36C24526Q0098 _ VISN WV Only Solid Waste BPA Q_A_v1 with photos.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? The agency must also confirm that the awarded offeror will perform 50% of the required services. A technical response is also needed for this submission. There is some confusion about how the submissions will be evaluated. Which will take precedence?

Technical, pricing, or socio-economic status?

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 11, section C – last sentence 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?

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 Martinsburg VAMC?

A break down of all VAMC's (Martinsburg, Huntington, Clarksburg, Beckley). CBOCs breakdown not required. Martinsburg facility needs monthly waste tonnage reports.

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?

The current estimates are reflected as stated in the CLIN/SLIN quantities within the B.2 Price/Cost Schedule attachment. Precise details will to be finalized at the order level.

8 SOW – Page 8, section c – states contractor will be responsible for providing internal recycling containers. Can the government give the type, size, and quantity of containers required for each location? Are any decals needed for the internal recycling containers? Please provide a photo of your current container.

Huntington - 7 to 10 Gal containers - Pictures included

Response from other facilities pending.

9 SOW – Page 9, section 4a - states that the contractor is to provide a list of employee names who are expected to enter the buildings. There is no requirement per the SOW that the contractor employees perform any services inside the buildings. Please confirm? If so, which services does the COR expect employees to require access to?

Huntington - Access not required in Huntington.

Response from other facilities pending.

10 SOW – Page 6, section B1a – states the contractor is required to provide additional containers for special events, etc. At any WV VA location, is there space for the contractor to store additional containers and equipment for such emergency services?

Huntington - Huntington does not have the space for it to just be left in case of use, however if such an instance for a special or one-time activity would require additional waste management that couldn't be solved with an additional pickup, a location in advance would be known and shared with the vendor. Response from other facilities pending.

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

a.What type of compactor is required at MarƟnsburg, HunƟngton, and Clarksburg? 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.Are all 6 and 8CY containers front-load or rear-load type? Do any of them require casters?

c.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?

Huntington -

a. 32 cubic yard compactor for waste, 40 cubic yard compactor for cardboard 20 cubic yard compactor for comingled plastic. All power units, voltage etc supplied but will require pigtail to connect compactor to power source.

b.- All 6 and 8CY containers are front load non require casters. Specific decals are not required.

Martinsburg- A) ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC DRIVEN. Contractor to provide control unit for compactor if current control unit is removed. 480v control unit.

B) All 6/8CY containers are front load. They do not require casters, all containers have casters presently. C) No decals on containers are needed.

Response from other facilities pending.

12 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? Huntington - Huntington did not have any events over the past year that caused the need for additional equipment.

Response from other facilities pending.

13 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 WV, 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.

14 For each of the CBOC, please provide the current size of container, # of containers, frequency, and material collected at each of the locations? The SOW does not provide any current information on CBOC locations and we need that information to provide pricing and current practices.

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. Currently, these interior collection services are managed by facility staff and not by contractors.

15 At Martinsburg VAMC – what materials are collected inside the 4 open-tops requested? Construction/renovation debris and warehouse dunnage/furniture.

16 At Beckley VAMC – what is the frequency of the pickup required on the 30CY Compactor? Once a week, usually every Wednesday.

17 At Beckly VAMC – what is the frequency of the pickup required for the 30CY open-top? When called but usually every two weeks.

18 At Beckly VAMC, what is the frequency of the pickup required for the 6CY front-load container? Every week.

19 Is there a reason, why on pricing sheet there is a request for all sizes of containers for all the locations? 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.

Currently, these interior collection services are managed by facility staff and not by contractors.

From E.8.2)e) "iv) CLINs/SLINs with a stated quantity of zero (0) in the solicitation are included to obtain pricing for different types/sizes of equipment that may be needed for future orders if there is a change in container requirements for each facility.

v) The price evaluation will exclude the unit pricing for items with an anticipated quantity of zero, as their total cost will be calculated as $0.00."

