NX EQ Digital Visual Acuity System (VA-19-00088778)

36C10G19Q0145 0001 11/19/2019

Questions and Answers for 36C10G19Q0145

NX EQ Digital Visual Acuity System

1Q: Please explain why this is not a SDVOSB set-aside? Is the VA changing it's policy of the "Rule of two" from the Kingdomware decision? Several other NX contracts on this same type of equipment (Optical) have been set-asides.

1A. The Rule of Two analysis showed that there were not enough interested SDVOSB/VOSB or SB manufacturers that responded to our RFI that could fulfill this requirement, and that there were not enough interested SDVOSB/VOSB distributors that had compatible products from two or more SB original equipment manufacturers capable of meeting the requirement during the initial market research phase. Upon additional research, the Government has been able to identify 2 or more SDVOSB/VOSB distributors of 2 or more SB OEM. As a result, this solicitation is hereby amended to solicit as a SDVOSB/VOSB Set-Aside.

2Q. Part number G-SS-2020-USA requires a wall mount, G-BRK-70020. As well as installation, G-Installation. Will these items be added on later in accordance with our GSA price schedule?

2A. This solicitation is hereby amended to add a new CLIN for wall mounts. Vendors are encouraged to submit optional accessories commonly ordered with the listed CLINs.

3Q. Also noted shipping is FOB destination. For international orders is it an option to ship to a government APO within the United States? Do you have an estimate of what percentage of the orders will be international?

3A. See FAR clause 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (incorporated by reference, ATTACHMENT C CONTRACT CLAUSES) Free on board at destination shipping is the responsibility of the vendor and must be included in the firm fixed price quote. No, we do not have an estimate for international orders. Please note: All OCONUS orders will be processed or shipped at a CONUS facility.

4Q. I wanted to clarify that it is not mandatory that we install the System. This is an optional service we offer. We are also available to assist if an outside installer has questions.

4A: That is correct. Some facilities are able to self-install. The facilities that elect installation option will pay for it outside of the contract.

5Q. There is no line item for mounts. Are mounts required?

5A. See 2A above.

6Q. There is no line item for mirrors. Are mirrors required or just mirror capable?

6A: Capable

7Q. There is no line item for shipping. Is shipping included?

7A. Vendors should quote pricing while taking shipping into consideration. See 3A.

8Q. There is no line item for installation. Is installation included? Is weekend installation required?

8A. If installation is required, the ordering facility will pay for it outside of this contract.

9Q. There is no specification for training. Is on-site training required?

9A. If training is required, the facility will pay for it outside of this contract.

10Q. The specifications state unlimited video and image upload capability. Are specific videos or images required?

10A. No specific videos or images required.

11Q: A 3% SAC Fee is listed as a requirement. Does this need to be reflected in the offer price?

11A. Yes, vendors should quote pricing while taking the 3% SAC Fee into consideration.

12Q. I see that the solicitation is 100% small business set aside. However, I also see 52.225-5 Trade Agreements marked as applicable. Per FAR 25.401 Trade Agreements is not applicable to acquisitions set aside for small businesses. Please advise if this clause applicability will be removed.

12A. 52.225-5 Trade Agreements will be unchecked and removed.

Solicitation Number: 36C10G19Q0145

Notice Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Synopsis: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation/ 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for M&S Technologies, Inc. ® or equal Digital Visual Acuity System-LCD commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 36C10G19Q0145 is issued for this combined synopsis/solicitation; this solicitation is being issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). This combined synopsis/solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2009-06 dated October 10, 2019.

Requirement Description:

In order to ensure we are able to continue to provide Veterans with the benefits and care they have earned through their selfless service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is changing the way we do business. Specifically, we are improving the management of our supply chain to aggregate demand and facilitate ease of ordering in the field. Throughout VA, we are moving from local contracting to national contracting whenever feasible. Simplified ordering processes will drive volume towards suppliers with national contracts. Simultaneously, greater cost transparency throughout the VA will allow clinicians and VA leaders to select medical equipment that optimizes Veteran outcomes at the lowest cost.

