36C24625Q0150 0002.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) Jerry L. Mann Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 Ruth Morris Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24625Q0150 12-04-2024

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 12-09-2024 11:00 EST See CONTINUATION Page The purpose of this amendment is to do the following:

1. To provide a response to the questions received from vendor on RFQ 36C24625Q0150 .

2. To extend solicitation 36C24625Q0150 due date from 12/04/2024 to 12/11/2024.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED.

Jerry L. Mann Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

CARBON DIOXIDE USP 50 LB GCA 320

Contract Period: Base Period of Performance: TBD PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: 6835 - Medical Gases

CARBON DIOXIDE USP E CGA 940

Period of Performance: TBD

HELIUM USP MEDICAL PURE 200 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NF GRADE 200 NITROGEN

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROGEN MEDICAL NF 300 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD Contract Period: Base

NITROUS OXIDE USP E CGA 910

Contract Period: Base

NITROUS OXIDE USP 200 CGA 326

Contract Period: Base

OXYGEN USP MEDICAL PURE E CGA 870

Period of Performance: TBD

CYL LD 0.3% CM/0.5% NE/21% OX/NI 200

Period of Performance: TBD

Liquid Nitrogen

Period of Performance: TBD

Argon, Ultra High Purity ARUHP35

Contract Period: Base

Hydrotesting of customer owned tanks

Period of Performance: TBD

Delivery/Hazmat Fee

Period of Performance: TBD

Audit of Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Lost Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Emergency Delivery

Period of Performance: TBD

1,446.00

Rentals: Gas Cylinders - Size A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: Gas Cylinders - Sizes Other than A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

96.00

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) less than 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

96.00

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) greater than or equal to 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Contract Period: Base

6,929.00

RENTALS: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

6,929.00

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB - MRI Compatible; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: High Pressure Cylinders (6,000 PSI); (monthly

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

1.00

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP 50 LB GCA 320

Contract Period: Option 1 Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP E CGA 940

Period of Performance: TBD

HELIUM USP MEDICAL PURE 200 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NF GRADE 200 NITROGEN

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROGEN MEDICAL NF 300 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP E CGA 9

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP 200 CGA 326

Period of Performance: TBD

OXYGEN USP MEDICAL PURE E CGA 870

Period of Performance: TBD

CYL LD 0.3% CM/0.5% NE/21% OX/NI 200

Period of Performance: TBD

Liquid Nitrogen

Period of Performance: TBD

Argon, Ultra High Purity ARUHP35

Period of Performance: TBD

Hydrotesting of customer owned tanks

Period of Performance: TBD

Delivery/Hazmat Fee

Period of Performance: TBD

Audit of Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Lost Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Emergency Delivery

Period of Performance: TBD

Rentals: Gas Cylinders - Size A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: Gas Cylinders - Sizes Other than A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

96.00

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) less than 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) greater than or equal to 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

6,929.00

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB - MRI Compatible; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: High Pressure Cylinders (6,000 PSI); (monthly

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP 50 LB GCA 320

Contract Period: Option 2 Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP E CGA 940

HELIUM USP MEDICAL PURE 200 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NF GRADE 200 NITROGEN

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROGEN MEDICAL NF 300 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP E CGA 910

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP 200 CGA 326

Period of Performance: TBD

OXYGEN USP MEDICAL PURE E CGA 870

Period of Performance: TBD

CYL LD 0.3% CM/0.5% NE/21% OX/NI 200

Period of Performance: TBD

Liquid Nitrogen

Period of Performance: TBD

Argon, Ultra High Purity ARUHP35

Period of Performance: TBD

Hydrotesting of customer owned tanks

Period of Performance: TBD

Delivery/Hazmat Fee

Period of Performance: TBD

Audit of Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Lost Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Emergency Delivery

Period of Performance: TBD

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: Gas Cylinders - Sizes Other than A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) less than 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) greater than or equal to 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB - MRI Compatible; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: High Pressure Cylinders (6,000 PSI); (monthly

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

1.00

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP 50LB CGA 320

Contract Period: Option 3 Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP E CGA 940

