36C79119R0004-0006000.docx

36C79119R0004 P0006

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) 05-31-2019 N/A Department of Veterans Affairs Commodities & Services Acquisition Svc (003B6E) 555 Corporate Circle Golden CO 80401-5621 Department of Veterans Affairs Commodities & Services Acquisition Svc (003B6E) 555 Corporate Circle Golden CO 80401-5621 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C79119R0004 06-28-2019

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to:

X PROJECT TITLE: Orthotic Soft Goods and Prosthetics Supplies PURPOSE OF MODIFICATION: To post the Vendor Question and Answer DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES: Answers to questions do not change the terms of the solicitation. Any changes to the terms of the solicitation will be expressly and separately indicated as such.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED TO INCLUDE THE PROPOSAL DUE DATE.

Miguel Vasquez Contracting Officer Orthotic Soft Goods and Prosthetics Supplies Solicitation Number: 36C79119R0004- Vendor Questions & Answers Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs Office: VA Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center Location: Department of Veterans Affairs Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center

1. Question: CLIN 29- CLIN 31 does not have a XS listed.

Answer: CLINs 29-31 have been revised to only include sub-CLINSs for sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL-or equivalent sizes of each. Attachment F-Price Schedule and Attachment E Minimum Technical Requirements have been updated also to reflect this revision. No other sizing shall be offered other than what is requested in the MTR/pricing schedule.

2. Question: What is the measurement or description of the option of “length to knee- back of knee to the foot” in CLIN 29-CLIN 31?

Answer: There is not a specific measurement that is required and should be the industry standard sizing.

3. Question: What is the measurement required for “Full calf” option on CLIN 29- CLIN 31?

Answer: There is not a specific measurement that is required and should be the industry standard sizing.

4. Question: Compression stockings are usually sold as a pair. Page 105, Section (c), number (5) states the Unit Issue is One each and not a package. Does this apply to compression stockings?

Answer: Sold as pairs, one pair per package.

5. Question: What is the expected time between award notice and contract start date?

Answer: This depends on the time it takes for administrative actions to be taken during the award process and can depend on the number of vendors that are awarded a contract. Typically, between 14 – 30 days but can run longer.

6. Question: What is information is required on “commercial retail packaging”?

Answer: The information should conform to industry standards and can vary from product to product.

7. Question: CLIN 29- CLIN 33, are all colors required?

Answer: Must offer 1 or more listed colors.

8. Question: Any CUF fees?

Answer: No, CUF has been eliminated for this contract.

9. Question: The non-manufacturing rule waiver only applies to CLIN 005, CLIN008, CLIN 0010, CLIN 0015, CLIN 0018, CLIN 0024, CLIN 0025, CLIN 0028, CLIN 0043, CLIN 0044?

Answer: Correct, CLIN 005, CLIN008 are set aside for small business of any socioeconomic status and CLIN 0010, CLIN 0015, CLIN 0018, CLIN 0024, CLIN 0025, CLIN 0028, CLIN 0043, CLIN 0044 are set aside for SDVOSB’s only.

10. Question: CLIN 0010 must be USA made?

Answer: No, CLIN 0010 has the non-manufacturing rule waiver, which means a firm can supply the product of any size business without regard to the place of manufacture, however, the BAA provides an evaluation preference.

11. Question: Items under CLIN 0001, CLIN 0003, 0004, CLIN 0006, CLIN 0007, CLIN 0009, CLIN 0011, CLIN 0012, CLIN 0013, CLIN 0014, CLIN 0016, CLIN 0019, CLIN 0020, CLIN 0021, CLIN 0022, CLIN 0023, CLIN 0026, CLIN 0029, CLIN 0030, CLIN 0031, CLIN 0032, CLIN 0033, CLIN 0034, CLIN 0035, CLIN 0036, CLIN 0037, CLIN 0038, CLIN 0039, CLIN 0040 would need to be manufactured by a SDVOSB?

Answer: No.

12. Question: In the previous contracts with the DLC the Compression Stocking CLINs had different Minimum Technical Requirements (MTR) that aligned more with industry standards. For example, CLIN 0029, 0030, 0032, and 0033 have an industry standard compression rating of 20-30mmHg, not 18-30mmHg. This was addressed in the previous RFP from 2012/2013 and an amendment was issued to change the MTR to 20-30mmHg. Question: Will the VA change the minimum technical requirement to 20-30mmHg for these CLINs?

