Presolicitation Briefing MSPV Q3 - Questions and Responses.pdf

MSPV Q3

Pre-solicitation Briefing

36C24123Q0765

June 21, 2023

Jeremy Parker, Branch Chief Edward (Pete) Lyke, Contracting Officer Melanie Stockman, Contracting Officer

PRE-SOLICITATION BRIEFING AGENDA

This Presentation Provides a General Overview of:

Tentative Dates:

o Questions Due: 6/28 o Posting RFQ: 7/20 o Closing Date: 8/3

Authorized Solicitation Participants o Set Asides o Tiered Evaluation

Line Item Discrepancies o Discontinued Items o Incorrect Information

Item Substitutions o Direct Replacements o Sterile Version of Non Sterile Item

PRE-SOLICITATION BRIEFING AGENDA

Continued:

Nonmanufacturer Rule (NMR)

Authorized Distributor Letters

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Timely Responses

Quote Submission Date Extensions

Award of Items

INDUSTRY DAY OUTREACH MATERIALS

BPA FAQS

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) Made Easy

Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide potential suppliers with a clearer understanding of the processes involved with awards under Blanket Purchase Agreements.

What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement?

Blanket Purchase Agreements are agreements between the ordering agency and the supplier(s), and the subsequent orders placed against them become contracts once accepted by both parties. -FAR 8.405-3

How are BPAs Used for Procurement?

In addition to fulfilling repetitive needs for supplies or services, ordering activities through a BPA can provide the supply or service that represents the best value, and may consider among other factors: a supplier’s past performance, special feature of the supplies required for program performance, trade-in considerations, probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item, warranty and maintenance considerations of the items, environmental and energy efficiency consideration, and delivery terms. -FAR 8.405-3

Why are BPAs Established?

There are several circumstances as to why a CO may elect to establish a BPA, and include:

• The amount and variety of items needed in a class of supplies that are generally purchased on a recurrent basis, but the exact items, quantities and delivery requirements are not known in advance.

• There is a need to provide a commercial source of supply for one or more products in a given area or class that do not require the authority to purchase through other means.

• The use of a BPA would avoid the need to write multiple purchase orders.

• There is no existing requirement for the contract for the supply of service that the contracting activity is required to use.

-FAR 13.303-2 (a) (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)

Who Issues a BPA?

A CO issues the BPA once finalized through the BPA solicitation process.

What is the Process for BPA Solicitation?

A CO issues the request for quotations based on the identified supplies needed as determined by the Program Office, Supply Chain Data Informatics Office (SCDIO), and Clinical IPT (Integrated Product Team). The CO will oversee the formally submitted quotes throughout the BPA solicitation and award the BPA once approved by

MSPO.

How do Small Businesses Participate in BPAs?

At the discretion of the buying agency, BPAs may be set aside for the following small business set asides:

• Small businesses

• 8(a) firms (agencies must work with the SBA to complete the offer and acceptance process)

• HUBZone small businesses

• Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB)

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) Made Easy

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide potential suppliers with a clearer understanding of the processes involved with awards under Blanket Purchase Agreements.

What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement?

Blanket Purchase Agreements are agreements between the ordering agency and the supplier(s), and the subsequent orders placed against them become contracts once accepted by both parties. -FAR 8.405-3

How are BPAs Used for Procurement?

In addition to fulfilling repetitive needs for supplies or services, ordering activities through a BPA can provide the supply or service that represents the best value, and may consider among other factors: a supplier’s past performance, special feature of the supplies required for program performance, trade-in considerations, probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item, warranty and maintenance considerations of the items, environmental and energy efficiency consideration, and delivery terms. -FAR 8.405-3

Why are BPAs Established?

There are several circumstances as to why a CO may elect to establish a BPA, and include:

· The amount and variety of items needed in a class of supplies that are generally purchased on a recurrent basis, but the exact items, quantities and delivery requirements are not known in advance.

· There is a need to provide a commercial source of supply for one or more products in a given area or class that do not require the authority to purchase through other means.

