Questions and Answers Courier Services for SAM.docx

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Courier Services
Solicitation number
W81K0425QA023
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This document is a comprehensive Questions and Answers file for a Courier Services solicitation (W81K0425QA023) issued by the Department of the Army Medical Command. The solicitation requires a courier service to transport laboratory specimens, blood products, and donor blood between multiple medical facilities in North Carolina, including Womack Army Medical Center, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Creative Testing Solutions. Key operational details include routine and STAT pickups, mobile blood drives, and transportation of specimens across eastern U.S. locations, with specific requirements for 91,266 estimated annual miles, temperature-controlled transportation, and potential simultaneous mobile drive support.

The solicitation includes critical operational parameters such as a 45-minute STAT pickup requirement, Fort Bragg base access procedures, and vehicle specifications (minimum 15 PAX minivan). The contract evaluation will be based on an acceptable/unacceptable technical and past performance rating, with award going to the lowest technically acceptable offer. The previous contract (W91YTZ20P0304) was held by Capital Courier Services, LLC, with a total contract value of $586,966.18. The current solicitation's offers are due on September 10, 2025, with an estimated contract value based on the 91,266 annual miles, and includes provisions for potential route adjustments, background check requirements, and performance standards.

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QUESTIONS
ANSWER
1
The incumbent contractor for the previous award of this contract.
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
2
The award value of the previous contract.
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
3
Vehicle Requirements - For mobile blood drives requiring two vehicles, must both be temperature-controlled cargo vans, or are insulated coolers acceptable for one vehicle?
We will provide containers/coolers for that.
4
STAT Pickup Timing - Does the 45-minute STAT pickup requirement account for possible Fort Bragg gate inspection delays, or will drivers have expedited access?
No, the drives will not have expedited access unless there is a blood emergency. The gate inspection delays is not an emergency.
5
Could you provide an estimated weekly schedule or volume breakdown of STAT calls, routine deliveries, and long-haul missions to help us plan vehicles and staffing levels?
Routine pickups will take place 5 days a week- one pick up at Ft. Bragg and potentially one at a blood drive. Long-haul missions will take place 4-5x per year. STAT calls may occur once or twice a month.
6
Will the government provide Collins boxes and other temperature-control equipment, or is the contractor expected to supply these?
Yes, all blood products and testing specimens will be in appropriate containers with ice.
7
What are the minimum cargo insurance coverage limits required for blood products, specimens, and government-owned equipment?
We do not have this insurance.
8
What specific background check requirements apply for unescorted Fort Bragg access (e.g., federal, state, credit)?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
9
Will the government provide standard COC forms and procedures, or must the contractor develop its own compliant process?
We will provide the form and will evaluate contractor performance
10
Are invoices expected to be submitted per trip or as a monthly consolidated invoice through WAWF?
A Monthly consolidated invoice is to be submitted in WAWF.
11
Can you provide detailed weight specifications for Collins boxes (16" x 18" x 19") when fully loaded with specimens?
45 pounds
12
What are the specific temperature control requirements for blood products during transport (temperature range, monitoring equipment)?
The products will be transported in a temperature controlled containers provided by the organization
13
Are there vehicle size restrictions for accessing Fort Bragg facilities?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
14
What level of background investigation is required for drivers accessing Fort Bragg (NACI, MBI, Secret clearance)?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
15
Is U.S. citizenship mandatory for base access, or are permanent residents acceptable?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
16
What is the typical processing time for background checks and base access credentials?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
17
Can you provide the specific weighting percentages for Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price evaluation factors?
Technical and Past Performance will be rated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis with award made to the lowest offer determined to be acceptable

for both the technical and past performance factors.

18
For companies without prior government medical courier contracts, what alternative past performance will be considered acceptable?
Any relevant work that is close to the scale of this requirement is fine, not just government work. If you do not have past performance, it is considered “neutral” and not a negative or positive and does not count against you. If you are the lowest price and technically acceptable before award, we would ask for verification that you can do the requirement.
19
Will commercial medical courier experience be weighted equally to government contract experience?
Any relevant work that is close to the scale of this requirement is fine, not just government work. If you do not have past performance, it is considered “neutral” and not a negative or positive and does not count against you. If you are the lowest price and technically acceptable before award, we would ask for verification that you can do the requirement.
20
What are the minimum insurance coverage amounts required for: - Blood products and medical specimens - Computer equipment transport - General liability and vehicle insurance
NA
21
Are there approved insurance carriers or specific policy requirements?
NA
22
What constitutes "protection against loss due to delayed or improper handling"?
NA
23
How will mobile blood drive locations and schedules be communicated to the contractor?
By the phone and through emails
24
What is the typical advance notice provided for mobile site collections throughout the Eastern U.S.?
By the phone asking for availably of the driver. For remote locations we are doing well in advance
25
Who serves as the primary point of contact for daily operational coordination?
This information will be released to the Vendor that is award the contract.
26
What percentage of contract work may be subcontracted?
27
Are there restrictions on subcontracting critical functions such as specimen transport or base access activities?
28
What approval process is required for subcontractor personnel accessing Fort Bragg?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
29
How is "99-100% on-time performance" measured and documented?
No delays in deliveries
30
What constitutes acceptable reasons for delayed deliveries (weather, traffic, mechanical issues)?
Weather
31
Are there penalty provisions for performance below standards?
If performance is consistently below standards , the government has various remedies, including:

Cure Notice: A written notice giving the contractor a specified period to correct the deficient performance.

Deduction for Deficient Services: The government may reduce payment to reflect the reduced value of the services received.

Termination for Default: If the contractor fails to cure, the government can terminate the contract for default, which can have serious consequences (e.g., being held liable for the cost of re-procuring the services, negative impact on future contract opportunities).

Negative Past Performance Evaluations: Poor performance can result in negative evaluations in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), making it harder to win future contracts.

32
What documentation is required for chain of custody procedures?
We use ASBP, and CTS shipping manifests
33
How are STAT requests (45-minute pickup requirement) communicated to the contractor?
Over the phone
34
What backup procedures are required when primary vehicles are unavailable?
It is up to the contractors to have a back up plan
35
If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
36
What was the cost of the final full option year of the previous contract?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
37
How many drivers/vehicles are currently used to service the current contract?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
38
What is the vehicle size currently servicing this location?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
39
How many cubic feet of storage are required for transportation, and what is the maximum size and quantity of items to be transported daily?
270
40
Please clarify if the government will require the vendor to provide equipment (coolers, totes, locks, and temperature logs).
NO
41
Are items for transport prepackaged for pickup with temperature control devices in place or will the contractor need to arrive with specific temperature controlled transport vessels?
NO
42
Who is the incumbent contractor currently performing these services?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
43
Can the Government provide the prior contract number and awarded value?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
44
Are historical invoice totals or actual annual mileage available for the past 12 months?
W91YTZ20P0304, awarded on 9/25/20 for total contract value of $586,966.18, inclusive of options. The awarded contractor was Capital Courier Services, LLC. There are significant changes to the PWS from the prior solicitation, although each contract requirement stands alone and should be reviewed and quoted according to the specifics of that solicitation.
45
The pricing worksheet lists an estimated 91,266 annual miles. Are these actual historical usage figures or projections?
Actual figures based on several different contracts
46
Can you provide a detailed breakout of actual mileage driven per route (e.g., Charlotte runs, STAT local trips, NJ long-hauls, mobile drives) under the incumbent?
Located in the PSW of the solicitation
47
Have there been any significant fluctuations in volume or STAT requests in recent years?
No
48
The PWS references Creative Testing Solutions in Charlotte, NC. If the testing facility changes during the contract, will an equitable adjustment be made for additional mileage?
FAR 52.243-1 (Changes - Fixed Price): This clause is standard in fixed-price contracts. If the location of the testing facility changes during the contract, resulting in increased mileage for your courier services, a modification would be made on the contract to reflect the increased mileage.
49
Regarding mobile blood drives, will all locations fall within the listed “Eastern U.S.” sites, or should we plan for additional locations?
It is possible to have additional sites, but we will notify the contractor in advance
50
The PWS notes two drivers may be required during simultaneous mobile drives. Can you clarify how often this has occurred historically?
4-8 times a year
51
Are there specific vehicle requirements beyond capacity for Collins boxes (e.g., refrigeration, weight capacity, or age of vehicles)?
It has to be at least 15 PAX minivan
52
What is the expected turnaround time for driver background checks and base access approvals?
https://home.army.mil/bragg/about/garrison/directorate-emergency-services/physical-security/physical-security-department-army-security-guards
54
Will the contractor be required to absorb fuel cost fluctuations, or will the Government allow adjustments/surcharges in case of fuel price spikes?
FAR 52.243-1 (Changes - Fixed Price): This clause is standard in fixed-price contracts.

The Contractor should submit a proposal for an equitable adjustment that includes a detailed breakdown of the increased costs.

55
Can the Government confirm which SCA classification applies to couriers for this requirement (e.g., Driver/Courier 31043)?
Driver/Courier 31043- the applicable wage determination will be added to this amendment . The wage determination will specify the required wage rates and fringe benefits.
56
Will the contract include wage adjustments under FAR 52.222-43 during option years?
Driver/Courier 31043- the applicable wage determination will be added to this amendment . The wage determination will specify the required wage rates and fringe benefits.
57
Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past.
The scope of this requirement has change enough to consider this a new requirement.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .