36C25720Q0517-004.pdf

Questions and Responses (36C25720Q0517)

1. What type of cooler is recommended for the contractor to provide?

a. Soft sided or hard sided coolers? Hard sided coolers have been used in the past.

b. Dual zippers to lock or coolers that can be locked with a padlock? Coolers need to be secure to avoid specimen damage. Locks have not been required in the past.

2. Will the contractor be responsible to provide ice packs for the coolers? Yes

3. When required, how much notice will the contractor be given to provide dry ice? 1-2 hours

4. Pick up/Delivery Schedule: “The contractor shall pick up all empty containers/coolers and other items from the delivery site and return them to the Tyler OPC prior to 11:30pm.”

a. Will the Tyler clinic have a drop box for couriers to drop supplies after hours? The Courier will be furnished a key and a passcode to drop off items in the rear of the clinic after hours. A location has been designated.

b. Can the courier pick up empty containers/supplies from the Dallas VA prior to arriving at the Tyler clinic between 2-3pm? Yes, however labs must be picked up at the Tyler during the specified time.

5. In the notice it states the window for pick up in Tyler is between 2p-3pm, is there a preferred window for drop off in Dallas? Between 6-8pm

6. Currently what type of container is used to transport documents subject to privacy laws such as HIPAA? The VA will secure the documents in sealed containers or envelops for transport.

7. It mentions that the empty containers must be returned to Tyler by 1130pm is it possible to provide 2 sets of containers? This will eliminate the need to return empty containers the same day to Tyler and can just drop them off the next day during pickup. The VA will not furnish containers for transporting lab specimen. The container the contractor uses can be used daily. It is filled in Tyler and emptied in Dallas.

8. How often is dry ice required? Undetermined. This is a very rare if ever used requirement.

9. What is the lead time for alerting the courier that dry ice is required? 1-2 hours

10. Can the route be run from Dallas to Tyler and back to Dallas? For example: start at Dallas VA by picking up supplies approximately 12pm, deliver the supplies to Tyler and pickup specimens between 2-3 pm. Then return to Dallas to deliver specimens within the time frame listed. No, the route must begin at Tyler as outlined in the solicitation.

11. Under Qualifications, the solicitation reads: Be able to work under pressure and to expedite special pick-up/delivery jobs on occasion if required (requiring rush service).

Question: Will there be a line item added for expedited special pick-up/delivery jobs?

How often do you anticipate the need for Expedited Special Pick-up/Delivery jobs? This is not a requirement. Please see revised Statement of Work.

12. Is this route currently being run or is it a new solicitation? Yes, this route is currently being run.

13. What was the previous award amount? The Government will not be providing this information. It is available via a FOIA request.

14. Who is the incumbent contractor? The Government will not be providing this information.

It is available via a FOIA request.

15. Is there an incumbent for this contract and if so who is the incumbent? The Government will not be providing this information. It is available via a FOIA request.

16. How long did the incumbent contractor perform on this contract? The Government will not be providing this information. It is available via a FOIA request.