Answer: Yes, we have revised the MTRs (attachment E) compression ratings for CLINs 0029, 0030, 0032, 0033 to 20-30mmHg.

13. Question: The Minimum Technical Requirements for CLINs 0029 thru 0033 state the following for Material: “Acrylic/cotton blend, nylon, (or combination) and at minimum 23% spandex/elastic component (non-latex)” Question: Industry Standards for Compression Stockings range from 20% to 26% spandex. Will the VA change this MTR to accept a 23% spandex with a variance of +/- 3%?

Answer: The VA revised the MTRs for CLINs 0029 thru 0033 to state the following for material: Acrylic/cotton blend, nylon, (or combination) and at minimum 20% spandex/elastic component (non-latex).

14. Question: On page 12 of the RFP under B.15 Contract Ceiling Amount it states “The maximum value of supplies that the Government may order during the contract performance period is $20 Million. This amount shall be a shared ceiling among all awarded contracts and shall apply for the life of the contract, including the base year and all option years, if exercised.” Q: Based on the anticipated volumes in the Attachment F Price Schedule and the historical pricing under similar contracts this “maximum” seems to be much lower than what the anticipated volumes would suggest. Will the Government consider revising the Contract Ceiling to more accurately reflect the anticipated volumes?

Answer: Yes, the revised contract ceiling including the base year and all four option years for all CLINs is $200 Million.

15. Question: In previous RFPs for Orthotic Softgoods the DALC requested samples of specific sizes for each CLIN. Q: Will the DLC be requesting specific sizes of each CLIN for samples to be submitted? If so, will an amendment be issued to address the specific sizes being requested?

Answer: A large or equivalent for all items is being requested.

16. Question: The Solicitation included the excel electronic naming convention file. Q: Are offerors required to submit this completed file with the proposal or will this be required after the award?

Answer: A completed file for Attachment G Product Information & Naming Convention Format shall be completed in accordance RFP section C.24 which states that contractors are encouraged to submit their spreadsheet as soon as possible but shall submit it no later than 15 calendar days after contract award.

17. Question: On page 19 of the RFP it states that the DLC’s “desired” delivery is 15 days ARO while the “Required” delivery is 15 days ARO as well. In previous DALC contracts of similar nature the “Required” delivery was 30 days ARO. Q: Will the Government consider revising the “Required” delivery to 30 days ARO?

Answer: The required delivery has been updated to 21 days ARO.

18. Question: Page 107 indicates the offeror is required to submit digital photos of each item being proposed on a CD-ROM as part of the Technical Proposal. Q: How many copies of the CD-ROM with product photos are being required?

Answer: In accordance with solicitation provision E.4 (a), 4 copies of CD-ROMs shall be submitted.

19. Question: Regarding Samples: Q: For CLINS which require both a left and right product, are offerors required to submit both a left and right product or is the VA only requesting one?

Answer: One side would be fine. No preference on a left or right side

20. Question: In regard to the Orthotic Soft Goods and Prosthetics Supplies Solicitation # 36C79119R0004. In my previous experience with a contract that we were awarded last year there was a 3% SLA fee. Is there going to be a processing fee and/or shipping fee associated with this contract? I didn't see any related fees when reviewing the RFP and Price Schedule.

Answer: In accordance with RFP section B.8, purchases made under this contract by the VA CSAS, for delivery to the address shown in B.13, below, will be made at the contract price, which includes shipping.

21. Question: Is it a requirement to have EDI to win this Bid?

Answer: No.

22. Question: We have had several contracts in the past and did not have to pay a remit fee of 7.5%. Is that going to be new to these contracts, I want to make sure I add that into the price of products, so we don't lose money because are margins are small.

Answer: The 7.5% CUF fee will not be part of this contract.

23. Question: Do American made products get priority over trade friendly nation products. That would determine what products I submit for bid because the pricing can be significantly cheaper for products made outside of the USA?

