36C24726Q0149 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)

N/A Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 7 Network Contracting Office 3 FL Directors Office 3700 Crestwood Parkway Duluth GA 30096

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 7 Network Contracting Office 3 FL Directors Office 3700 Crestwood Parkway Duluth GA 30096 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24726Q0149

X

The purpose of this amendment is to update the Statement Of Work (SOW)and post Q&A’s for everyone.

See updated SOW and Q&A’s below:

ALL SITE VISITS need to be completed by the 23th, and no further extensions will be given for this RFQ.

Chelsea L. Smith Contracting Officer

Statement of Work Bulk Liquid Oxygen Delivery and Tank Rentals

REQUIREMENT:

The Veterans Integrated Southeast Network VISN 7’s Medical Centers in Charleston, South Carolina [Ralph H. Johnson VAMC] require the distribution and supply of medical-grade liquid bulk oxygen services. This solicitation aims to establish a committed source of medical-grade liquid bulk oxygen for the facilities included in the solicitation. The current VAMCs do not own their bulk oxygen tanks, and the contractor shall provide a contractor-owned tank with an appropriate backup system. (i.e., reserve tank or cylinder bank). This will include the installation of new tanks if required. The Government will be responsible for maintaining the areas around and keeping the area up to code if a new vendor is required to replace the current tanks with grandfathered installation.

The Contracting Officer (CO) is requiring all contractors who intend to respond to the solicitation to conduct and inspect the site location before submitting their response. Any contractors who do not conduct a site visit will not be reviewed upon submission due to the possible risk of delays to the government if the vendor is not able to accept current conditions for new tanks to be installed. Any code deficiencies in the Medical Center's existing systems, as defined by NFPA 50, "Bulk Oxygen System," must be identified by the contractor. The contractor shall explain these deficiencies to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and CO within 48 hours of the site visit. The COR will maintain a roster of the site visit participants for the solicitation. PLEASE CONTACT : Samuel.Marinovich@va.gov to schedule site visits.

The quantities shown in the solicitation schedule are estimates for the facility's site annual requirements. There is no express or implied guarantee that these quantities will be purchased. All contracts awarded under the solicitation will include one Base year and (4) one-year option periods, which the Government may exercise. After notification of contract award, the contractor shall meet with the COR and CO to ensure mutual understanding of facility requirements relating to the ordering method and specific details of any delivery instructions included in the solicitation schedule.

Contractor Performance Requirements and Responsibilities:

1. Medical-grade oxygen classified as a drug and must meet USP specifications. Bulk oxygen tanks are classified as a drug delivery device, and all contractors shall be registered with the Food and Drug Administration. Bulk Oxygen is ordered by and delivered to the individual ordering facility. Specific information regarding any unique delivery requirements is included in the Price Schedule.

2. The quantities are estimates of the facility’s annual requirements. There is no express or implied guarantee that these quantities will be purchased. The base contract period shall be 01 October 2020 – 30 September 2021 or date of award. Please note that contracts that include the installation of contractor-owned equipment shall include a 60-day transition period at the beginning and end of the contract period. The contract awarded shall include four (4) one-year option periods. The contractor shall deliver medical-grade liquid oxygen within the time-frame specified in the schedule. The time-frame identified may be either the number of calendar days after receipt of the Government’s order, the specific days of the week for delivery, the specific time intervals between deliveries, a specified reorder point, or other specified ordering and delivery methods. Upon award, delivery time-frame shall be discussed with site COR listed in the schedule, as sites shall have the option to establish an automatic delivery schedule. If the time frame for contractor delivery is not identified in the facility requirements, the contractor shall provide 24-hour notice prior to delivery or upon mutual agreement between the facility and contractor, alternate ordering/delivery methods such as pre-scheduled deliveries, calling for tank level readings, installing a telemetry unit, etc. may be arranged. If for any reason the contractor is unable to delivery at the agreed upon day or time, the contractor shall provide 24-hour notice to the COR, so that the facility can initiate an alternate backup action. In accordance with VHA Patient Safety Alert dated April 5, 2004 (https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1279) and VHA Directive 2005-028 (https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1279) dated June 24, 2005 all deliveries shall be monitored by a qualified and trained technical representative that will be designated by each facility. Contractor shall be provided with names and contact information of primary and back-up facility representatives. This applies to all deliveries regardless of time or day of execution.

