Questions and Responses.pdf

Questions and Responses 36C25721Q1107 Page 1 of 2

Question:

Could you please tell me if this is a new requirement, or if there is a current or previous contractor who has performed similar services? If available, can you please send along the incumbent contract or task order number?

Response:

The reference laboratory testing services are currently being performed by Laboratory Corporation of America under Blanket Purchase Agreement 36C25720A0030. The services are being re-solicited on this solicitation due to the insufficient identification of the tests required.

Question:

Is there a difference between a STAT pickup and emergency transportation services? In section C.1 of the SOW a STAT pickup is required M-F between 8 am and 5 pm, but in section C.3 of the SOW emergency transportation services must be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Please clarify.

Response:

A STAT pickup is urgent and needed within a certain time frame, results are due back within 4 hours. Emergency would be required for testing off traditional hours that is needed immediately and cannot wait for normal business hours (rare occasion).

Question:

Would it be possible to extend this response deadline out an additional two weeks, to Wednesday, August 11th?

Response:

No, the anticipated period of performance start date is 8/2/2021. An estimated two-month time period is required prior to the expiration of the current Task Order in order to change the test codes in Vista to the new test codes.

Question:

Would an inability to meet any of the following requirements disqualify the contractor?

a. Bid/match all tests included in Exhibit A - 36C25721Q1107

b. Interface with the current VA Vista and CSPR systems located on site.

c. Having a VA nationally approved Business Partner Gateway

(BPG)/Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA).

d. Providing test results within 24 hours of specimen pick-up or provide listing of incomplete specimens on a daily basis.

e. The ability to comply with all IT security requirements.

Response:

a). The comparative evaluations of offers would consider if not all tests were included in an offer. This requirement allows the subcontracting of tests that the offeror cannot perform.

b). Interface is required. An offer submitted without an interface description will most likely be assessed as Technically Unacceptable during the comparative evaluations of offers.

36C25721Q1107 Page 2 of 2 c). BPG and ISA are required submissions for the solicitation (see attached document Technical Evaluation for the submission requirements) d). The offeror proposes the turnaround time (TAT) for the tests within their offer in Exhibit A.

An offer that describes the contractor not able to provide a listing of incomplete specimen samples could be assessed as Technically Unacceptable during the comparative evaluations of offers.

e). An offeror’s proposed changes to the Statement of Work would be considered during the comparative evaluation of offers. Proposed changes that do not comply within the requirements and regulations could be considered as Technically Unacceptable during the comparative evaluations of offers.