36C77621Q0486 0001.docx

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)

36C776 Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

212 3rd Ave. South, Suite 29 Minneapolis MN 55401

00776 Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

212 3rd Ave. South, Suite 29 Minneapolis MN 55401 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C77621Q0486 09-28-2021

X

X

October 28, 2021 @1pm CDT

The purpose of amendment 0001:

1) Answer questions posed by interested parties.

2) Remove and replace Addendum Instructions to Quoters with Addendum Instructions to Quoters Amendment 0001.

3) Add Attachment 3 Site Visit Locations.

No additional changes have been made and all other terms and conditions remain in full force and effect.

Nicole Kutsi

VA-VHA-2020-E324CCD1

AMENDMENT 0001 Questions/Answers

1. Question: Deicing on GFE clarification.

Answer: This question is too vague for the government to respond.

2. Question: Is telemetry required for GFE (Louisville) – is there a CLIN?

Answer: Yes. Telemetry is required for all systems including GFE. Contractor is required to provide their own telemetry device and install it on the GFE. There will be no separate CLIN for this item. For additional clarification, there is no GFE at the Louisville facility.

3. Question: Is telemetry required for GFE (Little Rock) – is there a CLIN?

Answer: Yes. Telemetry is required for all systems including GFE. Contractor is required to provide their own telemetry device and install it on the GFE. There will be no separate CLIN for this item.

4. Question: All of Paragraph 6: Please clarify that Paragraph 6 (respectfully Yes or No reply) that the SDVOB Prime Contractor must be licensed in those states that require a License? Additionally – is this was Para 6.3 requires, and will be evaluated as Technically Acceptable, stating: Throughout the term of this contract, Contractor shall maintain all federal, state, and local licenses applicable to the Contractor as well as any required FDA certifications.

Answer: The prime contractor is required to hold all licenses that are applicable to the contractor. Proof of licensure will not be evaluated under the technical evaluation. See addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Quoters for document submission requirements.

5. Question: Paragraph 7.1 Insurance Requirements: How is the GOV going to discern that the offeror is insured for NAICS 325120/221210 – the actual requirement for this work to comply with the RFQ, and not just the dollar values listed in the RFQ? Is this addressed on, the operative work being “kind:” (a) The Contractor shall, at its own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance of this contract, at least the kinds and minimum amounts of insurance required in the Schedule or elsewhere in the contract. Specifically – does this mean insured for NAICS 325120/221210?

Answer: The requirement is for general liability insurance only in accordance with C.6 of this solicitation. It is not specific liability coverage for a particular NAICS code. Paragraph 7.1 requires the contractor to provide an annual Certificate of Liability to the VA.

6. Question: Para 8.2 – states: In the event telemetry is not used to signal the contractor to initiate a delivery request, orders shall be placed with the Contractor only by ordering officers through fax or e-mail at the address/fax number and contact listed below… can the GOV Please clarify the requirement that states telemetry will be used (para 1.1): Additionally, the Contractor must utilize an off-site, automatic monitoring system (telemetry system) that independently monitors the system and notifies the Contractor when refills are required.

Answer: Para 8.2 addresses a situation where, for whatever reason, telemetry cannot be used for any period of time. In this situation, the government is reserving a way to place order without the use of a telemetry system.

7. Question: Please clarify “minor maintenance” on GO Tanks described in para How will the GOV pay for the NFPA Annual Maintenance described on Para 3.4? The vendor has to deploy a TECH as well as may a repair often requires parts – is it the GOV’s intent that the vendor repair GFE without a cost? Please note, the GOV goes into detail saying the vendor is responsible for detailed quote for deicing (could be construed as minor maintenance based on the severity). The GOV should be pay for fixing GFE equipment via an approved quote, or authorized CLIN – for a Maintenance Call on GFE/Annual Inspection, etc. because the vendor incurs these costs.

Answer: In accordance with paragraph 3.4, minor maintenance required of the Contractor includes validating that the fittings are securely fastened to the system, testing, and adjusting alarms as required. The government is responsible for providing annual maintenance on GFE as described in paragraph 3.3. If the Government determines that repairs are necessary on GFE, it will obtain a quote for the repairs and procure them separately.

8. Question: What is the rationale for expecting the driver to convert 100/CCF to gallons on site? This can be done in the billing, yet the GOV CLINs in attachment 1 for usage have a unit of measure of per 100/CCF? This is explained in detail on page 13 of 68 of the RFQ. This is addressed again in B.3 per 100/CCF – succinctly, what is the GOV’s requirement to have the driver convert their delivery clearly expressed in SCF/CCF and explained pretty well in the RFQ? Again, a vendor is fully capable of billing in both units for visibility – as the UNIT of Measure (being billed) is per 100/CCF. This is addressed again on para 15.1

Answer: The requirement is for the delivery ticket (as well as invoices) to reflect gallons, CF, and CCF. While this may be inconvenient for the drivers, this information is required for internal ordering, receiving, and audit purposes.

