6515--Solicitation Q&A Responses

36C24126Q0142 Solicitation Questions & Answers ADMINISTRATIVE/NON-TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Question 1: When Suppliers complete the quote sheet, is there an opportunity to add in additional products which have the same function and composition of the others but in a different size, in order to complete that family of products? Answer 1: At this time, we are only soliciting for these listed products specifically, and we are not considering any other products (i.e. alternates to products on the quote sheet, or items to complete a product family). Any missing product family sizes or high use items will go through the solicitation process only if they are approved by the program office. If you have an item you d like to suggest for this process, you can work with your VA end users to suggest this item through CPT (they will have access and understanding of this process).
Question 2: We have a manufacturer telling us that we can t quote their products because they already have a dedicated MSPV partner. Is this practice normal and acceptable? Answer 2: It is the manufacturer s responsibility to determine who they will authorize to distribute their products. We require all distributors to submit an authorized distributor letter (ADL) along with their quotes and maintain authorization for the duration of their BPA. It is the responsibility of the distributor to establish and maintain a relationship with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Question 3: I see that this Solicitation is Set-Aside for SDVOSB. Will you be updating the solicitation to allow other than SDVOSBs to bid? Answer 3: All businesses, regardless of size, may submit quotes for these items. Please see the tiered evaluation description in the solicitation.
Question 4: Will the VA accept an authorized distributor letter (ADL) from anyone other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)? Answer 4: No, to determine authenticity of the authorization, all ADLs must originate from and be signed by the OEM. See the Statement of Work for ADL Requirements. ADLs must be on OEM letterhead, signed and dated, with effective dates listed explicitly.
Question 5: I see that this Solicitation is Set-Aside for SDVOSB. What is the process flow for the pricing and purchase structure? As the manufacturer, will I quote the SDVOSB and then the SDVOSB quotes the Prime Vendor (PV)? Will the products Drop Ship through the SDVOSB directly to the VA, or still run through the Prime Vendor? Answer 5: OEMs may quote for this solicitation directly. As stated in Answer 3, this will be evaluated in tiers, starting with SDVOSBs and working up to other-than-small business (aka Large Business). The MSPV program works by establishing BPAs with the supplier (as either an authorized distributor or the OEM), and with the Prime Vendors who will order from the suppliers as needed, which then ships items to their distribution centers (unless items are drop-ship only, then it will ship directly to the end user). Each supplier must establish an agreement with the Prime Vendors as well as part of this program.
Question 6: Will this solicitation affect our current MSPV BPA items? Answer 6: Any existing MSPV items will not be affected by this solicitation. This solicitation is to add new items to the MSPV program, as directed and approved by the VA Chief Medical Officers. If you have questions or concerns regarding your current MSPV line items, you can contact your CO to make modifications or updates as needed.
Question 7: Can we provide items that are manufactured by another OEM, or is this brand specific? Answer 7: This solicitation is posted as brand-name only, so no alternate products will be considered, only what is explicitly listed on the quote sheet.
Question 8: We received an error message in the Quote Sheet excel form stating that the cell or chart you re trying to change is on a protected sheet . Is there a password to unlock the sheet? Answer 8: You may be trying to update a protected cell. If you re on Tab 3 Quoted Supplies, start by marking the associated Index # (listed on Tab 1 - Solicitation Information), that you re trying to quote on in Tab 3 (Quoted Supplies). You will find the Index # for each line item in Column A in Tab 1. You will then type that Index # into Column G on Tab 3, and that product information will populate in Columns A F, and then you will fill out Columns H R (and optional info in Columns S W, if applicable).
Question 9: We already have a MSPV BPA, do we need to reply to this solicitation? Answer 9: This solicitation is posted to seek quotes for new items to be added to the MPSV program. We are encouraging all current MSPV suppliers to review the quote sheet to determine if you can provide and quote on any of the items we are seeking to add to our program. If you do not wish to reply to this solicitation, you do not have to as it does not affect any current MSPV BPAs or products on the MSPV product list.
Question 10: ADL requirements - Per Section III. A.5 (Authorized Distributor Letters), The ADL must be signed within 90 days of the solicitation and included with the response. If the offeror does not receive a signed ADL from the OEM by the RFQ due date, would the VA accept temporary alternative evidence of authorizations pending receipt of the ADL, such as a prior ADL (older than 90 days) accompanied by OEM written confirmation that authorization remains an authorized distributor in good standing? Answer 10: An ADL must meet the requirements as outlined in the statement of work. However, if a current MSPV supplier has an ADL, but may not have an updated one that meets the 90-day requirement, please submit your current ADL with written confirmation that authorization remains an authorized distributor in good standing. If this applies, a current ADL must be submitted prior to award.
Question 11: If a vendor fails to respond to this solicitation, does that mean the products in the Excel spreadsheet will be removed from the VA MSPV Product List? Answer 11: To clarify, vendors will not be removed from the MSPV program if they do not respond to this solicitation. Further, if any item(s) listed in this solicitation (i.e. Quote Sheet excel file) is not quoted on then it will not be awarded to the MSPV Product List and will be considered for future solicitations. This solicitation does not affect any items currently on the MSPV Product List.
