36C25626Q0208 RFQ.docx

36C25626Q0208

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

629-26-1-622-0031

12-04-2025 Christopher Rossi christopher.rossi2@va.gov 12-19-2025 13:00

CST

Department of Veterans Affairs Galleria Financial Tower 5075 Westheimer Rd Suite 750 Houston TX 77056

X

562112 $47 Million

N/A

Southeast Louisiana Veterans HealthCare System 2400 Canal St.

LA 70119

Galleria Financial Tower 5075 Westheimer Rd Suite 750 Houston TX 77056

FSC e-Invoice Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 invoice must be submitted electronically 1-877-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page Services; Non-personal. Contractor shall provide Medical Waste Disposal Services for the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, Louisiana, per the terms and conditions contained herein.

Performance:

Base Year: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 Option Year 1: January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027 Option Year 2: January 1, 2028 - December 31, 2028 Option Year 3: January 1, 2029 - December 31, 2029 Option Year 4: January 1, 2030 - December 31, 2030

A site visit is scheduled for December 12th 2025 at 10:00am.

Questions due December 12th, 2025, by 16:00pm, CST Solicitation response due Friday December 19, 2025, 13:00PM.

CST, via email to christopher.rossi2@va.gov

Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business applies to all items in this solicitation.

All offerors must be registered and certified as an SDVOSB at time of solicitation response and award.

See CONTINUATION Page

Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C256

Galleria Financial Tower 5075 Westheimer Rd Suite 750 Houston TX 77056

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

Page 1 of Page 1 of Performance Work Statement

Consolidated Medical Waste

A. GENERAL:

Scope: The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, located at 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, hereafter referred to as “SLVHCS”, is seeking a full-service contract to provide medical waste, Pharmaceutical Hazardous and Non-Hazardous, Control Substance removal program and Hazardous waste removal. All services shall be performed by qualified Contractors who are licensed and authorized to perform the work defined herein. All services shall be completed in a timely manner and in accordance with the state, local, federal, and VA standards as listed in the Statement of Work. In order to be given full consideration for award, the Contractor shall provide the additional information requested and must be licensed to perform services required at this location.

It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all equipment/supplies and/or materials required during the performance of the work will comply with all Conformance Standards in the industry.

Background: Waste specifications for removal of Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) to include Pathological, Chemotherapeutic, Pharmaceutical Waste Hazardous and Non- Hazardous, Control Substance removal program, and Non-Hazardous Waste.

Performance Period: The Period of Performance for this contract service shall be for one (1) base year and four (4) years after Notice to Proceed.

Type of Contract: The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

B. SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) includes but is not limited to items contaminated with blood and body fluids/waste, trace chemotherapy wastes, sharps, pathological and microbiological waste or other potentially infectious materials. Trace chemotherapy is separated from other wastes and labeled for incineration. Trace chemotherapy is defined as vials or other containers that have less than 3% of the original contents by weight, after removing as much of the chemotherapy feasible. It also includes the chemotherapy remaining in all needles, bags, tubing, containers, gloves, and gowns used during chemotherapy infusions (a.) Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include: 1) Transport Vehicles: Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended. Vehicles shall bear the transporter’s name, State permit and the words “Medical Waste” or “Regulated Medical Waste” on the sides of the body. Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress. Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

(b.) Reusable Sharps Program shall include: Removal and disposal of existing sharps containers system (including disposable containers, wall brackets, carts, and cabinets); installation of reusable sharps containers (including lockable mounting brackets, stationary stands, mobile carts, and bulk storage/transport carts); in-service training to staff on use and handling of containers and proper segregation of medical sharps waste from other medical waste; monitoring reusable sharps containers at each point of use to provide timely collection of full containers and replacement with clean/sanitized containers; transportation and disposal of medical sharps waste in accordance with Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

2. Chemotherapy and Cytotoxic Waste 3% of the original contents shall be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and Veterans Health Administration Information Letter IL 10-2004-019. A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by and a copy provided to the COR prior to any shipment of hazardous waste to verify the waste was shipped for disposal. The Contractor shall provide a completed and signed Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest for VAMC –SLVHCS to the COR for each shipment of hazardous waste shipped from VAMC-SLVHCS.