· The use of a BPA would avoid the need to write multiple purchase orders.

· There is no existing requirement for the contract for the supply of service that the contracting activity is required to use.

-FAR 13.303-2 (a) (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)

Who Issues a BPA?

A CO issues the BPA once finalized through the BPA solicitation process.

What is the Process for BPA Solicitation?

A CO issues the request for quotations based on the identified supplies needed as determined by the Program Office, Supply Chain Data Informatics Office (SCDIO), and Clinical IPT (Integrated Product Team). The CO will oversee the formally submitted quotes throughout the BPA solicitation and award the BPA once approved by MSPO.

How do Small Businesses Participate in BPAs?

At the discretion of the buying agency, BPAs may be set aside for the following small business set asides:

· Small businesses

· 8(a) firms (agencies must work with the SBA to complete the offer and acceptance process)

· HUBZone small businesses

· Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB)

· Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB)

· Economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSB)

· Women-owned small businesses (WOSB) eligible under the Women-Owned Small Business Program

At a minimum, ordering activities should consider, if available, at least one small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, women-owned small business, or small disadvantaged business Schedule contractor. -FAR 8.405-5

What is Required for Small Businesses to be Eligible for a BPA RFQ?

A small business must meet eligible size standards for certification as a small business concern through the Small Business Association (SBA), to be eligible to compete for small business set aside awards. -13 C.F.R. 121.101

· Provide SBA Certification for applicable small business concern

· Review and ensure capabilities of meeting the technical requirements, specifications, and deliverables as outlined in the RFQ and obtain an Authorized Distribution Letter (ADL)

· Communicate with CO with questions or concerns in clarifying the technical requirements of the RFQ

· Provide past performance metrics: volume, delivery, price schedule on any prior awards

How are BPAs Managed After an Award?

The CO shall review the BPA annually (quarterly may be necessary based on program-specific requirements) and determine in writing:

· The schedule contract, upon which the BPA was established is still in effect;

· The BPA still represents the best value (see FAR 8.404(d)); and

· Estimated quantities/amounts have been exceeded and additional price reductions can be obtained.

The determination shall be included in the BPA file documentation. -FAR 8.405-3(E)(i)(ii)(iii)(2)

What is a Commercial Agreement?

A commercial agreement is established between the Prime Vendor and the awarded BPA supplier and contains the terms and conditions to include price, payment, and distribution schedules. A commercial agreement is required once the BPA award has been issued.

Where Can I Learn More? Point of Contacts & Additional Resources

1. U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

2. Federal Acquisition Regulation

· Part 13.303- 1-8

· Part 8.405-3

3. Code of Federal Regulation 13 C.F.R. 121-101-Small Business Size Regulations

4. Office of Procurement, Acquisition and Logistics (OPAL) (va.gov)

5. United States Federal Contraction Registration (USFCR/SAM.GOV)

Updated August 2022 image1.png

MSPV AT A GLANCE

Program Objectives

Industry Benefits

Largest Integrated Healthcare System

Coinciding with the directives of Executive Order 13895 Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and OMB Memoranda M-22-03 Advancing Equity in Federal Procurement, MSPV program leadership is prioritizing engagement with socioeconomic small businesses.

Expanding these efforts will improve MSPV’s ability to provide meaningful opportunities for small businesses through stronger partnerships, clear communication, and improved resources

Provide VHA facilities with just-in-time delivery of medical / surgical supplies, enabling clinicians to provide the highest quality Veteran care and services

Provide visibility into enterprise level spend and usage data, increasing accountability and transparency in VHA purchasing processes

Leverage best practices and clinician involvement throughout the acquisition lifecycle to align with VHA’s integrated supply chain transformation initiative

Increase VHA’s purchasing power and reduce reliance on more expensive procurement methods

MSPV At a Glance The Medical Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) program provides an efficient and cost-effective method for ordering and distributing medical, surgical, dental, and select prosthetic and lab supplies across Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities via Prime Vendor (PV) distribution and supply management services.

VA is looking to solicit new suppliers on a quarterly basis*

MSPV Supply Solicitation Dates

1,298 Medical Facilities

Medical Centers

1,113 Outpatient Sites

For additional resources, visit https://www.va.gov/opal/sac/mspv.asp

$2.1B Total VHA

Medical Supply Spend1

1 Total Spend on Medical Supplies by VHA from FY22 – FY23

2 EO 13895

3 OMB M-22-03

*Updated as of 6/13/23. Dates may be subject to change

FY Q1 Solicitation ReleaseOctober

FY Q2 Solicitation ReleaseJanuary

FY Q3 Solicitation ReleaseJune

Program Objectives

Industry Benefits

Largest Integrated Healthcare System

Coinciding with the directives of Executive Order 13895 Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and OMB Memoranda M-22-03 Advancing Equity in Federal Procurement, MSPV program leadership is prioritizing engagement with socioeconomic small businesses.

Expanding these efforts will improve MSPV’s ability to provide meaningful opportunities for small businesses through stronger partnerships, clear communication, and improved resources

Provide VHA facilities with just-in-time delivery of medical / surgical supplies, enabling clinicians to provide the highest quality Veteran care and services

Provide visibility into enterprise level spend and usage data, increasing accountability and transparency in VHA purchasing processes

Leverage best practices and clinician involvement throughout the acquisition lifecycle to align with VHA’s integrated supply chain transformation initiative

Increase VHA’s purchasing power and reduce reliance on more expensive procurement methods

MSPV At a Glance

The Medical Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) program provides an efficient and cost-effective method for ordering and distributing medical, surgical, dental, and select prosthetic and lab supplies across Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities via Prime Vendor (PV) distribution and supply management services.

VA is looking to solicit new suppliers on a quarterly basis*

MSPV Supply Solicitation Dates

1,298

Medical Facilities

Medical Centers

1,113

Outpatient Sites

For additional resources, visit https://www.va.gov/opal/sac/mspv.asp

$2.1B

Total VHA Medical Supply Spend1

1 Total Spend on Medical Supplies by VHA from FY22 – FY23

2 EO 13895

3 OMB M-22-03

*Updated as of 6/13/23. Dates may be subject to change

FY Q1 Solicitation Release

October

FY Q2 Solicitation Release

January

FY Q3 Solicitation Release

June image1.png image2.png

PRE-SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

1. Q. There are items on here they state are from an OEM but may not be a manufacturer (i.e. Best Buy as the OEM, Logitech Headset as item). If I am able to supply the exact item, but the OEM is a different name than in Column C, would that be acceptable?

A. Please utilize the draft quote sheet and submit all updates to the Contracting Officers (COs) Lyke/Stockman to ensure OEM is updated.

2. Q. How do I communicate with you to remove the 18 items that do not belong?

A. Utilize quote sheet/vendor comments column to id items for removal.

3. Q. May I substitute the 18 items to be removed with MSPV eligible items with spend?

A. No, not unless items are direct replacements for discontinued items or TAA non-compliant items

Submitted Questions:

PRESOLICITATION QUESTIONS

4. Q. Is the purpose for existing Vendors on MSPV?

A. No, anyone can attend the call and quote items. New items awarded to MSPV BPA suppliers will be modified into existing BPAs. New suppliers will receive a new BPA.

5. Q. Can historical usage per product be added to the Quote Sheet? If yes, what period of time does the usage data represent (ex. 1 year, 6 months, 3 months etc)?

A. Please contact your assigned CO to process as vendor recommended additions for next quarterly RFQ. Typically, spend is within the past 12 months. Newly suggested items will be reviewed at next quarterly solicitation.

6. Q. Can you please let me know if you’re looking for a copy of the Manufacturer’s Authorized Distributor letter now, or when offerors are submitted?

A. Authorized Distributor Letters are required during response to RFQ.

7. Q. I noticed that some items we supply currently on the MSPV formulary are not on the Excel Sheet List. Can we only bid on items in this Excel Sheet or can we bid on other items we currently provide on the MSPV Formulary?