Answer: American made products get an evaluation preference for CLINs subject to the BAA but not CLINs subject to the TAA. Because the majority of the procurement is being conducted as a set-aside, the Trade Agreement does not apply with the exception to CLINs 0002, 0017, 0027, 0041 and 0042 which are being competed on a full and open basis. For CLINs that are subject to the NMR Waiver, an evaluation preference applies in accordance with the BAA.

24. Question: We have several products already on contract with the FSS which meet the specifications for items in this solicitation. When we submit those products should I note that in the submission or does it have any effect in the selection process.

Answer: In accordance with solicitation provision E.4 (c) (13), If item(s) offered are on a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), submit a copy of your FSS prices list.

25. Question: On the pricing sheet CLINs 29 thru 31 do not have accurate sizing for the compression hosiery industry. For instance, a size Small will not be offered as a Tall -16” and above. My suggestion would be to adjust the subCLINs to reflect how the price schedule is shown for CLINs 32 and 33 in which the only subCLINs are S, M, L, XL, and XXL. In the previous Compression Stocking RFP, the VA only requested one price per CLIN but required the vendor to list what sizes were available for every CLIN. That may also be a good option to simplify the acquisition process. I have provided below a sample sizing chart that is standard to the industry. Sizes may vary slightly from one manufacturer to another however this is the industry norm and coincides with how the VA DLC has historically met this requirement.

Answer: (See amendment 0004) CLINs 29-31 have been revised to only include subclins for sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL-or equivalent sizes of each. Attachment F-Price Schedule and Attachment E Minimum Technical Requirements have been updated also to reflect this revision.

26. Question: Many sheaths and spacer socks are sold in packs of 3 or 6. Please confirm your projections in UNITS and not packs.

Answer: The projection is going to be 6 Units /6 EA, they are currently sold in packs of 6 and we do not anticipate any changes in the future.

27. Question: For compression, you indicate material must be Acrylic/cotton blend, nylon, (or combination). Will you accept products using fibers other than those?

Answer: No

28. Question: Can the 23% spandex/elastic component (non-latex) for compression come from non-spandex products that produce the elastic effect and still deliver the indicated compression levels?

Answer: Yes

29. Question: Do you consider a container a box or a shipment?

Answer: We consider a Container, a BOX

30. Question: Is it one packing slip per order or do we need to do a separate packing slip for each box.

Answer: One pack slip per box, but the same pack slip should be in each box reflecting the entire shipment. The pack slip needs to reference what has shipped and what is on back order if partial shipments are sent.

31. Question: These products come in sizes S/M/L/XL, consistent with what the bid calls for. The bid also list options concerning length- 15 ½ “ or less and 16” or longer- and calf size. For these options it also says Or Equivalent. Can our equivalent be the various lengths and calf sizes contained within our S/M/L/XL sizes? To have 3 options for each size would be a significant proliferation of SKUs and inventory. Instead a large calf need could be addressed by an XL size.

Answer: Yes, as long as the equivalent meets the MTRs. Please note the MTRs for CLINs 29-31 have been revised on Attachment E.

32. Question: Below is the break down CLIN 029 in the Excel file. The first 5 rows appear to be an error. “Length to knee” has two options: “Regular- 15 3/4 and below” and “16” and above”. But “Length to Knee” is not an option by itself. Shouldn’t these lines be eliminated, and what happens to the annual purchase volumes they attributed to these 5 lines.

Answer: CLIN 29 has been revised to only include sub-CLINs for sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL-or equivalent sizes of each. Attachment F-Price Schedule and Attachment E Minimum Technical Requirements have been updated also to reflect this revision.

33. Question: If awarded, will there be an extended lead time on initial orders?

Answer: We anticipate that it will be approximately 4 weeks between award and contract start date.

34. Question: Will inventory evaluations be available from Denver to forecast materials purchasing?

Answer: We expect contractors to track their orders and forecast accordingly.

35. Question: Regarding Amendment 1 36C79119R0004-0001001.xlsx “Price Schedule” We are not offering all the CLINs. Do we delete the tabs of the CLIN we are not offering? Or, do we just leave non-offered CLINs blank?

Answer: All CLIN tabs that are not being proposed should be hidden and not deleted, this can be accomplished by right-clicking on the non-proposed CLIN tab and select hide. This prevents any accidental deletions and makes it easier for the review team to view proposed CLIN tabs.

