Mobile MRI Vendor Questions - 2-16-2024.docx

Solicitation Number: 36C24224Q0203 Questions (Toms River Mobile MRI)

1. Is the MRI scanner expected to scan with the back-up generator? Or just keep the magnet cold during power outages?

1. Removing back-up generator as the Facility will have emergency back-up power.

2. You call for a Hydraulic lift on 1c of PWS however you also want an ADA Aluminum Ramp on 1ad. Can you please let us know where the ramp will be installed at the trailer because the ramp will interfere with the use of the hydraulic

1. Removing ADA Ramp requirement

3. Also, do you have a drawing of how you want the ramp placed as it pertains to the mobile?

1. Removing ADA Ramp requirement

4. Can a CLIN be added for installation of the ADA Ramp?

1. Removing ADA Ramp requirement

5. Can we get site drawings and aerial views of the location?

1. See attachments.

6. The list of coils required needs clarification:

a. Torso - Does this refer to a Body Array/Body Matrix Coil?

a. Yes

b. Knee - is this a dedicated coil with a channel requirement or would you just like to be able to perform Knee scans?

a. yes, dedicated with minimum 8 channels.

c. Shoulder - Is one shoulder cup size acceptable, if not what size coils do you need?

a. minimum 8 channels flexible or solid is acceptable.

d. Head Coils. The following are listed, and we need some clarification since a general head coil can meet these requirements

1. Head/Neck/spine/Array

a. Yes

2. Neuro Vascular

a. Yes

1. Functional MRI Head

1. not needed

2. Adjustable Neurovascular head

1. not needed

3. Can you be specific with the types of studies that you would like to perform with the head coil?

1. MRA head and neck. Brain and posterior fossa exams etc.

e. Run-off coils are listed along with “peripheral vascular” which is the same coil. PA coils are used for runoff Please confirm your needs

a. not needed

f. “Elbow” is listed and typically a flex coil or extremity would be used to perform this study. We are not aware of a dedicated “elbow” coil please clarify.

a. flex coil or extremity would be sufficient.

g. “Prostate” is listed. Do you require a specific coil for this imaging or just the capability to perform these studies?

a. Coil not needed.

h. “Carotid” is also a type of procedure not a dedicated coil to our knowledge, please confirm if you are just looking for the capability to perform this study, or the name of a dedicated coil that you need

a. this is covered by the Neurovascular coil.

i. “Extremity: flexible, transmit/receive” is confusing. Can you please clarify?

a. Flex coils/extremity coils

j. “Whole body imaging”. Please clarify this statement. N/A

7. B.2 B. Objectives: Describe the specific requirement for “continuing education.”

a. Normally, when applications training is completed continuing education credits are awarded.

8. B.2.F. Scope of Work Repairs, Uptime: Industry standard Uptime guarantee of 98% is typically based on a 12-month period, not 3 months. Considering your strict requirements, will we be granted access to our equipment after hours at this location?

a. Uptime is calculated utilizing normal business hours. After hours access will be managed on a case by case study.

9. B.2.F In addition, the magnet and cryostat are perishable. In case of a failure, it would require 24x7 access. Will we be granted access?

a. Yes

10. B.2.F. Scope of Work, Software: Can you tell us exactly what software level that you require? What software application do you require inside of the main software level/Revision?

a. The workstations will need to be running supported Operating Systems (e.g. supported build of Windows 10).

11. B.2.F. Scope of Work Hazard Alerts: Any Government identified Hazard Alert and/or FDA Voluntary/un-Voluntary recalls are unknown, therefore this should be a separately priced item as out of scope work,

a. As we are requiring the Contractor to maintain the MRI and Trailer, we cannot remediate these ourselves. We can keep in contact with the Contractor and alert them of the Hazard Alerts, but ultimately the Contractor needs to follow through to completion of these. This is usually contacting the OEM and ensuring they complete the tasks assigned.

12. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List: You are calling out Name Brand items (1c HVAC, 1f Sky Light, 1m Magnet Room Door). Is an equivalent product that meets or exceeds the name brand acceptable? If not, can you give justification for the name brand for each item?

a. An equivalent product that meets or exceeds is acceptable.

13. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List Provide the install guide for the item 1e injector.

a. For clarification, the injector is to be supplied and installed by the contractor.

14. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List : 1p Fire Suppression Clarification to interface fire suppression system. Who will be responsible for the connection/interfacing of the mobile fire suppression system to the hospital?

i. Connection/interfacing with be completed by VA

15. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List Items 1h and 1i Code Blue and Nurse call button, require input from the VA IT department. Who is the contact (name, phone and email)

i. Removing requirement for Code Blue and Nurse Call Button

16. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List Item 1c What is the maximum weight of B.3 the “bariatric patient”?

a. 550LB max bariatric patient weight

17. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List Item 1ab: The on board generator will only power HVAC and MRI scanning during hospital 480v power loss is not possible.

a. Removing back-up generator as the Facility will have emergency back-up power.

18. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List Item 2b Functional MRI head What software will you provide to enable fMRI STUDIES?

a. Removing requirement as we do not plan to conduct those studies at this time. We will be conducting perfusion studies.

19. B.2.F. Scope of Work G Equipment List ITEM 2b Define OEM and part number for “adjustable neurovascular head coil”.

a. not needed

20. B.3 Price /Cost schedule items 0003,1003,2003,3003,4003 Define As Needed Repairs Hourly Rates we assume, that scope of Needed repairs out of warranty will be negotiated on an Out-of-Scope Change Order.

a. It’s impossible to describe all corrective maintenances that may arise. This can include but is not limited to table malfunctions, software issues, and various trailer maintenance. Both the MRI and Trailer need to be maintained to their respective OEM standards.

21. Referencing the Equipment List, please furnish the required specifications for the wall murals. Is a conventionally painted wall acceptable for submission?

a. Painted wall is acceptable

22. Is there a proposed start date for this contract?

a. June 1, 2024

23. Will there be any other training necessary other than the following:

a. Equipment list states the following in regard to training: In Service Applications Training at Site upon delivery.

b. PWS - Personnel Section States: The Field Service Engineer is required to be OEM training, and the Contractor shall provide the certification upon request.

i. No other training necessary

24. Are there any staffing requirements?

a. The VA will provide staffing to operate the equipment. The contractor will need to provide service support (PM and CM) for both the MRI and Trailer.

25. Are you currently receiving MRI services? If so by whom?

a. No, this is a new requirement for a new building.

26. What is the MRI make and model providing services?

a. The MRI make and model for servicing is dependent upon the make and model provided by the vendor. The requirement includes both providing the device as well as the service for the device.

27. There is no grey market language in the bid. Does that mean you will accept grey market material?

a. Grey market clause will be included

28. Sky light and Wall Mural- Since this is an MRI a skylight would be an inherent weak spot for outside RF to enter the scan room which would cause artifacts in the scans. Is the skylight a mandatory requirement? Can we add the wall murals post-award?

a. Sky Factory skylights are virtual windows. Sky Factory makes MRI Compatible ones that can be mounted on a surface or recessed through an opening. It's to my understanding that this requirement (skylight and wall murals) is more for patient atmosphere and experience. Does not have to be Sky Factory brand name, however it does need to be MRI Compatible.

29. In prior discussion with the end user Team, it was mentioned that a "brand-new system is desired – which we can provide through a brand new GE HealthCare MRI System which meets/exceeds all of the requirements referenced in the RFQ."

a. The equipment requirement is to be brand new.

30. This solicitation does not list brand specific models for the required bore size. The standard bore size is 60 cm for 1.5T MRIs and the next size up from there is 70 cm. The models, availability and price of a 60 cm as apposed to a 70 cm is drastic. I was hoping the VA can clarify this as it will improve the accuracy of all quotes you receive.

a. Requirement is asking from a minimum bore size of 60 cm.

31. The Leadtime would depend on what system you are requesting. However, we are able to supply both bore sizes(models) for GE and Siemens models.

32. The channels are standard in the following breakdown; 8, 16, 18, 24, 32, 36 and 48. With 16, 18 and 48 being the most widely used configurations across OEMs. If the VA needs no less than 33 we will default our proposal to only models that are 36 and 48 channels.

33. Lastly, can you please advise the estimated start time for the contract? This will dictate which model(s) we will be quoting.

a. Approximate start time of June 1, 2024

34. Vendors requested an up-to-date graphic legend / drawing for details and specs of the area where trailer will be positioned.

a. Drawing will be provided for planning purposes only. Close to scale, but not exact

35. There is a question on the area where ramp is to be placed, space provided not being enough to place a ramp.

a. Removing ADA Ramp requirement

36. A ramp and a lift are required as per SOW, vendors stated that both are not usually required. Vendors stated lifts have a backup battery and mechanisms to drop down if needed.

a. Removing ADA Ramp requirement

37. The requirement requires a generator, vendors questioned the need if the building has back up electricity.

a. Removing back-up generator as the Facility will have emergency back-up power.

38. There is a question on the brand name of the MRI System specs are geared to GE.

a. The Mobile MRI Equipment shall be equal to or better than the description of a 1.5T MRI System that meets the attached Technical Requirements.