6540--VISN 1 Optical Requirements

To extend the response date.

To Answer Questions.

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VISN 1 Prescription Eyeglass and Optician Services

This solicitation has been amended to close on 12/30/2022.

The purpose of this amendment is to adjust the period of performance start date to 60 days after the award.

52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical Acceptability Standard

Factor 1 - Experience

Factor 2 - Price

Experience (Factor 1) is more important than price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

Explanation of Evaluation Approach:

Technical proposals will be evaluated as acceptable/unacceptable based on the technical acceptability standard described below. Acceptable technical proposals will then be subject to an experience/price trade-off with experience being more important than price. Offerors that receive a rating of unacceptable for their technical proposal will not be considered for award. Past performance will be reviewed as part of the responsibility determination only.

Technical Acceptability Standard

Sample Kit

The VA will evaluate an Offeror s Technical Acceptability related to the two identical sample frame kits by reviewing the submitted two sample frame kits and determining whether the two sample frame kits are identical and whether each sample frame kit meets or exceeds all stated requirements within the solicitation s Instructions to Offerors.

Factor 1 Experience

The VA will evaluate an Offeror s Experience by assessing the Offeror s narrative response detailing their experience providing prescription eyeglasses manufacturing and onsite licensed optician services submitted in accordance with the solicitation s Instructions to Offerors.

Factor 2 Price

The Contracting Officer will check all price proposals to ensure that the price schedule was properly completed in accordance with RFP instructions. For evaluation purposes, the proposed unit prices will be multiplied by the estimated quantity for each LIN to determine an estimated total for each performance period, and then the estimated total for the base and all option years will be computed and used when determining best value.

Award will be made to the offeror that represents the best value to the Government. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness. The Government may award to a higher-priced offeror whose proposal demonstrates more experience providing prescription eyeglasses manufacturing and onsite licensed optician services.

(End of Provision)

Q: When we submit our new pricing for the eyeglass solicitation are we just supposed to submit the new price schedule and signed amendments 4, 5, and 6 or are we to submit the price schedule as well as all the previous documents that we had submitted with our original proposal a few months ago?

A: Please submit a full proposal. Please do not resend samples if we already have them.

Q: there are changes outlined in amendment 0005 that refer to photochromic lenses please confirm that "photochromic" and photochromatic are to be used interchangeably as it applies to the solicitation and its amendments.

A: Photochromic and photochromatic can be used interchangeably. They are both generic terms of lenses that change with sunlight.

Q: Is the square box next to (iii) under 852.219-77(a)(iii) VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting to indicate the selection of clause (iii) by the contracting officer?

A: This clause 852.219-77 was removed.

Q: Will the POVIDTS be integrated with the vendor s current software and manufacturing operations at no cost to the vendor, or is just the licensing at not cost to the vendor?

A: There is no charge for the vendor.

Q: Do the quantities of each line item refer to annual estimates or estimates across the 5-year period of the contract?

A: The estimates are based on a 12-month period.

Q: I see several versions of this contract, the newest indicates Mass and Connecticut only, Correct?Â

A: This solicitation is to cover all the eyeglass manufacturing and optician services for our VA locations within New England per the Performance Work Statement.

Q: Also, it states price sheet attached, for pay schedule but I do not see it. Can you email to me directly or let me know where to find this?

A: Please see the amendment 0005 for the most updated Price/Cost Schedule.

Q: Am I correct to believe the contract award will begin in April 2022?Â

A: The period of performance is 04/28/2022 04/27/2027

Q: Do you currently have L.O's in those office under the old contractor or will I be hiring new?Â

A: There are currently licensed opticians working but they work for the current contractor.

Q: Do you currently have a full service laboratory?

A: All current Eyeglass Manufacturing is done off site.

The following is a list of requested clarifications related to Solicitation 36C24121R0051 Amendment 4:

In accordance with standard optical industry practice, CLINs 0045 and 0059 are asking for equivalent items. Please either combine these CLINs or provide additional information on how the CLINs should be interpreted independently.

