QA 10-27-2025 - Lebanon De-icing salt 36C24426Q0010.docx

Questions submitted in response to solicitation 36C24426Q0010 Amendment 2 – 10/22/2025 Lebanon Bulk De-icing salt

1) For the bulk road salt solicitation for the Lebanon VA, is the solicitation contractually obligating the government to purchase all 500 tons of requested road salt? I expected to see that the VA would have the option to purchase up to 500 tons, but I don't see that language. If helpful, I was specifically expecting to see 52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS (OCT 1995), which I've seen on other such contracts.

The Lebanon VA Medical Center will request deliveries of rock salt (22-25 ton increments) and is anticipating the need for 500 tons total. It is possible the actual need will be less than the anticipated total quantity; in that instance payment will only be made for the rock salt actually requested and delivered. The clause at FAR 52.216-21 is included in Requirements contracts, a separate contract type typically used for multi-year contracts which was not considered due in part to the historical price fluctuations for de-icing rock salt.

2) Are you looking for regular white salt or the dyed blue/green salt?

There are no color requirements as long as the salient features from the Statement of Need are met. I.E salt must contain an anti-caking agent, be effective to a low temperature of -10 degrees, etc.

3) Are 25-ton deliveries required or is there any flexibility with the delivered amounts?

Salt deliveries between 22 - 25 tons are acceptable. The Statement of Need has been adjusted and the updated version is attached with the highlighted change.

4) Product performance: Does the stated −10°F effectiveness apply to untreated sodium chloride, or may we offer pre-wet/treated salt only during extreme cold events as needed?

The required salient features for de-icing rock salt are included in the Statement of Need. Technical acceptability will be determined by compliance with the salient features.

5) Specification detail: Is ASTM D632 Type 1, Grade 1 sufficient, or do you require any specific sieve gradation/particle size distribution?

The required salient features for de-icing rock salt are included in the Statement of Need. Technical acceptability will be determined by compliance with the salient features.

6) Nonmanufacturer Rule: This appears to be a Total Small Business supply buy under NAICS 325998. Please confirm whether an SBA class waiver to the Nonmanufacturer Rule applies to this commodity/NAICS for this purchase.

The Nonmanufacturer Rule clause (FAR 52.219-33) is not included in this solicitation.

7) Delivery tempo: The RFQ references delivery within 3 business days ARO (NLT 7 days) in 25-ton increments. Are partial loads (<25 tons) ever acceptable due to bin capacity or urgent conditions?

Typically, an order is placed when we need at least a full 25-ton load. We would not place an order for less than a full load delivery (22-25 tons).

8) Receiving hours & contingencies: Standard receiving is Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM—are after-hours/weekend deliveries ever required during storms, and if so should we include a separate after-hours line item?

All deliveries shall be made during the stated hours. In preparation for any potential storms that may occur off hours we would ensure that our salt shed is filled to capacity ahead of time.

9) Site logistics: Any clearance/height limits at the salt bin or special safety/orientation requirements for drivers? Please share any gate entry, escorts, or PIV requirements.

There are no requirements for gate entry, escorts, or PIV access. The delivery location is the salt shed which has a garage type opening with the following dimensions: 11 ft opening width and 15 ft opening height. Photo is included below.

10) Wondering if there was a loader on site to handle deliveries/stockpile salt?

VA Employees assist with a loader to move salt into the storage shed. Salt will be dumped in an area designated by the Program Manager (in front of or adjacent to the storage shed).

All offerors must acknowledge this amendment at the time of quote submission or prior to the quote submission deadline.

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