Some types of chemotherapy — even in small amounts — may not be disposed of as trace chemotherapy but are considered RCRA hazardous waste; those items will be identified by the pharmacy and separated prior to pick up. Also, all full bags or bottles of chemotherapy (those containing more than 3% of the original contents by weight) are considered RCRA hazardous waste and must be disposed as such.

3. Pharmaceutical Waste (RCRA) shall be disposed of as hazardous waste or as non- RCRA hazardous pharmaceuticals which will be incinerated only at a facility identified to accept non RCRA. However, the term “hazardous,” in the context of drug wastes, specifically refers to pharmaceuticals that are identified by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as environmental hazards for people, animals, and the environment.

(a.) Removal of the hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste will be normally performed during the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding National Holidays. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is available during those hours for the approval of manifests and other required documentation, unless exigent circumstances require services during an unscheduled time period. After-hours access will be coordinated with the COR or the Coordinator’s designee. The Contractor and the COR will arrange for a routine (non-emergency) service based upon volume for the main hospital. This will occur on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis depending on rate of generation. Pharmaceutical waste service for CBOC’s will be on an as needed basis and arranged through the COR or designee. To be considered for the contract award, the bidder must possess the necessary technical expertise and resources required by this solicitation in order to be considered for contract award.

(b.) Pharmaceutical Formulary Review Annual Update – The contractor will provide an electronic review of the medical center formulary and provide recommendations as appropriate. The completed review will identify all listed waste, characteristic waste and RCRA-equivalent waste. The review will also identify Department of Transportation packing and labeling instructions. The final review will be submitted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in an electronic file.

(c.) The Contractor is required to perform characterization of all waste streams identified by each facility using process knowledge, identity of the chemicals, and other types of chemical analysis including but not limited to Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Chemical wastes shall include but not be limited to ignitable, corrosives, poisons/ toxics, and reactive wastes. Work shall be performed in accordance with all applicable, Federal, State, Local and governing regulations. The Contractor will obtain permission from the COR before conducting chemical analysis to be charged against the contract.

(d.) Control Substance Pharmaceutical waste disposal and management. The facility is looking for a program that will manage the disposal of control Substances in our facility that will minimize the impact on the environment, consumers and employees. With increasing oversight from regulatory agencies, our facility must meet strict handling and disposal mandates for control substances. To add, failure to meet these requirements can result in violations that have a lasting impact on our facility. We are looking for a company that can provide out facility with a clear process beginning to end process and plan for a safe and compliant disposal process of control substances.

4. Hazardous Waste The contractor shall provide a team of experts to collaborate with the facility to recycle as much waste as possible in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hazardous waste recycling regulations.

The facility has provided a list of hazardous materials that we generally dispose of monthly. The contractor needs to have the ability to offer unparalleled guidance on recycling options that best suit our facility needs as it relates to budget and waste stream. Such as:

(a.) Alternate uses for hazardous waste (use constituting disposal): for example, some hazardous waste can be converted into fertilizer.

(b.) Incorporating hazardous waste into other products (use constituting disposal):

using waste material to make other materials such as asphalt.

(c.) Reclamation of waste to recover usable components: examples include recovering mercury from broken thermometers; distilling used solvents to repurify them; and reclaiming metals, paint and batteries.

(d.) Direct use or reuse of a waste as an ingredient in a product or substitute product: for example, latex paint can be mixed with ash to make cement mix for concrete.

(e.) Combustion for Energy Recovery or using wastes either as a fuel or as a heat-producing ingredient: oily wastes, for example, can be used to generate steam or electricity.

(f.) Recovery and/or Purification of Spent Solvents, Petroleum and Used Oils:

recycling initiatives for acetone, paint thinner, engine oil, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, refrigerator oil, and more.

(g.) Recycling packing material used to protect items during shipping.

5. The contractor shall furnish appropriate containers for pick-up, and disposal of all specified waste. Based on the estimated weight of – regulated medical waste 160,000lbs a year (includes trace chemo), pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week.

(a.) Contractor provided containers shall be leak-proof, stackable, sealable, transportable, and designed so that government employees will not be required to lift more than 35 lbs. and shall display the universal biohazard symbol. All containers shall be damage free and in good working order at all times.

