36C24918R0195-00001007.docx

1. In a case where a veteran lives 120-miles from the VAMC and has a 10-mile trip for dialysis, the trip would only pay the Base Rate, plus the 10 miles, is this correct. There would also not be any wait time for the driver who will need to wait?

Correct, the VA does not pay empty miles. No wait time would be paid for the driver. They would be responsible to go back and pickup said patient and be paid Pick up fee and 10 miles. That is why there is a 30-mile radius pick up fee and an over 30 pickup fee and mileage.

2. Vehicles, will Dodge caravans that have been converted to accommodate wheelchairs be acceptable assuming they are 2016 or newer and have less than 20,000 miles?

YES, but many of our veterans have power chairs that are too big for the Caravans.

3. The vehicle requirements are fairly restrictive. Potential awardees would need to acquire a new fleet and ordering these vehicles can take some time. How much time will the government allow to get these vehicles in service after an award is made?

The day the contract is awarded or said start date. The current provider has Ten vans and when their contract is terminated we will need immediate coverage.

4. The number of trips and miles seem to double from the base year to the Option year 1, is there something coming up which leads to this kind of jump? If so is it a new location which might be further than the 30-mile radius?

Yes, Mountain City CBOC being built, and an increase in wheel chair activity throughout our catchment area.

5. What are the circumstances for this solicitation to be put back out after an award was just made within the last year for this contract?

It was canceled.

6. Is the current contractor still eligible for this solicitation?

All vendors are welcome to submit a proposal/quote.

7. is there only one rate for No-shows? If a driver has a trip 300-miles from the VAMC and the veteran calls 60 minutes prior to a scheduled pick up, even though the driver has already driven 200 miles would this still be deemed a cancellation and not a no show?

If something to that affect was to happen, the provider would be paid the pickup charge and mileage one way to the pickup point. Within 30 miles would be paid just the pickup fee.

8. When conducting the size limitations, what is the methodology used to determine the size of prospective bidders and potential awardees?

We do not determine the size standard limitations.