75N98023R00017 Questions and Answers-FINAL.docx

75N98023R00017 Questions & Answers

1. Is there an incumbent ?

Answer: Yes there is an incumbent. This isn’t a new requirement. Current contract is 75N98019D00026. Awarded to Ecology Services Inc.

2. Statement: SOW page 18 - National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (NHLBI) is working to establish a new off-campus clinical space to support research protocols located at 635 Edgewood Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Question: Would this location require the MPW to be transported back to the Main Campus or will it be capable of storing the MPW until disposal?

Answer: The NHLBI facility has a storage room where the MPW can be kept until disposal.

3. Statement: SOW page 24 - Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702 requires 3 x weekly service.

Question: Would this location require the MPW to be transported back to the Main Campus or will it be capable of storing the MPW until disposal?

Answer: The Fort Detrick location has the capacity to store the MPW until disposal. However, it does require the contractors to provide collection services three times per week.

4. Statement: SOW page 27 - The contractor shall remove cardboard from the "tuggers" at the building 10-B2 loading dock and load directly into a cardboard compactor at the same location during the period of core business hours Monday through Friday.

Question 1: Is it the waste hauling contractor, not the housekeeping service, that must remove the cardboard from the tuggers?

Answer: The housekeeping staff collects the cardboard from Building 10 and stages it at the B2 loading dock. The waste hauling contractors are responsible for loading the cardboard into the compactors.

Question 2: Do these tuggers only contain cardboard or will the contractor dig out the cardboard from other trash or commingled recyclables within the tugger?

Answer: The tuggers are mainly for the cardboard collection, but the contractor is responsible for keeping the cardboard stream free of contamination and removing any unwanted recyclable material or trash from the tuggers.

5. Statement: SOW page 27 - Cardboard shall be collected by the contractor from common corridors within certain buildings and from all loading docks on both the main campus and NIHAC.

Statement 2: We see no historical workload data in the solicitation to help determine pricing for this requirement.

Answer: Please see attachment 9 with estimated amount.

Question: Can the government provide the number of hours daily or weekly that this task routinely requires to complete?

Answer: Please review the SOW and Attachment 9 Question: Historically, what amount of labor/personnel support is required for indoor collection since we there is no scheduled site visit to review this requirement for assigned buildings?

Answer: Estimated between 35-39 historically.

6. Statement 1: SOW page 20 - The contractor shall ensure that collection dumpsters or equipment serving buildings and related areas are emptied or pulled in a manner that minimizes the interruption of trash disposal by housekeeping staff within each building. Innovative procedures to accomplish this goal may be proposed by the contractor and encouraged by the government, subject to approval by the project officer.

Statement 2: We plan to swap the full container with an empty container to minimizes the interruption of trash disposal by housekeeping staff.

Question: Can a small area or parking area on NIH main campus be assigned to store one empty container of each roll-off style container to act as the swap containers?

Answer: Yes.

7. Statement: SOW page 17 - The contractor is responsible for providing customized front-end dumpsters for the collection of animal bedding and custom-designed lids for the front-end trash dumpsters located at the loading dock that are easily accessible from the loading dock and the surface near the dock for the housekeeping staff and building occupants.

Question: How many of the loading dock front-end containers and what sizes with custom-designed lids are required? Can you provide a photo of the existing front-end container?

Answer: This information provided during requested visit.

8. Statement: SOW page 16 Section 3: Some locations may require contractor-provided carts for shipping oversized MPW (e.g., animal carcasses).

Questions: Can government provide the details for cart/container size or weblink/photo for these oversized MPW shipping containers? Also, what has been the historical quantity in use?

Answer: Outer Dimension (LxWxH)- 51x31x47” Inner Dimension (LxWxH)- 45x25x38” Quantity: Approximately 65/month (quantity may subject to change)

9. Statement: In rare instances the contractor may be required to collect, transport, and dispose of medical waste that has not been treated/decontaminated.

Question: Will the contractor’s employees be exposed to or be required to package MPW?

Answer: In rare instances, the contractors are required to pack the bagged MPW into the MPW containers.

10. Statement 1: SOW page 17 - Chart shows (5) animal bedding dumpsters are contractor provided.

Statement 2: SOW page 30 - These dumpsters will require specially designed tops to accommodate the unique animal bedding systems.

Question: What are the specifications for the animal bedding dumpsters?

Answer: The specification are as follows:

6 yard: 5 ft width and 6 ft Height 8 yard: 6 ft width and 7 ft Height

11. Statement: SOW page 16 Section 3 - To service the NIAID Fort Detrick facility, prefer to be bagged MPW placed in the MPW carts rather than boxed MPW.

