Questions.pdf

Question: Will there be any RME transported in this contract?

VA Response: No, there will be no RME transported on this contract

Question: Do all routes need to start at the LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center each morning to pick up specimen bags and coolers?

VA Response: All routes begin at the CBOC location, example provided below:

Example route (using Toledo CBOC):

1st Round (Morning)

• Specimens are picked up at Toledo location at 1030.

• Specimens are dropped off at Ann Arbor location at 1130.

• Empty coolers, freezer boxes, racks are picked up from Ann Arbor location at 1130.

• Empty coolers, freezer boxes, racks are dropped off at Toledo location at 1430.

2nd Round (Afternoon)

• Specimens are picked up at Toledo location at 1430.

• Specimens are dropped off at Ann Arbor location at 1530.

• Empty coolers, freezer boxes, racks are picked up from Ann Arbor location at 1530.

• Empty coolers, freezer boxes, racks are dropped off at Toledo location at 1700.

3rd Round (evening)

• Specimens are picked up at Toledo location at 1700.

• Specimens are dropped off at Ann Arbor location at 1800.

**After the last drop off at Ann Arbor location, contractor should have no VA property in vehicle**

Question: Will there be any supplies transported in this contract?

VA Response: Occasionally, yes, supplies could be included. However, any supplies sent will be placed within the sealed VA provided coolers with the lab specimens.

Question: Are there multiple delivery locations within each clinic?

VA Response: No, each clinic will have only one location. The final dropoff location at the Medical

Center will have multiple locations (Blood, Chemistry, Hematology) but all are located in the same hallway.

Question: Is this a new courier need or a replacement to an existing courier contract? If so, who is the incumbent for the current contract?

VA Response: This is a new requirement.

Question: Are any of these runs currently run together?

VA Response: If offeror is able to combine routes IAW required pickup/dropoff times in PWS, that would be acceptable.

NO FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS

Question: Regarding 13. VEHICLES: Vehicles must be company owned. This requirement would be hard to fulfill due to the quick turnaround start time of 04/01/2025. Will there be any leniency on this requirement for the proposal?

VA Response: Company owned vehicles (with logos), are preferred. If vehicles are not company owned, some type of temporary external identification (logo-magnet) should be placed on vehicle. Valid vehicle registration, insurance, and drivers will need to be provided with quote as indicated in section E.3 INSTRUCTIONS FOR

QUOTE SUBMISSION INFORMATION & QUOTE EVALUATION CRITERIA and Section E.13 52.212-2

EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021).

Question: Can you confirm if what I placed in each line is the value you want in each line?

VA Response: Unit price is the price per “unit” (trip, mile, etc.) of whatever is on the line you are providing a quote for; the lines without letters (ie. AA) do not get pricing.

Question: Pg 98 // Vendor shall provide a copy of Hazardous / Infectious Materials Certificate - Can you confirm what association's certificate you are looking for here? Or are you just looking for any form of training completed by the bidder in regards to hazardous and infectious materials?

VA Response: Proof that company is able to courier Category B infectious substances contained within packaging that is marked with the UN3373 markings.

Question: Pg 98 // Vendor shall provide copies of DOT training certificates for infectious/biologically hazardous materials - Similar question here, is this different documentation than what is requested in the above bullet point?

VA Response: Proof that company is able to courier Category B infectious substances contained within packaging that is marked with the UN3373 markings.

Question: Pg 98 // Vendor shall provide proof of having special licensure required for the transporting of infectious materials. - Apologies, but this just referencing something very similar to the above requirements. Are there three separate documentations needed in regards to infectious materials? Just let me know if there is a specific organization's certificate you are looking for, for all three of these

(hazardous/infectious material certs) and we'll ensure to provide!

VA Response: Proof that company is able to courier Category B infectious substances contained within packaging that is marked with the UN3373 markings. No other special licensure required.

Question: Pg 98 // Vendor shall provide documentation, of vehicles to be used in the performance of this contract, showing they are licensed and meet all minimum vehicle requirements as mandated by the State of Michigan - If we are chosen for this project, we look to purchase new vehicles for this project dedicated to VA. I just wanted to inform you that the documentation will reflect vehicles currently in our fleet, and we'll provide new documentation for new ones when we have them.

Please let me know if this is at all an issue!

VA Response: The contract start date of April 1st, 2025 must be honored, with no exceptions. Vendor must, in accordance with the RFQ, show proof of fleet (Valid vehicle registration, insurance, and drivers will need to be provided with quote as indicated in section E.3 INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUOTE SUBMISSION INFORMATION & QUOTE EVALUATION CRITERIA and Section E.13 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021). and drivers) with ability to begin Courier service on April 1st, 2025.

Question: To confirm, we only have the contract secured for one year, with 4 separate opt-out opportunities if selected?

VA Response: The requirement, as indicated in the RFQ, is for a base year with four one-year option periods.

Option periods may / may not be exercised.