36C25624Q1317 0001.docx

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

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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) 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi MS 39531 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi MS 39531 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25624Q1317 10-09-2024

X X X

10/21/2024 12:00 PM CST

X This amendment is being issued to extend due date as provided in block 11 and also provide answers to questions received. Also, attached is the corrected price schedule table with the corrected ordering period dates.

This is an anticipated five (5) year IDIQ contract with no option periods. There are five (5) twelve month ordering periods.

One question is pending an answer and will be posted with amendment 2.

Melanie Hawley Contracting Officer

VA VHA 2020 AC3434AE75

Vendor Questions and Responses to 36C25624Q1317 Amendment 001 Question 1. Page 98, 2.1.1, bullet 1 states, “…is certified as stated in Paragraph 2.1.2 and 4.4.1.2.” Those paragraphs refer to the MT/CLS and there is no mention of a HT or HTL certification requirement. Can you confirm the histotechnician requires a certification?

Response: Histo Technician licensure is not required.

Question 2. Page 98, 2.1.1, bullet 4 states. “…Offeror shall provide proof of Histotechnician’s current unencumbered licensure…” There is no other mention of a licensure requirement in the PWS. Further, only five states require licensure (Mississippi does not require licensure) which would severely restrict the talent pool. Can you confirm the histotechnician requires a license?

Response: See the response to question 1.

Question 3. Page 98, 2.1.1, bullet 7 & 8 state require the contractor to provide PPD/TB test results and COVID 19 documentation. Given the abbreviated timeline of the solicitation due date would the government consider removing these requirements until after award?

Response: Yes, after award but must be provided prior to contract staff start. RFQ requests that verification be provided.

Question 4. Page 99, 2.1.1.3, bullet 4 states, “…Offeror shall provide proof of MTs/CLSs current unencumbered licensure…” There is no other mention of a licensure requirement in the PWS. Further, only ten states require licensure (Mississippi does not require licensure) which would severely restrict the talent pool. Can you confirm the medical technologist requires a license?

Response: Licensure is not required: however, certification is required.

Question 5. Just to confirm, does the period of performance start in 2024 or 2025? The sources sought notification stated 2024; however, the current solicitation states 2025.

Response: The anticipated period of performance starts November 1, 2024.

Question 6. Table, Page 29; Items requested upon offer/quote. Some items mentioned here are not listed as required in the instruction/evaluation factors (for example: copies of college degrees & transcripts,). Can you please confirm that these items are not required for a compliant submission?

Response: Offerors shall follow what is being requested; however, Section E pages 99-100 says that transcripts MAY be provided. Also, states Certifications shall be provided along with education and experience.

Question 7. Page 94, paragraph 3.4; The instructions regarding marginal CPARs. Can you please provide additional context to the instruction to “Provide copies and explanations of any marginal, which do NOT count towards the 3 reports requested?”

Does this mean that if a company has any CPARs for the same services with low ratings, they have to provide a copy with their response even if they are not using that contract as a reference?

Response: Yes, any company that has a CPAR for the same services with a low rating SHALL (remove “must” on page 102) provide a copy with their response even if they are not using that contract as a reference. This will show the VA what corrective action was taken and the results of the corrective action. (Especially if it’s recent and relevant) Question 8. Page 98-99, Required candidate documents for proposal submission; NACI background checks, medical documentation (such as PPD/TB test and COVID-19), and proof of citizenship are items that it is industry standard is to request upon hire and typically take a bit of time for candidates to provide. Due to the quick turnaround for this RFP, requiring these items will severely limit the number of capable firms who can submit bids.

As an alternative to requiring these documents upon proposal, will an acknowledgement inside the Letter of Intent that the candidate certifies that they meet the requirements specified in the PWS, are not aware of any negative items that would appear on their background check that would impact their eligibility to be hired, and understand that will be responsible for promptly providing the required documentation upon award notice?

Response: Yes, a Letter of Intent that the candidate certifies that they meet the requirements specified in the PWS and are not aware of any negative items that would appear in their background check and impact their eligibility to be hired is acceptable with the required documentation being provided upon notice of award. If an individual has a current background or is already in VETPro, then the onboarding of that individual typically is shorter and thereby a benefit to the VA.

Question 9. Page 1, Offer Due Date; Would the government please consider extending proposals due to the questions above potentially having a significant impact on offerors ability to put together a bid by the 17th?

Response: VA can extend to 21st by NOON.

Question 10. Page 6-8 B.2 Price/Cost Schedule – The ordering period for the Base is 11/01/2025 – 10/31/2026. Can you confirm if this need is anticipated to start next year 11/01/2025.

Response: See the response to question 5 above.

Question 11. If this is an error, the option ordering periods are also a year ahead.

