Question and Answer Ammendment 1_RFQ 36C263Q0785.docx

Question 1: Can the government provide how many bed bug services at each CBOC location over the past 24 months?

Answer 1: Paragraph B, Page 5, of the Statement of Work answers to frequency of work:

“Contractor will provide services to the Omaha facility on a weekly basis and the Lincoln facility and CBOC locations on a monthly basis. Services shall be coordinated with the COR prior to taking place.”

Question 2: Can the government provide the last regular pest services at each CBOC location?

Answer 2: As the incumbent contractor, who has been performing the services since the inception of the current contract, you are aware of this information. Consider that a firm answer to this question requires more time than the solicitation period allows.

Question 3: Can the government provide what other pest issues they are having at each CBOC location?

Answer 3: Not at this time. Consider your question does not have any effect on the solicitation statement of work.

Question 4: Has the scope of work changed since the last previous award and or Emergency Bridge contract, if so what changed?

Answer 4: There appear to be no changes.

Question 5: “Can the government clarify under Technical Factor 3 for a copy of the NESDCA certification or equivalent certification for all bed bug canines to be used to provide services being the Statement of Work does not outline any requirement for using K9 Bed Bug Detection dogs? Is the government requiring the use of Bed Bug Detection dogs and if so what are the requirements for this specialty service?”

Answer 5: Compliance Regulations are referenced in the Statement of Work: Page 2; Item 2; “Pest management operations of VA Healthcare Facilities are governed, in part by: VHA Handbook 1850.02 (See attached document). Which covers: banned use of Herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Bed Bug Management, and other annual pest control requirements. Review, in advance of submitting your quotation, and indicate specifically whether there are any items that do not comply with this handbook.”

Please note that the VHA Handbook 1850.02 references the VA Bed Bug Treatment Guide; Page 10; Item 8c: “EPS Integrated Pest Management Operation Plan Template : http://vaww.hefp.va.gov/resources/eps-bed-bug-management-guide”. A copy of the VA EPS Bed Bug Management Guide was obtained (from the above link) and is attached to this amendment.

This guide addresses the use of bed bug detection dogs on Page 5 as follows: “In addition to visual inspections by staff and PMPs, canine scent detection dogs are available that have been specially trained to detect the presence of live bed bugs and viable eggs in areas where a bed bug infestation is suspected. Canine detection teams are especially useful when bed bugs are suspected but cannot be located, for a building-wide assessment and to verify the infestation has been properly mitigated. If this option is chosen, it is important to consider the accuracy of the scent detection company’s dogs and handlers at detecting bed bugs. This includes both the frequency of detecting bed bugs when they are present (positive indication), and the frequency of alerting to the presence of bed bugs when they are not present (false positives). It is strongly recommended to ensure that claims made by scent detection companies are validated by reliable data. Moreover, ensure the dogs and their handlers are certified by the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA) or another comparable certifying body.

How many bait stations are at the current locations, If any).

We are not able to determine the number of bait stations at this time.

On average annually, how many bed bug calls have been conducted?

We are not able to determine the number of bed bug calls as it applies to all locations that are listed in the solicitation. Consider the frequency of services as stated within the statement of work.

Do you have any current issues with birds?

None that we are aware of.

If there are current issues with birds, can this be treated on a per quote basis? Material cost can vary significantly for short term to long term treatments/resolutions.

Not Applicable.

Per 52.212-2 EVALUATIONS, technical factors only list licenses for Iowa. Aside from one (1) location, all others are located in Nebraska. Can you please clarify which licenses are required for submittal?

Licenses are required for each state where services take place (Nebraska and Iowa).

Additionally, within the evaluation Technical Factor calls for a Canine Certification. The scope of work does not list/define the need for a canine inspection.

See answer to Question 5 (above).

B.2 Price/Cost Schedule only lists six (6) locations for items. Will all other locations be excluded from services? Per the scope of work, the missing locations are supposed to receive service as well.

CLINS listed in the solicitation are applicable to specific locations; however, all locations listed in the statement of work are represented within the Price/Cost Schedule.

Please extend the contract to allow for the missing information to be addressed and provide bidders to provide an intelligent quote.

The Government can not extend the solicitation period.