SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE_NEMT_PVAHCS.pdf

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract.

Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this sources sought must be in writing. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, 8(a), HubZone and other Small Businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition. Responses to this notice shall include the following: (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) phone, fax, and email (e) DUNS number (f) Cage Code (g) Tax ID Number (h) Type of small business, e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned small Business, Veteran-owned small business, 8(a), HUBZone, Women Owned Small Business, Small disadvantaged business, or Small Business HUBZone business and (i) must provide a capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below.

Network Contract Office (NCO) 22 is seeking a qualified vendor to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation services to eligible beneficiaries that use the Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) located at 650 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, facilities, equipment, supplies, materials, and vehicles to meet the needs of this solicitation. Prospective contractors must be authorized/certified to provide the required service and must show proof with any provided documents at the time of responding to this Sources Sought announcement of the capabilities stated below:

DRAFT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT DRAFT

Title: Non-Emergent Wheelchair, Stretcher, and Ambulatory Transportation Services (PVAHCS)

1.0 Background

1.1. The Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS) has a need for safe, comfortable non-emergent ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation services for eligible beneficiaries to get to and from their scheduled medical appointments at the main facility and its associated Community Based Outpatient Clinic locations (CBOC) on an as needed basis, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week (Including holidays)

1.2 Services include pre-arranged, scheduled, unscheduled, and will call door to door service from beneficiary’s apartments and homes, and other areas designated by the Patient Travel Office (PTO). It also includes discharges from PVAHCS inpatient wards, the Emergency Department, as well as transports to and from contracted nursing homes. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing these services.

Note: This contract is not for emergency medical services.

2.0 Scope:

2.1 Contractor shall furnish all parts, labor, equipment, personnel, qualified supervision, and vehicles necessary to provide the appropriate means of transportation required by this contract.

2.2. Transportation Coordinator

Contractor shall provide an on-site Transportation Coordinator for PVAHCS VA Travel Department. No Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) or Wi-Fi access will be provided to the Contracted Vendor Transport Coordinator. A working space for the employee within the Travel Department will be provided to handle daily operation tasks. The responsibilities of the Contracted Vendor Transportation Coordinator include:

• The single point of contact for the VA Travel Department staff.

• Available on site at PVAHCS Monday thru Friday, 0730 to 1600.

• Provide real time data entry of approved transports.

• Assist Travel Department team with questions and/or concerns involving Transportation

Services.

• Provide Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for Veterans and Travel Department team.

• Assist with data collection for requested travel arrangements to ensure VA contract and billing terms are met by Contractor.

• Mitigate any discrepancies in information which may occur post transport.

2.3. Drivers/Attendants:

2.3.1. Services shall be provided by a qualified driver, licensed in accordance with applicable state, city, and local regulations.

2.3.2. Drivers/attendants shall be trained in various methods for securing patients utilizing wheelchair lifts, restraint systems, and other assistive devices during transportation.

2.3.3. Drivers/Attendants must have successfully completed an American Red Cross Standard First-Aid and Personal Safety Course or any other related courses in first aid and have current certifications.

2.3.4. Drivers/Attendants must be enrolled periodically in “refresher” continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the State of Arizona, but in no instance shall this be less frequently than every two years. Such “refresher” training must be equivalent to that developed by the American Red Cross Standard first aid and personal safety.

2.3.5. Record of each employee’s qualification must be maintained at the Contractor’s establishment and made available for inspection upon request.

2.3.6. Contractor shall ensure that all drivers and staff performing under this contract comply with the participating VAMC alcohol and drug free workplace policy.

Contractor shall conduct random alcohol and drug tests on all drivers. Random alcohol and drug tests shall be conducted at least once a year on each employee performing under the resulting contract. Drivers shall also be subject to drug and alcohol testing when reasons exist to suspect the use of illegal drugs and/or alcohol while on duty that impaired judgment, performance, and operation of vehicles and the safety of Veteran patients. Upon request, the Contractor shall provide evidence or copy of the results of employee drug and alcohol testing.

2.3.7. Solicitations by Contractor personnel of beneficiaries for any reason is STRICTLY

PROHIBITED

2.4. Vehicles

2.4.1. All vehicles shall be in excellent mechanical condition with clean and sanitary interiors.

Interiors and exteriors of each vehicle shall be well maintained and present a respectable appearance. Each vehicle shall be of a model and make to ensure safe and comfortable transportation for the patient and shall be inspected and maintained daily to assure mechanical fitness for public safety. Each vehicle shall be equipped with safety items required by Federal, State and local authorities in the area in which they are operate. In addition, the vehicles shall have:

• Safety restraints for all seating, wheelchair, and stretcher positions.

