Inactive

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) ONLY. The U.S. Government is conducting market research only to determine the availability of qualified sources capable of providing Wheelchair Transport services... This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) ONLY. The U.S. Government is conducting market research only to determine the availability of qualified sources capable of providing Wheelchair Transport services at the Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon. Potential Contractors are invited to provide a response via e-mail to Contract Specialist at andrew.o neal@va.gov no later than Oct 20 2023 1:00 pm (PT). Responses will be used to determine the appropriate strategy for a potential acquisition. Please clearly identify any information your company considers sensitive or proprietary. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ), or a promise to issue an RFQ in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking quotes, or proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited quotes in response to this sources sought synopsis. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Submittals will not be returned to the responder. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFQ, if any is issued. BACKGROUND: The Portland VA Medical Center, Portland Oregon, has a requirement for a Contractor to provide Wheelchair Transport services. Please draft Statement of Work below for requirements. NAICS: 485991, Special Needs Transportation Interested potential Contractors please provide the following. 1) Company Name, address, point of contact, phone number, email address, and SAM UIE # Please indicate business size: Small Disadvantage Business (SDB)____ 8(a)____ Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)____ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)____ Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)_____ Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)_____ Women-Owned Small Business concerns (WOSB)_____ Small Business_____ Large Business_____ Please state if you possess a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)______. 2) Please submit a brief capability statement (maximum two pages) with enough information to demonstrate to the Veterans Affairs that you have the vehicles, personnel, management, experience, and supplies as required in the attached Draft Statement of Work to provide required Wheelchair Transport Services. **DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK** A.1. OVERVIEW The purpose of this contract is to provide Wheelchair Van services for beneficiaries within the Department of Veterans Affair, Portland Healthcare System (VAPORHCS) catchment area, as defined in section A.1.1. The Contractor shall provide all vehicles, personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and reports necessary for all Wheelchair Van services. A.1.1. Definitions Beneficiary: Veterans and other members determined to be eligible for benefits by the VA. Catchment Area: The catchment area is comprised of the 27 counties in SW Washington and NW Oregon, which define the boundaries of the VAPORHCS area of responsibility: Southwest Washington counties: Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania and Klickitat. Northwest Oregon Counties: Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, Lincoln, Benton, Linn, Marion, Clackamas, Washington, Multnomah, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Wasco, Jefferson, Wheeler, Crook and Deschutes. Concierge Service: To optimize customer service and to improve the trip experience for the VA beneficiary, vendor shall supply a customer service representative to work from the Portland VA to coordinate drivers, passenger returns and escort VA beneficiaries to their appointments and assist with traffic flow. VA will not supply phone, office or official space for the customer service representative. Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): This is a document to be completed by the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR) when the vendor is not meeting the Performance Work Statement requirements and/or not meeting the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) standards. The CDR will then be sent to the vendor to respond to the issues raised in the CDR and provide a plan to resolve/fix the issues raised. Contracting will have final input on the CDR. Contracting Officer (CO): VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Any changes to a resultant contract may only be made through a written modification as prepared and executed by the CO. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. (COR) responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: surveillance of services required under this contract; determining the adequacy of Contractor performance according to the specifications of this contract; acting as the Government s representative; ensuring compliance with contract requirements insofar as the work is concerned, certification of invoices, placing orders for service, providing technical guidance, overseeing technical aspects of the contract, serving as a number on the vehicle inspection team. The COR cannot authorize deviations from the specifications and requirements of this contract. In the event the Contractor deviates without approval from the CO, such deviation shall be at the risk of the Contractor and any cost related thereto shall be borne by the Contractor. The COR will be designated in writing by the CO after contract award. Contractor: The term "Contractor" as used herein refers to both the prime Contractor and his employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that his subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract. Dry Run: A dry run is defined as a request for service by authorized Medical Center personnel (authorized employees will be identified per Paragraph A.1.12.2.), whereby the Contractor arrives at the designated pick-up point and no Veteran is transported due to a change in the Medical Center's needs, Veteran refuses pick-up, Veteran not home or Veteran not medically/mentally suitable for transport. The Contractor will be entitled to the applicable base rate only (no mileage) when dry runs are encountered due to no fault or negligence of the Contractor. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO): A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety and treatment of Veterans in a health care facility and environment. Mileage Rate: Mileage rate for Wheelchair Van services is the rate paid for each mile traveled beyond the specified Mileage Threshold. This rate applies to one-way transportation only. In no event shall the Contractor receive this rate for miles traveled within the specified Mileage Threshold. Mileage Threshold: A distance 15 miles from the pick-up location to destination. Any miles travelled within the mileage threshold will be paid in accordance with the Schedule of Supplies or Services and Price/Costs Scheduled Trip(s): 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 a notice given by 4:00 p.m. the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time. Unscheduled Trips(s): The term "Unscheduled Trip" as used in this contract refers to those trips required on an as needed basis and advance notice is not given. Vehicle(s): The term "Vehicle(s)" as used in this contract refers to all modes of transportation provided under the requirements of this contract, unless a specific mode of transportation is identified. Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of this contract. Quality Assurance Evaluator(s): Government personnel responsible for surveillance of Contractor performance. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods for performing surveillance of the Contractor's continuous performance (See Section D for the QASP) Quality Control: Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the production of goods or services so they will meet the requirements of a contract. Waiting: Waiting as used in this contract is defined as the time required and verified by authorized medical facility personnel (authorized employees will be identified per paragraph A.1.12.2) for the Contractor to wait at designated pick-up and/or delivery points in performing contract services. Waiting Grace Period: The waiting grace period is defined as fifteen (15) minutes prior to the time waiting charges commence. The base rate for Wheelchair Van services shall include a fifteen (15) minute waiting grace period at origin and destination. A.1.2. CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES: A.1.2.1. Contractor employees shall not be considered Government employees for any purpose. The VA reserves the right to restrict any Contractor employee from performing services under this contract who do not meet the required qualifications for the services they are required to perform, and who violates Federal regulations or are identified as a potential threat to the security, safety, health and/or operational mission of the 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. A.1.2.2. The Contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract. A.1.2.3. Contractor personnel performing services to the VA shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintain personal hygiene, wear clean, neat uniforms and be identified 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, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. Contractor personnel shall not smoke in facilities or on the ambulance ramp to the Emergency Department. Smoking within the vehicles by Contractor or Veteran is not permitted. A.1.2.4. Each Veteran will be treated with the utmost of respect and concern, with a professional approach to his/her dignity as an individual and Veteran. All communication, both verbal and non-verbal, by Contractor's personnel with and in the presence of the Veteran, will be conducted in a professional manner. The Contractor's personnel will practice the utmost discretion when discussing the Veteran's condition with hospital professionals in the presence of the Veteran or relatives. A.1.2.5. When transporting Veterans to or from Medical facilities, the driver, acting for the Contractor, will ensure that the Veteran's luggage, medical records, medications, and prosthetic devices are properly accounted for and delivered with the Veteran as required. A.1.3. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS: A.1.3.1. All Contractor personnel performing contract services shall meet the qualifications as specified in this contract, as well as any qualifications required by Federal, State, County and local government entities from the place in which they operate. Contractor personnel shall meet these qualifications at all times while performing contract services. Record of each employee as to name, level, and certification to perform the duties of a van driver or attendant must be maintained and made available for inspection upon request. A.1.3.2. Prices quoted in the Schedule include the service of a qualified driver. All attendants/van drivers on duty must be qualified to administer oxygen and shall have successfully completed the Standard and Advance First Aid Courses of the American Red Cross or U.S. Bureau of Mines, or equivalent. Drivers shall possess a CPR card for healthcare providers and have accomplished a defensive training course and required training for Veteran transfer, proper lift gate operation and wheelchair stabilization. Proof in the form of a current or un-expired certificate that such training has been successfully completed must be available upon request. A.1.3.3. During the contract period of performance, if the Contractor proposes to add-on or replace personnel to perform contract services, the Contractor shall submit the required evidence of training, certifications, licensing and any other qualifications to the Contracting Officer. At no time shall the Contractor utilize add-on or replacement personnel to perform contract services who do not meet the qualifications under the terms and conditions of this contract. A.1.3.4. Drivers shall have a valid operator's license in accordance with Federal, State and local government requirements for their place of operation and the services they perform. A.1.3.5. The contractor shall provide evidence of state licensing and any other qualifications of any personnel performing services under this contract. The initial documentation shall be provided to the Contracting Officer. A.1.4. CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES AND INSPECTION: A.1.4.1. The VA reserves the right to inspect contractor's equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with contract specifications, and State laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing transport vehicles. VA inspections of contractor facilities shall in no way constitute a warranty by the VA that the contractor's vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. The VA reserves the right to restrict the Contractor's use of equipment and vehicles which are in need of repair, unclean, unsafe, damaged on the interior or exterior body, and are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the contract without additional cost to the VA. A.1.4.2. Wheelchair vans shall meet all current applicable Federal, State and local specifications and regulations including, but not limited to, licensing, registration, and safety standards. Appropriate licensing by the State of Oregon and Washington is required. The Wheelchair Van under the terms of this contract may be equipped with either hydraulic lifts or a ramp. Use of a ramp on the vehicle (by the contractor or any subcontractor) shall only be permitted with a written safety plan for the use of the ramp. A.1.5. Wheelchair Van Vehicles: A.1.5.1. The vehicles shall be of model and make to ensure safe and comfortable transportation of Veterans (ample headroom must be available for Veterans transported in standard wheelchairs). Any type or style offering complete Veteran safety within the vehicle will be acceptable. Those considered lacking in this essential requirement will not be used for Veteran transport under this contract. Any replacement will be at the Contractor's expense. Each vehicle will be equipped with two-way radio communication or cell phone/blue tooth communication in case of an emergency situation suddenly arising. A.1.5.2. Each vehicle and all accessories and systems must be clean and shall be checked according to the suggested schedule of the manufacturer, or at least semi-annually, whichever occurs earlier. All preventive maintenance must be documented and records provided upon request by the Contracting Officer. Vehicle must be designed so that Veterans are restrained by a safety seat belt (Velcro seat belts are not acceptable) at all times the vehicle is in motion and all vehicles must be equipped with wheelchair lifts. A.1.5.3. Each vehicle must be equipped with general use first aid kit. A.1.5.4. Responsibilities for Veteran safety will include the availability and appropriate use of Veteran restraining devices in each transport vehicle. The Contractor staff will adequately restrain the Veteran through every phase and during each movement to prevent injury to the Veteran. The need for additional staff to manage the Veteran in transport will be established before initiating the transport. A.1.5.5. All vehicles must remain locked when not attended by Contractor employees to avoid unauthorized entrance. Vehicles (when not attended) may not remain running, due to exhaust fumes. At no time shall the Contractor leave vehicles on VA premises unless a pick-up or delivery is in process. A.1.5.6. The contractor shall not be permitted to borrow medical equipment from the Medical facilities. Contractor shall at no time and under any circumstances exchange supplies, equipment and/or medications with VA. The prices quoted in Schedule shall be inclusive of consumables used in transport. A.1.5.7. The Contractor must submit a letter, in duplicate, fully describing the make of vehicle, model and year which he agrees to furnish under this contract; and location and telephone numbers of his/her establishment where calls are received and vehicles are dispatched. This letter must contain information as to the metering devices or methods Contractor proposes to use in determining mileage. The Contracting Officer will be notified, in writing, of any equipment added or deleted after award of contract. A.1.5.8. The Medical Center will be provided with a formal written report regarding the vehicles utilized by the Contractor. The report will identify the various vehicle levels, their staffing criteria, medications carried, equipment and procedures. A.1.6. CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION: A.1.6.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all vehicles and manpower, necessary to meet all wheelchair van transport requirements of this contract. The Contractor will be authorized to utilize another 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. The VA reserves the right to re-procure services, which cannot be performed by the Contractor, in accordance with the terms, conditions, and schedule of this contract. The Contractor shall indemnify the VA for excess re-procurement cost, which may result from the Contractor's inability to perform the required service. Payment of re-procurement costs shall not relieve the Contractor from any other provision in this contract covering inspection, acceptance and deductions from payment. The VA will be the sole judge in determining when services will be re-procured. The failure of the contractor to perform services within the required time frames and in accordance with terms and conditions may also provide cause for termination of the contract for "cause," (see FAR clause 52.212-4(m)). A.1.6.2. Should the VA determine that immediate transportation is essential to prevent loss of life or serious bodily harm, transportation services may be procured without referral to the transportation Contractor. However, in these extremely rare cases, no charge shall be levied against the Contractor. A.1.6.3. Escort: The VA reserves the right to have an escort, such as a relative, or care