S205--Consolidate Waste Removal Amendment 0004 Correction

The purpose of this Amendment A0003 is to extend the solicitation until Wednesday May 6th, 2020 at 2:00PM CST, make a change to CLIN quantity, and post the remaining questions and answers.

No other changes have been made that are not addressed in the amendments.

The solicitation due date and time has changed from Friday 5/1/2020 at 2:00PM CST to Wednesday May 6th, 2020 at 2:00PM CST.

CLINS 0004, 1004, 2004, 3004, and 4004 quantities have changes from 125 boxes to 700 boxes.

Questions and Answers

Page 21, PRICE/COST SCHEDULE The unit quantity for RMW is listed at 60,000LB, however the actual pounds is 106,580lbs of auto-claved waste and 4120 pounds of incineration waste. Also, the number of boxes has actually been 665 over the course of a year not 125. Would the VA be willing to make two line items for the RMW and the incineration so that a blended rate would not need to be done and would be much more cost effective for the VA, also would the VA change the number of boxes for the CBOC s to the actual estimated number? We are open to a more cost-effective process. We will update to 700 boxes

Section C. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES, Page 11 disposable of RMW at CBOCs, which will then be stored in the soiled utility room to be picked up once a month

CBOCs are currently being serviced on a Weekly basis. Does the VA want to go 1x per month or stay on the same current weekly schedule? Charged monthly but pickups need to be weekly.

Page 7, Section 4 Hazardous Waste There are no baseline volumes listed, or service frequencies. This waste stream quantities and drums fluctuates and may have items that are more expensive than others. Is the VA willing to accept a price list based on drum vs. a flat monthly fee? No a flat fee is best by the month.

Page 8, Section 5. pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week.

Current level of service is 2x per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Is the additional pickup day absolutely necessary? Yes

CsRX (New Business)

Will any off-sites be needing the CsRX containers? No

How many days/hours per week is the VA looking to have a service technician service the main facility to service sharps, pharma, CsRX? This can take anywhere between 1 hour to 8 hour daily and an individual must be here Monday through Friday

Reusable Sharp Program:

We see that you are requiring the installation of reusable sharps at the main medical center as well as at the CBOCs. Can you please provide a blueprint of how many containers and the sizes you currently have at the facility? We see we need to provide a weekly rate, but we do not see an inventory of what is being replaced. This is necessary for us to determine our capital for equipment, labor for servicing and disposal costs for processing.

Main hospital is estimated at 1200 1500 needle containers

CBOC currently does not have any and complete installation will have to be done at each location

The CBOC s will be expected to be serviced every two weeks unless other wised identified

50 -60 at each CBOC location

Rx Waste

Can you provide a blueprint of how many containers and sized you have at the facility? No

How many blue and how many black containers

Main Hospital 60 100 blue

Main Hospital 60 -100 black

Can you provide the monthly or annual pounds?

i. Hazardous Rx Waste Varies between 300 500 lbs monthly

ii. Non-hazardous Rx Waste - Varies 300 -500 lbs monthly

Controlled substances

How many locations will the main facility have and how many will the CBOCs require.

Main Hospital 30 40 locations

None at the CBOC

The purpose of this amendment A0002 is to post all questions and answers submitted at the current time. As well as update the solicitation document.

Solicitation Changes: See additional pages, changed sections are highlighted.

PWS Section A. Paragraph 2. has been changed to remove the language for a self-contained roll off compactor

PWS section A. Paragraph 5. weight is updated to reflect current average.

Cost/Price Schedule has been updated. CLINs 0001, 0003, 0006, 0007 and associated CLINs for the option years (ie. 100X, 200X, 300X, and 4000X); Have changed to more accurately reflect the requirement needs. *not highlighted*

No other changes have been made.

Questions and Answers as of 4/23/2020 at 10:00 A.M. CST.

Page 4, Sec. A All self-contained roll off compactors shall be designed for dock usage. The paragraph in reference to self-contained roll off is being removed.

Question Does SLVHCS require a compactor for this site? If so, how many? NO

Page 5, Sec. B Reusable Sharps Program shall include: removal and disposal of existing sharps containers system . installation of reusable sharps containers

Question Are we required to supply new sharps containers and have them installed? Normally our hospital customers have a service that already provides sharps containers and installs them. Yes, the awardee will be required to supply reusable sharps containers and install

Page 5, Sec. 3 Pharmaceutical Waste (RCRA) shall be disposed of as hazardous waste or as non-RCRA hazardous pharmaceuticals which will be incinerated.

Question Do you have a list of pharmaceutical waste both hazardous and non-hazardous? For non-hazardous we normally have a box available for waste that would be mailed to the disposal facility once it s full. A formulary will be provided at award, this will include PHI and PII drugs

Page 8, Sec. 5 pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week

Question There are multiple locations to be serviced. Is it expected that all locations are visited 3x per week? 3times a week at the main hospital and twice a month at the CBOCS

Question In some areas of the bid it says we can arrive between 8am-4:30pm but on page 11 (Normal Work Hours) it mentions pick up should be between 6am 9am? Which one should we adhere to? This is refencing the daily pick of the Pharmaceutical waste from the designated areas and place in the designated holding area. This can take anywhere between 1 hour to 8 hours daily and an individual must be here Monday through Friday to remove pharmaceutical waste and needle containers. The 6a 9a is in reference to the main pickups from the facility due to how busy our docks can become.

Page 10, Sec. C All RMW waste will be loaded into 96 gal reusable mobile bins

Question How many bins would be needed and at which locations? Main hospital location 60 containers need to be delivered and picked up three times a week.

Page 12, Sec. E(1) Certificates of Training

Question How many DOT training credits are needed/how many people need to be trained? All EMS and safety up to a 150 a year.

Page 21, Sec (Price Schedule) Quantity and Unit Price

Question RMW are you looking for 60,000 LB a month or a year pricing? The number of LBS listed in the bid do not add up to 60,000lb? It mentions on page 8, sec 5 regulated medical waste 349,464 lbs. a year 29,122 lbs. a month; chemotherapy waste 6000 lbs. a year and 500 lbs. a month . The actual weight for regulated medical waste is 160,000lb year

Question Reusable Sharp Containers Do you know how many containers would be needed on a wkly basis? No, it will depend on the usage.

Question RX Program Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? We are requesting that you provide a monthly cost and no it varies based on area we have average between as little as 3 boxes per month to 12 boxes a month.

Question RMW CBOC You have 125 (BX) listed. Does that mean 125 boxes a month/year? A year

Question RX Program CBOC - Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? Please provide the price per months for your program this average a box a quarter for each location

Question Control Sub Disp. You have 40 (BX) listed. Does that mean 40 boxes a month/year? Please provide a monthly cost but it will require containers placed in at least 40 locations throughout the main hospital that will need to be checked daily.

Question Non-RX Haz Waste - Are you looking for a monthly price here? Do you know how much RX waste to expect a month? Please provide a monthly price with containers in multiple locations average about half a drum a month but this can change as we increase our services within the facility.

Services

GENERAL:

Scope: VAMC-Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, located at 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, hereafter referred to as SLVHCS , is seeking a full-service contract for the purpose of this solicitation is for the Contractor to provide medical waste, Pharmaceutical Hazardous and Non-Hazardous, Control Substance removal program and Hazardous waste removal. All services shall be performed by qualified Contractors who are licensed and authorized to perform the work defined herein. All services shall be completed in a timely manner and in accordance with the state, local, federal, and VA standards as listed in the Statement of Work. In order to be given full consideration for award, the Contractor shall provide the additional information requested and must be licensed to perform services required at this location.

It shall be the Contractor s responsibility to ensure that all equipment/supplies and/or materials required during the performance of the work will comply with all Conformance Standards in the industry.