36. Question: Naming Convention of Amendment 1 36C79119R0004-0001001.xlsx aka “Price Schedule” What should we rename this file for submission? Would you prefer it be submitted back to you named exactly 36C79119R0004-0001001.xlsx? That will create a lot of duplicates.

Answer: The file naming should read “company_name_36C79119R0004-0001001.xlsx”

37. Question: From the solicitation in regard to Price Schedule “The worksheets are in Microsoft Excel format and shall be submitted in Excel as well.” The solicitation, Section E.4 on page 104 of 137 indicates to submit Volume I - Business as a paper copy in addition to CD-ROM. I apologize for being such a literalist. Do we, or do we not, hard-print the Price Schedule Excel spreadsheet?

Answer: Yes, these spreadsheets should be printed out in a format that is legible with a font large enough to be read without any assistance (magnifying glass.)

38. Question: Section E.4 Price Schedule, page 105 of 137 “The price schedules shall not be altered except for entering product prices and entering product information such as make/model and descriptions, product warranty information and place of manufacturer”

1. Pursuant to Section B.9 “ORTHOTIC SOFT GOODS AND PROSTHETIC PRODUCT SELECTION” – We have good reason to consider that on certain CLIN the Clinician and the Veteran will be best served by being able to choose a product within a variation or family of devices. Example being a Lite Duty model versus a Heavy Duty model. The point goes beyond small, medium or large, but gets to the specification of build weight and stability. The clinician and certainly the patient will appreciate the additional choice of model as well as size. Quite simply, evaluating one model variant without evaluating the other isn’t a fair evaluation. All that being said, we are confused by the stipulation E.4 page 104 of 137 that seems to indicate we should not alter the Price Schedule to add additional rows (sub CLIN) to accommodate an additional model or product variation. I would like advice on how I can address these model variations within the Price Schedule?

2. Similarly, what if we are offering additional sizes that are not specified? Let’s say the CLIN calls out for MED, LG, XL, but we also offer a XS, SM and XXL size? You don’t want us to add rows indicating that we have additional sizes to offer?

3. It’s no different, really, from a short boot versus a tall boot. Except in that case, on CLIN 25, you called the short/tall variation specifically. What do we do in the Price Schedule when we have a very usable and important variation that you didn’t call out?

Answer:

1. Offerors should only submit offers on what is being requested in the pricing schedule and MTRs, if there was a size left off the price schedule/MTRs, it’s because it is not utilized/required in sufficient enough quantities and was left off intentionally.

2. Offerors should only submit offers on what is being requested in the pricing schedule and MTRs, if there was a size left off the price schedule/MTRs, it’s because it is not utilized/required in sufficient enough quantities and was left off intentionally.

3. Offerors should only submit offers on what is being requested in the pricing schedule and MTRs, if there was a size left off the price schedule/MTRs, it’s because it is not utilized/required in sufficient enough quantities and was left off intentionally.

39. Question: Regarding Attachment A, DETAILED INFORMATION FOR CONTRACT LINE ITEMS. Same question about Attachment A as I did in question 4) above. If I have a Product Family to offer, e.g. more than one variation of SM, MD, LG, etc. Do you want that as a 2nd Attachment A referencing same CLIN? Or, attach as 2nd Page of the Attachment A for CLIN? All our product literature features both Variation A and Variation B with the clinical purposes for selecting one or the other. How do we present this to you on Attachment A in a satisfactory way?

Answer: A second “Attachment A” would be sufficient in this instance. Offerors are only able to submit one proposal but are able to submit more than one offer per CLIN in the same proposal, see 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal.

40. Question: Clause C.9 52.225-5 TRADE AGREEMENTS (AUG 2018) [ This Clause Applies to the following CLINs: CLIN 002, CLIN 0017, CLIN 0027, CLIN 0041, and CLIN 0042] Why does this clause only refer to 002, 0017, 0027, 0041 and 0042? Does that mean every other CLIN not specifically mentioned in Clause C.9 are not applicable to 52.225-5 TRADE AGREEMENTS?

Answer: Buy American Agreement (BAA) applies to all CLINs that are 100% set-aside with the exception of the full and open CLINS which must comply with the Trade Agreements Clause at FAR 52.225-5. CLINs with the NMRW still must follow the evaluations procedures set forth in the BAA.