Period of Performance: TBD

HELIUM USP MEDICAL PURE 200 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NF GRADE 200 NITROGEN

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROGEN MEDICAL NF 300 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP E CGA 910

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP 200 CGA 326

Period of Performance: TBD

OXYGEN USP MEDICAL PURE E CGA 870

Period of Performance: TBD

CYL LD 0.3% CM/0.5% NE/21% OX/NI 200

Period of Performance: TBD

Liquid Nitrogen

Period of Performance: TBD

Argon, Ultra High Purity ARUHP35

Period of Performance: TBD

Hydrotesting of customer owned tanks

Period of Performance: TBD

Delivery/Hazmat Fee

Period of Performance: TBD

Audit of Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Lost Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Emergency Delivery

Period of Performance: TBD

Rentals: Gas Cylinders - Size A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: Gas Cylinders - Sizes Other than A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) less than 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) greater than or equal to 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB - MRI Compatible; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: High Pressure Cylinders (6,000 PSI); (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP 50 LB GCA 320

Contract Period: Option 4 Period of Performance: TBD

CARBON DIOXIDE USP E CGA 940

Period of Performance: TBD

HELIUM USP MEDICAL PURE 200 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NF GRADE 200 NITROGEN

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROGEN MEDICAL NF 300 CGA 580

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP E CGA 910

Period of Performance: TBD

NITROUS OXIDE USP 200 CGA 326

Period of Performance: TBD

OXYGEN USP MEDICAL PURE E CGA 870

Period of Performance: TBD

CYL LD 0.3% CM/0.5% NE/21% OX/NI 200

Period of Performance: TBD

Liquid Nitrogen

Period of Performance: TBD

Argon, Ultra High Purity ARUHP35

Period of Performance: TBD

Hydrotesting of customer owned tanks

Period of Performance: TBD

Delivery/Hazmat Fee

Period of Performance: TBD

Audit of Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Lost Cylinders

Period of Performance: TBD

Emergency Delivery

Period of Performance: TBD

Rentals: Gas Cylinders - Size A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTALS: Gas Cylinders - Sizes Other than A,B,C,D, & E; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) less than 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Liquid Containers (Portable) greater than or equal to 160 Liter Capacity; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: E size Cylinder with Integrated Regulator USPEAWB - MRI Compatible; (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: High Pressure Cylinders (6,000 PSI); (monthly)

Period of Performance: TBD

RENTAL: Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

Medical Air Cylinder

Period of Performance: TBD

A.2 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

1970 ROANOKE BLVD

SALEM, VA 24153 6404

USA

540-982-2463 ext. 2646 michael.cunningham7@va.gov

RFQ 36C24625Q0150

VAMC Salem Medical Gas Cylinders

Vendor Questions (Black) / Response (Red)

1. As the NAICS for this RFQ is 325210 Industrial Gas Manufacturing, please confirm whether this is a Service Contract or a Supply Contract.

Response: Supply Contract. Medical gasses are a commodity/expendable supply

1. What is the current contract number, and who is the current provider?

Response: 36C24620N0329/Airgas

1. CLINS / CYLINDERS:

· CLIN 0009: Please confirm if the GOV still wants Offerors to price this CLIN given AMEND 0001 stated there was no requirement for Propane yet the revised CLIN list still included Propane with a QTY of (0).

Response: No Propane is needed, CLIN removed.

· CLIN 0016: The costs for required audits are included under CLIN 0016, but there is an annual quantity of (4) listed for each contract year. PG 28 of 84 (Section 7.6) of the RFQ does state that “The contractor must submit a list quarterly of lost or damaged cylinders to include replacement costs for any and all individual cylinders lost or damaged while in the government facility’s custody,” but the same section goes on to state that only “Annual audits are required for inventory counts.” Additionally, the requirement for only an annual audit is referenced throughout the RFQ. However, a list/report of lost cylinders cannot be generated quarterly without a joint audit between the VA and the Prime Contractor; therefore, the Contractor would be able to provide an annual list of lost cylinders with included replacement costs but not a quarterly list. Because of the preparations and coordinations required for the VA and Contractor to conduct a facility’s audit, we request that the “annual audit” requirement be honored and for CLIN 0016 to be priced by offerors as (1) audit per year in lieu of the currently listed (4) audits per year. Please confirm that offerors should price (1) audit per contract year and that Contractors should provide an annual list of lost or damaged cylinders with quoted replacement costs based on the results of the annual audit.

