36C26220R0093 0001.docx

Questions and Answers Solicitation 36C26220R0093 Amendment 0001

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)

06-09-2020

None

00262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

00262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26220R0093 05-11-2020

X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: June 22, 2020; 12:00 PDT

This amendment provides for the following:

(1) Updated Schedule of Services (attached)

(2) Updated Price Worksheet with Quantites

(3) Section 3.9 Backorders has been changed to two (2) business days

(4) Section 4.3 has been changed to business days

(5) Section 4.4 has been changed to one (1) business day

(7) Extra Thick Glasses has been removed from the Price/Schedule of Services Worksheet

(8) Questions and Answers are attached All terms and conditions shall remain the same in accordance of the solicitation.

Chelsea Black Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

Question 1: I wanted to ask if the raw lens (material before fabrication) is readily available in the marketplace, can it be considered a commercial off the shelf item (COTS)?

Answer 1: This procurement is for the purchase of eyeglasses fabricated in accordance with a prescription, not raw lenses. The eyeglasses being purchased are “commercial items” as that definition is used in the FAR and shall be in accordance of 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies (MAY 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

Question 2: I am interested in submitting a proposal for your lab business. Do you have a specific format you'd like used? Anything in particular you would like to see on the bid?

Answer 2: Please read the solicitation in its entirety. The solicitation describes the content and format required for proposal submissions.

Question 3: What are the quantities of the items on the price list? Even approximate number would be good to have to calculated closer numbers.

Answer 3: See updated estimated quantities on the Price Worksheet.

Question 4: Is there requirement to submit the actual samples same time on offer due date?

Answer 4:Yes, see Notification to Offerors, page 58.

Question 5: Will the Government consider changing the requirements in the solicitation from “calendar” days to “business” days? Doing so will ensure the contractor is not held accountable for delays when the VA itself is closed, including on Federal Holidays. For example, page 13 PWS section 3.9 Backorders mentions “If there is a backorder on any frame style, the contractor shall notify the participating Healthcare Facility within forty-eight (48) hours by telephone, email or facsimile after receipt of order.” In some circumstances, the contractor will not be able to meet this standard through no fault of its own, when the VA itself is closed. In this case, we suggest changing the requirement to the response time to two business days.

Answer 5:Yes, the Government shall change to two (2) business days.

Question 6: Similarly, we suggest changing 4.3 to business days, which would be aligned with other VISN contracts and customary commercial practice.

Answer 6: Yes, the Government shall change to “business” days.

Question 7: Additionally, page 15 PWS section 4.4 Prescription errors mentions “Contractor shall notify the prescribing VA within twenty-four (24) hours of finding any errors the Contractor believes to be a prescription errors made by the VA.” In some circumstances, the contractor will not be able to meet this standard through no fault of its own, when the VA itself is closed. In this case, we suggest changing the requirement to the response time to one business day.

Answer 7: Yes, the Government shall change to one (1) business day.

Question 8: The solicitation includes two sections for the price schedule, Section B.2 Schedule of Supplies on page 5-11 and Price and Section D.1 Price Worksheet on page 46-53. Please confirm the following: Which price worksheet should be used by the offerors?

Answer 8.1: Offerors are required to complete BOTH Section B.2 Schedule of Supplies AND Section D.1 Price Worksheet and submit both completed items with their proposals. The prices shown in the Price Worksheet must match the prices offered in the Schedule of Supplies. The Price Worksheet has been updated with the estimated quantities to be purchased for each contract line item for each period of performance and will be used for the purpose of evaluating proposals.

Question 8.2: Will VA be providing estimated quantities on the price schedule?

Answer 8.2: The estimated quantities for each contract line item for each period of performance have been added to the Price Worksheet.

Question 8.3: Will there be a CLIN for glass lenses?

Answer 8.3: Yes, a separate CLIN for glass lenses has been added under the “Additional Pricing” list on the Schedule of Supplies and rice Worksheet.

Question 8.4: CLIN 0004 Oversized Eyeglasses (Frames and Lenses) is typically an add-on on other VA contracts. Please move the item to the Additional Pricing List or clarify how the Government intends for contractors to use this CLIN.

Answer 8.4: Moved to Additional Pricing List.

Question 8.5: What is the index of refraction for CLIN 0006-K(1)? As written, it appears the VA intended for this to be 1.56.

Answer 8.5: 0006-K: High Index Lenses, and 0006-K(1): High Index Base Plastic has been removed and replaced with: 0006-K(1): High Index 1.60 and 0006-K(2): High Index 1.67.