• Permanently mounted cot locking devices in a number equal to the maximum capacity of the vehicle.

• Heater and air conditioner in good operating condition, capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the vehicle interior.

• One stretcher in good operating condition with adequate straps and anchor system to ensure safe transportation of patients (for stretcher transport vehicles only). All stretcher transports shall be equipped with a wheelchair (Used only if needed upon patient pickup/delivery) and onboard oxygen (Not to exceed 4 liters).

• One of the following fire extinguisher types:

-- Five-pound dry chemical

-- ABC

-- 10-pound BC (minimum J.L.)

• Fire extinguisher shall be mounted so it can be easily accessed.

• 24-unit American Red Cross type first aid kit or equivalent

• Disposable masks for use by driver and/or patients with cough, flu like symptoms.

• Adequate supply of clean sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and blankets.

• Forward and Aft looking cameras with audio recording capabilities (Video and audio recordings will be provided to the government upon request).

• Warning lights that flash, activated when loading or off-loading passengers.

• A secured cooler containing water for patients being transported in the event of traffic delays or vehicle breakdowns.

2.4.2. Any vehicle involved in an accident, no matter how insignificant, shall be taken out of operation until the Contractor has provided written documentation to PVAHCS that the vehicle has been repaired and is in good working order.

2.4.3. Drivers/vehicles shall be equipped with satellite cell phones to maintain communication with Contractor’s Dispatch Center and PVAHCS dispatcher for out-of-town pick-up and drop-offs (Out of town travel can be 250 miles one-way).

2.4.4. Contractor shall submit sufficient evidence in the event that cleanup is required as a result of pest infestation or bodily fluids that the actions transpired while transporting a VAMC veteran in order to be reimbursed.

2.4.5. The Government reserves the right to inspect and approve vehicles utilized for contract performance at any time. Mechanical defects noted at the time of inspection shall be corrected prior to being placed in service. Maintenance of vehicles and their equipment shall be on a periodic basis and meet or exceed manufacturers recommendations. Inspection of maintenance records shall be made available to the COR upon request.

2.5. Service Requests:

PTO shall provide Contractor next day’s transportation schedule by 3:00 pm the day prior to pick-up. (PTO will provide Contractor directions to pick-up locations on PVAHCS).

• During the workweek (Monday through Friday), schedules, patient information, and additional requests will be provided via VetRide. During VetRide outages, information shall be transmitted via phone, fax, or secure email.

• Contractor shall contact each patient the day prior to pick-up to confirm transport request and patient’s address.

• Driver/Attendant shall go to PTO, AOD (After hours), or applicable ward at time of pick-up/drop-off. If the driver cannot locate the patient, the driver shall notify the unit and VA dispatcher. After hours, weekend, and holidays, the driver will notify the AOD on duty.

Note: PVAHCS averages six to ten unscheduled requests a day (Monday – Friday) for all mobility types. PTO will notify Contractor so pick-up can be completed within 60 minutes of the request.

• For questions or updates during hours of operations, Contractor shall call PTO at (602)

277 5551, x7650, option 1.

• For questions or updates after hours, weekends and/or holidays, Contractor should contact the ADO at (602) 277 5551, x2621 (For example: if Contractor arrives for pick-up and beneficiary has moved, is sick or requires a different mobility type.

2.5.1. Basic Services:

Contractor shall provide non-emergent door to door transportation services IAW PTO’s daily transport schedule within 30 minutes of the requested pick-up time.

Contractor shall also provide transportation services based on patient discharges as well as contract nursing home placement needs. Transport services will be provided on as needed basis and will be communicated to the Contractor via fax/secure email.

2.5.2. Life Sustaining Treatment Patient Transportation:

For scheduled, unscheduled, and will calls for Life-Sustaining Treatment Patients, and transportation for Dialysis, Hematology/Oncology, Radiation, and Oxygen patients, Contractor shall provide door to door transportation services within 20 minutes of the requested pick-up time.

Note: The VA requires patients to check in 15 to 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.

