36C24621Q0590 A0003.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

05-13-2021

658-21-3-085-0271

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24621Q0590 05-13-2021

X

The purpose of this amendment is to provide a Government response to the technical questions submitted by offerors

a. See page 2 for Government's response to the technical questions submitted by offerors.

b. See Paragraphs 3 and 32 of the attached revised B.3 Performance Work Statement starting from page 10.

c. See the attached revised B.2 Price Schedule starting from page 5

All other terms and conditions remain the same

Chinedu C. Nwauwa Contracting Officer

Solicitation RFQ 36C24621Q0590 Government Response to Offeror Submitted Questions

1. Section B.2 Price Schedule reflects a Base Year and 1 Option year. However, B.3 Performance Work Statement @ 3 states “The contract shall cover a base year period and four (4) one-year Option Years.” Can you please clarify? The agency intends to award a contract for a base plus one (1) Option Year. The language in Paragraph 3 under section B.3 of the PWS is amended to read “The contract shall cover a base year period and one (1) Option Year”. See paragraph 3 in the revised Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Price Schedule attached to this amendment

2. Please advise if this is a new or follow-on solicitation? If this is a follow-on solicitation, please advise of the current contract number, contract award amount, Awardee’s name, and address. This is a solicitation for a new contract, not a follow-on effort for an expiring or expired contract.

3. B.3 No. 6, states “Reimbursement: The SVHCS Health Benefits Supervisor and Beneficiary Travel Contracting Officer Representative will review each invoice for transport. The VA will only reimburse those Veteran patients eligible for transportation.” While we understand that the VA will only reimburse those Veteran patients eligible for transportation, we also understand that all request for transportation requests will be initiated from the VA. Therefore, the eligibility criteria are affirmed prior to the transportation request being initiated. Can the Government please confirm our understanding? Yes, the veteran’s eligibility criteria will be determined by the VA prior to a transportation request from the VA.

4. B.3 No. 6, states “Contractor will invoice each transportation call separately.” Will the government allow weekly or daily invoice, which details each specific transportation effort? The invoicing shall be ‘monthly in arrears’

5. B.3 16 states. “Response Times: Emergency Orders: Contractor shall arrive at the point of pickup no later than 15 minutes from the time of request.” Are the Emergency Orders included in the estimated quantity of 4,000 combined annually? We estimated that at 11 calls for service per day. If that is the case how many of these calls are estimated as Emergency Orders? Additionally, will all the Emergency Orders embarkation points be the same general location? See the revised Price Schedule for quantities. The estimated quantities for emergency orders are included in the estimated quantity of 500 for A0426 ALS (ALS) in CLINs 0002AA and 1002AA. The embarkation points for emergency orders will be from a VA facility.

6. B.3 3.2 discusses Waiting Time. However, section B.2 Price Schedule, fails to reflect a corresponding CLIN. Please clarify? See the revised Price Schedule and PWS.

7. B.3 3.3 Discusses Rates. The mileage is based on miles driven with patient on-board. It does not discuss dead-head charges for out “beyond the county limits.” Please clarify? See Paragraph 3.1 in the revised Price Schedule and PWS. For all one-way trips outside the mileage threshold and except trips to other VA Medical Centers under VISN 6, the Contractor will receive the flat rate awarded for that trip and the awarded mileage rate for one-way distance beyond the mileage threshold.

8. B.3 3.4.1 states. “Life Threatening Emergency Calls” Are they included in the estimated quantity of 4,000 combined annually? We estimated that at 11 calls for service per day. If that is the case how many of these calls are estimated as Life Threatening Emergency Calls? Additionally, will all the Life-Threatening Emergency Calls embarkation points be the same general location? See the revised Price Schedule for quantities. The quantities for emergency orders are included in the estimated quantity of 500 for A0426 ALS (ALS) in CLINs 0002AA and 1002AA. The embarkation points for emergency orders will be from a VA facility.