Question 8.6: CLIN 0006-L(1): FT-28 and CLIN 0006-M(1): FT 7X28 are already included in the base price for CLIN 0002 Bifocal Eyeglasses (Frames and Lenses) and CLIN 0003 Trifocal Eyeglasses (Frames and Lenses). For clarity, these could be removed from the Additional Pricing List.

Answer 8.6: Please review Schedule of Supplies and Price Worksheet for Changes.

Question 8.7: Please clarify / define the requirements for CLIN 0006-N: Extra Thick Blank.

Answer 8.8: Removed from Pricing List.

Question 8.8 Please confirm CLIN 0006-S: Titanium refers to titanium frames. If so, please change the unit of measure to “Each.”

Answer 8.8: Changed to Each.

Question 9-PWS 3.1 mentions “All ophthalmic lenses shall be chemically strengthened for impact resistance and corrected curved lenses.” Please confirm that glass lenses can be heat strengthened for impact resistance (as an alternative to chemically strengthened), as this method is also approved by the FDA.

Answer 9: Paragraph 3.1 of the Performance Work Statement is deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:

“3.1 Contractor shall fabricate and provide all lenses in accordance with the standards set forth in the current edition of “American National Standards for Ophthalmic Lenses Recommendation” ANSI Z 80.l which is incorporated herein by reference. All ophthalmic lenses shall be in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, 801.410 *(21CFR 801.410) which is incorporated herein by reference, for impact resistance, unless otherwise specified in the order. Ophthalmic lenses shall be heat strengthening in addition to chemical strengthening (glass) for impact resistance and corrected curved lenses. Ophthalmic lenses with cylinder power of less than l.5D may be fabricated in minus cylinder form. Scratch resistant coating shall be available for plastic lenses. Tints for all types of lenses, including Photochromic (PGX) and progressives. Polarized and transitional lenses shall be made available in gray and brown. All lenses shall include U.V. tint/coat at no additional charge”.

Question 9.1-Also, the solicitation states “All ophthalmic lenses shall be chemically strengthened for impact resistance…”. Only glass lenses go through this process and there are no glass lenses currently on the contract. This either needs to be removed or changed to “glass” instead of “all” lenses. Please clarify.

Answer 9.2 : See answer 9 above.

Question:10.1 “If replacements and/or substitutions are needed the contractor shall follow the procedures in paragraph 3.10 above.” Paragraph 3.10 only discusses frame case requirements.

Answer 10.1: Paragraph 3.9 discusses backorders/replacements and substitutions.

Question 10.2 Please confirm the following refers to the number of required frame kits for each VA location: “VAGLAHS- 8, NMVAHCS- 32, PVAHCS- 2, SAVAHCS- 6, VALBHS -2, VALLHS- 2, VASDHS-8, and NAVAHCS-1.”

Answer 10.2: Confirmed (Note NMVAHCS has changed to 32 frame kits).

Question 11- Please confirm that prescription changes, ordered by VA optometry, will be paid for by VA.

Answer 11: Confirmed.

Question 12-Within the General Instructions for Proposal Submission, please confirm that the proposal will be emailed, only the frame samples need to be mailed, and the correct mailing address is:

Monica Griffin, Procurement Analyst Network Contracting Office-22 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 600 Long Beach, CA 90815

Answer 12: Correct.

Question 13: Please confirm if a signed copy of the Business Associate Agreement on pages 40-45 needs to be submitted with our response, or after contract award.

Answer 13: A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that is executed by both the VA and the Offeror is not required before contact award, but a fully executed BAA is required before orders will be placed under the contract.

Question 14: We recommend the addition of a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), listing the Acceptable Quality Levels and performance metrics expected by the VA. The addition of a QASP will improve equity among the offerors and consistent performance expectations for the VA.

Answer 14: The solicitation states the VA’s minimum requirement for this procurement and the levels of performance that the contract awardee is required to meet during contract performance. No additional documents will be provided.

Question 15: Will VA consider adding the applicable Requirements clause to this SDVOSB set-aside procurement?

a. Many current VA eyeglasses contracts include the FAR clauses for Requirements contracts (see FAR references including but not limited to FAR 52.216-21).

b. Our understanding is that the clause is particularly useful in SDVOSB set-asides, as it assists the Government in compliance with the Veterans Benefits Act (VBA).

Answer: 15: The VA has determined that its requirements for this procurement are best met with an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract describe by the clauses included in the solicitation.