· Option 1: 11/1/26 - 10/31/27

· Option 2: 11/1/27 - 10/31/28

· Option 3: 11/1/28 - 10/31/29

· Option 4: 11/1/29 - 10/31/30 Response: There are no option periods. The ordering periods should be as follows (corrected price schedule attached):

Ordering Period 1: 11/1/24 – 10/31/2025 Ordering Period 2: 11/1/25 – 10/31/2026 Ordering Period 3: 11/1/26 – 10/31/2027 Ordering Period 4: 11/1/27 – 10/31/2028 Ordering Period 5: 11/1/28 – 10/31/2029

Question 12. Page 25 Section 4.6.3.3 & Attachment D.1 QASP Page 3 Section 4.6.3.3 - The AQL is set at 100% for this requirement. Would you be willing to reduce that slightly to allow for situations outside of our provider’s control (such as traffic accidents, inclement weather, etc.)?

Response: The AQL is set at 100% unless extenuating circumstances prevent timely start of the workday. In such cases, the COR shall be notified with two hours of contract employee notifying their supervisor.

Question 13. Page 26 Section 4.6.3.7 & Attachment D.1 QASP Page 4 Section 4.6.3.7 - The AQL is set at 100% for this requirement. Due to our bi-weekly payroll schedule, we are unable to submit complete monthly invoices by the 5th of the month. Would the government consider moving the deadline to the 20th of each month?

This verbiage also appears on Page 29 Section 6.2.1.

Response: The requirement for Section 4.6.3.7 on page 27, Section 6.2.1 on page 30, and Attachment D1 QASP Page 4, Section 4.6.3.7 is hereby changed to the 20th day of each month.

Question 14. Due to the sensitive nature of the aforementioned immunization records containing PII information, would the government consider a statement acknowledging the provider’s compliance sufficient? Upon award full immunization history/records will be provided under a separate cover with encryption.

Reference Page 98 Section 2.1.1 – Histotechnician (HT)

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

· Offeror shall provide COVID 19 documentation for Histotechnician IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6.

AND

Reference Page 99 Sections 2.1.1.3 – Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist(s) (MT/CLS):

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

· Offeror shall provide COVID 19 documentation for MT/CLSs IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6.

Response: See the response to Question 8 above.

Question 15. We respectfully request that the NCO 16 extend the due date by 5 business days to Thursday 10/24/2024. Given the current situation in the Southeast/Florida due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, there are many SDVOSBs that were greatly affected by the Hurricanes, to include losing power, having to shelter down, etc. Additionally, many healthcare candidates themselves have been affected – losing power etc. and cannot/will not be able to provide information to SDVOSBs as quickly as the government requires with a 10/17 Due Date.

Response: See the response to Question 9 above.

Question 16. DUNS numbers are referenced in multiple places in this solicitation, however, DUNS numbers no longer exist; we request removal of this.

Response: The DUNS number references are replaced with “Tax ID Numbers”.

Question 17. Page 12, PWS 2.1.1 States: Histopathology Technician- Contractor’s personnel shall have a minimum of three years of experience

· We respectfully request the government adjust the minimum requirement to meet the current VA Handbook 5005/118 Histopathology Tech Qualification Standard to, Minimum of One Year of Experience

· We request if amended, that this also amends section 4.4.1.1.3.2 Response: No. Qualification standards state minimum guidelines to QUALIFY for a position. We have additional hiring requirements. We require three years of experience because there will be very little technical training provided as we do not have the staff for this. Only orientation to the department/ facility will be given and we expect individuals to be able to perform technical duties from day one.

Question 18. Page 13, PWS 2.1.4 States: Contractor’s provider(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME/CEU to remain current. Contractor shall report CME/CEU hours to the credentialing office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for Contractor’s provider(s).

· Med Techs and Histo Techs do not have to be privileged by the VA/are not considered Licensed Independent Practitioners; we respectfully ask that the government remove this section or amend it as applicable to the placement of Lab Staff.

Response: No. Medical technologists/ Clinical laboratory scientists are required to maintain certification and submit them to our credentialing office. They will undergo credentialing, and should they fail to obtain recertification our credentialing office will remove them from service. Histotechnicians are not required to be certified.

Question 19. We respectfully request the government amend the PWS to add the VHA Directive 1193.01(1) and VA Form 10230 to allow for compliance with COVID vaccination program to include declination of the COVID vaccine by contractors.

· Page 15, PWS 2.1.6.5 States: Influenza states “Contractors shall provide proof that they have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season.”

· Current VHA guideline VHA Directive 1192.01 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program (attached) allows for both Medical and Religious Declination of the Influenza Vaccine as long as the VHA Directive 1192.01Appendix B form is completed and provided. Please refer to Section 1.4.4 of the PWS to cross reference the VHA Flu Directive referenced.

· In this PWS section, we request the requirement of Influenza vaccine unless medically contraindicated is replaced with medical or religious reasons for declination, compliant with VHA Directive 1192.01 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program.

Response: We will amend this to the following:

INFLUENZA - Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor personnel have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated by a medical or religious exception. If the Contractor personnel has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}. Medical and/or religious exception requests must be submitted on VA Form 10-9050.