Response: Annual Audit is sufficient.

· CLINs 0014-0015: Delivery Fees and Hazmat Fees are included in CLINs 0014 and 0015, respectively. However, PG 35 of 84 (Section 13.15) in the RFQ states that “All transportation charges for cylinders shall be included in the price of the medical gas. Additional charges such as delivery fees, hazardous materials fees, fuel surcharges, shall NOT be billed to, or collected from, the facility for orders received under this contract.” Please confirm if offerors need to price individual Delivery Fees and Hazmat Fees per Section 13.15. Additionally, what does the unit of “FE” represent on these (2) line items?

Response:

A. Delivery Fees and Hazmat Fees NOT needed to be listed separately.

B. FE unit is FEE.

· CLIN 0017: The costs for lost cylinders are included under CLIN 0017, but Loss of Use costs cannot be determined without a joint audit between the VA and the Prime Contractor. As a result, we request that Offerors be able to price this as $0.00 and the GOV fund this CLIN at the time of the required annual audit (and based on the audit’s results and subsequent LOU amounts) so that the cost of the lost cylinders represent the best market value.

· Response: CONCUR - Offerors will be able to price this as $0.00 and the GOV fund this CLIN at the time of the required annual audit (and based on the audit’s results and subsequent LOU amounts) so that the cost of the lost cylinders represent the best market value.

· RENTAL CLINs: There are no rental CLINs for contractor-owned cylinders provided in the RFQ. PG 23 of 84 (Section 1.5) states that “Pricing for medical gas tanks shall include all applicable charges, to include any tank rental fee and applicable fees for filling the tank(s).” However, monthly rental charges and rental periods are addressed in depth on PGs 29-30 of the RFQ, which allows for a reasonable assumption that offerors need to price monthly rental rates for contractor-owned cylinders, which is also the industry standard for medical cylinder contracts of this nature. Please confirm that the VA will provide rental CLINs for each contractor-owned cylinder in addition to the fill CLINs. RAS Recommends the following Monthly Cylinder Rental Groupings Categorized By Size, Type, and Functionality:

Response: CLIN 22 to 26 added to the Base and 4 Option Years

· MEDICAL AIR: Medical Air is listed as a required gas in the first paragraph on PG 23 of 84 in the RFQ, but there are no CLINs provided for Medical Air cylinders. Please confirm whether the VA requires Medical Air cylinders and provide the appropriate CLINs (fill and rental) for offerors to price, if so.

Response: Medical Air Cylinders - 1 Cylinder added

· INTEGRATED VALVE CYLINDERS: There are no integrated valve oxygen cylinders listed in the RFQ (commonly referred to as “Walk-O2-Bout” or “Grab n’ Go” cylinders). Please confirm if the facility requires any integrated valve oxygen cylinder and provide the appropriate CLINs (fill and rental) for offerors to price the requirement as well as the facility’s estimated annual usage for that cylinder.

Response: The facility does NOT required integrated valve cylinders

· GFE/CONTRACTOR-OWNED CYLINDER REQUIREMENTS: Please clarify which of the (18) CLINs provided on PGs 5-8 (Base Year) are GFE cylinders and which are contractor-owned cylinders (rented). Please also confirm how many of each GFE cylinder type the GOV has on its property books by CLIN as well as the estimated/average on-hand balances at any given time.

Response: The VA owns two 30 litre liquid Nitrogen dewars that will be filled on a regular bases. The only GFE cylinders are “E” size O2 tanks. Approximately 40 GFE on hand at any given time.

