36C26124Q0612 Question and Answer.pdf

Solicitation# 36C26124Q0612 Medical Courier Services for the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System

Question & Answer

1. The medical supplies and/or materiel may include Ultra Low Temperatures (ULT) of -20C to -80C vaccines, Lab Specimen, <-15ºC/<5ºF, and are shipped in a thermo-shipper that can accommodate frozen or refrigerated vaccines. Will the thermos-shipper containers be provided by the department?

• Pharmacy will provide the vendor with a compliant shipping container for all medications that require cold chair requirements.

2. Are there any form of digital temperature-regulating devices to communicate LIVE in transit data to be provided by the contractor?

• Pharmacy had purchased a portable temperature digital data logger but was unable to implement the device due to OIT data restrictions. We package all medications with a digital thermometer that is able to track current and max temperatures. If the max temperature is exceeded during transport the product is sequestered and the manufacturer is contacted to determine the product viability/permitted temperature excursion parameters.

3. I see that for Stat/On-Demand deliveries, it is the responsibility of the contractor to provide transport containers/coolers for pick-up/deliveries. What are the sizes / specifications for such containers?

4. Will any transport containers used for scheduled deliveries be provided by the department/laboratory/pharmacy?

5. What is the average size of transport containers/coolers used for transport of commodity?

For Lab: average cooler is approx. 14x12x9 inches For Pharmacy:

• Average transport container: 21x14x16 inches

• Largest transport container: 24x15x17 inches o Occasionally we have had to send multiple transport containers in one shipment. In this situation Pharmacy Service always contacts the vendor and informs them of the size requirements for the request and to confirm the vehicle selected has the appropriate storage capacity.

6. What is the largest size of transport containers/coolers and/or commodity?

For Lab: largest coolers are approx. 16x13x10 inches For Pharmacy: no response For SPS: no response

7. Can you provide the average volume of Stat Emergency and On-Demand expedited work orders form past or current Incumbent?

• Pharmacy typically has multiple STAT or On-Demand requests every week.

8. Who is the current incumbent and obligated amount per fiscal year?

Solicitation# 36C26124Q0612 Medical Courier Services for the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System

Question & Answer

• We do not provide this data during solicitation phase. If awardee is different than incumbent, changeover discussion may occur.

9. How many authorized vehicles did the current incumbent utilize for the execution of the previous contract term?

• The vendor has utilized multiple drivers and vehicles to service Pharmacy

Service delivery needs.

10. Will each department provide required labels for containers, specimens, biohazards, and RMD, or will contractor be responsible for providing all labels needed for transport?

• Pharmacy will provide all required labels for products shipped from our service.

11. Does Pharmacy need courier services to Capitola?

• Pharmacy sends a majority of items using UPS Next Day Air from PAD or LVD to Capitola. However, we do need to have access to ship items via same day courier from LVD or PAD if needed.

• The French Camp (Stockton) will not be part of this acquistion.