Inactive

Please note that this is NOT a request for quotes or proposals, the Government is seeking information for market research purposes only. Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2 of the Department of Veteran... Please note that this is NOT a request for quotes or proposals, the Government is seeking information for market research purposes only. Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2 of the Department of Veterans Affairs is currently conducting a market survey for qualified firms capable of providing Ambulance Services at the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System. The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) is 621910. Responses to this notice must be submitted in writing (email) and must be received no later than April  23, 2021 at 3:00 PM EST. Email: natalie.acevedo@va.gov and Fax: 718-741-4722. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Interested parties MUST provide company/individual name, a capability statement, examples of same or similar work performed at other facilities, DUNS number and address, point of contact and social-economic size. Full Ambulance Service Contract at Hudson Valley VA Medical Center, requirement for 24-hour Ambulance service to transport eligible beneficiaries of the medical center for medical services. Ambulance services for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advance Life Support (ALS) shall be provided 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year for eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Montrose and Castle Point. See attached Statement of Work (SOW). The purpose of this notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification/socioeconomic status (service disabled veteran owned small business, veteran owned small business, women owned small business, HUB Zone, 8(a), small business or large business), relative to NAICS 621910. Responses to this notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. A solicitation is not currently available. If a solicitation is issued, it will be announced on GSA E buy website  or https://beta.sam.gov/ at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this announcement. VA HUDSON VALLEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 2094 Albany Post Road Montrose NY 10548 Statement of Work Ambulance Services The Hudson Valley VA Medical Center has a requirement for 24-hour Ambulance service to transport eligible beneficiaries of the medical center for medical services. Ambulance services for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advance Life Support (ALS) shall be provided 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year for eligible for the beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Montrose and Castle Point. The vehicles, personnel and services rendered will conform to all federal, state and local statues, laws, codes rules and regulations; including, but not limited to those required by the State of New York, Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Program. The Contractors MUST be authorized to provide ambulance services in the state of New York and counties specific to VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System. Veterans Affairs Hudson Valley Healthcare System (VA HVHS) FACILITY ADDRESSES Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campus Castle Point Campus (Montrose) 41 Castle Point Road 2094 Albany Post Rd. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Montrose, NY 10548 (7) Outpatient Clinics Carmel Community Clinic/Putnam County Goshen Community Clinic 1875 Route 6, Provident Bank, (2nd Floor) 30 Hatfield Lane, Suite 204 Carmel, NY 10512 Goshen, NY 10924 Eastern Dutchess Pine Plains Community Clinic Monticello Community Clinic 2881 Church St, Rt 199 55 Sturgis Road Pine Plains, NY 12567 Monticello, NY 12701 New City Community Clinic Port Jervis Community Clinic 345 North Main Street, Upper Level 150 Pike St. New City, NY 10956 Port Jervis, NY 12771 Poughkeepsie Community Clinic Freedom Executive Park, Rt. 55 488 Freedom Plains Rd., Suite 120 Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS): Basic Life Support unit will be staffed with non-emergency attendant/drivers. Vehicles shall be dispatched immediately and arrive at the site within one hour the requested time for BLS calls. ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS): Advanced Life Support Unit shall be staffed with Paramedics, ALS trained Registered Nurse (RN), and/or Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with controlling capabilities for, but no limited to, Endotracheal Intubation, IV Therapy, Cardiac Monitoring, Defibrillation, and Drug therapy, to be used in and out of town. EMT or ALS trained RN to be provided by Contractor. Vehicles shall be dispatched immediately and arrive within one hour of the requested time for an ALS ambulance. ALS and BLS ambulance drivers shall assist the patient as necessary, to enter and exit vehicles, enter, locate, and sign in at appropriate clinic areas upon arrival at destination. Vehicles transporting VA beneficiaries will be dedicated exclusively to VA transports. The contractor may not carry non-VA contract beneficiaries or private pay patients with VA beneficiaries. The Contractor gaining