· GFE CYLINDER REPLACEMENT RATES: PG 28 of 84 (Section 6.2) states that “A regular review of VA’s tracking of the cylinders shall be used to determine if the Contractor lost any government-owned medical gas cylinders and appurtenances” and that “The Contractor will be responsible to pay for lost or damaged government-owned medical gas cylinders and appurtenances at agreed upon rates identified in the contract.” Please detail the VA’s tracking system for cylinders that “shall be used to determine if the Contractor lost any government-owned medical gas cylinders” and please identify the applicable replacement rates for all anticipated GFE cylinders so that offerors may review.

Response: Will be a part of the monthly audit.

1. RENTALS:

· RENTAL PERIOD: PG 29 of 84 (Section 9.5.2) states that “Contractor shall take note of the ending balance at the end of each rental period and assess the monthly charges for that rental period based on that ending balance” but follows that sentence with “Rental pricing shall be assessed using the CLIN prices for daily rental of cylinders.” Contradicting information is included between the (2) statements with the VA instructing Contractors to assess “monthly” and “daily” rental charges. Monthly rentals are again addressed on PG 36 of 84 (Section 21.1) under “Invoices,” which states that “The Contractor shall submit one invoice monthly, for incurred charges related to medical gas refill and cylinder tank rental fees.” Please confirm that rental charges will be assessed on a monthly basis and please provide CLINs for which to account for Monthly Rental.

Response: Rental charges for all cylinders are assessed monthly.

· RENTAL SUMMARY: PG 29 of 84 (Section 9.5.3) states that “The Contractor shall provide, within five (5) business days after the end of the rental period, a monthly summary for each delivery location (sub-accounts) to the individual facility POC…” We request that this language/requirement be revised to allow for the submission of rental summaries within the first (10) business days of the following month. There are required processing times for consolidating rental summaries following a month’s end, and Contractors must ensure all Proofs of Delivery (PODs) for the previous month have become available (oftentimes this takes several days to post) before they can complete that processing as the PODs are required to summarize all deliveries and returns before rental charges can be calculated. As a result, the requirement to provide a monthly summary for each location within (5) days is impractical due to the availability of the data and processing times required.

Response: The summary is for Salem VA Medical Center; the monthly summary is required the submission of rental summaries within the first (10) business days of the following month.

1. ANNUAL AUDIT REQUIREMENTS:

4. PG 36 of 84, para 18.1 states “The annual cylinder inventory audits must occur for each main VA facility, within 45 calendar days of the end of an ordering period.” Please confirm if this means within (45) days before, after, or either in relation to the end of an ordering period (e.g., either 45 days prior or after the end of an ordering period totaling to a 90 day window).

Response: Within 45 days before an ordering period.

4. REMARK: Para 18.2 refers to “those facilities denoted with an “X” I the column titled ‘Annual Cylinder Audit Required’” yet there is no such table provided and the only facility referenced in the RFQ is the VAMC.

Response: This order is for Salem VA Medical Center. Para 18.2 removed. This is not required

1. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS: PG 35 of 84 in the RFQ (Section 15.1) states that “Each delivery shall include a delivery ticket covering the following: contract number, purchase order number, delivery order number, date of order, date delivered, item number and/or product identification number, the number of cylinders at the facility prior to delivery, the number of cylinders being delivered, the number of cylinders being picked-up, and the number of cylinders at the facility after the delivery has been made.” Please note the following:

· The “number of cylinders at the facility prior to delivery” and the “number of cylinders at the facility after the delivery has been made” are not included on medical gas delivery tickets; this is not an industry practice. Tracking the cylinders at a facility is the responsibility of the Prime Contractor and not the Prime’s subcontractor (who will be supplying the delivery ticket at the time of delivery). Additionally, cylinder balances are not adjusted in real-time during a delivery and then reproduced on the delivery ticket being provided for that order. It’s not reasonable to request that a real-time balance adjustment be made while delivering and picking up cylinders. A delivery ticket will certainly be provided and include the delivery order number, date of order, date delivered, item number and/or product identification number, the number of cylinders being delivered, and the number of cylinders being picked-up. Please note, however, that the Prime Contractor will provide a monthly rental summary to accompany invoices that will reflect all deliveries during the month (pick-ups and returns) and provide a detailed depiction of the facility’s cylinder balances and the accompanying adjustments for every order. Please confirm that the monthly rental summary reflecting cylinder balances will suffice in lieu of the request for the information to appear on each delivery ticket.