Question 20. We also request the removal of the COVID requirement from your Evaluation Criteria Subfactor 2.1.1 Technical 1a – which currently states: Provide COVID 19 documentation for Histotechnician IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6 and Offeror shall provide COVID 19 documentation for MT/CLSs IAW PWS Paragraph 2.1.6.6, compliant with current VA standards for COVID.

· Page 15, PWS 2.1.6.5 States: COVID - Per FAR 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all guidance, including guidance conveyed through Frequently Asked Questions, as amended during the performance of this contract, for contractor workplace locations published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force Guidance) at https:/www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contract.

· See attached Far deviation Memorandum from the VA OAL dated May 19, 2023, which rescinds the supplemental Covid requirement, stating: Clause 52.223-99, Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, shall no longer be included or enforced in any solicitation or contract per “Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers” E.O., any agency policies that have been adopted to implement E.O. 14042 can no longer be enforced and must be rescinded. Please also see attached VA Notice 24-11 dated April 17, 2024 “Recission of VA Notice 20-11states that the VA Notice 22-01, Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program for VA Employees, dated October 4, 2021, is rescinded. (attached).

· The Recission Notice it states “VHA Directive 1193.01(1), Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Program for Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel, dated January 27, 2022, operates independently of VA Notice 22-01 and remains in effect.” (Attached please also find 1193.01). In the VHA Directive 1193.01 that is still in effect, it clearly outlines the ability for Employees and Contractors to decline participation in the COVID vaccination program by providing the attached VA Form 10230 Covid 19 Vaccination Form.

Response: Awaiting answer, will post with amendment 2.

Question 21. Given the required criteria of the government of candidate submission at proposal response, we request the government provide information on the hours/shifts that the technologists will work; a lack of knowledge of this information makes it difficult to provide a candidate that is compliant and understands the full scope of the work requested, and the confirmation of their availability.

· Page 19, Section 3.1.1 States: VA Business Hours, including weekends (at least alternate weekends) and Federal holidays. These hours will be in the overnight shifts (either 8-hour shift 12 am to 8 am OR 12 hour shift 7 pm to 7 am). Not to exceed 80 hours unless OT is approved. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

Response: MT/CLS- 11a-11pm tour 7 days on and 7 days (one eight-hour shift and 7am-7pm on the weekend) off is the preferred tour but we have several options available. The MT/CLS shift is subject to change based on the needs of the laboratory. Should a permanent schedule change be needed, a two weeks’ notice will be provided. The Histotechnicians will work 8 hours 7:00am-3:30pm (hours are negotiable).

Question 22. Page 98 and 99 – for each Labor Category states:

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

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

We understand this request, however, we do not believe this should be evaluated criteria and required at submission. Some technicians currently work in environments that comply with updated CDC standards: baseline PPD at hire, with an annual asymptomatic checklist, with an annual PPD only required due to exposure or symptoms.

We request this be removed from the submission criteria and obtained during onboarding by the government.

Response: This is not being removed, as this is to ensure the contract staff meets all requirements. It just requests verification, not proof.

Question 23. We respectfully request the government provide an alternative option for Past Performance Submission.

Page 94, Instructions on Submitting – 3.4 States: Email/Volume 4- 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.

Page 101, Evaluation Factors and Criteria, 2.3 FACTOR 3 – Past Performance states: Offeror identified (3) federal, state, local government, and or private/commercial contracts of similar scope, size, and complexity that are ongoing or have been completed within the last five (5) years after issuance date of the solicitation. Offeror shall provide the preferred three (3) CPARS reports that are most relevant to this requirement.

· Per CPARS guidance handbook 7/2024 - Contractor performance information must be collected, and an evaluation completed, on contracts/orders for systems and non-systems exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold in FAR 42.15. For services, this threshold is $1,000,000.

· CPARS are not required for contracts if they are under the SAP, and many Medical Lab Technician/Histo Tech Lab Contracts are considered below the SAP threshold (including this RFP outlined on page 98- All offers will be evaluated in accordance using the procedures in FAR 13.106-2. The Government intends to award without discussions using the simplified acquisition procedures in FAR 13.5.)

Per CPARS guidance handbook 7/2024 - The FAR requires agencies to report on and assess a contractor’s performance at the time the work under the contract or order is completed. The FAR stipulates that past performance evaluations be conducted on contracts and orders over the simplified acquisition threshold.

· If a vendor is current in its POP for Lab Services, CPARS will not be on file, compliant with CPARS reporting requirements.

Response: Refer to Paragraph 2.3 on page 102.

Question 24. Vendors can/will have relevant Past Performance to provide, however, won’t necessarily have “CPARS”. We request a Past Performance Table/Questionnaire with the required comparative recent/relevant criteria that can be submitted to the government – that does not have to be signed by a contracting officer due to end of fiscal and time suspense – so the government can make a comparative analysis of the Past Performance at the VA and other federal agencies as required/requested.

Response: Refer to Paragraph 2.3 on page 102.

NOTE: Anything that can not be provided with offer, please provide an explanation and we will take it under consideration.

See attached document: ATT 1 B.2 Price_Cost Schedule Updated.

End of Document Amendment 1