V225--Urgent & Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport (VA-26-00001836)

Amendment / Modification

This document is an amendment to Solicitation 36C26326Q0548 for Urgent & Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport services.

It provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and submission instructions.

Key clarifications include:

• Simultaneous Transport Capacity: The requirement for four (4) simultaneous transport units can be met using a combination of dedicated VA vehicles and the contractor's existing commercial fleet, provided all meet VA standards and are available when needed. They do not need to be exclusively set aside for the VA.

• Peak Transport Times: Peak times fluctuate. For routine weekday appointments, peak hours are 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. For transfers (weekdays and weekends), peak hours are 8:00 pm to 3:00 am.

• Personnel Credentialing (SAC): Fingerprints typically return within a week. Provisional work is allowed only after fingerprints are back and the background investigation has been initiated. The SAC timeline is the same for initial and mid-contract personnel, who are processed through the general appointment queue at the Omaha VAMC.

• Font Size: Arial 11-point font is acceptable for submitted quotes.

• PWS Section 4.5.1.6 and 4.5.1.7 (Simultaneous Transport Capacity and Fleet Composition)

• PWS Section 4.3.1.5 (Personnel Credentialing - SAC Timeline)

• Solicitation Submission Instructions (Font size requirement)

• The clarification on font size corrects a previous instruction, confirming Arial 11-point is acceptable.

• The clarifications on transport times and personnel credentialing may impact fleet planning, staffing, and proposal pricing.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 36C26326Q0548 serves two primary purposes:

• Clarification of Questions and Answers: It includes responses to potential offeror questions regarding the solicitation.

• Correction to Submission Instructions: It corrects a sentence within the "Submission Instructions" section of the Request for Quote.

• Submission Instructions: The specific sentence regarding document formatting for submitted quotes has been corrected.

• Formatting Change: The original instruction stated documents should be electronic and use 12-point Arial, Calibri, Courier, or Times New Roman font. The corrected instruction clarifies that documents should be electronic and use 11- or 12-point Arial, Calibri, Courier, or Times New Roman font. This change impacts how offerors must format their submitted documents.

• Simultaneous Transport Capacity: The 4-unit simultaneous capacity requirement can be met using a combination of VA-assigned and commercial fleet vehicles, provided all meet VA standards. These units do not need to be exclusively committed to the VA.

• Peak Transport Times: Weekday peak times for routine appointments are 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. For VA hospital transfers, peak times are 8:00 pm to 3:00 am on both weekdays and weekends.

• Personnel Credentialing (SAC):

  • Fingerprints generally return within a week of submission.
  • Work may commence after fingerprints are back and the background investigation is initiated, but full clearance is not required before starting.
  • The SAC fingerprinting and adjudication process/timeline is the same for initial and replacement staff. Contractors use the general appointment queue for fingerprinting at the Omaha VAMC.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the U.S. Department of Labor's Register of Wage Determinations under the Service Contract Act. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in specific geographic areas. Bidders must use this document to ensure compliance with labor wage laws for covered employees.

• Geographic Area: Iowa Counties of Harrison, Mills, Pottawattamie; Nebraska Counties of Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington.
• Occupational Listing: A comprehensive list of job titles with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific benefits and rates are detailed in subsequent sections (e.g., Health & Welfare, Paid Sick Leave, Vacation, Holidays).
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. It establishes the minimum compensation (wages and benefits) that must be paid to employees working on the contract. Failure to comply with these wage determinations can lead to contract violations and penalties. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor rates meet or exceed these minimums.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5771, Revision No. 28) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to Nebraska counties of Hall, Howard, and Merrick. It lists various occupational codes, titles, and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for federal contracts.

This document is crucial for potential bidders on federal contracts in the specified geographic area. It outlines the minimum wage and benefit standards that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts. Bidders must consult this determination to accurately calculate labor costs and ensure compliance with federal labor laws when preparing their proposals. It details rates for a wide range of occupations, from administrative support to technical and maintenance roles, and includes information on paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays as mandated by Executive Orders 13706 and 13658.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in Lancaster County, Nebraska.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing a federal contract in the specified area. It ensures that contractors will pay covered employees at least the minimum wage and provide the required fringe benefits as determined by the Department of Labor. Bidders must factor these wage and benefit requirements into their proposals to ensure compliance and accurate cost estimation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for urgent and non-emergent ground ambulance services. The services are required by the Omaha VA Medical Center and its associated facilities, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and Community Living Centers (CLCs).

• Provision of Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Specialty Care/Critical Care (SCT/CCT) stretcher transport services.

• Services must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

• Transport of patient luggage, medical records, and comfort items at no additional cost.

• Personnel must be courteous, professional, and meet all applicable federal, state, and local qualifications and licensing requirements.

• Specific requirements for driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and contractor personnel security (background checks, no felony convictions within the last five years).

• Tuberculosis (TB) testing and policy adherence.

• Use of the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-approved transportation software for all transports.

• Adherence to COVID-19 and other infectious disease transport protocols, including specific PPE requirements.

• The contract period is from Date of Award through 05/31/2031, with multiple ordering periods.

• The contract type is contemplated to be Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Quotes are due by 04/23/2026 at 5:00pm CST.

• All technical questions are due by 4/16/2026 at 10:00am CST.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically to amanda.patterson-elliott@va.gov.

• Evaluation will be based on technical submission, past performance, and price.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• NAICS Code: 621910 (Ambulance Services)

• Size Standard: $22.5 Million

• Wage Determinations apply to this requirement.

• Attachment A: Specialty Care or Critical Care Transport (SCT/CCT) Capabilities Confirmation must be completed and signed.

• Attachment B: VTS Patient Transport PPE and Vehicle Cleaning/Disinfection Standard Operating Procedure is provided.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, conducted using FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking quotes for Urgent & Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport services for the NWI VA Health Care System in Omaha, NE.

• Provision of Urgent & Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport services.

• Specific contract line items, quantities, and units of measure are detailed within the attached solicitation documentation.

• The VA anticipates awarding one firm fixed-price contract.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested.

• Prospective offerors must be registered and current in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at the time of offer.

• Quotes must be emailed to amanda.patterson-elliott@va.gov by 5:00pm CST on 04-23-2026.

• It is the offeror's responsibility to ensure their quote is received in its entirety before the closing date and time.

• FAR provisions 52.212-1, 52.212-2, and 52.212-3 apply and are detailed within the attached solicitation document.

• Technical questions are due via email by 10:00am CST on 04-16-2026 to amanda.patterson-elliott@va.gov.

• This procurement is unrestricted.

• The NAICS code is 621910 with a size standard of $22.5 million.

• Quotes will only be accepted from responsible contractors.

• The solicitation document (RFQ 36C26326Q0548) and associated Wage Determinations (2015-5005, 2015-5351, 2015-5771) are attached.

• The Place of Performance is the NWI - Omaha VA Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105.