R602--VISN 04 Courier Services (VA-24-00012669)

VISN-04 Courier Service Solicitation Number: 36C24424Q0025

Changes were made to the description section of the Combined Synopsis Solicitation.

Please review the new attached Combined Synopsis Solicitation. The following verbiage was added to the second paragraph under the Description: Contracting is asking for one set of pricing for the entire 5 years. Please price accordingly. This RFQ will result in the award of a five (5) year Firm Fixed Price IDIQ. Quotes shall include pricing that represents the vendors best offer and discounts. All pricing is final. Vendors should consider that requests for price adjustment, other than for wage increases due to Wage Determination, will be denied. Pricing structures should include the vendors adjustments for normal economic inflation for the entirety of the five (5) year ordering period.

Offeror Questions / Government Responses

Question 1: I see that there is a case of big pickups that will require a van to accommodate all the items, is there any way to get more information on what locations that will be?

Answer 1: The information we have provided is all the information we have. This Requirement will be on an as needed basis.

Question 2: Uniform Requirements, we currently have our drivers wear (redacted), will that be sufficient for uniform requirements?

Answer 2: Please provide your best quote and we will evaluate all quotes at the same time. We are unable to provide guidance as it could show favoritism towards one company.

Question 3: I see that times are subject to variations, are there any clinics that do not allow flexible times? If they are flexible, can you give a time range, of how flexible they are?

Answer 3: We cannot provide any further information beyond what is in the Solicitation. The Awardee will be responsible for executing tasks within the parameters of the PWS, after award there will be opportunity to work with the customer to maximize efficiencies.

Question 4: With the start of this contract will it all be starting on 01/02/2024, or will it be staggered as all contracts lapse out?

Question 4: No, not necessarily, orders will be placed as needed when current contracts expire. Orders may also be placed with delayed, and/or shortened, Periods of Performance to eventually marry up orders.

Question 5: What was the cost of the final full option year of the previous contract?

Answer 5: This is a new contract, at least in variation. Previously, these services were procured individually for each VA Hospital, some Hospitals had multiple contracts. This new contract will consolidate all contracts into one as they expire over the next 12 months after award.

Question 6 : How many drivers/vehicles are currently used to service the current contract?

Answer 6: This is a new contract, at least in variation. Previously, these services were procured individually for each VA Hospital, some Hospitals had multiple contracts. This new contract will consolidate all contracts into one as they expire over the next 12 months after award. It will be up to the Awardee to decide how many drivers and vehicles will be needed to perform tasks under this contract.

Question 7: What is the vehicle size currently servicing this location?

Answer 7: This is a new contract, at least in variation. Previously, these services were procured individually for each VA Hospital, some Hospitals had multiple contracts. This new contract will consolidate all contracts into one as they expire over the next 12 months after award. It will be up to the Awardee to decide how many drivers and vehicles will be needed to perform tasks under this contract.

Question 8: Can you please clarify if the offeror should only complete Attachment B as pricing submission? (This would be ideal as the excel spreadsheet provides more accuracy).

Answer 8: Yes, all potential Offerors shall submit their pricing on Attachment B. Please note the following Verbiage was added to the Combined Synopsis Solicitation (CSS) Contracting is asking for one set of pricing for the entire 5 years. Please price accordingly. This RFQ will result in the award of a five (5) year Firm Fixed Price IDIQ. Quotes shall include pricing that represents the vendors best offer and discounts. All pricing is final. Vendors should consider that requests for price adjustment, other than for wage increases due to Wage Determination, will be denied. Pricing structures should include the vendors adjustments for normal economic inflation for the entirety of the five (5) year ordering period.

Question 9: Do you accept CPARs evaluations as additional Past Performance information?

Answer 9: Yes, previous CPARS from within the last three years will be accepted.

Question 10: Regarding specific employees information: It is common practice for small businesses that the drivers, cars and other equipment used for a contract are not sourced until after an award has been made, for cost effectiveness and to reduce loss. However, we will be forwarding our standard Training Certificates-Procedures for your reference, is this information acceptable?

Answer 10: The Government understands that some equipment and personnel are sourced upon contract award. It is best practice to submit a plan that demonstrates how your company will execute the specific tasks required within the PWS. This is especially important as is pertains to VAAR Clause 852.219-75- Limitations of Subcontracting.

Question 11: I m not sure if you are aware of the price sheet missing the option years? It only has the base year but, at the end you ask for the grand total. Please let me know if you will make any changes?

Answer 11: The following verbiage was left out of the CSS and is hereby added via this amendment Contracting is asking for one set of pricing for the entire 5 years. Please price accordingly. This RFQ will result in the award of a five (5) year Firm Fixed Price IDIQ. Quotes shall include pricing that represents the vendors best offer and discounts. All pricing is final. Vendors should consider that requests for price adjustment, other than for wage increases due to Wage Determination, will be denied. Pricing structures should include the vendors adjustments for normal economic inflation for the entirety of the five (5) year ordering period.

There are no options for this contract. This contract will have a five year ordering period, during which the Government will place orders for Courier Services as they arise.

Question 12: Is this request only for one company that could service all areas DE, PA, NJ, & OH?

Answer 12: This is a new contract, at least in variation. Previously, these services were procured individually for each VA Hospital, some Hospitals had multiple contracts. This new contract will consolidate all contracts into one as they expire over the next 12 months after award. VISN4 is comprised of VA Hospitals in Pennsylvania and Delaware. With that in mind, PA and DE border several states where CBOCs are placed to be reach our Nations Veterans. For this reason, some services may stretch into neighboring States, however, that does not mean the whole State needs to be supported.

Question 13: Offeror submits the following question on the subject opportunity. The solicitation first says: Each CLIN represents pickup and delivery of each VAMC/CBOC route. Each trip signifies one way .

Further down the solicitation says: Contractor shall deliver/pick up empty containers for each location and deliver/pickup fully packed container for return trip .

What is the significance of stating that each trip signifies one way when the empty packages need to be returned which is indication of a round trip?

Answer 13: Please refer to Page 18 of the PWS, the table of CLINs. The last column titled Schedule will indicate when a return trip is necessary. This was considered when we calculated the estimated number of trips. As we progress through the Contract in the first year, there made be a need to make modifications in order to ensure the Government s needs are being met and the Contractor is being fairly compensated.