(b.) The Contractor shall supply the VA with an adequate number of clean, disinfected, rigid, stackable storage containers with tight-fitting covers that can be securely sealed. The Contractor shall provide disinfected storage containers of sufficient quantity to ensure adequate capacity as needed by the VA for IV and Trace Chemo. At a minimum, a one-to-one exchange of containers for each filled container in both pickup locations will be provided by the Contractor. Currently, the estimated weight of RMW and trace chemo waste generated by the SLVHCS is 349,464 pounds a year.

(c.) The storage containers must be lined with Contractor provided red IV bags or yellow Trace Chemo bags as applicable to the waste to be stored in the container. Contractor supplied bags shall be constructed of a material of sufficient single thickness and strength to pass the 165-gram dropped dart impact resistance test as prescribed by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard d 1709-75, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(d.) Containers must be conspicuously labeled in accordance with guidelines and regulations prescribed by regulatory authorities including DOT and OSHA Standards. All containers must be labeled with the Contractor’s and the VA’s names, addresses, and phone numbers. All labels containing VA identifiers must be removed from containers at the time of waste treatment and/or disposal.

(e.) Containers must be identifiable as to the type of hazardous waste contained within, (i.e. yellow for chemo, red for medical waste) all containers shall be approved by the COR.

(f.) Contractor will remove full containers and replace them with an equal number of empty sanitized containers. Sanitizing shall be completed at an offsite location.

(g.) Prior to departing the VAMC-SLVHCS contractor shall obtain the COR or designee’s signature for confirmation of manifest including but not limited to:

Pickup/Delivery Location Pickup/Delivery Date Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds) Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number Any other information as required by the COTR.

(h.) Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste, Chemotherapy, Pharmaceutical, and Control Substance is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Health and Environmental Control, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), DEA and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include:

1) Transport Vehicles:

o Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended.

o Vehicles shall bear the required transporter’s name, State permit and the words as it applies to the type of waste that it will be carrying on the sides of the body.

o Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress.

o Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

2) Marking requirements:

o Transporter shall provide waste-resistant labeling on all containers of regulated waste with the following information:

o Name of Transporter or immediate handler.

o State permit or identification number of the transporter

3) Intermediate Handlers: No intermediate handlers or subcontracting or transportation shall be allowed.

4) Accidental Release: Should hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, or DEA drug waste be released during the performance of services under this contract, through no fault of the VA facilities, the Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with the satisfactory remediation of the incident. This will include the cost of all labor and materials as well as any actual damages incurred to the facility and harm caused to patients, visitors and staff of the medical center. The remediation efforts shall be performed to the satisfaction of the cognizant regulatory authorities and the medical center’s GEMS Coordinator.

5) Manifest Requirements: The Contractor will provide all manifests and documentation that apply to the removal and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, DEA drug waste, medical regulated waste leaving the pickup sites of “Sharp Waste” generator activities conducted by its workforces and/or its subcontractors prior to leaving the facility. The Contractor will furnish a properly executed and legible copy of the appropriate manifests required to document the safe shipment and proper disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste generated by the medical center under the terms of this contract.

o Transporter shall certify that the manifest data matches the load to be removed.

o Transporter shall deliver the waste to an authorized facility and sign the manifest to verify that waste has been delivered.

o Transporter shall maintain a copy of the manifest for their records.

o Transporter shall return all remaining copies of the manifest to the generator, assuring final disposal.

C. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES: All RMW waste will be loaded into 96-gallon reusable mobile bins on wheels at the VAMC-SLVHCS and corrugated cardboard boxes (various sizes available) to accommodate the disposable of RMW at CBOCs, which will then be stored in the soiled utility room to be picked up once a month by fully trained, licensed and insured transportation personnel. Waste pick-up will be from the hospital designated waste holding area. The day of pick-up will be based on the following schedule of pick-ups for the following locations:

Normal Work Hours: Waste shall be picked up Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, at building #36 (incinerator building), between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Contractor is to provide a documented back up plan in the event circumstances disrupt s his ability to provide pick up services. Services will be provided within 24 hours of a failure to meet scheduled pick-up times.

