36C24923Q0326 0001.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) Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400 Murfreesboro TN 37129 90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 400 Murfreesboro TN 37129 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24923Q0326 07-12-2023

X x The purpose of this solicitation amendment is to add FAR Clause: 52.219-14, provide Government responses to questions received for RFQ 36C249Q0326 and provide an updated:

Attachment 01 QASP FY23 Pharmacy Contractors updated 7.12.2023

Christina Witt Contracting Officer The purpose of this solicitation amendment is to add FAR Clause: 52.219-14, provide Government responses to questions received for RFQ 36C249Q0326 and provide an updated: Attachment 01 QASP FY23 Pharmacy Contractors updated 7.12.2023

Add FAR Clause: 52.219-14

52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting.

As prescribed in 19.507(e), insert the following clause:

Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022)

(a) This clause does not apply to the unrestricted portion of a partial set-aside.

(b) Definition. Similarly situated entity, as used in this clause, means a first-tier subcontractor, including an independent contractor, that—

(1) Has the same small business program status as that which qualified the prime contractor for the award (e.g., for a small business set-aside contract, any small business concern, without regard to its socioeconomic status); and

(2) Is considered small for the size standard under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code the prime contractor assigned to the subcontract.

(c) Applicability. This clause applies only to—

(1) Contracts that have been set aside for any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3);

(2) Part or parts of a multiple-award contract that have been set aside for any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3);

(3) Contracts that have been awarded on a sole-source basis in accordance with subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, and 19.15;

(4) Orders expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and that are—

(i) Set aside for small business concerns under multiple-award contracts, as described in 8.405-5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F); or

(ii) Issued directly to small business concerns under multiple-award contracts as described in 19.504(c)(1)(ii);

(5) Orders, regardless of dollar value, that are—

(i) Set aside in accordance with subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, or 19.15 under multiple-award contracts, as described in 8.405-5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F); or

(ii) Issued directly to concerns that qualify for the programs described in subparts 19.8, 19.13, 19.14, or 19.15 under multiple-award contracts, as described in 19.504(c)(1)(ii); and

(6) Contracts using the HUBZone price evaluation preference to award to a HUBZone small business concern unless the concern waived the evaluation preference.

(d) Independent contractors. An independent contractor shall be considered a subcontractor.

(e) Limitations on subcontracting. By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Contractor agrees that in performance of a contract assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for—

(1) Services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract;

(2) Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both supplies and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract;

(3) General construction, it will not pay more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 85 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded; or

(4) Construction by special trade contractors, it will not pay more than 75 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 75 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

(f) The Contractor shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

(1) For contracts, in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1), (2), (3) and (6) of this clause—

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

□ By the end of the base term of the contract and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or

□ By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(2) For orders, in accordance with paragraphs (c)(4) and (5) of this clause, by the end of the performance period for the order.

(g) A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (e) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(1) In a joint venture comprised of a small business protégé and its mentor approved by the Small Business Administration, the small business protégé shall perform at least 40 percent of the work performed by the joint venture. Work performed by the small business protégé in the joint venture must be more than administrative functions.

(2) In an 8(a) joint venture, the 8(a) participant(s) shall perform at least 40 percent of the work performed by the joint venture. Work performed by the 8(a) participants in the joint venture must be more than administrative functions.

(End of clause)

VENDOR QUESTIONS AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES IN RED:

1st set of questions:

In reference to Past Performance requirements for the subject solicitation – the instruction states the following-

1. Offeror shall submit a minimum of three (3) references, to include name of the medical facility, telephone number and point of contact for recent (within the past 5 years) Licensed Pharmacist(s) Certified Pharmacy Technician(s) Services provided by the Offeror. If the Offeror has no past performance information on this type of requirement, the Offeror shall specifically state that it has no such past performance. The Government will review available past performance data in the Government’s Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). The Government reserves the right to obtain past performance information from other sources. Malpractice claims will be analyzed. If applicable, submit copies of malpractice claims and disposition of each. If none, so state/certify in your submittal. Failure to provide requested documentation may disqualify offer from consideration.

Does the term “offeror” include the teaming arrangement or are Past performances to be submitted by the prime contractor only.?

Government response:

The term “Offeror” is the entity submitting the quote for the solicitation, all past performance submitted via an Offeror will be considered ensure teaming arrangement/joint venture partnership is reflected.

2. Are there incumbents?

Government response:

Yes

2nd set of questions:

1. Are there incumbents Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians working at the Facility at this time.

Government response:

Yes

2. How many vacancies are there for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians.

Government response:

Currently, we have 2 vacant positions for Pharmacists in Nashville and 11 vacant positions for Pharmacy Technicians (10 in Nashville and 1 in Murfreesboro). These numbers can change frequently depending on how long the recruitment process takes for new hires and the number of employees retiring/transferring at any given time.

