36C24924R0097 0003.docx

36C24924R0097

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) none Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24924R0097 11-15-2024

X X X ** Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 12-06-2024 4:00 PM CST See CONTINUATION Page The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Provide answers to vendor questions.

2. Update the solicitation herein.

Quotes shall be submitted no later than 12-06-2025 at 4:00PM Central Time.

Dana Dixon Contracting Officer

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Medical Technologist - Nashville Campus Weekday Shifts between 3:30pm – 7:00am

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621511 - Medical Laboratories PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q515 - Medical - Pathology

0.00

Medical Laboratory Technician - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

0002A

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

CANDIDATE #1

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

0002B

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

CANDIDATE #2

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

0002C

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

CANDIDATE #3

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

0002D

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

CANDIDATE #4

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekend Nashville Campus (Shifts between 7:00pm Friday through 7:00am Monday) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Holiday Nashville Campus (Shifts between 3:30pm to 7:00am day of holiday) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

Medical Technologist – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday (no weekends or holidays)

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2025 POP End: 05-31-2026

Medical Technologist - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

0.00

Medical Laboratory Technician - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

1002A

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

1002B

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 1

POP End: 05-31-2027

1002C

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

1002D

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekend Nashville Campus (Shifts between 7:00pm Friday through 7:00am Monday)

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Holiday Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

Medical Technologist – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-01-2026 POP End: 05-31-2027

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 1

POP End: 05-31-2027

Medical Technologist - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

0.00

Medical Laboratory Technician - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

2002A

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

2002B

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

2002C

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

2002D

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekend Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Holiday Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

Medical Technologist – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-01-2027 POP End: 05-31-2028

Medical Technologist - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

0.00

Medical Laboratory Technician - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

3002A

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

3002B

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

3002C

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

3002D

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekend Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Holiday Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621511 - Medical Laboratories

DO NOT SEPERATELY PRICE

Medical Technologist – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-01-2028 POP End: 05-31-2029

Medical Technologist - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

0.00

Medical Laboratory Technician - Nashville Campus Weekday

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

4002A

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

4002B

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

4002C

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

4002D

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekend Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-01-2029 POP End: 05-31-2030

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Holiday Nashville Campus

Contract Period: Option 4

Medical Technologist – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 4

Medical Laboratory Technician Services – Weekdays Alvin C. York Campus

Contract Period: Option 4

VENDOR QUESTIONS AND GOVERNMENT ANSWERS

1. QUESTION: Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past?

ANSWER: JIT STAFFING, LLC - 36C24919D0042 - $1,227,185.28.

2. QUESTION: SAM.gov and SF1149, Block 8, reflect a due date of October 11, 2024, at 4:00pm CDT. However, ‘Submission Instructions’ on page 79 of the solicitation reflect a due date of October 18, 2024, at 4:00pm CDT. Can the government please clarify when the proposal submission is due?

ANSWER: The proposal due date and time is extended from October 11, 2024 at 4:00PM CT to December 6, 2024 at 4:00PM CDT.

3. QUESTION: 1449 States the bid is due October 11 and Section E: ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS states it is due October 18 ANSWER: See the answer to question number 2.

4. QUESTION: B3. Cost Schedule:

All CLINs state Medical Technologist/Medical Lab Technician – these are very different labor categories that have different education levels/certifications/pay rates – please clarify for all CLINS whether the government wants pricing for an ACSP/AMT Medical Technologist (bachelor’s degree) or a Medical Lab Technician (associate degree) so that the government receives pricing in line with proper labor categories allowing for appropriate price analysis.

ANSWER: See updated price cost schedule.

5. QUESTION: B4: The Contractor shall provide American Medical Technologist (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist Services. Throughout the PWS it states Medical Technologist/Medical Lab Technician, we request the government clarify the number and type of each of these labor categories to correspond correctly with an updated B.4 ANSWER: See the answer to question number 4.

6. QUESTION: 1.1 Nashville campus has the need for up to five medical technologists or medical laboratory technicians and TVHS, Alvin C York campus has the need for up to two medical technologist or medical laboratory technicians. Pricing/staffing/recruitment cannot be either/or these labor categories as they are not the same labor type nor the same education/certification, we request the government clarify the number of each labor category required to correspond correctly with an updated B.4 ANSWER: Section B.4 of the PWS is hereby changed to state that TVHS, Nashville campus has the need for one (1) medical technologist and (4) medical laboratory technicians to cover 80 hours per pay-period during off-tour shifts and TVHS, Alvin C York campus has the need for one (1) medical technologist and one (1) medical laboratory technicians to each to cover 80 hours per pay-period during day shift.

7. QUESTION: [X] (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

Both the Employee Class and Monetary Fringe Benefit sections are blank – please provide both for the MT and the MLT.

ANSWER: No information available at this time for MLT. For MT $44.78.

8. QUESTION: Offerors Shall Provide: 16. Copies of all Key Personnel malpractice and medical liability insurance certificates. Only physicians are individually names on medical malpractice, not lab technicians, we respectfully ask the government to remove this requirement and replace it with a copy of the organization’s liability insurance that covers its employees.

ANSWER: Submission Instructions number 16 is changed from Copies of all Key Personnel malpractice and medical liability insurance certificates to proof of contractors liability insurance.

9. QUESTION: Evaluation Criteria: 2. Past Performance At least one (1) example of past performance must be of the contractor acting in the capacity of prime contractor.

Since the evaluation criteria is a side-by-side pairwise comparison of quotes, we ask if the government is willing to amend the above requirement to state, “At least one (1) example of past performance must be of the contractor acting in the capacity of Prime Contractor at the VA responsible for Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician staffing services.”

ANSWER: Basis for Award page 86 number 2 Past Performance shall read as follows:

Offeror shall submit at least three (3) contracts completed or ongoing, in the past five (5) years in which you acted as a Prime Contractor or Sub-Contractor responsible for Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician staffing services. Each contract description must contain the following information:

· The title of contract.

· The contract start and end dates.

· A brief description of services rendered during the contract period of performance.

· The point of contact for the contract and their contact information (ex.) phone and email address.

· The total dollar value of the contract.

In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated as neutral (neither favorable nor unfavorable).

Past performance evaluations will be conducted using information submitted with the RFP and information obtained from other sources as deemed appropriate. While the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of providing current and complete past performance information rests with the offeror.

10. QUESTION: We request the government amend this verbiage to say Contracts, as these are not job examples, they are contract examples for past performance.

• The title of job.

• The job start and end dates.

• A brief description of services rendered during the period of performance.

• The employer of the job.

• The employer’s contact information (ex.) phone and email address (include one (1) current/valid reference for the purpose of verification of submitted information).

• The total dollar value of the job.

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 9.

11. QUESTION: Is there any provision against the use of Travel MT’s so long as the FTE requirement is met throughout the obligation? Do they have to be local?

ANSWER: Travel Medical Technologists are acceptable as long as they are in the local area while working under the contract and they can meet the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal and subsequent contract. The contractor will be responsible for any housing associated with travel Medical Technologists.

12. QUESTION: On Page 79 of the Solicitation document, under 'SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS', it is stated: #2. Proposals may be separated into three(3) distinct sections corresponding to the three evaluation factors: Technical, Past Performance, and Price. On Page 86 of the Solicitation document, under 2. Past Performance, it is stated: “Offeror shall submit at least three (3) jobs completed or ongoing, in the past five (5) years in which you acted as a Prime Contractor or Subcontractor responsible for Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician staffing services. At least one (1) example of past performance must be of the contractor acting in the capacity of prime contractor. Each job description must contain the following information:.........In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated as neutral (neither favorable nor unfavorable)."

How will C&E be considered within the parameters of this evaluation on Past Performance?

ANSWER: Contractor will be evaluated based on the contractors submission in response to the request for proposal section “past performance”. See the answer to question number 9 for past performance submission requirements. In addition, the Basis for Award is as follows: Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government.

13. QUESTION: This is a placement of staff Contract and NOT a Medical Laboratory offering Contract. Hence, it appears that this is not the NAICS code that should be used? Can you enlighten us as to why such is being used, please? NAICS codes for Temporary Help Services may be the preferred NAICS here.

ANSWER: NAICS Code Appeal, SBA No. NAICS-6313 was decided on October 30, 2024 and this appeal was DENIED. This is the final decision of the Small Business Administration. See 13 C.F.R. § 134.316(d). the NAICS code for RFP 36C24924R0097 is NAICS code 621511 – Medical Laboratories.