CLIN 45 will now read

Eyewear Frames and Lens Tints and Coating, CR-39 or PC, SV or MF

Tints and coating CR 39 or polycarbonate lens material. Single vision or multi-focal lens type. (Add-on)

See updated schedule.

It appears CLIN 0055 combines both Oversize lens and Roll and Polish. Please clarify.

CLIN 55 will now read

Eyewear Frames and Lens - Lens Add-on, Oversize eye lenses greater than 58 excluding progressive.

A new CLIN 56 will be inserted and read

Eyewear Frames and Lens - Lens Add-on, Roll/Polish Edge, CR-39, PC SV or MF Lens add-on. Roll and polish edge; CR-39 lens material and polycarbonate lens type. (Add-on)

All other CLINS will be moved down.

See updated schedule.

Please confirm that the add-on s for Hi-Index and Trivex will be added to the base CR-39 prices when ordered.

Yes

Please confirm when Hi-Index Photochromic lenses are ordered that the contractor will bill the base price, plus the Hi-Index add-on, plus the Photochromic add-on.

Yes

Please confirm when the Premium Progressive lens add-on is ordered it will be added to the base progressive prices.

Yes

Please clarify the revision for paragraph B.3 Performance Work Statement, 1.0: The scope of work has been changed from requiring "licensed opticians." VA requires certified and/or registered" opticians. In amendments 1 and 2, VA confirmed that the opticians provided by the contractor must be licensed in accordance with applicable state requirements. Is VA stating that the on-site opticians are no longer required to be licensed by the state in which they primarily work? If so, please clarify what VA intends by the terms "certified and/or registered."

The opticians need to be licensed in USA. The license does not have to be in the operating state. The license needs to be current.

Other changes:

The Salient Characteristics of Photochromic Lenses are eyeglasses lenses that are designed to be clear (or almost entirely clear) indoors, and to automatically darken in outdoor, bright conditions. Effectively, they are normal eyeglasses that transition to sunglasses, to allow for improved visibility in the absence or presence of light. They are also known as light-adaptive lenses and variable tint lenses. Photochromic lenses are also known as transition lenses because the most popular brand of this kind of lens in the United States is sold by Transitions Optical. As a result, the terms photochromic lenses and transition lenses are sometimes used interchangeably, even though there are other brands of photochromic lenses on the market.

The Salient Characteristics of Progressive Lenses have seamless increase in magnification from the top to the bottom of the lens, helping the patient see clearly at all distances with just one pair of glasses. Popular brand names are Image, Solamax, Navigator and Navigator Short.

The Salient Characteristics of Premium Progressive Lenses are the same as progressive lens but use medium and high grade quality up to using digital manufacturing. A popular brand name would be Varilux.

Clause VAAR 852.219-77 is removed

Clause VAAR 852.219-78 is inserted as full text

852.219-78Â VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance for Supplies and Products.

As prescribed in 819.7009(c) insert the following clause. The Contracting Officer shall tailor the clause in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) as appropriate:

VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SUPPLIES AND PRODUCTS (SEP 2021) (DEVIATION)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [Offeror check the appropriate box]

(i) [ ] In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP- listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-10 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(ii) [ ] In the case of a contract for supplies from a nonmanufacturer, it will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) is granted. The offeror understands that, as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(7), such a waiver has no effect on requirements external to the Small Business Act, such as the Buy American Act or the Trade Agreements Act.

(2) Manufacturer or nonmanufacturer representation and certification. [Offeror fill-in check each applicable box below. The offeror must select the applicable provision below, identifying itself as either a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer]:

(i) [ ] Manufacturer or producer. The offeror certifies that it is the manufacturer or producer of the end item being procured, and the end item is manufactured or produced in the United States, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(i).

(ii) [ ] Nonmanufacturer. The offeror certifies that it qualifies as a nonmanufacturer in accordance with the requirements of 13 CFR 121.406(b) and paragraph (a)(1)(ii). The offeror further certifies it meets each element below as required to qualify as a nonmanufacturer. [Offeror fill-in check each box below.]

[ ] The offeror certifies that it does not exceed 500 employees (or 150 employees for the Information Technology Value Added Reseller exception to NAICS code 541519, which is found at 13 CFR 121.201, footnote 18).

