36C25819Q0366-0001000.docx

36C25819Q0366

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

CODE

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) Department of Veterans Affairs NCO22-Gilbert Network Contracting 3601 S. 6th Avenue Tucson

AZ

85723 Department of Veterans Affairs NCO22-Gilbert Network Contracting 3601 S. 6th Avenue Tucson

AZ

85723 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25819Q0366 08-09-2019

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to:

08/14/19 1700 EST

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to questions that have been submitted.

The receipt of offers due date has changed from 8/12/19 to 8/14/19 at 1700 EST.

Dan Thiel Contracting Officer *NOTE: Response for each VA Facility are referenced using the following Acronyms:

· Tucson VA = SAVAHCS

· Phoenix VA = PVAHCS

· Prescott VA = NAVAHCS

1. Q: Section 3 paragraphs “A” “B” and “C” under the Scope of Work lists the container types and the number of each type needed for the different areas (Tucson/Prescott/Phoenix). Those numbers and descriptions are not consistent with the descriptions and numbers listed in the table in Section 4 starting on page 6 of 92.

A: Each table has been updated to reflect the location and the bin quantity and size.

Tucson (SAVAHCS) Approximately 229 locked security containers (both large and small), and 10 collection bins (wheeled totes) for a total of 239 containers for sensitive documents, not to exceed 245 containers.

Prescott (NAVAHCS) In service now are approximately 96 small, 49 wooden-executive and 25 large 95-gallon locked security containers totaling 170 containers for sensitive documents. Not to exceed a total number of 190 bins with the following anticipated breakdown for pricing purposes. 6 – Executive, 6 – Large (Purging), & 8 - Small

Sizes of the Prescott small containers = 27” to 30” in size and will fit under a desk.

Wooden executive containers = approximately 36”h x 15”d x 21”w with a removeable bag or bin inside.

11 large + 10 large for purging = 21 92 small

Phoenix (PVAHCS) approximately 240 locked security containers (both large and small), and 10 collection bins (both two-bag and four-bag bins) for a total of 250 containers for sensitive documents, not to exceed 277 containers.

Defined size of the large and small containers = Small containers are 21” x 15” and the large containers are 40” x 20”.

2. Q: The table in section 4 does not list the need for any large containers or collection bins in the Phoenix area, but it does list a total of 277 containers needed (which is the “Not to Exceed” number for this area). Please clarify the container descriptions and quantity.

A: The revised table has the 95 gallon noted as the large.

3. Q: When you consider the addition of the Phoenix HCS Outpatient Care Center that is estimated to be added in option year 2 and the fact that the Phoenix area is already requiring it’s “Not to Exceed” number of bins at 277, should that “Not to Exceed” number be larger? This would allow for normal growth in the requirement, plus the addition of the new location in option year 2.

A: The addition in Option Year 2 for this building will have an estimated 40 Executive and 36 Small. The not to exceed will remain as is for the time being.

4. Q: On page 31 of 92 it specifies that the employee class for wage determination for these services is 99710- Recycling labor. It is our opinion that the definition of “Recycling Laborer” as defined by The SCA Directory of Occupations does not fit the description of the services we are offering. The SCA Directory of Occupations defines a “Recycling Laborer” as;

-99710 RECYCLING LABORER The Recycling Laborer sorts through collected trash and debris for recyclable materials and separates items into established categories such as aluminum, ferrous metals, glass, high-grade white paper, and corrugated paper. This worker discards contaminants and other items that cannot be recycled.

Per the Scope of Work, there is no requirement for sorting/separating materials or discarding of any contaminants. It is our opinion that 99730- Refuse Collector is a more suitable job description;

-99730 REFUSE COLLECTOR The Refuse Collector picks up garbage, trash, or refuse from homes, businesses and other locations and deposits it in a truck.

Unfortunately, there is not a job title of “Shred Technician” and so we must find a title that is closest to the description of what we do. In its simplest form, the service we provide is to collect paper and deposit into a truck. At that point the truck handles all the shredding. At no time do our technicians sort or go through and separate any of the material we collect from the secure bins and that is why we fill 99730 is a more appropriate description to use for wage determination purposes.

A: The Government does not determine work assignments that the contractor outlines to its employees. Each contractor is responsible for selecting the appropriate worker classification for their employees based on the tasks they assign. If a good fit isn’t on the wage determination then a Wage Conformance request should be submitted to DOL through the Contracting Officer.

