36C24526Q0097 _ VISN DC_MD Only Solid Waste BPA Q_A - v2.pdf

Item # Question Response

1 Please further explain the agencies' scheduled tiered evaluation criteria. Will the evaluation be based first on the technical and pricing submissions, then on the socio-economic set-aside? Section E states that the evaluation is based solely on pricing.

For example, will the award be made to the lowest-priced SDVOSB and or VOSB offeror?

A technical submission is required, and according to the SOW, the focus is on awarding to a contractor with the technical expertise. I am confused about the evaluation criteria that rely solely on pricing when a technical submission is required. The agency must also confirm that the awarded offeror will perform 50% of the necessary services. Which will take precedence? Technical, pricing, or socio-economic status?

For small businesses, the time and resources devoted to preparing a submission are significant. If these submissions are not reviewed, it diminishes the value of participation.

This will be awarded in accordance with RFO FAR 12.201-1(e)(3), to the best valued quote based on comparative evaluations, not price only. The tiered evaluation details can be reviewd at https://www.acquisition.gov/vaar/819.7010-tiered-set-aside-evaluation. Our decision to utilize this evaluation approach is based on thorough market research.

The following is copied directly from E.8 Supplemental Instructions to Quoters with regard to the evaluation approach:

"This Request for Quote (RFQ) is issued under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) FAR Part 12. The RFQ is structured as a Tiered Evaluation, including Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) (Tier 1), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) (Tier 2), and Small Businesses (SB) (Tier 3) in accordance with VAAR 819.7010. **Quotations from non-SDVOSB/VOSB small businesses may only be considered if fewer than two responsible quotations are received from SDVOSBs and VOSBs.** All eligible business types—SDVOSBs, VOSBs, and SBs—must submit their quotes by the original solicitation due date reflected in Block 8 of the SF 1449 (Page 1 of the RFQ), or the date which is reflected in any RFQ amendment which extends the due date. A notice will be issued to all qualifying quoters when moving into a new tier; however, businesses will not be granted additional submission opportunities when transitioning to lower-level tiers.

Comparative evaluations of Technical, Past Performance, and Price will be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in FAR 12.203. The resultant award will be a Single Award Firm Fixed Unit Price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for one base year plus four option years, in accordance with RFO FAR 12.201-1(e)(3), to the best valued quote based on comparative evaluations. The Government reserves the right to award the BPA based on the initial quote without further discussions."

2 SOW – Page 4, section A – third paragraph states that the requirement under this contract is broad and diverse and requires an integrated approach to performing this contract. Under the established evaluation criteria, the technical submission is not evaluated.

How will the government determine whether the offeror provides the required services?

As stated within section E.8 of the RFQ, comparative evaluations will be conducted IAW RFO FAR 12.203, which can be researched at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-12#FAR_12_203

3 In your Excel pricing worksheet, what does the column labeled “Base Yr SLIN Total” represent? What total needs to go here? What does “SLIN” represent?

SLIN = Sub-Line Item Number. A CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) is the primary identifier for a product or service, while a SLIN (Sub-Line Item Number) breaks down a CLIN into more detailed components like specific deliverables, performance metrics, or funding elements, offering greater granularity for tracking and accounting within a contract. "Base Yr SLIN Total" is the calculation of the requested quantity of the item/service detailed in the SLIN and the unit pricing for that item/service which is ultimately combined for the primary CLIN total. The provided sheet will autocalculate based on unit pricing input.

4 Are there any age limits required on the containers the contractor needs to provide on this contract? For example, do all containers need to be new at the start of the contract?

All replacement containers should be new. For current containers, they should be good condition and suitable for continued service. Refer to SOW B.1.e and B.2.g.

5 Does the agency see any concern about how the SDVOSB/VOSB offeror will meet the requirements of “Limitations on Subcontracting” on this contract when collection, transportation, and disposal are significant requirements on this contract?

No, based on the thorough market research which was conducted including a virtual industry day and vendor survey, both of which were publicized on SAM.gov via Notice ID 36C24526Q0024.