Background: Waste specifications for removal of Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) to include Pathological, Chemotherapeutic, Pharmaceutical Waste Hazardous and Non-Hazardous, Control Substance removal program, and Non-Hazardous Waste. (Please see attachment A)

Performance Period: The Period of Performance for this contract service shall be for one (1) base year and four (4) years after Notice to Proceed.

Type of Contract: The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) includes but is not limited to items contaminated with blood and body fluids/waste, trace chemotherapy wastes, sharps, pathological and microbiological waste or other potentially infectious materials. Trace chemotherapy is separated from other wastes and labeled for incineration. Trace chemotherapy is defined as vials or other containers that have less than 3% of the original contents by weight, after removing as much of the chemotherapy feasible. It also includes the chemotherapy remaining in all needles, bags, tubing, containers, gloves, and gowns used during chemotherapy infusions

Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include:

Transport Vehicles:

Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended.

Vehicles shall bear the transporter s name, State permit and the words Medical Waste or Regulated Medical Waste on the sides of the body.

Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress.

Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

Reusable Sharps Program shall include: removal and disposal of existing sharps containers system (including disposable containers, wall brackets, carts, and cabinets); installation of reusable sharps containers (including lockable mounting brackets, stationary stands, mobile carts, and bulk storage/transport carts); in-service training to staff on use and handling of containers and proper segregation of medical sharps waste from other medical waste; monitoring reusable sharps containers at each point of use to provide timely collection of full containers and replacement with clean/sanitized containers; transportation and disposal of medical sharps waste in accordance with Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

Chemotherapy and Cytotoxic Waste 3% of the original contents shall be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and Veterans Health Administration Information Letter IL 10-2004-019. A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by and a copy provided to the COR prior to any shipment of hazardous waste to verify the waste was shipped for disposal. The Contractor shall provide a completed and signed Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest for VAMC SLVHCS to the COR for each shipment of hazardous waste shipped from VAMC-SLVHCS. Some types of chemotherapy even in small amounts may not be disposed of as trace chemotherapy but are considered RCRA hazardous waste; those items will be identified by the pharmacy and separated prior to pick up. Also, all full bags or bottles of chemotherapy (those containing more than 3% of the original contents by weight) are considered RCRA hazardous waste and must be disposed as such.

Pharmaceutical Waste (RCRA) shall be disposed of as hazardous waste or as non-RCRA hazardous pharmaceuticals which will be incinerated only at a facility identified to accept non RCRA. However, the term hazardous, in the context of drug wastes, specifically refers to pharmaceuticals that are identified by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as environmental hazards for people, animals, and the environment.

Removal of the hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste will be normally performed during the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding National Holidays. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is available during those hours for the approval of manifests and other required documentation, unless exigent circumstances require services during an unscheduled time period. After-hours access will be coordinated with the COR or the Coordinator s designee. The Contractor and the COR will arrange for a routine (non-emergency) service based upon volume for the main hospital. This will occur on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis depending on rate of generation. Pharmaceutical waste service for CBOC s will be on an as needed basis and arranged through the COR or designee. To be considered for the contract award, the bidder must possess the necessary technical expertise and resources required by this solicitation in order to be considered for contract award.

Pharmaceutical Formulary Review Annual Update The contractor will provide an electronic review of the medical center formulary and provide recommendations as appropriate. The completed review will identify all listed waste, characteristic waste and RCRA-equivalent waste. The review will also identify Department of Transportation packing and labeling instructions. The final review will be submitted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in an electronic file.

The Contractor is required to perform characterization of all waste streams identified by each facility using process knowledge, identity of the chemicals, and other types of chemical analysis including but not limited to Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Chemical wastes shall include but not be limited to ignitable, corrosives, poisons/ toxics, and reactive wastes. Work shall be performed in accordance with all applicable, Federal, State, Local and governing regulations. The Contractor will obtain permission from the COR before conducting chemical analysis to be charged against the contract.

Control Substance Pharmaceutical waste disposal and management. The facility is looking for a program that will manage the disposal of control Substances in our facility that will minimize the impact on the environment, consumers and employees. With increasing oversight from regulatory agencies, our facility must meet strict handling and disposal mandates for control substances. To add, failure to meet these requirements can result in violations that have a lasting impact on our facility. We are looking for a company that can provide out facility with a clear process beginning to end process and plan for a safe and compliant disposal process of control substances.

Hazardous Waste The contractor shall provide a team of experts to collaborate with the facility to recycle as much waste as possible in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA) hazardous waste recycling regulations. The facility has provided a list of hazardous materials that we generally dispose of monthly, please see attachment B. The contractor need to have the ability to offer unparalleled guidance on recycling options that best suit our facility needs as it relates to budget and waste stream. Such as:

Alternate uses for hazardous waste (use constituting disposal): for example, some hazardous waste can be converted into fertilizer.

Incorporating hazardous waste into other products (use constituting disposal): using waste material to make other materials such as asphalt.

Reclamation of waste to recover usable components: examples include recovering mercury from broken thermometers; distilling used solvents to re-purify them; and reclaiming metals, paint and batteries.

Direct use or reuse of a waste as an ingredient in a product or substitute product: for example, latex paint can be mixed with ash to make cement mix for concrete.

Combustion for Energy Recovery or using wastes either as a fuel or as a heat-producing ingredient: oily wastes, for example, can be used to generate steam or electricity.

Recovery and/or Purification of Spent Solvents, Petroleum and Used Oils: recycling initiatives for acetone, paint thinner, engine oil, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, refrigerator oil, and more.

Recycling packing material used to protect items during shipping.

The contractor shall furnish appropriate containers for pick-up, and disposal of all specified waste. Based on the estimated weight of regulated medical waste 160,000lbs a year (includes trace chemo), pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week.

Contractor provided containers shall be leak-proof, stackable, sealable, transportable, and designed so that government employees will not be required to lift more than 35 lbs. and shall display the universal biohazard symbol. All containers shall be damage free and in good working order at all times.

The Contractor shall supply the VA with an adequate number of clean, disinfected, rigid, stackable storage containers with tight-fitting covers that can be securely sealed. The Contractor shall provide disinfected storage containers of sufficient quantity to ensure adequate capacity as needed by the VA for IV and Trace Chemo. At a minimum, a one-to-one exchange of containers for each filled container in both pickup locations will be provided by the Contractor. Currently, the estimated weight of RMW and trace chemo waste generated by the SLVHCS is 349,464 pounds a year.

The storage containers must be lined with Contractor provided red IV bags or yellow Trace Chemo bags as applicable to the waste to be stored in the container. Contractor supplied bags shall be constructed of a material of sufficient single thickness and strength to pass the 165-gram dropped dart impact resistance test as prescribed by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard d 1709-75, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Containers must be conspicuously labeled in accordance with guidelines and regulations prescribed by regulatory authorities including DOT and OSHA Standards. All containers must be labeled with the Contractor s and the VA s names, addresses, and phone numbers. All labels containing VA identifiers must be removed from containers at the time of waste treatment and/or disposal.

Containers must be identifiable as to the type of hazardous waste contained within, (i.e. yellow for chemo, red for medical waste) all containers shall be approved by the COR.

Contractor will remove full containers and replace them with an equal number of empty sanitized containers. Sanitizing shall be completed at an offsite location.

Prior to departing the VAMC-SLVHCS contractor shall obtain the COR or designee s signature for confirmation of manifest including but not limited to:

Pickup/Delivery Location

Pickup/Delivery Date

Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds)

Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number

Any other information as required by the COTR.

Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste, Chemotherapy, Pharmaceutical, and Control Substance is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Health and Environmental Control, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), DEA and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include:

Transport Vehicles:

Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended.

Vehicles shall bear the required transporter s name, State permit and the words as it applies to the type of waste that it will be carrying on the sides of the body.

Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress.

Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

Marking requirements:

Transporter shall provide waste-resistant labeling on all containers of regulated waste with the following information:

Name of Transporter or immediate handler.

State permit or identification number of the transporter

Intermediate Handlers: No intermediate handlers or subcontracting or transportation shall be allowed.

Accidental Release: Should hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, or DEA drug waste be released during the performance of services under this contract, through no fault of the VA facilities, the Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with the satisfactory remediation of the incident. This will include the cost of all labor and materials as well as any actual damages incurred to the facility and harm caused to patients, visitors and staff of the medical center. The remediation efforts shall be performed to the satisfaction of the cognizant regulatory authorities and the medical center s GEMS Coordinator.

Manifest Requirements: The Contractor will provide all manifests and documentation that apply to the removal and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, DEA drug waste, medical regulated waste leaving the pickup sites of Sharp Waste generator activities conducted by its workforces and/or its subcontractors prior to leaving the facility. The Contractor will furnish a properly executed and legible copy of the appropriate manifests required to document the safe shipment and proper disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste generated by the medical center under the terms of this contract.

Transporter shall certify that the manifest data matches the load to be removed.

Transporter shall deliver the waste to an authorized facility and sign the manifest to verify that waste has been delivered.

Transporter shall maintain a copy of the manifest for their records.

Transporter shall return all remaining copies of the manifest to the generator, assuring final disposal.

SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES: All RMW waste will be loaded into 96 gallon reusable mobile bins on wheels at the VAMC-SLVHCS and corrugated cardboard boxes (various sizes available) to accommodate the disposable of RMW at CBOCs, which will then be stored in the soiled utility room to be picked up once a month by fully trained, licensed and insured transportation personnel. Waste pick-up will be from the hospital designated waste holding area. The day of pick-up will be based on the following schedule of pick-ups for the following locations:

Normal Work Hours: Waste shall be picked up Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, at building #36 (incinerator building), between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Contractor is to provide a documented back up plan in the event circumstances disrupt s his ability to provide pick up services. Services will be provided within 24 hours of a failure to meet scheduled pick-up times.

National Holidays: The ten holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year s Day, Martin Luther King s Birthday, President s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday

Documentation from The Contractor: Contractor shall be responsible for providing a detailed manifest of all medical waste, pharmaceutical, and control substances transported from the VA Medical Center to include the date, location and proof of destruction. All medical waste collected from the VA will be weighed on site and a copy of the manifest stating the date collected, pounds of medical waste per cart and the number of carts must be left with the Contracting Officer Representative or the CEP Bldg. on the day of collection. The contractor is required to provide a signed and legible manifest attesting to the destruction of the medical waste and will be provided to the COR within 30 days of the destruction of the medical waste. The Certificate of Destruction shall at a minimum contain the following:

Pickup/Delivery Location

Pickup/Delivery Date

Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds)

Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number

Destruction Certification Date

Any other information as required by the COTR.

Training Plan: Contractor shall provide annual training to government staff as required by the COR and will be required to provide a training plan that identifies what training will be provided to VA staff and what training will be provided to the contractors staff. Training shall include proper handling of medical/special waste; interim storage requirements, proper identification and labeling of wastes, etc. Training shall be documented and shall be provided 24 7 during initial installation to ensure that training is available to all employees that will be required to handle waste. Contractor shall provide in service training for staff not available at the time of training at no additional cost to the Government. Additional specific training will be required as follows:

Certificates of training and experience of staff and/or personnel who will perform site work under this contract (all technicians that will work on VA premises will be expected to have received at least the minimum training required by law as specified in 29CFR 1910-120, 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR Parts 171-178.

This contract will include initial training for all employees who handle pharmaceutical waste. The hazardous waste training program will provide training to employees who generate hazardous waste in Satellite Accumulation Points, that have hazardous waste management responsibilities at each medical center, who sign manifests or who are authorized to serve as their respective facility s hazardous waste coordinator. Training will incorporate state specific regulations and include storage, manifest completion, records management, emergency responsibilities, Land Disposal Restrictions and other pertinent topics. The training will also include DOT Hazardous Materials training that meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d).

The contractor will be required to provide Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) training per the state and federal regulations for all employees with responsibilities for management of hazardous waste at each facility. The successful contractor will provide DOT training to all employees who ship, prepare or sign hazardous waste manifests or other hazardous materials shipping papers and are covered under 49 C.F.R.§§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d). The contractor shall provide general training and instruction to the VA employees responsible for handling hazardous and universal waste designated by the COTR. The contractor will provide training qualification and a training outline that covers all areas referenced in this section.

Contingency Plan: The Contractor shall have in place and maintain a valid contingency plan to meet the requirements of the contract to avoid an interruption of service due to failure of equipment or personnel issues. The Contractor shall provide the VA COR a contingency plan addressing back-up plans for collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of the VA s waste in the event of any condition which impedes the ability to perform the services specified in this PWS. The Contractor shall incur all cost associated with fulfilling this contingency plan at no additional cost to the Government.

Provide the following information on the contractor's emergency response (ER) capabilities (or any changes to original submission):

Contractor's ER policies.

ER capabilities and experience and limitations.

Type of ER equipment maintained (specify if owned or subcontracted and from whom).

Personnel availability, training and experience.

Contractor's emergency response procedure shall describe:

How to request an emergency response.

How the contractor notifies personnel and initiates response action.

Incident command procedures followed by the contractor.

ER work practices.

ER protection of health and safety practices.

ER invoicing policy.

Management Plan the contractor needs to provide details on how they will be managing the day to day operation, a list of key personnel, implementation plan, transition plan and any other information that may be vital to the management of this contract. This shall include information on the appointed project manager who will have responsibility for the performance of the waste removal services. The project manager or designee shall be competent to supervise all aspects of medical waste removal services and shall be available on-site within 4 hours after notification when problems arise with contractor s work or in the event that emergencies arise at this facility, which pertains to the contractor s responsibilities or duties. The project manager shall, in the absence of the contractor, act for the contractor as contractor s representative.

During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by the individual s illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 5 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (2) below. After the initial 90-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (b) to the Contracting Officer at least 5 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Contractor Furnished Equipment, Materials, and Information: Contractor shall, at no additional cost to the Government, provide and maintain licenses, permits, vehicles, operators, equipment, and materials to properly handle, package, label, transport, and dispose of medical sharps waste generated at VAMC-SLVHCS. Contractor is responsible for maintaining liability insurance for the duration of the contract.

Safety Plan Requirements: Contractor personnel and equipment shall comply with all applicable state, federal and local regulations. The Contractor agrees that his personnel and equipment are subject to safety inspections by Government personnel while on Federal property. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel involved in the handling, repackaging, and transportation of the items listed herein shall be trained in the areas of spills, and general first aid procedures. The Contractor will, without additional cost to the VA provide and maintain all licenses and permits for operational personnel, trailers, containers, vehicles and other resources required for proper removal of pharmaceutical wastes in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Municipal, and local regulations [e.g. OSHA, EPA, CFR (DOT) including, but not limited to HM-18]. If appropriate licenses are not maintained in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements, the VA may terminate the contract effective upon discovery. The VA reserves the right to halt work if the COR determines work is being done in an unsafe/unhealthy manner or that could harm the environment. VA will not incur additional costs if work is halted for good cause

Required Submittals - The following shall be provided to the COR with bid proposal submission for evaluation purposes and annually within thirty (30) days of the renewal date of this contract with any changes to original submission clearly identified and highlighted:

Current waste transporter permit(s)

List of all transfer stations, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) including incineration, wastewater and sludge treatment facilities that shall be utilized during this contract to include the capacity of these facilities and the waste codes for the waste streams they are permitted to accept by treatment technology. Address, phone number and other contact information shall be provided. The VA reserves the right to inspect each of these facilities before approving its use or at any time during or after contract period while VA wastes are present.