National Holidays: The eleven holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

D. Documentation from The Contractor: Contractor shall be responsible for providing a detailed manifest of all medical waste, pharmaceutical, and control substances transported from the VA Medical Center to include the date, location and proof of destruction. All medical waste collected from the VA will be weighed on site and a copy of the manifest stating the date collected, pounds of medical waste per cart and the number of carts must be left with the Contracting Officer Representative or the CEP Bldg. on the day of collection. The contractor is required to provide a signed and legible manifest attesting to the destruction of the medical waste and will be provided to the COR within 30 days of the destruction of the medical waste. The Certificate of Destruction shall at a minimum contain the following:

Pickup/Delivery Location Pickup/Delivery Date Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds) Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number Destruction Certification Date Any other information as required by the COTR.

E. Training Plan: Contractor shall provide annual training to government staff as required by the COR and will be required to provide a training plan that identifies what training will be provided to VA staff and what training will be provided to the contractors staff. Training shall include proper handling of medical/special waste;

interim storage requirements, proper identification and labeling of wastes, etc.

Training shall be documented and shall be provided 24-7 during initial installation to ensure that training is available to all employees that will be required to handle waste. Contractor shall provide in–service training for staff not available at the time of training at no additional cost to the Government. Additional specific training will be required as follows:

1. Certificates of training and experience of staff and/or personnel who will perform site work under this contract (all technicians that will work on VA premises will be expected to have received at least the minimum training required by law as specified in 29CFR 1910-120, 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR Parts 171- 178.

2. This contract will include initial training for all employees who handle pharmaceutical waste. The hazardous waste training program will provide training to employees who generate hazardous waste in Satellite Accumulation Points, that have hazardous waste management responsibilities at each medical center, who sign manifests or who are authorized to serve as their respective facility’s hazardous waste coordinator. Training will incorporate state specific regulations and include storage, manifest completion, records management, emergency responsibilities, Land Disposal Restrictions and other pertinent topics. The training will also include DOT Hazardous Materials training that meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d).

3. The contractor will be required to provide Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) training per the state and federal regulations for all employees with responsibilities for management of hazardous waste at each facility. The successful contractor will provide DOT training to all employees who ship, prepare or sign hazardous waste manifests or other hazardous materials shipping papers and are covered under 49 C.F.R.§§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d).

The contractor shall provide general training and instruction to the VA employees responsible for handling hazardous and universal waste designated by the COTR. The contractor will provide training qualification and a training outline that covers all areas referenced in this section.

F. Contingency Plan: The Contractor shall have in place and maintain a valid contingency plan to meet the requirements of the contract to avoid an interruption of service due to failure of equipment or personnel issues. The Contractor shall provide the VA COR a contingency plan addressing back-up plans for collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of the VA’s waste in the event of any condition which impedes the ability to perform the services specified in this PWS.

The Contractor shall incur all cost associated with fulfilling this contingency plan at no additional cost to the Government.

1. Provide the following information on the contractor's emergency response (ER) capabilities (or any changes to original submission):

2. Contractor's ER policies.

3. ER capabilities and experience and limitations.

4. Type of ER equipment maintained (specify if owned or subcontracted and from whom).

5. Personnel availability, training and experience.

6. Contractor's emergency response procedure shall describe:

1) How to request an emergency response.

2) How the contractor notifies personnel and initiates response action.

3) Incident command procedures followed by the contractor.

4) ER work practices.

5) ER protection of health and safety practices.

6) ER invoicing policy.

G. Management Plan the contractor needs to provide details on how they will be managing the day-to-day operation, a list of key personnel, implementation plan, transition plan and any other information that may be vital to the management of this contract. This shall include information on the appointed project manager who will have responsibility for the performance of the waste removal services. The project manager or designee shall be competent to supervise all aspects of medical waste removal services and shall be available on-site within 4 hours after notification when problems arise with contractor’s work or if emergencies arise at this facility, which pertains to the contractor’s responsibilities or duties. The project manager shall, in the absence of the contractor, act for the contractor as contractor’s representative.

1. During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by the individual’s illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 5 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (2) below. After the initial 90-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (b) to the Contracting Officer at least 5 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer.

Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

H. Contractor Furnished Equipment, Materials, and Information: Contractor shall, at no additional cost to the Government, provide and maintain licenses, permits, vehicles, operators, equipment, and materials to properly handle, package, label, transport, and dispose of medical sharps waste generated at VAMC-SLVHCS. Contractor is responsible for maintaining liability insurance for the duration of the contract.

I. Safety Plan Requirements: Contractor personnel and equipment shall comply with all applicable state, federal and local regulations. The Contractor agrees that his personnel and equipment are subject to safety inspections by Government personnel while on Federal property. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel involved in the handling, repackaging, and transportation of the items listed herein shall be trained in the areas of spills, and general first aid procedures. The Contractor will, without additional cost to the VA provide and maintain all licenses and permits for operational personnel, trailers, containers, vehicles and other resources required for proper removal of pharmaceutical wastes in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Municipal, and local regulations [e.g. OSHA, EPA, CFR (DOT) including, but not limited to HM-18]. If appropriate licenses are not maintained in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements, the VA may terminate the contract effective upon discovery. The VA reserves the right to halt work if the COR determines work is being done in an unsafe/unhealthy manner or that could harm the environment. VA will not incur additional costs if work is halted for good cause

1. Required Submittals - The following shall be provided to the COR with bid proposal submission for evaluation purposes and annually within thirty (30) days of the renewal date of this contract with any changes to original submission clearly identified and highlighted:

1. Current waste transporter permit(s)

2. List of all transfer stations, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) including incineration, wastewater and sludge treatment facilities that shall be utilized during this contract to include the capacity of these facilities and the waste codes for the waste streams they are permitted to accept by treatment technology. Address, phone number and other contact information shall be provided. The VA reserves the right to inspect each of these facilities before approving its use or at any time during or after contract period while VA wastes are present.

3. Copy of Operator permit(s)

4. Provide a copy of US EPA identification number(s) certificate for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide service regarding any aspect of VA waste disposal program (i.e. storage, transfer, incinerator sites). Provided a copy of certificate of registration with the State EPA as a hazardous waste transporter for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide hazardous waste transportation services for any aspect of VA waste disposal program.

5. Provide a detailed SITE-SPECIFIC safety plan that will be used to ensure that workers and nearby population will be adequately protected during packaging and removal operations.

6. Provide information identifying any proposed subcontractors and identifying services to be performed by the subcontractors. Contractor must submit evidence that subcontractor is qualified and legally able to provide services. (ALL subcontractors must be approved by the COR prior to performing any duties under this contract).

J. Quality Assurance Plan: The contractor shall have a Quality Control Program to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. The Contractor shall be liable for all expenses incurred by the Government due to the Contractor’s inability to perform in accordance with these requirements. The contractor will be expected to meet all the needs of the contract and required to provide a Quality plan describing how they will meet the needs of this contract. The program shall include, but will not be limited to, the following:

1. An inspection system covering the services listed in the Statement of Work. It must specify areas of work to be inspected on a scheduled basis.

2. A method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

3. A record of all inspections conducted by the contractor and any corrective action taken. The documented Quality Control Program and records of inspections shall be made available to the Government upon request.

All information received will be provided either verbally and/or in writing to the contractor for appropriate action.

Performance Objectives Performance Standard Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) Method of Monitoring Disincentive

1) All scheduled pick up of Medical Waste Picked up from designated holding areas per schedule of service 100% COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist 5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL.

2) Training Contractor maintains current Hepatitis shots, TB testing, Blood Borne, Blood Pathogen, DOT and EPA training and adhere to stations Privacy Policy. 100% COTR will review current records. 5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL.

3) Weekly pick up of medical waste containers for cleaning/replace w/clean containers. All containers must be clean sterilized upon arrival to facility 100% COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist 5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL.

4) Licensing of Employees and Contractor maintains current 100% COTR will request copies of 5% deduction from monthly Vehicles licenses current licenses annually invoice for failure to meet AQL.

5) Customer Satisfaction by the number of positive and negative complaints provide by customer. 98% COTR will make weekly inspections throughout the facility 1% reduction in monthly invoice for every documented defect over two (2)

Attachment A Place of Performance Facility Locations

1. VAMC –SLVHCS 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds – 23600 lbs.).

2. VA Baton Rouge (Essen) Clinic, 7986 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (Monthly Est.

Qty. in pounds – 615 lbs.).

3. VA Baton Rouge (Anselmo) Clinic, 7850 Anselmo Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds – 615 lbs.)

4. VA Hammond Outpatient Clinic 1131 South Morrison Blvd., Hammond, LA 70403 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds – 615 lbs.)

5. VA Slidell Outpatient Clinic, 60491Doss Drive, Slidell, LA 70460 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds – 308 lbs.)

6. VA St. Johns Outpatient Clinic, 208 247 Veterans Blvd., Reserve, LA 70084 (Monthly Est.

Qty. in pounds – 308 lbs.)

Attachment B Current List of Non-Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste Xylene Formalin lead based paint Planiseal VS RV oil SB150 Boric acid 36C25620P0916

ULTRA SPEC 500 INTERIOR

United lab 101 moisture barrier United lab 199C Everlast coating Tnemec Protective coating Glycol WickFuel, SafeHeat Hydrex 2877 Solvent based concrete sealer Purell Safe Heat Chafing Fuel P-Listed Waste Solvents from lab NiCad Batteries Odorless Disposable Plaster trap Shiny Side United 266 EARTH SMART flash aerosol

HI PURITY

Acidine

RL 32-3MAF

fluorescent gas leak detector bacterial drain maintainer Chill clean aerosol 583- Es cleaner II Enviro green cleaner

4038-ES GRIT BLITZ

Rx aerosol House Paint Release Degreaser

UN1956

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Relevant Questions & Answers

a. Question – How many emergency pickups were requested throughout the contract? ANS: 0

b. Question – Can you please provide the site map? (for reusable sharp container pickups?) ANS: Reusables are in the B, C , H,J, M buildings We have 800 of those. Site Map Attached in solicitation.

c. Question – How many containers are required per site for each waste type: RMW, Cytotoxic, Reusable Sharps, Pharmaceutical non-hazardous, Pharmaceutical Hazardous, Control Pharmaceuticals. ANS: This can vary. A weight report will be attached with this solicitation.

d. Question – Requested frequency is 3x per week, would that be at all facilities or just the hospital with weekly pickups from satellite sites? ANS: The reusable are only at the main campus 2400 Canal Street and the current vendor has someone here everyday

e. Question – Does SLVHCS require a compactor for this site? If so, how many? ANS: No

f. Question – Are we required to supply new sharps containers and have them installed? Normally our hospital customers have a service that already provides sharps containers and installs them. ANS: Yes, the awardee will be required to supply reusable sharps containers and install

g. Question – Do you have a list of pharmaceutical waste both hazardous and non-hazardous? For non-hazardous we normally have a box available for waste that would be mailed to the disposal facility once it’s full. ANS: A formulary will be provided at award, this will include PHI and PII drugs

h. Question – There are multiple locations to be serviced. Is it expected that all locations are visited 3x per week? A minimum of 3 times a week at the main hospital and twice a month at the CBOCS

i. Question – In some areas of the bid it says we can arrive between 8am-4:30pm but on page 11 (Normal Work Hours) it mentions pick up should be between 6am – 9am? Which one should we adhere to? ANS: This is refencing the daily pick of the Pharmaceutical waste from the designated areas and place in the designated holding area. This can take anywhere between 1 hour to 8 hours daily and an individual must be here Monday through Friday to remove pharmaceutical waste and needle containers. The 6a – 9a is in reference to the main pickups from the facility due to how busy our docks can become.

j. Question – How many bins would be needed and at which locations? ANS: Main hospital location 60 containers need to be delivered and picked up three times a week.

k. Question – How many DOT training credits are needed/how many people need to be trained? ANS: All EMS and safety up to a 150 a year.

l. Question – RMW – are you looking for 60,000 LB a month or a year pricing? The number of LBS listed in the bid do not add up to 60,000lb? ANS: It mentions in the Statement of Work “regulated medical waste 349,464 lbs. a year 29,122 lbs. a month; chemotherapy waste 6000 lbs. a year and 500 lbs. a month”. The actual weight for regulated medical waste is 160,000lb year

m. Question – Reusable Sharp Containers – Do you know how many containers would be needed on a wkly basis? ANS: No, it will depend on the usage.

n. Question – RX Program – Are you looking for a monthly price here? ANS: Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? We are requesting that you provide a monthly cost and no it varies based on area we have average between as little as 3 boxes per month to 12 boxes a month.

o. Question – RMW CBOC – You have 125 (BX) listed. Does that mean 125 boxes a month/year? ANS: A year

p. Question – RX Program CBOC - Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? ANS: Please provide the price per months for your program this average a box a quarter for each location

q. Question – Control Sub Disp. – You have 40 (BX) listed. Does that mean 40 boxes a month/year? ANS: Please provide a monthly cost but it will require containers placed in at least 40 locations throughout the main hospital that will need to be checked daily.

r. Question – Non-RX Haz Waste - Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? ANS: Please provide a monthly price with containers in multiple locations average about half a drum a month but this can change as we increase our services within the facility.

s. Question – Non-RX Haz Waste - Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? ANS: Please provide a monthly price. Based on the previous year we are estimating.

