8945--VA San Diego Fresh Sandwiches

This amendment is issued against solicitation #36C26224Q0408 for VA San Diego Fresh Sandwiches requirement to answer vendors RFIs and to extend the offer due date. The solicitation#36C26224Q0408 offer due date is hereby extended from 1/16/24 10am Pacific Local Time to 1/18/2024 10am Pacific Local Time. Following are VA s response to RFIs: Number 5. c.  Food Storage Requirements of the Scope of Work mentions condiments, but the pricing schedule doesn't list condiments (e.g. mustard, mayo, relish, ketchup, etc.)  Are condiments to be included/provided?  If so, what type specifically? Sandwiches will not have condiments on them. Please disregard 5.c. in regard to condiments. This requirement shall be removed on the final contract. SOW requires sandwich bread must not be wet or soggy for at least 5 days after delivery. Is it possible to compartmentalize the bread separately from the fillings, except for PB&J sandwiches, to avoid bread becoming soggy? No, the bread cannot be separate. The sandwiches must come assembled. What were the 2023 monthly delivery volumes by sandwich type? Are the estimated quantities listed in the Statement of Work based on 2023 actual totals? VA San Diego Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) place orders twice a week. The estimated quantities in the SOW/delivery schedule are pretty good estimates for the whole year, so contractors can divide those numbers by 12 months. VA San Diego NFS cannot provide relative quantities of each sandwich per month, but primarily orders turkey, egg salad, and tuna salad. As the total ordered numbers of sandwiches, 1700 sandwiches per month or 400/week is a good estimate. How much time will the contractor have for the order? Will we get the order a week ahead of time? VA San Diego NFS shall place order 2-days in advance. NFS cannot order earlier since it is hard to plan or determine what is needed further in advance, and it is to keep and buy freshly made sandwiches. What are actual specifications for a sealed container? Is sealed just mean a closed container or does it have to be a container that is heat sealed? It must be heat sealed. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.