2.5.3. Multiple or Single Riders

a. It is understood and agreed that when transporting Veterans who reside in the same geographical area, a ride share will be utilized by the Contractor. A ride share is when two or more Veterans reside within a 5-mile radius, ride together to the VA for their scheduled appointments. When transporting more than one patient on a trip, reimbursement will be made at the rate for a single rider. Each additional rider will be reimbursed at a rate of one-half the single rider rate. Contractor shall ensure that pickups and drop offs are scheduled to ensure that all patients make appointment times.

b. If a patient requires an attendant or caregiver, or requests to have one present, the Contractor shall provide the service at no additional cost. The attendant or guest rides along with patient to assist with the needs of the patient.

2.5.4. Failure to Provide Services:

If Contractor is unable to furnish Ambulette/Medical Coach/Wheelchair service within the timeframe stated, Contractor is responsible for furnishing alternative transportation to meet patient pick-up requirements. If Contractor is unable to find alternative transportation, the VA reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and to charge the Contractor with any excess cost that may result.

The VA shall be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source.

2.5.5. Cancellation:

If Contractor is provided notification 90 minutes prior to pick-up time on trips greater than 90 miles and 30 minutes for trips less than 90 miles, the VA shall not be charged for cancellation.

2.5.6. Dry Run Charge: When transport service is requested by the VA and the veteran cancels at the door or is not home, the Contractor shall charge the rate of a single trip.

2.5.7. Rates:

Mileage traveled will be limited to "One Way Only," the distance the patient was transported. Trip mileage shall be determined by utilizing Bing Maps (the standard utilized throughout the VA for patient travel) whenever possible (Base rates include mileage up to 27 miles from (PVAHCS)

2.5.8. Wait Time:

For time lost waiting for a patient at either a pick-up or drop-off location due to causes beyond the Contractor’s control, the Contractor shall be reimbursed at the rate quoted in the schedule in 15 minute or one-quarter hour increments after the first 15 minutes from the time they report to the designated person. If the pickup is other than the VA Medical Center, the Contractor will call the Patient Travel Department or AOD as soon as the driver anticipates a delay may develop for which the Contractor will claim reimbursement (Call is only for verifying the arrival time at the pick-up point and is not required if the Contractor does not anticipate any delays).

2.5.9. Delays:

When conditions, either foreseeable and/or controllable occur, such as, but not limited to severe storms, flooding, hazardous road and travel conditions, time and distance requirements shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Delays or exceptions to the required quality of services will be reported to the Patient Travel Office. The COR will make a determination as to whether such delays in service will be excused.

2.5.10. Medical Incidents/Accidents:

Contractor shall immediately report all medical incidents and accidents, including those where there is no apparent injury to the patient, that occurs while transporting VA beneficiaries. A written report from the driver documenting the facts of the incident/accident must be provided to the PVAHCS within 24 hours of the occurrence. The written report will include:

• Name and address of patient being transported.

• Whether patient was injured or not.

• If patient was transferred to another contract vehicle.

• If patient was transported to an Emergency Department by ambulance.

• Date and time when incident occurred.

• Location where incident occurred.

• Telephone numbers of any witnesses.

• Applicable police reports.

3.0. General Information

3.1. Protected Health Information (PHI):

Contractor will be given the protected health information (PHI) of name, address, and telephone number for the purpose of locating and transportation of the patient(s). Drivers will secure the daily pick-up list at all times. Contractor will be given protected health information of name, address, and telephone number via fax, phone, or letter for the purpose of billing.

3.2. HIPPA Compliance:

Contractor must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104 191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the National Standards to Protect the Privacy and Security of PHI. As required by HIPAA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has promulgated rules governing the security and use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a BAA with

VA.

3.3. Security Requirements:

3.3.1. Background Investigations:

In accordance with VHA Directive 0710 all Contractor personnel providing services under this contract shall be the subject to a background screening and shall receive favorable adjudication from the VA prior to contract performance. The level of screening for this contract is: Special Agency Check (SAC) only unless a National Agency Check is determined to be required by the VA ISO and/or Privacy Officer for contract personnel assigned to a low risk/non-sensitive position is expected to work more than 180 days. Any employee whose background investigation yields unfavorable results shall be removed immediately from performance under this contract. In the event the screening is not completed prior to contract performance; the Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of those individuals performing under the contract.

3.3.2. Security Badges:

All Contractor personnel shall wear VA provided identification (I.D.) badges above the waist at all times while on the VA grounds. Contractor shall coordinate with COR in order to obtain the VA provided I.D. badges for all drivers. All VA provided I.D. badges shall be returned at the end of the contract or upon completion of service. Failure to wear ID badges may result in removal from Federal Property.