Question 1: Will the contractor be required to transfer the bagged MPW from the MPW carts into the burn-boxes?

Answer: No. However, it depends on the Contractor’s proposed plan to transport the medical waste from the NIAID Fort Detrick Facility.

Question 2: If contractor will transfer the bagged MPW from the MPW carts into the burn-boxes, does the contractor provide the burn-boxes or the government?

Answer: The government.

12. Statement: SOW page 24 - The estimated number of MPW packages to be collected from each building and off-site installation is provided in Attachment 7.

Statement 2: Attachment 7 does not show estimated number of MPW packages to be collected and the location addresses have been redacted.

Statement 3: The contract will need to know the addresses and quantity to determine appropriate collection vehicle, labor & fuel costs to price bid accurately.

Question: Can the government provide the addresses and package QTY information missing from Attachment 7?

Answer: No the government cannot. This information can only be provided to the vendor that’s awarded the contract.

13. Statement: SOW page 16 Section 3 - Contractors are responsible for purchasing and providing any additional MPW Totes or replacing current existing government owned MPW carts if more are required.

Question: Historically, how many MPW totes and carts does the contractor need to provide or for what reason would a contractor provided MPW tote be required?

Answer: Contractor needs to provide the carts for the collection of Medical Waste.

14. Statement: There are multiple instances of the term "treated solid MPW” in the SOW.

Question: What is the definition of "treated solid MPW”?

Answer: Decontaminated Medical Pathological Waste generated during BSL-2 or lower practices.

15. Statement 1: SOW page 23 - The government provides a space at the building 10-B2 loading dock to accommodate a contractor-provided holding unit for MPW.

Statement 2: Elsewhere in the SOW (page 17) states that building 10 has a walk-in cold box for temporary refrigerated storage of MPW boxes and MPW carts, a walk-in cold box for the holding of MPW boxes determined to contain radioactive materials.

Question 1: Is this contractor-provided holding unit for MPW in addition to the NIH storage units?

Answer: No. The walk in cold box for holding at Building 10 has been removed. Please see revised SOW Question 2: What are the size requirements for this contractor-provided holding unit for MPW?

Answer: Please see revised SOW Question 3: Under what conditions will this contractor-provided holding unit be used instead of the NIH storage units?

Answer: Please see revised SOW

16. Statement: SOW page 20 - Where required for the proper and safe operation of solid waste collection units, the contractor shall provide and install loading ramps, dock-plates, and conveyance.

Question: At contract startup, will there be any identified location that the contractor must provide loading ramps, dock-plates, or conveyance?

Answer: Yes. Awardee will be notified with what areas they need to provide loading ramps, dock-plates or conveyance.

17. Statement 1: SOW page 29 - The contractor’s staff will be required to sort through all comingled materials in accordance with the recycling facility’s acceptance standards.

Statement 2: We see no historical workload data in the solicitation to help determine pricing for this requirement.

Question: Can the government provide the number of hours daily or weekly and # of personnel that this task routinely requires to complete? Can you provide historical staffing for this requirement?

Answer: Please see attachment 9. This isn’t a service requirement and it’s up to the vendor to determine the staffing requirement base on the SOW and the other provided attachments.

18. Statement: Attachment 1: NIH Installations Waste Services shows (21) lines of locations with the address redacted. It appears to show the type of services at each location but the addresses and building IDs are missing.

Question: Can the government provide guidance to the offerors on what information Attachment 1 contributes without the identities of the locations or provide the building numbers and addresses?

Answer: No the government cannot. This information can only be provided to the vendor that’s awarded the contract.

19. Statement: Attachment 3: Annual Estimated Solid Waste Quan....es shows annual estimated solid waste tonnages for each listed building.

Question: Does the above term “Solid Waste” include common garbage AND MPW but not recyclable materials?

Answer: Refer Solid Waste Definition. Page 10, SOW.

20. Statement: SOW page 19 - The trucks that are used to provide solid waste services shall park at the NIH-approved parking place near buildings 25 and 41 parking lot only.

Question: Does this statement mean that the contractor's vehicles used solely for contract services can be parked overnight at these locations?

Answer: True.

21. Statement: Base Performance Period is scheduled to start 04/01/2024 allowing government enough time to evaluate and award the follow-on contract giving a contractor 90 days phase-in period.

Question: Will the government give a contractor 90 days transition period from date of award to procure and coordinate delivery logistics for all requirement equipment for this contract? Currently delay in supply chain will require 90 days to transition contract of this size.

Answer: No. There’s a 30 days transition period.

