Inactive

The purpose of this RFQ amendment is to post contractor questions with the Government s response.

Inactive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14)

THIS IS A PRESOLICITATION NOTICE The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, located at 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, anticipates issuing a sol... THIS IS A PRESOLICITATION NOTICE The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, located at 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 400, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, anticipates issuing a solicitation Request for Quotation (RFQ) on or about 07/14/2023 to request quotes for a five (5) year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) consisting of five (5) ordering periods beginning upon anticipated award date of 10/01/2023 through 09/30/2028 for laboratory courier services. SET-ASIDE: 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) NAICS Code: 492110 Courier and Express Delivery Services SBA SIZE STANDARD: 1,500 Employees PSC: R602 Support Administrative: Courier/Messenger DESCRIPTION: This requirement is for the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr, Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Memphis, Tn: Lt. Col Luke Weathers Jr, Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1030 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 Services will require laboratory specimen pickups to be conducted at 9 (nine) Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to be transported back to the main VA hospital in Memphis listed above. Locations for each CBOC is listed on the Statement of Work which is attached. VAAR 852.219-73  VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)  (a) Definition. for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB :    (1) Means a small business concern      (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.201, Surviving Spouse definition);      (ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran;      (iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;      (iv) The business has been certified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, 13 CFR 128, and is listed as certified in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/; and      (v) The business agrees to comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size, government contracting, and the Veteran Small Business Certification Program at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128.    (2) The term Service-disabled Veteran means a Veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).    (3) The term small business concern has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).    (4) The term small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities has the meaning given the term small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under section 3(q)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(2)).    (5) The term SDVOSB participant  or certified SDVOSB means a small business that has been certified in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102).  (b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of an SDVOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be listed as an SDVOSB participant in the SBA certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128.    (1) Offers received from entities that are not certified SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.    (2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.    (3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.  (c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70.  (d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multipleaward contracts, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 13 CFR 125.6. For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or similarly situated (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required LOS certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219 75 or 852.219 76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:    (1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/ VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.    (2) Supplies/products.      (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.      (ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.    (3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.    (4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.    (5) Subcontracting. An SDVOSB subcontractor must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be certified and listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.   (e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. An SDVOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows: [ ] By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or [ ] By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.  (f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 128.402 and the managing joint venture partner makes the representations under paragraph (c) of this clause. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.  (g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.  (h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company s SDVOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406 2 Causes for Debarment). END OF PRESOLICITATION NOTICE Statement of Work INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF WORK The contractor shall provide to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr., VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN COURIER SERVICES to include personnel, equipment and transportation for the delivery of Laboratory Specimens from the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) listed below to the main Laboratory at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center (VAMC), 1030 Jefferson Ave, Memphis TN. Laboratory specimens/samples shall be picked up not earlier than the times indicated below. Contractor s delivery of specimens/samples to the VAMC shall not exceed 1-3 hours after schedule pick up time on the same day depending on location and distance of CBOC. If the contractor fails to deliver within the specified delivery time If the requirement is to deliver the specimens within 2 hours of pick up from each location listed, then there is no need to list delivery times for each location (See Section (3)). Note Savannah, TN, Helena AR and Tupelo MS times listed below exceed 2 hours. See Comments below, (3) DELIVERY SPECIMEN PICK-UP AND DELIVERY LOCATIONS of scheduled pick-up, the Veteran Administration reserves the right to obtain service from another source and to charge the contractor with any excess cost that may result. It shall be the contractor s responsibility to show proof that the delay was due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. Failure to respond to scheduled service requests within the specific times may be grounds for terminating the contract. The contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all patient information on laboratory samples being transported. The contractor shall be required to sign a Business Associates Agreement. REQUIREMENTS a. SPECIMEN PICKUP for CBOC s Specimens shall be picked up and delivered from all CBOCs, Monday through Friday excluding government holidays and holidays observed by each clinic. The VAMC will provide the tube rack, specimen bags and dry ice pack for transport. The contractor shall provide the insulated refrigerated chest with a lock and return all laboratory supplies to each CBOC with each return visit. The insulated chest provided by the contractor must have a lock, and must be capable of accommodating refrigerated and frozen samples (dry ice) and be used for pick-up and delivery of specimens. Contractor must maintain proper temperature in vehicles to preserve specimens. Temperature in the insulated chest must be maintained at no more than 5° C for refrigerated samples