Questions in Response to RFP.pdf

The questions made in response to the aforementioned solicitation, as well as the answers are as follows:

1- Question: Is this a new requirement, or a follow-on contract?

Answer: This is a procurement for a follow-on contract to the current Janitorial Services at the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) and Mayaguez Out-Patient Clinic (MOPC) contract (contract

no. 36C24821C0013). Information available to the public in regards to the current contract can be seen in the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation (FPDS-NG, https://www.fpds.gov/fpdsng_cms/index.php/en/).

2- Question: What is the process to apply for this contract?

Answer: Refer to FAR provision 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors), its addendum, and FAR provision 52.212-2 (Evaluation) in the RFP, for details on how to submit a proposal, and how these will be evaluated.

3- Question: Will there be any waiver for the 50% subcontracting clause?

Answer: This procurement is being set-aside for SDVOSBs. In accordance with Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) clause 852.219-75 (VA Notice of Limitations of Subcontracting): “In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219–73. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.” Therefore, an SDVOSB vendor may sub-contract, but must adhere to such limitations.

4- Question: Is the government considering splitting the requirement between the VACHS in San Juan and the Outpatient Clinic in Mayaguez?

Answer: No. The requirement is for janitorial services at both the VACHS main facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the MOPC, in Mayaguez, PR.

5- Question: On section 2.9.1.1 of the RFP’s Performance Work Statement (PWS) it can be seen that the square footage for the VACHS main building is 167,820 ft2. However, in the schedule of prices, the main building’s square footage is 172,686 ft2. Which one is correct?

Answer: The square footage for the VACHS main building is 172,686 ft2. Section 2.9.1.1 of the solicitation’s PWS has been revised to reflect the correct square footage.

6- Question: On page 14 (section 2.9.1.4) of the RFP’s PWS it can be seen that the square footage for the South Bed Tower (SBT) is 192,240 ft2. However, in the schedule of prices, the SBT’s square footage is 225,662 ft2. Which one is correct?

Answer: The square footage for the SBT is 225,662 ft2. Section 2.9.1.4 of the solicitation’s PWS has been revised to reflect the correct square footage.

7- Question: It seems as if there is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place for this contract. Can it be provided?

https://www.fpds.gov/fpdsng_cms/index.php/en/

Answer: Yes, there is a CBA applicable for the Housekeeping Aides under the current and follow-on contract. It can be seen attached to this amendment.

8- Question: If there is a CBA can we please have a copy of the employee roster with length of employment to be able to determine proper vacation and sick times?

Answer: Will be provided as an attachment to the amendment of the solicitation.

9- Question: Are the water diverters that can be seen throughout the VACHS main facility in San Juan covered under the janitorial services contract?

Answer: No, cleaning and discharging the water diverters are the responsibility of the VACHS Facility Management Service (FMS). Unless the diverter affects the area of cleaning by causing a spill over and the outside of the container (lid and bucket). Then, the janitorial services contractor treats it as a spill.

10- Question: What is this contract’s period of performance?

Answer: The contract that will result from this solicitation will be for one (1) 12-month base period estimated to begin on October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, plus four (4) 12-month option periods, to be exercised at the Government’s discretion in accordance with FAR 52.217-9 (Option to Extend the Term of the Contract). Additionally, this solicitation includes FAR clause 52.217-8 (Option to Extend Services), under which the contract can be extended for an additional period of up to six months.

11- Question: Is terminal cleaning performed in the VACHS Operating Rooms between surgical procedures?

Answer: Yes. The following language has been added to section 10.1 of the PWS: “Terminal Cleaning shall also be performed in Operating Rooms between procedures, to enable a safe and clean area for the next patient”.

12- Question: Is there a master location for supplies?

Answer: Yes. There are two (2) supply storage areas for the use of the janitorial services contractor: one at each facility (VACHS and MOPC).

13- Question: Is recycling included in this contract?

