36C25018Q0547-00001002.docx

Question # 1: Subheading “Schedule/Locations/Items” State that “offeror must be able to commence work no later than April 1, 2018”. What is the actual anticipated start date?

Answer: The anticipated start date is June 1, 2018.

Question #2: 2- Previous solicitation stated the Ann Arbor VAMC as a round trip. However, the latest solicitation on page #5 states this as a one-way trip from Ann Arbor to Saginaw, however item number 0011 indicates that this is round trip. Which is correct?

Answer: The regular business schedule is a one way trip from Saginaw to Ann Arbor. The schedule is updated to include once a month trip return from Ann Arbor to Saginaw. This return trip is rare and only anticipate once a month.

Question #3: At the time of the original RFQ (36C25018Q0442), you stated driver owned vehicles were acceptable as long as they met size and quality requirements. I’ve noticed that this RFQ has further mention of contractor owned vehicles and want to confirm that driver owned vehicles are still acceptable for use?

Answer: Yes. The main importance is that the vehicles adheres to quality and insurance requirements. If the vehicle is owned by the employee, that is fine. Please provide the information.

Question #4: Under Technical Capability it states we must provide the number of licensed drivers on staff and include make, model and year of vehicles. We have a plan to quickly and efficiently hire quality drivers, but drivers won’t be officially hired until after award of contract. Is it acceptable to state that this information will be provided within 10 days of award??

Answer: This is acceptable to submit a plan that includes hiring plan/agreement provided within 10 days of award.

Question #5: In regard to past performance - In some past responses, we have been required to provide previous experience & contact information in two separate areas of the response. I want to confirm that it is acceptable to list this information only once, for this response?

Answer: I not sure what is meant to provide information in two separate areas of the response. For this solicitation, please provide past performance information and send labeled as “Exhibit B – Past Performance.” This is the only section that needs past performance listed.

Question #6: What are the specific times for pickup by CBOC?

Answer: The mention of timeframe for pickup is for the offeror to submit a plan. The agreement of with the CBOC will be determined later so they know fixed daily pick up times.

Question #7: The SOW states, "Pick up at the Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, shall be between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., specific time by local CBOC agreement..."

Submitted pricing may be contingent on certain pickup times for certain CBOCs between 1:00pm and 4:30pm. May we know which CBOCs require more stringent pickup time windows, and what those times must be?

Answer: At the time of posting of this amendment to the solicitation, stringent times are not known.

Question #8: Can you please confirm if there will be any STAT runs required for this contract?

Answer: This is not for STAT runs. This is for daily fixed runs. The only one that is only on occasion and will be very seldom will be the return trip delivery from Ann Arbor to Saginaw.

Question #9: Will this contract be SCA enforced? After reviewing the solicitation on FBO, it contains language and dollar values regarding the Service Contract Act. This solicitation stipulates $14.35- $17.03 minimum wage for courier drivers, $4.27 minimum H&W, Sick Time/Vacation. Do you verify now that those are the minimum required rates to be performed on this contract upon award?

Answer: Wage determination must be used to be in compliance with labor laws. $14.35-$17.03 is the correct range depending on county; however, $4.41 is the correct H&W.

Question # 10: A new SBA Final Rule regarding FAR Clause 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting, dated June 30, 2016, reclassifies Independent Contractor drivers as Subcontractors — 13 CFR

125.6 “Work performed by an independent contractor shall be considered a subcontract.”

Please inform us how the VA would like us to proceed upon award regarding this rule change given that it will affect our offer regarding pricing and performance.

Answer: FAR clause 52.219-14 does not apply to this contract; however 13 CFR 125.6 does apply. You are correct in that independent contractor shall be considered a subcontract. Also note concerning subcontracting and being able to subcontract to similarly situated contractors. Only subcontractors that are not similarly situated will count against the 50% mentioned. The SDVOSB Self Performance worksheet has been updated. See 13 CFR 125.6 for examples.

Question # 11: What are the vehicles sizes required?

Answer: Vehicle must be one that can transport a locked container size 16”W x 16”H x 10”D and must meet requirement standards for courier service.

Note: Questions regarding previous contract service must be directed to the VA VISN 10 FOIA Officer.