9. B.3 27. Infection Control. The Price section did reflect a CLIN for positive patients with certain illnesses. These illnesses will require extra precautions as well as cleaning of the vehicles. Please clarify how the charges will be accepted? The Government expects the contractor to have the necessary flexibilities in its operation to abide by CDC and State of Virginia infection control guidance, standards and precautions while transporting veteran beneficiaries. The quoted prices for trips shall be an all-inclusive flat rate for that particular type of trip (BLS, ALS, trips to other VAMCs under VISN 6).

10. Attachments D.1 Wage Determination. While it is clear that the WD 2015-4315 is applicable to this procurement. However, can you please disclose the Occupation Code – and Title that is applicable to this procurement? The following occupational codes are applicable; 12010 - Ambulance Driver; 12040 - Emergency Medical Technician

11. Regarding the rating for Past Performance – Table 3. It appears that the unknow confidence will result in a “No Confidence Assessment”. Can you please affirm or clarify? The Unknown Confidence rating is a neutral rating, which means offerors without a record of relevant past performance, or for whom information on past performance is not available, will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

12. Regarding Award Basis and Evaluation Method: Section III- Price, states “Total price will be evaluated by the Government. In evaluating the offeror’s proposed price for this service, the government concern includes determining price reasonableness.” As our prices are in accordance with the VA payer Rates and Charges. Is the government using “V4.215 Data Table E” for a standard of “reasonableness”? In the evaluation of offeror proposed prices, the government will utilize ‘V4.215 Data Table E’ and other techniques such as comparison of quoted prices to the IGCE, comparison of quoted prices received in response to this solicitation, and other methods in determining price reasonableness.

13. Can you explain the size standard of 16.5 million? This is the SBA small business size standard value for NAICS Code 621910 (Ambulance Services).

Contractor shall provide Ambulance Transportation Services for beneficiaries for whom such service is specifically authorized by the VA Medical Center (VAMC), Salem, Virginia. Contractor shall furnish all personnel and equipment to provide services for Ambulance Transportation Services, in accordance with all of the terms, conditions, provisions, and referenced materials of this solicitation.

This is a Firm Fixed-Price Requirements contract.

Base Year Period of Performance: Date of Award – 12 months from date of award

Total Estimated Base Year Cost

Option Year 1 Period of Performance: 12 months from the end of the base year

hrs.

Total Estimated Cost for Option Year 1

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR BASE AND OPTION YEAR: $_________________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

3.1 Mileage Threshold – The mileage threshold is defined as a 25-mile radius of each of the following facilities: Veterans Affairs Medical Center Salem, Danville CBOC, Stanton CBOC Wytheville CBOC and Tazewell CBOC, Virginia using the MapQuest internet version (internet address: http://www.mapquest.com). For all one-way trips outside the mileage threshold and except trips to other VA Medical Centers under VISN 6, the Contractor will receive the flat rate awarded for that trip and the awarded mileage rate for one-way distance beyond the mileage threshold. In no event shall the Contractor receive reimbursement for mileage rate for any trips inside the 25-mile radius of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Salem, Danville CBOC, Stanton CBOC Wytheville CBOC and Tazewell CBOC, Virginia. Mileage rate are only applicable outside the 25-mile radius of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Salem, Danville CBOC, Stanton CBOC Wytheville CBOC and Tazewell CBOC, Virginia.

3.2 Mileage Rate – Mileage rate for ambulance transportation services is the rate paid for each mile traveled beyond the specified Mileage Threshold. This rate applies to loaded, one-way transportation outside the 25-mile radius of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Salem, Danville CBOC, Stanton CBOC Wytheville CBOC and Tazewell CBOC, Virginia. In no event shall the Contractor receive this rate for miles traveled within the specified mileage threshold

3.3 Base Rates: The Contractor shall receive the base rate quoted in the schedule for all one-way trips ordered. The base rate shall constitute full compensation for one-way trips which do not exceed the mileage threshold as defined herein. The Contractor shall also receive reimbursement of mileage charges for any mileage or distance beyond the 25-mile radius of each of the following VA facilities: Veterans Affairs Medical Center Salem, Danville CBOC, Stanton CBOC Wytheville CBOC and Tazewell CBOC, Virginia.