6 In an annual waste audit, what is the government looking for? Is the COR requesting a detailed waste characterization report for all locations? Or only for the larger facilities such as the VAMC’s?

Pending Response

7 Please confirm that all containers required for all locations under this contract are started on SOW pages 6-7? Are all containers required under this contract, contractor-provided? Are there any other containers that need to be provided that are not listed in the

SOW?

Pending Response

8 At Loch Raven VAMC, how are the pallets currently stored? There is no request for open-tops for this location. Pending Response

9 Is there a specific reason at two of the locations (Eastern Baltimore County CBOC and Fisher House VAMC) for the use of rear-load containers? Can we substitute them with front-load containers?

Pending Response

10 At Fisher House VAMC, please confirm what type of wax is stored inside the 30-gallon drums? Pending Response

11 At some of the CBOC’s there are requirements to provide internal collection containers for recycling. Who will be responsible to provide the interior collection services, as no labor services are indicated?

Pending Response

12 At Baltimore and Washington DC VAMC’s are the balers for cardboard collection? How is baled cardboard stored until collection? Pending Response

13 At Washington VAMC, SOW Page 9 section vi - #5, there is a requirement for the contractor to bring pallets from the floors to the warehouse to the central collection area. What is the number of pallets the contractor must move daily? Does the contractor have to provide a truck or cart to move around?

Pending Response

14 At Washington VAMC, what size cardboard compactor is required? Could you share a photo of the unit so we can see the customization needed?

Pending Response

15 At Baltimore VAMC, what are the daily hours required for labor services? Pending Response

16 Is a contract Project Manager resume required to be submitted with the quote submission or at award? E.8.1.a)ii) states that proof of qualified personnel necessary to fulfill the requirements must be provided.

17 SOW – states the contractor is required to provide additional containers for special events, etc. At any VA location, is there space for the contractor to store additional containers and equipment for emergency services?

Pending Response

18 Under container requirements, can you please provide the following:

a. What type of compactor is required at Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Washington VAMCs? Please provide current photos of the compactors you have on-site. Do the contractor need to provide the power units, voltage required, and compactor specifications.

b. Does the contractor need to provide decals on each of the containers? What decals are required for each container type – front-load, open-tops, and compactors?

Pending Response

19 Can the government provide historical data on special event requirements for the last year? How many events and what type of containers were historically requested?

Pending Response

20 Who is your current waste collection contractor? Is the current scope of work in this RFQ similar to what they are currently providing?

If not, what are the government's requirements and expectations under the new contract?

This Single Award BPA for Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling services, specifically for VAMCs and associated CBOCs in DC and MD, represents a new waste management contracting strategy for the VISN. The current estimated requirements are outlined in the CLIN/SLIN quantities, with precise details to be finalized at the order level.

21 Can you provide historical special collection requests at all of the CBOC’s last year? Pending Response

22 Can you provide total tonnage data for each of the CBOC’s from last year? Pending Response

23 Does any of the VAMC requires contractor-provided vehicles for collection within the buildings and transferring to the central collection areas?

Pending Response

24 Who is the current contractor providing services to VISN 5 (MD and DC) locations? Can you please provide the current contract number?

This Single Award BPA for Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling services, specifically for VAMCs and associated CBOCs in DC and MD, represents a new waste management contracting strategy for the VISN.

25 The disposal rates change annually at most of the disposal sites. Can a contractor submit a request for a price adjustment for a rate increase?

Quotes are expected to include forecasted pricing to account for inflation and other historically foreseeable factors. Any additional unforeseen issues will be addressed collaboratively by the contracting officer and the contractor during the performance periods, in accordance with relevant policies and laws.

26 On-Site Labor Requirements

a. Can you confirm which specific facilities require on-site labor support versus locations that are limited to container servicing only?

b. For locations requiring labor, are there defined days/hours of coverage, or is staffing expected to be flexible based on operational demand?

Pending Response

27 2. Incumbent & Historical Performance Data; If permissible, can you share any high-level information regarding the current or prior incumbent(s), including:

a. General service model used (self-performed vs. subcontracted),

b. Approximate staffing approach (on-site labor vs. haul-only),

c. Historical volume ranges or service intensity by facility?

Pending Response

28 Volume & Container Assumptions

a. While estimated volumes and container types are provided in the SOW, can you confirm whether those figures reflect current operational usage or represent planning estimates?

b. Should offerors assume that all listed container types and frequencies will be exercised at contract start, or will some be phased in via task orders?

The amounts included in the SOW and other estimated quantities are the current planning estimates and precise details will be finalized at the order level.

29 Evaluation Emphasis; Beyond price, are there specific performance or operational factors (e.g., staffing model, recycling diversion capability, responsiveness, reporting methodology) that will weigh more heavily during evaluation under Section E.8?

Reference E.8 in its entirety for additional details on evaluation and expectations of vednor responses to the RFQ.

30 Do you want us to price the line items with 0 as the quantity? Yes, only unit pricing as stated in E.8.2)e)

31 What does NSP mean? NSP=Not Separately Priced. When applicable, the total cost of the respective CLIN is the sum of its associated SLIN totals.

32 We noticed that no site visit for this requirement is listed in the RFQ documents. Given that an effort of this magnitude requires eyes on each site to fully understand the requirement, develop accurate assumptions, and facilitate an effective response, would the VA consider permitting small businesses to perform a site visit in advance of the due date? If so, we respectfully request the VA extend the Q&A deadline to allow contractors to submit questions that may arise during the site visit.

Site visit can be facilitated on 9JAN26 in the morning at the Washington, DC VAMC (11:00AM) and in the afternoon at the Baltimore VAMC (2:30PM). Email the CO, darren.morris2@va.gov, and the COR, eric.winans@va.gov, NLT 1000 8JAN2026 to RSVP with names, titles, and contact info for all attendees to receive POC information for each facility.

Subject of email should read 36C24526Q0097 Site Visit RSVP/Company Name.

Also, the Q&A Deadline can be extended to close 12JAN2026 at 2:00PM.

33 Will the inability to provide the items with a stated quantity of zero result in disqualification of the quote from consideration? No. If you are unable to provide a price for any CLIN/SLIN with a stated quantity of zero, please enter 0.00 in the unit pricing field and provide an explanation in the notes column to indicate the inability to supply that equipment. To be considered a responsible quote, all items with a specified CLIN/SLIN quantity greater than zero (0.00) in the price/cost schedule must be able to be provided at the start of the initial period of performance.

36C24526Q0097 QUESTIONS

34 Regarding the Solid Waste and Recycling Price Sheet, we noticed that there are numerous services listed in the Pricing Sheet that are not mentioned in Section B. SPECIFICATIONS per site. As an example: item 1 of the Baltimore VAMC projected requirements notes that the contractor shall provide one (1) 34 cubic yard self-contained compactor removed three (3) times per week and item 2 notes that the contractor shall provide one (1) 30 cubic yard open top dumpster that will be removed eight (8) times a month. There is no mention of any other requirements at the Baltimore VAMC location in the section, but a review of the Governments Price Sheet notes over 35 separate equipment requirements that are being requested for that site. This ambiguity exists for every location. Will the government please provide a solicitation and corresponding pricing document that align with what is being requested?

For the CLINS that indicate a quantity of 0 (zero), this is solely to establish pre-determined pricing for potential future use. Items with a quantity of 0.00 at the time of this solicitation are not expected to be available at the start of the initial performance period. If you are unable to provide a price for any CLIN/SLIN with a stated quantity of zero, please enter 0.00 in the unit pricing field and provide an explanation in the notes column to indicate the inability to supply that equipment. This will meet the requirement of "completing all items in the pricing sheet".

Should these items be requested after the commencement of the performance period, the contractor will be provided ample time, as mutually agreed upon, to deliver them. Any cardinal changes to the base BPA scope, terms, and conditions will necessitate a recompetition of the new requirement.

35 Most of the Government provided Solid Waste and Recycling Price Sheet has a “QUANTITY” of “0”. If the Item is needed, there should be a corresponding quantity provided. Will the government please provide completed quantities to allow for the submittal of a complete and thorough pricing sheet.

For the CLINS that indicate a quantity of 0 (zero), this is solely to establish pre-determined pricing for potential future use. Items with a quantity of 0.00 at the time of this solicitation are not expected to be available at the start of the initial performance period. If you are unable to provide a price for any CLIN/SLIN with a stated quantity of zero, please enter 0.00 in the unit pricing field and provide an explanation in the notes column to indicate the inability to supply that equipment. This will meet the requirement of "completing all items in the pricing sheet".

Should these items be requested after the commencement of the performance period, the contractor will be provided ample time, as mutually agreed upon, to deliver them. Any cardinal changes to the base BPA scope, terms, and conditions will necessitate a recompetition of the new requirement.

36 At the site visit, it was mentioned that this contract will include medical waste collection. There is no reference in the RFP in regards to that. Please confirm.

No RMW included in this solicitation. RMW is included in the separate solicitation 36C24526Q0099.

37 Instead of completing the Past Performance Questionnaire, can the offeror submit completed CPARS from similar government contracts? Our customers tend to defer to using that instead.

Yes.

38 The SOW refers to a vertical baler at DC VAMC. During the site visit, it was confirmed that there is no baler but only a compactor for cardboard collection. Please confirm if a baler is needed at DC VAMC.

Pending Response

39 This is a large solicitation to respond to, including putting together a pricing model for over 17 locations. Kindly requesting an extension of the submission deadline, as some offerors are responding to the same requirement for multiple regions.

This RFQ was extended last Friday (1/9) via Amendment #2 on SAM.gov to now close on 1/27/2026.

40 Would the VA consider revising the Pricing Sheet to simplify the submittal and the overall level of administrative effort required by removing the unnecessary (non-industry conforming) sub-CLIN’s from the small container work (96 Gallon, 2 yard, 4 yard, 6 yard and 8 yard dumpsters)?

Not at this time. Currently, we do not believe implementing standard monthly CLIN arrangements will be able to fit the future of our waste requirement, however, these quantities will by fixed at the order level. Due to the ongoing changes within the VA, we aim to accommodate unforeseen adjustments in tonnage, equipment needs, and the frequency of pickups at each location. A fixed monthly CLIN that includes equipment rental, tonnage, and pickup charges lacks the necessary flexibility to adapt to these uncertainties and evolving requirements.

41 We made several observations regarding lessor-managed services, including but not limited to the following:

o Baltimore VAMC Annex:

-Listed as ‘Lessor provides’ on page 5 of the RFQ -MSW service for this facility omitted from the solid waste section of the SOW -Recycling service is included in the SOW (RFQ page 8) o Fort Meade CBOC:

-Listed as ‘Lessor provides’ on page 5 of the RFQ -MSW is listed as a contractor provided service in the body of the SOW (RFQ page 6) -Recycling service for this facility is omitted from the recycling section of the SOW o E. Baltimore County CBOC -Listed as ‘Lessor provides’ on page 5 of the RFQ -MSW is listed as a contractor provided service in the body of the SOW (RFQ page 6) -Recycling is listed as a contractor provided service in the body of the SOW (RFQ page 9)

Question: Will the VA please clarify which services are to be provided by the contractor for facilities initially indicated as ‘Lessor provides’. Those Facilities that fall under the “Lessor provides” should be listed separately to avoid further confusion with nothing more than a note that reads: “Services for these locations may be added in the future with ample notification”.

Pending Response

42 Regarding RFQ page 6, item B.1.b.i.2 for a 30 cubic yard dumpster at the Baltimore VAMC that is removed 8 times per month and sorted and recycled at a LEED facility:

o Question A: Will the VA please provide pictures of the waste in question and describe the specific contents of this dumpster that require it to be manually sorted and recycled at a LEED certified facility?

o Question B: Will the VA please indicate the name and location of the facility where this waste is being taken today as well as the average tonnage per service?

Pending Response

43 Regarding RFQ page 7, item B.1.b.v.1 for a 20 yard self-contained composting compactor for nutrition and food services at the Perry Point VAMC:

o Question A: Will the VA please describe the specific waste materials being placed within this compactor, and whether or not the deposited materials include non-organic waste (Ex: food packaging materials, compostable utensils, plates, cups, etc.)

o Question B: Will the VA please indicate the name and location of the facility where this waste is being taken today as well as the average tonnage per service?

Pending Response

44 Regarding RFQ page 7, item B.1.b.viii.3 for 30 gallon poly drums at the DC VAMC Fisher House for the disposal of wax at the Warehouse:

o Question A: Will the VA please describe what this material is a byproduct of, and provide any available pictures and documentation of the material in question? This is very important to understand what this specific material is so that a viable disposal outlet can be identified, or proper permits be contemplated.

o Question B: Will the VA please indicate the name and location of the facility where this waste is being taken today as well as the average quantity of containers and average weight per service?

Pending Response

45 Regarding RFQ page 8, item B.2.d.i.1 for a contractor provided baler at the Baltimore VAMC:

plastics, etc.?

will the VA please indicate the historical quantity of baling wire consumed so accurate assumptions can be developed?

Pending Response

46 Regarding RFQ page 8, item B.2.d.i.2 for internal collection containers at the Baltimore VAMC: Are lids required to be furnished for these containers or are lids for small internal collection containers only required for the Washington DC VAMC (RFQ page 9, item B.2.d.vi)?

Pending Response

47 Regarding RFQ page 9, item B.2.d.v.1 for a compositing container and 96 gallon totes at the Perry Point VAMC: Is the listed compositing container different from the self-contained composting compactor listed under the Solid Waste section, or is this an additional container? If it’s different, will the VA please indicate what exactly is needed, including type, size, frequency, etc.?

Pending Response

48 Regarding RFQ page 9, item B.2.d.vi.1 for a contractor provided baler at the Washington DC VAMC:

plastics, etc.?

will the VA please indicate the historical quantity of baling wire consumed so accurate assumptions can be developed?

Pending Response

49 Regarding RFQ page 9, item B.2.d.vi.2 for a contractor provided cardboard compactor at the Washington DC VAMC but with no mention of service for the compactor:

o Will the VA please provide information on specifically what is needed here? Based on experience, the current service setup for cardboard recycling at VA facilities across the country is a 2-yard stationary compactor with a 40-yard receiver container.

o If this is in fact a cardboard compactor with ongoing service, isn’t having this compactor AND a cardboard baler a redundant effort, and shouldn’t this baler and all balers in this solicitation be eliminated from the SOW and price sheet as they are one of the leading causes of employee injury and workman’s comps claims in comparison to placing cardboard into a compactor for recycling?

Pending Response

50 Regarding the on-site labor for the Baltimore and Washington DC VAMC’s, will the VA please describe exactly how many employees are currently working on site each day and if their tasks are solely related to solid waste and recycling efforts or if they are tied to a separate contract such as Medical Waste? The mixing of labor personnel for what is overwhelmingly a service that is done outside of the VAMC brings a level of complication that would seemingly be more appropriate to be added onto a service that is already inside the hospital such as Medical Waste Collection. Will the government please consider removing this potentially redundant on-site labor requirement from this Solid Waste and Recycling contract?

Pending Response

51 This solicitation is only for a portion of the VISN 5 locations. All VAMC locations in West Virginia are being solicited as well on a separate solicitation. The reason stated for the VA pursuing a VISN level service contract is to avoid the immense administrative effort required to manage one contract per location. The VA has the ability to solicit and award all VISN 5 locations under one contract and eliminate the redundant administrative effort from both the VA and the contractor. Separating the West Virgina locations is not necessary in this instance as the VA has the authority based on the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution. We understand that West Virginia has a unique permitting structure that may seem at first glance to be a deterrent to soliciting all VISN 5 services under one contract. There is significant and recent case law out of the Supreme Court of West Virginia involving the VA in West Virginia and an SDVOSB where the Supreme Court of West Virginia concluded that the Public Service Commission permitting requirements are superseded by the needs of the Federal Government. Will VISN5 legal please review the case (Metro Tristate, Inc. v.

