Questions Regarding Sources Sought 36C24726Q0686 Automated Blood Bank Analyzer.docx

Questions Regarding Sources Sought 36C24726Q0686 - Automated Blood Bank Analyzer

1. Is the contemplated acquisition intended to be brand-name-only for the QuidelOrtho/Ortho VISION platform, or will technically equivalent blood bank analyzers be considered? This is what we currently have. And the solicitation will have all brand-name material removed.

2. The PWS states that a VISION analyzer is currently located at Atlanta VAMC, while the CLIN schedule includes an ORTHO VISION Swift analyzer. Is the Government seeking continued rental and support of the existing analyzer, replacement of the existing analyzer with a new VISION Swift, or placement of an additional analyzer? This is a CPT reagent lease. All analyzers under this existing lease will be replaced once a new lease is awarded.

3. Is the existing analyzer Government-owned, contractor-owned, or provided under the incumbent cost-per-test agreement? CPT lease agreement.

4. Should the analyzer, table, printer, antibody-identification software, workstation, and pipettor be priced only during the base year, or should these capital-equipment CLINs be priced in each option year? It would be priced in each option year.

5. Should the equipment cost be included entirely within the reagent cost-per-test prices, priced separately under the contractual-equipment-agreement CLIN, or priced under the analyzer CLIN? Yes, this a cost-per-test reagent lease and will establish the equipment and service charges within the price of each reagent.

6. Will contractor invoices be based on actual tests performed, quantities of reagents and consumables delivered and accepted, a fixed monthly rental or service charge, or a combination of these methods? Yes, Invoices are only authorized to be what was performed, not what could be.

7. Are the reagent quantities in the CLIN schedule estimated annual usage, minimum guaranteed quantities, maximum quantities, or firm ordering quantities? Estimated annual usage based on recent historical data that are subject and decrease annually.

8. Is there a minimum annual test or reagent volume guaranteed under the cost-per-test arrangement? No, it is expected to increase or decrease based on needs only. If the vendor is quoting from their FSS contract, then the terms and conditions of discounted volume levels will be accepted. Upon quoting, please identify FSS contracting number, and all open market pricing. The CO will incorporate the terms and conditions language into the PWS for awareness and compliance.

9. The PWS includes labor, parts, technical support, and semiannual preventive maintenance, while the schedule also includes a separate annual warranty CLIN. Is the warranty CLIN an additional service requirement or part of the Silver-level service coverage? Silver-level-service is part of the service coverage. However, because the CPT requirement all warranty preventative maintenance, technical support and everything needs to be included in the reagents above. If a warranty covers additional items that is not specified in the PWS and vendors are asked to provide pricing and detailed descriptions of what is not covered and would be beneficial to the government.

10. Will the eventual solicitation require an OEM authorization letter, proof of authorized distribution status, or confirmation that service will be performed by manufacturer-trained personnel? All vendors who are not the OEM, will be required to provide an authorization letter that is signed and dated less than 6 months from the date of solicitation close date. All vendors will have the OEM confirm within the authorization letter not only distribution but also confirmation of who is authorized to perform any services or maintenance. Please also have OEM state if any grey market parts are applicable.

11. Must the contractor provide a backup or loaner analyzer when the primary system cannot be restored within the required response period? No, we have a backup process in place that entails working manually. However, the vendor will need to provide the CO and COR with the explanation as to why they can not meet the required response period and provide a realistic response date. Please note that if it is determined that the response period is not reasonable or hinders the government then the vendor is considered not meeting the agency’s needs and could result in funding loss or termination.

12. Will installation, system validation, VBECS interface support, staff training, freight, and temperature-controlled shipment be included in the eventual requirement? Yes, please note that at the current time proper staffing within laboratories across the VA is fluctuating and critical staffing for implementing could be limited. That additional support and additional training would be required. This would be asked to be included in an implementation plan.

13. The PWS identifies certain grouping reagents that do not appear to be separately listed in the CLIN schedule. Will the Government issue a revised product and quantity schedule? Yes, all individual reagents will be listed in CLINS.

14. Does the VA anticipate setting the acquisition aside for VOSBs, SDVOSBs, or another small-business category? The VA posted this RFI to establish the best acquisition strategy for this solicitation based on responses.

15. For purposes of the nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting, does the VA anticipate classifying this primarily as a supply acquisition, service acquisition, or mixed supply-and-service acquisition? A CPT lease is considered a service acquisition where supply and services are combined.