Answer: Yes. In accordance with section 10.5.3 of the PWS: ”All recyclable waste (paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic) shall be collected, properly handled, and transported to designate storage area.

Then such waste shall be discarded into their respective dumpster outside the building”.

14- Question: How many Housekeeping Aide Closets (HACs) are there in VACHS and MOPC, each?

Answer: In VACHS there are approximately 30, and in the MOPC approximately 10.

15- Question: What are the normal hours of operation for both facilities?

Answer: Normal hours of operation are the following:

- VACHS: normal hours of operation are between 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, but the facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, the Contractor shall provide coverage services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and federal holidays.

- MOPC: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. These are the only hours that the clinic is open. Coordination can be made to perform janitorial services outside of these hours of operation, by requesting it ahead of time to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Section 2.8 of the PWS has been updated to reflect this information.

16- Question: What is the number of visitors that enter the VACHS and MOPC on a daily basis?

Answer: Approximately 5,000 daily.

17- Question: Does the janitorial services contract include the cleaning of the therapeutic pool?

Answer: Services are needed for the areas outside of the pool. The interior of the pool is maintained in another contract.

18- Question: How many existing shifts are there?

Answer: It is up to the Contractor to determine how many shifts they need to provide 24-hours coverage at the VACHS, and coverage during MOPC normal hours of operation.

19- Question: How many rooms are there per location (VACHS/MOPC)?

Answer: The Government does not have an actual amount of rooms, only gross square footage.

Interested offerors are free to view the floor plans during the second site visit, for individual rooms included.

20- Question: Is the Contractor already responsible for cleaning the fitness equipment located in the physical rehabilitation areas?

Answer: Yes.

21- Question: Who is responsible for cleaning the linen?

Answer: The janitorial services Contractor shall remove the soiled linen and take it to the nearest soiled linen room. From there, personnel from the Facility Management System (FMS) laundry staff will pick-it up and take it to their work area for it to be washed. This has been added in section 10.4.32 of the revised PWS.

22- Question: Is the current cafeteria included?

Answer: No. At the moment the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) kitchen, dinning area, and retail store are not under the scope of the existing contract. However, janitorial services shall be required at the new VCS cafeteria, kitchen, and retail store, located between the VACHS main building and the VACHS administrative building. Once these services are required, the Contractor shall submit a proposal for the provision of janitorial services at such location, for evaluation of the Government. Approximate size of this area is 8,000 square feet. Upon knowledge of the opening date, a supplemental agreement will be negotiated for the implementation of such services (see section 12.1 of the PWS).

23- Question: Similarly through the same concept as the addition of areas, which can be added via supplemental agreements in accordance with section 12 of the PWS, is there the possibilities of deductions of a ward, area, or clinic is closed?

Answer: Similarly and through the same concept as the above, in the case where janitorial services are no longer needed in an area, ward, or clinic, a reduction in scope may also be done via a supplemental agreement, since janitorial services will no longer be needed in that area, ward, or clinic. Section 13 was added to this PWS, to address this scenario.

24- Question: Once the new VCS dining area, kitchen, and retail store have been incorporated into the janitorial services contract, shall the contractor also be responsible for cleaning the windows?

Answer: The janitorial services contractor shall be responsible for cleaning the interior windows of this area, but not the exterior, since those are cleaned through another contract.

25- Question: Can floor maintenance be coordinated outside of the MOPC normal hours of operation?

Answer: Yes, if coordinated ahead of time with the COR, as well as the MOPC facility administrator.

26- Question: Does the same Contractor provide services at the VACHS and MOPC?

Answer: The services for both locations is currently covered under the same contract.

27- Question: Are there any emergency requests or spills to be cleaned by the janitorial services staff?

Answer: Yes. In accordance with section 10.4.16.1 of the PWS, floors shall be “free of spills, streaks, stains, spots, debris, and dust, and foreign matter”. Contractor shall respond to emergency requests of spills that may occur in the areas covered under this contract.

28- Question: How long ago was the MOPC built?

Answer: Approximately 10 years ago.