award shall provide all vehicles, personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and reports necessary to cover all Ambulance services as identified in this Statement of Work. Performance Period: The awarded contract shall be for a base period from October 1, 2021 September 30, 2022, with four one-year options to expire September 30, 2026. DEFINITIONS: One-Way Trip: The distance over which a patient is transported, from point of pick up to destination. Round trip transportation shall be invoiced as two one-way trips. Add-on Trip: Any trip ordered the same day is an add-on . An order will be generated for add-on that reflects the date and time the request was received by Contractor. Unscheduled Trip: Trip required on an as needed basis where advance notice is not given. VA Travel Unit: Includes beneficiary travel clerks and the travel supervisor. Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) VA employee who acts as the administrator during all hours that are not normal working hours, as well as weekends and holidays. Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Service Area: Services are/may be required throughout the following counties Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Ulster, Rockland, as well as areas within the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS: a. Quotes shall be considered only from offerors who are regularly established in the business called for and who are financially responsible and have the necessary equipment and personnel to furnish service in the volume required for all items under this contract. Successful offeror shall meet all requirements of Federal, State and City codes regarding operations of this type of service. b. Each offeror must submit, along with Quote: 1. A list describing the vehicles the offeror intends to furnish for this contract, including make, model and year. The list shall also include the location and telephone numbers of the establishment where calls are received, and vehicles are immediately available for dispatch. This list must contain information as to the metering devices or methods offeror proposes to use in determining mileage. 2. Copy of Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificate(s) 3. Copy of New York State Department of Health Ambulance Service Certificate(s) WORK HOURS: The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the Contractor as defined herein. The Contractor will be required to furnish such services seven (7) days per week, 24-hours per day, including National Holidays. NATIONAL/FEDERAL HOLIDAYS LISTED BELOW: New Year s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King s Birthday Columbus Day Presidents Day Veterans Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day RATES AND MILEAGE: Base Rate: For all one-way trips and no-loads within the county limits from a designated pick-up point to a designated delivery point, the contractor shall receive the flat base rate awarded for that trip. The Base Rate shall constitute full compensation for one-way trips which do not exceed the county limits. Mileage Rate: In addition to the base rate, the contractor shall receive the mileage rate awarded for each mile traveled beyond the specified county limits. This rate applies to loaded, one-way transportation as well as no load trips. In the event fraction miles result, VA shall pay the rounded off amount to the next higher even mile. In no event shall the Contractor receive this rate for miles traveled within the specified county limits. County Limits: are located within Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Ulster, and Rockland. Mileage Beyond County Limits: The rate per mile charge shall apply to those trips with a point of origin and/or destination outside Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Ulster, and Rockland counties (i.e. New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Mileage Determination: Utilize Bing Maps located at http://www.bing.com/maps/. WAIT TIME: For time lost in waiting due to causes beyond the control of the driver, the contractor will be reimbursed in 15-minute increments, at the rate of one-fourth the hourly rate quoted. The base rate for medical transportation services shall include a 30-minute waiting grace period at origin and destination; the wait time charge only applies if the crew is delayed longer than 30 minutes at the time of pickup or delivery. a. For add-on trips, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes from the time the Contractor actually arrives at the designated pick-up and/or delivery points. For add-on trips with specified time for pick-up, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes after that pick-up time. For scheduled trips, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes from the scheduled pick-up time or from the time the Contractor actually arrives as the designated pick-up point, whichever is later. b. If the designated pick-up and/or delivery points are at other than the VA Medical Center and waiting beyond the required 30 minute grace period is anticipated, the Contractor shall notify the Beneficiary Travel Clerks or their Supervisor; if these individuals are not available, the Contractor shall notify the AOD. This call is only for the purpose of verifying the