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia and Community Pastor Care, LLC.) and offer immediate guidance that the combining of the duplicative solicitations is unnecessary and not in the best interest of the VA or its contractors?

Due to internal constraints, we are maintaining the separate agreements (1-DC/MD VAMCs, 2-WV VAMCs) for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Recycling for VISN 5, which is part of the pending national reorganization. While we recognize this may not be the ideal situation, we will continue with this approach until official guidance is provided regarding the reorganization.

Regardless of any direct impacts on VISN 5 from the VA's reorganization, this agreement will remain in effect and the facilities listed in Appendix A of the respective Statement of Work will remain covered by this agreement for the entire period of performance, including option years.

52 Will the VA please indicate if it expects respondents to provide pricing for all items within the Pricing Sheet, regardless of whether or not the services were included in the SOW, or does pricing only need to be submitted for services and items clearly defined in the SOW? If pricing is provided for services not listed in the SOW, what happens when you invoke said additional services, and how soon do you expect the contractor to deliver on these services. How will terms and conditions going to be agreed upon for items not in the current SOW?

For the CLINS that indicate a quantity of 0 (zero), this is solely to establish pre-determined pricing for potential future use. Items with a quantity of 0.00 at the time of this solicitation are not expected to be available at the start of the initial performance period. If you are unable to provide a price for any CLIN/SLIN with a stated quantity of zero, please enter 0.00 in the unit pricing field and provide an explanation in the notes column to indicate the inability to supply that equipment. This will meet the requirement of "completing all items in the pricing sheet".

Should these items be requested after the commencement of the performance period, the contractor will be provided ample time, as mutually agreed upon, to deliver them. Any cardinal changes to the base BPA scope, terms, and conditions will necessitate a recompetition of the new requirement.

53 During the site visit it was noted that no baler currently exists at the DC VAMC, and VA personnel on site were unaware of any need for a baler. Will the VA please clarify whether a baler is needed for the DC VAMC? If it is not required, will the VA please remove this item from the statement of work?

Pending Response

54 During the site visit at the DC VAMC the VA staff noted 3 personnel on site currently managing interior recyclables collection and external waste collection with a need for 7 days per week service. The VA also wanted personnel to manage the internal waste collection, but this is not noted in the statement of work. This number of personnel is insufficient given the expanded scope of work and the need for 7 days per week service. Will the VA please clarify the desired scope of work for the on-site personnel, the desired total number of personnel, and the desired schedule to be followed?

Pending Response

55 During the site visit at the Baltimore VAMC the VA staff noted an unspecified number of personnel are managing interior waste and recyclables collection with a need for 7 days per week service. Will the VA please clarify the intended number of personnel needed for the interior waste and recycling collection at the Baltimore VAMC?

Pending Response

56 During the site visits to both VAMC's it was noted by VA staff that the VA provides all required liners. As this is not clearly defined in the current solicitation, will the VA please clarify who is responsible for providing liners?

Pending Response

57 During the site visit at the Baltimore VAMC we noted numerous bales of cardboard in the baling room and green room ready for transportation off site. Will the VA please clarify who is responsible for providing baling wire?

Pending Response

58 In a prior amendment, the VA noted that 2 quotes from SDVOSB’s must be received in order for an award to be made at the SDVOSB tier. This contracts the VAAR (VAAR 819.7006(c) and 819.7010) and case law. The VAAR notes that if only one acceptable offer is received at the SDVOSB tier, the CO may—and per VA policy guidance (PPM 2018-04), should—proceed with the award if it meets solicitation requirements and offers best value. Proceeding to a lower tier is permitted only if no award can be made at the current tier due to specific issues. Can the VA please adjust the guidance in the prior amendment to match the VAAR?

