36C25220Q0037-0001001.pdf

RFI Questions and Answers

1. What was the cost of the final full option year of the previous contract?

A. There is no previous contract for this service Services are procured on an as needed basis at this time

2. How many drivers/vehicles are being used to service the current contract?

A. There is on current contract. Services are procured on an as needed basis at this time

3. What are the vehicle sizes required?

A. The type of vehicle used for transport is at the discretion of the contractor.

4. Will dry ice be needed for specimen transport? Is it the responsibility of the contractor to provide dry ice?

A. No dry ice is being required at this time. A proper cooler should be sufficent for temperature maintenance.

5. Are there any restrictions on specific pickup and delivery times for the actual days of service?

A. When the request is sent to the courier, it will outline the pick up and delivery time windows. These windows are determined by drive time from Carle to VA Illiana in relation to the appointment time on the day that the transport is being scheduled.

6. Regarding specific personnel and vehicles to perform and their documentation: It is common practice for small businesses that the drivers, cars and other equipment used for a contract are not sourced until after an award has been made, for cost effectiveness and to reduce loss. Will you be accepting this documentation after the award?

A. The contractor would have to demonstrate the technical capability to meet the requirements of the PWS. There would need to be a demonstration of having the required personnel to meet the requirement.

7. Regarding evaluation factors for the price Volume: we usually like to provide a “Pricing realism” cost break‐down, to include SCA minimum per year, the number of drivers, hours and miles that are estimated to be required for performance, and other costs. Is it acceptable that we forward this Pricing Realism chart with our Price response?

A. You may submit this however the Contracting Officer has the final decision of price reasonableness.

8. Will this contract be SCA enforced? After reviewing the solicitation on FBO, it contains language and dollar values regarding the Service Contract Act. Can you verify the WD number and the minimum required rates to be performed on this contract upon award?

(Specifically for Driver couriers).

A. Wage Determination 2015‐5021 applies . 31043 - Driver Courier

15.08 + minimum $4.54 per hr. Health and Welfare

9. 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.

A. 52.219‐14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Class Deviation 2019‐O0003 (dated

12/3/18)) states that for Services contracts, the Government 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 toward the 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

A “similarly situated entity” means a first‐tier subcontractor, including an independent contractor, that has the same small business program status as that which qualified the prime contractor for the award and that is considered small for the NAICS code the prime contractor assigned to the subcontract the subcontractor will perform. In this case, a similarly situated entity would be an independent contractor that is also an

SDVOSB.

Therefore, the prime contractor and any first‐tier subcontractors that are SDVOSBs must perform 50 percent of the cost of the services.

10. What was the previous award amount?

A. There is no previous contract.

11. Have there been any changes to the original contract?

A. There is no previous contract.

12. Who is the incumbent contractor?

A. There is no previous contract.

13. What size dimension cooler does the contactor need to provide?

A. Suggested Dimensions 19.25 x 13.75 x 14.375 in – “Yetti” style cooler with a place for a padlock

14. How many coolers will be necessary for this service?

A. One should suffice.

15. Does the VA have a preference on the type of cooler? (Rigid or soft sided cooler, lockable)?

A. Two suggestions would be the “Yetti Roadie 20” or “Ozark Trail 26‐quart High‐

Performance Cooler”. must be lockable.

16. Will the VA provide the antibiotic wipes to clean the cooler, or is that an expense to the contractor?

A. Wipes will be provided by the contractor

17. Is the courier required to pack the medication in the cooler, or will the lab personnel do so?

A. This will eb done by lab Personnel.

18. Is there any specific training required for the courier to pack the cooler if the lab will not do so?

A. No, lab will pack the cooler.

19. Does the VA supply locks for the coolers?

A. Yes

20. Does the contractor need to supply any temperature or humidity control devices for transportation?

A. VA will supply this.

21. Will there be any specific training or permits needed to transport these medications in the state of Illinois?

A. No.

22. Can you clarify the due date? There are two dates listed: 10/10/19 and 10/12/19.

A. October 10,2019 is the due date.