ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 instructions.docx

?.## Continuation of ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. continuation of Addendum FAR 52.212-1

1.1 Reference paragraph (c) under referenced provision FAR 52.212-1 (Incorporated by Reference as marked in SF1449 Block 27a). This paragraph is tailored to read as follows:

(c) Period For Acceptance of Quotes/Offers: The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for one hundred twenty (120) days from the date specified for receipt of offerors in lieu of thirty (30) calendar days as specified under FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors- Commercial Items, paragraph (c).

2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFER SUBMISSION:

2.1 Offerors are asked to completely review the solicitation and attached documents in their entirety before submitting any questions. In order to allow for proper time to research each question and to provide an answer for all potential offerors to view, it is requested that all questions reference the page number, section, and paragraph number that the question is in regards or reference to. It is also requested that all questions be in writing and in Word or Excel format and be submitted within 3 calendar days of solicitation (RFP) of issuance. All questions are to be emailed to the Contracting Officer (CO), Melanie Hawley at Melanie.Hawley@va.gov. No phone calls will be accepted. Offerors shall insert “Solicitation number 36C25622Q0570” in the subject line of email when submitting questions. Responses to questions will be consolidated and posted on the Contract Opportunities website as soon as possible via solicitation amendment. There is no incumbent.

2.3 Offerors should note that the Government may award on the basis of initial offers received, without any exchanges; therefore, each initial quote/offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from both cost/price and technical standpoints. The Government reserves the right to make award without any exchanges based on the initial offers as the Contracting Officer (CO) is using FAR 13 simplified procedures; however, exchanges may occur if prices are considered too high and the CO may request validation that candidates remain available prior to award. Vague or terse statement such as “will comply”, “noted”, “understood”, and other similar statements is not acceptable. The Offeror’s offer is presumed to represent its best efforts to respond to the solicitation; thus, any unexplained inconsistencies resulting from the offeror’s lack of understanding of the nature and scope of the work for the overall solicitation may be grounds for rejection of the offer. Complete Offers, to include copies of CPARS/Past Performance, must be received no later than date and time stated in Block 8 of the Standard Form (SF) 1449.

2.4 The sole point of contact for this acquisition is the Contracting Officer. Offers will only be accepted by email and no mailed offers will be accepted. Offers are due no later than date and time stated in Block 8 of the SF 1449 (or Amendment SF30 if applicable). Offer maximum file size per email is 9MB or less; therefore, multiple emails will be accepted with an offer/quote and further instructions are provided below. One confirmation email will be sent by the Contracting Officer to confirm receipt of complete offer/quote. It is the offeror’s sole responsibility to follow up if no confirmation email was received from the Contracting Officer before the closing date and time of the Solicitation.

It is the Offeror’s full responsibility to ensure a legible proposal is submitted to the Contracting Officer before the closing date and time of the solicitation. Late offers will NOT be accepted. Faxed offers will NOT be accepted.

3. INSTRUCTIONS ON SUBMITTING OFFER FOR EVALUATION:

Each factor listed in FAR 52.212-2 shall be submitted as follows:

This section provides specific instructions on the format and content of each offer/quote. Each section and volume shall be a “stand alone” document and be complete by itself. Documents shall be 8/12 x 11 in size. Font size of documents shall not be less than 10 Pitch. Elaborate formats are not desired or required. Each email shall include “Offeror name and 36C25622Q0570” only in subject line. Any offeror that does not submit offer as requested (and any other requirements) will be rendered technically unacceptable and will not be considered further for award. Offerors may provide multiple emails depending on email size limitations:

3.1 Volume 1a - Technical Subfactor 1a- Personnel Qualifications/Staffing of Pathologist

· Offeror shall provide proof that the proposed candidate is a Pathologist, who is experienced (minimum one year) in Anatomic Pathology and is Board Certified as stated in Paragraph 2.1.2 and 4.4.1.2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume should provide education and experience as provided in PWS 4.4.1. Also, a candidate with more years of experience may be considered a stronger candidate and/or better references. Transcripts may be provided.

· Offeror shall include in CV if prior VA Medical Center work experience (Preferred and may be considered a benefit but not mandatory)

· Offeror shall include if provider has current VetPro registration (yes or no)

· Offeror shall include if current background investigation: National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) if applicable and date.

· Offeror shall provide proof of current unencumbered licensure in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. The qualifications of the Physician shall be subject to review by the VAMC Chief of Staff, and approval by the VAMC Director. To include issue date and expiration date.

· The Contractor’s Pathologist must be a US Citizen or have evidence of having a green card.

· The Contractor’s Pathologist must speak and write English proficiently.

· The Contractor’s Pathologist must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association. Copies of certifications must be provided with offer/quote.

· Offeror shall provide verification that Pathologist has a current PPD/TB test to include results.

· Offeror shall provide COVID 19 documentation for Pathologist IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.7.6.

· Offeror shall provide Pathologist’s NPI number

· Offeror shall provide proof/certification that Pathologist are compared against and are not listed on the OIG excluded parties list.