Non-Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste 8000 – 10000 lbs. a year Universal Waste 2000 – 3000 lbs a year Lab Packed Items 15+ - 55 gallon drums 3+ - 30 gallon drums 2+ - 15 gallon drums 5+ - 5 gallon drums

t. Will the vendor need to provide onsite services to exchange the reusable sharps containers at the CBOC facilities with its own employee or will designated VA staff members still exchange the sharps containers at the offsite locations? ANS: The VA staff members still exchange the sharps containers at the offsite locations and move them to a secure location for pick up at the individual site.

u. PRICE/COST SCHEDULE – The unit quantity for RMW is listed at 60,000LB, however the actual pounds is 106,580lbs of auto-claved waste and 4120 pounds of incineration waste. Also, the number of boxes has actually been 665 over the course of a year not 125. Would the VA be willing to make two line items for the RMW and the incineration so that a blended rate would not need to be done and would be much more cost effective for the VA, also would the VA change the number of boxes for the CBOC’s to the actual estimated number? ANS:We are open to a more cost-effective process. We will update to 700 boxes

v. Section C. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES, Page 11 – “…disposable of RMW at CBOCs, which will then be stored in the soiled utility room to be picked up once a month…” CBOCs are currently being serviced on a Weekly basis. Does the VA want to go 1x per month or stay on the same current weekly schedule? ANS: Charged monthly but pickups need to be weekly.

w. Section 4 – Hazardous Waste – There are no baseline volumes listed, or service frequencies. This waste stream quantities and drums fluctuates and may have items that are more expensive than others. Is the VA willing to accept a price list based on drum vs. a flat monthly fee? ANS: No a flat fee is best by the month.

x. Section 5. “pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week.” Current level of service is 2x per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Is the additional pickup day absolutely necessary? ANS:Yes

y. CsRX (New Business) Will any off-sites be needing the CsRX containers? ANS: No

z. How many days/hours per week is the VA looking to have a service technician service the main facility to service sharps, pharma, CsRX? ANS:This can take anywhere between 1 hour to 8 hour daily and an individual must be here Monday through Friday

aa. Reusable Sharp Program:

We see that you are requiring the installation of reusable sharps at the main medical center as well as at the CBOCs. Can you please provide a blueprint of how many containers and the sizes you currently have at the facility? We see we need to provide a weekly rate, but we do not see an inventory of what is being replaced. This is necessary for us to determine our capital for equipment, labor for servicing and disposal costs for processing.

ANS:

Main hospital is estimated at 1200 – 1500 needle containers CBOC currently does not have any and complete installation will have to be done at each location

The CBOC’s will be expected to be serviced every two weeks unless other wised identified

50 -60 at each CBOC location

ab. Rx Waste Can you provide a blueprint of how many containers and sized you have at the facility? ANS: No

ac. How many blue and how many black containers ANS:

Main Hospital 60 – 100 blue Main Hospital 60 -100 black

ad. Can you provide the monthly or annual pounds? ANS: ANS:

i. Hazardous Rx Waste – Varies between 300 – 500 lbs monthly

ii. Non-hazardous Rx Waste - Varies 300 -500 lbs monthly

ae. Controlled substances How many locations will the main facility have and how many will the CBOCs require. ANS:

Main Hospital 30 – 40 locations None at the CBOC

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Base Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Medical Waste Contract.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 562112 - Hazardous Waste Collection PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: S222 - Housekeeping - Waste Treatment/Storage

Option Year 2: Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Medical Waste Contract.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Option Year 1: Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Medical Waste Contract.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Option Year 3: Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Medical Waste Contract.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Option Year 4: Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Medical Waste Contract.

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727).