41. Question: Clause C22 52.215.5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items, Page 45 of 137 (52.225-1 Buy American) Applies only to CLIN 10. “Buy American” only applies to CLIN 0010, and no other CLIN?

Answer: The reference to CLIN 0010 in regards to clause C22 52.215.5 Contract Terms and Conditions has been deleted.

42. Question: The MTRs of CLIN 0012 has a minimum length of 12”. Would the government consider modifying the required minimum length MTR to 11” -12”?

Answer: No, it shall remain unchanged and left at 12”.

43. Question: Do ALL submitted items need to be from a “good” Country of Origin?

Answer: All submitted products shall comply with either the Buy American Act or the Trade Agreements Act.

44. Question: Should we submit even if not from a good Country of Origin?

Answer: See answer to question 43.

45. Question: Can we put our item number with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) name?

Answer: The item number can be included as part of the item description in Attachment F “Price Schedule”.

46. Question: Column C: “Model / Manufacturer” – do we just list the vendor of the product here? Our Item # and the vendor? How does that work for them to compare apples to apples if they don’t have the manufacturer’s part number? Or do we also list our item number here along with the description?

Answer: Must include manufacturer’s nomenclature, you may add your own part number in addition to that (Attachment F Price Schedule).

47. Question: When referring to “Model” - should this be our item number or the manufacturer item number for the product we are prepared to supply? Supply specifics: Word Doc pages 52-53 Answer: This is referring to the manufacturers model name and/or number (Attachment A).

48. Question: Weights & Lengths request - referring to actual product or shipping specs?

Answer: This is referring to the actual products weight and lengths (Attachment A). Please refer to Attachment E as a specific weight is not required for all products.

49. Question: Can past performance be emailed instead of sent USPS?

Answer: Yes.

50. Question: EDI is noted for order B.8 (c) and invoice B.11 (a) (2). Please advise which EDI documents will be utilized to support this contract, such as 850 (delivery order), 855 (order acknowledgement, 810 (invoice). Are the mapping specs available for each of the EDI documents to review prior to award? Also, is there an estimated time from award to contract performance start date to establish the EDI interface?

Answer: At this time DLC does not use EDI. Orders will be sent via FAX, or Email.

51. Question: B.12 Shipping Requirements (b) A packing list, which includes the description of material shipped, including name of item, item number, quantity, number of containers, and package number (if any). If the shipment is a partial shipment, the packing list must indicate the quantity(s) delivered and the balance remaining to be delivered. And B.11 INVOICING/ELECTRONIC COMMERCE SYSTEMS The contractor shall comply with VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) 852.232-72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests, and the following business processes regarding invoices for delivery of products. Invoices submitted for payment shall be in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(g) and shall be submitted in arrears as supplies are ordered. In the event there are multiple shipments due to backorders, will multiple invoices be accepted for a delivery order as each invoice will generate daily based on items shipped?

Answer: Yes, multiple invoices will be accepted for partial shipments and will state as such, however the PO Number will stay the same.

52. Question: B.13 Delivery Information (d) Urgent Delivery If the Contractor agrees to accelerate the delivery, the ordering facility would be responsible only for the difference between the standard shipping charges and any excess charges related to the accelerated delivery.

1. How will the excess freight charges be invoiced?

2. How will charges be invoiced on regular delivery order invoice or a separate purchase order that will be provided upon approval?

Answer:

1. In accordance with RFP section B.13(d), In the event that accelerated delivery is requested, the ordering facility (CSAS) would be responsible only for the difference between the standard shipping charges and any excess charges related to accelerated delivery. Any excess charges should be invoiced as a separate line item on the regular delivery order invoice.

2. For regular delivery, there will not be an invoice for this, all regular shipping is to be included in the pricing provided in the proposal.

53. Question: C.23 Technology Refresh and Exchange (b) In the event a manufacturer announces that contract products, devices and parts are to be upgraded, discontinued, or are discontinued, within the first year of contract award, or the first six months of any exercised option, the VA CSAS shall have the following right under the contract with regard to items it has ordered from the contractor. The VA CSAS, at its option, may exchange, at no cost to the VA CSAS, the previously ordered products, devices and parts for the manufacturer’s upgraded items

1. How would the VA CSAS initiate the exchange? Would this be in the form of a return with credit and subsequent reorder of new items as updated on contract?

