Modification 36C24225R0013 0001.docx

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

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10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

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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 specified 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 CHANGES 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)

06-24-2025

NONE

Department of Veterans Affairs Samuel S . Stratton VA Medical Center 113 Holland Avenue (2-90NCA) Albany NY 12208-3410

Department of Veterans Affairs Samuel S . Stratton VA Medical Center Network Contracting Activity 113 Holland Avenue (2-90NCA) Albany NY 12208-3410 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24225R0013

X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 07-09-2025 12pm EDT See CONTINUATION Page

The purpose of Modification P0001 is as follows:

The date for proposal submittals is extended to 7/9/2025 until 12pm local time VAAR 852.215-70 is removed from the solicitation To upload updated documents: Attachment A, Attachment B and S02 - 36C24225R0013_Final Solicitation Document Answer questions posed by vendors

Corey Swinton Contract Specialist

CONTINUATION PAGE

Questions Asked and Answered 1

1. Page 17 – Section Reads Heated /Humidified high flow oxygen system.

Can this be removed from the contract?

Answer: No, this is intended to be a device similar to the Airvo which can be used both institutionally and at home.

2. BiPAP requires initial set up. Do you have a CLIN for this item and an estimated quantity? There isn’t a mechanism on the contract to allow for billing of the item.

Answer: See new Attachment A

3. Heavy-Duty Compressors requires initial set up. Do you have a CLIN for this item and an estimated quantity? There isn't a mechanism on the contract to allow for billing of the item.

Answer: See new Attachment A

4. Will the VA discontinue oxygen patients that are a fire risks? Will you discontinue someone if they started themselves on fire or their house while smoking with oxygen?

Answer: No, patients will not be discontinued due to fire risks. No, patients will not be discontinued due to past fire incidents.

5. Can you please correct the section reference number as it is not sequential order?

Answer: Section is Amended to read 14.1.1.5.2.1

6. Can you please correct the second sentence to read: One portable concentrator provides pulse flow and continuous flow capability and the other provides PULSE flow capability.

Answer: Section is amended to read: One portable concentrator provides pulse flow and continuous flow capability and the other provides PULSE flow capability.

7. There is a bullet point with a "y". Is this an error? Can it be removed?

Answer: The section is amended to remove the Y

8. These are not allowed to be used per Patient Safety Alert AL18-01 released on 03/12/20218. Can this be removed from the contract?

Answer: Is Amended to remove 14.1.2.1 Dual Lumen Section

9. Do you have a CLIN for this item and an estimated quantity? There isn't a mechanism on the contract to allow for billing of the item.

Answer: See new Attachment A

10. Was this left blank intentionally?

Answer: Amended to have correct numbering sequence.

11. Do you have a CLIN for this item and an estimated quantity? There isn't a mechanism on the contract to allow for billing of the item.

Answer: See new Attachment A

12. Can you please correct the first sentence to read: If patients TRAVELS outside of the United States and its territories they are responsible for all arrangements for home oxygen.

Answer: Amended to read: “If patients live outside the United States and its territories, they are responsible for all arrangements for home oxygen. If patient travels outside the United States and its territories they are responsible for all arrangements for home oxygen during their stay. If a patient travels outside the United States and its territories the contractor is only responsible for providing a portable oxygen concentrator (when clinically appropriate) and batteries and supplies to get the patient to and from their destination.”

13. What is the purpose of this?

Answer: Amended to remove delivery schedule.

14. The use of this type of equipment is obsolete in the home care setting. Can it be removed from the contract as Upstate NY has not used this item in over 10 years?

Answer: Is amended to remove the liquid oxygen section

15. Heavy-Duty Compressors requires initial set up. Do you have a CLIN for this item and an estimated quantity? There isn't a mechanism on the contract to allow for billing of the item.

Answer: See new Attachment A

16. Is the heavy-duty compressor being furnished by the VA or contractor?

Answer: The VA will supply

17. Where are the surveys being mailed to? You listed Buffalo, NY and Northport, NY. Please clarify.

Answer: Is amended to read the Buffalo Address

18. Previously the VA has always provided masks, tubing, headgear, etc. for the CLINs X004(a)(b)(c) because we are just replacing the broken machine with a VA issued replacement machine. Can you remove the supplies from the CLIN as the individual supplies needed could cost between $1.00 to $350.00?

