quoter shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s).

Submission shall be received not later than 12PM (Noon) on 08/23/2021 (UPDATED) @Clifford.Harrison@va.gov. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). Faxed or postal mailed quotes will NOT be accepted.

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer Clifford S. Harrison at Clifford.Harriso@va.gov. All questions must be submitted by 08/05/2021 at 12:00pm.

Point of Contact Clifford S. Harrison, Contract Specialist Clifford.Harrison@VA.gov

NO PHONE CALLS.

This amendment is to address questions and to provide answers, The NC02 Contracting Department would also like to extend the due date from: 08/19/2021 12PM EST to 08/23/2021 12PM EST.

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