B599--Confined Space Assessment Service Agreement Chillicothe VA Medical Center

Questions and Answers for RFQ 36C25025Q0695

Question: Please verify that invoices shall be submitted monthly.

Answer: Yes, monthly in arrears.

Question: On page 5, what is SOP 20? And please confirm that the SOP will be provided to the selected contractor.

Answer: SOP 20 is our confined space entry standard operating procedures. A copy is attached.

Question: On page 5, credentials for qualified safety professional(s) are listed as a requirement. What qualifications are required for the professionals (i.e., lead inspector being a Certified Safety Professional, reviewed by Certified Industrial Hygienist)?

Answer: A person who is qualified to teach proper confined space entry procedures, whether that be OSHA certification or some other form of training that allows the individual to teach others.

Question: On page 5, can you clarify what the The A to E ratings are?

Answer: We really want permit required and not permit required. The A to E is a mixture between NIOSH classifications and OSHA. Where some permit required spaces have more stringent requirements.

Question: On page 6, it s stated that the contractor will compile new entry procedures into a standardized formation consistent with the VAMC formatting. Please confirm that example VAMC documents to verify formatting will be provided to the winning contractor.

Answer: A copy of SOP 20 is attached, basically a binder of all the information and procedures. We will get the documentation and fine tune the binder to our standards i.e. cover sheet, table of contents, definitions, policies, etc.

Question: For the development of confined space signage with unique information for each sign, are paper documents in a protective cover with the required information acceptable for indoor locations? For outdoor locations such as manholes, what is the VAMC s preferred method to display the all the requested information?

Answer: It would have to be hard lamination (rigid material) for the manholes they will be defined in the SOP and in the binder. We don t expect to label manholes due to environmental conditions.

Question: Please confirm that the installation of the signage can be completed after the assessment is completed and report finalized. This would allow the number of confined spaces and detailed information for each space to be final before creating installing the signs.

Answer: After completion of all documentation and finalization of the assessment the signs can be installed.

Question: What is the timeframe for when the signs need to be installed after the report has been finalized?

Answer: As soon as possible, no later than 90 days.

Question: What is the timeframe to complete the onsite training to staff after the report has been finalized?

Answer: After the finalization of everything including the installation of signage. No later than 30 days after installation of signage.

Question: On page 7, is it acceptable to submit the training certificates via email to the participants after allowing the instructor to generate a PDF of each certificate? The complied training certificates and attendance roster will also be emailed to the COR.

Answer: Yes.

Question: On page 25, how much notice to take equipment out of service is typically required?

Answer: Depending on what is being taken out of service. Mostly a few days to a week is required with most equipment.

Question: Please confirm that currently identified confined space information and/or documents for the confined spaces listed in appendix A will be provided to the selected contractor.

Answer: A list of all spaces and an escort will be provided

Question: The SOW mentions option years, however, there is only 1 line item for a base year. Are option years a part of the solicitation?

Answer: This service is only for a one-year period.

Question: How many students (affected employees) does the VA anticipate will require the one-time training?

Answer: Preferably train the 3 or 4 supervisors and/or make a video and that will be used to train the remaining employees.

Question: Will the affected employees be entering confined spaces as part of their duties?

Answer: Yes, when necessary.

Question: If entry is anticipated, what level of training does the VA expect or require?

Answer: We want staff to know what procedures they need to take when entering a confined space, permits, air quality monitoring, equipment they may require, as well as if there is anything they can do make a permit required space a non-permit requirement.

Question: Can you please confirm whether travel is considered an allowable cost under this solicitation?

Answer: Yes.

Question: A Safety Professional is not included in the Wage Determination Sheet provided could the VA please clarify what the minimum acceptable wage rate or classification should be for this role?

Answer: Please refer to pg1. Section 20 of 36C25025Q0695 for the classification.

Question: Could you please confirm whether this is a new contract or a recompete of an existing contract? If it is not a new contract, would you be able to provide the current or previous contract number for reference?

Answer: This is a new requirement.