36C26321Q0509 0001 Posting Attachment.pdf

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. NUMBER3. 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)

1 7

0001 N/A

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls SD 57105

John Becker, 605-336-3230 x7960 john.becker3@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

2501 W. 22nd St.

Sioux Falls SD 57105

To all Offerors/Bidders 36C26321Q0509

06-29-2021 X

X X

7/8/2021, 11:00 AM Central Time

The purpose of this Solicitation Amendment is to respond to Questions. Please access the attachment for a list of questions and the government's response.

The hour and date specified for receipt of offers remains unchanged.

Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of the Solicitation Amendment by either attaching this SF30 to their offer or acknowledging the Amendment within their quote.

John Becker

Contracting Officer

VA-VHA-2020-BEE557D1B

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS FOR SOLICITATION 36C26321Q0509

1. QUESTION: Am I reading correctly that this opportunity will be awarded to a Service Vet Owned business ONLY?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The requirement has been set aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses who are verified in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vendor Information Pages (VIP) portal. VIP Home VetBiz Portal (va.gov).

2. QUESTION: Who is the incumbent for this contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Previous award information is available on the SAM.gov website under the following contract number VA263-16-C-0114.

https://sam.gov/opp/ebbadaf8cb14dd49838c85c183b1ce89/view

3. QUESTION: What is the current contract number?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: VA263-16-C-0114

4. QUESTION: What was the previous award amount?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Previous award information is available on the SAM.gov website under the following contract number VA263-16-C-0114.

5. QUESTION: Who is the incumbent contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The incumbent contractor information is available on the SAM.gov website under the following contract number VA263-16-C-0114.

6. QUESTION: Can the government please provide a preference for proposal submission as related to the presentation? Would you prefer Volumes? Font sizes?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors shall submit a completed SF1449 that was included in the solicitation announcement. Volumes are not needed. Attachments can be provided. Font size of 12 point or less is preferred but no requirement is issued.

7. QUESTION: Is there a minimum or maximum number of past performance information that the government prefers?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No minimum or maximum quantity was identified for past performance.

Offerors may submit any number of past performance evaluations, however, please keep any documentation relevant to the type of service being requested. Past Performance information will be used in determining responsibility determination prior to award and not used as an evaluation factor.

8. QUESTION: Have there been any changes from the previous contract to this solicitation? (Any clinics added, etc.)

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Primary Care Clinic (formerly known as Primary Care Annex), on the south side of Des Moines, will be added in FY22, exact date unknown. The projected opening is January/February 2022.

9. QUESTION: How many current drivers are fulfilling the routes?

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvetbiz.va.gov%2Fvip%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C04dce80fe46645c571ad08d9371ac9ae%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C637601410450940958%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=efcu3VKO%2FgBXvHOQJFWhaQsOZOLYBjwsBjfFAoUlNTU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fopp%2Febbadaf8cb14dd49838c85c183b1ce89%2Fview&data=04%7C01%7C%7C04dce80fe46645c571ad08d9371ac9ae%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C637601410450950916%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=hxwnDg1g%2ByAHr%2BSJH7CkZrEKiwLiAatOMw4p7NPhp14%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fopp%2Febbadaf8cb14dd49838c85c183b1ce89%2Fview&data=04%7C01%7C%7C04dce80fe46645c571ad08d9371ac9ae%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C637601410450960870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tdVjSjujA0sFDM%2B%2FIbLpXpXc19lMQ3QNl7JGZvJseMQ%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fopp%2Febbadaf8cb14dd49838c85c183b1ce89%2Fview&data=04%7C01%7C%7C04dce80fe46645c571ad08d9371ac9ae%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C637601410450960870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=tdVjSjujA0sFDM%2B%2FIbLpXpXc19lMQ3QNl7JGZvJseMQ%3D&reserved=0

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There are 4 drivers and 3 routes. Two drivers share one of the routes.

(Only one of them does the route per day.) The VA does not direct a specific number of drivers as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

10. QUESTION: Regarding vehicles used:

a. QUESTION: Will standard size vehicles be sufficient to transport labs/supplies GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: A standard vehicle may be sufficient, however, the VA does not direct a specific size as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

b. QUESTION: Is it a requirement to have company vehicles, or can our drivers personal vehicles be utilized?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The VA does not require a company vehicle, however, the decision to use a personal vehicle is at the discretion of the offeror as long as the vehicle is insured and as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

11. QUESTION: There is no requirement for STAT calls correct?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Correct, no STAT calls.

12. QUESTION: Could we be given exact pick up times for each CBOC to better route multiple stops per courier if possible?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contract provides a window of time for delivery due to traffic issues and/or weather delays.

13. QUESTION: Will the VA provide their own log sheets to be signed?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, the VA will provide a log sheet.

14. QUESTION: Does the contractor need to supply any refrigerants or dry ice?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No refrigerant or dry ice is required.

15. QUESTION: Is there a need for the couriers to originate at the main VA to pick up any supplies prior to making their pick-up at the CBOCs?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Except for the initial pick up for empty coolers, delivery does not need to originate at the main VA facility. The driver must deliver empty coolers to the locations in exchange for full coolers.

16. QUESTION:

Sol. Ref. Page Question

E.1, 52.212-1 and E.7, 52.212-2

Pgs. 46, 50, 55

Section E.1(b) states that at a minimum offers must show “(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation,” and “(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor.”