Answer: is amended to remove “and any necessary supplies”

19. Can you please correct the COR? On attachment F Answer: is amended to Stefan Goot, Stefan.Goot@va.gov, 631-261-4400 EXT. 12754

20. Is the ACO correct? On attachment F Answer: Is Amended to:

Assigned CO: Anthony Murray, Anthony.Murray2@va.gov, (518)626-6138 Assigned ACO: Corey Swinton, Corey.Swinton@va.gov, (838)-433-7507

21. Are you sure the NAICS code provided of 325120 is correct as this is for the manufacturing of industrial gases? The previous O2 contracts were under either NAICS code 532291 or 532283

Answer: In 2024, OGC determined that these contracts are no longer service contracts and are in fact supply contracts because the core requirement is oxygen, meaning oxygen is what is being supplied. As such it requires a supply NAICS and 325120 is the correct NAICS code.

Questions Asked and Answered 2

1. The SF 1449 lists the NAICS code as 325120 Industrial Gas Manufacturing, which is the incorrect NAICS code. The correct NAICS code is 532283 Home Health Equipment Rental. In fact, the current contract for Home Oxygen Services for VISN 2 Upstate is using 532283 Home Health Equipment Rental.

Question: Consider revising the NAICS code to the proper NAICS code of 532283 Home Health Equipment Rental.

Answer: In late 2024, OGC determined that this is a supply requirement and the “supply” here is oxygen and as such the NAICS code is 325120.

2. PWS page 19 of 125 states “When there is a change in Contractors, it is the duty and responsibility of the new Contractor to pick up all Government Owned Equipment and other related supplies from the incumbent Contractor at no cost to the Government or incumbent. These items are to be stored within the place of business of the new Contractor. The new Contractor, incumbent contractor and COR or designee will jointly inventory all Government owned equipment at the incumbent Contractor’s location for each zone/facility and an inventory document (list) will be signed by all parties prior to equipment being transported to new storage facility. This inventory will include the items, quantity of items, and conditions thereof. All parties will mutually agree on a date for the inventory review and transfer.”

Question: Please provide contractors the inventory list of Government owned equipment, by location, so contractors can plan the correct facility size and layout.

Answer: Is amended to read The locations are Western NY (Buffalo), Finger Lakes (Bath and Canandaigua), Syracuse and Albany. The equipment and quantities are:

3. PWS page 20 of 125 states: “1.5.8. The newly awarded Contractor will replace the incumbent contractor’s home oxygen equipment and complete all set ups including assessment and patient education/ training and entry into the VA electronic medical record by an RRT at no cost to the Government.”

Question: Since the set-ups will be done in conjunction with the semi-annual RRT visit, the awarded vendor will still be billing for the RRT visit, CLIN X007, correct?

Answer: That is correct. The set up is being done in conjunction with a timely RRT visit and so the incoming Contractor will be paid for the RRT visit.

4. PWS page 30 of 125 states: “This contract is all inclusive and the rental prices include but are not limited to: all equipment, portable oxygen contents-gas/liquid (all initial set-ups and refills required to meet the needs of the patient), delivery and set-up, assessments and training, documentation in the Electronic Health Record system, provision of expendable supplies, fire safe valves, emergency replacement in the event of equipment malfunction, patient travel required, etc.”

Question: In order for contractors to provide an accurate all-inclusive rental price, we need specific historical numbers on the average number of tank refills per patient, per month. We also require the number of pounds of liquid used per patient, per month. Without this data, contractors will be guessing what the volume is and in turn the VA might be paying more than they need to be paying. Please provide this information.

Answer: The solicitation is amended to remove the requirement for liquid oxygen. The average number of tanks per patient, per month is 1.7.

5. PWS page 30 of 125 states: “Prior to award of contract, the Contractor’s facility shall be subject to inspection and approval by representatives of the VA.”

Question: It is customary for the VA Home Oxygen program nationwide that awarded contractors open branch office locations, hire employees, purchase all the required equipment, etc. after the award, not prior to award. Is it the government’s intent to require contractors to already be located throughout VISN 2 Upstate with facilities, staff, all resources, etc. prior to contract award? If so, that is unduly restrictive and all SDVOSBs will be found unacceptable for an award.