14. QUESTION: Is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 1.

15. QUESTION: The RFP indicates that both facilities require either medical technologists OR medical laboratory technicians. Can you confirm if submissions for either medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, or both are acceptable for both facilities?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 4.

16. QUESTION: Will key personnel be expected to travel between both facilities?

ANSWER: No.

17. QUESTION: Section 2.8 Key Personnel states “up to two FTE for Alvin C. York Campus and up to five for the Nashville Campus”. With the phrasing “up to”, should we expect the needs to be less than what is listed in the price/cost schedule?

ANSWER: Price/cost schedule.

18. QUESTION: Pages 1, 79 - SF1449 lists the proposal due date/time as 10/11/24, 4 pm CT. RFP page 79 states that the proposal due date/time is 10/18/24, 4pm CT. Please confirm the correct proposal due date/time and update the solicitation.

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 2.

19. QUESTION: Pages 75,79 - Section D attachments. The full documents (D1-D5) are not provided only a list of titles is provided. RFP page 79 item # 20 requires Offeror provide signed copies of D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. Please provide the full documents/exhibits for offeror review and signature.

ANSWER: Attachments can be found in Contract Opportunities.

20. QUESTION: Pages 26, 16-25 - PWS 1.2 states that TVHS requires coverage 330pm-7am, 7 days a week. CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 show only weekdays, Monday – Friday, which would be 5 days a week. Is this a typo? Please clarify this CLIN and PWS requirement and update accordingly.

ANSWER: Price schedule has line items for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The requirement will vary during the contract period based on TVHS staffing levels. Staffing and shift requirements will ensure adequate coverage from 3:30p to 7:00 am, seven days a week for the Nashville campus.

21. QUESTION: Pages 26, 16-25 - PWS 1.2 states that TVHS holiday and weekend schedules are required on an alternating basis. Please specifically define what the government means by alternating basis? Will key personnel working under this work schedule (CLINs 0002/1002/2002/3002/4002 and 0003/1003/2003/3003/4003) be required every weekend or holiday? Or just some weekends/holidays? Please define.

ANSWER: PWS 1.2 is hereby changed to state that TVHS holiday and weekend schedules are required on a rotating basis depending on staffing needs.

22. QUESTION: Pages 31, 16-25 - Will the government define the total number of key personnel? Are all 7 candidates (medical technologist and medical lab technicians) listed in CLINs (Schedule B) considered key personnel?

ANSWER: Yes, See the answer to question number 4.

23. QUESTION: Page 85 - The instructions state, “offeror shall address the ability of key personnel to be credentialed, privileged, and to pass background investigations.” However, since the proposal requirement is to provide resumes for all 7 candidates, the implication is our proposed personnel are already credentialed, privileged, and passed background checks. Can the Government please clarify whether this requires a written narrative explaining the offeror’s process for credentialing, privileging, and conducting background investigations? Or is this requirement met by the inclusion of our proposed key personnel resumes in our proposal?

ANSWER: Section 1.1 Sub-Factor A: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE is hereby updated as follows:

1.1 Sub-Factor A: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Offerors shall provide a narrative addressing this subfactor as it applies to the requirement, addressing the following areas:

a. Offeror shall address the ability to meet the requirements specified in the PWS.

b. Offeror shall provide proof that the proposed candidate is a MT/MLTs and is certified as stated in PWS.

c. Contractor’s provider(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.

d. The Contractor’s MT/MLTs must be a US Citizen or have evidence of having a green card.

e. Curriculum Vitae/Resume shall provide education and experience and provide a list of instrumentation and equipment experience.

f. For medical technologists, proof of bachelor’s degree and American Medical Technologists (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist is required.

g. For medical laboratory technicians, proof of associate degree and AMT or ASCP certification as Medical Laboratory Technician is required.

24. QUESTION: Page 86 - The instructions state, “Past performance evaluations will be conducted using information submitted with the RFP and information obtained from other sources as deemed appropriate.” Can the Government please clarify whether offerors are permitted to submit any documentation in addition to the required project description to support their past performance record? Examples might include Past Performance questionnaires (signed by the cognizant Government review authority within the past year), completed CPARS assessments, or other customer data.

ANSWER: Yes, other documentation in addition to what is required is permitted.

25. QUESTION: Historically, how many Technologist positions and how many Technician positions have been utilized to staff this contract?