· Personnel local to area preferred due to “as needed schedule” but not mandatory.

· Availability date (credentialing can be fast-tracked; however, 4-8 weeks is standard)/Letter of Intent preferred but mandatory.

3.2 Volume 1b- Technical Subfactor 1b – Corporate Management/Capability/Experience

· The Offeror must demonstrate at least a minimum of five (5) of experience in providing and managing on-site staffing services. Demonstrating capabilities and experience in providing staff to other VA Medical Centers may be considered a benefit and more favor over another. Demonstrating experience of providing Laboratory staffing services may be considered a benefit and more favor over another.

· The Offeror shall provide a history of successful personnel placements (low turnover rates) in this labor category (focus on Pathology, if applicable, but not mandatory) and that has in place processes, methods, plans, personnel, and other resources as necessary that together meet all of the technical capabilities of this requirement.

· The Offeror shall provide a copy of contingency plan for replacing key personnel to maintain services as required under the terms of the contract (PWS Paragraph 2.9.8).

· Offeror shall note if subcontracting and provide company information to include DUNS number and socioeconomic status. (Related to Factor 3 – Past Performance)

3.3 Volume 2- Schedule of Services (Price) – refer to Addendum to 52.212-2 Paragraph 2.2 The completion and submission of the following items (a, b, and c) will constitute Volume 2 - Price Offer/Quote. Offeror must submit one (1) copy of Volume 3 and it will indicate the offeror’s unconditional assent to the terms and conditions in the solicitation and any attachments hereto:

3.3.1 Complete blocks 12, 17a, 17b, 30a, 30b, and 30c of a legible Standard Form (SF) 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items. Must be signed by an Authorized Representative of Contractor/Offeror. Digital or wet signature acceptable.

3.3.2 Continuation of SF1449 (Section B1 – Contract Administration Data): Please fill out, block 1a, Amendment Acknowledgement (if applicable) and/or return actual Amendments (SF30) if applicable (blocks 15A, B, and C completed). Must be signed by an Authorized Representative of Contractor/Offeror. Digital or wet signature acceptable. Please also provide SAM unique number, DUNS number, and Federal Tax ID Number.

3.3.3 Insert legible proposed unit and extended prices in Section B2 Schedule of Services for Line Item. The price proposal shall be legible, specific, complete in every detail, and separate from the technical proposal.

3.3.4 The Offeror shall submit the full solicitation up to Section D and the following legible attachments that require to be filled-in, signed, and submitted with the offer/quote:

Attachment Title

D1 QASP

D2 Contractor Certification

D3 Key Personnel – Conflict of Interest Statement (VAAR 852.237-75 and VAAR 852.209-70)

Complete the fill-in provision 52.209-7 (name attachment with provision number)

Complete the fill-in provision 52.212-3 if not completed electronically (name attachment with provision numbery)

Provide copy of most current VETS-4212 in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-37, if applicable, if not applicable, please provide stating not applicable. (name attachment as VETS-4212) [Responsibility matter]

Request Electronic Funds Transfer Enrollment Form (VA10091) if not already in FMS/FSC System

3.4 Volume 3- Past Performance – refer to Addendum to 52.212-2 Paragraph 2.3 The Offeror shall provide at least three (3) Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports from previous or ongoing contracts, for the same or similar services called for in this solicitation, provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs or other Federal agencies, performed within the past five (5) years. Provide copies and explanation of any Marginals, which do NOT count toward the 3 reports requested.

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) (https://www.cpars.gov ) Offerors may provide ATTACHMENTS D4 and D5 for past performance (optional for those that have CPARS available)

3.5 Email/Volume 4 – if applicable and in accordance with VAAR 852.215-70 - SDVOSB or VOSB (Factor 4)- refer to Addendum to 52.212-2 Paragraph 2.4. Provide copy of VETBIZ (screen shot acceptable) or letter from CVE. Include if using a subcontractor and offer must clearly identify that your offer includes using a subcontractor and that they have acknowledged their agreement to include using their past performance.

4. EVALUATIONS:

The Technical Evaluation Board (TEB) will complete a comparative analysis of the offers in comparison of the solicitation requirements and provide the Contracting Officer their report. Any clarification questions from the TEB will be presented to the Contracting Officer or designee to ask Offerors for responses if applicable.

Clarifications are communications with Offerors to improve the TEB's understanding of the offer/quote or to resolve minor or clerical errors in the offer. These communications will not be used to allow the Offeror to revise their offer/quote.

5. OTHER GENERAL OFFER INSTRUCTIONS:

In accordance with FAR clause 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (PUB. L. 111-117, section 743 OF DIV. C) which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference under FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions (Section C), the successful offeror shall be responsible for meeting this annual reporting requirement by 31 October following award of any task order that meets the threshold of FAR 4.1703. For additional information on SCR or helping submitting a report, contact the Federal Service Desk (FSD) at https://www.fsd.gov.

(End of Provision)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)