Question 16: Can you please provide the estimated annual quantities by item number/description of services as listed from pages 5 to 11? VA eyeglass contract solicitations typically provide this information so that all companies providing proposals, and not just the incumbent, are aware of the usage and can price accordingly. If quantities are not provided how would VA compare the pricing provided by the offerors?

Answer 16: See attached Price Worksheet for estimated quantities.

Question 17: For item number 0006-K(1) what index are you considering for a hi index base plastic? You’ve listed 1.60 and 1.67 below this item number which are your more typical hi-index lenses. Are you meaning to say that the 1.60 and 1.67 are add-ons to base plastic lenses?

Answer 17: Yes.

Question 18: For item number 0006-L(1) and (2), to what material are these add-ons to? Base plastic lenses? Are you meaning to say that a FT28 is the base lens and that an FT35 would be an add-on?

Answer 18: Yes.

Question 19: For item number 0006-M(1) and (2), to what material are these add-ons to? Base plastic lenses? Are you meaning to say that a 7X28 is the base lens and that an 8x35 would be an add-on?

Answer 19: Yes.

Question 20: For item number 0006-S, are you referring to a titanium frame and if so, please change unit from pair to each?

Answer 20: Changed.

Question 21:Section 3.1 of the solicitation states that all polarized and transitional lenses shall be made available in gray and amber. Did you mean say brown instead of amber as brown is typically the next most popular color to gray and is what is typically available from the manufacturers?

Answer 21: Paragraph 3.1 of the Performance Work Statement is deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:

“3.1 Contractor shall fabricate and provide all lenses in accordance with the standards set forth in the current edition of “American National Standards for Ophthalmic Lenses Recommendation” ANSI Z 80.l which is incorporated herein by reference. All ophthalmic lenses shall be in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, 801.410 *(21CFR 801.410) which is incorporated herein by reference, for impact resistance, unless otherwise specified in the order. Ophthalmic lenses shall heat strengthening in addition to chemical strengthening (glass) for impact resistance and corrected curved lenses. Ophthalmic lenses with cylinder power of less than l.5D may be fabricated in minus cylinder form. Scratch resistant coating shall be available for plastic lenses. Tints for all types of lenses, including Photochromic (PGX) and progressives. Polarized and transitional lenses shall be made available in gray and brown. All lenses shall include U.V. tint/coat at no additional charge”.

Question 22: Section 3.3 of the solicitation states “round segments” as bifocal lenses that should be available but these are not on the price list. Can you please add round segments to the price list or delete them from this section as lenses that should be available?

Answer 22: Paragraph 3.3 of the Performance Work Statement is deleted in its entirety and is replaced with the following:

3.3 Bifocal Lenses: Lenses shall be available in plastic, polycarbonate or high index plastic. Construction of bifocal lenses shall include spheres, plano-cylinders, and sphero-cylinders in all powers. Add +0.50 to + 6.00D. Clear, framed lenses and oversized blanks shall be available. The lenses shall be available flattop, executive, and progressive. Photochromatic lenses shall be available. Clear, framed lenses shall be available. All lenses shall be placed in frames unless otherwise requested.

Question 23: In section 3.5 you’ve listed opaque, frosted, black, balanced lens, and cataract lens as special lenses that should be available but these are not on the price list. Can you please add these to the price list or delete them from this section as special lenses that should be available?

Answer 23: Opaque, Frosted, Black, Balanced and Cataract Lenses have been added to Price list.

Question 24: Side shields are listed as an add-on item but these are typically used on safety frames. Should safety frames be added to the price list as well?

Answer 24: Safety frames will not be ordered.

Question 25: Page 59 of the Solicitation - Evaluation – states, “This procurement is being conducted pursuant to FAR Part 15 procedures.” However, the Solicitation does not set forth the criteria for evaluation of past performance, as stated in FAR 15.305(a)(2). See Evaluation Criteria. The is the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable. What criteria will be used for evaluation of past performance?

Answer 25.1: As permitted by FAR 15.101-2(b) (1), Past Performance is not an evaluation factor for this procurement, an offerors past performance will not be evaluated as part of proposal evaluations for this procurement. The successful offeror’s past performance record will be reviewed as part of the contracting officer’s responsibility determination prior to contract award in accordance with FAR Part 9.104-1.

Question 25.2 How much weight will be given to the offeror’s past performance?

Answer 25.2: Past Performance is not an evaluation factor for evaluating proposals for this procurement.