3.4 Number of Patients: It is understood and agreed that only ONE patient will be transported on a trip unless specifically authorized, or requested by the VA. When more than one patient is transported on a trip, reimbursement will be made at the rate not exceeding the cost of transporting a single patient. When loaded, the longest distance over which a patient is transported may be claimed when more than one patient is transported in a single ambulance concurrently. Contractor must ensure that pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled so that the total distance traveled will result in the most economical charge to the Government.

3.5 Waiting Time: Waiting as used in this contract is defined as the time required and verified by authorized VA Medical facility personnel, for the Contractor to wait at designated pick-up and/or delivery points in performing contract services. If pickup is other than VA Medical Center the contractor will contact the Travel Clerk first (540)982-2463 extension 2809, Travel Supervisor second (540)982-2463 extension 3535 during administrative hours of 7:30AM through 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. During non-administrative hours (nights, weekends, and Holidays), the contractor will contact the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) at (540)982-2463 extension 2176. The contractor will call as soon as the contractor anticipates a delay. This call is only for verifying the contractor’s arrival time at the pick-up point (verification is made by confirming the time of pickup with the VA Staff, or the patient when the pickup is made off the VA Campus). The wait time shall be reimbursed in fifteen (15) minutes increments.

3.6 No Load/Cancellation: Occurs when service is requested, and the contractor responds and arrives at the pick-up point, but a patient is not transported.

3.7 Orders: Requests for services will be made by telephone, email or fax and confirmed by telephone shortly thereafter from authorized VA personnel. The Government will not be held liable for those services performed by the Contractor(s) which are ordered by people who are not authorized VA personnel. The request will specify a range of dates and times for acceptable delivery of a transported patient.

When contacted, the Contractor shall immediately notify SVHCS if they can provide the service. If the Contractor cannot provide the service requested, the VA reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and will charge the contractor any excess cost as a result thereof. The SVHCS will be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source. Contractor will be informed of the condition of the patient at the time of request for service. The Contractor will be required to assign appropriate personnel for the transportation of patient. It is required that the contractor will furnish an EMT on all requests, however, the SVHCS reserves the right to request the services of an EMT `Paramedic level if available in lieu of the EMT Basic and Intermediate.

3.7.1 Life Threatening Emergency Calls: Contractor will dispatch ambulance no later than five (5) minutes after notification by SVHCS authorized personnel of a life-threatening emergency call. If the Contractor is unable to provide an immediate pickup (within fifteen (15) minutes after notification) in a life-threatening emergency, the Contractor shall immediately contact the VA Requestor and advise of its inability to provide services within the requested timeframe. At that time, VA personnel will take whatever action is appropriate.

6.1 Time Data Collection System must be electronic and made available to the COR on a monthly basis.

further ordering. Prior to the start of contract performance, the contractor must submit to the contracting officer their certificate of insurance coverage evidencing required levels.

beneficiary when the VA determines that such an escort is in the best interest of the beneficiary. The VA will also be the final judge in determining when an escort is required. There shall be no additional charge to the VA when escorts are authorized to travel with beneficiary. Contractor shall only be required to transport escort with patient and shall not be required to return the escort back to point of origin.

protocols, which have been revised, requires changes and/or incorporation of new protocols since licensing. The changes to processes, equipment, and/or protocol that may affect performance of contract must be communicated in writing to the Contracting Office.

survey for the VA’s approval. Once approved contractor shall report results of the survey semi-annually.

30. Confidentiality of Patient Records: The Parties agree to hold all individually identifiable health information as that term is defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations promulgated there under (collectively, “HIPAA”) that is after April 14, 2003 shared with, transferred or transmitted to, or otherwise obtained by OHSU on or from or on behalf of the SVHCS providing the services under this Agreement (“Protected Health Information”) strictly confidential, and provide protections to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of such information, including, but not limited to the protection required by applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations regarding the security and the confidentiality of patient health care information including, but not limited to, HIPAA.