Questions and Responses Does one TRP represent one full day of service under the PWS, or a single run? Response: CLIN x001 is the rate for all regularly scheduled pickup/dropoff trips. while publishing Amendment 0001 the VA will consider changing the unit of measure for the quantity if another would better suit the requirement. Should offerors enter unit prices for CLINs x003 and x004 even though the quantity is zero Response: Yes, It is Highly unlikely that those CLINs would be used. If they are needed pricing would be required to accomplish tasks in CLINs x003 and x004. What hours and days does the Government consider "After Hours" for CLIN x003? Response: PWS states business hours are 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Will the Government confirm the period of performance dates for each CLIN? Response: This contract shall be a Base+4 option years where the Period of Performance will start on 12/1/2026 and run through 11/30/2032. Each option year will be exercised via contract modification IAW FAR 52.217-9 where each option year period of performance shall start on the anniversary of the start of the base period. Which offer due date and time governs? Response: As of this Amendment (A001) the RFQ response date is 10/15/2026. The PWS lists Specific Tasks #1, #3, and #4; is there a Specific Task #2 that offerors should address and price? Response: Specific Tasks will be renumbered. Will the Government provide the scheduled or preferred times for the daily RME runs between the main campus and the Eye Clinic? Response: Each Specific Task has days and time periods where a specific number of pickups are required. The offer will detail the route and pickup within the offeror s route plan. Should offerors submit a Quality Control Plan with the quote, given that it is not listed in E.1 or E.3? Response: E.1 show all items that are required to be submitted to be considered a complaint offer. E.3 will show how each quote will be evaluated. D.7 is checklist to assist vendors to ensure their quote is complaint. Which representations must be completed and submitted for the Stage One compliance review? Response: They are listed in E.1 section listed Quote Submission Instructions under item g . E.8 52.209-7 and E.9 52.229-11. Does FAR 52.222-62 apply to the resulting contract, such that the EO 13706 Health & Welfare rate of $5.42 per hour is the applicable rate? Response: Yes, FAR 52.222-62 will be applied to the resulting contract as it is listed on the RFQ (Pg. 54). As for the rate of H&W, please view the latest Revision DoL WD 2015-4719 to confirm the rate. Should references return completed questionnaires directly to the Contracting Officer, and by what date? Response: By the RFQ Response date. Currently 10/15/2026. If there's an Incumbent, what scope changes have been made from the old contract to the new contract? Response: This is a follow-on contract of a combination of two courier contracts at Cincinnati VAMC. 36C25021P1699 and 36C25024P5393. Does the government have an IGCE range it can share, or provide historical pricing from prior similar work at this location? Response: The Government does not share its IGCEs. A magnitude range is not provided with FAR 37 requirements. Magnitude ranges found in FAR 36.204 applies to construction projects. Period of performance: The SF1449 and Attachment D.6 state a start date of 12/01/2026, while the Section B.2 CLIN table lists the Base, Option 1 and Option 2 periods as 11/01 10/31. Which dates govern? Response: Period of Performance will be from 12/1/2026 11/30/2032. A re-issue of the RFQ will be published with Amendment 0001. Eye Clinic RME: Are the four daily RME runs solely between the Eye Clinic (2090 Florence Ave) and SPS at the main campus, and may the RME run times be combined with the 10 11 AM and 3 4 PM lab pickups at the Eye Clinic? Response: Routes may include any pickup location within the time window where pickup is required. Incumbent staffing: How many drivers and vehicles do the incumbents currently use on 36C25021P1699 and 36C25024P5393, and what were the FY25 invoiced amounts? If not releasable, can the Government provide the Independent Government Estimate range? Response: Please question 15 for IGCE response. The Government will not provide invoice amounts from the incumbent. The offeror is responsible to determine how many staff are required to complete the route detailed to complete the requirement. Past Performance Questionnaire: Attachment D.5 references "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services / Special Mode Travel" and a response date of 10 Sep 2026. Should respondents disregard those references and return the questionnaire to robert.bolcavage@va.gov by October 15, 2026? Response: If the offeror has chosen to utilize Attachment D.5 please use the most recent D.5 that is for Courier service and dated for response of 15 October 2026. Any D.5 shall be emailed directly from the rater to robert.bolcavage@va.gov. All times are Eastern Standard Time. Proof of insurance: Will a binder or carrier quote naming the C.9 limits satisfy the Stage One "proof of insurance" item, with the certificate of insurance furnished prior to award? Response: Proof of insurance must be submitted to prove active coverage before RFQ response date for the quote to be compliant and considered for award. Submission: Are quotes to be submitted by e-mail to robert.bolcavage@va.gov, and is there a file-size limit or required subject line? Response: There are no size limitations that will disqualify a vendor from competition. But the Government must receive the quote by the response date. Any quotes or emails with parts of the quote not received by the response date will be treated as late. The Government highly suggest limiting emails to 9mb to ensure delivery. Email confirmation will be given only if requested. If multiple emails are used to send the quote it is suggested the email be number in the subject line (i.e. 1 of 2 and 2 of 2 ). Suggest email subject contain RFQ number and Prime Company Name. Please confirm the electronic submission address and whether the quotation should be submitted as one consolidated PDF or as the completed native Word forms with separate technical exhibits. Response: The Government does not require all submissions for the quote to be in one PDF. Government would appreciate offerors to be methodical and have clear labels to each section of the quote especially to required items I have a question can proof of insurance be obtained and shown after award or must it be obtained before award? Response: Proof of insurance must be submitted to prove active coverage before RFQ response date for the quote to be compliant and considered for award. Does C.9(d)'s requirement for liability insurance without asbestos exclusions apply to this courier service? Response: C.9 Supplemental Insurance Requirement is standard verbiage. Asbestos exclusion will not be evaluated. The Combined Synopsis states "RFQ number for this procurement is 36C25027Q5523," while the SF1449 and all attachments show 36C25027Q5393; can you confirm that 36C25027Q5393 is the correct RFQ number? Response: 36C25027Q5393 is the RFQ number The SF1449 shows the base period as 12/01/2026 11/30/2027 and D.6 shows a 12/1/2026 start, but CLINs 0001 0004 show 11-01-2026 to 10-31-2027; which period should be priced? Response: Period of Performance will start 12/1/2026 and each Option year will start on 12/1 of the following year(s). E.3 refers to "E.9 FAR 52.209-7 and E.10 FAR 52.229-11" while E.1 refers to E.8 and E.9; are these the same two representations? Response: Yes. Will past performance as a subcontractor or through key personnel on courier contracts be considered? Response: No, only the prime contractor s past performance will be considered. Please clarify the circumstances under which CLIN 0003, After-Hours Service, would be utilized. Additionally, does the Government anticipate a specific estimated annual quantity for this service? Response: The circumstance would arise when the need for courier service for a medical-related item, such as a lab specimen, requires courier pickup outside normal operating hours from one of the designated CBOCs and must be transported to the main campus at the Cincinnati VAMC. No estimated annual quantity for this service is anticipated. Please clarify whether the quantities listed in the price schedule represent estimated quantities for evaluation and planning purposes or guaranteed minimum quantities under the contract. Response: This is a Fixed Firm Price Contract, which do not inherently have minimum quantities provided. CLIN x002, x003 and x0004 quantities are an estimates. Do you have a spreadsheet that better documents lanes, routes, and times, etc.? Response: No Is there a fuel schedule to base rates off? Response: No Will our drivers have to go through a Criminal Background Check for the Cincinnati VA? Response: Does the scope require the vehicles to be temperate controlled? Response: Yes Is there a specified type of vehicle needed for this scope (Mini-Van, Cargo-Van, Box Truck..)? Response: No, Type of vehicle is not specified, but storage room, temperature, and humidity monitoring are listed in PWS. If drivers use personally owned vehicles, will a certificate showing hired and non-owned auto liability at the C.9(c) limits satisfy C.9(c) and the Stage One proof-of-insurance item, and is an insurer's binder acceptable at the quote stage? Response: Prime contractor will be required to have insurance to cover C.9. Vehicle insurance on the specified vehicle will also be required to the minimal Ohio limits. Will FAR 52.222-43 be included in the award, so that option-year wage determination increases are adjusted? Response: Yes, FAR 52.222-43 will be applied to the resulting contract as it is listed on the RFQ (Pg. 54). Is FAR 52.217-8 included in the evaluated price? Response: FAR 52.217-8 is not an evaluation clause. If you are asking if the total price of the quote (Base plus all option years) will be considered when evaluating fair and reasonableness and comparing quotes against each other. Then yes. Please review section E.3 titled Method of Evaluation / Evaluation Process. Can you clarify CBOC addresses and destinations. Response: CBOC addresses and destinations are explicitly listed. A mile radius is used. Possible locations outside CBOC as needed Is an estimated value or incumbent pricing available, and are there any site visit or vehicle, driver, or background check requirements beyond those in the PWS? Response: Incumbent pricing is public knowledge for on incumbent contract that were combined for this requirement. No site visits are scheduled. No further background checks are required beyond that is listed. What is the deadline for submitting questions, and will answers be posted as an amendment on SAM.gov? Response: Per the RFQ, listed on page 1 and page 53, 1:00 pm on 10/7/2026. I understand this is an SDVOSB set-aside. Please confirm what documentation of SDVOSB status is required with the quote (for example, SBA VetCert certification or SAM.gov representations), and whether any subcontracting or teaming arrangement is permitted under this solicitation. Response: The VA does not require documentation to verify the SDVOSB for this requirement to be sent in with the quote, The VA requires the Prime Vendor s SAM UEI number and Cage Code and the VA will verify the SDVOSB status and document it for the award evaluation. Can you confirm the full list of pickup and delivery locations, the number of stops per day, and the required service days and hours? Response: No. CBOC addresses and destinations are explicitly listed. Task are also listed with window times of pickups. The SAM.gov listing and description name the Dayton VA Medical Center, but the title and wage determination refer to the Cincinnati VAMC and the Cincinnati area. Which location is correct? Response: Cincinnati VAMC, The Contracting Officer supports multiple VAMC and is stationed at Dayton VAMC. Will a site visit or pre-quote conference be offered? Response: No. please confirm the CLIN structure (monthly, per-route, or annual) and whether the contract includes an SCA wage-adjustment clause for the option years. Response: CLIN X001 will be a daily billable action that includes all task/pickups/drop-offs etc. CLIN X002 will be an on demand which will be billed when the VA requests an additional pickup outside the normal daily task. CLIN X003 will be an After Hours service call which will be billed (please see response to question 36) CLIN X004 will be any miles over 60 when CLIN X003 is being used. Management: the PWS requires a contract manager available 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Is a part-time local lead with a remote program manager acceptable, or is a full-time on-site manager required? Response: We just require accessibility. Vehicle/insurance: please confirm required insurance limits and any restrictions on vehicle age, mileage, signage, or personal-vehicle use. Response: Insurance limits of C.9 are required by prime. Each vehicle shall be insure to at least the minimum Ohio limit for auto insurance, No mileage restrictions on vehicles, No signage required, and if the use of personal-vehicles DoL pay requirements must be followed as reimbursement for mileage, fuel, and any other expenses incurred by the employee. We take it seriously and have audited. Is the Eye Clinic a twice-daily specimen pickup site in addition to the four RME runs? Response: No. Service calendar: is service required on federal holidays, weekends, or after hours, or Monday through Friday only? Response: Normally Monday through Friday. After hours (which includes weekends), if required, CLIN rate X003/X004 would apply. DoL WD has the formula for federal holiday rate. Agreeing to follow the DoL WD you agree to that rate if service on a federal holiday is required. How will an offeror without past performance in the past three years be rated under the Past Performance factor? Response: It will be rated as an Unknown past performance rating. Specific Task #2: The PWS lists Specific Tasks #1, #3, and #4. Is a Task #2 intended to be included? Response: Re-issue of RFQ will correct numbering. CBOC route: CLIN 0001 is described as transport of RME between the main campus and the Eye Clinic. Which CLIN prices the twice-daily specimen pickup service at the eight CBOC/clinic locations in Specific Task #1? Will the Government amend the schedule to add a CLIN for that service? Response: Answered in question 1. How will the Government evaluate CLINs with a quantity of zero in the total evaluated price? Response: Price will be evaluated based on total price of quote (base and all option years), CLINs with 0 quantities will also be evaluated as fair and reasonable based on IGCE and/or competition. If the total price of the contract is most advantageous to the Government, but the CLINS with 0 quantities are deemed to be not fair and reasonable, the Government has the right to Accept the total cost of the offer as fair and reasonable or not. Please review evaluation criteria on re-issue of RFQ. Which CLIN covers the twice-daily CBOC specimen routes, and what constitutes one trip under CLIN 0001 (249 trips)? Response: CLIN X001 covers all regularly scheduled pickups/dropoffs for that duty day. The previous contract was awarded a 5 year contract with a start date of 12/1/2023, why is this out for bid after less than 3 years? Response: Option years are optional for the Government. In this case, one of the two courier contracts will expire on 11/30/2026. The Government looked into the possibility of adding the additional stops to the courier service with Option year remaining, but that modification would not be considered in-scope . PWS 5.1 states, "Pharmacy deliveries will be made to the Outpatient pharmacy room C140. Is there a pharmacy delivery requirement under this contract, and if so, what are the pickup locations, frequency and approximate volume? Response: We do not use the courier services for Pharmacy deliveries this will be removed from the PWS Are there any temperature requirements for specimens or RME beyond the Government-furnished insulated bags? Response: yes 66-75 Fahrenheit, 30%-60% humidity hat are the approximate dimensions and number of bins per run, and must clean and dirty RME bins be carried on the same trip? Response: There must be separation of clean and dirty with dirty furthest from the driver. Large bins approximately 26 L x 15 W x 10 H Is there designated courier parking or a loading area at the VAMC and at HPACT (907 Vine Street)? Response: No, usually entrance by small loading dock. Must every driver start at the VAMC each morning to collect restock containers and check the SPD cart, or may one driver check the cart and restock containers be stocked in vehicles in advance? Response: driver picks up clean containers each morning from Cincinnati VAMC. May RME bins travel in the same vehicle as specimens, or is a separate vehicle or trip required? Response: yes, no separate trip required. Does every site have specimens at both pickups every weekday, or do some sites have reduced days, hours, or volume? Response: yes no reduced days, hours or volume. May a driver pick up before 10:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. if the site confirms specimens are ready? Response: Yes with the exception of CBOC locations for the Bellevue, Clermont, Dearborn, Florence, Georgetown and Hamilton. These locations will not have early pickup. Is a pickup on time if the driver arrives inside the window, or must the driver also depart inside the window? Response: Yes last pick up must depart prior to 4:30 for Bellevue, Clermont, Dearborn, Florence, Georgetown and Hamilton Specific task #1 outlines 2x per day courier services for all CBOC but this work is not listed in the pricing schedule. Please advise if this is an oversight of if task #1 is not included in this solicitation. Response: CLINs will be revised to more accurately describe the invoiceable action(s). What is the size of the supplies transported in task #3? Response: What are the time constraints for the on-demand services? (Example 1 hour to pickup, 2 hours to deliver) Response: 1 hour for pickup and 1 hour to deliver Can there be any flexibility in pickup times that would allow us to route the CBOC in a manner that would save the VA money? Response: No The Bellevue CBOC is currently serviced on-demand and not currently a daily pickup. Will Bellevue be added as a daily pickup with this contract? Response: Yes the new PWS has Bellevue as a daily pickup Will the couriers be issued PIV badges for access to the lab at their assigned clinics? Response: No Are there any expected CBOC additions and/or closures? Response: The Bellevue CBOC will move to Highland Heights, KY (2326 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY 41076) in Feb/Mar of 2027, the Georgetown CBOC