Contractor s time of arrival at pick-up and delivery points and is not necessary if the Contractor does not anticipate a delay for which waiting charges will be claimed. The Contractor s failure to provide notification when waiting beyond the grace period shall result in non-payment for waiting time. No charges will be honored without prior approval. Immediate communication can often eliminate the possibility of delays. It is permissible for Contractor to confirm runs with beneficiaries by phone prior to dispatching units. c. Wait time shall not apply to the reasonable amount of time required for escorting the patient to the vehicle, loading and securing patient in vehicle, or unloading and delivering the patient to the authorized care giver or specified destination area. ORDERS: a. Ordering Officials: Requests for services will be made by authorized VA staff only (Travel Clerk, Travel Supervisor, Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD), Contracting Officer Representative (COR), or Chief or Assistant Chief, Business Office), in writing, telephone, or via telefax. The contractor will be provided a list of the names and telephone numbers of the persons authorized to place orders upon award of the contract. Patients are not permitted to order transportation at VA expense. The Government will not be held liable for those services performed by the Contractor which are ordered by people who are unauthorized. Montrose (914) 737-4400 Ext 2173 Working Hours (914) 737-4400 Ext 3309 After Hours Castle Point (845) 831-2000 Ext 5145 Working Hours (845) 831-2000 Ext 5100 After Hours b. Services Requests: If the Contractor fails to furnish ambulance service within contracted time after receiving a request or any order, the VA reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and to charge the Contractor with any excess cost which may result from the Contractor s failure to provide the service. The VA will be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source. However, in no instance will the Contractor be required to furnish more than five (5) ambulances at one time. PATIENTS: a. Beneficiaries may be referred to as patients, Veterans and/or beneficiaries. b. A trip constitutes transporting the beneficiary (ies) from his/her point of origin to his/her destination, VAMC or Non-VA (Private) Facility. c. Destination is considered to be within the premises of the particular area the beneficiary is required to report to or within their home in accordance with the address destination given by the COR. d. Beneficiary shall not be left at the entrance or in the hallway of the facility or outside their place of origin. When transporting to another Health Care facility (either VA or Private), the beneficiary must be presented to a staff member. NUMBER OF PATIENTS: It is understood and agreed that only one patient shall be transported on a trip unless specifically authorized by the COR or designee. When approved by the COR, or designee, and more than one patient is being transported on a trip, reimbursement shall be made at the rate not exceeding the cost of transporting a single patient, however, the longest distance over which a patient is transported may be claimed when transported in a single vehicle concurrently. The Contractor must ensure that pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled so that the totaled distance traveled will result in the most economical charge to the Government. If Contractor transports more than one patient without approval, payment for extra patient (distance) will not be allowed. PATIENT TRANSPORT: a. Upon the request of authorized medical center staff, the Contractor will provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance transports of patients to designated locations, depending on the specific request and clinical needs of the patient. The Contractor may be required to transport patients to another facility for treatment or tests, wait, and transport same patient to a pre-determined destination. Patients shall be picked up on the ward, in their homes, in the clinics, or at other areas designated by the VA and taken to the authorized destination or appointment. All patients shall always be attended by an authorized responsible party. When the destination is other than a VA facility, patient will be taken directly to their destination and presented to their caregiver. When transporting to another Health Care facility (either VA or Private) the patient shall be presented to a staff member. Patient shall not be left at the entrance or in the hallway of the facility or outside their place of origin. Assistance in maneuvering stairs and other barriers shall be provided by the driver and/or authorized attendant when necessary. These services may need to be provided within or outside the home (i.e., from the door to the vehicle). b. Contractor drivers shall ensure proper loading/unloading techniques are followed at all times, in accordance with Department of Transportation guidelines. Contractor shall comply with the most current guidelines at all times, including any revisions that occur during the life of this contract. 