Questions and Answers 3.26.2026.pdf

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED REGARDING COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITAITON

36C24226Q0378

1. Who is the incumbent?

This scope of work differs from the previous procurement. However, information about the incumbent for a partial similar requirement can be found on SAM.gov.

2. What is the current contract number?

36C24221D0084

3. Can the government confirm that it is not looking for a full proposal with narrative BUT just the requested items in Combined Synopsis-Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, page 3? If the government is looking for a full proposal narrative, can you please advise on length, font size, margin size, etc.

All interested parties must follow what was requested in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. Please review Revised version on SAM.gov.

4. Can the government please provide the form that is requested for: VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting? It is not included in the solicitation.

This information could be found by reviewing the FAR Overhaul links provided in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Section 4. 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) VAAR http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp. However, to make it convenient VAAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) is attached.

5. Can you provide estimated monthly and peak volume of deliveries by type (blood samples, biopsies, equipment, organs)?

All documents must be opened and reviewed thoroughly. However, the estimated amount is found on the price /cost schedule. The peak volume is undetermined as this is based on patient need.

6. Are all delivery requests considered STAT/immediate, or are there priority tiers?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

7. What is the typical readiness time for specimens, and how often do wait times exceed one hour?

Typically ready for pickup; however, waiting time exceeding one hour is not often and not predictable.

8. What specific temperature ranges and monitoring requirements apply to each item type?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

9. Will all materials be pre-packaged by the facility, or is the courier responsible for packaging verification?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp

10. Is there a required chain-of-custody format, or can we implement our digital tracking system?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

11. What communication protocols and contacts are required for dispatch and delivery updates?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

12. Are there any facility access, parking, or security restrictions that may impact service?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

13. What procedures must be followed in case of delays, incidents, or specimen issues?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

14. Are there specific KPIs or reporting metrics expected beyond standard reporting?

The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan will be provided at the time of award.

15. Is it possible to get a copy of one of the last approved contacts with a breakdown of everything?

Refer to the first and second question of this question-and-answer document.

16. What is the estimated number of pickups/deliveries per day, week, and month?

All documents must be opened and reviewed thoroughly. However, the estimated amount is found in the price /cost schedule.

17. Are there peak days or times (e.g., transplant-heavy periods)?

The peak volume cannot be determined in advance, as it is based on patient needs as they arise.

18. What percentage of deliveries are emergency versus scheduled?

Scheduled deliveries refer to instances when the courier is called to pick up and deliver. However, the term “scheduled” was removed from Task Two – Delivery Requests to avoid any confusion.

19. Are multiple pickups/deliveries ever required in a single run, or are all deliveries strictly one-way and immediate?

Multiple pickups or deliveries in a single run are possible. This is dependent on patient needs as they arise.

20. Given the unpredictable nature of NYC traffic, what are the acceptable thresholds for delays, if any?

If a delay exceeds 1 hour, the contractor must notify the transplant point of contact (POC) to determine whether a workaround is possible for any potential service interruption.

21. What are the minimum insurance coverage limits required for:

o General Liability o Automobile Liability o Cargo / Professional Liability

$200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage.

22. Are there any special insurance requirements specific to biological or organ transport?

The vendor is responsible for understanding and complying with all local, state and federal rules and regulations related to this service.

23. Will the Government require additional insured endorsements?

The Government does not specify additional insured endorsements in the requirement. The vendor is responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to this service.

24. Are there any historical pricing benchmarks or incumbent rates available?

Refer to questions 1 and 2 of this document.

25. Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing this work?

No.

26. Are there any badging or facility access requirements for personnel?

Please review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the appropriate information.

27. My team is currently reviewing the combined synopsis/solicitation for Bronx Medical Lab Courier Services (Solicitation No. 36C24226Q0378). We were unable to locate the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance within the solicitation documents or attachments.

Could you please provide the required form or direct us to where it can be accessed?

This information could be found by reviewing the FAR Overhaul links provided in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Section 4. 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp. However, to make it convenient VAAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) is attached.

28. Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past.

http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp

This is a new procurement. However, refer to questions 1 and 2 of this document.

29. At present, our SAM.gov registration is in process, and we are pending final ID assignment.

Given this, I would like to respectfully inquire whether we may submit a quote for this opportunity while our registration is being finalized, or if submission is contingent upon full activation in SAM.gov.

Refer to the FAR OVERHAUL provision 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration.

30. The name of the current incumbent contractor (if applicable)?

Refer to questions 1 and 2 of this document.

31. The current contract value or most recent award amount?

Refer to questions 1 and 2 of this document.

32. Any publicly available source where prior award details can be accessed

SAM.gov

33. How do I proceed bidding on this contract thanks

SAM.GOV and review all documents.

34. The solicitation references the requirement for the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction, noting that if a vendor is seeking preference, the Contractor must also include a copy of the Certification Clause as a separate document.

However, we did not see FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, listed as applicable to this solicitation.

FAR OVERHAUL 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting added to the solicitation, highlighted in yellow.

35. How will payments be structured under this requirement (per delivery, task order, or monthly billing)?

Please review the PWS thoroughly.

36. Is there any anticipated minimum workload or guaranteed volume under the IDIQ?

Please review the price/cost schedule. This is not an IDIQ.

37. What pricing structure is expected for the future solicitation (per trip, hourly, or route-based)?

Please review the price/cost schedule.

38. Are subcontracting arrangements acceptable under this requirement?

Please review the provisions and clauses.

39. Would you happen to have 30 minutes tomorrow for a quick meeting?

No. As stated, there is no telephonic communication. All questions and clarifications must be emailed.

40. Is this correct be available 24/7/365

Yes, as indicated in the PWS.

41. The solicitation references the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance (VAAR 852.219-75). We have prepared a signed certification document using the official clause language. Could you confirm whether a specific VA-issued form is required, or whether our signed certification prepared in accordance with VAAR 852.219-75 is acceptable for submission?

VAR 852.219-75 attached.