29- Question: Is the janitorial services contractor also responsible for cleaning the air vents?

Answer: Yes. In accordance with section 10.4.17 of the PWS, dusting of high areas includes “overhead pipes, vents, ceiling, grills, and light fixtures”. The Contractor is not responsible for cleaning the interior portion of the ducts.

30- Question: What is the amount of rooms in VACHS and the MOPC that the janitorial services contractor is responsible for?

Answer: The Government does not have an actual amount of rooms, only gross square footage.

Interested offerors are free to view the floor plans during the second site visit, for individual rooms included.

31- Question: Can the blueprints of both the VACHS and MOPC be shared, to have a better understanding of each facility’s lay out?

Answer: A second site visit shall be conducted on June 9, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST), to allow interested offerors an opportunity to view the floor plans for each facility.

We will be meeting at the VACHS main lobby at that time.

32- Question: Who provides which cleaning supplies?

Answer: Updated guidance can be seen in section 15 of the revised PWS.

33- Question: Are mats in entrances always required, or only during “inclement weather”, as seen in section 10.20.1 of the PWS?

Answer: Mats in entrances are always required. Inclement weather wording has been removed.

34- Question: Section 10.9 of the PWS states that the Contractor is responsible for emptying, cleaning, and re-lining “all waste receptacles to include outside trashcans up to 20 feet from main entrances”.

Does this mean that the janitorial services Contractor is responsible for exterior waste receptacles, as long as they are within 20 feet from main entrances?

Answer: Exterior containers have been removed from this section, since those are maintained under a different contract.

35- Question: How many employees are on each shift?

Answer: There is not a set amount of employees, since this is a performance-based acquisition (see FAR 37.6). In such acquisitions, the Government establishes measurable performance standards such as quality, timeliness, quantity, etc., as well as the method of assessing Contractor performance against said standards. The Contractor then tells the Government how it is that they propose to fulfill such requirement, and the Government evaluates such proposal.

36- Question: What is the service coverage? 24 hours a day?

Answer: Service coverage for the VACHS is 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and for the MOPC it is 6:00 AM

– 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Sub-sections 2.8.1 and 2.8.2 have been added to the PWS to clarify this requirement.

37- Question: What is the total number of on-site Contractor staff on each shift?

Answer: This is a performance-based acquisition. As such, measurable goals and standards are established, in terms of quality, timeliness, quantity, etc., as well as the method of assessing the Contractor’s performance of such (see FAR 37.601). Therefore, there is not a requirement of how many employees the Contractor shall use per shift, nor can the Government share the amount of employees the incumbent Contractor uses. Having said that, there are tasks that have different frequency then others (e.g., floor maintenance, high dusting, waste disposal, etc.), so the Contractor is to use his staff for the performance of such tasks, depending on their frequency. Therefore, the number of housekeeping aides per shift may depend on the tasks performed in each given shift.

38- Question: What are the total daily hours provided for the Main Building, the Community Living Center (CLC), Out-Patient Addition (OPA), and South Bed Tower (SBT)?

Answer: As previously stated, service coverage for the VACHS, which includes all of these locations listed, is 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

39- Question: What are the total daily hours provided for the MOPC?

Answer: Services are usually provided during the hours of operation of the facility, which is from 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

40- Question: What is the incumbent contract number and value?

Answer: The contract number for the janitorial services at VACHS and MOPC that is currently in place is 36C24821C0013). Information available to the public in regards to the current contract can be seen in the Federal Procurement Data System-Next Generation (FPDS-NG, https://www.fpds.gov/fpdsng_cms/index.php/en/).

41- Question: Has there been any change in scope of work requirements since the last solicitation?

Answer: Since the award of the current contract, there has been the addition of a new Urology clinic (4,866 ft2), the Acute Behavioral Health Clinic in the 2nd floor of the SBT (33,422 ft2), and the partitions between the chairs in the waiting areas.

42- Question: What is the square footage of the main building, CLC, OPA, and SBT that requires stripping, waxing, and buffing?