Copy of Operator permit(s)

Provide a copy of US EPA identification number(s) certificate for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide service regarding any aspect of VA waste disposal program (i.e. storage, transfer, incinerator sites). Provided a copy of certificate of registration with the State EPA as a hazardous waste transporter for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide hazardous waste transportation services for any aspect of VA waste disposal program.

Provide a detailed SITE SPECIFIC safety plan that will be used to ensure that workers and nearby population will be adequately protected during packaging and removal operations.

Provide information identifying any proposed subcontractors and identifying services to be performed by the subcontractors. Contractor must submit evidence that subcontractor is qualified and legally able to provide services. (ALL subcontractors must be approved by the COR prior to performing any duties under this contract).

Quality Assurance Plan: The contractor shall have a Quality Control Program to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. The Contractor shall be liable for all expenses incurred by the Government due to the Contractor s inability to perform in accordance with these requirements. The contractor will be expected to meet all the needs of the contract and required to provide a Quality plan describing how they will meet the needs of this contract. The program shall include, but will not be limited to, the following:

An inspection system covering the services listed in the Statement of Work. It must specify areas of work to be inspected on a scheduled basis.

A method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

A record of all inspections conducted by the contractor and any corrective action taken. The documented Quality Control Program and records of inspections shall be made available to the Government upon request.

All information received will be provided either verbally and/or in writing to the contractor for appropriate action.

Performance Objectives

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Method of Monitoring

Disincentive

1) All scheduled pick up of Medical Waste

Picked up from designated holding areas per schedule of service

100%

COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

2) Training

Contractor maintains current Hepatitis shots, TB testing, Blood Bourne, Blood Pathogen, DOT and EPA training and adhere to stations Privacy Policy.

100%

COTR will review current records.

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

3) Weekly pick up of medical waste containers for cleaning /replace w/clean containers.

All containers must be clean sterilized upon arrival to facility

100%

COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

4) Licensing of Employees and Vehicles

Contractor maintains current licenses

100%

COTR will request copies of current licenses annually

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL.

6) Customer Satisfaction

By the number of positive and negative complaints provide by customer.

98%

COTR will make weekly inspections throughout

the facility

1% reduction in monthly invoice for every documented defect over two (2)

Attachment A

Facility Locations

VAMC SLVHCS 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 23600 lbs.).

9G and 10g CBOC, 1601 Perdido St., New Orleans LA 70112 CBOC (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds - 2168 lbs.).

VA Baton Rouge (Essen) Clinic, 7986 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.).

VA Baton Rouge (Anselmo) Clinic, 7850 Anselmo Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.)

VA Hammond Outpatient Clinic 1131 South Morrison Blvd., Hammond, LA 70403 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.)

VA Slidell Outpatient Clinic, 60491Doss Drive, Slidell, LA 70460 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 308 lbs.)

VA St. Johns Outpatient Clinic, 208 247 Veterans Blvd., Reserve, LA 70084 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 308 lbs.)

VA Mental Health Outpatient Clinic 3500 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 193 lbs.).

Attachment B

Current List of Non-Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste

Xylene

Formalin

lead based paint

Planiseal VS

RV oil SB150

Boric acid

ULTRA SPEC 500 INTERIOR

United lab 101 moisture barrier

United lab 199C Everlast coating

Tnemec Protective coating

Glycol WickFuel, SafeHeat

Hydrex 2877

Solvent based concrete sealer

Purell

Safe Heat Chafing Fuel

P-Listed Waste

Solvents from lab

NiCad Batteries

Odorless Disposable Plaster trap

Shiny Side

United 266 EARTH SMART

flash aerosol

HI PURITY

Acidine

RL 32-3MAF

fluorescent gas leak detector

bacterial drain maintainer

Chill clean aerosol

583- Es cleaner II

Enviro green cleaner

4038-ES GRIT BLITZ

Rx aerosol

House Paint

Release Degreaser

UN1956

Decalcifier II

Phenol Liquefied UN2821

Calibration Gas

Cepheid cartridges

Sulfuric acid

Mobil Rarus 427 Compressor oil

United 593 Citrain

United 29 Fresh Air Lock

State Ecolution Disinfectant

Miracle 511 Anti-Slip Formula

State SSD II

Spartan Foamy Q7A

State Pen Penetrating Oil

Rebound Rubberized Coating

Competitive Choice Tool Cleaner

Seymour Good Grip

Terand Rubberized Coating 654

State SPW Quick Dri

Oil Rags

Lead aprons

thyroid shields

Ammonium Hydroxide

Battery Pack Energy Storage

BATTERY Battery Pack IXION MODEL 10318200 SERIES 060436006 MODEL REF 459800031191 SN 060404122 ENERGY STORAGE UNIT

4' and Under Fluorescent Lamps

5' and Over Fluorescent Lamps

Lithium / Lithium Ion Batteries

Alkaline Batteries

The period of performance is base year 05/15/2020 05/14/2021 with Four one-year options.

Place of Performance

Address:

2400 Canal Street, New Orleans

Postal Code:

70119

Country:

UNITED STATES

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

0001

160,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Base

0002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Base

0003

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Base

0004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Base

0005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Base

0006

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Base

0007

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Base

1001

160,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 1

1002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 1

1003

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 1

1004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 1

1005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 1

1006

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 1

1007

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 1

2001

160,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 2

2002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 2

2003

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 2

2004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 2

2005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 2

2006

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 2

2007

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 2

3001

160,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 3

3002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 3

3003

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 3

3004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 3

3005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 3

3006

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 3

3007

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 3

4001

160,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 4

4002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 4

4003

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 4

4004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 4

4005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 4

4006

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 4

4007

12.00

MO

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 4

GRAND TOTAL

__________________

The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate the Service Contract Act Wage Determination 2015-5190 Rev. 16

Attachment 2: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

General Information

Document Type:

Combined Solicitation/Synopsis

Solicitation Number:

36C25620Q0534

Posted Date:

4/20/2020

Response Date:

5/1/2020 at 2:00P.M. Central

Product or Service Code:

S205

Set Aside:

SDVOSB

NAICS Code:

562112

Contracting Office Address

1515 Poydras Street

Suite 1100

New Orleans, LA 70112

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for 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; Quotations are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is a Request for Quotations(RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-05.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 562112, with a small business size standard of $41.5 million.

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System is seeking to purchase Consolidated Waste Removal Services.

All interested companies shall provide a quotation for the following:

Services

GENERAL:

Scope: VAMC-Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, located at 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, hereafter referred to as SLVHCS , is seeking a full-service contract for the purpose of this solicitation is for the Contractor to provide medical waste, Pharmaceutical Hazardous and Non-Hazardous, Control Substance removal program and Hazardous waste removal. All services shall be performed by qualified Contractors who are licensed and authorized to perform the work defined herein. All services shall be completed in a timely manner and in accordance with the state, local, federal, and VA standards as listed in the Statement of Work. In order to be given full consideration for award, the Contractor shall provide the additional information requested and must be licensed to perform services required at this location.

It shall be the Contractor s responsibility to ensure that all equipment/supplies and/or materials required during the performance of the work will comply with all Conformance Standards in the industry. All self-contained roll off compactors shall be designed for dock usage or as further defined herein. Any mechanical or electrical modifications to accommodate the compactors in the designated dock areas will be at the cost of the Contractor and not the VA. The contractor also has the responsibility for maintaining/repairing the equipment/materials, compactors operation or supplies required at no cost to the VA. The compactor must be designed to meet or exceed all safety standards to include key type lock/start control; emergency stop and safety retract controls. Unit must be designed to prevent leakage, spillage, odors and pest control concerns. The Contractor shall install, maintain and monitor an automated notification fullness system (i.e., fax) that will maximize usage and notify Contractor when compactor is ready for replacement. Setting will be at the agreement of the Contractor and COR to maximize usage of the units. The Contractor shall submit with his/her signed Proposal a detailed description of the type of compactor recommended for use under this Contract.