A. This quote sheet is for adding new items to the MSPV program, we are not re-soliciting currently awarded items.

8. Q. Can a OEM work with multiple BPA Contract Holders providing the same items to them for the MSPV Formulary?

A. It is the OEM’s right to choose which suppliers they want to work with, that includes if you want them to supply your full catalogue or limit them to certain items.

9. Q. Currently, there are BPA Holders that have contracts that perform from 1/22/21 -1/21/26. Will they lose their BPAs and be replaced with new BPA holders from this new solicitation?

A. This quote sheet is only to add new items to the current program. As for the future program, the VA will be reviewing internally to plan beyond 2026.

10. Q. I am unclear on the TAA Compliancy rule. Can we submit offers for items that are not from a TAA Compliant Country? Some items are not offered from TAA Compliant Countries.

A. No, we cannot accept TAA non-compliant items, however if there is a non-TAA compliant item, please note that on the draft quote sheet so it can be tracked.

11. Q. In the past there have been multiple BPA Holder contractors awarded BPAs with the exact same items. They changed the description slightly or used different item numbers to make it seem like a different item. Everyone has their own internal item #. Will the VA Contracting Office only allow one BPA contractor for each item on this new solicitation?

A. Items are awarded per OEM name/part number.

12. Q. Companies that were NOT SDVOSB’s were awarded the same items that SDVOSB’s were awarded on the previous MSPV Formulary.

That created competition and made it difficult for the SDVOBs to sell their products and compete against large corporations. VA’s have also been paying much higher prices to these large corporations for the same items they could have bought at a much lower price from the SDVOSB Companies THEREFORE wasting upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Since the awards are supposed to be prioritized towards SDVOSB businesses, will this be allowed for this new solicitation?

A. As stated in the pre-solicitation notice, this will be a tiered evaluation, starting at the SDVOSB tier. Pricing will be evaluated in accordance with the solicitation.

13. Q. Prime Vendors previously have also been listed as OEMs for several items. These incentives them to only push their products with the BPA Contract Holders and VA End Users as they make the most money selling their products. This is a conflict of interest as prime vendors are just supposed to be the service/logistics provider between the VAs and the contractors. Will that be allowed for this new solicitation?

A. Items are awarded by OEM name/part #. If there are like items awarded on the MSPV program it is a facility decision on what items they want to purchase.

14. Q. Many VAs buy items via Credit Card or GSA Contract direct from vendors as a workaround so they buy from who they want to. What will be done to make sure that the VAs are mandated to buy products from the Prime Vendors via the MSPV Formulary or this new solicitation?

A. If items are listed on the MSPV producst list, facilities should follow VHA Directive 1761, dated 12/30/20, valid through recertification date of 12/31/25, use of the program is mandatory for all VAMCs.

15. Q. Is it ok to submit a parcel bid?

A. We assume that this means a partial quote, yes, firms may submit a quote on 1 or all items as long as the firm is an Authorized Distributor.

16. Q. Could you define ‘prosthetic’ for this solicitation?

A. Items purchased by VA prosthetics & sensory aids service line.

17. Q. Could you define “national-level contract vehicle”? Which contracts would be considered a national level contract vehicle?

A. For reference, those would be Strategic Acquisition Contracts (SAC) or Denver Acquisition and Logistics Center (DALC)

18. Q. Is the request to have the product description in Attachment A match the manufacturer’s product description exactly? Or is the product description noted in Attachment A just a summary of what the product is?

A. Yes, we want items to match the manufacturer’s description.

19. Q. Is the below Supply Category Definition still accurate as it pertains to laboratory items on the MSPV formulary?

SUPPLY CATEGORY Supply Category Definition

Laboratory Product line items manufactured for general purpose use for all phases of laboratory operations. Items should be of the highest quality and meet laboratory industry standards. This category does not include laboratory test kits, reagents, quality control material, consumable parts and supplies that are proprietary to diagnostic laboratory equipment.