22. Statement: The current set-side for this solicitation is Unrestricted.

Question: Was market research done by the government to determine the set-aside for this requirement and recompete effort? Based on similar requirements in the area, there are several small businesses capable for performing this contract.

Answer: Yes market research was performed.

23. Statement: Due date for this proposal submission.

Question: Since the QA is not due until the 4th and giving government time to provide responses, can the due date for the proposal be extended by 2 weeks?

Answer: Please see Amendment 00001 and Amendment 00002

24. Statement: Section L – Proposal submission Instructions, Page 37 – 1.c.1 and Page 48 – 2.a.2 Question: Are any hard copies required to be submitted? If so, please provide delivery instructions.

Answer: No. Only electronic copies will be accepted.

25. Statement: For this requirement, contractor’s need to review the site, scope of requirement to determine labor for indoor collection and material sorting.

Question: Can the government provide a site visit to review the size, collection requirements, building locations, container sizes and types to determine labor support required?

Answer: Yes.

26. Statement: Attachment 5 - There are indoor and exterior collection, MPW collection and sorting of materials required under this contract.

Question: Since the site visit is not offered to bidders, can the government provide historical knowledge of current staffing level that handles this requirement?

Answer: Please see answer to #25.

Question: What level of effort is provided on weekends for MPW collection?

Answer: Please refer to the Statement of Work and provide your own level of effort.

27. Statement : Page 16 – Section 3, MPW d. And Attachment 14. Types of Containers Question: What size and style are these containers identified in the table? It states these containers are customized?

Answer: The size is included in attachment 14.

Question: Since site visit is not offered, can you please provide photos of these type of containers including the lids?

Answer: This information was shown during a requested site visits.

28. Statement: Service hours for off-campus locations?

Question: Is the service hours for off-campus locations only Monday through Friday from 7 am – 5pm? Or does this include weekends as well?

Answer: Please review the Statement of work.

29. Statement: There are several locations liners has to be provided by the contractor Question: Please provide liner sizes and historical usages in the last 2 years Answer: Liners for MPW totes? If so, please refer answer-8 for the MPW totes specifications.

30. Statement: Page 22 – a. Exterior color of all Solid Waste Containers Question: what color is preferred by the agency?

Question: Does this color apply to main and off campus containers?

Answer: Contractors can submit the color chart for the government to review. It would be preferable to apply the same color for the main campus and the NIH installations.

31. Statement: Pag 24 – MPW Collection by the Contractor?

Question: Historically, what size containers are provided for collection on, shipment, and disposal of large test animal?

Question: Please provide photo of these type of container for better understanding?

Answer: and refer answer-8 for the MPW totes picture and specifications.

MPW BOX:18 X 18 14"

32. Statement: Page 26 – Resource Recovery and Recycling proceeds Question: Sometime vendor’s issue refunds late. Instead of issuing credit on a monthly basis on the invoice, can the vendors issue checks directly to NIH?

Answer: No. This is something that can be discussed with the awardee if there is an issue at that time.

33. Statement: Page 27 – off campus locations and services required for each off-campus location Question: Please provide a list of all off-campus locations with their addresses (city and zip code will suffice if government does not want to release the street address) and list of services required for each off-campus location.

Answer: Please refer to Attachment 1. The zip codes are provided.

Question: Please confirm for off-campus locations, only MPW collection and transportation to main campus is required?

Answer: Please refer to Attachment 1 and SOW.

34. Statement: Wood Pallet Trailer – Page 28 Question: What size and quantity of wood pallet trailers are required?

Answer: Showed during requested site visit.

35. Statement: Attachment 14 – Type and number of containers provided by contractor?

Question: For 30YD compactors listed on this attachment please provide specification? Is this a dock style, voltage and electricity requirements?

Question: Are all 30Y compactors listed on this list the same style?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Since site visit is not provided, please provide clear photos from all sides?

Answer: Please refer to attachment 14.

36. Statement: Attachment 14 – 8YD Shed for building 26T North Question: Please provide photo and specifications of this container?

Answer: Showed during requested site visit

37. Statement: Attachment 14 – 8YD Dock Can?

Question: Are all the 8YD Dock can required under this contract the same style? Please provide a photo Answer: Showed during the site visit.

38. Statement: Attachment 14 – List of Contractor provided container?

Question: Since quantity of containers required at each location is not provided, it is understood that only one (1) container is required for each building and location noted in the list? Please confirm?

Answer: Please review attachment 14 in its entirety

39. Statement: Emergency after hours service required?

Question: What has been the historical number of emergency services required under this contract?

Answer: 1 under current contract. Emergencies are emergencies and unpredictable.

Question: And sample (task/scope) of type of emergency services required?