3. Prior to first filling, contractor shall perform in-service training for facility personnel, such as the COR and any other personnel deemed appropriate by the Contracting Officer, to include the following facets for contractor owned and government owned systems: the refill procedure, and preventative maintenance support requirements that may be needed from the medical center systems, and an explanation of all the volume alarm and low pressure set-points. The contractor shall provide written procedures and training for VA staff protocols to accomplish emergency shutdowns or other sudden, unplanned termination of the refilling process. Contractor shall provide 24/7 emergency contact name(s) and telephone number(s).

4. Prior to first filling, and annually thereafter, alarm set-point testing and written verification shall be presented through the use of a qualified third party expert per NFPA 99, 2018 Edition (http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=99) for contractor owned and government owned systems. Any code deficiencies in the Medical Center’s existing system, as defined by NFPA 50, 2001 Edition (http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=50), 1.3.3, “Bulk Oxygen System”, shall be identified by the contractor. A detailed explanation of these deficiencies shall be presented in writing to the COR. Receipt of this written explanation shall be signed by the COR.

5. Prior to first filling, and annually thereafter, the contractor shall verify, in writing, the accuracy of all gauges on contractor owned tanks. If the gauge(s) are government owned, contractor shall provide, if requested after award, a written proposal with price to verify accuracy of the gauge(s). The Government may choose to exercise this option at its desire.

6. Tanks(s) shall 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 COR. At the time of each delivery, contractor shall provide a legible signed and dated written document that identifies the tank level prior to fill, the level after fill, and the quantity delivered. This document must be counter-signed by the facility representative supervising the delivery.

7. Emergency delivery shall be provided within 24 hours after receiving Government notification. Contractor shall respond to the facility by either telephone or email within one hour to confirm receipt of emergency notification to ascertain the nature of the emergency. Emergency status is determined by the Government when conditions warrant, such as an actuated main bulk tank low level alarm, imminent alarm condition, or system leak. Failure of the contractor to remain current with agreed delivery schedule and requirements does not constitute an “emergency” for purposes of charging an emergency delivery fee.

Quality Assurance Specifications and Requirements:

1. All medical gas manufacturers and fillers of medical gases shall be registered with FDA as drug manufacturers. All oxygen shall be manufactured, processed, packed, transported, and stored according to FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) regulations, and all labeling shall comply with FDA’s labeling regulations (21 CFR Part 201 -https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=201).

2. Liquid bulk oxygen delivered 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.).

3. Material Safety Data Sheets shall be provided to the facility upon request.

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

5. Provide reports to the facility such as usage in a timely manner. Reports may be issued based on time periods.

Contractor-Owned Equipment:

1. All contractor-owned equipment shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with NFPA 50: Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, 2001 and FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) Regulations (https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/Manufacturing/ucm090016.htm)

2. The facilities listed in the schedule as having contractor owned tanks, the contractor shall provide, install and maintain bulk oxygen tank(s) with appropriate back-up system(s). Through the duration of the contract, the contractor shall be liable for the integrity, suitability, and safety of contractor owned tank(s) that shall insure compliance with applicable regulations, standards and normal good practices. The tank capacity and reserve system shown in the schedule are minimum capacities required by the using facilities. Manifold, cylinders for the reserve supply, liquid converter, alarm switch, regulator, valves, level indicator, and any other devices or connections required for proper tie-ins with the facility’s gas system shall be furnished by the contractor, without cost to the Government. The manifold or liquid converter shall deliver gas at a pressure and rate of flow adequate to supply the system. Each liquid oxygen storage container shall have an outlet that allows access for testing the purity of the oxygen.

3. All equipment and materials required to perform on the contract (other than what is specifically listed in paragraph 10, Government-Furnished Property) shall be provided by the contractor. Contractor owned equipment shall be installed, inspected and maintained by the contractor without additional cost to the Government. (i.e., all installation, inspection and maintenance costs shall be included in the contract’s monthly equipment rental fee for the applicable facility.) Contractor owned equipment shall be kept in good operating condition and appearance, in accordance with applicable regulations, standards and normal good practices. The contractor shall be provided reasonable access to the bulk oxygen systems for this purpose.

Installation of Contractor-Owned Equipment:

1. Unless otherwise directed by the using facility, contractor owned equipment shall be installed by the first day of the period of performance (directed by Contracting Officer) and shall be connected to the medical gas system on that date; provided that the contractor shall be allowed a maximum of sixty calendar days after receipt of notice of award to complete installation. If the contractor’s equipment replaces equipment already in use, the exchange of equipment shall be accomplished without interruption of gas supply to the using facility. Contractor installed equipment shall remain the property of the contractor and shall be removed upon termination of the contract when directed by the ordering facility and in full cooperation with the succeeding contractor to avoid interruption of gas supply.

2. No guarantee is given or implied that data included in the schedule regarding contractor owned equipment currently located at the facilities is complete and accurate as to the factors affecting the cost of furnishing and installing the required contractor owned tanks and appurtenances. Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the facility sites prior to submitting an offer and take other steps as may be reasonably necessary to ascertain the nature and location of the work, and the general and local conditions which can affect the work or the cost thereof. Failure to do so shall not relieve offerors from the responsibility of estimating properly the difficulty and cost of successfully performing the work. Site visits may be arranged by contacting in the solicitation schedule.

Prospective Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the bulk oxygen tank site at the facility prior to submitting an offer. The site visit will be scheduled with the Contract Specialist. The contractor will provide 24/7 emergency contact name(s) and telephone number(s) for the location at the close of the solicitation. Each location shall have at least two (2) Points of Contact in case of an emergency and one cannot be reached. IF A CALL CENTER HANDLES ALL, THEN ONE NUMBER IS AUTHORIZED; LABEL: “CALL CENTER FOR ALL LOCATIONS. " Emergency Contact:

1. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

2. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

3. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

4. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

5. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

6. Name: _____________________________ Phone#: __________________

BACKGROUND:

The Veteran Affairs Medical Centers currently encompass acute medical, surgical, psychiatric, and long-term care. The hospitals are located at the following address, and the point of contact for each location is listed below.

Neiman Smith

(843) 577-5011 ext 20-7770 William.hanley@va.gov Neiman.smith@va.gov

The Medical Centers currently hold the following Main Tanks and Reserve Tanks information below:

Brand/Model: RNTTANKMED-OX Tank 1995; serial # E2514 Full Trycock: 250” Reorder point: 140” Refill Point: 100” Low-Level Alarm: 30” Size: 775 Brand/Model: RNTTANKMED-OX-R Tank 1965; serial # 49535 Full Trycock: 250” Reorder point: 140” Refill Point: 100” Low-Level Alarm: 30”

Government Furnished Property:

Each Government facility site that requires the installation of contractor-owned equipment shall provide a suitable location and foundation for the installation of the contractor-owned bulk oxygen tank(s). Additionally, each facility shall provide access to an electrical power source and hook up to a facility-maintained alarm system. The contractor shall assist in hooking up contractor-owned equipment to the facility-maintained alarm system.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance is a one-year Base Year with four one-year options listed below.

Delivery of Medical Liquid Bulk Oxygen Bulk oxygen is ordered by and delivered to the individual ordering facilities.

The list of facilities and information regarding their unique delivery requirements is included in the solicitation schedule.

The contractor shall deliver medical-grade liquid oxygen within two (2) days After Receipt of the Order (ARO) or within the time frame specified when the order is received. The timeframe identified may be the number of calendar days after receipt of the Government's order, the specific days of the week for delivery, the specific time intervals between deliveries, a specified reorder point, or other ordering and delivery methods. If the time frame for contractor delivery is not identified in the facility requirements, the contractor must provide 24-hour notice prior to delivery or upon mutual agreement between the facility and contractor, alternate ordering/delivery methods such as pre-scheduled deliveries, calling for tank level readings, installing a telemetry unit, etc. may be arranged. If, for any reason, the contractor is unable to deliver at the agreed-upon day or time, the contractor will provide 24-hour notice to the COR so that the facility can initiate an alternate backup action. In accordance with the VHA Patient Safety Alert dated April 5, 2004, all deliveries must be monitored by a qualified and trained technical representative that each facility will designate. The contractor will be provided with the names and contact information of primary and backup facility representatives. This applies to all deliveries regardless of time or day of execution. VA Staff will provide qualified and trained technical representatives to monitor all deliveries.

Tanks(s) will be filled to maximum functional capacity at each refilling procedure unless specified in the facility requirements or as agreed upon in a written document signed and dated by the COR. At the time of each delivery, the contractor must provide a legible, signed, and dated written document that identifies the tank level before fill, the level after fill, and the quantity delivered. This document must be counter-signed by the facility representative supervising the delivery. Emergency delivery will be provided within 24 hours after receipt of Government notification. The contractor must respond to the facility by either telephone or email within one hour to confirm receipt of the emergency notification and ascertain the nature of the emergency. The Government determines Emergency status when conditions warrant, such as an actuated main bulk tank low-level alarm, imminent alarm condition, or system leak. The contractor's failure to remain current with the agreed delivery schedule and requirements does not constitute an "emergency" to charge an emergency delivery fee.

VA Staff will verify all accuracy of documents for the quantity before and after each fill. The COR and Point of Contact at each location are responsible for ordering and providing specific delivery instructions.

Contractor: Provide valid certification of analysis with each delivery to include:

· Supplier’s name and complete address

· Name of the produce (i.e., Oxygen I.S.P.)

· An Air Liquefaction Statement where appropriate

· Lot number or other unique identification number

· Actual analytical results for full USP monograph testing. (A statement that only states that the product meets the minimum purity 99.5% is not acceptable.)

· Test method used to perform the analysis

· Signature of authorized supplier representative and date.

The contractor will comply with all OSHA standards and applicable safety requirements, including signage, personnel use, and protective equipment. The contractor will deliver medical-grade liquid oxygen within the time frame specified in the facility's schedule. The contractor will provide a legible, signed, and dated written document that identifies the tank level before filling at each delivery.

· Level after the fill

· Quantity delivered.

Annual Numbers: (based on FY24 historical data) subjected to change as they are estimated.

Ralph H. Johnson VAMC

Business Hours 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

Federal Holidays:

** 1 Delivery during non-working hours: the driver must contact the VA Police to access the locked tank enclosure. Phone (843) 789-7268**

Contractor-owned equipment will be:

Installed, inspected, and maintained by the contractor without additional cost to the Government, all installation, inspection, and maintenance costs will be included in the contract’s monthly equipment rental fee for this facility.

The contractor-owned equipment will be kept in good operating conditions and appearance in accordance with the applicable regulations, standards, and normal good practices. For this purpose, the contractor will be provided reasonable access to the bulk oxygen systems.

The equipment exchange will be accomplished without interruption of gas supply to the using facility. The contractor-installed equipment will remain on the property. It will be removed upon contract termination or completion when directed by the ordering facility in full cooperation with the succeeding contractor to avoid gas supply interruption.

Contractor Requirements:

· The contractor will provide the facility COR a Material Data Safety Sheet.

· The contractor will provide a copy of all inspection reports to the COR and Engineers upon completion of any contractor-owned or Government-owned bulk oxygen system inspections required by regulation.

· The contractor will be responsible for all testing required by regulation of contractor-owned equipment at no additional cost to the Government.

· Markings must comply with American National Standards.

· Valves: Caps must be securely attached to the cylinder

· Color Coding: Color-coded according to GGAP standards.

Emergency

· Contractor will deliver product within 24-hours after receipt of Government notification.

· Contractor must respond to the facility by either telephone or email within one hour to confirm receipt of emergency notification to a certain the nature of the emergency.

Non-emergency Failure of the contractor to remain current with the agreed delivery schedule and requirement does not constitute an “emergency” for the purpose of charging an emergency delivery fee.

· A valid certificate of analysis will be provided with each delivery of liquid oxygen.

CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS:

All Contractor’s Service Personnel will check in and out with ECC before performing and upon completion of all required services. This information is required to contact mechanics in case of an emergency during regular hours.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

The contractor will ensure that all tools and equipment are secured at all times.

· Tools and equipment must be removed from open areas or stored in a secured location during breaks, lunch, and/or at the end of each workday.

· All debris must be removed from the facility upon completion of service each day.

· The contractor will ensure proper signage, barriers, and/or blockage of the service area are provided where applicable, especially at hoistway doors, and clearly visible to ensure patient/employee safety is adhered to.

Smoking is not permitted in the VA Medical Center at any time. All smoking will be conducted at designated areas on the facility grounds only.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Confined Space Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are unacceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below:

The Contractor shall submit invoices electronically to the Tungsten Network website at http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en/veterans-affairs Content of invoices. (1) A proper invoice must include the following items:

(a) Name and address of the contractor.

(b) Invoice date and invoice number. (Contractors should date invoices as close as possible to the date of mailing or transmission.)

(c) Contract number or other authorization for supplies delivered or services performed (including order number and line-item number).

(d) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price of supplies delivered, or services performed.

(e) Shipping and payment terms (e.g., shipment number and date of shipment, discount for prompt payment terms).

(f) Name and address of contractor official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the contract or in a proper notice of assignment).

(g) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and mailing address of person to notify in the event of a defective invoice.

(h) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The contractor must include its TIN on the invoice only if required by agency procedures. (See 4.9 TIN requirements.)