3.4. Privacy and Security Training:

Contractor is required to ensure that all personnel (Contractor or subcontractor) receive annual Privacy and Security Awareness Training that conforms to the requirements of the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Cyber and Information Security Training. C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

3.5. Quality Control:

Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed IAW the PWS. Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means which the vendor assures their work complies with the requirements of the contract. A quality control plan shall be delivered with the proposal and updated as necessary during the life of the contract.

After acceptance of the quality control plan. the Contractor shall receive the Contracting Officers Representative’s (COR) acceptance in writing of any proposed changes to the QC Plan.

3.6. Quality Assurance:

The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance IAW the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

3.7. Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings:

Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. The COR will apprise the Contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

3.8. Estimated Quantities:

All quantities for trips/mileage are estimated quantities, since it is impossible to determine the exact number of trips or mileage required during the contract term. The estimated quantities specified in the price schedule do not obligate the government to order those exact quantities however they are representative of the types and numbers of services historically procured.

3.9. Invoicing:

a. Contractor shall submit Invoices weekly and will be paid biweekly in arrears. Invoices shall include:

(1) Contract Number.

(2) Date of Trip.

(3) Authorization number(s) and patient’s name.

(4) Pick-up and drop-off location of patient.

(5) Base Rate.

(6) Name of patient transported.

(7) Documentation of circumstances when billing for waiting time.

(8) Any miscellaneous charges for which the contractor is expecting reimbursement i.e., Toll charges, Waiting Time, etc.

(9) VA authorizing official’s name.

(10) Healthcare Procedure Coding System/National Level II (HCPCS).

b. Contractor shall provide a receipt or copy of the receipt for all miscellaneous charges.

(Waiting time, etc.)

c. Unauthorized charges will be suspended by the COR. Unauthorized charges are those that authorized VA personnel have not pre-approved. Supporting documentation shall be provided and submitted for payment consideration.

d. Suspended charges will be reviewed by COR for validity and to whether or not the payment will be made. Final determination will be made within 30 days after notifying Contractor of suspended charges.

3.10. VetRide/VA-Approved Transportation Software

Contractor agrees to utilize VetRide, Third Party Portal and Vendor Pass with every passenger transported under this contract. Software and access to VetRide Third Party Portal shall be provided to the Contractor by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Contractor shall utilize VetRide Third Party Portal as stated below:

• Receive and respond to electronic trip requests.

• Receive, use, and ensure the use of the Vendor pass by the dispatcher and aircrew.

• Update each trip’s pick-up and drop-off times into VetRide’s Third-Party Portal.

• Submit claims via the electronic HCFA 1500 in the VetRide Third-Party Portal (See note below)

Note: Invoices for government transportation contracts will transition from Tungsten to VetRide during the life of the contract. The CO will provide a start date and updated instructions from those listed above. Until the transition has been approved, Contractor shall use Tungsten to submit all invoices:

3.11. Main Facility

Phoenix VA Healthcare System 650 E. Indian School Road Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Community Based Outpatient Clinics

Southeast VA Clinic 3285 S. Val Vista Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297

Southwest VA Clinic 9250 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85037

Thunderbird VA Clinic 9424 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Northwest VA Clinic 13985 W. Grand Avenue #101 Surprise, AZ 85374

Northeast VA Clinic 11390 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Midtown VA Clinic 5040 North 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85015

Phoenix 32nd Street, VA Clinic 400 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Globe CA Clinic 5860 Hospital Drive, Globe, AZ 85501

Show Low VA Clinic 5171 Cub Lake Road, Show Low, AZ 85901

Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) 1500 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Fairmont Building 4001 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Missouri Building 711 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Payson VA Clinic 903 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

3.12. Contracting Officer Representative

TBD

Phone: TBD Email: TBD

3.13. Period of Performance:

This is a base plus four (4) year contract from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2030.

3.14. Hours of Operation:

The majority of trips under this contract will be Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, exclusive of Federal Holidays; however, transportation services are required 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, including Federal Holidays. This includes but is not limited to after hour discharges from the VA hospital; if administratively eligible, these Veterans shall be able to utilize transportation.