3. What is the hourly rate for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technician

Government response:

Current Federal equivalent rates for Pharmacists and Technicians are found within the solicitation under FAR Clause 52.222-42.

4. Who is the Incumbent Contractor

Government response:

A2A Integrated Logistics is the incumbent contractor.

5. What Shifts do you need covered, Day, Evening or Night

Government response:

Shifts to be covered are reflected in the solicitation. Refer to the solicitation.

6. Is this Solicitation for The Consolidated Mail Out Pharmacy

Government response:

No

3rd set of questions:

1. Please confirm whether this is a new requirement.

Government response:

No, this is a follow-on contract.

1. Please provide the company name, contract number, and historical contract award value of any previous contract supplying these services.

Incumbent’s name: A2A Integrated Logistics, Inc.

Contract Number: 36C24918D0006 Estimated value: $4,965,272.00

1. Please provide historical staffing levels (i.e., whether any or all of the required positions are currently filled).

Currently, we have 2 vacant positions for Pharmacists in Nashville and 11 vacant positions for Pharmacy Technicians (10 in Nashville and 1 in Murfreesboro). These numbers can change frequently depending on how long the recruitment process takes for new hires and the number of employees retiring/transferring at any given time.

1. Will the Government consider past performance citations performed by the offeror’s Key Personnel, to include company leadership and management IAW FAR 15.305?

Government response:

No, this RFQ is not being solicited under FAR Part 15.

1. The PWS states, “Offeror shall submit a minimum of three (3) references, to include name of the medical facility, telephone number and point of contact for recent (within the past 5 years) Licensed Pharmacist(s) Certified Pharmacy Technician(s) Services provided by the Offeror.”

4. Historically, industry has been able to utilize subcontractor experience and partnerships in order to draw strength and breadth in the areas of past performance, recruiting capabilities, and financial capabilities. By limiting offerors to only corporate experience directly possessed by the prospective prime/offeror, is it the government’s intent to discourage the use of subcontractors altogether?

Government response:

No, the statement above does not reflect that the government’s intent is to discourage use of subcontractors, though this solicitation is a 100% SDVOSB set aside, to clarify:

Government will add in FAR Clause 52.219-14 within RFQ: 36C24923Q0326

Offeror needs to ensure they fill in VAAR Clause 852.219-75 to be returned with quote on due date of 24 July 2023.

1. Will the government consider past performance from a joint venture partnership as Prime past performance?

Government response:

Yes, if provided the past performance should reflect the teaming arrangement/joint venture partnership.

1. Will the government consider removing this section from the past performance criteria?

Government response:

No, the question as provided by the vendor does not reflect what is being asked to be removed.

1. Under evaluation factors 1. Last statement: “Preference will be given to Offerors with positive past performance on VA-awarded contracts.”

7. This statement above that the government will give preference to those past performance reference that come from the VA greatly limits those contractors that have past performance from other sources. Will the government consider removing this section from the PWS Instructions and Evaluations?

Government response:

The Government REMOVES the sentence:

“Preference will be given to Offerors with positive past performance on VA-awarded contracts.”

in its entirety from RFQ 36C24923Q0326 found on page 62 of Evaluation Factor 1: Past Performance.

4th set of questions:

Vendor would like to ask the following question:

· RFP Section: E.2 ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS

· Page: 60 of 79

· Question: States “4. Submit signed copies of Attachments 1, 2, and 3, located in Section D of this RFQ.” Please identify where offerors are to sign “Attachment 1 _ QASP FY23 PHARMACY CONTRACTORS.pdf”.

Government response:

Find updated QASP titled:

P01 QASP FY23 Pharmacy Contractors updated 7.12.2023 with solicitation amendment. Page 1 part 3 of the QASP titled “CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVES” will be signed.

5th set of questions

Question-1:

Is this IDIQ a Multiple Award contract or a Single Award?

Government response:

The Government reserves the right to award to multiple vendors but may only award to a single vendor.

Question-2:

Page 61 of the RFP document requires us to submit licenses, board certifications (in addition to the resumes) of the key personnel.

Does this mean, do we need to submit “soft copies” of all the Licenses/Certifications with the Proposal?

Government response:

Soft copies/Copies are fine.

Question-3:

Page 61 of the RFP (Instructions for the Preparation of Quotes) requires us to submit ONE (1) Quote, containing four different parts. (Part I – Administrative; Part II – Past Performance; Part III – Technical Excellence; Part IV – Price) Do we need to put all these Parts together into ONE PDF/WORD Volume? Or, shall these four Parts of our Response be submitted as Four separate Volumes (separate files)?

We assume, Part-IV-Price however should not be included with other Parts of the submission, please confirm.

The one quote per Offeror will be submitted in four different files/parts as per the instructions for ease of reviewing said quote.

See attached document: QASP FY23 Pharmacy Contractors_updated 7.12.2023.