Answer: SBT, main building, and MOPC flooring requires waxing and buffing. OPA and CLC flooring only requires buffing, since wax cannot be applied to that type of flooring.

43- Question: What is the square footage of the MOPC that requires stripping, waxing, and buffing?

Answer: SBT (approximately 225,662 ft2), main building (approximately 172,686 ft2), and MOPC (approximately 71,400 ft2).

44- Question: What is the frequency of the buffing?

Answer: Buffing shall be done in accordance with the instructions of the wax being used, as well as the traffic of the area, to the extent that they maintain a “spotless” appearance, in accordance with PWS section 10.13.

45- Question: What is the square footage of carpet in the main building, CLC, OPA, and SBT that requires shampooing/extraction?

Answer: Carpeting in these areas constitute approximately less than 3% of their respective square footage.

46- Question: What is the square footage of carpet in the MOPC that requires shampooing/extraction?

Answer: Approximately 15% of such facility.

47- Question: Who is responsible for buying the paper products?

Answer: Paper products for dispensers in areas covered under this contract are to be provided by the Contractor (section 10.3.10 of the PWS).

48- Question: Will every piece of gym equipment need to be cleaned?

Answer: The equipment user cleans the equipment, the janitorial services Contractor cleans around them.

https://www.fpds.gov/fpdsng_cms/index.php/en/

49- Question: What is the frequency of each task listed in the PWS?

Answer: In accordance with section 2.10 of the PWS: “Frequency schedule of Janitorial Services tasks should be developed by the Contractor and the indicated time frames set by the COR should be the minimum basis for the scheduling of Janitorial tasks. The Contractor should provide the work scheduling of when services should be performed and submitted to the CO and COR, no later than the contract start date”.

50- Question: How high is the chandelier in the Main Facility?

Answer: Approximately 20 to 25 feet.

51- Question: Is an Emergency Plan required to be submitted in the proposal prior to contract award?

Answer: In accordance with section 9.5 of the PWS: “The Contractor should summit an emergency plan.

This plan is used by the COR during emergencies. Contractor personnel, to include the on-site supervisor(s), shall be thoroughly familiar with the VACHS Emergency Preparedness Plan. Contractor personnel shall follow the VA emergency preparedness plan during emergency situations. The Contractor shall participate in fire and other emergency drills. The Contractor shall be required to perform the services required by the Contract and as identified by the COR to the extent allowed during all emergency situations such as: epidemic, pandemic, storms, hurricanes, and/or disaster situations that may include fires, accidents, rescue operation, and/or utility service outages”.

52- Question: When is the anticipated start date of the contract resultant to this solicitation?

Answer: The new VACHS and MOPC janitorial services contract is estimated to begin on October 1, 2025.

53- Question: Section 10.4.17 states that dusting of high areas shall be done, to include overhead pipes, vents, ceiling, grills, and light fixtures. How high are the ceilings and is special equipment needed for such cleaning? If so, is there equipment for contractor use or will be upon the contractor to provide the equipment?

Answer: Any equipment necessary for the provision of these services shall be provided by the Contractor. Furthermore, ceilings in some areas to be maintained by the Contractor can reach approximately 20 – 25 feet.

54- Question: How are the Contractor’s staff notified that a bed/room needs to be cleaned?

Answer: The patients beds manager (Government employee) will notify the Contractor when a patient has been discharged.

55- Question: What is the square footage of the Contractor Space provided by the Government, for both VACHS and MOPC?

Answer: In VACHS approximately 800 ft2. In MOPC one office of approximately 63 ft2 and one storage area of approximately 240 ft2.

56- Question: Can you confirm the minimum wage rates for housekeeping aides performing services under the new contract?

Answer: Wages, benefits, and prospective increases are subject to the attached Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) under the predecessor contract. However, EO 14026 has been rescinded effective March 14, 2025.

57- Question: Is the Contractor responsible to cover the cost of vaccines and the fit tests?

Answer: Yes. Section 20 has been added to the PWS, to specify the requirements for influenza vaccination. Also, the Contractor employees shall have their fit tests, in the case that they need to use face masks that require fitting.

58- Question: Will the new Contractor be required to cover the acquisition cost and installation of their own dispensers?

Answer: In the event the dispensers need to be replaced, yes. However, changes in the current hand hygiene products must be approved by the VACHS Infection Control Section.

59- Question: Is the Contractor still responsible for the cost of the trainings listed in section 3.17.4?

Answer: Yes.

60- Question: Please confirm if the following OPA 2 bathrooms will be added as high traffic in the new contract. These are 2GC109, 2GC108, 2GC103, 2FC103, 2FC109 and 2FC108.

Answer: No, they will not be added. These bathrooms have been removed from the revised high traffic bathroom list seen under section 10.3.11 of the PWS.

61- Question: What is the cleaning frequency for the bathrooms defined as high traffic?

Answer: In accordance with section 2.10 of the PWS: “Frequency schedule of Janitorial Services tasks should be developed by the Contractor and the indicated time frames set by the COR should be the minimum basis for the scheduling of Janitorial tasks. The Contractor should provide the work scheduling of when services should be performed and submitted to the CO and COR, no later than the contract start date”.

62- Question: Does VA supply Red Biomedical Waste Bags?

Answer: Yes, these are provided by the Government.

63- Question: Are glass windows cleaned only on the interior?

Answer: In accordance with sections 10.16 and 10.17, the Contractor is responsible for cleaning/washing both the interior and exterior windows of the areas covered under this contract (main building, CLC, OPA, and SBT). The only locations where only interior cleaning is required is the MOPC, and the VCS kitchen, dinning area, and retail store, once the latter is incorporated into the contract.

64- Question: Exterior sidewalk cleaning by whom?

Answer: It is cleaned by another Contractor, under another contract.

65- Question: Does the supplier provide the Purell hand sanitizer brand?

Answer: No. Purell hand sanitizer is provided by the Government. See updated guidance in section 15 of the revised PWS.

66- Question: Are dispensers supposed to be replaced, or should we use the existing ones?

Answer: The existing dispensers shall be used.

67- Question: Is the Government considering splitting the requirement between the VACHS in San Juan and the Outpatient Clinic in Mayaguez?

Answer: No. The requirement is for janitorial services at both locations.

68- Question: Is it a requirement for the labor to be employed for a full 40 hours a week?

Answer: This is a performance-based contract. Vendors shall develop their best strategy to comply with the PWS requirement following applicable labor laws and industry standards

69- Question: Are the Government’s payment terms 30-days after invoicing?

Answer: Yes. It is worth mentioning that invoices can only be submitted the month after the provision of services. For example, services rendered from October 1 – 31 can only be invoiced starting on November 1.

70- Question: Is the square footage stated in section 2.9.1 and 2.9.2 gross square footage, or cleanable square footage?

Answer: Gross square footage.

72- Question: Can you provide the VACHS and MOPC population and average quantity of daily patients and visitors?

Answer: Approx. 5,000 daily.

73- Question: Can you provide the square footage of the high traffic toilet rooms identified in section 10.3.11?

Answer: Approximately 313 ft2 per bathroom. Additionally, the list of high traffic toilet rooms has been revised. See section 10.3.11 of the revised PWS, for new listing.

74- Question: Can you provide the quantity and size of waste receptacles for the Main Building, OPA, CLC, SBT, and MOPC?

Answer: Waste receptacles usually consist of 7 gallons for offices, 12-gallon, 18- gallon, and 23-gallon step-on containers for clinical areas. Storage areas also possess 55-gallon brute trash cans. The Government does not currently possess a specific amount of waste receptacles for the VACHS nor

MOPC.

75- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of restrooms for each facility?

Answer: There are approximately 560 restrooms at the VACHS and 15 at the MOPC. These usually range between 65 ft2 and 313 ft2.

76- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of office areas, file room, waiting areas, clinical and non-clinical areas, and corridors to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 10% of the floors are in non-clinical areas.

77- Question: Can you provide the square footage of carpeted areas to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: There is approximately 3% of carpeted area in VACHS, and 15% for the MOPC.

78- Question: Can you provide the square footage of clinical room areas to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 90% of the areas are clinical.

79- Question: Can you provide the square footage of hard and resilient flooring to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 97% of the floor is hard resilience.

80- Question: Can you provide the frequency and estimate quantity of cubicle curtain replacement/exchange for each facility?

Answer: The curtains are provided by the Government, and replaced by the Contractor every 3 – 6 months, or when soiled.

81- Question: Can you provide the required frequency for stripping, refinishing and buffing resilient flooring?

Answer: See answer to question 44.

82- Question: Can you provide the required frequency for carpet Shampooing/Extraction?

Answer: The frequency shall be determined by the Contractor, as long as the requirements of sections

10.4.27.2 and 10.4.27.3 are met.

83- Question: Can you provide the required frequency of disposal and quantity of Regulated Medical Waste receptacles for each facility?

Answer: RWM is discarded daily. The Government does not possess the amount of RMW waste receptacles.

84- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of stairways for each facility?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for approximately 16 stairs cases with approximately 147 ft2 of landing space at the VACHS. There are no staircases at the MOPC.

85- Question: Can you provide the quantity and size of outside trashcans to be emptied, cleaned, and relined for each facility?

Answer: The janitorial services Contractor shall not be responsible for maintaining exterior waste receptacles, since these are covered under another contract.

86- Question: Can you provide the quantity of drinking water fountains and water coolers for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 25 water fountains. No water coolers.

87- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of storage spaces for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 40 material supply distribution closets in the VACHS and approximately 2 at the

MOPC.

88- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of exterior windows to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 15,000 ft2 at the VACHS, and approximately 6,000 ft2 at the MOPC.

89- Question: Can you provide the square footage of windows, doors, and glass interior to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 15,000 ft2 at the VACHS, and approximately 6,000 ft2 at the MOPC.

90- Question: Can you provide the square footage of Hard Floor Maintenance services required for each facility?

Answer: Approximately 97% of the VACHS and approximately 85% of the MOPC floors require hard floor maintenance.

91- Question: Can you provide the quantity and square footage of elevators for each facility?

Answer: The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning and maintaining 21 elevators, which consist of 48 ft2.

92- Question: Can you provide historical data on the average amount of terminal cleanings performed (per month or per year) over the past 3-5 years?

Answer: Approximately 40 to 50 terminal cleanings, daily.

93- Question: How much time will the government provide for the transition period prior to the start of the contract?

Answer: In accordance with section 3.11 of the PWS, “the building shall be fully staffed beginning on the first day of work. Staff shall be trained and experienced cleaning personnel who shall exhibit the capability of operating under the minimum amount of supervision”. The transition period should occur between award (estimated date is September 1st, 2025), and the start date of the new contract (estimated date is October 1st, 2025). Furthermore, as stated in the addendum to FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors): “Interested Offerors shall also submit a transition plan stating how they intent to transition from the incumbent Contractor to theirs, allowing a seamless transition before the start date of the follow-on contract”.

94- Question: Can you provide a net-cleanable square footage for each facility?

Answer: Square footage can be seen in sections 2.9.1 and 2.9.2 of the PWS.

95- Question: Can you provide the hours of operation for the Agent Cashier and Out-Patient Pharmacy, along with its cleanable square footage?

Answer: Agent Cashier is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Out-Patient Pharmacy’s hours of operation are 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Monday through Friday), 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (weekends), and 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM on holidays. Their cleanable area is approximately 1,000 ft 2 for the Agent Cashier, and approximately 7,100 ft2 for the Out-Patient Pharmacy.

96- Question: Can you provide historic inclement climate emergencies per year, and average overtime hours required?

