Questions and Answers 36C25526Q0120.docx

Questions and Answers

Solicitation: 36C25526Q0120 for Cost-Per-Test(CPT) for Automated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Instruments.

Amendment: 0001

Date: 01/14/2026

Question 1

This SOW requirement appears to be incomplete "Contractor shall provide that are applicable for remote connection to the interface system used to manage the testing system.". Can VISN 15 please confirm the full requirement? Taken from various other VISN SOWs, it looks like it could be "Contractor shall provide copies of current ISA/MOU and BAA with the VA that are applicable for remote connection to the interface system used to manage the testing system.”

Government Response:

VISN 15 confirms that the sentence in the SOW is incomplete and that the intent is consistent with the immediately preceding language regarding security and connectivity documentation (such as the ISA/MOU and BAA, when applicable). The requirement is for the contractor to provide all applicable documentation and agreements required to support remote connection to the interface system used to manage the testing system (e.g., current ISA/MOU and BAA with the VA, if applicable). The solicitation will be updated to correct this sentence; however, offerors must provide the applicable documentation as described above.

For this requirement, a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is not required for our current Automated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Analyzers, as these instruments do not hold or transmit patient information and the vendor does not have access to protected health information. A need for an MOU/ISA will depend on how the analyzer connects to the network; if the proposed solution requires a type of connectivity that triggers VA information security requirements for an MOU/ISA, the contractor will be required to execute the appropriate documentation in coordination with VA prior to implementation.

Question 2

Scope of procurement states the need for “a single award, firm-fixed price with 5 ordering periods.” Is it acceptable to provide an all-inclusive firm-fixed monthly cost quote with 5 ordering periods for each lab based on a Cost-per-Test calculation to include equipment use, all supplies, service, and training as defined in the requirements? This would eliminate the need for labs to report test counts monthly and fluctuations in invoiced costs.

Government Response:

The requirement is structured as a Cost‑Per‑Test agreement under which offerors shall propose an all‑inclusive per‑test price that covers equipment use, all reagents and supplies, consumables, maintenance/service, and training as defined in the solicitation. The single‑award, firm‑fixed‑price BPA with 5 ordering periods will be based on those all‑inclusive per‑test prices and the estimated annual test volumes for each facility and ordering period. Offerors shall complete the pricing schedule in the RFQ by providing a firm‑fixed per‑test unit price for each CLIN and ordering period, using the estimated volumes provided. Invoicing will be based on the actual number of patient reportable results generated at the awarded Cost‑Per‑Test rate in accordance with the solicitation; a separate fixed monthly “flat” dollar amount per lab, independent of actual test volume, is not contemplated by this requirement.