provider of a beneficiary or VA staff accompanies a beneficiary when the VA determines that such an escort is in the best interest of the beneficiary. The VA will also be the sole judge in determining when an escort is required. There shall be no additional charge to the VA when escorts are authorized to travel with a beneficiary. Contractor shall only be required to transport escort with Veteran and shall not be required to return the escort back to point of origin. The relative must ride in a passenger seat so the proper seat belt restraints can be utilized. At no time will relatives or other personnel, except a physician, nurse or respiratory therapist treating the Veteran, be allowed in the Veteran compartment of the Wheelchair Van while the vehicle is in-route. A.1.6.4. Substitution of Beneficiary: The VA reserves the right to substitute the beneficiary requiring services at any time during the performance of this contract, to prevent delays, cancellations, or dry runs. There shall be no additional charge to the VA when such changes occur. A.1.7. NUMBER OF VETERANS: A.1.7.1. The contractor shall transport one (1) beneficiary per trip, under wheelchair van services, unless specifically authorized by Medical facility personnel (authorized employees will be identified per Paragraph A.1.12.2.), to transport more than one (1) and at no time shall the contractor transport more than two (2) beneficiaries. A.1.8. HOURS OF PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSE TIMES: A.1.8.1. Hours of Performance: Contractor shall provide all wheelchair van services for veteran beneficiaries as requested 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. A.1.9. Response Time: A.1.9.1. Advanced Orders: A.1.9.1.1. It is expected that orders made in advanced will be met with an on-time response, whether within or outside of the 15-mile radius from the Portland VA Health Care System. A.1.9.1.2. Immediate Orders: A.1.9.1.2.1. If the point of pick up is within a 15-mile radius of the Portland VA Health Care System, the Contractor shall arrive at the point of pick up no later than 30 minutes from the time of request. A.1.9.1.2.2. If the point of pick up is outside a 15-mile radius of the Portland VA Health Care System, the Contractor shall be in route to the pick-up location within 30 minutes from the time of request. A.1.9.1.2.3. Should the time period for pick-up, stated herein, be physically impossible due to location of the beneficiary, the contractor shall contact the VA travel coordinator and inform him/her of the anticipated time required for pick-up and delivery of said Veteran. A.1.9.2. Response Time Compliance Rate: The Contractor shall maintain at a minimum, a 90% compliance rate on responses to pick-up or deliver during the contract year. Failure of the Contractor to perform in accordance with this compliance rating may constitute a sufficient basis for termination of the contract for "cause," (see FAR clause 52.212-4(m)). A.1.9.3. Contact Phone Number: If the contractor's place of business is located beyond the local telephone call zone of the VA, the contractor shall install and provide to the VA, a toll-free number for accepting the VA calls. It is estimated that 75% of all requests for service will be placed by telephone. Requests for service may also be in writing or oral from an authorized representative of the VA (authorized employees will be identified per Paragraph A.1.12.2.), and may be completed by telephone, facsimile, mail, e-mail, or in person (by giving a written or verbal request). A.1.9.4. The Veteran will be delivered to and picked up from the assigned appointment location. (For example, the Medical Center nursing station on wards or units, clinics, private home or community nursing home.) All Veterans will be checked in and out with the appropriate administrative staff. Veterans must be checked in by their appointment time and picked up in a timely fashion after their schedule appointment. A.1.9.5. Electronic Transmissions: The contractor shall, at all times during the contract period, have on his/her premises a functioning fax machine to communicate requirements with the VA (i.e., Veteran incidents, requests for service, special correspondence, etc.). Each contractor shall indicate if there is e- mail availability for their company to complete communications with the VA (use of this communication system will be mutually agreed upon after award of contract before any communications are completed in this manner). A.1.10. WAITING TIME: A.1.10.1. For unscheduled trips; waiting charges shall commence 15 minutes from the time the Contractor actually arrives at the designated pick-up. For scheduled trips, waiting charges shall commence fifteen minutes from the scheduled pick-up time or from the time the Contractor actually arrives at the designated pick-up point, whichever is later. A.1.10.2. If the designated pick-up and/or delivery points are at other than the VA Medical facilities and waiting beyond the required 15-minute grace period is anticipated, the Contractor shall notify the travel section. This call is only for the purpose of verifying the Contractor's time of arrival at pick-up and or 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 notify the travel section when waiting beyond the grace period, shall result in non-payment for waiting time. A.1.11. Beneficiary Schedule: A.1.11.1. Under no circumstance shall a patient within a 15-mile radius of the Portland VA Health Care System wait for transportation service for more than forty-five (45) minutes without corrective action being initiated. If the Contractor fails to dispatch a vehicle for the requested service within forty-five (45) minutes after receiving a request or any order, the VA reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and to charge the Contractor and costs incurred in excess of the awarded contract price will be charged against the Contractor. Alternative transportation will be initiated by the VA at the time of need and Contractor will be notified after the fact. In addition, if the VA initiates an alternate transportation