Background: Waste specifications for removal of Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) to include Pathological, Chemotherapeutic, Pharmaceutical Waste Hazardous and Non-Hazardous, Control Substance removal program, and Non Hazardous Waste. (Please see attachment A)

Performance Period: The Period of Performance for this contract service shall be for one (1) base year and four (4) years after Notice to Proceed.

Type of Contract: The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) includes but is not limited to items contaminated with blood and body fluids/waste, trace chemotherapy wastes, sharps, pathological and microbiological waste or other potentially infectious materials. Trace chemotherapy is separated from other wastes and labeled for incineration. Trace chemotherapy is defined as vials or other containers that have less than 3% of the original contents by weight, after removing as much of the chemotherapy feasible. It also includes the chemotherapy remaining in all needles, bags, tubing, containers, gloves, and gowns used during chemotherapy infusions

Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include:

Transport Vehicles:

Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended.

Vehicles shall bear the transporter s name, State permit and the words Medical Waste or Regulated Medical Waste on the sides of the body.

Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress.

Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

Reusable Sharps Program shall include: removal and disposal of existing sharps containers system (including disposable containers, wall brackets, carts, and cabinets); installation of reusable sharps containers (including lockable mounting brackets, stationary stands, mobile carts, and bulk storage/transport carts); in-service training to staff on use and handling of containers and proper segregation of medical sharps waste from other medical waste; monitoring reusable sharps containers at each point of use to provide timely collection of full containers and replacement with clean/sanitized containers; transportation and disposal of medical sharps waste in accordance with Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

Chemotherapy and Cytotoxic Waste 3% of the original contents shall be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and Veterans Health Administration Information Letter IL 10-2004-019. A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by and a copy provided to the COR prior to any shipment of hazardous waste to verify the waste was shipped for disposal. The Contractor shall provide a completed and signed Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest for VAMC SLVHCS to the COR for each shipment of hazardous waste shipped from VAMC-SLVHCS. Some types of chemotherapy even in small amounts may not be disposed of as trace chemotherapy but are considered RCRA hazardous waste; those items will be identified by the pharmacy and separated prior to pick up. Also, all full bags or bottles of chemotherapy (those containing more than 3% of the original contents by weight) are considered RCRA hazardous waste and must be disposed as such.

Pharmaceutical Waste (RCRA) shall be disposed of as hazardous waste or as non-RCRA hazardous pharmaceuticals which will be incinerated only at a facility identified to accept non RCRA. However, the term hazardous, in the context of drug wastes, specifically refers to pharmaceuticals that are identified by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as environmental hazards for people, animals, and the environment.

Removal of the hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste will be normally performed during the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding National Holidays. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is available during those hours for the approval of manifests and other required documentation, unless exigent circumstances require services during an unscheduled time period. After-hours access will be coordinated with the COR or the Coordinator s designee. The Contractor and the COR will arrange for a routine (non-emergency) service based upon volume for the main hospital. This will occur on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis depending on rate of generation. Pharmaceutical waste service for CBOC s will be on an as needed basis and arranged through the COR or designee. To be considered for the contract award, the bidder must possess the necessary technical expertise and resources required by this solicitation in order to be considered for contract award.

Pharmaceutical Formulary Review Annual Update The contractor will provide an electronic review of the medical center formulary and provide recommendations as appropriate. The completed review will identify all listed waste, characteristic waste and RCRA-equivalent waste. The review will also identify Department of Transportation packing and labeling instructions. The final review will be submitted in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in an electronic file.

The Contractor is required to perform characterization of all waste streams identified by each facility using process knowledge, identity of the chemicals, and other types of chemical analysis including but not limited to Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Chemical wastes shall include but not be limited to ignitable, corrosives, poisons/ toxics, and reactive wastes. Work shall be performed in accordance with all applicable, Federal, State, Local and governing regulations. The Contractor will obtain permission from the COR before conducting chemical analysis to be charged against the contract.

Control Substance Pharmaceutical waste disposal and management. The facility is looking for a program that will manage the disposal of control Substances in our facility that will minimize the impact on the environment, consumers and employees. With increasing oversight from regulatory agencies, our facility must meet strict handling and disposal mandates for control substances. To add, failure to meet these requirements can result in violations that have a lasting impact on our facility. We are looking for a company that can provide out facility with a clear process beginning to end process and plan for a safe and compliant disposal process of control substances.

Hazardous Waste The contractor shall provide a team of experts to collaborate with the facility to recycle as much waste as possible in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency s (EPA) hazardous waste recycling regulations. The facility has provided a list of hazardous materials that we generally dispose of monthly, please see attachment B. The contractor need to have the ability to offer unparalleled guidance on recycling options that best suit our facility needs as it relates to budget and waste stream. Such as:

Alternate uses for hazardous waste (use constituting disposal): for example, some hazardous waste can be converted into fertilizer.

Incorporating hazardous waste into other products (use constituting disposal): using waste material to make other materials such as asphalt.

Reclamation of waste to recover usable components: examples include recovering mercury from broken thermometers; distilling used solvents to re-purify them; and reclaiming metals, paint and batteries.

Direct use or reuse of a waste as an ingredient in a product or substitute product: for example, latex paint can be mixed with ash to make cement mix for concrete.

Combustion for Energy Recovery or using wastes either as a fuel or as a heat-producing ingredient: oily wastes, for example, can be used to generate steam or electricity.

Recovery and/or Purification of Spent Solvents, Petroleum and Used Oils: recycling initiatives for acetone, paint thinner, engine oil, metalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, refrigerator oil, and more.

Recycling packing material used to protect items during shipping.

The contractor shall furnish appropriate containers for pick-up, and disposal of all specified waste. Based on the estimated monthly weight of regulated medical waste 349,464 lbs. a year 29,122 lbs. a month; chemotherapy waste 6000 lbs. a year and 500 lbs. a month), pick-ups will be scheduled at a minimum of three times per week.

Contractor provided containers shall be leak-proof, stackable, sealable, transportable, and designed so that government employees will not be required to lift more than 35 lbs. and shall display the universal biohazard symbol. All containers shall be damage free and in good working order at all times.

The Contractor shall supply the VA with an adequate number of clean, disinfected, rigid, stackable storage containers with tight-fitting covers that can be securely sealed. The Contractor shall provide disinfected storage containers of sufficient quantity to ensure adequate capacity as needed by the VA for IV and Trace Chemo. At a minimum, a one-to-one exchange of containers for each filled container in both pickup locations will be provided by the Contractor. Currently, the estimated weight of RMW and trace chemo waste generated by the SLVHCS is 349,464 pounds a year.

The storage containers must be lined with Contractor provided red IV bags or yellow Trace Chemo bags as applicable to the waste to be stored in the container. Contractor supplied bags shall be constructed of a material of sufficient single thickness and strength to pass the 165-gram dropped dart impact resistance test as prescribed by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard d 1709-75, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Containers must be conspicuously labeled in accordance with guidelines and regulations prescribed by regulatory authorities including DOT and OSHA Standards. All containers must be labeled with the Contractor s and the VA s names, addresses, and phone numbers. All labels containing VA identifiers must be removed from containers at the time of waste treatment and/or disposal.

Containers must be identifiable as to the type of hazardous waste contained within, (i.e. yellow for chemo, red for medical waste) all containers shall be approved by the COR.

Contractor will remove full containers and replace them with an equal number of empty sanitized containers. Sanitizing shall be completed at an offsite location.