20 Per the “Pricing Schedule” provided with the RFQ, for each of the VAMCs, there is a request to provide pricing for interior collection containers, such as tilt containers, totes, drums, brute containers, Slim Jim, and deskside containers. The SOW does not reference any requirements or specifications regarding the contractor's responsibilities. Please clarify who will use these interior containers and the contractor's obligations, including delivery, collection, and disposal of materials into the containers. Per the government, who will provide the collection services to these interior collection containers? Per the SOW, no labor services are required for interior collection.

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. 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. Currently, these interior collection services are managed by facility staff and not by contractors.

21 Four open-top containers are required to be delivered to Martinsburg VAMC. The pricing schedule indicates one container will be used for tire collection and one for pallets.

Please confirm?

a.How about the other two open-tops? What material is collected?

b.On the four open-tops provided, can you provide historical on-call collecƟon from the last year on each of the materials?

No containers at the Martinsburg location will be/are used solely for tire collection or pallets. All open top containers are used to collect common construction/renovation debris and warehouse dunnage/furniture. Any tires or pallets in open top containers is solely coincidental and not purposeful.

22 For all of the CBOCs, can you provide the historical data from last year on how often a top-off container is requested? Please provide site-specific data. Huntington-Over past year no open tops requested at Gallipolis, Charleston, Lenore or Prestonsburg CBOCS.

Response from other facilities pending.

23 At Huntington VAMC, please provide historical data from last year on how often the open-top is requested. Besides the 4 roll off -(open top) containers requested, 0 additional open tops were requested over the past year.

24 At Clarksburg VAMC, the SOW does not indicate how many front-load containers are needed for MSW and Recycling. Please provide the container size, material, and pickup frequency per week.

Response Pending.

25 At Clarksburg VAMC, the SOW does not indicate how many open-tops are required. Please provide historical data from last year on how often it was requested and the materials it was used for. MSW/C&D, etc.

Response Pending.

26 At Becky VAMC, please provide historical data on how often the MSW compactor collection services were requested. About every 3 weeks

27 At Becky VAMC, the SOW does not indicate how often the 6CY MSW containers are picked up. Please provide? All other locations have a permanent pickup schedule. This will be a new container so weekly will be fine.

28 At Becky VAMC, please provide historical data from last year on how often the open-top is requested. It has been whenever called but mostly every other week.

29 The pricing schedule requests pricing for composting, but there is no reference to composting services in the SOW. Please clarify the government’s intent and future needs. Response Pending.

30 Based on the SOW requirement, which is for 21 locations (4 VAMCs and 17 CBOCs), who is the current hauler for each of the locations, knowing that the current prime contractor does not provide collection services? Please provide information for each location.

Huntington- Allied waste services of North America, LLC - Republic Services of West Virginia and Waste Connection of Kentucky, INC.

Response from other facilities pending.

31 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.

32 This solicitation covers only select sites within VISN 5. The VA medical centers in Maryland and Washington, DC, are being addressed through a separate solicitation. The VA's stated rationale for pursuing a VISN-wide service contract is to reduce the substantial administrative burden associated with managing individual contracts for each facility. The VA possesses the authority to consolidate all VISN 5 sites under a single contract, thereby eliminating redundant efforts for both the agency and the contractor. In this case, segregating the Maryland and DC locations is unnecessary, as the VA's authority is supported by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. We recognize that Maryland and the District of Columbia have distinct different regulatory frameworks that might initially appear to complicate a unified VISN 5 contract. However, relevant precedent from the Supreme Court of West Virginia—involving the VA and a service-disabled veteran-owned small business—has established that state-level permitting obligations are preempted by federal government requirements. Would VISN 5 legal counsel please examine the applicable case law (including insights from Metro Tristate, Inc. v. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia and Community Pastor Care, LLC) and provide prompt guidance on whether maintaining separate solicitations is required or aligns with the best interests of the VA and 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.