For our suppliers, we anticipate that these changes will ease the process of doing business with the VA and drive down our suppliers costs. We welcome opportunities to work closely with suppliers to further reduce costs. In return, we expect that suppliers will offer the VA value commensurate with VA s status as the largest integrated healthcare provider in the United States. Specifically, VA expects that it will receive the most favorable prices, warranties, conditions, benefits, and terms for the same product as those given by the supplier to any provider in the country. We expect that VA s large volumes will increasingly be directed toward those suppliers best able to offer value to the VA. VA looks forward to collaborating with its suppliers to further drive down costs in order to deliver optimal value to our Veterans.

The VA has a requirement to purchase M&S Technologies, Inc. ® or equal Digital Visual Acuity System-LCD and related equipment to deliver patient care at its VA medical facilities throughout the United States, U.S. Territories, Guam, and the Philippines. M&S Technologies, Inc. ® or equal Digital Visual Acuity System-LCD Visual acuity testing systems are based on having the patient view a chart of optotypes, colors or patterns. A standard part of most exam lanes, visual acuity tests can take a number of forms. At their simplest, these tests can be preprinted cards or charts that can be hung or projected on a wall. However, newer digital visual acuity testing systems are built around computer monitors which allow the system to feature a large number of vision tests that can be accessed via remote control and set up for direct or mirrored viewing. Whether evaluating a new patient or conducting a post-op assessment, a visual acuity testing system can be an important part of a practice.

A Firm-Fixed-Price Requirements contract will be awarded in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions, specifications and schedule of this solicitation herein. Quotes shall contain the vendor s best terms for cost/price and technical capabilities of the M&S Technologies, Inc. ® or equal Digital Visual Acuity System-LCD and related equipment. The government reserves the right to award without discussions.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339112 Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing, Product Service Code: 6515 Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies. The associated size standard is 1000 employees. This procurement action set-aside 100% for Small Business concerns.

This procurement is in accordance with FAR clause 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal which requires that the vendor indicate each product that is being offered as an equal product. In accordance with FAR Part 13.106-2, the Government will perform an evaluation in an impartial manner using a comparative analysis of the quotes received. The Government intends to compare quotes to one another to select the product that is best suited to fulfill the requirement for M&S Technologies, Inc. ® or equal Digital Visual Acuity System-LCD BNOE and related equipment as identified in Attachment A, Cost/Price Schedule.

The VA is looking to establish a one-year contract with two 12-month option periods. All interested vendors shall provide a quote for all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) listed in Attachment A, Cost/Price Schedule which includes the option years. Delivery is FOB destination and requires delivery to VA medical facilities throughout the United States, U.S. Territories, Guam, and the Philippines. Firm-Fixed-Price Orders will be placed against this contract in writing and will provide the exact delivery locations, delivery dates and exact quantities.

The FAR provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, applies to this acquisition including attached addenda to the provision.

The FAR provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, and the specific evaluation criteria in the attached addenda also applies to this acquisition. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Vendor that provides a technically acceptable quote that conforms to the solicitation and which is determined to be the most beneficial (i.e., best value) to the government, considering technical capability, past performance, and price.

Vendors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its offer, if not available in SAM

All interested vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving an award. You may access SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and the additional FAR clauses cited in the clause are applicable to the acquisition and found on Attachment C, Contract Clauses.

All questions should be submitted no later than November 07, 2019 12:00PM EST

Quotes are due November 21, 2019 at 12:00PM EST to Lasheena Scott at lasheena.scott@va.gov and Timothy.Johnson13@va.gov.

See attached document: Attachment A - Cost Price Schedule.

See attached document: Attachment B - Min Salient Characteristics Product Description.

See attached document: Attachment C - Contract Clauses.

See attached document: Attachment D - Solicitation Provisions.

See attached document: Attachment E - Quarterly Sales Report.