G004--Contracted Residential Services For Homeless Veterans to answer questions

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the "Contracted Residential Services For Homeless Veterans" opportunity (Solicitation Number: 36C24126Q0138).

• Unit Rate: There is no recommended unit rate or range for competitive offers.
• Funding: Funds have been appropriated for the base year, and option years 1-4 are anticipated to be appropriated.
• Awarded Amount: Monthly or annual totals are contingent on veteran occupancy and the proposed daily rate.
• Site Visit: No physical building will be provided by the VA. Vendors are responsible for securing space. A site visit is not required during solicitation, but a mandatory annual inspection will occur before contract operationalization. Additional environmental reviews are also required.
• Current Contractor: For a similar solicitation last year (36C24125Q0580), SMOC Inc. was awarded for 15 beds and Veteran’s Inc. for 10 beds.
• Bed Requirement: The requirement is for 10 beds daily, with the vendor providing a daily rate for 10 beds for 365 days.

This amendment clarifies key aspects of the solicitation, including funding, operational requirements, and bed count interpretation. Bidders should consider this information when preparing their proposals. The response date remains February 27, 2026, 7:00 AM Eastern Time.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to provide Emergency Contracted Residential Services (CRS) for homeless Veterans in Central Western Massachusetts (Worcester County). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Northampton VA Medical Center intends to award a firm-fixed-price, multi-award contract for these services.

• Provide 10 Emergency Beds in Central Massachusetts, Worcester County.

• Services include housing, meals, case management, and support to help Veterans transition to more suitable habitation and improve their overall health status and housing situation.

• Contractors must meet specific provider qualifications, including capacity for outreach, secure housing, emergency care access, meeting basic needs (food, laundry, medication storage), and providing transportation assistance.

• Case managers must have experience in social services or healthcare and provide support for benefits, independent living, and housing searches.

• Facilities must comply with safety, health, sanitation, and accessibility standards, including fire safety requirements.

• Contract Type: Multi-Award Contract

• Period of Performance: Base year plus four option years.

  • Base Year: April 15, 2026 – April 14, 2027
  • Option Years: April 15, 2027 – April 14, 2031

• Place of Performance: Worcester County, MA 01604-1020

• Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026, 7:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Email quotes to glorimar.estevezcortorreal@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Past Performance, and Technical capabilities.

• Questions Deadline: February 13, 2026, 4:30 PM EST. Questions must be submitted in writing via email.

• NAICS Code: 624221 (Small Business size standard $13.5 Million).

• This procurement is issued as unrestricted.

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

• This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. Quotes are being requested, and a formal solicitation document will not be issued separately.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is attached and contains full requirement details.

• Offerors must complete the Price Schedule (Attachment 1) and Past Performance Worksheet (Attachment 2).

Sources Sought Notice

This is a Sources Sought notice for market research to identify potential qualified sources capable of providing Emergency Housing in Worcester County for Homeless Veterans from the Northampton VA Medical Center (VAMC). This notice is not a request for quotes, and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. The government will not reimburse for responses and will not notify respondents of evaluation results.

The primary requirement is to provide Emergency Housing services that meet or exceed the quality standards outlined in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Specific details regarding the required services are available in the PWS.

• NAICS Code: 624221 (Temporary Shelters)

• Size Standard: $13.5 million

• Product Service Code: G004

• Response Deadline: December 31, 2025, 8:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Email responses to glorimar.estevezcortorreal@va.gov.

• Format: Responses should not exceed 8 pages and must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

• Content: Interested parties must complete the attached Sources Sought Worksheet and may submit additional information regarding their capabilities. The submission should address the company's ability to provide the services outlined in the PWS.

• Inquiries: Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. No feedback or evaluations will be provided.

Based on market research, the requirement may be set-aside for SDVOSB, VOSB, Small Businesses, or procured through full and open competition. Respondents claiming SDVOSB/VOSB status must be registered and verified in the VetBiz Registry. All interested parties must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Respondents must be registered in SAM.gov. Failure to register may result in ineligibility for a future contract.
• The VA utilizes VISTA for purchase orders and invoice liquidation. Failure to register in VISTA may result in exclusion from contract issuance.
• A Sources Sought Worksheet and Performance Work Statement are attached and must be referenced for detailed requirements and submission instructions.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Contracted Residential Services (CRS) to provide 10 emergency beds for homeless Veterans in Worcester County, Massachusetts, as part of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program. The goal is to help Veterans exit homelessness, improve their health status, and find suitable habitation.

• Provide residential environments with supportive services for homeless Veterans eligible for VA Health Care.

• Facilitate Veterans' engagement in programming and communication with Case Managers.

• Assist Veterans in improving their overall health status and housing situation.

• Operate in accordance with HCHV Program Federal Regulations 38 CFR 63.

• Maintain a minimally acceptable occupancy level.

• Achieve a target rate of 55% or higher for exits to permanent housing.

• Maintain a target rate of 20% or less for "Negative Exits" (discharges due to rule violations or unconsulted departures).

• The PWS specifies 10 emergency beds located within Worcester County, Massachusetts.

• The duration of stay for Veterans is generally up to 90 days, with provisions for extensions.

• Admission Criteria: Veterans must be homeless and eligible for VA Health Care. Staff must meet with Veterans within 72 hours of admission and route them to the VA Liaison within 7 days.

• Services: Includes screening/referrals for benefits, enhancement of independent living and social skills, permanent or transitional housing search support, and case management utilizing recovery-oriented approaches.

• Staff Qualifications: Case managers should have experience in social service or health care, with desirable experience with chronic medical, mental health, and substance abuse problems. Staff must maintain BLS/CPR training certification.

• Facility Requirements: Must comply with occupancy permits, safety codes, ADA requirements, and be equipped with operational HVAC systems. Must provide three daily meals and an evening snack, laundry facilities, secure storage for belongings and medication, a food pantry, and a clothing shelf. Facilities must be clean, sanitary, and safe.

• Reporting: Requires daily census, monthly invoices, quarterly performance reports, and immediate reporting of critical incidents.

• Conduct: Contractor personnel must treat Veterans with dignity and respect, complying with VA regulations and the VA Patient's Bill of Rights.