will move to Mt Orab, OH (110 Grieshop St, Mt Orab, OH 45154) in Feb/Mar 2028 and the Florence CBOC will move late 2028, location has not be selected but expected to be in the general area of the same clinic The CLIN x001 description addresses RME transport between the main campus and the Eye Clinic. In which CLIN should offerors include pricing for Specific Task #1 (twice-daily pickups from the listed locations) and Specific Task #3? Response: CLIN x001. On-demand service: What are the expected notice time, typical origin/destination, and hours for the 105 on-demand trips in CLIN x002? Are any expected after 5:30 PM or on weekends (CLIN x003)? Response: After 530 SPS may need RMD transported either to or from facilities within the contracted radius when borrow from one another. 1 hour to pickup and 1 hour to deliver CLIN scope: CLIN 0001 (249 TRP) is described as "Courier Service to transport clean and dirty RME to and from the CVAMC main campus and the Eye Clinic," but the PWS also requires twice-daily lab-specimen pickups at eight CBOC/clinic locations and SPD package transfers. Is CLIN 0001 intended to be priced as one service day covering all PWS daily tasks (CBOC lab route, RME shuttle, SPD), or will separate CLINs be added for the CBOC lab route? Response: CLIN x001 will be invoiced for the daily courier services What response/delivery window and operating hours apply to the 105 on-demand trips and zero-estimate after-hours trips? Are these additional to the scheduled clinic runs, and how is the included 60-mile distance measured? Response: This is additional for SPS needs borrow instrument trays at neighboring facilities either to or from. Volumes: What is the approximate daily number of specimen containers/bags per CBOC, and does any CBOC routinely have no pickup on a given day? Response: Typically, it is one cooler twice a day unless a 24-hour urine gets collected that has to be taken down to main campus? We don't have pickups on federal holidays. Routinely no pickup, no. A pickup may be cancelled if schedules are blocked for meeting/training/moves, inclement weather keeping Veterans away, building floods, etc.). Background investigations: May drivers begin performance on 12/01/2026 pending adjudication (e.g., under escort), or must the NACI be favorably adjudicated before the first run? Response: Yes. But background investigation must be active for the employee to start. Where should the twice-daily pickups at all eight clinic locations be priced? CLIN 0001 describes only the eye-clinic RME shuttle. Does its 249 TRP quantity mean service days covering both services and all daily runs, or will a corrected schedule separate them? Response: See response to question 73 Please confirm whether the Government requires a dedicated vehicle and driver for each route or whether the contractor may propose multiple routes and vehicles based on its staffing and fleet plan, provided all required pickup and delivery schedules are met. Response: yes may propose multiple routes and vehicles The Performance Work Statement references approximately four RME pickup and drop-off runs per day between the Eye Clinic and the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Please clarify whether these runs are included in the quantities and compensation for CLIN 0001 or whether they are separately compensated. Response: See response to question 73 For CLIN 0002 (on-demand trips), between which locations, within what response time and during what hours, and are the 60 included miles measured round trip? Response: This is additional for SPS needs to borrow instrument trays at neighboring facilities either to or from after 530pm Equipment shuttle: what are the maximum cargo dimensions and weight per trip? Is a cargo van required, or is an enclosed SUV acceptable? Response: No maximum cargo dimensions or weight is available. All cargo would fit in a van or SUV. Sedan Trunk may see issue with Specimen containers and supplies: Will the Government furnish the specimen containers and non-sterile supplies to be restocked at the CBOCs, with the contractor providing transport only? Response: yes On-demand trips: For CLINs 0002 and 0003, is a "trip" defined as one round trip from the main campus, and does the 60 included miles apply per trip? Response: Yes, per trip. Specific Task #1 requires pickups at all eight locations between 10:00-11:00 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM. Must every location be visited within those same one-hour windows, or may pickup times be staggered by location, provided specimens reach Room B211 by 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM? Response: must be picked up during specified hours but could me multiple locations during that time