Response: The monthly rental summary reflecting cylinder balances will suffice - confirmed

· The same section also requires that the delivery tickets include the “Contract Number” and the “Facility PO Number.” As this RFQ is an SDVOSB set-aside with the resulting Prime Contractor being an SDVOSB business working with a supplier/subcontractor to deliver contractor-provided cylinders, this is a nonstandard requirement. The Subcontractor working for the Prime Contractor will not be privy to any information specific to the contract between the VA and the Prime Contractor, including having the Contract Number and the Facility PO Number on the supplier-derived delivery tickets. This language reads as if the VA’s expectation is for a direct supplier/large business to be in day-to-day control of the contract’s operations with access to the VA contract information, which is not the case for an SDVOSB awardee under an SDVOSB set-aside contract. Request to remove the requirement for this information to appear on the delivery tickets as it is nonstandard in SDVOSB Prime Contracts for medical gas.

Response: The Purchase Order Number is needed on the delivery ticket for tracking for proper processing for payment

1. CBOCs: Please confirm that no CBOCs/VA Clinics under the Salem VA HCS require delivery service under the contract resulting from this solicitation as the only facility included in the RFQ is the VAMC Salem.

Response: This solicitation is for Salem VA Medical Center only. CBOC’s will be supplied by the main VAMC.

1. TRANSITION: PG 31 of 84 in the RFQ (Section 11.3) states that “The outgoing contractor shall coordinate transition of equipment/services with the incoming contractor as soon as possible, but not to exceed ninety (90) days from date of contract expiration.” What is the GOV’s rationale for this statement considering this is a GOV responsibility (i.e., transition timeline approvals), and the incoming vendor has no relationship with the outgoing vendor? Transition timelines are briefed in the incoming vendor’s Transition Plan that’s approved and monitored by the COR. We request revision of this paragraph. All vendors are fully aware that veteran care is at the forefront in transitioning from one vendor to another, yet the responsibility is at the COR’s/Facility’s direction so that all coordinations are finalized/approved by the GOV and an audit trail exists for a coordinated transition.

Response: The COR will be responsible for scheduling set-up time and date with the incoming and outgoing contractor to replace cylinders if applicable.

1. ELECTRONIC DATA EXCHANGE (EDI): EDI and its operational requirements are referenced throughout Section 12 under “Ordering Processes” in the RFQ (PGs 31-33). However, it’s also mentioned that orders may be placed “without the use of EDI ordering processes” in the same section. It’s nonstandard and highly unusual for a facility to mix and match EDI ordering processes with non-EDI ordering processes. Please confirm if the facility will be ordering through EDI on the contract resulting from this Solicitation as this is requires a great deal of set up between Contractor/Facility prior to operation.

Response: The VA does not require EDI ordering.

1. BULK OXYGEN LANGUAGE: PG 26 of 84 in the RFQ (Section 4.3) includes language/requirements specific to a Bulk Liquid Oxygen contract. Please confirm Section 4.3 was included in error as the Solicitation is for Medical Gas Cylinders.

Response: This was included in error. This is for Medical Gas Cylinder. The Bulk Oxygen language removed.