1. Contractor s driver shall notify the COR, or designee, of any problems transporting patients, including but not limited to accidents, safety problems, and patients unbolting themselves. The COR or designee shall be notified within one hour of the occurrence of the incident(s) by telephone and, if requested by the COR and/or Contracting Officer (CO), a written report of the incident(s) will be delivered to the COR or his/her designee by close of business the next working day. 2. If the Contractor cannot furnish its own Ambulance during this contract performance period, the Contractor is authorized to utilize another Ambulance Service Company, as a subcontractor (certified to be within all requirements of this contract) to complete these transportation requests. All bills for this subcontractor service will be paid directly to the Contractor at the contract rate, and the Contractor shall reimburse the subcontractor at their agreed to rate. In the event the Contractor is unable to perform services or have services performed as required, the Contractor shall immediately notify the VA Travel Section and provide a justification for non-performance. ***NOTE: THE CONTRACTOR WILL NOTIFY THE PATIENT AND THE TRAVEL UNIT BY TELEPHONE OF ANY DELAYS IN THE TRANSPORTING OF PATIENTS. THE VA WILL ESTABLISH PRIORITIES WHEN NECESSARY. *** PICK-UP PROCEDURES: a. When an ambulance is at a pick-up facility, the driver or the EMT shall announce to the Travel Clerk, Medical Administration, and Business Office (04) at the medical center, with responsibilities for releasing or facilitating the release of patients that the ambulance is waiting and provide the beneficiary s name as well as any other pertinent information as to his identification. The individual so informed will verify the time on the trip ticket and indicate his name. From this verified time of arrival fifteen (15) minutes will be allowed as normal and not to lost time for the facility to release the patient to the Contractor. Such release time cannot be claimed as waiting time unless, through no fault of the Contractor, the patient is not released at all. Boarding activities are also normal to the services required and time spent at the pick-up location reaching the patient and assisting him to and into the waiting ambulance is not lost time. b. When an individual is picked up at his residence, the beneficiary will verify the time and sign the trip ticket, or if unable to do so, a member of his household will sign the trip ticket. The household member will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes after this verified time of arrival for preparatory tasks exclusive of boarding activities which shall commence when the individual is ready to be placed in the travel device which will be used to bring him to the waiting vehicle. TRIP INTERRUPTIONS: No beneficiaries in route in any kind of trip shall be transferred from the original Ambulance entered into another vehicle or be removed from the original vehicle at a location other than the destination address supplied by the Veterans Administration s Beneficiary Travel Unit unless extraordinary, urgent situations arise, such as vehicle failure. All such events must be reported to the COR and the Travel Unit that submitted the request for service. ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Contractor will be required to transport patient luggage, medical records, medication and any other items (including wheelchairs, manual and electric, Stryker frames, litters, etc.) from pick-up point to destination at no additional cost to the Government. Luggage to be transported will be restricted to suitcase and valise types. KEY PERSONNEL AND TEMPORARY EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTIONS: The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: a. Dispatcher: 1. The Contractor shall provide a dispatcher assigned to this agreement. The dispatcher will be the primary point of contact for all transportation orders placed by the Hudson Valley Healthcare System. This should include a primary dispatcher assigned to each working tour, 24-hours, and 7 days/week. A list of the dispatchers, including contact information and hours of duty, shall be provided to the Contracting Officer prior to the start of performance. 2. During the first sixty (60) days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, absence for leave, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (a) below. After the initial 60-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (3) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions. 3. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, 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 within 15 calendar days 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. 4. For temporary substitutions where the key person will not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive work days or more, the Contractor will provide a qualified replacement for the key person. This substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure stated in paragraph (a) above. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL: AMBULANCE DRIVERS/ATTENDANTS: a. Identification: All Contractor s drivers and attendants shall wear, in a readily observable area on the employee, a Contractor supplied photo identification badge (including employee s name and business name) and company uniform, which identify the drivers and attendants while performing any aspect of service prescribed in this contract. b. Contractor Personnel performing services under this contract shall always conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintain personal hygiene, and wear clean, neat uniforms. c. Contractor personnel shall not smoke in vehicles while transporting VA patients. d. Contractor personnel shall not text message while driving. e. Prices include the provision of a non-emergency attendant/driver for each vehicle. In accordance with applicable NYS Laws, all drivers must meet the following requirements: 1. Must be twenty-one (21) years or older. 2. Must have a valid NYS CDL driver s license, valid for operation of this type of vehicle. 3. Must have passed a driver physical examination, administered to NYS standard, and confirming physical ability to operate this type of vehicle (Ambulance/Bus). Physical examination is to be an annual requirement for continued employment. 4. Must have passed a documented criminal background investigation; including fingerprints. 5. Must have a clean driving record in compliance with applicable New York State requirements. The individual resided or worked and/or held a CDL driver s license or learner s permit during three (3) years preceding employment with Contractor. 6. Must have passed a drug/alcohol screening examination. 7. Must have completed and passed Safety and First Aid training provided by the organization, pursuant to applicable state laws. 8. A defensive driving course, with annual defensive driving review forms completed per NYS guideline. 9. Successful offeror shall provide a list of all personnel that will be performing contract tasks and requirements, including the name, title and job description of each employee, at a post-award meeting prior to starting performance. 10. Successful offeror shall provide written verification that all drivers are in compliance with applicable New York State requirements for the performance required under this contract prior to starting performance. VEHICLE: The ambulance under the terms of this contract will be licensed and meet the minimum requirements as mandated by the Department of Transportation of the State of New York under Chapter VI of the Transportation Regulations such compliance maintained in current state throughout the term of the contract. a. All vehicles utilized in performance of this contract must comply with New York State Department of Transportation Rules & Regulations covering vehicles for hire to transport. Vehicles must display DOT inspection sticker. In addition to the above, all vehicles must be equipped with a standard size wheelchair, kept/stored onboard at all time with all vehicles assigned under this contract. Furthermore, all vehicles must possess the following salient characteristics: 1. Capacity: Vehicles must be able to accommodate two standard wheelchairs locked down in place as well as one ambulatory seat with space for a folded wheelchair. 2. Air conditioning and heating. 3. Be equipped with permanently mounted cylinder holders for patients requiring oxygen. Patients will have portable oxygen cylinders. 4. Be equipped with, a five-pound dry chemical or ABC type fire extinguisher or an IOBC (minimum D.L.) extinguisher mounted in an accessible place. 5. Be equipped with an American Red Cross type 24 first aid kits or equivalent. 6. Be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 7. Be equipped with two (2) six-inch amber flashing warning lights or one rotating amber beacon activated by opening of the loading door. b. Prior to award, the Contractor will be required to provide proof of vehicle inspection/maintenance records, reflecting compliance with Department of Transportation regulations, for each vehicle to be utilized under this agreement. c. Standard wheelchair securement devices shall not be attached to van doors. d. All standard wheelchair restraints (for occupied or unoccupied wheelchairs) shall hold the standard wheelchair stable in all manners of driving. Installation of wheelchair restraints should be installed according to the restrain manufacturer s installation instructions. After installing the resistant system, the standard wheelchair should be properly positioned and restrained in the vehicle and tested for motion. The standard wheelchair should not be able to move more than 6 inches in any direction while driving under normal conditions. e. Wheelchair securement systems intended for use while the standard wheelchair is occupied shall not be attached to any part of the standard wheelchair designed for easy removal (e.g., footrest or arm rest), or to the cross member of the standard wheelchair. Patient must always be secured in the standard wheelchair when he/she is being transported to and from vehicle as well as being driven in an Ambulance. f. Wheelchair restraints for use by driver of a motor vehicle must be operable (into and out of) the restraint solely by the driver, without the need of assistance. When the standard wheelchair is restrained in the driver s position, there must be an audible or visual signal to the driver that assures the driver that the wheelchair is fully restrained by the restrain system. g. Vehicles equipped with a transfer seat should have a tie-down system to secure the