3.15. Recognized Holidays:

The following holidays are observed by the Federal Government. If a Federal Holiday falls on a Saturday, the immediately preceding Friday will be observed as the holiday; if a Federal Holiday falls on a Sunday the immediately succeeding Monday will be observed as the holiday. In addition to those holidays listed below, on occasion there may be other holidays declared by Executive Order:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Independence Day

Note: The Contractor is required to perform on holidays should there be scheduled transports, as well as hospital and ED discharges.

3.16. Site Visit:

The government requests a site visit at the Phoenix VA Health Care System on TBD at TBD with all prospective vendors. Vendors will meet contracting officer representatives TBD at the entrance to TBD. The facility is located at 650 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Please RSVP by calling or email TBD at:

TBD

Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS)

WP: TBD

Email: tbd@va.gov

3.17. Identification of Contractor Employees:

a. While performing services under the contract, all employees shall wear a uniform and name tag that readily identifies the company and the person as an employee of the

Contractor. Uniforms are to be clean and maintained in good repair. Drivers must maintain accepted standards of cleanliness and grooming and demonstrate courtesy to the patients being transported.

b. All contract personnel attending meetings, answering government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials.

c. Contract personnel shall ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

3.18. Smoking and Vaping Policy:

Smoking or vaping are not permitted on VA grounds.

3.19. Definitions and Acronyms:

a. Definitions:

• Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

• Contracting Officer: A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

• Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An employee of the U.S.

Government appointed by the contracting officer to monitor the contractor’s performance. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

• Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

• Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured items such as meeting minutes or reports.

• Dry Run: When the driver shows up at residence and all attempts are made to contact the patient and no one is at the residence or the patient has cancelled.

• Physical Security: Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

• Quality Assurance: The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

• Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

• Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end-product or service shall meet contract requirements.

• Ride Share: An arrangement in which two or more people who reside in the same geographic area share a vehicle for transportation.

• Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The

Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

b. Acronyms:

• COR: Contracting Officers Representative

• FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation

• HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

• CO: Contracting Officer

• PWS: Performance Work Statement

• QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

• QC: Quality Control

• AOD: Administrative Officer of the Day

• PHI: Protected Health Information

4.0. Attachments

a. Attachment 1 Performance Objectives

Attachment 1 – Performance Objectives

Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective

(Service required)

Standard Performance

Threshold (This is the minimum acceptance rate. It could possibly be “Zero deviation from standard”)

#1 Provide on-time scheduled trips (pickups and returns) in accordance with PWS paragraphs para. 2.5.1.

Basic Services, Contractor shall provide transport services within

30 minutes of the requested pickup time.

Life-Sustaining Treatment Patients, Contactor shall provide services within 20 minutes of the requested pickup time.

98%

#2 Provide pickup for unscheduled and will-call trips in accordance with PWS paragraphs 2.5 and para. 2.5.2.

Basic Services, Contractor shall provide transport services within 1 hour of request.

Life-Sustaining Treatment Patients, Contactor shall provide services within 20 minutes of request.

95%

#3 Ensure all vehicles are in proper condition and fit for public safety (PWS, para. 2.4.1, 2.4.2, and 2.4.4).

Contractor shall ensure all vehicles are properly maintained.

100%

#4 Ensure drivers and attendants are properly licensed, trained and competent to provide the services in this contract (PWS, Section 2.3).

Contractor shall ensure all drivers and attendants are properly licensed, trained, and competent to provide the services in the contract.

100%

#5 Ensure that patients being transported arrive at their destination without incident or injuries (PWS, para.

1.1 and Section 2.3).

Contractor shall ensure all drivers are properly trained on safe transportation (Includes AZ driving regulations, securing patients, etc.).

Contractor shall have no more than 3 at-fault instances of a patient incident or accident with injuries in a 12-month period.

100%

Important information: The Government is not obligated to, nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this Sources Sought synopsis request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. The VA is mandated by Public Law 109-461 to consider a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set aside. However, if response by Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business firms proves inadequate, an alternate set-aside or full and open competition may be determined. No sub-contracting opportunity is anticipated. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 485991 – Special Needs Transportation ($19.0 Million).

Notice to potential offerors: All offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov and complete Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Additionally, all Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Veteran Owned Businesses who respond to a solicitation on this project must be registered with the Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov. All interested Offerors must submit information by e-mail to michael.williams48@va.gov. All information submissions should be received no later than 3:00 pm Arizona Time on May 1, 2025.

After review of the responses to this announcement, the Government intends to proceed with the acquisition and a subsequent solicitation will be published.