Answer: In locations where the offeror does not already have an established location, it will suffice to have details from a space the Offeror proposes to rent or establish upon award that will meet all space requirements, including the HVAC and humidity control systems.

6. PWS page 43 of 125 states: “14.1.8. RENTAL OF CYLINDERS ONLY: In some instances there is a need to only rent cylinders to treat patients with conditions such as cluster headaches. The cylinders include sizes “E,” “D,” or “B.” The Contractor will provide an aluminum cylinder with regulator, cart, carrying bag (shoulder or backpack style as requested by patient) and disposable supplies. This is a cost per cylinder issued to a patient and not a monthly charge. For example, patient receives one “D” tank in February, VA is charged for the one tank in that month and not for subsequent months. (CLIN X006a, b, c)”

Question: CLIN X006a, b, c will be billed each time an empty tank is replaced with a full tank, correct?

Answer: Yes, that is correct. This is a per tank charge

7. PWS page 47 of 125 states: “19.2. EXPERIENCE: Only companies with at least 5- years of successful experience (in the last 8-years) providing respiratory care services (concentrators, ventilators, cylinders, and respiratory therapy) for a program similar or larger in scope (geography, #s of patients served, etc.) to the existing home oxygen program operating in VISN 2 will be considered.

Question: Given that this solicitation is issued as an SDVOSB set-aside, this requirement is unduly restrictive and should be removed from the solicitation. If left in the solicitation, the VA will be putting themselves into a corner and being forced to award a contract rather than choosing the company they feel provides the greatest value. Please remove section 19.2 from the solicitation, or in the alternative, change the requirement from 5 years to 4 years.

Answer: The government will not change this requirement.

8. PWS page 48 of 125 states: “19.4. LICENSURE: All facilities and staff providing services under this contract shall be licensed in accordance with local and state regulations. RRTs shall be licensed in accordance with the state in which they provide service. VISN 2 has patients that reside primarily in NYS and in nearby states such as, but not limited to PA, MA, CT, NJ, and VT. Contractor shall have sufficient licensed staff to provide services to the patients residing in these states and the RRTs shall maintain licenses in these states (proof of licensure is required and shall be provided prior to contract award, as new staff are hired and as licenses are renewed). Evidence of licensure shall be provided to the Contracting Officer by the offeror with the submission of their proposal and subsequently, made available to COR or designee as requested.

Question: Given that this solicitation is issued as an SDVOSB set-aside, this requirement is unduly restrictive and should be removed from the solicitation. If left in the solicitation, the VA will be putting themselves into a corner and being forced to award a contract rather than choosing the company they feel provides the greatest value. Please remove section 19.4 and subsequent proposal instructions from the solicitation.

Answer: The government will not change this requirement.

9. Page 97 of 125 states: “(c) How the company will be ready for full implementation by 11/1/2025. Full implementation with all home oxygen patients is to completed within 180 calendar days after award in such a way that the current visit schedule can be maintained by the new contractor. The contractor will work with the existing visit schedule so that existing beneficiaries get the new set-up when the visit is due. The VA will provide the new contractor with the existing list of beneficiaries and current schedule of due visits.”

Question: For the awarded vendor to be ready for full implementation by 11/1/2025, the contract should have been awarded by 5/1/2025. Clearly, we are already past that date. Consider revising to reflect a more realistic date.

Answer: Is amended to read 2/1/2026.

10. Question: How many patients, on average, are serviced under this contract? Number of concentrator patients and number of Ventilator patients. Please provide this information broken out by VAMC. This information is essential for contractors to provide a detailed description on how we will manage the contract with personnel, facilities, planned subcontractors, etc.

Answer: See chart below

11. Question: Are the estimated quantities listed on the Price Schedule monthly or yearly estimated quantities?

Answer: They are monthly quantities.

12. Attachment B Evaluation Factors for Award, page 2 of 4 states: “At a minimum this included:

How the company will be able to start taking orders, conduct set-ups, and handle calls from patients in all catchment areas by XX/1/2021. This includes having adequate staffing, equipment & supplies, vehicles, service center to handle orders, calls, etc.