and -20°C for frozen specimens. All specimens must be transported in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. CBOC personnel will place specimens upright in a tube rack into an appropriately labeled, fluid-proof secondary container (e.g. a plastic bio hazardous labeled specimen bag). Allow only 10 tubes (50 ml) per plastic specimen bag. Place enough absorbent material (i.e. 1-2 paper towels) inside to absorb all contents being shipped. NOTE: This is a safety precaution just in case the specimen tubes break, leak or open during transport. CBOC personnel will place specimen bags in a 1-gallon (12 x16 ) plastic bio-hazardous labeled specimen bag. The contractor shall make sure all plastic bags are sealed. CBOC personnel will make sure that all paperwork is separated from the specimen container. CBOC personnel will place specimens upright in an insulated refrigerated chest (ice pack) for transportation to the main laboratory at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN. A transportation receipt shall be filled out at the Pick-Up Location and shall include the facility name and phone number and attached to the Clinic Manifest and signed and timed by originating location and then by the courier. The receiving location must also sign and document the Transportation receipt. This receipt and the manifest documents the number of specimens received. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR) David E. Huhman @ 901-523-8990 ext. 2775 or lab staff @ 901-523-8990 ext. 5514 or 5549 immediately by phone of any unforeseen delays or unusual events (traffic, road construction, road detours, etc.) regarding delivery of specimens that shall cause delay to the VAMC, Memphis, TN laboratory. Delays must be considered beyond the control of the contractor. If specimens arrive after scheduled delivery time from each clinic, the specimens may be sent to an outside Reference Laboratory and paid at the courier s expense. If the lateness is due to unforeseen circumstances, the decision to charge will be made by the contracting officer or designee. It shall be the contractor s responsibility to show proof that the delay was due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. b. SPECIMEN TRANSPORTATION When transporting specimens, the contractor shall follow procedures to prevent any exposure, contamination, or release while in transport. Each specimen must be transported in a leak proof primary container, placed within a secondary container. Absorbent material shall be placed in the transport container sufficient to absorb all liquid contents. The transport container shall be secured by lock and labeled with the biohazard symbol. In the event that specimens transported are lost, broken, the Contractor shall be required to submit a written report to the COR on the same. c. QUALITY CONTROL The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program that ensures courier services are performed in accordance with these specifications. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to track, identify, prevent, remedy and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor shall provide a method to accept and resolve customer complaints and notify the customer of the resolution. The contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon receipt of a customer complaint so joint validation may be accomplished. The contractor is responsible for quality control and specification compliance. d. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS The contractor s employees/couriers transporting test specimen must be trained in Universal Precautions in the handling of biohazard materials (specimens). Training must include utilizing clinical procedures in case of biohazard spills and accidents. The contractor must furnish a record of all required training for each employee transporting specimens. e. RECORD OF PICK-UP The Contractor must maintain a record and log of daily courier pick-ups and deliveries indicating time and date of pick-up, delivery, number of specimens and signatures. CONTRACTOR COURIERS/DRIVERS All contractor employees must maintain a valid driver s license for the type of vehicle operated as required by the States operating therein. Contractor personnel shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of any Federal property. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas (Laboratory entrance, Jefferson Avenue side of hospital). A record of each driver as to character and physical capabilities for performing as a courier must be maintained and made available to the VAMC upon request for inspection. The contractor personnel performing services shall always conduct themselves in a professional manner, present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as a contract employee by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, personnel, equipment and supplies, vehicle fuel, uniforms, name tags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. All contractor employees responsible for transporting specimens must have been trained and certified in accordance with DOT (US Department of Transportation), IATA (International Air Transport Association), CDC (Centers for Disease Control), and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Organization) requirements The Government reserves the right to restrict any contractor employee from performing services under this contract who do not meet the required qualifications, or who violate Federal regulations or are identified as a potential threat to the security, safety, health and/or operational mission of VA and its veteran population. The restriction of such contractor personnel shall not relieve the contractor from performing all the required services in accordance with all terms, conditions, and schedules contained herein. Taking of Photographs/Videos/Recordings are Prohibited while on VA premises." 4. CONTRACTOR VEHICLES The vehicles used in the performance of this contract must be licensed and meet the minimum requirements by the States and cities operated therein, Contractor s vehicle shall have the company name/logo prominently displayed. 5. DELIVERY SPECIMEN PICK-UP AND DELIVERY LOCATIONS The Contractor shall be responsible specimen pick-up at the following Community Based Outpatient Clinic locations. Specimens shall be delivered to the VAMC, Memphis, TN main laboratory, Room CW-192. All times listed are Central Time. All pick up times are not earlier or later than listed below. JONESBORO, ARKANSAS- 2 pickups (11:30 AM and 5:00 PM) Lab Delivery- 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM 2908 S. Caraway Road Jonesboro, AR 72401 JACKSON, TENNESSEE - 2 pickups (11:30 & 4:30PM) Lab Delivery- 12:30 & 5:30 PM VA CBOC 180 Old Hickory Blvd Jackson, TN 38305 NORTH MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - 2 pickups (12:00 PM and 4:00 PM) Lab Delivery- 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM VA North Primary Care Clinic Laboratory Section 3461 Austin Peay Highway Memphis, TN. 38127 NONCONNAH, TENNESSEE - 2 pickups (11:30 AM and 4:30 PM) Lab Delivery- 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM VA Nonconnah Primary Care Clinic 1689 Nonconnah Parkway Memphis, TN. 38116 DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE - 1 pickup (4:30 PM) Lab Delivery- 6:30 PM Dyersburg CBOC 433 East Parkview St Dyersburg, TN 38024 SAVANNAH, TENNESSEE- 1 pickup (4:30 PM) Lab Delivery- 7:00 PM Hardin County Regional Health Center 765 Florence Road Savannah, TN 38372 HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI 1 pickup (4:00 PM) Lab Delivery- 5:30 PM 1700 Crescent Meadows Dr. Holly Springs, MS 38635 HELENA, ARKANSAS 1 pickup (4:30 PM) Lab Delivery- 7:30 PM 131 Quarles Lane Helena, AR 72342 TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI 1 pickup (5:00 PM) Lab Delivery- 8:00 PM 1114 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804 END OF STATEMENT OF WORK