unoccupied wheelchair and be placed in such a position as to allow adequate client transfer. The tie-down must be operable by the client and shall be clearly labeled, for unoccupied wheelchair only , unless unit has been safety tested and approved for occupant use. h. The only positions acceptable for a wheelchair occupant will be forward facing or side facing, Securement systems for passengers must conform to all other wheelchair tie-down requirements. i. A seat belt restraint system must be provided at each driver and passenger position. Anchorage s for occupied restrains shall either be directly to the vehicle or be mounted to suitable points on the standard wheelchair or wheelchair restraint, provided that such seat belts comply with the 30 MPH/20G force testing. Do not anchor to any movable or removable parts of the motor vehicle. j. Additional chest straps, body positioners or other equipment may be added where necessary to assist in a client s balance and stabilization. k. All wheelchair securement systems, in conjunction with a safety belt system, must keep the standard wheelchair and occupant securely retained in the event of a 30MPH/20g frontal collision. l. All wheelchair securement systems must be installed according to the manufacturer s specifications and instructions. m. Three/four-wheel scooter type wheelchairs or transport chairs will be transported only if properly secured within the vehicle. No one will be allowed to be transported in a three/four-wheel scooter type wheelchair or transfer chair. n. Safety belt systems will be provided whether the client is a driver or passenger. o. All occupant restraints must meet provisions of FMVSS 209 and 210 p. On some vehicles, occupant restraint attachment points may be in the roof area. This type of attachment may require reinforcements to facilitate proper mounting support. AMBULANCE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Each emergency care vehicle will have patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction systems and equipment, environmental climatic equipment communications and additional systems equipment accessories and supplies as required by the applicable codes, rules and regulations established by Federal, State and Local regulating authorities. VEHICLE PERFORMANCE: The Government reserves the right to inspect any vehicle which will be used to provide services under this contract and reject any vehicle or equipment within the vehicle, without advance notification, found to be in a faulty condition or equipped in a manner which does not comply with contractual provisions. Such suspensions will be effective at the time of arrival of such equipment, or at the time the Contracting Officer notifies the contractor that deficiencies have been reported. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS): All vehicles shall be equipped with a GPS system which has the following capabilities: a. Address to address routing b. Voice prompts for turns & guidance c. Built in road maps detailed road map displays d. Route capabilities show best route to take from point A to point B e. Waypoints capable shows locations & ability to pint to a desired destination f. Turn Here unit gives signal for a next turn g. Maps user can upload maps for area needed h. Traveling user can input series of addresses the unit displays lowest time/distance route between several destinations points i. Large & bright screen that is easily visible to the driver j. Engine idle tells you that the vehicle has stopped and is on/running k. Calculates speed from starting point to ending point l. Calculates travel mileage EXTRAORDINARY CONDITIONS: When conditions unforeseeable and/or uncontrollable by the Contractor occur, such as: storms, flooding, or other hazardous road and travel situations, time and distance qualifications shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Any delays or exceptions to the required quality of services, due to such substantial difficulties, shall be reported to the Travel Unit/per vehicle, if only a few ambulances are involved, or per event if all drivers in a particular area were affected. The COR or designee will indicate concurrence or non-concurrence re-excusing such delays for the reasons communicated to the Contracting Officer. RESPONSE TIME: Response time requirements are delineated below. The term Scheduled Trip as used in this contract refers to those trips in which the Contractor has been given advance notice (advance notice is defined as notice given by 4:30 p.m. the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time. The term Unscheduled Trip as used in this contract refers to those trips required on an as needed basis where advance notice is not given). a. The Contractor shall be present to receive the patient at the specified time; within 30 minutes or sooner FOR SCHEDULED CALLS, or 60 minutes FOR UNSCHEDULED CALLS. For time lost in waiting at either end or both ends of a trip due to causes beyond his control, the Contractor will be reimbursed at a rate of one-fourth the hourly rate quoted in his bid for each quarter hour or fraction thereof in excess of one quarter (1/4) hour from the time he reports to the designated person. The Contractor will call the Beneficiary Travel Office, alerting the travel r...