To make an award at a given tier, we are seeking at least two responsible quotes with prices deemed fair and reasonable from certified vendors at that tier. If only one responsible quote is received and the price cannot be determined as fair and reasonable, we will proceed to the next tier to obtain the necessary competitive quotes.

59 Can the government please note the complete tier order as it applies to all recognized set-aside categories, to include SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, TSB.

Tier 1=SDVOSB; Tier 2=VOSB; Tier 3=All Small Businesses

60 The pricing schedule for this RFQ includes approximately 2,736 CLIN/SLIN line items, with roughly 80% listed at a quantity of zero at the BPA level. While these may represent contingency or order-level services, pricing and administering a large volume of zero-quantity SLINs creates a significant administrative and invoicing burden for both the Government and the contractor, particularly when using FSC e-Invoice and SLIN-level validation.

We understand the benefit of establishing comprehensive pricing in advance under a BPA. However, we respectfully request that the Government consider simplifying the pricing structure to reduce this administrative burden where possible. This approach reflects common commercial waste management practices and would reduce CLIN/SLIN volume, improve invoice accuracy, and reduce administrative burden for all parties while preserving flexibility at the order level.

To better align with industry-standard waste management pricing practices, improve invoice accuracy, and support efficient contract administration, would the Government consider allowing a simplified pricing structure as outlined below (Items 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c))?

1(a) - Equipment Rental – Monthly Roll-off and compactor services priced using a monthly equipment rental rate standardized by container size across the VISN, including 20, 25, and 34 cubic yard self-contained or stationary compactors and 30 cubic yard open-top containers. Pricing could be established on a per-month basis by container type (compactor or open-top) and applied consistently across all locations. This approach would also apply to balers and internal collection equipment. Equipment rental is typically charged on a monthly basis and reflects standard industry practice.

1(b) - Small container services (96-gallon and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 cubic yard front-load or rear-load containers) priced on a per-month basis by site and container type, inclusive of container provision, scheduled service frequency, haul, and disposal, with a monthly rate per container. This reflects standard commercial waste management pricing practices.

1(c) - Roll-off disposal priced on a per-ton basis by site and by waste stream, including solid waste, single-stream recycling, C&D (LEED), C&D landfill, compacted cardboard, baled cardboard, scrap metal, wood waste/pallets, bulky waste, tires, and compost (organics – pre-consumer only). These would be established as site-specific CLINs for disposal per ton.

No changes to the CLINs/SLINs will be made at this time as we are receiving a variety of alternative recommendations, however, our team needs to be able to evaluate pricing at the lowest possible level to ensure the Government is achieving best value. If you are unable to provide a price for any CLIN/SLIN with a stated quantity of zero, please enter 0.00 in the unit pricing field and provide an explanation in the notes column to indicate the inability to supply that equipment. To be considered a responsible quote, all items with a specified CLIN/SLIN quantity greater than zero (0.00) in the price/cost schedule must be able to be provided at the start of the initial period of performance.

61 Disposal and recycling facility tipping fees are established by third-party facilities and are subject to periodic increases beyond the contractor’s control. Can the Government please clarify whether offerors are expected to build anticipated disposal rate increases into their unit pricing at the BPA level, or whether documented disposal rate increases from third-party facilities will be reviewed and accepted for adjustment at the order level or during option periods?

Reference Item 25 above.

62 The original labor staffing model was developed to support implementation and operation of a recycling program, including internal movement of recyclables, bulk regulated medical waste movement, and servicing of exterior containers throughout the facility. The original labor assumptions did not include internal collection of solid waste from soiled utility rooms.

The addition of internal solid waste collection from soiled utility rooms and transport to the compactor represents a material expansion of scope beyond the recycling program for which the original staffing levels were established. Based on observations during the site visit, this added requirement will significantly increase workload and labor demand.

Can the Government please revisit the current staffing requirement of three (3) on-site employees at the Washington DC VAMC and clarify whether staffing should be increased (e.g., to five or six employees), or alternatively, whether staffing levels should be left to the contractor’s discretion to staff appropriately based on operational needs?

Pending Response

63 In healthcare environments, it is not uncommon for solid waste or recycling loads to become contaminated, requiring segregation, rehandling, alternate disposal, or additional transportation. The pricing schedule does not appear to include a mechanism to address these scenarios.

Can the Government please clarify whether separate CLINs/SLINs will be added for contaminated solid waste or recycling materials priced on a per-ton basis, and for any additional transportation required as a result of contamination or rejected loads?

Pending Response

64 We note that services for Perry Point are included in this solicitation. These services were recently awarded under a base year plus four option year contract. Can the Government please clarify whether it intends to terminate that existing contract, or whether the services for Perry Point under this solicitation are intended to begin upon expiration of the current contract?

The current contract may no longer align with the POTUS and Sec of the VA’s directives in moving to efficient contracting. The VISN wide will be evaluated alongside all existing contracts to determine which path is best forward for the government and the American taxpayer.

65 “Waste Management / Recycling Program Education/Training (Onsite – Up to 20 attendees)” referenced in SOW Section A.2, can the Government please clarify whether this training is intended to focus on proper waste segregation practices to improve recycling and diversion outcomes? Additionally, can the Government confirm whether there are specific training objectives, topics, duration, frequency, or performance metrics associated with this requirement?

Pending Response

66 Several locations included in the pricing schedule receive solid waste collection and disposal services through their facility leases, with services provided by the lessor. These locations include Baltimore VAMC Annex, Fort Meade CBOC, Eastern Baltimore County CBOC, Glen Burnie CBOC, Cambridge CBOC, Charlotte Hall CBOC, Montgomery County CBOC, Lexington Park CBOC, Southern Prince George’s County CBOC, Southeast CBOC, and Fort Belvoir CBOC.

As reflected in B.1.A.5., the quantities are set as N/A due to the facility being leased and the lessor(s) currently handling the municpal solid waste collection. For the CLINs/SLINs that indicate a quantity of 0 (zero), this is solely to establish pre-determined pricing for potential future use, if/when needed. Items with a quantity of 0.00 at the time of this solicitation are not expected to be available at the start of the initial performance period. Should these items be requested after the commencement of the performance period, the contractor will be provided ample time, as mutually agreed upon, to deliver them. Any cardinal changes to the base BPA scope, terms, and conditions will necessitate a recompetition of the new requirement.

67 Loch Raven : This unit has an odor control system currently, is that still desired? Doesn’t show it in the spec : The contractor will provide one (1) 34 cubic yard self-contained compactor and remove it once (1) per week.

Pending Response

68 The solicitation does not identify internal collection containers at Perry Point. Can the Government please clarify whether internal collection containers at this location are intended to be provided and serviced under this contract?

Pending Response

69 Can the Government please clarify whether on-site labor services are required during federal holidays, and if so, whether holiday coverage is expected to be consistent with standard weekday service levels?

Pending Response

70 Can the Government please clarify whether toner recycling services currently provided at Perry Point and the Baltimore VAMC are required under this contract?

Pending Response

71 Compost liners are currently provided at the Perry Point location. Can the Government please clarify whether compost liners are required to be provided by the contractor under this contract, and if so, whether any other sites will also require contractor-provided liners, or whether the VA will provide all liners at all locations?

Pending Response

72 Fair wear and tear disposal related to linens is currently included at the Perry Point and Baltimore VAMC locations. Can the Government please clarify whether fair wear and tear linen disposal is required under this contract, and if so, whether it should be included within existing CLINs/SLINs or addressed separately?

Pending Response

73 For internal solid waste movement, can the Government confirm whether the contractor is required to provide internal transport equipment (e.g., carts, tuggers), and whether elevator access is available for waste transport?

Pending Response

74 Can the Government clarify the expected frequency and format of waste, recycling, and diversion reporting required under this BPA? Pending Response v2 01/14/2026

Q&A