S05-VENDOR QUESTIONS-ANSWERS.docx

Vendor Questions

1. Has the VA received documentation confirming that an SDVOSB has the capability to provide ASQC-certified technicians to service the equipment included in the scope? No. This is not how SDVOSB set-aside is determined.

1. Are case carts and other rolling stock included as covered assets under this contract? NO

1. If so, can the VA provide the quantity of case carts and push carts requiring repair/service support? N/A

1. Are power instruments included in the contract scope? NO

2. If so, please specify the types and quantities of power equipment covered.

2. Additionally, can the VA clarify the expectations associated with equipment being "placed on a quarterly rotation program"?

1. Please confirm the quantity of Phaco Ultrasonic Emulsification equipment included in the contract. NO

1. Please confirm whether fiber optic light cables are included in the scope of coverage. NO

1. Please clarify the service requirements associated with the InsulScan insulation testing system, specifically what is meant by the equipment being "serviced." The VA no longer has InsulScan equipment.

1. has the VA completed an inventory of the instruments covered under this requirement? The VA’s most recent inventory was completed in 2022.

1. The solicitation does not specify an initial inventory requirement for the contractor. To ensure offerors clearly understand the scope of work and can develop accurate, competitive pricing, would the VA provide an existing inventory identifying the instrument types and quantities, if available? If approved by the CO, the inventory can be pulled from CensiTrac in Excel format.

1. Instrument Set Volume: Can the Government clarify the approximate number of surgical instrument sets or trays that will require service during each scheduled visit? The approximate number of surgical instrument trays is 20/day and clinical instrument trays is approximately 20/day.

1. Scope Clarification – Device Types: The Statement of Work references various medical devices, including powered surgical equipment, cameras, electric/battery-powered devices, and pneumatic instruments. Could the Government clarify whether these device types are included in the scope of this solicitation or if this request is for general surgical instrument set/tray maintenance and repair only? Powered instruments are all serviced by a different department/contract, not this contract.

1. Specialty Medical Device Scope Clarification: Does the Government intend for powered equipment, camera systems, endoscopic equipment, pneumatic dental equipment, and other specialty medical devices to be included within the scope of this requirement? Powered instruments are all serviced by a different department/contract, not this contract. If so, can the Government provide an inventory of the applicable equipment, including manufacturer, model number, serial number, and quantity for each device category? N/A This information is necessary to allow offerors to accurately assess repair complexity, support requirements, anticipated parts exposure, and equipment-specific service needs when developing pricing for these device categories.

1. Cost Schedule Modification Request: If these specialty medical devices are included within the scope of the requirement, would the Government consider establishing separate CLINs for these categories of service? CLINs are determined by the CO. The VA is open to having multiple CLINs at the discretion and need of the CO. Unlike standard stainless steel handheld surgical instruments that are routinely serviced during onsite visits, these devices often require specialized troubleshooting, OEM parts, depot-level repair, calibration, vendor support, and shipping to offsite repair facilities. As such, the costs associated with these repairs cannot be reasonably incorporated into a fixed onsite service rate intended for routine sharpening and maintenance activities.

1. Case Cart Details: The Statement of Work references case cart services. Could the Government provide the manufacturer/brand of the case carts and the total number of units anticipated to be serviced annually? N/A Case Cart services are not required on this contract.

1. VAAR 852.219-73 Clarification: The solicitation instructions identify "Completed Provision fill-ins for VAAR 852.219-73 on Page 38" as a required submission item. However, the provision contained on Page 38 does not appear to include any fill-in fields, certifications, or representations requiring completion by the offeror. Can the Government clarify whether any action is required beyond acknowledgement of the provision as included in the solicitation? Please disregard as 852.219-73 is no longer applicable.

1. Laser Etching Volume Clarification: Can the Government provide historical utilization data or estimated annual quantities for laser etching services under this requirement? Approximately 100 laser etching per year required, approximately. The labor and equipment resources associated with occasional replacement of manufacturer markings differ substantially from large-scale instrument identification, inventory control, or barcode-marking initiatives.

Additionally, does the Government anticipate laser etching only as needed to preserve existing manufacturer information during repair activities, or is a broader instrument identification, inventory management, or barcode-marking program contemplated under this requirement? As needed to preserve existing Inventory Management & Identification.