Answer: COVID 19

40. RFP 75N98023R00017 – General.

Since this bid is anticipated to exceed $750,000 and is unrestricted, will large businesses be required to submit a small business subcontracting plan to meet the SBA requirements. (Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637) 19.702 Statutory requirements.

Any contractor receiving a contract with a value greater than the simplified acquisition threshold must agree in the contract that small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns will have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance consistent with its efficient performance. It is further the policy of the United States that its prime contractors establish procedures to ensure the timely payment of amounts due pursuant to the terms of their subcontracts with small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns.

(a) (1) Except as stated in paragraph (b) of this section, section 8(d) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637( d)) imposes the following requirements regarding subcontracting with small businesses and small business subcontracting plans:

(i) In negotiated acquisitions, each solicitation of offers to perform a contract that is expected to exceed $750,000 ($1.5 million for construction) and that has subcontracting possibilities, shall require the apparently successful offeror to submit an acceptable subcontracting plan. If the apparently successful offeror fails to negotiate a subcontracting plan acceptable to the contracting officer within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the offeror will be ineligible for award. For a multiple-award contract with more than one North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, see paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

(ii) In sealed bidding acquisitions, each invitation for bids to perform a contract that is expected to exceed $750,000 ($1.5 million for construction) and that has subcontracting possibilities, shall require the bidder selected for award to submit a subcontracting plan. If the selected bidder fails to submit a plan within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the bidder will be ineligible for award. For a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code, see paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

Answer: If awarded to a large business subcontracting plan is required.

41. RFP 75N98023R00017 -- SF 1449 Box 20 We believe the period of performance should be corrected to 4/01/2024 to 3/31/2025 . Currently shows through 3/31/2023 Answer: Correct. The period of performance is 4/1/2024 through 3/31/2025. This has been updated on the SF1449.

42. RFP 75N98023R00017 -- Article B.2. Prices/Costs.

43. We believe the period of performance should be corrected to 04/01/2024 to 03/31/2025 . Currently shows 4/01/2023 through 03/31/2024 Answer: Correct. The corrected period of performance has been updated in the solicitation forms.

44. Attachment 1. Pages 26 5th bullet, Page 24 last paragraph.

The specification requires incineration. Would alternative technologies be considered that can process both standard RMW and Pathological waste as part of a sustainable approach to this contract. This would require separating trace chemotherapeutic waste. The SOW does not refer to trace-chemotherapeutic waste, medical pathological waste. The cost of incineration is continuing to rise and there are more environmentally friendly methods of treating the waste.

Answer: If it meets the RFP and SOW requirements. Anything outside of the SOW will need to be submitted for the review and Contracting Officer’s and program office leadership approval.

45. Attachment 2 Statement of Work. Page 18, (a) 2 bullet.

Can you please provide the manufacturer and dimensions of the current carts so vendors can price our replacement costs.

Answer: Refer answer to #8.

46. Attachment 2 Statement of Work. Page 18, (a) 2 bullet.

Can you please provide the manufacturer and dimensions of the current carts so vendors can price our replacement costs.

Answer: please see answer to question #8

47. Attachment 2 Statement of Work. Page 29 I (1).

If the NIH requires discontinuation of utilizing a disposal facility, would an equitable adjustment be submitted at that point.

Answer: No

48. Attachment 2 Statement of Work. Page 29 I (1).

Has the NIH discontinued any sites in the past.

Answer: No

49. Attachment 2 Statement of Work. Page 29 I (1).

Are there any sites that are currently discontinued and not able to be utilized (is yes, pls provide) Answer: No

50. Attachment 2 Statement of Work . Page 36 Article 4.

In Attachment 2, Article 4 Performance Requirements Summary on page 36 the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) bonus/penalty program is described. Can you please provide how this has been awarded or penalized over the past 5 years under the existing contract. We would like to know how much has been either awarded to penalized to the current contractor.

Answer: Not Applicable to this RFP

51. Attachment 7 MPW Minimum Off-Campus Collection Schedule. Redated Locations.

Can you please provide the addresses for these locations for routing and cost determination purposes.

Answer: Please use the provide zip codes provided.

52. Can you please provide the square footage for buildings 12A (4 floors), 31A (1 floor), 31B (13 floors), 31C (10 floors), 37 (6 floors), 4 (4 floors), 6A (6 floors), 6B (4 floors), 13 (4 floors), 41 (1 floor), and 10 B-1 floor cafeterias Answer: The government cannot provide this information.

53. Can you advise how many dock bays are available to the contractor at Building 10 loading docks and Building 45 Answer: 7 at building 10 and 6 at building 45.

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