(i) Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears. Invoices are due within seven (7) calendar days following the month the services were performed. The Contractor will submit invoices covering the services performed under this Contract. Hours billed for but not sufficiently documented will not be reimbursed. The Contractor will be paid for actual hours worked. Invoices will contain the total hours worked for the month and the associated price. Sums due the Contractor will be paid monthly in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. The invoices will contain the following information:

Q&A:

1. Is a site visit required for the incumbent contractor? No, the incumbent is already aware of the location and delivery area for their trucks. This is only required for those who wish to respond to this request for quote to confirm they are able to meet the requirements of the location delivery site and the tank’s requirements for replacements.

2. on page 8 of the RFQ the Unit of Measure for CLINs 4, 5, and 6 correctly state Each; however, the B.2 Price/ Cost Schedule (pages 11 - 17) the unit of measure is Month. Can you please confirm that the correct unit of measure is Each? The SOW is modified to represent the 12 “MONTHS” established properly in the price cost schedule because those charges are a monthly rate and will be paid out as a monthly rate. Current location can charge more delivery fees at the same rate each month, which allows the vendor to charge each fee on one invoice. This location has not had more than one delivery a month but one time as an unexpected delivery requirement.

3. The Decatur location does not provide a delivery address, and the Charleston location doesn’t provide current tank data or current volume usage. Decatur is not part of this solicitation. Charleston location is listed on page 5 has the listed address confusion was corrected, page 6 has the tank’s data, and the requested total is the current volume usage being requested, it is not a set number as it is only and estimated amount located not only on the CLINS, but on page 8 coming from the previous year on usage.

4. Could you please provide details on these issues to support it’s 3rd party integrator on the solicitation. Issues were corrected to clear up confusion.

5. when will the site visits be scheduled? Mr. Samuel Marinovich will be back in office and can be reached at Samuel.Marinovich@va.gov to schedule after the 9th. Extention of the RFQ will occur due to limited time. All site visits will need to be completed no later than 23rd of this RFQ.

6. CONTRACT TYPE: As the NAICS for this RFQ is 325210 Industrial Gas Manufacturing, please confirm whether this is a Service Contract or a Supply Contract. SUPPLY

7. CURRENT CONTRACT INFO: What is the current contract number, and who is the current supplier for this requirement? 36C24721P0445- RCG OF NORTH CAROLINA, LLC

8. ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE: PG 48 of 75 requires that “The Quoter agrees to hold prices in its quote firm for a period of one-hundred-fifty (150) calendar days…” What is the GOV’s anticipated award date for this opportunity considering the period of performance start date is listed as 04/01/26 on PG 6? Why would offerors need to hold their prices until mid-July when the base year is anticipated to begin the first of April? This is standard because at any time a protest can occur, it’s better to make sure all our pricing is not subjected to change which in return could require a new RFQ to be issues causing further delays.

9. When were the current tanks in place at the VAMC installed? We do not have this information currently as new leadership has taken over and we are not able to identify the information at a timely manner.

10. As a standard pre-bid site visit is not a formal technical inspection, will the GOV allow offerors to coordinate the drilling of a core sample during the site visit to determine the structural integrity of the pad (whether it is still able to hold the size tanks it’s currently rated for)? This is required for offerors to be able to “accept current conditions” as required on PG 4 of the RFQ however, restated, a pre-bid-submission site visit is not a formal technical inspection. NO

11. On PG 5 of 75 in the RFQ lists the VAMC Charleston (at 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401) as the facility requiring service under this solicitation; however, PG 6 lists the following main and reserve tank information at the Decatur VAMC (see question following image): This was corrected.

12. Will the GOV provide pictures of the tanks, gauges, and data plates to verify Main & Reserve tank sizes? Please note that it’s highly unusual that the main and reserve tanks for the VAMC Decatur are listed as the exact same size (3,000G) with identical set points. This was a typo and corrected.

13. What are the current tank set points (in inches) for FULL TRYCOCK, REORDER POINT, REFILL POINT, & LOW-LEVEL ALARM? We are asking for confirmation since the provided set points on PG 6 of the RFQ seem to be for the Decatur VAMC and not the Charleston VAMC. These are accurate for Charleston VAMC.

14. What is the average daily oxygen usage (in inches)? We only track monthly usage at this time.

15. When was the most recent annual inspection of the tank, and will the GOV provide a copy of this report? Annual inspections of tanks are done each year, however, anyone who is currently taking over these tanks, will be required to inspect and provide a report to the POCs. I am not disclosing any reports at this time.