ANSWER: The previous contract required 2 FTE however, contractor shall refer to this RFP for the current FTE requirements.

26. QUESTION: Can the Government please indicate which positions by labor category are currently vacant (if any)?

ANSWER: Contractor shall refer to this RFP for the current FTE requirements.

27. QUESTION: Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide American Medical Technologist (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certified Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist Services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS). TVHS, Nashville campus has the need for up to five medical technologists or medical laboratory technicians to each to cover 80 hours per pay-period during off-tour shifts. For medical technologists, bachelor’s degree and American Medical Technologist (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist is required. For medical laboratory technicians, associate degree and AMT or ASCP certification as Medical Laboratory Technician is required.

Does the government have a required/requested number of FTEs for each of the Medical Technologist and Medical Laboratory Technicians labor categories?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 4.

28. QUESTION: Page 26 - Staffing and shift requirements will ensure adequate coverage from 3:30p to 7:00 am, seven days a week for the Nashville campus.

Are the Weekend hours only to be provided at the Nashville Campus?

ANSWER: Yes.

29. QUESTION: Page 16 - Candidate #__ Does the candidate need to be identified by name on the pricing sheet?

ANSWER: No.

30. QUESTION: Page 17 - CLIN 0002: 3744 Hrs. Weekend Is the requirement that 2 FTE’s are scheduled during these hours?

ANSWER: Yes.

31. QUESTION: Page 17 - CLIN 0002: 176 Hrs. Holiday Is the requirement that 2 FTE’s are scheduled during these hours?

ANSWER: Yes.

32. QUESTION: Page 85-86 - Will the government provide a list of what is required in a full credentialing package?

ANSWER: Credentialing will be addressed after award. Section 1.1 Subfactor A has been updated see question 23. Section 2.1.2 is replaced with the following: 2.1.2 Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21 referenced above.

33. QUESTION: Page 85-86 - Are immunizations and security paperwork/clearances required in a credentialing package?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 32.

34. QUESTION: Page 85 - The instructions state, “offeror shall address the ability of key personnel to be credentialed, privileged, and to pass background investigations.”

Can the Government please clarify if candidates/personnel need to be privileged?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 23.

35. QUESTION: Is a National Provider Identifier (NPI) required for the Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician positions under this contract as shown on page 79, given that NPI is typically associated with physician or direct care provider roles?

ANSWER: - Section E, SOLICITATION PROVISIONS Page 79 under OFFERORS SHALL PROVIDE…. number 19, is removed in its entirety.

36. QUESTION: Is this a new requirement?

a. If no, can the government please identify the incumbent contractor?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 1.

37. QUESTION: Are there any budgetary limitations on this solicitation?

ANSWER: Order Limitations.

38. QUESTION: Can the government please clarify which due date is the accurate due date as the solicitation due date on SF 1449, box 8 mentions a due date of 10-11-2024, 4:00 PM CDT but in Section E.1 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors under Submission instructions (pg. 79) it mentions a due date of 10-18-2024, 4:00pm Central Time?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 2.

39. QUESTION: National Provider ID (NPI) is requested but is not something that MT’s /MLT’s have. Can the government please remove this requirement from the solicitation?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 19.

40. QUESTION: “Copies of all Key Personnel malpractice and medical liability insurance certificates” is requested but is not something that MT’s / MLT’s usually have individually and are usually covered by the employing entity. Will our company COI suffice in lieu of?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 8.

41. QUESTION: We had the following questions regarding Solicitation 36C24924R0097:

Is this requirement currently filled by any incumbent contractor? If so, would the VA disclose the Contractor and Contract ID Number?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 1.

42. QUESTION: Will the government consider past performance that does not have the medical technologists labor category but that does show experience and capability to provide the services described in this PWS as relevant? Or does the past performance have to showcase Medical Technologists in particular?

ANSWER: The government will consider all contractor submissions for past performance and will make a determination through comparative evaluation of what is most favorable to the government. Offerors shall refer to the RFP for qualifications of key personnel.

43. QUESTION: As SCA applies, could the government please provide the anniversary dates for each SCA and years on contract?

ANSWER: After contract award, a new wage determination will be included with each option period renewal. Refer to the B.3 Price Schedule for the period of performance for option periods.

