26CRW011 - non-emergency ambulance transportation services

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is soliciting bids under IFB 26CRW011 for non-emergency ambulance transportation services at the Veterans Home of California – West Los Angeles, with written questions due October 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and bids due November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The solicitation carries no DVBE subcontractor goal. A 5% small business preference applies to certified Small/Micro Business Enterprises, with an additional 5% preference for non-small bidders claiming at least 25% Small/Micro subcontractor participation, and DVBE incentives of one to five percent apply based on confirmed DVBE subcontractor participation. Bidders claiming small business status must have applications on file with the Department of General Services Office of Small Business and DVBE Services by 5:00 p.m. on the bid opening date.

Scope covers 24/7 ground transport with Basic Life Support capability for ill, disabled, or injured residents to local medical facilities, primarily the West LA VA Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and Providence Saint John's Health Center. Bariatric BLS transport is required for patients over 300 pounds. Scheduled appointments require wait-and-return service. The contractor must respond to requests within 60 minutes, arrive at scheduled pickups within 15 minutes of appointment time, and maintain a location within 30 miles of the Veterans Home. Vehicles must be EMT-Basic or Paramedic staffed, and the contractor must comply with Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency requirements and hold all required state and local ambulance permits. A 92% on-time performance standard applies, and failure to perform on three or more occasions may result in termination. The contractor must verify and bill Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private insurance before billing CalVet for any remaining balance, and is prohibited from billing residents directly. Required insurance includes $1,000,000 per occurrence commercial general liability, $1,000,000 per accident automobile liability, and workers' compensation. HIPAA Business Associate requirements apply.

Bidders price five service lines on a mandatory rate sheet with all-inclusive rates: BLS medical transport (500 units), bariatric BLS medical transport with wait and return (450 units), BLS bariatric gurney (50 units), non-emergent medical transport with wait and return (250 units), and non-emergent ground mileage (50 units). Omitting a dollar amount on any line may result in rejection of the entire quote, and a zero entry means the service is provided at no cost to the State. Rates bind for the full term, including amendments, though the State does not guarantee volumes. The lowest responsible bidder whose bid meets all requirements receives award, and CalVet may award up to three agreements. Bids are submitted by email. The public bid opening is November 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with proposed award November 16, 2026. The term runs December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2029, or upon Department of General Services approval, on the State Standard Agreement (STD 213). No contract value or incumbent is identified in the source.