Question 12: Is the VA mandating that an SDVOSB holds the BPA for the products? Or are the OEMs allowed to hold their own BPAs? Answer 12: An OEM or an Authorized Distributor for that OEM can be awarded a MSPV BPA.
Question 13: If we have a substantial equivalent product that is Made in America, will the VA allow us to offer a substitute for the products on this list? Answer 13: We are only seeking quotes for the specific items on the Solicitation Quote Sheet. No substitutes are being sought at this time.
Question 14: When does the VA anticipate allowing BPA Holders to submit additional Made in America products? Answer 14: The Medical Supplies Program Office (MSPO) determines which items are solicited for the MSPV program. Additionally, the selection of the items is clinically-driven. VA facilities are encouraged to coordinate new item additions with MSPO directly.
Question 15: If an OEM and SDVOSB submit the same items will priority be given to the SDVOSB? Answer 15: Please see the tiered evaluations process in the Solicitation.
Question 16: By chance, does the VA know when awards will be determined? Answer 16: We will begin conducting comparative price analysis immediately following the closing date of the solicitation. Although we cannot provide a firm date, we plan to award as soon as possible.
Question 17: Will the Prime Vendors be required to award PVONs to BPA awardees/BPA holders so that the items can actually be ordered by the VA? Answer 17: BPA awardees/BPA holders are required to establish commercial agreements (CA) with the prime vendors. The prime vendor contracts are managed/administered outside of the MSPV team.
Question 18: How long does the prime vendor have to award PVONS to BPA awardees?  Answer 18: This is a question for the contract management team who oversees the prime vendor contracts. MSPV has no purview over those contracts or terms and conditions of the commercial agreements.
Question 19: Is the Prime Vendor allowed to *not* create PVONs for some reason? Or is the Prime Vendor contractually required to set up PVONs for all BPA items? Answer 19: This is a question for the contract management team who oversees the prime vendor contracts. MSPV has no purview over those contracts or terms and conditions of the commercial agreements.
Question 20: Will you accept an email stating from the OEM , I  our company name  is authorized to sell the products to the VA? Answer 20: An ADL must meet the requirements as outlined in the statement of work.
Question 21: The historical data that is provided in your spreadsheet a year's worth of requests or purchases? Answer 22: Yes, the values reflect one year of purchases.
Question 23: Consideration for adding related items - Would the VA consider adding related items that complete a family of products for items currently listed on the quote sheet to this RFQ? Including them would allow for a more comprehensive offering aligned with the MSPV objectives for standardization. Answer 23: We are not considering additional items for this solicitation. 36C24126Q0142 Solicitation Questions & Answers TECHNICAL QUESTIONS Question 1: Several products are listed with only a "left" size (e.g., a left medium knee brace), but the corresponding "right" size is not included. Should we submit the right-sided item as well? Answer 1: The only items being considered are those in the solicitation.  Interested suppliers do not have the capability to add additional items, nor do the Contracting Officers at this time.
Question 2: If a medium size is listed for a product, should we assume the small and large sizes should also be included in our submission? Answer 2: The only items being considered are those in the solicitation.  Interested suppliers do not have the capability to add additional items, nor do the Contracting Officers at this time.
Question 3: For items on other national VA contracts such as the Surgical Implants Next Generation, would you like bids for those items or simply to inform you that they are listed on another preferred source contract to remove from the solicitation list? Answer 3: MSPO would like bids for these items. Prosthetics are not affected.
Question 4: There are products listed on this Excel spreadsheet where an OEM has one product listed, but in actuality there are 3-4 products and components that need to also be listed to function with the listed product. Can we please submit the additional products so that the VA has a functional suite of products for the listed item? Answer 4: We re moving forward with the IPT approved items. Please provide any relevant information on related items in the email response of your quote and it will be recorded for future consideration.
Question 5: 20 products on the quote sheet that are custom packs and are not well suited for the MSPV BPA program due to their customization, requiring frequent modifications. Were these included intentionally or inadvertently? MMAB004-01 Minor Custom Pack MMBN003-02 Pack ENT MMBN007-02 Pack Ortho A&B MMBN013-01 Radiology Interventional Pack VAIC035-03 Cataract Custom Pack VALV215-02 Cysto Custom Surgical Pack VALV218-03 Podiatry Custom Pack VANW019-04 Biopsy Custom Pack VAST008-07 Neuro Pack VAST009-05 Eye Cataract Pack VAST009-07 Cataract Surgical Custom Pack VAST016-08 Minor Surgical Set Up Pack VATX016-08 Pack Total Hip VATX033 Robot General Pack VCIH006-08 Podiatry Surgical Pack VHWV003-10 Minor Pack General VHWV006-14 Hand/Foot Pack WNYH800-01 Custom Pack MMSY003-01 Cysto Pack VAST018-09 Custom Pack Answer 5: Director final decision is to keep them on the solicitation quote sheet. MSPO needs vendor to identify the capabilities of each line item (custom pack) i.e. what is the minimum to have in the pack (what is standard items per pack and what is customizable). Please provide details in body of quote email and price accordingly.