How the transition of patients will be monitored, as well as how many patients will be transitioned per day, week, month.

How the company will be ready for full implementation by XX/1/2021. Full implementation with all home oxygen patients is to be completed within 180 calendar days after award in such a way that the current visit schedule can be maintained by the new contractor. The contractor will work with the existing visit schedule so that existing beneficiaries get the new set-up when the next visit is due. The VA will provide the new contractor with the existing list of beneficiaries and current schedule of due visits.

Question: Consider revising to reflect a more realistic date.

Answer: the date is amended to 2/1/2026

13. Attachment B Evaluation Factors for Award, page 4 of 4 states: “Factor 3: VAAR 852.215-70 Service Disabled Veteran Owned and Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB) Status:

Please read “VAAR 852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors (DEC 2009)” very carefully and proceed with your answer.

(1) For SDVOSBs/VOSBs: In order to receive credit under this Factor, an Offeror shall submit a statement of compliance that it qualifies as a SDVOSB or VOSB in accordance with VAAR 852.215-70 (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors). Offerors are cautioned that they must be registered and verified in Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database (http://www.VetBiz.gov).

(2) For Non SDVOSB/VOSB Offerors Proposing to Subcontract to SDVOSBs/VOSBs: To receive some consideration under this Factor, an Offeror must state in its proposal the names of SDVOSB(s) and/or VOSB(s) with whom it intends to subcontract, and provide a brief description and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. Additionally, proposed SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractors must be registered and verified in Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database (http://www.VetBiz.gov) in order to receive some consideration under the Veterans Involvement Factor.

(3) With regard to the requirements for registration and verification in the VetBiz database, reference VAAR 804.1102 (Vendor Information Pages (VIP) Database).

Select one below and provide required information listed above: (All replies that are not completed will be scored as if N/A were selected)

____ SDVOSB (registered and verified in VIP) ____ VOSB (registered and verified in VIP) ____ Non-Veteran proposing to subcontract with SDVOSB or VOSB (registered and verified in VIP) ____ N/A

For evaluation purposes this factor will be evaluated as follows:

Full credit for a registered and verified SDVOSB means a reduction of 5% of total price. Partial credit for a registered and verified VOSB means a reduction of 2.5% of total price. Partial credit for Offerors proposing to subcontract with a registered and verified SDVOSB or VOSB means a reduction of 1% of total price. For example, if an offeror is a registered and verified SDVOSB and their total price is $1,000,000.00 then 5% would be $50,000.00. The offerors adjusted price would then be $950,000.00. The adjusted price of $950,000.00 would be the price used for the price evaluation. The same would be applied to a registered and verified VOSB with a 2% of total price deducted from the total. However the award price will be the offered price.”

Question: Given that this solicitation is an SDVOSB set-aside, why is this section in the Evaluation Factors for Award? This section does not apply to SDVOSB set-asides.

Answer. The language under Factor 3 below will be removed from Attachment B, please see the updated Attachment and updated RFQ.

14. Attachment B Evaluation Factors for Award, page 3 of 4 states: “2. List of References: The Offeror shall provide a list of recent and relevant references pertaining to the contracts identified in the Summary Statement, utilizing Attachment 3 of the solicitation.”

Question: I see an Attachment E, is that what you meant to say?

Answer: Yes, please see Attachment E

15. The SF 1449 states there are 132 pages in the solicitation document. However, the solicitation is only 125 pages.

Question: Are there pages missing from the solicitation?

Answer: Please see updated document

16. Question: Are there 4 or 5 parts to this submission? The solicitation shows Part 1: Price, Part 2: Technical, Part 3: Past Performance, and then Part 5 Miscellaneous.

Answer: There are 3 parts Part 1 – Price Part 2 - Technical Part 3 – Past Performance.

Miscellaneous is just a reminder of some of the items that you should remember to have

17. Question: Should Attachment A be included as part of Part 1: Price or should it be included as its own separate attachment in excel?