1. COMPLIANCE: Please confirm that the offeror must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations required of the offeror in order to meet the requirements of the statement of work as stated in FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023), which is incorporated by reference on PG 38 of 84 the RFQ. More specifically:

0. FAR 52.212-4, para. (q): “Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.”

0. Please also confirm who the GOV entity is that enforces and ensures compliance with these RFQ terms.

Response: The VA will provide audits if needed

1. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: How is the GOV going to validate that offerors are properly insured for NAICS 325120/221210 – the actual requirement for this work to comply with the RFQ and not just the dollar value threshold listed on PG 25 of 84 in the RFQ? How do offerors confirm to the GOV that they have the correct type of Liability Insurance, and does this need to be affirmed at the time of bid submission (if not, an awarded firm could be turned down or not be able to afford this coverage in the amounts the GOV requires, respective to NAICS 325120)? This is important because there are very few underwriters that will insure small businesses for the distribution of compressed gases and why confirmation of the applicable NAICS is being requested, in accordance with paragraph (a) of FAR 52.228-5 – Insurance Work on a Government Installation – which is incorporated by reference on PG 38 of 84 in the RFQ.

Response: FAR 52.228-5 removed

1. LOSS OF USE FOR CONTRACTOR-OWNED CYLINDERS: There is language for how the VA will account for Loss of Use on PG 30 of 84 (Section 9.5.5) in the RFQ. The included language has been suggested to the VA in previous RFQs in VISN 6; however, the suggested language has been altered on PG 30 (please see highlighted lines in the image below to review information removed from this RFQ for the VAMC Salem). The importance of the removed/altered language cannot be overstated because the rental charges can’t be removed before the GOV issues a PO (which provides “intent to pay”). There is no incentive for the GOV to pay their LOU invoice based solely on counts that are “agreed upon.” Please confirm that the GOV’s interpretation of “agreed upon” involves issuing a Purchase Order for Payment as typically Cylinder Balances are not removed until a Purchase Order is issued. To protect Contractors who must front these charges with their suppliers in order to continue delivering medical gases, to ensure compliance with the Prompt Payment Act, and to establish accountability procedures for the VA, we request that the VA add the relevant language back that the rental charges will be removed once an LOU PO has been issued to the Contractor as a commitment to pay the charges (NOTE: Just-in-Time is not included in this RFQ for the VAMC Salem; the below image is an example of the LOU language previously recommended to the VA).

Response: Salem VAMC concur with the updated language of this request.

14. request clarification on the customer owned cylinder line items, assets, and scope of work? Additionally, for contractor provided cylinders, we need to please ask the VA for rental line items.

Response: See response to the Rental Information.

15. Section 9.5 of the RFQ does address rental rates applying to contractor-owned cylinders; However, the VA didn't include rental line items in the pricing schedule. We believe the VA may have inadvertently omitted the line items, but we request the VA's confirmation.

Response: See Line Items 17 to 25

16. Additionally, it's essential to know whether the VA will have government-owned cylinders and if so, we request the VA identify which gases will require VA-owned and contractor-owned cylinders so that we may develop our proposal accordingly.

Response: The only VA owned cylinders are “E” size O2 tanks. We do have two liquid Nitrogen dewars that are VA owned as well. All others are vendor owned tanks.

17. The due date is currently 12/4/24. We request an extension of that date to 12/11/24 to allow for time to develop pricing.

Response: Due Date 12/11/2024 at 11:00 a.m.

B.4 STATEMENT OF WORK

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Integrated System Network (VISN) 06, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System requires a contractor to provide medical gases. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing, filling, transporting, handling, servicing, maintaining, delivering, picking up and storing medical gases and medical gas cylinders/tanks to Salem VAMC. Specifications to supply this facility are listed in this Statement of Work. The gases include, Compressed Medical Air USP, Oxygen USP, Carbon Dioxide USP, Nitrogen NF, Nitrous Oxide USP, Helium USP, and specialty medical gas mixtures.

1. SCOPE

1.1. The VHA, VISN 06, Salem Healthcare Systems requires a contractor to provide medical gases at the Salem VA medical center. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing, filling, transporting, handling, servicing, maintaining, delivering, picking up and storing medical gases and cylinders for Salem VAMC within VISN 06, Healthcare System. All equipment and materials required to perform on the contract shall be provided by the Contractor (other than government-furnished property).

The medical gases must meet or exceed the standards cited in the current edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary (USP).

1.2. Period of Performance: The period of performance for the base period is the date of award through twelve (12) months thereafter, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of this contract. This contract also includes four (4) additional twelve (12) month option periods to extend the contract if exercised by the Government.

