36C25719Q0831-008.docx

FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

CLASSIFICATION CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

BASE NOTICE TYPE

RESPONSE DATE (MM-DD-YYYY)

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Rev. March 2010 R Lab Courier Service for Harlingen VA Hospitals in Texas

- Responces to inqueries 75137 36C25719Q0831 09-09-2019 N 492110 Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 17 North Texas Healthcare System NCO 17 Network Contracting Activity 134 E HWY 67 Suite 100 Dallas TX 75137 Grace.Barr@VA.GOV VA Texas VCB Health Care System 2601 Veterans Way Harlingen, TX 78550-8942 Grace.Barr@VA.GOV Amendments to the RFQ 36C25719Q0831 Lab Courier Service for Harlingen VA Hospitals in Texas

Responses to Inquiries are as follows:

1. Have there been any changes? (Routes added, etc.) No Change.

Routes requested are as follows:

901 E. Hackberry Ave., McAllen, TX 78501 2601 Veterans Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550 (DAILY) 4902 N. Bartlett Ave., Laredo, TX 78041 2601 Veterans Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550 (DAILY) No other routes have been added.

2. Under General Requirements #7 (page 6) states that the items transported are prepackaged in containers or coolers containing laboratory specimens, and #11 states that the contractor shall provide insulated transport containers for the pick up and delivery of specimens. Can you clarify?

We will be providing the coolers/containers. The specimens will already be prepackaged upon courier arrival.

3. If the contractor needs to supply coolers, how many are needed per CBOC location and what size would be best?

N/A, we will be providing the coolers.

4. Under Specific Mandatory Tasks and Associated Deliverables (page 7) states that the “contractor must perform the required work in accordance with JCAHO and Veterans Health Administration Standard…” Are there specific certificates that the contractor needs to hold through the Joint Commission? Will this section be discussed in more detail after an award is made?

The courier must follow all federal regulations regarding the transport of biological specimens. Specifically 49 CFR 100-185, and 49 CFR Part 397. Must follow all regulations and standards from OSHA and 29 CFR 1910.1030. While the majority of shipments packaged and processed by the clinical laboratories are classified as diagnostic specimens, as well as any select agents and toxins that are identified, must be packed and shipped in accordance with applicable guidance provided in 49 CFR. As many biological specimens are now classified as hazmat, it is important for all personnel involved in the shipping of laboratory specimens to have hazmat training. Free training program is available from the DOT website. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all personnel who deal with the specimen transportation and shipment receive this training.

All drivers must be of legal age, possess valid licenses and maintain a neat, clean and professional appearance. Drivers must be able to speak, understand and write English. Drivers shall possess identification showing Contractor name and job title. Contractor is responsible for the actions and conducts of its employees and shall assure that they are consistently compliant with all VA building and parking regulations, policies and guidelines while conducting business on Government property and for VA. Drivers shall not make any personal stops in performance of duties under this contract nor shall any unauthorized passenger accompany the driver during contract work. Drivers shall observe the smoking policy of the VA and only smoke in designated areas. Drivers transporting laboratory specimens must be trained in Universal Precautions for handling of biohazard materials and include use of proper procedures in case of biohazard spills or accidents. This training shall also include mandatory Hazardous Materials training and know and understand the handling of dry ice. Written statements documenting Hazardous Materials training and training that meets the laws and regulations of the US Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control governing the transport of clinical specimens shall be provided to the Laboratory Manager annually or at the beginning of the Driver’s employment.

5. The contract also states that the contractor shall provide all vehicles. Do the vehicles need to be company owned, or are personal vehicles acceptable?

The VA does not have specific input as to who owns the vehicles. We are making it clear that the VA will not be providing vehicles.

6. Is there any vehicle size requirement?

No, as long as is able to fit specimen containers (size of a medium duffle bag).

7. Page 29 states Motor Vehicle Operator Monetary Wage-Fringe Benefits at $14.38, but there are 3 separate Wage Determinations posted within the solicitation at a lower hourly rate for Courier Driver’s. Will wages be defined through the Wage Determinations posted or the $14.38 listed in the contract?

Wage Determination is for where ever your employees work. You may choose one of the WDs. You do not need to use the $14.38 which is the sample pay rate for government employees.

8. Would it be possible to pick up at the McAllen Clinic later than 14:00 as long as the delivery to Harlingen VA is completed by 15:30?

Delivery to Harlingen must be completed by 1530, however, we would prefer that it is sooner. Requesting 1400 pickup at McAllen gives additional time in the event of traffic, accident, delay, etc. to still arrive at Harlingen by 1530.

End of Document