33 Will a site visit be offered for the Martinsburg VAMC, as that’s where most of the work in this requirement is taking place? Site visit can be facilitated on Tuesday, 13JAN26, in the morning at the Martinsburg,WV VAMC (10:30AM-12:00pm). Email the CO, darren.morris2@va.gov, and the COR, eric.winans@va.gov, NLT 1000 12JAN2026 to RSVP with names, titles, and contact info for all attendees to receive POC information for each facility. Subject of email should read 36C24526Q0098 Site Visit RSVP/Company Name.

Also, the Q&A Deadline can be extended to close 14JAN2026 at 2:00PM.

36C24526Q0098 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: the Clarksburg VAMC projected requirements notes that the contractor shall provide one (1) 40 cubic yard compactor removed two

(2) times per week, and two (2) 30 cubic yard open top dumpsters for recycling, each picked up monthly. There is no mention of any other requirements at the Clarksburg VAMC location in the section, but a review of the Government’s Price Sheet notes over 19 separate equipment requirements that are being requested for that site. This ambiguity exists for every location that is part of this solicitation. Will the government please adjust the solicitation documents so that the Section B. SPECIFICATIONS align with what is noted in the Government’s Price 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.

The services listed out in the Section B. Specifications are included in the quantities within the price/cost schedule as they will be expected to be provided at the start of the initial Period of Performance.

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. 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 The current contract for the Clarksburg VAMC includes 3 containers that are funded utilizing 5 separate CLIN’s. The same service is being solicited now using 76 separate line items in the Pricing Sheet. Why is the Government utilizing such an administratively burdensome approach for this solicitation as opposed to the industry and VA standard 562111 NAICS code approach, that was utilized to award the current contract and is utilized VA-wide?

There are 2 Phases to this process. Part 1 is the establishment of the BPA which will establish the base terms to allow for the issuance of task orders at the station level which will meet their individual needs. Phase 2 is the issuance of task orders which will only include the CLINs/SLINs that are required for performance of the services required. The orders will be much simpler with all necessary pricing worked out at the base BPA level to minimize the admin burden for the future orders. As a reminder, 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 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.

37 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.

38 As outlined in section E.8.2.e, prospective bidders are required to complete all items in the Pricing Sheet even though a fraction of the services are being invoked on day 1 of the contract.

a. If pricing is provided for services not listed in the SOW, what happens when the VA invokes said additional services, and how soon do you expect the contractor to deliver on these services?

b. How will terms and conditions be agreed upon for items not in the current SOW, but where pricing is submitted in the Pricing Sheet (e.g., service not listed in the statement of work, but the VA elects to add on the service in year 2, etc.)?

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.

39 How will the SBA evaluate compliance with Limitations on Subcontracting if there is a SDVOSB prime contractor and a TSB subcontractor? Would both firms be considered similarly situated as the SDVOSB prime contractor would also meet the TSB criteria?

Response Pending. All legal and regulatory requirements will be followed as it pertains to LOS with regard to teaming arrangements, joint ventures, and mentor protégé programs. Information can be found at https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/joint-ventures

40 Can a company’s quote for the WV portion of VISN 5 be made contingent upon the award of the DC/MD portion of the VISN? Without the two awards being combined, there is an insufficient compliance framework for the limitations on subcontracting, not to mention insufficient work within an isolated geographic area to financially warrant a company’s capital investment. If that cost can be distributed across the entire VISN, the capital investment would make more sense, and the VA would see more parties from the SDVOSB and VOSB realm interested in submitting quotes.

The issue is understood, however, we are unable to do contingent awards. Either the vendor agrees to the terms of the agreement at the time the award is executed or they do not.

41 Can an apparent awardee for this West Virginia portion of VISN 5 remove themselves from award consideration if they are not also the apparent awardee of the other VISN 5 Solid Waste and Recycling solicitation?

A vendor can rescind their quote prior to the execution of any bilateral award.

42 **More to follow upon closing of new question window** v1 1/08/2026

36C24526Q0098 QUESTIONS - Martinsburg VAMC Photos

36C24526Q0098 QUESTIONS - Huntington pictures