Question 25.3: If Past Performance will not be used as an evaluation, please state why it is not an appropriate evaluation factor for this acquisition.

Answer 25.3: Although past performance is not an evaluation factor that will be used to evaluate proposals for this procurement, the successful offeror’s past performance will be reviewed as part of the contracting officer’s responsibility determination before contract award. Given the nature of the items being procured, the contracting officer has determined that reviewing the successful offeror’s past performance as part of the responsibility check before contract award fully complies with the requirements of the FAR and sufficiently protests the Government’s interest for this procurement.

Question 26: Page 60 of the Solicitation – Evaluation Process – states: “Offers will be evaluated in the following manner. The lowest priced offer will be identified. The lowest-priced offer will be determined if the offered price exceeds the amount of funding available for the procurement.” There is no mention that the Agency will make a determination of technical acceptability, as required by FAR 15.101-2, before awarding to the lowest price. Does the Agency intend to make the award on some basis other than lowest-priced technically acceptable?

Answer 26.1 Section E.3 of the solicitation, 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (OCT 2014), describes the evaluation factors that will be used to evaluate proposals for this procurement and the process that will be followed when evaluating proposals. Contract award will be made to the responsible offeror with the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer that conforms to the solicitation and who is otherwise eligible for contract award. The criteria that will be used to determine if an offer is “technically acceptable” are provided in subparagraph (a) of Section E.3.

Subparagraph (b) of Section E.3 describes the process that VA will use to evaluate proposals and requires clarification. Subparagraph (b) as shown in Section E.3 in the solicitation is DELETED in its entirety and is replaced with the following:

(b) Evaluation Process. Offers will be evaluated in the following manner. The lowest-priced offer will be identified. The lowest-priced offer will be evaluated to determine if the offered price exceeds the amount of funding available for the procurement. If the offered price does not exceed the amount of funding available for the procurement, the offered price will be evaluated to determine if it is reasonable, and the offer will be evaluated to determine if the offer is technically acceptable using the criteria provided in paragraph (a) above. If the price is found to be reasonable and the offer is found to be technically acceptable, the offeror who submitted this offer will be identified as the “successful offeror.” The contracting officer will then determine if the successful offeror is responsible using the general standards of responsibility. If contract award cannot be made to the successful offeror, the contracting officer will evaluate the next lowest-priced offer following the procedures described above. This process will continue until a contract award can be made, or the contracting officer determines that no contract award can be made. The contracting officer may find all offers not acceptable and cancel the solicitation if the lowest-priced offer exceeds the amount of funding available for the procurement. The contracting officer may likewise find an offer under evaluation, as well as all remaining offers, not acceptable and cancel the solicitation if the offer currently under evaluation exceeds the amount of funding available for the procurement. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions at any time if determined by the contracting officer to be in the Government’s interest.

Question 26.2 If so, what is the basis for the award and the applicable FAR section.

Answer 26.2 See answer to Question 26.1.

Question 26.3 Does the Agency intend to not consider technical acceptability before awarding to the lowest priced offeror?

Answer 26.3: VA will evaluate both price and technical acceptability following the process described in Section E.3, subparagraph (b) of the solicitation (as amended above in the answer to Question 26.1).

Question 27: What factors will the Agency consider determining an offeror’s responsibility?

Answer 27: Offeror’s Responsibility will be determined in accordance of FAR 9.104-1.

Question 28: Regarding the offeror’s responsibility, what factors and capabilities will the Agency consider determining if an offeror has the ability to perform the eyeglass manufacturing requirements of the Solicitation?

Answer 28: See answer to Question 27.

Question 29: What are the quantities of the items on the price list? Even approximate number would be good to have to calculated closer numbers.

Answer 29: See attached Price Worksheet for estimated quantities for the contract line items.

Question 30 Is there requirement to submit the actual samples same time on offer due date?

Answer 30: Yes, see Notification to Offerors, page 58.

Question 31: The solicitation due date and on contract opportunities are different, what is the current due date.

Answer 31: The due date has been extended. Proposals are now due: June 22, 2020, 12:00 PM PDT.

Question 32: Question, on page 1 – Block 10 & 20 – it refers to VA Owned Small business. Does this clause mean that only a Veteran Owned Lab can bid for this contract?

Answer 32: This solicitation is set aside for 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.

See attached document: 36C26220R0093- Schedule of Services Updated.

See attached document: 36C26220R0093 PRICE WORK SHEET Estimated quantities Eyeglasses.