2. What level of inventory does the VA CSAS anticipate to have on hand for items under this contract?

Answer:

1. Whatever QTY we have in stock we will reach out to vendor for a one for one exchange.

2. On average we try to keep approximately 60 days of supply on hand.

54. Question: Attachment E Minimum Technical Requirements. Some CLINS give instructions on equivalent products offered. May contractors submit items that are functionally equivalent under each CLIN as long as documentation is provided?

Answer: Yes, as long as the MTR’s specifically state that an equivalent item may be proposed, and documentation is provided with the proposal and a sample of the product is supplied.

55. Question: Please clarify Unit issue as outlined in E.4. Business Volume I (5) Unit Issue: Unit issue is one each, not one package. Are prices to be provided in EA for proposal (Attachment F), but packaging information provided under Technical Volume II (3) will be used for contract price and order procurement (Attachment G)? Example: Product ABC $1ea (unit issue), however, sold by PK 8 as provided in packaging information. Order and contract price $8. Please confirm or clarify.

Answer: Yes. Unit Issue is One Each. Unit Price is for one item. Subsequently, the estimated Total Price is Unit Price times estimated quantity.

56. Question: E.19 is not listed in solicitation. Should we provide E.6, E.7, E.8, E.11, E.12 and E.18 paragraph (b) of 52.212-3?

Answer: Section E.4 (10) of the solicitation was changed in amendment P0003. See changes in this amendment for clarifications on this matter.

57. Question: If E.9 and E.10 are required, what information is needed? Would a written statement indicating registered in SAM and reviewed evaluation criteria meet the requirement?

Answer: The requirement is for an Offeror to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer and shall continue to be registered until time of award, if awarded a contract. Please see FAR 52.204-7 for additional requirements. A print out or screenshot of your SAM certification showing that it is current and will not expire during the course of the base year will be sufficient.

58. Question: After reviewing the bidding documents it says that contract will be awarded based on prior contract performance. Since we have no prior contracts will our bid be considered?

Answer: In Section E.10 of the solicitation it states that “In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance”.

59. Question: The fair opportunity process will not exceed the $3,500 threshold only if it is a multiple CLIN award?

Answer: The procedures set forth in FAR 16.505(b)(1) shall be followed.

60. Question: Shipping requirements, if we understand correctly all shipping to 1449 bx.15 will be FOB destination and all other shipping to a carrier (OTHER FACILITY) will be FOB origin unless specified?

Answer: No, all shipping requirements will be FOB destination, awardee will be responsible for all shipping. All shipments will be to the address specified at B.13 of the solicitation.

61. Question: Do we have a time frame on how long the supplier will have to obtain a EDI system for purchase orders?

Answer: At this time DLC does not use EDI. Orders will be sent via FAX, or Email.

62. Question: Product samples will be asked for upon request or supplied with offers on or before due date?

Answer: Product sample will be supplied with proposals on or before due date.

63. Question: In the past, CLIN 26 was supplied in 3" and 4". Why the change to 2 1/2" and 3" Answer: This decision was based on usage of the product by the VA, VA rarely use the 4” collar so it will remain 2 ½” and 3”.

64. Question: Can I submit multiple proposals from my company?

Answer: Yes, see 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal.

65. Question: If I have multiple products from different vendors, can I submit multiple items under the same CLIN?

Answer: Yes.

66. Question: My company had registered with SAM years ago but the registration needed to be updated. Therefore, I am in the SAM system but my updated registration is pending. Will I be able to bid if my updated registration is still pending?

Answer: No. In accordance with FAR 52.204-7(b)(1) SAM registration is required at offer submission and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement resulting from this solicitation.

67. Question: The attached chart makes a distinction between the 100% SDVOSB and the SDVOSB set-aside. Does the VA make a distinction between the two terms?

Answer: No, the only distinction that is made is that the offeror is certified in VIP as an SDVOSB, there will not be any further distinctions made.

68. Question: C.16 VAAR 852.219-71 VA Mentor-Protégé Program – Are the VA Mentor-Protégé Program and the SBA All Small Mentor-Protégé Program the same with the same requirements?

Answer: No.

69. Question: Is a small business, non-manufacturer, able to bid on all of the products or just those under the NMR? (0010, 0015,0018, 0024, 0025, 0028, 0043 and 0044?)

Answer: A small business with no other socio-economic qualifiers can only offer on CLIN 0005 and CLIN 0008 and Full and Open CLINs 0002, 0017, 0027, 0041 and 0042. All other CLINs are set aside for SDVOSBs.

70. Question: Are you requiring the same letter of commitment and warranty terms in both business and technical volumes of the proposal?

Answer: Yes, one copy of the letter and warranty terms can be used for both. In the proposal you may reference them as required.

71. Question: It appears there are only 2 spreadsheets to be filled out for a response. Are we reading this correctly? –If so, is there an opportunity to attach clarification information.

Answer: Yes, there are only two spreadsheets to fill out (Attachment G, and Attachment F) and you may attach clarifications to these spreadsheets. Note the offeror must also conform to the requirements detailed in section E.4 when submitting a proposal.

72. Question: In regards to the past performance questionnaire, if we have an open ended contract with no set dollar amount, can this still be used as a reference?

Answer: Yes.

73. Question: Could an FSS contract/ contracting officer suffice as reference?

Answer: Yes.

74. Question: In regards to the literature, should the solicitation # be listed on the product literature?

Answer: No.

75. Question: In regards to the commitment letter, does this differ from a letter of supply? If so, this letter must be done by the manufacturer on the manufacturer’s letterhead, correct?

Answer: A letter of supply is not referenced in the solicitation and therefore not relevant, however in accordance with RFP section E.4 (c) (11), the letter of commitment from the manufacturer must be on the manufacturers company letterhead.

76. Question: The samples being requested, those are to be shipped to the VA in Golden, CO and are they to reference anyone in specific or just marked as "Sample?"

Answer: All samples sent into the DLC/CSAS shall reference the solicitation number, Offerors name, the CLIN for which the sample is being submitted, and Contract Specialist Joseph Kohles / Rob Colvin.

77. Question: With regards to CLIN 29-33:

1. On the MTR requirements you are requesting “Full Calf”. This somewhat coincides with Knee High already. What exact measurements are you looking for with “Full Calf”?

2. What is the specific sizing requirement for Tall? All the same sizes S-XXL? For length you state 16” and above…. any specific denomination above 16”?

3. Previously there were no “Tall Lengths” offered. Is there going to be any consideration for “Short/Petite” lengths? Industry wide – more petites lengths are sold then tall.

4. The previous contract offered 3XL in all below the knee styles. They are not included in this contract. There was considerable volume of 3XL sold prior– if requested I could provide a precise number of each 3XL sold broken down by style number/color/each year of the contract

5. Missing from this contract are 30-40 Knee High Open Toe, 30-40 Thigh High Open Toe and 30-40 Thigh High Closed. Is there consideration to include those items or will they be excluded entirely?

Answer:

1. This requirement has been revised in the MTRs, the calf measurement ranges from 11"-24"

2. This requirement has been revised in the MTRs which have a length ranging from 15"-18"

3. No, only submit offers on what is being requested in the price schedule and MTRs.

4. No, only submit offers on what is being requested in the price schedule and MTRs.

5. VA decided there was not a large enough requirement/need to include.

78. Question: CLIN 12 – it lists the L-Code as L1810 which is was previously a L1812. Is there a difference in the product that required changing the L-Code? The product descriptions for both contracts read the same – but the L-Code changed.

Answer: The last contract was L1810 as well.

79. Question: CLIN 26 – under the MTR – Height. It lists 2 1/2 “ & 3”. Where is this measurement made from?

Answer: 2 1/2”- & 3” is the height of the collar, generally under the chin.

80. Question: CLIN 26 is Closure: It states, “Hook and Loop”. This can be defined broadly in soft goods manufacturing. Sometimes just a Velcro closure is considered “hook & loop” as Velcro has one side that’s hooked the other part is loop. Or is this requesting Velcro that loops through a plastic tab and pulls back? This can also be defined as “hook and loop”.

Answer: No plastic tab, just a Velcro overlap strap.