Prior to departing the VAMC-SLVHCS contractor shall obtain the COR or designee s signature for confirmation of manifest including but not limited to:

Pickup/Delivery Location

Pickup/Delivery Date

Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds)

Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number

Any other information as required by the COTR.

Contractor shall ensure that the handling, licensing and final disposal of Regulated Medical Waste, Chemotherapy, Pharmaceutical, and Control Substance is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Health and Environmental Control, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), DEA and applicable Federal, State and Municipal governmental regulations and codes. This shall include:

Transport Vehicles:

Vehicles shall be equipped with fully enclosed leak-resistant cargo body, maintained in a sanitary condition and secured when left unattended.

Vehicles shall bear the required transporter s name, State permit and the words as it applies to the type of waste that it will be carrying on the sides of the body.

Waste shall not be subject to mechanical stress.

Regulated medical waste shall not be combined with other waste.

Marking requirements:

Transporter shall provide waste-resistant labeling on all containers of regulated waste with the following information:

Name of Transporter or immediate handler.

State permit or identification number of the transporter

Intermediate Handlers: No intermediate handlers or subcontracting or transportation shall be allowed.

Accidental Release: Should hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, or DEA drug waste be released during the performance of services under this contract, through no fault of the VA facilities, the Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with the satisfactory remediation of the incident. This will include the cost of all labor and materials as well as any actual damages incurred to the facility and harm caused to patients, visitors and staff of the medical center. The remediation efforts shall be performed to the satisfaction of the cognizant regulatory authorities and the medical center s GEMS Coordinator.

Manifest Requirements: The Contractor will provide all manifests and documentation that apply to the removal and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous chemical, universal, DEA drug waste, medical regulated waste leaving the pickup sites of Sharp Waste generator activities conducted by its workforces and/or its subcontractors prior to leaving the facility. The Contractor will furnish a properly executed and legible copy of the appropriate manifests required to document the safe shipment and proper disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste generated by the medical center under the terms of this contract.

Transporter shall certify that the manifest data matches the load to be removed.

Transporter shall deliver the waste to an authorized facility and sign the manifest to verify that waste has been delivered.

Transporter shall maintain a copy of the manifest for their records.

Transporter shall return all remaining copies of the manifest to the generator, assuring final disposal.

SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES: All RMW waste will be loaded into 96 gallon reusable mobile bins on wheels at the VAMC-SLVHCS and corrugated cardboard boxes (various sizes available) to accommodate the disposable of RMW at CBOCs, which will then be stored in the soiled utility room to be picked up once a month by fully trained, licensed and insured transportation personnel. Waste pick-up will be from the hospital designated waste holding area. The day of pick-up will be based on the following schedule of pick-ups for the following locations:

Normal Work Hours: Waste shall be picked up Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, at building #36 (incinerator building), between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Contractor is to provide a documented back up plan in the event circumstances disrupt s his ability to provide pick up services. Services will be provided within 24 hours of a failure to meet scheduled pick-up times.

National Holidays: The ten holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year s Day, Martin Luther King s Birthday, President s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday

Documentation from The Contractor: Contractor shall be responsible for providing a detailed manifest of all medical waste, pharmaceutical, and control substances transported from the VA Medical Center to include the date, location and proof of destruction. All medical waste collected from the VA will be weighed on site and a copy of the manifest stating the date collected, pounds of medical waste per cart and the number of carts must be left with the Contracting Officer Representative or the CEP Bldg. on the day of collection. The contractor is required to provide a signed and legible manifest attesting to the destruction of the medical waste and will be provided to the COR within 30 days of the destruction of the medical waste. The Certificate of Destruction shall at a minimum contain the following:

Pickup/Delivery Location

Pickup/Delivery Date

Amount of waste (number of containers picked up and/or pounds)

Destruction Certification Document/Manifest Number

Destruction Certification Date

Any other information as required by the COTR.

Training Plan : Contractor shall provide annual training to government staff as required by the COR and will be required to provide a training plan that identifies what training will be provided to VA staff and what training will be provided to the contractors staff. Training shall include proper handling of medical/special waste; interim storage requirements, proper identification and labeling of wastes, etc. Training shall be documented and shall be provided 24 7 during initial installation to ensure that training is available to all employees that will be required to handle waste. Contractor shall provide in service training for staff not available at the time of training at no additional cost to the Government. Additional specific training will be required as follows:

Certificates of training and experience of staff and/or personnel who will perform site work under this contract (all technicians that will work on VA premises will be expected to have received at least the minimum training required by law as specified in 29CFR 1910-120, 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR Parts 171-178.

This contract will include initial training for all employees who handle pharmaceutical waste. The hazardous waste training program will provide training to employees who generate hazardous waste in Satellite Accumulation Points, that have hazardous waste management responsibilities at each medical center, who sign manifests or who are authorized to serve as their respective facility s hazardous waste coordinator. Training will incorporate state specific regulations and include storage, manifest completion, records management, emergency responsibilities, Land Disposal Restrictions and other pertinent topics. The training will also include DOT Hazardous Materials training that meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d).

The contractor will be required to provide Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) training per the state and federal regulations for all employees with responsibilities for management of hazardous waste at each facility. The successful contractor will provide DOT training to all employees who ship, prepare or sign hazardous waste manifests or other hazardous materials shipping papers and are covered under 49 C.F.R.§§ 172.704(a), (c) and (d). The contractor shall provide general training and instruction to the VA employees responsible for handling hazardous and universal waste designated by the COTR. The contractor will provide training qualification and a training outline that covers all areas referenced in this section.

Contingency Plan: The Contractor shall have in place and maintain a valid contingency plan to meet the requirements of the contract to avoid an interruption of service due to failure of equipment or personnel issues. The Contractor shall provide the VA COR a contingency plan addressing back-up plans for collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of the VA s waste in the event of any condition which impedes the ability to perform the services specified in this PWS. The Contractor shall incur all cost associated with fulfilling this contingency plan at no additional cost to the Government.

Provide the following information on the contractor's emergency response (ER) capabilities (or any changes to original submission):

Contractor's ER policies.

ER capabilities and experience and limitations.

Type of ER equipment maintained (specify if owned or subcontracted and from whom).

Personnel availability, training and experience.

Contractor's emergency response procedure shall describe:

How to request an emergency response.

How the contractor notifies personnel and initiates response action.

Incident command procedures followed by the contractor.

ER work practices.

ER protection of health and safety practices.

ER invoicing policy.

Management Plan the contractor needs to provide details on how they will be managing the day to day operation, a list of key personnel, implementation plan, transition plan and any other information that may be vital to the management of this contract. This shall include information on the appointed project manager who will have responsibility for the performance of the waste removal services. The project manager or designee shall be competent to supervise all aspects of medical waste removal services and shall be available on-site within 4 hours after notification when problems arise with contractor s work or in the event that emergencies arise at this facility, which pertains to the contractor s responsibilities or duties. The project manager shall, in the absence of the contractor, act for the contractor as contractor s representative.

During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by the individual s illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 5 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (2) below. After the initial 90-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (b) to the Contracting Officer at least 5 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Contractor Furnished Equipment, Materials, and Information: Contractor shall, at no additional cost to the Government, provide and maintain licenses, permits, vehicles, operators, equipment, and materials to properly handle, package, label, transport, and dispose of medical sharps waste generated at VAMC-SLVHCS. Contractor is responsible for maintaining liability insurance for the duration of the contract.