Answer: Approximately 3 to 4 inclement weather events per year. The Government does not oversee Contractor employee management, to include overtime, as this is a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) procurement.

97- Question: Can you provide average room size requiring hospital-grade germicide terminal cleaning?

Answer: Approximately 94 ft2.

98- Question: Can you provide square footage of clinical room areas to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: Over 90% of the square footage to be maintained by the Contractor includes clinical areas.

99- Question: Can you provide the room sizes for office areas, classrooms, file rooms, libraries, conference room, clinical and non-clinical areas requiring cleaning for each facility?

Answer: Less than 10% of the areas to be maintained by the Contractor are non-clinical areas.

100- Question: Can you provide the quantity of cubicle curtains to be replaced per year?

Answer: The Government is responsible for their replacement, therefore this is not relevant to the Contractor, since he is not paying for their replacement.

101- Question: Can you provide the square footage of loading areas to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for only maintaining 1 loading area, which is located at the CLC. It consists of 279 ft2.

102- Question: Can you provide square footage of cafeterias, dining areas and kitchens to be cleaned for each facility?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for maintaining 1 kitchen located in blind rehab, 1 kitchen and dinning area located at the CLC, and 1 kitchen at the MOPC. These consist of approximately 209 ft2 (blind rehab), approximately 1,600 ft2 (CLC kitchen), approximately 2,650 ft2 (CLC dining area), and approximately 550 ft2 (MOPC Kitchen). A VACHS VCS kitchen and dining area will be added later, as per section 12.1 of the PWS.

103- Question: Is this the only exterior cleaning requirement for this contract for all facilities?

Answer: Janitorial services being procured are for interior only. Exterior areas are covered by another contract at VACHS, and by the building lessor in MOPC.

104- Question: Can you provide square footage of the OPA exterior terrace?

Answer: The OPA exterior terrace is maintained under another contract, and is not covered under this janitorial services contract.

105- Question: Can you provide what shifts, time ranges, and days when high traffic services are required?

Answer: High traffic hours are considered to be from 7:00 AM through 4:00 PM at each facility.

106- Question: Will the Government provide radios for the Contractors to communicate, as part of the “electronic devices” stated in section 2.3 of the PWS?

Answer: No. The electronic devices the Government will provide for the administration of this contract are two telephones, and one VA computer.

107- Question: If a Contractor uses radios, are there any limitations to radio frequencies, bandwidth, power output, use restrictions, geographic restrictions, or licensing?

Answer: No, as long as it is submitted and reviewed by VACHS security officials.

108- Question: Are offerors required to include a Transition Plan in their proposal submission? If so, please provide the required contents and the location where this plan is desired in the proposal organization.

Answer: As stated in the addendum to FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors): “Interested Offerors shall also submit a transition plan stating how they intent to transition from the incumbent Contractor to theirs, allowing a seamless transition before the start date of the follow-on contract”. There are no specific required documents, but it shall state how the Contractor is ensuring a “seamless transition before the start date of the follow-on contract”.

109- Question: What is the average number of procedures performed per day in the Operating Rooms?

Answer: Approximately 20 cases daily.

110- Question: What is the time allotted between Operating Room procedures for the housekeeping aide to perform aseptic cleaning and disinfection?

Answer: Terminal cleaning usually takes approximately 2 hours.

111- Question: What is the approximate amount of patients that daily go through the Emergency Department?

Answer: Between 110 and 140 patients, daily.

112- Question: What is the approximate number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) rooms that require terminal cleaning per day?

Answer: ICU daily terminal cleanings can range between approximately 0 – 7, daily. SICU terminal cleanings can range between approximately 1 – 6 terminal cleanings, daily.

113- Question: Can you provide a point of contact for the Puerto Rico Department of Labor?

Answer: The Department of Labor (DOL) Puerto Rico office can be contacted at , and the Puerto Rico Labor Department can be contacted at 787-754-2100, extension 12400, https://www.trabajo.pr.gov/.

https://www.trabajo.pr.gov/