Further in Section E.1, ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS, the solicitation states that “Offerors shall submit along with their quote information to be used to evaluate the offeror’s quote in accordance with FAR Provision 52.212- 2 Evaluation – Commercial Items.”

Section E.7 states Price as the only evaluation factor.

Since Price is the only listed evaluation factor, will the Government please clarify:

1) Is Past Performance information required with the RFQ response? If so, how will Past Performance be evaluated?

2) Is a Technical description required with the RFQ response? If so, how will the Technical be evaluated?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Past Performance is not required to be submitted with the offer. Past Performance will be used after selection of the successful offer to determine contractor responsibility.

A Technical Description is not required as the service is not considered complex and evaluation of offers is based upon price alone.

E.7, 52.212-2 Pg. 55 Section E.7(a) states, “The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.”

As Price is the only listed evaluation factor will the Government please clarify if its basis for award is a lowest price technically acceptable or best value?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Evaluation will be determined on price alone. Offerors will be expected to provide the required services listed in the Statement of Work.

All N/A The solicitation makes no mention of a transition/phase-in period. A transition period would be beneficial to familiarize drivers with the locations, routes, parking requirements, etc. How much time will offerors be given to transition the contract from the incumbent contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There is no transition/phase-in as the contract is being awarded prior to the actual start date of the required services and the successful offeror shall have sufficient time to mobilize.

E.1, 52.212-1 50 Regarding submission of offers, can the Government provide the file size limitation for email?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There is no file size limitation. Offers will be evaluated on price alone.

E.1, 52.212-1 Pg. 46 Section E.1(b)(5) instructs offerors to provide the terms of any express warranty. Will the Government please clarify this requirement in terms of providing laboratory courier services to the VA?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: A warranty is only provided on equipment that is purchased. As this is a service, the express warranty does not apply.

All N/A Is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent contract? If there is a current contract, will the Government please provide the current contract number and incumbent contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This is a follow-on requirement. Information is available on the SAM.gov web site and FPDS NG.

All N/A How many vehicles and FTEs are currently used to complete the weekly trip schedule?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There are 4 drivers and 3 routes. Two drivers share one of the routes. (Only one of them does the route per day.) The VA does not direct a specific number of drivers as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

C.9 Pg. 40 FAR Clause 52.222-42 lists an employee class 01141 – Messenger Courier. Is that the only employee class from the Wage Determination that offerors may propose?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The selection of the employee class is at the discretion of the offeror, however, the government has determined employee class 01141 is an acceptable selection.

B.3 Pg. 15 CLIN 0006 states “Two trips on Mon/Fri, and three trips on Tue/Wed/Thur, Monday through Friday, pickup/delivery times to be determined. One trip per day, Monday through Friday, pickup/delivery between

3:15 PM and 4:30 PM Central Time.” Will the Government please clarify this requirement?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Monday and Friday pick up times: 11 am and 4 pm Tue/Wed/Thurs pick up times: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm

B.3 All There appears to be a disparity between the estimated trips per year provided in each CLIN and the number of available workdays (Monday through Friday excluding holidays) in the base and option years. For instance, CLIN 1001 estimates 256 trips per year; however during the Option Year 1 contract period there are only 250 workdays. This disparity is more evident in CLIN 1006 with an estimated 1,791 trips per year although the trip schedule only accounts for 13 trips per week. To achieve the number of estimated trips for the Primary Care Annex would require multiple couriers working concurrently. Is it the Government’s intent that the Primary Care Annex LOE be completed by multiple couriers?

Will the Government please clarify if the estimated trips per year in each CLIN is the correct number of trips that should be priced?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The base period is for 10 months and all option periods is for 12 months.

The number of trips listed in the CLIN schedule is correct.

E.1, 52.212-1 Pg. 46 Section E.7(b)(8) requires a completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically). Is it sufficient for offerors to provide a statement certifying that the representations and certifications in the SAM database are current and applicable to the solicitation or should offerors include the entire 52.212-3 from the solicitation in the RFQ response?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: If the information is not provided electronically within the SAM.gov website, then offerors shall provide the entire 52.212-3 information manually.

17. QUESTION: What was the cost of the final full option year of the previous contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Information is available on the SAM.gov web site and FPDS NG.

18. QUESTION: How many drivers/vehicles are currently used to service the current contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There are 4 drivers and 3 routes. Two drivers share one of the routes.

(Only one of them does the route per day.) The VA does not direct a specific number of drivers as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

19. QUESTION: What is the vehicle size currently servicing this location?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: A standard vehicle may be sufficient, however, the VA does not direct a specific size as long as deliveries are completed on the days and times specified in the contract.

20. QUESTION: Will on-call STAT services be needed for this contract, and if so to which locations and at what annual trip frequency for each location?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No STAT calls.

21. QUESTION: Regarding specific employees information: It is common practice for small businesses that the drivers, cars and other equipment used for a contract are not sourced until after an award has been made, for cost effectiveness and to reduce loss. However, we will be forwarding our standard Training Certificates-Procedures for your reference.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Thank you. Yes, provide any ‘employee’ documentation after contract award.

22. QUESTION: Regarding evaluation factors for the price Volume: we usually like to provide a “Pricing realism” cost break-down, to include SCA minimum per year, the number of drivers, hours and miles that are estimated to be required for performance, and other costs. Is it acceptable that we forward this Pricing Realism chart with our Price response?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, you may provide a pricing realism chart. However, evaluation of offers is by Price Alone.