call and the successful Contractor and alternate come at the same time, a dry run will be paid to the alternate for responding. A.1.11.2. Trips will be scheduled by Contractor so that Veterans are not held at any point to meet another vehicle for the purposes of carpooling unless authorized by the CVA Travel Clerk. A.1.11.3. When transportation is contracted from a distant location and a partner company is involved for the purposes of efficiency, a Veteran may be transferred from one vehicle to another so long as the transfer complies with all applicable state and local regulations. Transfer will not be authorized when a medical emergency exists unless that emergency requires the use of higher level medical care. A.1.12. ORDERING PROCEDURES: A.1.12.1. Prior to performance, the Contracting Officer shall provide the Contractor with a list of names or position titles and phone numbers of authorized Government personnel who may request services and receive calls from Contractor regarding contract performance. This list will be updated and submitted to the Contractor as changes occur. The Contractor shall ensure that requests for services are received from authorized medical center personnel. Services rendered in response to requests from other than authorized personnel shall be at the risk of the Contractor and any cost related thereto shall be borne by the Contractor. A.1.12.2. Authorized Medical Center Personnel: Authorized personnel will be full time staff employed by the VAPORHCS. Authorized personnel should be calling directly from government telephones from within the facility. Requests for service may also be in writing by facsimile, mail, e-mail, or in-person from an authorized representative of the VA. A.1.12.3. Request for Services: Routine Orders: Routine Orders are defined to be those orders that are place by the end of the prior workday to allow the Contractor scheduling time. Attempts will be made to have the orders placed by 5:00 PM the proceeding day if possible. Requests for services will be made in writing, by fax or by telephone, (VAPORHCS). Travel Clerks will fax the Contractor the following day s routine orders. Information that will be provided is as follows: Mode of transportation required Required date and time of pick-up Name of beneficiary Pick-up and delivery point Type and number of additional medical care specialists required Type of equipment required A.1.12.4. Dispatcher: Requests for Transportation services shall be made to the Contractor personnel identified. The following information will be supplied by the Contractor: Company name Address Normal business hours contact person(s) Normal business hours phone number After hours contact person(s) After hours phone number A.1.12.5. Invoice Procedures: Please review link for electronic invoicing procedures: http://www.tungsten-network.com/uk/en/veterans-affairs/ Invoices shall include the following information in addition to the times specified at clause 52.212-4(g): Unique trip number Date of service Time of service Date of order Time of order Name of VA representative placing order Name of Veteran Pickup location and zip code Destination location and zip code Time at scene Time at destination Additional charges/ information to be listed and specified in all instances: Oxygen "waiting time" Indicate individual who approved waiting time Number of miles Veteran was transported Purchase order number A.1.12.6. A duplicate copy of the invoice (MS Excel format) shall be submitted to the COR, for review and validation, prior to invoice payment approval. A.1.13. Payments for Mileage outside Contract Mileage Threshold Areas of Coverage: A.1.13.1. Long Distance Mileage Payment for mileage outside the contract Mileage Thresholds of coverage, shall be at the mileage rate stated in the price schedule, and shall be based upon the miles from the pick-up point and the specified destination. Any mileage from the place of business and/or location of vehicle and the pick-up point, or from the delivery destination back to the place of business and/or location of next trip are not considered as a separate item of this reimbursement, but would be expected to be incorporated into the mileage rate as part of the administrative costs (or costs of doing business). Distances beyond the contract Mileage Threshold areas of coverage shall be calculated using Bing Maps (https://www.bing.com/maps). Allowable charges for mileage outside the contract Mileage Threshold areas of coverage, shall not exceed ±5% of the route mileage calculated using Bing Maps. A.1.13.2. Should the VA make a determination that a previously scheduled trip may be cancelled, and a vehicle has already been dispatched to the designated pick-up point, VA may notify the Contractor to cancel the order. For orders that are cancelled while the contractor is already in route to the designated pick-up, the contractor shall be entitled to receive 50% of the base rate for the trip, as provided in Schedule of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. This charge shall not include any mileage charge. A.1.13.3. Should the Contractor arrive at the destination before VA cancels the order, or if the Contractor is unable to perform a scheduled pick-up for reasons beyond the Contractor's control, (e.g., incorrect address, Veteran absence, Veteran refusal) then the Contractor shall receive 100% of base rate for a one- way trip as provided in Part I Section A (Prices), and applicable mileage if outside contract Mileage Threshold areas of coverage. A.1.13.4. Other Charges It is understood that the prices listed in the accepted Schedule shall be inclusive of any and all ferry, bridge, tunnel or road toll charges. Contractor shall not bill the VA for any such separate charges. A.1.14. VETERAN RIGHTS: A.1.14.1. The Contractor shall be courteous to VA beneficiaries and shall not smoke while transporting Veterans. Veterans may bring a reasonable amount of equipment, such as folding wheelchair, consumable medical supplies and personal suitcase. This may include a Veteran's 3-wheeled scooter. Veteran belongings wi...