ANSWERS TO RFI QUESTIONS.pdf

ANSWERS TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFIs)

1. Though the solicitation indicates an SDVOSB set-aside, please confirm the opportunity is now unrestricted and open to large business concerns. If this is in fact true, can we expect a forthcoming amendment clarifying the change?

This Solicitation is a tier evaluation. We anticipate 4-6 vendors on the BPA. The VA is expecting to have 1-2 certified SDVOSBs qualified to be on the BPA. We are accepting and anticipating quotes from all socio-economic quotes. SDVOSB, VOSB, SMALL, and LARGE.

To help fill the 4-6 vendors needed for this BPA.

2. The SOW (Section B.1.II.A) States that "Shipping will not be a separate line item." As such, please confirm that shipping cost may be included as part of the material cost.

Shipping costs can be included as part of material cost.

3. How many Oil Filled Transformers would require attention?

Approximately 10.

4. How many substations are included on the campus?

4 Substations.

5. Can the VA confirm that preference will be given to veteran-owned companies that self-perform all work using their own licensed staff, with minimal or no subcontracting, as discussed in the recent facility meeting?

As stated in the meeting we are looking for vendors who will be self-performing. This Solicitation is a tier evaluation. We anticipate 4-6 vendors on the BPA. The VA is expecting to have 1-2 certified SDVOSBs qualified to be on the BPA. We are accepting and anticipating quotes from all socio-economic quotes. SDVOSB, VOSB, SMALL, and LARGE.

To help fill the 4-6 vendors needed for this BPA. All quotes will be evaluated based on a Tiered evaluation outlined in the Solicitation.

6. Are there specific documentation or certifications required to demonstrate self-performance, beyond standard licensing and SDVOSB status?

All requirements and documentation requirements are listed in the solicitation. Read the SOW and section E.2 for more information.

7. Will the VA require all billing rates to meet or exceed the current Department of Labor wage determination (WD 2015-4281) published on SAM.gov, including for after-hours/emergency work?

VA requires vendors to complete section B.2 PRICE/COST Schedule Item Information. This is the hourly labor rates established up front for the BPA. This is a FIXED Priced BPA, and the VA expects a BPA holder to charge labor costs based on the established rates on the

BPA.

8. Are there any restrictions or required approvals for applying premium rates for after-hours, weekends, or emergency response work?

All labor rates will be established by the BPA at the beginning. You must read and complete section B.2 PRICE/COST Schedule Item Information. This is the hourly labor rates the VA expects a BPA holder to charge for labor. This will be the rate for all hours to include weekends, after hours and emergency response hours. Please read the line items carefully.

Any unforeseen rates not established by the BPA. Must be approved by the DC VA Medical center and the Contracting Office. This is a FIXED PRICE CONTRACT rates are established up front.

9. Will the VA coordinate work assignments among the six selected companies to address backlog, or should firms expect to compete for each task order? 8. Is there a preferred communication protocol for urgent/emergency requests versus routine work under this BPA?

For each task order a Statement of Work will be sent out to all BPA holders at the same time. To request a quote from the BPA Holder. If the BPA holder is interested in providing a quote. The quote will be based on each individual BPA holders’ established rates. Detailed instructions on site visit day, RFIs and quotes due deadlines will be sent for out for each project. Only the established BPA holder will be able to quote on each project.

10. Will the VA provide a standard performance evaluation process for BPA holders, and how will ongoing performance (response times, quality, compliance) be measured and communicated?

Communication will be key for all BPA holders and the Department of Veterans Affairs staff and Contracting Office. All response times and deadlines will be established up front for each project. YES CPARS Will be used CPARS is the standard performance evaluation system. See attached Task Order Closeout & Quality Certification.

11. Are there preferred formats or templates for documenting work completion, quality control, and safety reporting on each task order?

Details for each task order will be provided. Once task orders are completed then the BPA holder may submit an invoice in IPPS for review accuracy and certification for payment.

12. If the wage determination is updated during the BPA period, may contractors request a rate adjustment for affected labor categories. What is the process for this?

Contractors may request a rate adjustment for affected labor categories when the wage determination is updated during the Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) period on a fixed-price contract for services.

Notification to Contracting Officer: The contractor must notify the contracting officer in writing of the updated wage determination and the need for a rate adjustment. This should include a detailed explanation of which labor categories are affected and how the wage determination impacts those categories.

Keep in mind that rates will be established up front for this FIXED Price BPA. Rate adjustment should be done only if necessary by the BPA holder. But not to gouge the government out of every dime. Only deemed necessary by the BPA holder. Please establish your best rates up front.

13. Will the VA require electronic invoicing via a specific platform (e.g., IPP, Wide Area Workflow), and are there any additional documentation requirements for invoices approval?

Yes all invoices must be submitted electronically through TUNGSTEN. Invoices will be submitted at the completion of all work for the task order at hand. Once invoices are submitted in TUNGSTEN. VA staff will review the invoice for accuracy and if determined to be accurate will certify the invoice in IPPS for payment. Payment should be sent to contractor no later than 30 days from invoice certification.

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

FSC e-Invoice Payment Invoice must be submitted electronically http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp