RFP Questions and Answers_Dated 12MAY2025.pdf

BATTERIES (HEARING AIDS AND OTHER MEDICAL DEVICES)

SOLICITATION 36C79125R0003 (UNRESTRICTED COMPETITION)

Questions and Answers (Q and A): (4/17/2025 – 5/16/2025)

1. Question (5/12/2025) – (a) Is it possible to access previous bid results and find out the models currently being used? (b) If we’re offering the same, would a sample still be required?

Answer: (05/12/2025)

(a) Unfortunately, we cannot share the previous detailed information of the last procurement cycle for the VA’s Cell Battery program. However, the batteries listed in the RFP are an accurate reflection of the battery models currently needed.

(b) All offerors that are not current incumbents are required to send in samples of the battery types they are proposing to offer.

2. Question (05/12/2025) – (a) Do we need to submit the samples by the bid due date, or only upon request?

(a) The samples must be received by the address listed in the request for proposals by the response date, 16 May @4:00pm CT.

3. Question (05/12/2025) – (a) The estimated quantity mentioned appears to be for individual cells. Could you please confirm the package quantity we can propose? For example, if we package multiple cells together, would that be acceptable?

(a) The pricing we are requesting is on an individual cell price. Please reference the CLIN descriptions in the RFP for full details of the packaging requirements. However, here is the additional excerpt on packaging listed below the CLIN descriptions:

a. PACKAGING: All batteries offered shall meet the following industry standards:

b. Batteries shall be commercially packaged. Packaging must be accomplished in a manner to ensure that when shipped to the VA DLS that it will arrive at the DLS in a satisfactory condition (e.g., not

BATTERIES (HEARING AIDS AND OTHER MEDICAL DEVICES)

SOLICITATION 36C79125R0003 (UNRESTRICTED COMPETITION)

damaged due to packaging failures during normal shipping and handling processes).

c. In addition, the packaging must also be made in a manner to permit further redistribution to individual eligible Veterans as if the battery was part of a standard commercial retail sale. Individual packaging of batteries may include as few as one (1) battery per package, but not more than sixteen (16) batteries per package.

d. All packaging (e.g., base, intermediate and master) must have UPC codes or distinguishable barcodes. Packaging should not include cross-selling literature for other products, which have not been specifically awarded. Packaging should be environmentally friendly

(e.g., made with recycled materials).

e. Package Definitions.

1. Standard Commercial Packaging – A unit of measure in which the product is dispensed to an individual consumer. (Example: dispenser pack, blister pack, 4 pack, each, etc.)

2. Intermediate Packaging – A unit of measure containing multiples of standard packages. (Example: carton, box, case, etc.)

3. Master Shipping Packaging – A unit of measure containing multiples of intermediate packages. (Example: pallet, crate, skid, etc.)

4. ALL SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR OF COIN AND BUTTON CELL

BATTERIES MUST COMPLY WITH FEDERAL PACKAGING

REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORANCE WITH REESE’S LAW (P.L. 117-

171).

(b) Multiple cells may be packaged together as long as the packaging complies with standard commercial practices and product information details listed.