May 2012 Consolidation HTME

May 2012 Consolidation

The May consolidation will be posted to FBO by cob November 1, 2012. In order to move forward with the May consolidation, language regarding standardization has been removed. This announcement will mirror the previous consolidation postings with a few exceptions. Questions regarding VHA's standardization initiative may be directed to Mr. Kurt Finke, Director Healthcare Technology Management at kurt.finke@va.gov or 612-467-5778.

Changes to the HTME Staff and consolidation process are as follows:

1. HTME Team Members :

a. I am pleased to introduce two new HTME employees. Mr. Morgan Ward is an Equipment Specialist with 20 years of experience as a Biomedical Engineer from North Chicago VA and Great Lakes Navel Hospital. Mr. Bryan O'Shaughnessy is a FAC Level 2 Contract Specialist from the Department of Energy with over 10 years contracting experience. Please join me in welcoming Morgan and Bryan to the team.

b. Effective November 19, 2012, the PACs program will be transferred to the Medical/Surgical team under the supervision of Mr. Ron Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins can be reached on Ronald.jenkins3@va.gov or 708-786-4929. Senior Contract Specialist Mr. Eric Lee will continue to lead the PACs program under the Medical Surgical team. Please continue to contact Mr. Bruce Jackson, bruce.jackson@va.gov, with questions regarding the HTME consolidation.

c. Ms. Coretta Daniels is a temporary staff member who will assist with receiving reports, invoice payments, inspections, etc.

d. An updated employee matrix will be distributed in the near future.



2. May 2012 Consolidation Schedule:

a. November 1, 2012 - Post Requirements to FBO

b. December 10, 2012 - RFQ incorporates a time period for vendor questions and Government responses. Deadline for receipt of Vendor Questions; email your questions to AMMHIN HTME Vendors or Vendors@va.gov.

c. January 15, 2013 - Deadline to submit quotes to HTME

d. June 30, 2013 - Goal to award all Delivery Orders



3. Vendors:

a. RFQ Instructions to Offerors: Revisions are outlined in Bold.

b. Submit the following information to Ms. Coretta Daniels at coretta.daniels@va.gov

i. Contract Administrator: Provide the name, address and email of the current contract administrator. This information is needed to ensure information is properly distributed.

ii. Provide the name and email address of the individuals to be included on the email notifications regarding the consolidation.



c. Vendor Communications: We have advised our customers that during the market research phase of the procurement, communications between the Government facility and the vendors are strongly encouraged within the guidelines provided by their Contracting Officer and in accordance with FAR Part 10.001(2) (iii). During this phase, there is a more free flow of information, but this should be viewed as an opportunity to understand vendors' capabilities to meet their needs. Vendors should have equal access to the facility during this time, e.g. site visits, vendor demonstrations, etc. Customers must ensure that the information provided to one vendor on their requirement is provided to all.

i. Following the November 1, 2012 FBO posting, the local Contracting Officer serves as the focal point for all vendor inquiries. However, following the closing date to receive quotes at the NAC (1/15/13), stations should have no further communication with the vendors regarding the May consolidation. Unless the local Contracting Officer requires clarification or additional information to complete the evaluation, all communications are through the NAC Contracting Officer.

ii. Market research may continue on Equipment targeted for the September 2012 Consolidation until that respective FBO posting. We have not established a target date to post the September 2012 RFQ; however, many of our customers are expected to attend The Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago later this year to continue their market research efforts for the September 2012 consolidation.



d. The NAC Contracting Officers will review the station's recommended source selection justifications and determine whether or not the justification is adequate to execute the award or will request additional information from the station before an award can be executed. Communication during this time will be through NAC Contracting Officers only. We have advised our customers that when the selection process begins there is to be no further contact with vendors regarding their requirements. Disclosing information such as members of the evaluation panel is considered confidential source selection information and may not be disclosed.



e. In order to ensure all vendors are treated fairly, we have asked customers to ensure their Contracting Officers are aware of all vendor site visits. We also ask that vendors forward the above information to their respective sales team so that all are aware of the process and timelines.



A monthly update of vendor selections will be provided following final delivery order award. We also ask that you do not contact the Contracting Officers or Mr. Jackson regarding the status of selections. This will only delay the process.



Finally, we appreciate your patience as we endeavor to move our customer's requirements forward and ensure adherence to federal regulations.



Sincerely,





Sandra Perkins

Chief, High Technology Medical Equipment Division