81. Question: With regards to Attachment A it requests Material/Fabric, Size, Weight and Lengths

1. Are we to provide stock (part numbers) at all?

2. Are we to provide measurements for each product in relation to the size of the product or would this fall under lengths? Some products have various lengths/heights such as abdominal binder/knee immobilizers etc yet different circumferences etc.

3. Do we only list the length or actual measurements/dimensions?

4. Are we to list color as some products (compression stockings) may vary in color and PNs may vary between color/sizes.

5. Weight – do you want the weight for each and every different size of a product? For example, many CLINs consist of 20+ items between the various sizes etc. Do you need the actual weight for each and every size of each brace (which will vary between a XS and a XXL) Answer:

1. This information will be inputted into Attachment G not Attachment A

2. If the MTR’s call for specific lengths, heights or circumferences then these should be provided for all.

3. If the MTR’s call for specific lengths, heights or circumferences then these should be provided for all.

4. Yes, all differentiations in product will be listed to include size color and type.

5. We do not need weights of the products unless specified by the MTRs.

82. Question: Attachment B- Past Performance

1. It is requesting three past performance references. Are they required to be COs, or can they be Contract Specialist or some other title like Inventory Manager within the VA? Many of my actual COs are all gone now that either awarded or managed my past contracts.

2. If I am unable to provide three references does it lower my overall review rating?

Answer:

1. Note that Past Performance is actually Attachment C. A Past Performance reference can be sent by anyone who has some level of responsibility for or cognizance of the contractor’s performance.

2. If the offeror is unable to provide three references then that would not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

83. Question: Questions regarding Volume II- Tech Requirement

1. (iv) Photos. Would you like actual 4x4 pictures printed in a 4x4 format – or can we have the pictures (in multiple angles) measuring 4x4 placed onto a high gloss sheet of paper. For example, 4 pictures per actual page?

2. E.5 Descriptive Literature - Do you want this information posted both here as well as in Attachment A? Do you want actual “descriptive literature” just spelled out on paper – or do want it in actual “catalog” type format?

Answer:

1. Having the pictures on one sheet would be beneficial as long as the product is referenced on the page as well for ease of identification.

2. Actual descriptive literature would be easier for the review team to look at and would be appreciated, but either is acceptable.

84. Question: For CLIN 25 (Pneumatic Walking Splint), should the HCPCS code be L4360 instead of L4380?

Answer: Yes, L4360

85. Question: In 36C79119R00004-002.xlsx, aka Attachment G, document Column “2 – DLC Name”. The description of the data element says, “Shall be limited to 30 characters and adhere to DLC Naming SOP’s guidance” and the Notes say, “Vendor discretion as long as it adheres to DLC Naming Guidance (Example: Cervical Collar 3IN)”. And the question is, how can we adhere to an SOP Naming Guidance that is not published? Or, if it is published, can you point us to a link where we can find it? Or, if this is a “Just do your best and we’ll fix it later” exercise, then you could simply say so and we’ll do our best.

Answer: This was published in amendment 0004.

86. Question: We are a VOSB distributor and not a manufacturer of prosthetic supplies.

1. If we are using a manufacturing company that is not small, are we only limited to supplying those items specifically set-aside under the Non-Manufacturing Rule Waivers? If not, what must we show to be able to be the distributor for other items as most of the companies utilized are larger?

2. As a sub-set of that question, the manufacturer that we use believes that they are classified as a small company, but couldn't guarantee according to your rules. If we include CLINs that are not specifically set aside under the non-manufacturing rule waiver, what additional information must be supplied in order for our offering to be accepted?

3. In regard to the CLIN spreadsheet tabs…Description-Generic description of product OR description relative to that of the SKU/Item number.

Answer:

1. Yes, if you are using a manufacturing company that is not small then you can offer on the set-aside CLINs for small businesses that are covered by the NMR waiver and on the full and open CLINs. Products offered for CLINs that are set aside but not covered by the NMR waiver must be produced by a U.S. Small Business.

2. The manufacturer must meet the size standard shown on the SF1449. No documentation is required, but a competitor can challenge the manufacturers size and the matter would have to be referred to SBA for resolution.

3. Broad Description of the product.

NOTHING FOLLOWS

image1.emf image2.png