16. Has there been any history of vaporizers icing up due to high volume? No issues have been reported at this time.

17. How many deliveries on average does the facility require on a monthly/annual basis? At this time in the past 5 years only one monthly fee with only one random extra deliver was used.

18. Are there any planned construction projects on site that may hinder delivery access? Not that we are aware at this time, but if so, access will be still available for delivery of all tanks.

1. CLIN 0005 (Hazmat Fee) and CLIN 0006 (Delivery Fee) are both listed with a unit of “MONTH,” but these items will be charged per delivery since a flat rate cannot be established per month for deliveries/fees. Will the GOV please amend both CLINs 0005 and 0006 to include a unit of “EACH” to account for each delivery since more than one delivery per month may be required? No these are a monthly fee, if more than one delivery occurs per month, then they can be paid on the invoice for that month of delivery. Monthly charges are in arrears.

1. Will the GOV please confirm the facility’s regular delivery days/hours (e.g., M/W/F from 8AM to 4PM) This was placed into the SOW.

1. PG 8 of the RFQ states that “the driver must contact the VA Police to access the locked tank enclosure” regarding delivery during non-working hours. Additionally, will the GOV please confirm that the facility will have a POC on site to observe the delivery and sign the POD during any deliveries that take place during non-working hours (the VA Police cannot sign the POD to meet this requirement)? Yes, the VA police or escort will provide access to the tanks for emergency deliveries. Tanks are locked behind a fence and access to these tanks requires escorting even during standard business hours.

1. There is no specified timeline for a transition period, but the industry standard is to allow 60-90 days for a formal transition between contractors for the removal/installation of bulk oxygen tanks. The transition period is put into the SOW.

1. PG 9 of 75 in the RFQ states that “All Contractor’s Service Personnel will check in and out with ECC before performing and upon completion of all required services. This information is required to contact mechanics in case of an emergency during regular hours.” Will the GOV please clarify what position is represented by the “ECC” abbreviation and confirm if this requirement is stating that the delivery driver must check in every time a delivery is made just in case there is an emergency? Or only when tank maintenance work is being done? The language provided is unclear on what the requirement entails. This is being removed since they do not require you to check in with ECC at this VAMC.

1. 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 amounts listed on PG 36? While it is a requirement to submit proof of insurance with the bid submission, how do offerors confirm to the GOV that they have the correct type of liability insurance for NAICS 325120? See the instructions to quoters in the solicitation.

1. PG 52 of 75 in the RFQ states that the evaluation approach will be Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA). What is the GOV’s rationale for evaluating on a LPTA basis in awarding work as critical as the distribution of medical-grade oxygen, a prescription drug, to a VA Medical Center? How will the GOV deem an offeror is technically acceptable without the requirement of past performance submission requirements as an evaluation factor? We recommend a “Best Value/Most Advantageous” evaluation approach to ensure the VA receives the best possible offer/service instead of just awarding to the offeror with the lowest price that meets the minimum technical requirement. Technical Accept/Performance and Price are still evaluated at the time of the award for LPTA similar to the best value/most advantageous. That previous RFQ’s have just come down to price requirements alone. Contracting has conducted enough RFQ’s to establish an LPTA to determine the best way forward.

1. Please confirm who the GOV entity is that enforces and ensures post-award compliance with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services? Not fully understanding the question here, however, the Contracting officer is required to confirm all FAR Clauses and Provisions are met.

1. Does the evaluation committee/entity consider an unlicensed wholesale distributor of medical-grade gases to be a responsible offeror pre-award (for example, oxygen is defined as a prescription drug by the FDA), regardless of any potential federal exemptions (state compliance requirements are still applicable)? Restated, is an unlicensed offeror in the state of South Carolina considered eligible for award? See the instructions to quoters in the solicitation. Contracting required all “relevant permits and licensures per our SOW. To be met as compliance. It is also advised that all OEM’s provide proof of authorized distribution letters with their submissions to prove that the OEM will lease these current tanks or lease tanks for this requirement.

1. Please confirm that the offeror must comply with state of South Carolina licensing regulations at the time of bid submission in order to meet the requirements of the Statement of Work in this RFQ (wholesale distribution of medical-grade/compressed gases where medical-grade oxygen such as CLIN 0001, for example, is defined by the FDA as a prescription drug) as the bid states multiple times that the offeror must be compliant with federal, state, and local regulations to include licensing, regardless of any potential federal exemptions (offeror must still be compliant with State of SC). See the instructions to quoters in the solicitation. Contracting required all “relevant permits and licensures per our SOW. To be met as compliance.