Wage Determination will be revised to reflect both job titles: 99710 - Recycling Laborer and 99730 -Refuse Collector.

Amendment 0001 Pay per location

5. Q: If all our shred Technicians are based in Tucson and simply travel to Phoenix and Prescott to perform services, do we use Tucson’s wage determination for their pay rate? Or does their pay have to fluctuate daily based on whichever market they happen to be in?

A: All services are to be performed on-site despite where contractors are traveling from the pay rate will apply to the location where each service is performed.

6. Q: P. 5, 3.A-C. The high level numbers for container sizes listed here do not match the detailed numbers for container sizes on the chart on page 6, can you please confirm which quantity is correct for each campus? Or perhaps just list sizes required in one place? In order to figure costs it is important to understand the size of containers needed.

A: Revision on Q 1 reflects the updated locations, sizes and quantities for containers.

7. Q: The description of container sizes throughout this section does not match the description on page 6, 4. For clarity could the description of sizes please be adjusted so that they match in both places, or preferably there is only one place where the container size is described?

A: Revision on Q 1 reflects the updated locations, sizes and quantities for containers.

8. Q: P. 5, 3.C. Phoenix, and p. 6, 4.D. These mention 2-bag and 4-bag bins. One bag are is typically used with a 32-gallon console, and large rolling containers do not have bags, so this is confusing. Instead of using a quantity of bags to indicate bin size could you please define the size of these containers in terms of gallons?

A: PVAHCS uses only nylon bags and cardboard containers roughly half of each.

9. Q: P. 6, IV. “Not to exceed” numbers. For each location what size containers will make up the difference between the specified number of each container and the not to exceed number? This is important to know for pricing purposes.

A: PVAHCS, 17 the executive bins, 10 small A: SAVAHCS, 6 the executive bins.

A: NAVAHCS, Not to exceed a total number of 190 bins with the following anticipated breakdown for pricing purposes. 6 – Executive, 6 – Large (Purging), & 8 - Small

10. Q: Please confirm that pricing should include weekly service for each container in the “not to exceed” quantity or explain how pricing should be calculated for the “extra” containers. Placing bins on site without servicing them weekly means the contractor is, in effect, loaning those containers to the VA, which ties up the business’ capital with no return.

A: PVAHCS Not to exceed is for when we need the bin not to have it in stock waiting. It also means that we can add it at no cost to the government.

A: SAVAHCS Not to exceed is for when we need the bin not to have it in stock waiting. It also means that we can add it at no cost to the government.

A: NAVAHCS Not to exceed a total number of 190 bins with the following anticipated breakdown for pricing purposes. 6 – Executive, 6 – Large (Purging), & 8 – Small.

11. Q: P. 6, 4.C. Is there a preference for either 64-gallon or 95-gallon at any of the locations, or will 64-gallon suffice everywhere “large” is mentioned?

A: PVAHCS, most large containers at Phoenix are 95-gallon, we only have five 64 gal containers.

A: SAVAHCS, the preference is the 95-gallon.

A: NAVAHCS, contractor shall be performing weekly making a 64-gallon sufficient.

12. Q: P. 6, 4., Table. Please confirm that for recurring services the quantity of bins serviced weekly will be fixed at a set quantity per location per this table, and invoicing shall be “by the bin” for recurring services. If this is not an accurate assumption, please explain how the Agency anticipates being invoiced, specifically if the invoicing is to be of an indefinite quantity even though a firm fixed price contract is to be awarded.

A: PVAHCS, confirmed quantities are definite.

A: SAVAHCS, Two-stops In Casa Grande they have the CBOC and the Rural Health clinic A: NAVAHCS, bins are anticipated to be a fixed quantity as of award, however, facility service increases, and bulk purging will affect the total quantity monthly.

13. Q: P. 6, 4. Table, Prescott. Are the 10 large containers “for purging” being serviced weekly? If not, is the VA intending to purchase these containers to store on site for anticipated purges? It will affect pricing if the offeror places bins that will not be in use A: NAVAHCS, the purpose of this is for the facility to pay a monthly rental for the extra bins that would be stored and delivered to the area purging. Vendor would then pick up full bin and replace with an empty in storage.

14. Q: P. 6, 4. Table. For Tucson, are there two stops in Casa Grande per the earlier outline of locations on page 4?

A: SAVAHCS, confirmed Two stops In Casa Grande they have the CBOC and the Rural Health clinic.

