2nd CSS HT941026Q2039 QA Redacted.pdf

• Is there an incumbent?

o FA487721P0063 o $56,413.00 o Xcel Delivery Services

• On-Demand Response Standards: PWS paragraph 1.1.2 defines on-demand services for unscheduled pickups. To support accurate pricing and staffing models, could the Government provide a required performance standard for response time (e.g., the maximum allowable time from notification to courier arrival at the pickup point)?

o 3 Hours

• Specimen Transport Equipment: PWS paragraph 1.1.1 requires the transport of frozen, refrigerated, and ambient samples. Will the Government provide the specialized, validated medical transport containers (e.g., coolers, insulated shippers) and necessary packing materials (e.g., dry ice, gel packs), or is the contractor responsible for providing the primary specimen containers in addition to the transport vehicle?

o Contractor is responsible to provide the container and vehicle. Specimens normally transported are -Room Temp, Regulated, and Frozen.

• Mission Essential Plan Placement: PWS paragraph 2.1.1 requires offerors to provide a plan for the replacement of employees with military mobilization recall commitments "with their offer". Does this plan count toward the two-page limit for Section II – Technical Acceptability, or should it be submitted as a separate, non-paginated attachment?

o This can be submitted as a separate attachment.

• Pricing for On-Demand Units: CLIN 0002 (and subsequent option year CLINs) lists a quantity of 26 Each for on-demand pickups. Is this 26-unit quantity intended to be a "Not to Exceed" (NTE) estimate for pricing evaluation, and how will the Government handle billing if the actual mission requirement exceeds 26 calls in a performance period?

o This is a “Not to Exceed” quantity. Any increase will require approval from the contracting officer as well as a modification to the award.

• Pickup Time Flexibility: PWS 1.1.1 establishes a daily pickup time of 4:00 p.m. Given the Performance Threshold allows for no more than one delivery more than one hour late per month, does the Government anticipate frequent deviations from this 4:00 p.m. window, and if so, what is the typical notification timeframe for such changes?

o Same day - Rare occurance

• If there is an incumbent, could you please share the Purchase Order number and the total value associated with their contract?

o FA487721P0063 o Xcel Delivery Services o $56,413.00

• Are there any changes in the previous scope to new one?

o On Demand threshold Decreased

• Are there any post-award submittals that we should be aware of? If so, could you please provide the relevant information?

o No. Please see latest modification to solicitation for all questions and responses received during Q&A period.

• What is the prior contract information?

o FA487721P0063 o Xcel Delivery Services o $56,413.00

• Whether FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, applies to this acquisition.

o FAR 52.219-14 is not included in RFQ HT941026Q2039. Accordingly, the solicitation does not establish a specific percentage limitation on the amount of work that may be subcontracted.

• Whether a similarly situated small-business subcontractor may perform scheduled or on-demand courier routes.

o The solicitation does not prohibit a subcontractor from performing scheduled or on-demand courier routes. Any subcontractor personnel, vehicles, equipment, and performance procedures must comply with all applicable solicitation and Performance Work Statement requirements.

• The minimum level of in-house staffing, vehicles, equipment, and direct performance the Government expects from the prime contractor under the Technical Acceptability factor.

o The Government has not established a separate minimum number of employees, vehicles, or pieces of equipment that must be maintained directly by the prime contractor, nor has it established a minimum number of routes that the prime contractor must perform itself.

However, the quoter’s technical submission must demonstrate that its overall proposed approach, including any subcontracting arrangement, provides sufficient staffing, vehicles, equipment, management, supervision, and contingency capability to successfully perform all scheduled and on-demand courier services.

• Incumbent Contract Information: The solicitation references a transition with the incumbent contractor upon award. For transition-planning purposes, can the Government confirm the current contract number and the name of the incumbent contractor?

o FA487721P0063 o Xcel Delivery Services o $56,413.00

• Missing Attachment: Section III (Corporate Experience) instructs offerors to submit references using "Attachment 3 – Corporate Experience Form." This attachment does not appear to be included among the documents posted with the solicitation. Could the Government post or provide this form?

o Will be added with CSS mod to provide answers to questions.

• Will the Government provide specimens already packaged and labeled in compliant shipping containers or insulated coolers, including any required secondary containment?

o The Government will package specimens as require. Container is Not provided.

• Will the Government provide any required ice packs, dry ice, temperature-monitoring devices, or other temperature-control materials? Is the contractor required to actively maintain or document specimen temperatures during transport?

o Yes – dry ice and ice pack provided, no other temp control items are required. No – the contractor is not required to actively document specimen temp during transport as long as they are transported in the proper container and delivered promptly this should not be an issue.

• What are the approximate dimensions and weight of the normal daily shipment, including the largest anticipated container or cooler?

o Small biohazard bag – 6X9 inches, approximately 10 specimens daily.

• Is a refrigerated vehicle required, or may the contractor use a standard commercially insured vehicle to transport properly packaged insulated containers?

o Not required as long as it is transported in the appropriate container and delivered promptly.

• For Factor II, Corporate Experience, would the Government consider recurring transportation, logistics, or time-sensitive delivery experience that did not specifically involve medical specimens to be relevant, provided the offeror demonstrates the required staffing, HIPAA compliance, specimen-handling procedures, and chain-of-custody capabilities?

o Yes

• For the on-demand CLIN quantity of 26 pickups per contract year, is that quantity an estimated usage amount, a maximum ceiling, or a guaranteed minimum? If available, what was the historical annual usage?

o This is a “Not to Exceed” amount and reflects the government’s estimated amount for the year. It could be less.