44. QUESTION: Could the government explicitly explain the rationale for the “up to” language in regard to the number of FTEs at both locations? For example, surge requirements, Part-time, or PRN need.

ANSWER: PRN meaning it’s completely up to staffing on how many will be needed at any given time.

45. QUESTION: In “Submission Instructions” on Page 79 of the Solicitation, instructions state proposals are due on October 18, 2024, however the SF1449 states proposals are due October 11, 2024. Could the government please clarify the correct due date for proposal responses?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 2.

46. QUESTION: In “Submission Instructions” on Page 79 of the Solicitation, instructions state proposals are due on October 18, 2024, however the SF1449 states proposals are due October 11, 2024. Could the government please clarify the correct due date for proposal responses?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 2.

47. QUESTION: General RFP – Is this considered a LOCUMS TENENS contract?

ANSWER: No

48. QUESTION: PWS 1.2 and B.3 - Could you clarify if the intent is that after the award, TVHS will determine the number of FTEs needed (i.e., 1 or 2), and that these FTEs will then work full-time (80 hours per week), covering shifts between 3:30 PM to 7:00 AM? Additionally, is it possible that TVHS could later adjust this number with notice, asking for an additional FTE as needed? It seems like this might be the plan, rather than treating it as temporary staffing. Would that be accurate?

ANSWER: Correct.

49. QUESTION: PWS 1.2 and B.3 - What are the specific shifts that are covered between 3:30pm and 7:00am? Example, 3:30pm to 12:30am, 10pm to 7am?

ANSWER: 3:30P – 11:30P & 11:00P – 7:00A.

50. QUESTION: Who will be the primary point of contact at TVHS for coordinating staffing and addressing any issues that arise?

ANSWER: That information will be provided after award at the Post Award Conference.

51. QUESTION: How frequently should the contractor communicate with TVHS to review and adjust staffing needs?

ANSWER: That information will be provided after contract award.

52. QUESTION: Page 16 to 25 Section B.3 Price/Cost Schedule – CLINs 0001, 1002, 2003, 3004, & 4005 for the Nashville Campus include the Quantity of 10,400 Hours (Unit), however the Unit Price & Amount boxes are blacked out. CLINs 0001A, 0001B, 0001C, 0001D, & 0001E list a Quantity of 0.00 Hours (Unit) and the Unit Price & Amount boxes are open to complete.

Can you clarify which CLINs should be priced?

If CLINs 0001, 1002, 2003, 3004, & 4005, could you please advise as to where the Unit Price & Amount should be placed as the boxes are currently blacked out.

If CLINs 0001A, 0001B, 0001C, 0001D, & 0001E (CLINs 1002A, 1002B, 1002C, 1002D, & 1002E | CLINs 2003A, 2003B, 2003C, 2003D & 2003E | CLINs 3004A, 3004B, 3004C, 3004D & 3004E | CLINs 4005A, 4005B, 4005C, 4005D & 4005E ) should be completed, can you please clarify the Quantity of hours that should be used to complete each CLIN.

ANSWER: See the updated Price/Cost schedule.

53. QUESTION: Page 31 Section 2.9.3 Regular work hours for Nashville are Third Shift, work hours 3:30 pm – 7:00 am, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, including some weekends and holidays.

Can you clarify is 3:30 pm – 7am the actual anticipated shift or will there be multiple shifts within this time frame?

ANSWER: See the answer to question number 49.

54. QUESTION: One other question – are these positions SCA?

ANSWER: Yes, the medical laboratory technician is SCA. Wage determination 2015-4647 Revision 26 dated 07/22/2025 is attached. The Medical Technologist is not SCA.

55. QUESTION: Is this still a total SDVOSB set aside?

ANSWER: Yes.

56. QUESTION: My communication today is in regard to the Medical lab technician Opportunity for Tennessee. I am trying to confirm if we will still need to provide the VETS 4212 form as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business. Will not providing this disqualify an entity from being considered for an award?

ANSWER: Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor for more information. VETS-4212 Federal Contractor Reporting | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

57. Section C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020) is hereby changed to state the following:

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from 06/01/2025 through 05/31/2030.

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $5,000, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor—

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $5,000;

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $1,100,000 per year, or $5,867,680 per contract term; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 2 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within 2 days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of Clause)

The purposes of this amendment are to post responses to question received about this Request for Proposal and to extend the submission date of proposals to December 6, 2025.