Safety Plan Requirements: Contractor personnel and equipment shall comply with all applicable state, federal and local regulations. The Contractor agrees that his personnel and equipment are subject to safety inspections by Government personnel while on Federal property. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel involved in the handling, repackaging, and transportation of the items listed herein shall be trained in the areas of spills, and general first aid procedures. The Contractor will, without additional cost to the VA provide and maintain all licenses and permits for operational personnel, trailers, containers, vehicles and other resources required for proper removal of pharmaceutical wastes in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Municipal, and local regulations [e.g. OSHA, EPA, CFR (DOT) including, but not limited to HM-18]. If appropriate licenses are not maintained in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements, the VA may terminate the contract effective upon discovery. The VA reserves the right to halt work if the COR determines work is being done in an unsafe/unhealthy manner or that could harm the environment. VA will not incur additional costs if work is halted for good cause

Required Submittals - The following shall be provided to the COR with bid proposal submission for evaluation purposes and annually within thirty (30) days of the renewal date of this contract with any changes to original submission clearly identified and highlighted:

Current waste transporter permit(s)

List of all transfer stations, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) including incineration, wastewater and sludge treatment facilities that shall be utilized during this contract to include the capacity of these facilities and the waste codes for the waste streams they are permitted to accept by treatment technology. Address, phone number and other contact information shall be provided. The VA reserves the right to inspect each of these facilities before approving its use or at any time during or after contract period while VA wastes are present.

Copy of Operator permit(s)

Provide a copy of US EPA identification number(s) certificate for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide service regarding any aspect of VA waste disposal program (i.e. storage, transfer, incinerator sites). Provided a copy of certificate of registration with the State EPA as a hazardous waste transporter for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide hazardous waste transportation services for any aspect of VA waste disposal program.

Provide a detailed SITE SPECIFIC safety plan that will be used to ensure that workers and nearby population will be adequately protected during packaging and removal operations.

Provide information identifying any proposed subcontractors and identifying services to be performed by the subcontractors. Contractor must submit evidence that subcontractor is qualified and legally able to provide services. (ALL subcontractors must be approved by the COR prior to performing any duties under this contract).

Quality Assurance Plan: The contractor shall have a Quality Control Program to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. The Contractor shall be liable for all expenses incurred by the Government due to the Contractor s inability to perform in accordance with these requirements. The contractor will be expected to meet all the needs of the contract and required to provide a Quality plan describing how they will meet the needs of this contract. The program shall include, but will not be limited to, the following:

An inspection system covering the services listed in the Statement of Work. It must specify areas of work to be inspected on a scheduled basis.

A method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

A record of all inspections conducted by the contractor and any corrective action taken. The documented Quality Control Program and records of inspections shall be made available to the Government upon request.

All information received will be provided either verbally and/or in writing to the contractor for appropriate action.

Performance Objectives

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Method of Monitoring

Disincentive

1) All scheduled pick up of Medical Waste

Picked up from designated holding areas per schedule of service

100%

COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

2) Training

Contractor maintains current Hepatitis shots, TB testing, Blood Bourne, Blood Pathogen, DOT and EPA training and adhere to stations Privacy Policy.

100%

COTR will review current records.

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

3) Weekly pick up of medical waste containers for cleaning /replace w/clean containers.

All containers must be clean sterilized upon arrival to facility

100%

COTR will review manifest and monitor monthly using QA Performance Review checklist

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL

4) Licensing of Employees and Vehicles

Contractor maintains current licenses

100%

COTR will request copies of current licenses annually

5% deduction from monthly invoice for failure to meet AQL.

6) Customer Satisfaction

By the number of positive and negative complaints provide by customer.

98%

COTR will make weekly inspections throughout

the facility

1% reduction in monthly invoice for every documented defect over two (2)

Attachment A

Facility Locations

VAMC SLVHCS 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 23600 lbs.).

9G and 10g CBOC, 1601 Perdido St., New Orleans LA 70112 CBOC (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds - 2168 lbs.).

VA Baton Rouge (Essen) Clinic, 7986 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.).

VA Baton Rouge (Anselmo) Clinic, 7850 Anselmo Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.)

VA Hammond Outpatient Clinic 1131 South Morrison Blvd., Hammond, LA 70403 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 615 lbs.)

VA Slidell Outpatient Clinic, 60491Doss Drive, Slidell, LA 70460 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 308 lbs.)

VA St. Johns Outpatient Clinic, 208 247 Veterans Blvd., Reserve, LA 70084 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 308 lbs.)

VA Mental Health Outpatient Clinic 3500 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 (Monthly Est. Qty. in pounds 193 lbs.).

Attachment B

Current List of Non-Pharmaceutical Hazardous Waste

Xylene

Formalin

lead based paint

Planiseal VS

RV oil SB150

Boric acid

ULTRA SPEC 500 INTERIOR

United lab 101 moisture barrier

United lab 199C Everlast coating

Tnemec Protective coating

Glycol WickFuel, SafeHeat

Hydrex 2877

Solvent based concrete sealer

Purell

Safe Heat Chafing Fuel

P-Listed Waste

Solvents from lab

NiCad Batteries

Odorless Disposable Plaster trap

Shiny Side

United 266 EARTH SMART

flash aerosol

HI PURITY

Acidine

RL 32-3MAF

fluorescent gas leak detector

bacterial drain maintainer

Chill clean aerosol

583- Es cleaner II

Enviro green cleaner

4038-ES GRIT BLITZ

Rx aerosol

House Paint

Release Degreaser

UN1956

Decalcifier II

Phenol Liquefied UN2821

Calibration Gas

Cepheid cartridges

Sulfuric acid

Mobil Rarus 427 Compressor oil

United 593 Citrain

United 29 Fresh Air Lock

State Ecolution Disinfectant

Miracle 511 Anti-Slip Formula

State SSD II

Spartan Foamy Q7A

State Pen Penetrating Oil

Rebound Rubberized Coating

Competitive Choice Tool Cleaner

Seymour Good Grip

Terand Rubberized Coating 654

State SPW Quick Dri

Oil Rags

Lead aprons

thyroid shields

Ammonium Hydroxide

Battery Pack Energy Storage

BATTERY Battery Pack IXION MODEL 10318200 SERIES 060436006 MODEL REF 459800031191 SN 060404122 ENERGY STORAGE UNIT

4' and Under Fluorescent Lamps

5' and Over Fluorescent Lamps

Lithium / Lithium Ion Batteries

Alkaline Batteries

The period of performance is base year 05/15/2020 05/14/2021 with Four one-year options.

Place of Performance

Address:

2400 Canal Street, New Orleans

Postal Code:

70119

Country:

UNITED STATES

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

0001

60,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Base

0002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Base

0003

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Base

0004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Base

0005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Base

0006

40.00

BX

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Base

0007

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Base

1001

60,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 1

1002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 1

1003

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 1

1004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 1

1005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 1

1006

40.00

BX

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 1

1007

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 1

2001

60,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 2

2002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 2

2003

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 2

2004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 2

2005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 2

2006

40.00

BX

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 2

2007

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 2

3001

60,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 3

3002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 3

3003

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 3

3004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 3

3005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 3

3006

40.00

BX

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 3

3007

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 3

4001

60,000.00

LB

__________________

__________________

Regulated Medical Waste

Contract Period: Option 4

4002

52.00

WK

__________________

__________________

REUSABLE SHARP CONTAINERS

Contract Period: Option 4

4003

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM MAIN FACILITY

Contract Period: Option 4

4004

125.00

BX

__________________

__________________

RMW CBOC

Contract Period: Option 4

4005

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

RX PROGRAM CBOC'S

Contract Period: Option 4

4006

40.00

BX

__________________

__________________

CONTROL SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL

Contract Period: Option 4

4007

12.00

JB

__________________

__________________

NON-RX HAZARDOUS WASTE PICK UP

Contract Period: Option 4

GRAND TOTAL

__________________

Award shall be made to the quoter whose quotation offers the best value for the government based on Price, Technical capability/approach, and past performance. The government will evaluate information based on the following evaluation criteria: Price, Technical capability/approach, Past Performance.

*the Government intends on sending the lowest price quote to technical evaluation. After the solicitation closing time and date.