20. Q. Can the pricing in the MSPV program be based on tiered volumes? Or is it one standard price?

A. No tiered pricing on the MSPV program.

21. Q. How would the MSPV program manage products that require a standing order (i.e. red blood cells 28 day lifecycle)?

A. Usage is determined per facility level.

22. Q. Q. Can I become a subcontractor with one of the larger distributors?

A. You must contact each OEM directly to obtain an Authorized Distributor Letter.

23. Q. Due to necessary complimentary items that are needed to complete required testing, can additional items be added to Attachment A?

A. Please contact your CO about product family completions.

24. Q. What is the process for getting newly launched products added to the MSPV contract?

A. Please contact your CO about product family completions. Also, the pathfinder site can be utilized: visit the VA’s Pathfinder website at https://pathfinder.va.gov.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpathfinder.va.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cafb1dd75256d4c2242cf08db2189e884%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638140648408792300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oef%2BYw%2B2ztW00pAwjvbFyYfhTwNNLqI4e0nWapjd5f4%3D&reserved=0

25. Q. What is the process for adding an authorized distributor after the contract is awarded?

A. BPAs are awarded to a company submitting the quote. If an OEM chooses to change who is authorized to distribute their products, they must contact their appropriate CO.

26. Q. I have noticed that there are several custom surgical packs requested on the solicitation. Can you confirm if custom surgical packs are now under the scope of the MSPV?

A. No, custom packs are currently not within the scope of the MSPV program. Please identify these surgical pack items, note on the draft quote sheet and return to COs (Lyke/Stockman) for review.

27. Q. Do all the items listed on the Quote Sheet represent products that have VA spend? If no, what were the reasons that prompted these products to be added (ex. VA Spend, Pathfinder acceptance, products requested by VA facility etc) to the Quote Sheet?

A. Yes, all items listed have VA spend.

28. Q. is there a requirement to have a predecessor in order to awarded the MSPV contract?

A. No, there can be new BPAs awarded from this RFQ.

29. Q. Please define the statement in Description “8(a) participants having priority’ A. Tiered evaluations conducted IAW VAAR 819.7010.

30. Q. Please explain, “Please be on notice, Offeror’s shall meet Non-manufacturer Rule (NMR) requirements or fall under current NMR class waiver(s) which can be found at:

www.sba.gov/document/support-non-manufacturer-rule-class-waiver-list. We have reviewed the non-manufacturer-rule-class-waiver list.

There does not appear to be a “Class” Waiver in place for 339113, only NMR Waiver Terminations for specific categories. Please confirm that there is a Class Waiver in Place for 339113—with the exception of the specific 339113 Waiver Terminations that appear on the list.

A. There is no individual waiver for this solicitation. All offers will need to be familiar with the products being submitted and be familiar if those items fall under a class waiver. Please visit sba website above for information.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sba.gov%2Fdocument%2Fsupport-non-manufacturer-rule-class-waiver-list&data=05%7C01%7C%7C841883c9d25e4bda8e4f08db711fe808%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638228154117081779%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WYmRW6PIvGeSqJsikmqCPkHii8Ho8GDfYjgxFCwkSxE%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sba.gov%2Fdocument%2Fsupport-non-manufacturer-rule-class-waiver-list&data=05%7C01%7C%7C841883c9d25e4bda8e4f08db711fe808%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638228154117081779%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WYmRW6PIvGeSqJsikmqCPkHii8Ho8GDfYjgxFCwkSxE%3D&reserved=0

31. Q. The NMR class waiver status can be notated on 36C24123Q0765_1 - Attachment A - Draft Quote Sheet.” The information being referenced is a list of the required products, please explain what is meant by the NMR class waiver status can be notated on 36C24123Q0765_1-Attachment A - Draft Quote Sheet.

A. Vendor must respond with a yes if the item falls under a class waiver or NO if it doesn’t fall under a class waiver.

32. Q. will prime vendors with private label products be able to offer products on their own BPA?

A. This solicitation will only include products listed on the draft quote sheet. The only private label items accepted are those not sold by the OEM under their own name.