1.3. Location/Facility Requirement: All Supplies of medical cylinder gases shall be delivered to Veterans Administration facility below. The Contractor shall have a facility and/or resources physically located in the geographic areas in which they will provide supplies.

The area as follows:

Salem VA 24153

1.3.1 The contractor shall have unique account established for the facility location.

1.4. The quantities shown in the Schedule of Items are estimates of the requirement. The actual quantities ordered by the facilities will vary based on the medical needs of the facility. Quantities may increase or decrease based on the volume of Veterans and their medical needs. The contract shall be for the actual quantities as ordered by the VA Health Care facility.

PLEASE NOTE: If this contract includes the installation of contractor-owned equipment it shall include a ninety (90) day transition period at the end of the contract which the incumbent contractor shall continue to provide medical gases and associated products while the incoming contractor is transitioning over.

1.5. Pricing for medical gas tanks shall include all applicable charges, to include any tank rental fee and applicable fees for filling the tank(s).

1.6. This solicitation is for an IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity), the quantities shown in the solicitation schedule are estimates of the facility’s annual requirement.

1.7. Schedule of Items (Base Year and Four (4) Option Years):

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION

Estimated annual usage

1.8. Acronyms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different interpretation.

ARO: After Receipt of Order CFR: Code of Federal Regulations CGA: Compressed Gas Association CGMP: FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice CO: Contracting Officer COR: Contracting Officer Representative CS: Contract Specialist EDI: Electronic Data Interchange FCLO: Facility Chief Logistics Officer FDA: US Food & Drug Administration GFE: Government-Furnished Equipment (Government-Owned) HCS: Health Care System LIN: Line Item Number LOU: Loss of Use (missing/unreturned/damaged cylinders) LPM: Liters Per Minute NFPA: National Fire Protection Association OO: Ordering Officer OSHA: US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration PO: Purchase Order POC: Point of Contact USP: United States Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary VA: Department of Veterans Affairs (Government) VAMC: Veterans Affairs Medical Center VHA: Veterans Health Administration VISN: Veterans Integrated Service Network

1.9. The contractor shall make available any additional gas (es) not included in the Schedule of Items upon notification by the Contracting Officer to support facility needs. The contractor shall accept a written authorization from the Contracting Officer, via email that the facility requires additional gas(es) not listed in the Schedule of Items. The contractor shall respond to the Contracting Officer within two (2) business days with the following information:

Material Number Description

UOM

Price/UOM Date Available for Delivery

Delivery of additional gas(es) shall be made in accordance with this Statement of Work. The Government will follow-up the request to add gas(es) with a formal contract modification to add applicable gas (es).

1.10. Contractor will be provided with the name and contact information of the primary Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 20 days after award of the contract. Additionally, the contractor shall accept orders from Salem Logistics Staff responsible for clinical supply chain and inventory management.

1.11. Tanks(s) will be filled to maximum functional capacity at each refilling procedure unless otherwise specified in the facility requirements or as agreed upon in a written document signed and dated by the Contracting Officer (CO) or VA POC. At the time of each delivery, contractor must provide a legible signed and dated written document that identifies, the number of cylinders being delivered and the number of cylinders being picked-up.

2. LICENSING, AUTHORIZATION, AND SELLING PERMISSIONS

2.1. If the Contractor is the manufacturer of the medical gases it places into the medical gas cylinders being supplied under this contract, it shall provide verification on an annual basis, that it holds current licensing, permits, certifications, or registrations required by the FDA and the states in which this contract is performed.

2.2 If the Contractor is not the manufacturer of the medical gases that are placed into medical gas cylinders being supplied under this contract, the Contractor must provide evidence of the medical gas manufacturer’s current licenses, permits, certifications, or registrations required by the FDA in the states in which this contract is performed, as well as an executed copy of the resellers agreement within ten (10) calendar days of contract award affirmatively demonstrating that the Contractor has authorization by the manufacturer to resell the medical gas and to rent the medical gas cylinders that the Contractor is providing under this contract. In addition, the Contractor shall provide annual updates to any agreements it has with the medical gas manufacturer and medical gas cylinder provider affirmatively demonstrating that the Contractor has authorization by the manufacturer to resell the medical gas and to rent the medical gas cylinders that the Contractor is providing under the contract. In the event of a change in the manufacturer, the Contractor shall provide a minimum of 30 days advance notification, or at the time it is known, to VA of the change in manufacturer, and shall provide evidence of the new medical gas manufacturer’s current licenses, permits, certifications, or registrations required by the FDA and the states in which this contract is performed. The Contractor shall also provide a copy of its signed agreement with the new manufacturer demonstrating that the Contractor has authorization by the manufacturer to resell the medical gases and to rent the medical gas cylinders that the Contractor intends to provide under this contract.

2.3. Throughout the term of this contract, Contractor shall maintain all federal, state, and local licenses applicable to the Contractor, as well as any required FDA certifications. Contractor must also provide, annually, verification that the manufacturer from which it obtains the medical gases placed into the medical gas cylinders provided to VA under this contract holds current licensing, permits, certifications, or registrations required by the FDA and the states in which this contract is performed.

3. LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. The Contractor is required to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. The ACORD Certificate of Liability must be provided at time of contract award and annually via email to the CO.

4. MEDICAL GAS SPECIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1. All medical gases provided in this contract shall be medical grade and shall comply with all applicable FDA, CGA, DOT, and all other federal, state, and local acts, regulations, codes, and standards regarding their manufacture, testing, transportation, shipping, and packaging. The Contractor shall comply with the most current and updated version of these codes and standards for the entire period of performance of this contract.

4.2. All medical gases under the contract shall be medical-grade and shall meet or exceed the standards cited in the current edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary (U.S.P.). The Contractor shall be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and all medical gases shall be manufactured, processed, packed, transported, and stored according to the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations and Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 210, 211, and 201 for labeling. All products, equipment and services provided under this contract shall be in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations. The Contractor shall comply with the most current and updated version of these codes and standards for the entire period of performance of this contract.

4.4. In addition, the following specifications are incorporated into the contract:

a) Federal Specification BB-A-1034B Compressed Air, Breathing, dated 12-20-1985 and amended on 12- 27-1995. http://everyspec.com/FED_SPECS/B/BB-A-1034B_9157/

b) Federal Specification BB-C-101C Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Technical and USP, dated 01-21-2004. http://everyspec.com/FED_SPECS/B/download.php?spec=BB-C-101C.009836.pdf

c) Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Publication G-7 – Compressed Air for Human Respiration, dated 08-04-2003 and ANSI/CGA G-7.1 Commodity Specification for Air, dated 08-27-2004.

http://www.cganet.com.

4.5. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be provided to the facility POC upon request at no additional charge. Contractor shall, at the request of the VA, provide training on procedures associated with safety data and maintaining medical gas cylinders while at VA facility.

4.6. A copy of all inspection reports shall be provided to the facility POC upon the completion of any contractor or government owned system inspections that are required by regulation.

4.7. Contractor-owned equipment shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) Regulations.

5. CYLINDERS AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS:

5.1. Cylinders, tanks, valves and other containers for gaseous and liquid forms of gas provided on this contract shall comply with all applicable FDA, CGA, DOT, and all other federal, state, and local acts, regulations, codes and standards in regard to the manufacture, maintenance, filling, marking, labeling, transportation, shipping, packaging, color-coding, valves, valve protection caps, valve brazing, cylinder fittings, hydrostatic cylinder testing, inspections, visual inspection, and 360 degree cryoband placement. The Contractor shall comply with the most current and updated version of these codes and standards for the entire period of performance of this contract.

5.2. Marking: In addition to marking required by the aforementioned laws and regulations, marking shall comply with CGA Publication C-7 – Guide to Preparation of precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Containers, dated January 01, 2014. https://www.cganet.com/

5.3. Color Coding: Cylinders shall be color coded in accordance with…