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html (FAR)

http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR)

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items OCT 2018

FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items OCT 2018

52.204-7, System for Award Management OCT 2018

52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting JUL 2016

52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters OCT 2018

52.217-5, Evaluation of Options JUL 1990

52.233-2, Service of Protest SEPT 2006

852.209-70, Organizational Conflicts of Interest JAN 2008

852.233-70, Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution OCT 2018

852.233-71, Alternate Protest Procedure OCT 2018

852.270-1, Representatives of Contracting Officers JAN 2008

852.273-74, Award Without Exchanges JAN 2003

*Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items OCT 2018

FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders OCT 2018

52.203-16, Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest DEC 2011

52.203-17, Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights APR 2014

52.204-4, Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper MAY 2011

52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel JAN 2011

52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018

52.204-18, Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance JUL 2016

52.217-8, Option to Extend Services NOV 1999

52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract MAR 2000

52.232-19, Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year APR 1984

52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors DEC 2013

52.237-3, Continuity of Services JAN 1991

852.203-70, Commercial Advertising MAY 2008

852.219-10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-aside JUL 2019

852.237-70, Contractor Responsibilities APR 1984

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(1)52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

(4) 52.204 10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) (Pub. L. 109 282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(6) 52.204 14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111 117, section 743 of Div. C).

(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (OCT 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

(16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

(21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT 2019) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

(22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

(25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

(27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

(28)(i) 52.222 26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(29)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(30)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (FEB 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

(33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015). (E. O. 12989).

(42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011)

(49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008)

(C)(2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(C) (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(C)(4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(C) (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2015).

(C) (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706).

This is an open-market combined synopsis/solicitation for services as defined herein. The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Contract as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition."

OR

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:"

Quoter shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s).

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Aaron Angstadt, aaron.angstadt@va.gov.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

This acquisition is being procured using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under the authority of FAR Part 13.5 procedures. This solicitation is 100% SDVOSB Set-Aside. which includes all CLIN items being requested in the solicitation. The Government intends to solicit this requirement and award a subsequent contract without discussions, clarifications, or negotiations. However, if necessary, the Government will seek clarification and additional information for offers that are submitted from any eligible offeror. Offerors are encouraged to provide their best offer initially because the opportunity to enter into discussions or to provide a better offer at a later time will not be possible. The Government intends to award to the offeror whose offer represents the best value to the government after consideration of all technical and price factors. FAR Part 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items: does not apply to this solicitation. Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-2, the Government will award a Firm-Fixed Price contract to a single successful offeror/contractor whose offer/quote in response to this solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. Award will be made to the lowest priced offeror that meets or exceeds ALL requirements of this solicitation and the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

OFFER SUBMISSION GUIDANCE:

Offer Submission Guidance: Offers shall be submitted via e-mail only to Aaron Angstadt, aaron.angstadt@va.gov. Offers shall be submitted on or before the close date/time as specified in this solicitation. Offers are due no later than Friday, May 1, 2020, by 2:00 p.m. CDT (New Orleans, LA). Any contractor submissions or requests for information about this RFQ received after the closing date and time of this solicitation (for any reason) are late and shall not be considered. It is unlikely that the solicitation close date will be extended so offerors are encouraged to respond on or before the close date with their best offer.

Solicitation Questions: Questions about this solicitation shall be accepted up until Friday, April. 24, 2020, by 2:00 p.m. CDT (New Orleans, LA). Questions shall be submitted via e-mail only Aaron Angstadt, aaron.angstadt@va.gov. No additional questions or requests for information/clarification shall be accepted after that time. Questions/answers will be posted via an amendment to this solicitation. It is the responsibility of the contractor to monitor Beta.SAM for any and all amendments to this solicitation. Questions shall only be accepted from those parties who are an interested party to this solicitation.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFER PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

Offerors shall submit their offer in two volumes as detailed in this section of the solicitation. All offers shall conform to the solicitation provisions and be prepared in accordance with this section. Offers shall be clearly and concisely written as well as neat, indexed (cross indexed as appropriate) and be logically assembled. All pages shall be appropriately numbered, and the font chosen should be easily readable. Each volume will be separated by section and will include a Table of Contents identifying each section.

OVERALL ARRANGEMENT OF OFFERS

Volume 1 will contain responses to Technical Capability evaluation criteria. Technical Capability is comprised of the following factors: A. Relevant Experience, B. Personnel Qualifications, Capabilities, and Certifications, and C. Schedule. This volume will be clearly marked on the outside and on the cover page with the Offeror s name, the solicitation number, and the title Technical Proposal. Such input/feedback is necessary to ensure that potential offerors are specifically addressing the specific requirements of this solicitation and the PWS in relation to their relevant qualifications and related experience to this requirement. Volume 1 must not contain any pricing information.

Volume 2 will contain the information required under the price factors listed below. This volume will be clearly marked on the outside and on the cover page with the Offeror s name, the solicitation number, and the title Price Proposal .

a) Pricing shall be entered as required on the pricing schedule and totaled at the bottom of the pricing schedule.

VOLUME 1 TECHNICAL Volume

Technical Capability Offerors shall submit documentation to prove their capability to perform the services described in the PWS. Offerors should address all aspects of the statement of work in sufficient detail to show a complete understanding of the requirement and a well-formed plan to execute the tasks required. The offeror s proposal shall contain information demonstrating the relevance of the Offeror's experience as it relates to. Relevant experience is defined as experience that is the same as, related to and/or or is similar to the current need requirement.

The Offeror shall submit the following as part of Volume I:

Factor A: Experience:

The offeror s proposal shall contain information demonstrating the relevance of the Offeror's experience as it relates to the PWS, in order to accomplish tasks/deliverables.

Factor B: Personnel Qualifications, Capabilities, and Certifications

The personnel required for the successful execution of this requirement are identified in the PWS. Offerors shall include as part of their submission a description of the skills, abilities, knowledge, and certifications of the personnel who will be responsible for carrying out tasks. Documentation which includes (but is not limited to) resumes, certifications, credentials, and education documents should be submitted that verifies the relevant experience, education, and knowledge of these individuals. Individuals shall demonstrate experience in projects of similar scope, nature, and duration, with examples if available. Personnel who will be provided to execute this requirement shall be available at the appropriate times and durations.

Factor C: Schedule

Offerors shall submit documentation to prove their ability to meet the performance schedule as defined in the PWS. Offerors shall be specific on their plan to ensure timely performance of all required tasks within the appropriate/necessary time windows that are outlined in the PWS. The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate the Offeror's understanding of the requirements and describe how the Offeror proposes to meet anticipated/projected dates when completing these tasks. A projected schedule which indicates the ability to successfully complete tasks/deliverable (within the appropriate time windows) should be included.

VOLUME 2 PRICE Volume

Price Offeror shall include in this section the following items:

a) Pricing entered as required on the pricing schedule and totaled at the bottom of the pricing schedule.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

Evaluation Criteria

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

Basis of Award:

A Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable procurement is being conducted. As such, award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for the non-cost factor. Past Performance history will be considered for responsibility determination purposes only (FAR 9.104-1(c). The evaluation factors are as follows:

Factor 1-Price

Factor 2-Technical

Under the technical factor, each offeror s responses will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis or acceptable/unacceptable basis. This determination will be based on the offeror demonstrating in its proposal a technical solution that minimally meets the technical requirements specified in the Solicitation s Statement of Work.

Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

Factor 1 PRICE: Prices will be evaluated on the basis of price fairness and reasonableness.

Factor 2 TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES/APPROACH: Offerors must submit relevant information demonstrating technical capability to satisfactorily perform the following requirement as expressed in the Statement of Work in the Solicitation.

Point of Contact

Aaron Angstadt

1515 Poydras St, suite 1100, New Orleans 70112

Aaron.angstadt@va.gov