Q522--Mobile MRI and Technologist Services

Questions and Answers for Mobile MRI and Technologist Service 36C25723Q0883 Question 1: Under the technical evaluation criteria, the agency says that offerors will be evaluated to the extent they meet and/or exceed the stated requirements but, also, that they will be rated on a pass/fail basis. This seems inconsistent. Will the agency please clarify whether and how an offeror will benefit from exceeding the stated evaluation criteria? Please refer to the SOW sections 5 and 6. Question 2: Beyond possessing an RT license, please identify any requirements needed for the competency review, and how such requirements should be addressed. Please refer to the SOW section 5. Question 3: Does VA intend to conduct a tradeoff evaluation? Yes, the VA intends to conduct a Tradeoff Evaluation. Question 4 Section 5. This requires the technologist to already vetted in effect be hired prior to turning in the proposal. This places an unfair burden on companies responding prior to being awarded the solicitation. Can this requirement be met post award, as it is usually done. Also, the request is only for a technologist, previous experience indicates that a tech aide along with the technologist facilitates the scheduling and retrieving of patients as well as checking them for ferrous materials and improved coordination/communication with inside staff. Should there be a consideration for a tech aide? I have 3 current contracts just like this request (2 VA and 1 DOD) and they all have a Tech and Tech Aide team per the contract requirement. Response: The requirement for vetting the technologist is met post-award. The Tech Aide is a facility employee not necessarily affiliated with the contracted vendor. Question 5 How long is the yearly CTVHCS MRI Safety Training? If this is not virtual, is this considered downtime that the VA expects to be prorated for? Response: There is a TMS training course assigned as well as a scheduled meeting of all MRI personnel held in a predetermined area within the department. Question 6 Section 2,b physician viewing stations is listed, what are these? Is this in addition to the tech s viewing terminal? Response: This is in reference to the modality s control display only. Question 7 Section 2, b, 9 - audio media is standard.  By digital media, are you asking for in-bore video?   Response: Audio media only Question 8 Section 2, c Can you confirm the mobile can be parked full-time and not removed until the contract is complete. Response: This contract is for a mobile unit that will remain parked full-time and not removed unless there is a catastrophic event. Question 9 Section 2, g Are we providing wands, or will that be provided by the site? Response: Wands have been provided by the Vendor in the past. Question 10 Section 6, f we have been unable to source an MRI-compatible AED.  We spoke with GE, Siemens, and AMST (a Trailer manufacturer). Not certain if this exists.  Could you provide guidance? Response: No resuscitative measures are to be carried out in Zone 4, therefore, a NON MRI-compatible AED will be sufficient Question 11 Section B3, Scope of Work, includes supplies, what does this mean? (typically the site provides injection supplies, contrast media, linens, etc .) Response: Machine specific supplies that are not of an expendable nature. (ie. coils, pads, machine peripherals that aid in the function of the unit) Question 12 Section B4, IT Security, h,  is there a preferred method of dealing with PII wipe, hard drive replacement or sanitation?   Response: The VA requires the removal of all PII upon contract completion either by harvesting the hard drive or certifying that the drives have been sanitized. Question 13 Is a mobile build 2018 acceptable or does the Date of Manufacture for the MRI Scanner need to be 2018 or newer? Response: A 2018 date of manufacture will be ok given all other requirements are met.