9. Question: Can the GOV please provide current guidance for implementation of VA Directive 1193? There is no mention of it in the RFQ? Is the GOV/VA waiting on the results of the POSTUS Task Force for uniform implementation across the Federal GOV as are other agencies? Additionally, if 1193 is implemented for this contract, rhetorically (at this point), what assurances does the vendor have that the VA personnel we interact with (in accordance with para 9.2 -- VHA Patient Safety Alert dated April 5, 2004, all deliveries must be monitored by a qualified and trained technical representative that shall be designated by each facility.) are vaccinated – we fully understand this is an emerging response – yet we must ask this – if further guidance is forthcoming, we understand.

Answer: Implementation of VA directive 1193 has been paused. Additional guidance will be forthcoming when issues related to the directive have been resolved. Currently, all VA personnel are required to be vaccinated.

10. Question: How does the GOV want the offeror want the vendor to affirm in writing, the 13 CFR 125.6 - LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (for services 50%) – as required by the revision last year? Is there a separate form provided by the GOV, or should this be clearly stated in our offeror as per para C.11 (d) states: VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 125.6.

Answer: This acquisition is for supplies, not services, and therefore is subject to the non-manufacturer rule, which is a limited exception to the Limitations on Subcontracting requirements referenced in the question. Because SBA has issued a class waiver for bulk oxygen, the contractor is not limited to subcontracting with small business manufacturers. As a result, the vendor is not required to affirm that it is meeting the Limitations on Subcontracting requirements in found in 13 CFR 125.6.

11. Question: Deicing is a separate quote based on the availability of Subcontracted Crews at any given time. What this means is the cost maybe less if there is not a high demand for deicing. Specifically, Upon notification of the issue, the Contractor shall perform an on-site inspection of the major icing issue/maintenance issue. The Contractor shall furnish a detailed quote utilizing contract pricing for the removal of the ice within 24 hours of inspection. – what is the GOV’s rationale of including deicing Unit pricing - into a CLIN with dissimilar requirements (Tanks system repairs)- when the SOW (rightfully) requires the quote for the actual requirement on? Recommend removing deicing from the Description and identifying Tank Repairs/Assessment (GFE on) because all tank maintenance for Contractor Owned Tanks is the responsibility of the vendor – deicing is not as the GOV tanks sizing requirements/vaporizers may be undersized/engineered currently do to both VAMC growth and the COVID 19 response.

Answer: The CLIN is requesting an hourly rate only. De-icing and other system repairs are both services we believe should be charged at the same hourly rate.

12. Question: Will site visits be allowed before quotes are turned in?

Answer: Yes, please remove and replace Addendum Instructions to Quoters with Addendum Instructions to Quoters Amendment 0001 for dates and instructions. See ATTACHMENT 3 SITE VISIT LOCATIONS for specific contact information, dates and times of availability and any instructions pertaining to the facility.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

**ALL QUOTATION PREPARATION COSTS WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE QUOTER. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT REIMBURSE ANY FIRM FOR ITS QUOTE PREPARATION COSTS.** This section provides general guidance for preparing quotations as well as specific instructions on format and content of the quotation. The Quoters’ quotation must include all data and information requested herein and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions.

Nonconformance with the instructions provided herein will result in the quotation being found incomplete. Incomplete quotes will not be further considered for award. Quotations must be clear, concise, and must include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of the claims stated in the quotations.

The quotation should not simply rephrase or restate the Government’s requirements but instead must address how the Quoter intends to meet the requirements described in this solicitation.

The Quoter should assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of its abilities and experience and will base its evaluation entirely on the information presented in the quotation.

Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

***Quoters are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements.

The Quote shall consist of three (3) separate volumes[footnoteRef:1]: [1: Past performance is not a separate evaluation factor for this procurement. Past performance will be reviewed as part of the Contracting Officer’s responsibility determination prior to contract award in accordance with FAR Part 9.104-1]

Volume One (1): Price Volume Two (2): Technical Volume Three (3): Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents.

***The Government is not requesting nor accepting alternate quotes.

SITE VISITS:

Site Visits will be conducted for VISN 16 on OCTOBER 12-13, 2021 between the times of 8:00am through 4:00pm (See ATTACHMENT 3 SITE VISIT LOCATIONS). Attachment 3 Site Visit Locations will provide Quoters with each facilities address, the point of contact (POC), their phone number and the specific date and timeframe they will be available. The Quoter will:

1) Contact the facility for a specific time to meet in front of the bulk tank oxygen system.

2) Sign in on the site visit sign in sheet provided by the POC

3) Conduct the site walk-through (**this will be done with the POC, do not break-off from the POC during the site visit)

4) Provide technical questions as instructed below PLEASE NOTE: Quoters are prohibited from having verbal exchanges with the POC or other VA staff members in regard to the solicitation. Verbal exchanges at the site visit does not constitute a change to this solicitation and only amendments constitute a change. Only questions received in writing to the Contracting Officer and answered via solicitation amendment will be deemed official.

ONLY TECHNICAL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE SITE VISITS will be accepted. Technical questions pertaining to the site visits are due OCTOBER 18, 2021 BY NLT 1:00pm CDT. Technical questions after the cut-off date will not be answered. Please submit questions to Ann Schilli at ann.schilli@va.gov.

Responses to technical questions pertaining to the site visit will be posted in a timely manner as an amendment to the solicitation. A copy of the site visit sign-in sheet will be provided as an amendment to the solicitation and posed on beta.sam.gov.

VOLUME ONE- PRICE

***Provide ONLY the excel spreadsheet provided in this solicitation.

The Price volume must contain one (1) complete copy of ATTACHMENT 2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS. No technical or past performance information should be contained in this volume.

a. The Schedule of Items is provided in an Excel Spreadsheet format. The Quoter must fill out the Tab named “Items”. Each Line Item identifies a single Facility. Each subline item consists of the fills, rentals, preventative maintenance/training/reporting, emergency delivery fees, de-icing services/bulk liquid oxygen tank system repairs and Delivery fees for that facility. Column (E)-Comment provides information on whether the bulk tank system/backup system is Contractor-provided or Government-Owned, the bulk tank system/back up system sizes, the fill points, the facility square footage and the number of beds that utilize medical grade bulk liquid oxygen. The Quoter shall complete the pricing schedule attachment for ALL FACILITIES in order to be considered for award.

b. Quoters are only to complete Column (O)-Unit Price and Column (CS)-Manufacturer Name

VOLUME TWO- TECHNICAL

***No Pricing information shall be contained in this volume

a. The Quoter shall provide technical information that demonstrates how it intends to successfully meet all the requirements of the Statement of Work in the areas listed below. Failure to adequately address these specific areas in the statement will result in the quote being found incomplete or technically unacceptable.

1. Describe how Quoter will conduct the maintenance of bulk oxygen systems as outlined in Sections 3.4 and 4.5 of the Statement of Work.

2. Describe Quoter’s approach to switching out bulk oxygen systems, where necessary, without interruption to supply. Include a preliminary schedule for the transition that demonstrates when each facility will be transitioned and that demonstrates that all transition activities will be accomplished within the timeframe established in Section 5 of the Statement of Work.

3. Describe Quoter’s telemetry system, its process for monitoring the telemetry readings, and its process for scheduling orders as referenced in Section 8 and 9 of the Statement of Work.

b. In the event that the Quoter is not the manufacturer, the Quoter must identify the medical grade bulk liquid oxygen manufacturer(s) that will be used as sub-contractors and produce copies of the manufacturer(s)’ licensing, permits or registrations as required by the states in which this contract is performed. Failure to provide these licenses, permits or registrations will render the quote incomplete and it will not be further evaluated for award.

c. The Quoter must provide a signed agreement (in the event that the quoter is not the manufacturer) between the Quoter and the manufacturer of the medical grade bulk liquid oxygen that will be supplied under the contract affirmatively demonstrating that the Quoter is authorized by the manufacturer to resell the manufacturer’s medical grade bulk liquid oxygen. Failure to provide this documentation will be render the quote incomplete and will not be further evaluated for award.

VOLUME THREE - SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD DOCUMENTS:

Quoter must provide the following in Volume Three of its Quote:

1) Cover Sheet including:

a. Date quote is submitted;

b. Quoter’s name;

c. Quoter’s technical lead contact information;

d. Statement that the quotation remains valid for no less than 120 calendar days from the solicitation receipt date for offers.

2) Standard Form (SF) 1449

a. An authorized official of the quoter must sign and provide a copy of the Standard Form (SF) 1449, and an SF 30 Solicitation Amendments, and submit them in an Acrobat PDF file that captured the signature for submission.

b. The Quoter must include its unique entity identifier number in Block 17a.

c. The Quoter must include its Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code in the “CODE” block of Block 17a.

3) The Quoter must submit a completed 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items.

Quotation submission shall not use typeface smaller than 12 font.

The Quoter is required to submit a copy of VOLUME ONE -PRICE with ATTACHMENT 2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS via email. The pricing volume and email shall be named:

36C77621Q0486: VISN [16] MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN PRICE [VENDOR NAME].xls

a. The Quoter is required to submit a copy of VOLUME TWO-TECHNICAL via email. Email shall be named:

36C77621Q0486: VISN [16] MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN TECHNICAL [Vendor Name] RFQ.doc

b. The Quoter is required to submit a copy of VOLUME THREE- SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD DOCUMENTS via email. Email shall be named:

36C77621Q0486: VISN [16] MEDICAL GRADE BULK LIQUID OXYGEN SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD DOCUMENTS [Vendor Name].doc

Quotes shall not include marketing or promotional material NOTE: Faxed quotations will NOT be accepted

Quotations must be sent by email to:

Ann.Schilli@va.gov

AMENDED: Quotation submissions are due 1:00pm CDT, October 28, 2021

See attached document: ATTACHMENT 3 SITE VISIT LOCATIONS VISN 16 (2).

End of Document