36C24826R0015 SOLICITATION QUESTIONS_ANSWERS.pdf

QUESTIONS FOR SOLICITATION 36C24826R0015

ALS/BLS AMBULANCE SERVICES

1. The requirement for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) potentially restricts competition for new bidders, particularly in light of the time it takes to obtain such certification. Can we demonstrate our submission for the application of our COPCN at the time of the RFP submission?

a. The requirement to possess Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) is needed.

2. The price/cost schedule is missing CLIN # 5004. Does the Government wish to add the milage or submit it as it?

a. An adjusted schedule will be submitted, including the following details: the mileage cost is $25,062.50 for CLIN 5004.

3. Will the VA accept the use of subcontractors to meet ALS, SCT, or CCT requirements, and if so, must subcontractors independently meet all licensing and COPCN requirements?

a. Yes, subcontractors must meet all licensing and Certificate of Public Convenience and

Necessity (COPCN) requirements.

4. Can the VA confirm whether the COPCN must be county-specific for each county listed in the place of performance?

a. Yes, the bidder must possess a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for each specific county where services will be performed.

5. The solicitation states typical transport volume ranges from 8–15 weekday transports. Can the VA confirm whether this estimate includes all transport types (BLS, ALS, and CCT)?

a. Yes, the 8-15 weekday transports encompass all three types of transportation.

6. Is the estimated annual quantity listed in the Price Schedule intended as a guaranteed minimum, historical estimate, or not-to-exceed maximum?

a. The annual quantity specified in the Price Schedule represents the maximum limit.

7. Can the VA clarify whether contractors are required to maintain dedicated ambulances for this contract or if system-status deployment is acceptable?

a. The bidder must submit evidence of availability of vehicles and equipment specified in PWS, specifically the vehicles, equipment, supplies, and any other resources necessary to complete the task.

8. Please confirm whether response times are measured from order placement, dispatch time, or unit en route time.

a. For trips arranged in advance, the bidder is expected to arrive on time as requested. For unscheduled trips, the bidder will be given a specific amount of time to respond based on the type of trip requested. The response time starts from the moment the order is placed or patient pick up call.

9. Does the VA require contractors to meet response times for transports originating outside JAHVH at the same standard as those originating at JAHVH?

a. For transportation requests which do not have a pick-up at JAHVH and are not schedule in advance. For these transportation requests the contractor shall dispatch ambulances within thirty (30) minutes of receiving the order.

10. Can the VA clarify whether all ambulances must be equipped to SCT/CCT standards or only units responding to SCT/CCT transports?

a. The bidder shall have sufficient vehicles and personnel to provide services for up to four (4) simultaneous transportation requests. Transport required may be for any mix of Stretcher Transports, BLS, ALS transports. One of these four simultaneous transports may require CCT capability up to Tier III.

b. The bidder must submit evidence of availability of vehicles and equipment specified in PWS, specifically the vehicles, equipment, supplies, and any other resources necessary to complete the task.

11. Is VETRide the only acceptable platform, or will the VA approve equivalent VA-approved transportation management systems?

a. VetRide is currently the only VA-approved transportation software that is actively in use.

12. Can the VA clarify expectations for contingency operations if VETRide is unavailable for an extended period?

a. In the event VetRide is down, other methods of communication (i.e., telephone, facsimile) will be used to place Transportation requests.

13. Please confirm whether escort transport (family/guardian) is reimbursed at the same rate as patient transport or included at no additional cost.

a. The VA may authorize an escort (e.g., spouse, relative, guardian, etc.) to accompany the patient during medical transport if it is practicable and, in the patient’s, best interest. The contractor shall allow the escort to accompany the patient at no additional cost.

14. Can the VA clarify whether contractors are expected to provide service coverage beyond four simultaneous transports if resources are available, or if four represents a firm maximum obligation?

a. If JAH requires ambulance services exceeding four (4) simultaneous transportation requests, the vendor will be offered to provide the services if they have sufficient vehicles/personnel available; but may decline these additional orders if sufficient vehicles/personnel are unavailable.

15. Please confirm whether vehicle age or mileage limitations apply to ambulances used under this contract.

a. Ambulances shall meet all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and specifications, including but not limited to licensing, registration, and safety standards. Vehicles shall be clean and maintained in good repair in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

16. Can the VA clarify the transition/start-up period anticipated between contract award and service commencement?

a. The period of performance for the base contract year will commence on June 6, 2026.

17. Can the VA provide 2025 independent transport totals for each requested service level (Non-medical

WC / Stretcher, BLS, ALS, SCT/CCT)??

a. During Fiscal Year 2025, a total of approximately 3,102 trips were provided, which included:

2,841 Basic Life Support (BLS) trips, 206 Advanced Life Support (ALS) trips, 0 Critical Care Transport (CCT) trips, 6 Ambulatory trips, and 49 stretcher trips.

18. Can the VA provide average trip distance for all 2025 transports?

a. Data unavailable

19. The solicitation states that “The contractor is required to possess and uphold a Certificate of Public

Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 401, Section 25.”

Could you please clarify whether this requirement means that an offeror must already hold a COPCN applicable to Hillsborough County at the time of proposal submission, or whether it is sufficient for the offeror to demonstrate the ability to obtain the required COPCN?

If the latter, could you also confirm whether the COPCN must be attained by the offeror prior to contract award, or prior to the start of the period of performance?

Additionally, could you please confirm whether the award recipient must hold a COPCN for any counties other than Hillsborough County in order to perform under this contract?

a. Yes, the bidder must possess a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for each specific county where services will be performed.

20. We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

a. We currently have a contract in place with the vendor that provides these services. The last base +4 option year contract number is 36C24820D0023

21. In this solicitation it appears mileage is not included for the fifth option period. Will this be added by amendment?

a. An adjusted schedule will be submitted, including the following details: the mileage cost is $25,062.50 for CLIN 5004.

22. On page seven of the RFP, Option year 5, CLIN 5004, 5005, and 5006 appear to be mislabeled causing the mileage pricing to be omitted. Is this an oversight or has this number been intentionally omitted?

a. An adjusted schedule will be submitted, including the following details: the mileage cost is $25,062.50 for CLIN 5004.