Question 6: There are 22 products that the OEM declines to offer through MSPV, are currently unavailable, or are currently on another federal contract vehicle. Answer 6: Items will not be removed and are open to bid.
Question 7: Dexcom s part number STK-At-012, STP-AT-012 and STT-OE-002 are retail part numbers.  Dexcom has three levels of pricing with retail being the highest level.  Are you looking for pricing for these three items at the DME level if so, the items would be: STK-AT-011 - DexCom G7 Receiver Kit, DME STP-AT-011 - DexCom  G7 Sensor/Transmitter 1-Pack, DME STT-OR-001 - DexCom - G6 - Transmitter Kit 2-Pack, DME DEXCOM STK-AT-012 Dexcom G7 Receiver DEXCOM STP-AT-012 Dexcom G7 All-in-One Sensor and Transmitter DEXCOM STS-OR-003 Dexcom G6 Sensors Kit, 3/Box, Dme DEXCOM STT-OE-002 Dexcom G6 Mobile Transmitter Kit, 2Pk (Refill Every Six Months)
Answer 7: The only items being considered are those in the solicitation.  Interested suppliers do not have the capability to add additional items, nor do the Contracting Officers at this time. Question 8: The item listed at Index 421 is identified on the Quote Sheet as a Best Price Product Item. We would like to note that Drive Medical is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for this product. Additionally, the part number currently listed does not align with Drive Medical s OEM designation. The correct OEM part number is GV974HD-BR. Given the inclusion of this item in the current Quote Sheet, we respectfully request clarification as to whether there has been a change or refinement in scope that now permits rollators to be considered under this solicitation. Answer 8: Index #421 will be removed. Ignore Index #421 and please leave blank when submitting.
Question 9: The OEM has confirmed that Index 1802 and 1803 are not TAA-Compliant. Will substitutions be accepted/considered? Answer 9: These items are out of scope and will not be included in this solicitation or quote sheet. Ignore Index #1802 and 1803 and leave blank when submitting.
Question 10: The item listed at Index 1522 appears to directly overlap with the VMS Folding Walker, which is currently awarded under a national standardized VA contract. Please let us know if this item is intended to remain on the Quote Sheet or if it should be removed to avoid duplication or conflict with existing contract coverage. Answer 10: This is a prosthetics product; there is no conflict with other contracts.
Question 11: The requested ABM Respiratory Care item BC20113-RS is primarily intended for patient home care, which falls outside the MSPV BPA scope for VA facility use as outlined in FAR Part 12 and Section I.B of the RFQ. Will the VA accept an alternative item? Answer 11: This item is issued in clinic and therefore is in scope and will remain as is on the quote sheet.
Question 13: Additional components will be needed to meet the demand for product add 5575 and 5513E. Is it possible to add the addition requirements for the two requested products? Answer 13: We re moving forward with the IPT approved items. Please provide any relevant information on related items in the email response of your quote and it will be recorded for future consideration.
Question 14: Index number 387: product number 123128, this is not a BD Product - Teleflex LLC owns this product, please see attached (inserted below). Answer 14: We will attempt to fix the OEM name on our end. If it is not possible to fix this, we will have to ignore Index #387. You can choose to include data for this item in the event it remains on the quote sheet.
Question 15: Index number 560-575 and 395: 17 product numbers needing correction, appears that leading 0 were removed on provided quote sheet, please see attached (inserted below). Answer 15: We will attempt to fix the product numbers on our end. If it is not possible to fix this, we will have to ignore Index #395 and 560-575. You can choose to include data for these items in the event they will remain on the quote sheet.
Question 16: It appears the supply description is incorrect for index #381 will these be corrected? Answer 16: We will attempt to fix the supply description on our end. If it is not possible to fix this, we will have to ignore Index #387. You can choose to include data for this item in the event it remains on the quote sheet.
Question 17: Index #713 has an equivalent product on a MSPV PV Contract. Should we still quote? Answer 17: Please ignore Index #713 and leave blank when submitting. This item will be removed.
Question 18: Index #2242 will be discontinued by the OEM. Should we still quote? Answer 18: Please ignore Index #2242 and leave blank when submitting. This item will be removed.
Question 19: The following items are either obsolete or already on the contract. Should I just delete these lines altogether? Index Supplier Part Number (Enter OEM Number if not applicable) 743 G23747 744 G26515 745 G30389 746 G34880 747 G35550 748 G44784 749 G44785 750 G46190 756 G56201 758 G57968 759 G59152 760 G59155
Answer 19: Please ignore Index #743-760 and leave blank when submitting. These items will be removed.