33. Q. Will there be a 5-10% PEA or other type of allowance for SDVOSBs offering products on the BPA? Or will we be forced to compete with manufacturers and distributors offering their own private label products?

A. Pricing will be evaluated IAW with the solicitation.

34. Q. In the case of companies that have been acquired or who have had division acquired by other companies, how would the government like us to identify those products?

A. Please use the draft quote sheet and provide updated information to the COs (Lyke/Stockman).

35. Q. My understanding is that OEMs/Products for 6515- Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) Items (36C24123Q0339) were selected because of a VA spend of $100,000.00 or more. Do I recall that correctly?

A. Items selected for this RFQ were based off of spend/# of facilities ordering/# of orders placed with the past 12 months.

36. Q. With regard to OEMs/Products for 6515-MSPV Q4 FY23 SOLICITATION (36C24123Q0765), what was the selection criteria?

A. Items selected were based off of spend/number off facilities ordering/# of orders placed within the last 12 months.

37. Q. Will this program be administered through Prime Vendors or will facilities have the ability to purchase products direct from the supplier?

A. Facilities will not be able to order directly from suppliers. All orders will be placed by the facilities for the prime vendors.

38. Q. If the supplier can provide an alternative item to the OEM reques ted items can those be included on their quote sheet? Or does the product need to be an exact match to the OEM item listed?

A. No alternative items accepted, unless a direct replacement for a discontinued item or for TAA versions of non-compliant items.

39. Q. Can current Contract Holders propose adding disposables to Contractor’s existing MSPV contract? The government is buying these disposables, but aren’t on MSPV. Is there a dollar threshold minimum that must be met before such items would be considered?

A. Please contact your CO for vendor recommended items for MSPV inclusion.

40. Q. Will like as products be allowed? If not, how do OEMs who have similar products get considered? Especially those for product lines that have not historically been on the MSPV product list (example is the first item which is an assay test for genetic screening. These types of tests are currently on other National contract vehicles).

A. No, not at this time we are not considering like items, only direct replacements for discontinued items or TAA versions of TAA non-compliant items

41. Q. Is the intent to include prosthetics products? There are numerous implants and biologic products being requested that align with the SAC implants contracts. If they are allowed, which contract will get priority within the ordering hierarchy?

A. If an item is on an implant/biologic contract, those items will remain there.

42. Q. There are numerous lab items being requested. It was my understanding lab items were not allowed and had been removed from the current MSPV Product List. Is that changing? If lab is allowed, will those similar items that were already removed be put back on?

A. All items are evaluated by the IPT and they determine if an item is appropriate for the MSPV program or not.

43. Q. There are several products that have OEMs listed that are suppliers and not the OEM. How should these items be quoted or are they only allowed from the listed supplier?

A. Please submit this information on the draft quote sheet to COs

(Lyke/Stockman) for review.

44. Q. I have noticed on the quote sheet item, Index 7290, OEM number 3907001 is currently listed on the Quote Sheet. This item is already awarded under BPA 36C24122A0006; can you confirm if this is listed as a mistake or if there is a need to find a different supplier for this item?

A. Please submit this information on the draft quote sheet to COs (Lyke/Stockman) for review.

45. Q. There are a large amount of custom procedure packs/trays listed under numerous manufacturers. These packs are custom to a particular facility and staff. The packs go through several revisions depending on component availability and staff needs each year. These are not standard packs/trays that can be used by anyone. Is the MSPV formulary now going to carry custom packs?

A. No, custom packs are not included in MSPV at this time. Please identify those items on the draft quote sheet and submit to COs (Lyke/Stockman) for review.

46. Q. Are China products being allowed on MSPV?

A. No, TAA non-compliant items are not being accepted, however if an item is TAA non-compliant note that on the draft quote sheet.

47. Q. Given that the proposed purchases against these BPAs shall and will fall below the SAT, and given that the NMR does not, by regulation, apply to purchases below the SAT, why does the Notice assert that the NMR applies to the proposed BPAs? We respectfully submit that the NMR plainly does not apply to these proposed BPAs and purchases under the BPAs.