Table has also been updated for clarification of locations.

15. Q: And for Phoenix, discounting the new building under construction, there appear to be 13 locations on page 4, but only 12 locations in this table, could this please be clarified?

A: PVAHCS, Revision on Q 1 reflects the updated locations, sizes and quantities for containers.

16. Q: P. 7, 5. Additional Locked Containers – are these included in the counts above? If not, what size and how many containers, and where should the pricing be entered for these?

A: PVAHCS, Yes - these are included in the count as listed.

A: SAVAHCS, Yes - all bins are a current count and up to date as listed.

A: NAVAHCS, Yes - count is accurate and up to date. Should not need additional containers if service is scheduled weekly.

Revision on Q 1 reflects the updated locations, sizes and quantities for containers.

17. Q: P. 8, 12. This requirement is confusing since it includes the term “prior to”. The VA controls access to the containers other than the time the contractor is moving the containers and shredding their contents. The term “prior to” is vague, and could include any time between servicing, for which the contractor cannot be responsible since they are not even on site. Could this sentence please be clarified by removing “prior to” and adding “during the shredding process”?

A: Section B.2 Scope of Work shall be revised to read the following in Subsection 12

The Contractor shall be responsible for management, oversight, security, and control of all documents containing VA sensitive information documents or Protected Health Information (PHI) stored in the locked containers, from the start of the shredding process to the completion of shredding or destruction of the documents.

18. Q: P. 10, F. II. A hasp-type lock is typically used for securing the larger, rolling containers. Is that acceptable for those sizes rather than a deadbolt lock such as is used for the smaller, standing consoles?

A: PVAHCS, this does not apply to Phoenix and would not be acceptable.

A: SAVAHCS, yes as long as the COR is given a key to access the tote.

A: NAVAHCS, a hasp lock would be acceptable provided the edges of the lid could not be pried open for document removal.

19. Q: P. 69, E.1. VA Form 10091, and W-9. When this work was solicited in the spring, the Austin payment center was not interested in receiving these forms until a contract had been awarded. The CO in charge of the solicitation at that time said to just include the forms with the offer, and to “fill out the payee/vendor information on the VA 10091. The remaining VA facility information will be filled out by the VA.” Is that also sufficient for this round?

A: This is a New Solicitation the contractor is not required to speak with the Austin Office to submit documents the VA Form 10091 has specific instructions on where to fax and the fax number. This requirement states you are to send your VA Form 10091 and W-9 to the Austin, TX office. A Fax Confirmation included in your offer of this submission will suffice. The FMS Vendor File Update Form needs to be completed and submitted in ALL cases with your offer. Failure to include this information could preclude the offeror from consideration for award or considerably delay award.

20. Q: P. 75, C. Cost/Price. Please confirm that the Agency understands that any evaluation of pricing for an SDVOSB set-aside for a solicitation whose contract value exceeds $10,000.00 must necessarily take into account the Limitations on Subcontracting, which require the contractor to pay no more than 50% of the value of the contract to a non-similarly situated subcontractor. To do so, while still paying the subcontractor a fair fee, means that the offers for this solicitation cannot fairly be compared to a “normal competitive business” such as non-SDVOSB businesses. Instead, the only fair comparison must be with other qualified SDVOSB providers that must obey the Limitations on Subcontracting. Will the Agency take this constraint into consideration when evaluating offers?

A: The VA is aware of the Limitations on Subcontracting as well the requirements of VAAR 852.219-10

21. Q: Is there a current contract for the work being solicited?

· If so, please provide that awarded contract number or task order number (NOT the incumbent GSA contractor number).

· Please provide the name of the incumbent contractor

· Please provide the annual or total contract amount

· Is the level of effort being performed under the current contract fundamentally the same as what will be required to fulfill # 36C25819Q0366? If not, please explain how the work will be different under this solicitation.

· How long does it take for the incumbent to perform the weekly service at each of the three main campuses?

A: This new requirement is a consolidation of previous contracts.

· Contract number VA258-14-F-0325 and VA258-16-F-0262

· Shred-IT USA LLC.

· Contract amounts can be found on USA Spending website.

· Level of effort is approximately the same.

· This is not relevant to the current solicitation and is based on each contractor’s management approach to meeting the contract.