[ ] The offeror certifies that it is primarily engaged in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sells the type of item being supplied.

[ ] The offeror certifies that it will take ownership or possession of the item(s) with its personnel, equipment, or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice.

(iii) [ ] The offeror certifies that it will supply the end item of a small business manufacturer, processor, or producer made in the United States, unless a waiver as provided in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been issued by SBA.

(3) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(4) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract or to determine whether the offeror qualifies as a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer in compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. Contracting Officer may, at their discretion, require the Contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the Contracting Officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

Certification:

I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] qualifies as a manufacturer or nonmanufacturer as stated herein and that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the resultant contract, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) is granted. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee: _________________________________

Printed Title of Signee: ________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________

Company Name and Address: _______________________________

_________________________________________________________

(End of clause)

CHANGES TO SOLICITATION

SECTION B

B.3 Performance Work Statement

1.0 The scope of work has been changed from requiring "licensed opticians." VA requires certified and/or registered" opticians.

Outline of Opticians VISN 1 VA New England Healthcare System

FACILITY

NUMBER OF OPTICIANS

Bedford, MA VAMC

1.0

Lowell, MA CBOC

1.0 (To share with Bedford)

Boston HCS Jamaica Plain Campus

2.0

Boston HCS West Roxbury Campus

1.0

Boston HCS Brockton Campus

1.0

Central Western MA HCS Northampton Campus

2.0 (the additional 1.0 may flex to Worcester)

Central Western MA HCS Worcester Campus

1.0

Connecticut HCS West Haven Campus

3.0 (the additional 1.0 may flex to Newington or New London)

Connecticut HCS Newington Campus

2.0

Maine HCS Togus Campus

2.0 (1.0 may flex to Portland CBOC)

Bangor, ME CBOC

1.0

Lewiston, ME CBOC

1.0

Manchester, NH VAMC

2.0

Providence, RI VAMC - Eagle Square Annex

2.0

White River Jct., VT VAMC

2.0

Burlington, VT CBOC

0.6 (3 days per week)

TOTAL:

24.6

1.1 Changed to read: Under this contract, the contractor is required to provide a complete pair of glasses and outline the pricing to separate Eyeglasses from Optician Services.

2.2 Lenses: a: Changed to add Heat strengthened as an alternative to chemically strengthened for impact resistance.

4.0 Area of Responsibility/Jurisdiction VISN 01: changed to add as additional locations where orders can be filled.

Portland CBOC New London CBOC

141 West Commercial Street 6 Shaw s Cove, Suite 104

Portland, ME 04102 New London, CT 06320-4969

Added 7.0 Contract Period: This contract shall cover a five year ordering period where each year a new funding obligation will be issued subject to the availability of funds.

12.0 i will now read:

This contract is not linked in any way to any current or proposed Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) retail sales agreements and does not obligate the VA facility to enter into the contract Optician service. The contractor may elect to sign a separate Retail Sales Contract with the VCS for those stations where an Optical Shop is provided by the VA Facility.

Any technical questions pertaining to this contract should be directed to the Contracting Officer's

Technical Representative (COR) as delegated by the CO. (Refer to Delegation of Authority issued after

award). The COR has duties and limited responsibilities as detailed in the Delegation of Authority,

which the Contractor is cautioned to read. The Contractor may be held liable if they follow direction for

which the COR has no authority to issue.

8.0 Payments and Invoices is replaced with the following:

Invoices submitted for payment shall include the contract number, purchase/delivery order

number, beneficiary s name; detail of work accomplished, HCPCS Codes for each item, and

must be accompanied by a copy of the signed acceptance receipt. All invoices will be

submitted in accordance with the addresses provided on the purchase/delivery order. The contractor must be capable of submitting invoices via electronic encryption transmission to the appropriate VA facility and/or centralized VISN 1 Prosthetics Purchasing Vendor must be able to follow OB10-like procedures if needed in the future.

The contractor shall submit a proper invoice document(s) that must include the following minimum information:

Contractor name

Contractor invoice number

Invoice date

Date of order

Date contractor shipped item(s)

Contract Number

Contract Delivery Order Number

Purchase Order number for non-IPPS orders

Referring clinic (Station number for electronic invoices).

Name of Individual who placed the order

Itemized list of item(s) and/or product(s) delivered

Frame model name, lenses (specified - right and left), total prices with itemization

Detailed of work accomplished and HCPCS Codes for each item

Patient s last name, first name and last four of social security number.

Certification statement: This certifies that the foregoing eyeglasses were shipped on date noted above and receipted by insert mail carrier (i.e., USPS, FedEx, UPS etc.), Signature of company officer, title. Signed Acceptance document.

Grand total of orders placed and total monetary value for the invoice period

Put warranty date on invoice

The preferred method of payment will be through the VA 4-SIGHT Program and paid through IPPS (Invoice Payment Processing System), VA Financial Service Center, Austin, TX. Dedicated VA Prosthetics Purchasing staff will process eyeglass orders on a daily basis, Monday-Friday (except holidays) and provide the orders to the Contractor. The Contractor will provide an electronic weekly invoice by facility of all eyeglass orders in IPPS, and VISN 1 will process payment in this manner. Optician Services will be billed separately from the fabrication on a monthly basis.

Prosthetics Order Vendor Interface and Delivery Tracking Solution/POVIDTS The Contractor shall accept and participate in the POVIDTS - Prosthetics Order Vendor Interface and Delivery Tracking Solution software. The software is at no charge to the vendor. It allows VA to track purchase orders effectively and provides confirmations/tracking of shipments-deliveries. The vendor is able to accept or reject purchase orders and can input shipping tracking information. The software also sends e-mails to the VA and the Contractor regarding pending orders.

SECTION C Solicitation Clauses

C.12 52.212-5 remove check marks at 52.222.41, 52.222-42 to reflect SCLS does not apply.

FAR 52.216-8 The ordering period for this contract is from 04/28/2022 04/27/2027

The clause 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) is removed.

The following clause is inserted:

852.219-77 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction.

As prescribed in 819.7009(c) insert the following clause:

VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (SEP 2021) (DEVIATION)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), the offeror certifies that

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [Contracting Officer check the appropriate box below based on the predominant NAICS code assigned to the instant acquisition as set forth in FAR 19.102.]

(i) [ ] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-10 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

(ii) [ ] General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-10 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 85% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(iii) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-10 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-11. Any work that a similarly situated subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating section 1001 of title 18.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. The Contracting Officer may, at their discretion, require the Contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the Contracting Officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

Certification:

I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee: _________________________________

Printed Title of Signee: ________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________

Company Name and Address: _______________________________

_________________________________________________________

(End of clause)

SECTION D Attachments

Removed Wage Determination to reflect SCLS does not apply.

SECTION E Solicitation Provisions

E.1 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (SEP 2021)

The VA will consider prescription eyeglasses manufacturing services experience gained as a manufacturer and as a non-manufacturer.

52.212-1, Factor 1 Experience will be changed to read:

The offeror shall provide a narrative describing its specific experience providing prescription eyeglasses either as a manufacture or as a non-manufacturer and/or its experience providing onsite licensed optician services."

52.212-1 Part 3 Miscellaneous is changed as follows:

Remove: Optician Services: Please explain in detail how you will conform with the limitations on subcontracting described in 13 CFR 125.6 if the intent to subcontract the optician services.

FAR 52.212-2 Factor 1 Experience will now read

The VA will evaluate an Offeror s Experience by assessing the Offeror s narrative response detailing their experience providing prescription eyeglasses as a manufacturer or non-manufacturer and onsite licensed optician services submitted in accordance with the solicitation s Instructions to Offerors.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has an ongoing program to provide prescription eyeglasses (both dress and safety) to eligible Veterans. The Contractor is to provide prescription eyeglasses and onsite licensed optician services according to contract specification for beneficiaries within New England Regional Veterans Affairs Network (VISN 1).

This requirement is being solicited under NAICS code 339115 and is set aside 100% for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). The solicitation should be posted on or around August 2, 2021.