36C79119Q0017-000.docx

FedBizOpps Sources Sought Notice

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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Sources Sought Notice Rev. March 2010 Q Eyeglasses, Optical Goods, and Optometry services 80401-5621 36C79119Q0017 04-26-2019 N 446130 Department of Veterans Affairs Commodities & Services Acquisition Svc (003B6E) 555 Corporate Circle Golden CO 80401-5621 Jim Moran Contracting Officer james.moran3@va.gov

INTRODUCTION:

This RFI (Request for Information) is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. This RFI is intended to get industry feedback for a new solicitation for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). The anticipated solicitation will be for to furnish eyeglasses to eligible Veterans. The VA is not seeking proposals at this time and will not consider unsolicited proposals provided in response to this RFI.

All responses will be in the form of information and materials. This announcement serves as a notice and invitation to ask for industry assistance in responding to the attached questionnaire. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing Veterans timely, accessible, and high-quality care by expanding care to community providers. Community Care Network (CCN) allows the VA to refer eligible Veterans to non-VA providers for health care related services when the VA cannot provide the necessary services due to the capacity of the VA, the nature of the services required, the geographic availability of such services and the emergent need for services. VA can refer an eligible Veteran to a community provider for optometry care/eye examination. The provision of the eyeglasses and related optical services (definition described below) are not part of the CCN contract. If the Veteran requires eyeglasses, the community provider must complete an eyeglass prescription and provide to the Veteran or submit it to the local VA. Veteran must return to their local VA for the selection of their frame and frame measurements. The local VA would then submit the eyeglass request to their own facility or Network-wide contracted vendor, or internal VA fabrication facility, to fabricate the eyeglasses. Veteran may also be required to return to the VA after receiving their eyeglasses for any eyeglass adjustments.

PURPOSE:

VA wants to provide Veterans the ability to make the selection of eyeglasses, measurements, order and fitting closer to their residence and not have to return to VA to fill their prescription. The VA intends to contract with vendor(s) that can provide complete prescription eyeglasses for eligible Veterans referred to CCN for optometry care/eye exam and require prescription eyeglasses in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Eyeglasses provided will be all types, to include but not limited to, single vision, bifocal, trifocal, oversized lenses, progressive, etc. Availability of multiple lenses will be required such as poly-carbonate, plastic, photochromatic, tint, etc.

Contract may or may not include the need for optical services. Optical services under this contract will NOT include the actual medical eye treatment, assessment and prescription of eyeglasses, which will be provided under the CCN and by a qualified community care provider. Optical service will be limited to assist with frame selection, measurements, adjustments, repairs, etc. Optical service must be available at multiple locations throughout the country and provide a closer access to Veteran’s residence than VA can currently provide. Optical services must also be provided by a certified and/or registered optician. Eyeglasses will be required to be mailed directly to the Veteran’s residence.

WRITTEN RESPONSES:

Please provide a brief explanation in response to each question below. Responses can be submitted to james.moran3@va.gov. Responses are due 12PM Mountain Time, April 26, 2019

1. What is your company’s ability to provide both eyeglasses and optical services on a national scale?

2. Does your company have actual experience with providing both eyeglasses and optical services with other agencies?

3. Do you currently have a contract/partnership for providing optical services across the country? If not, how would you provide optical services (eyeglass measuring, fitting, adjustments, etc.), if required?

4. In your experience, and given the purpose, what strategy would you consider for Veterans referred to CCN to assist with improving the delivery of their eyeglasses?

5. How will a community care provider submit an eyeglass prescription to you?

6. How will a Veteran know where to go to select and order their eyeglasses after prescribed from their community care provider?

7. How will you know or determine the Veteran is eligible and entitled for VA to pay for their eyeglasses?

8. How will a Veteran’s personal identifier information be protected?

9. If optical services are required, can it be bundled into the cost of the eyeglasses? What would be the cost difference if optical service is include in the cost of the eyeglasses?

10. Is there an industry standard/scale for pricing eyeglasses (urban verses rural areas)?

11. Do you accept the Medicare rate for eyeglasses?

12. Is there an industry standard for the quality/fabrication of eyeglasses frames and lenses?

13. Is there a standard warranty for eyeglasses and lenses?

14. How would you confirm eyeglasses were delivered/received by a Veteran when shipping directly to their residence?

15. What is the preferred method of payment? Would you accept the use of a credit card? Would you consider being paid monthly and, in arrears (a month after delivery)?

16. If sample frame kits are required, what is considered an appropriate number of frames to select from, for both male and female, you can provide? How many frame kits overall would be considered too many or you would be able to provide?

17. What type of pricing structure would your company use/recommend for the service described here?

18. What is your company’s average monthly and annual volumes?

19. What is your company’s estimated cycle time from receipt of prescription to delivery of eyeglasses?

20. What type of customer service could you provide to community care providers and Veterans?

When responding please include your small business status if applicable, DUNS number, and any applicable GSA contracts you have. This RFI does not obligate the VA to release a solicitation.

DISCLAIMER

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.