A. According to VAAR 819.7003 (d), and 13 CFR, the NMR applies to all SDVOSB/VOSB set-asides.

48. Q. The Notice states the “solicitation is being issued as a tiered evaluation”. Historically, VA has awarded BPAs for the MSPV program based on lowest possible cost, how will VA conduct the evaluations under the solicitation?

A. The solicitation will utilize tiered evaluations IAW VAAR 819.7010 and follow the solicitation evaluation criteria.

49. Q. VA previously pursued and obtained individual NMR waiver(s) from SBA to establish BPAs in support pf the current MSPV program (“the existing BPAs”). The products subject to the Notice fall within the same categories of products that are covered by the existing BPAs. As both the existing BPAs and the BPAs proposed by the Notice support the same MSPV program, why aren’t these proposed BPAs covered by the prior NRM waiver(s). Please keep in mind that BPAs are not contracts, they provide a basis for placing simplified acquisition orders, all of which support the same MSPV program.

A. Individual waivers will not be sought for current/future MSPV procurements.

50. Q. Numerous Custom Procedure Trays were included on the 36C24123Q0765 Attachment A – DRAFT Quote Sheet. As these are custom and unique to each VAMC, should these be included in this Solicitation?

A. No, custom trays are not being considered for MSPV at this time.

51. Q. After an extensive review of the draft quote sheet, we noticed that BD has three (3) items on the list that are actually “white labeled”.

Those products are manufactured for BD by Copan Diagnostics.

A. Please use the draft quote sheet to list the updated information and return to the COs (Lyke/Stockman).

52. Q. There is on-going solicitation 36C10G22r00205 for a national contract to supply particular size rollators and walkers to the VA. An award has not been issued. If and when an award is made, how will that influence this solicitation?

A. Those items are DME and will not be part of MSPV.

53. Q. The pre-solicitation notice says the procurement is a “set-aside“ but it says it will be a “Tiered Evaluation including large business concerns”. Tiered evaluations including large business concerns are NOT considered “set-asides”. Therefore, is the procurement going to be a “set-aside”?

A. This will be a tiered evaluation with an initial set-aside at the SDVOSB tier.

54. Q. We noticed there are items on the spreadsheet that are considered equipment and some even capital equipment. Is the VA looking to add such equipment to the MPSV program product list?

A. No, please provide feedback on the draft quote sheet identifying the equipment items and provide to COs (Lyke/Stockman).

55. Q. Will the VA allow suppliers to quote “equal to” products that are on the supplied spreadsheet?

A. No, only submit quotes for items listed on the quote sheet.

56. Q. We have noticed that several requested items are not TAA. In recent months, thousands of items have been removed from BPAs. Do we reply with a quote on these items, or would you like us to inform you that the items are non-TAA?

A. Please provide feedback on the draft quote sheet so we can track those items.

57. Q. RCG has a few manufacturers that make similar items to ARJO slings and the Bair Paws kits, for example. Can we quote an equal or do we have to quote exact?

A. No, only submit quotes on items listed on draft quote sheet.

PRESOLICITAITON QUESTIONS

58. Q. Will an estimated quantity for each item be provided?

A. No.

59. Q. How many years will this solicitation post for?

A. BPAs are for a 5 year term.

60. Q. Will there be any additional fees that the vendor will adhere to if awarded and if so how much?

A. No additional fees are currently allowed.

61. Q. Will this awarded contact be held in higher regards than other government contracts? Meaning, will people have to purchase of this instead of an equivalent solicitation that might post?

A. IAW VHA Directive 1761, dated 12/30/20, valid through recertification date of 12/31/25, use of the program is mandatory for all VAMCs.

62. Q. Bracco Diagnostics, the OEM, expressed hesitation at authorizing this item for the MSPV Formulary during the previous solicitation due to its identity as a “covered drug.”

• Index #2098.

A. Please provide feedback on the draft quote sheet for follow up.

Thank You for Your Time