Answer: See the Solicitation Price Proposal the final checkbox states “all CLINS from Attachment A” please submit a completed Attachment A

18. Question: New O2 setups are completed within 24 hours, including weekends; does this not include holidays?

1. The solicitation is amended to: VA will try to provide 24-hour notice of a patient being released from the hospital. However, there may be situations when less than the 24-hour notice is given.

All set-ups will be done within 24-hours unless the VA requests a specific time-frame for the set-up. The contractor is expected to comply with the time-frames as requested by VA. The minimum expected time-frame would be 4-hours. Set-up can be done by a trained driver/technician but the RT visit must be completed by an RRT within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. Contractor will evaluate patient for conserver or Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) when requested by the VA.

19. Question: Under equipment, it says that RT or tech can deliver. If tech delivers, then rt has 24 hrs after for the initial visit, but under RT, it says RT must be done within 24 hrs of the script. Which one is it?

Answer: The expectation is that all routine initial set ups will be done by an RT and this must occur within 24 hours of the prescription. In the case of a VA-requested emergency set up (within 4 hours), a technician can do the set up as long as an RT follows up to verify everything within 24 hours.

20. Question: Vents, invasive and noninvasive, have a 24-hour time to replace for equipment failure, but emergencies for concentrators are in 4 hours? Please clarify.

Answer: Ventilators require there to be a back up system to be provided that has the same capabilities as the primary system. In the event of ventilator equipment failure, the patient would switch to the backup unit. In the case of a concentrator failure, the patient would switch to their backup tank, but the backup tank is only required to have enough oxygen to supply the patients needs for at least three times your estimated response time, so the replacement concentrator must be delivered in a much shorter time frame than the replacement ventilator.

21. Question: Travel - Is there a limit on how many times the patient is allowed to travel both short-term and long-term? Who is to track the limit?

Answer: There is not a limit.

22. Question: Tanks only, Will M90 ever be issued out by itself for conditions like cluster headache? If so, will that be under clin X006, but what subcategory?

Answer: See amended Attachment A – 0009d,1009d,2009d,3009d,4009d

23. Question: Page 50 in the PWS, Submission of Supporting Documents - in the example spreadsheet format, the description does not indicate the CLIN used. Is the VA not wanting the CLIN listed for each line item?

Answer: No, the CLIN does not need to be included.

24. Question: For the Invoice, the VA is requesting for total cost broken down by rental, tank fills, tanks used, and rt visits. Is the VA wanting it listed the same in tungsten for each line broken out, or a large lump total?

Answer: Yes, the entries into Tungsten would be broken down the same way they are on the invoice.

Questions Asked and Answered 3

Question - Set-Aside Status – SDVOSB or Open Competition. Please confirm that non-SDVOSB offerors will not be evaluated for this action.

Answer. The language under Factor 3 below will be removed from Attachment B, please see the updated Attachment and updated RFQ.

Question – Pantient-Level Utilization and Inventory Data (for Planning) for informed resource allocation and planning, current actual deidentified patient-level utilization of government-owned equipment and inventory (i.e. equipment in the field vs. in inventory/storage) is a key piece of information. Would VA be willing to provide a list of deidentified patient utilization data, including zip code detail, for planning purposes.

Answer: The government cannot supply patient level data but can offer this for planning purposes. This represents the anticipated amount of equipment that will be kept on-hand in the offeror’s location at each of the catchment areas for VA Medical Centers covered by this solicitation (Western NY, Finger Lakes, Syracuse and Albany).

Question: Patient-Level Utilization Data for Pricing For informed pricing, resource allocation, and planning, current actual deidentified patient-level utilization including equipment and zip code level detail is a key piece of information. Would VA be willing to provide a list of deidentified patient utilization data including zip code detail for planning and pricing purposes?

Answer: The government can supply patient level data by zip code for planning purposes. Please see attached Excel spreadsheet. The estimated amount of each type of equipment is listed in Attachment A Schedule of Supplies and Services.

Question: VA Information System Access B.2 IT CONTRACT SECURITY includes requirements related to accessing VA Information Systems. Would VA please confirm whether vendors will be required to access VA Information Systems (e.g., EHR/CPRS/VISTA) upon award, or whether these requirements do not apply?

Answer: The Vendor RRT staff will be required to access the VA Electronic Health records and similar VA IT systems to perform documentation of care provided and other functions required under this contract.

Question:Long-Term Travel: End of Travel Notification Regarding Section 14.1.7.2 (Long-Term Travel), would VA please confirm how vendors will be notified when veterans do not establish themselves with a destination VA and subsequently end their travel?

Answer: This would be a cooperative effort between the Vendor and the Government. The patient is required to supply the Government with approximate beginning and ending dates for their travel. This information would be communicated by the Government to the Vendor when the request to set up the travel oxygen is transmitted. If either the Vendor or the Government receives information from the patient that their plans have changed, that information will be shared in a timely manner so that plans can be established to allow the patient to either complete their travel safely, or have them established for care at the destination VA. During this time, the Vendor will continue to bill under the appropriate Long-Term travel CLIN.

Question: CLIN for Additional POC Backup Batteries Would VA be willing to add a CLIN for purchasing POC backup batteries beyond what is required in the Schedule of Supplies/Services (i.e., backup batteries requested by patients or ordered by VA in addition to the standard order)? If not, please confirm how VA will reimburse additional POC batteries beyond what is required and that the cost shall not be borne by the contractor.

Answer: An Additional CLIN has been added to Attachment A 0008a,1008a,2008a,3008a,4008a,5008a Question: CLINs 0004a-0004c: Equipment Purchase or Rental Would VA please confirm that CLINs 0004a-0004c (and the same for subsequent option periods) are to purchase equipment rather than rental, as contemplated under other CLINs?

Answer: No, these sub-CLINs are neither purchase nor rental. These sub-CLINs are charges for the Vendor conducting emergency replacement of equipment previously issued to the patient from a supply of VA owned equipment that will be stored at the Vendor’s locations to use for this purpose. Generally, this would only be necessary if the patient’s equipment broke down on a weekend or extended holiday and they called the Vendor’s customer service line to report the equipment failure or at the request of VA.

Question: Reimbursement for Lost/Damaged Equipment Due to Veteran Negligence Section 4.4 references reimbursement for damaged, destroyed, lost, stolen, or not recovered equipment. Equipment that is damaged, destroyed, lost, stolen, or not returned due to Veteran’s negligence should reasonably be reimbursed. Would VA be willing to modify the language under Section 4.4 to allow for reimbursement for reasons of Veteran’s negligence and/or add language clarifying that such equipment is billable to the Veteran?

Answer: The Government will not modify this requirement

Questions Asked and Answered 4

1. PWS – page 38- #14.1.6.1: Patient Is An Active Home Oxygen Patient in the VA Upstate Home Oxygen Program: “Emergency replacement or maintenance of the equipment will be done by an RRT.”

Question: Would the government allow a trained technician, fully qualified under the laws of the State in which the services are being rendered, to perform emergency replacement equipment switch outs of home oxygen devices?

Answer: No, this would not be acceptable. Patients requiring these three pieces of equipment (BiPAP ST used as a non-invasive ventilator, heavy duty compressor and suction machine) tend to be clinically complex and the same training and documentation is required as is for an initial set up.

Contract Reference On the PWS- page 37 under the Section of 14.1.5 NON-INVASIVE POSTIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (NIPPV) this section has two line items that can be used for billing X003b, X003c.

14.1.5.4 Heated/Humidified High Flow Oxygen System: This is an all-inclusive rental that includes all required supplies, service, maintenance, set up, instruction, and caregiver education. Vendor will provide RT visit for any required changes as ordered by the VA.

14.1.5.5

14.1.5.6 Mechanical Insufflator-Exsufflator device: This is an all-inclusive rental that includes all required supplies, service, maintenance, set up, instruction, and caregiver education. Vendor will provide RT visit for any required changes as ordered by the VA.

Question 1: There is no line item pricing for the items listed in this section for 14.1.5.4 Heated Humidified High Flow Oxygen System or 14.1.5.6 Mechanical Insufflator-Exsufflator device, do we need to assume that each line item X003b, X0003c should have these two devices being issued to each patient and included in the rental of those items?

Answer: This has been addressed with the development of CLINs to cover these devices.

Question 2: Also, section 14.1.5.5 is blank, is there equipment to be listed on that section?

Answer: This has been addressed Home Oxygen