Q702--FY26: On-site Phlebotomy Services | San Juan VAMC - Small Business Set-Aside

Wage Determination

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5707, Revision No. 28) under the Service Contract Act, dated December 3, 2025. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Puerto Rico.

• Geographic Area: Applies to specific municipalities in Puerto Rico.
• Occupational Listings: Provides 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, though specific details are not fully detailed in the provided pages.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: An 8% differential is applicable for high-hazard positions involving ordnance and explosives, and a 4% differential for lower-hazard positions.
• Uniform Allowance: Contractors must furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for their cost, including maintenance ($3.35/week or $.67/day), unless "wash and wear" materials are used and no special cleaning is required.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination, requiring contractor submission of a Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

This wage determination is crucial for any contractor bidding on a Service Contract Act-covered service contract in the specified area of Puerto Rico. It dictates the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals to ensure compliance with federal labor laws.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C24826Q0385, dated 04-15-2026, serves the following purposes:

• Addresses Vendor Questions: Provides responses to vendor inquiries regarding the referenced RFQ. These questions and answers are detailed on page 2 of this amendment.

• Closes Question Period: The period for submitting questions has concluded, and no further questions will be addressed.

• Clarifies Pricing Instructions: Offerors are now required to provide a Price Break Down of costs included in the hourly rate, as specified on Page 6 of the pricing instructions.

• Submission Instructions: All quotes should be submitted to Contracting Officer Fernando.defillo@va.gov.

• Questions and Answers (detailed on page 2).

• Pricing Instructions (Page 6) regarding Price Break Down.

• The deadline for submitting offers is extended to May 15, 2026.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in offer rejection.

• Offerors wishing to change a previously submitted offer must do so via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and amendment, received before the specified opening hour and date.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Contractor Rules of Behavior," is Attachment Four (4) to VA Handbook 6500.6, Appendix D. It outlines the terms and conditions for contractor access to and use of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) information assets, systems, and sites. It serves as a User Agreement that contractors must acknowledge and accept.

• General Terms and Conditions: Covers understanding of no expectation of privacy, consent to monitoring and reviews by VA OI&T and OIG, prohibition of unauthorized access or misuse of Federal systems, and awareness of potential penalties.
• General Rules of Behavior: Establishes standards for information security, including:
  • Following procedures for account access and usage.
  • Using only authorized systems, software, and data.
  • Restrictions on using non-contractor owned equipment (OE) for sensitive information without a waiver.
  • Not exploiting access rights for personal gain.
  • Not overriding security controls without authorization.
  • Limiting use of systems and information strictly to contract fulfillment.
  • Protecting passwords and information from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, or destruction, including using FIPS 140-2 validated encryption.
  • Following specific VA handbooks and directives (e.g., VA Handbook 6500.1 for Electronic Media Sanitization).
  • Obtaining COTR approval for public dissemination of VA information.
  • Not hosting unauthorized internet servers.
  • Protecting government property.
  • Using only authorized anti-virus, antispyware, and firewall software.
  • Completing required information security and privacy training.
• Additional Conditions for Use of Non-VA IT Resources: Details requirements for connecting to the VA network, remote access limitations, and prohibitions on dual network connections without authorization.
• Statement on Litigation: Clarifies that the agreement does not create rights enforceable in litigation.
• Acknowledgement and Acceptance: Requires contractors to print their name, sign, provide SSN, contact info, and company name, and return the signed document to the COTR.

This document is critical for any bidder who will be performing services under a VA contract that involves access to VA information systems or data. It details the mandatory security protocols, acceptable use policies, and user responsibilities that must be adhered to. Failure to comply can result in penalties. Bidders must understand these requirements to ensure compliance if awarded the contract and must be prepared to complete the acknowledgement and acceptance section.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for on-site phlebotomy services to cover scheduled staff shortages at eight (8) clinics within the VA Caribbean Healthcare System. The services will involve collecting blood specimens and body fluids for laboratory analysis for patients being treated at VACHS locations.

• Provide phlebotomists to perform phlebotomy services.

• Minimum of five (5) and maximum of eight (8) phlebotomists needed daily.

• Contractor must supply all management, supervision, and labor.

• Personnel must have access to and use of required patient care equipment, supplies, and computer access (CPRS, VISTA, etc.).

• Phlebotomists must have direct work experience in a healthcare setting and be familiar with outpatient settings, geriatric patients, various behavioral groups, and clinically complex patients.

• Services are for actual performance, not for standing by or being on-call.

• Contractor personnel must be credentialed via the VETPRO process.

• Specific training requirements include BLS, CPRS, VA mandatory training, and standard personnel testing (PPD, Rubella, OSHA, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza).

• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year with four (4) one-year option periods.

• Anticipated Base Period: 07-01-2026 to 06-30-2027.

• Anticipated Option Year I: 07-01-2027 to 06-30-2028.

• Anticipated Option Year II: 07-01-2028 to 06-30-2029.

• Anticipated Option Year III: 07-01-2029 to 06-30-2030.

• Anticipated Option Year IV: 07-01-2030 to 06-30-2031.

• Minimum Quantity: $2,500.00 (total for base and all option periods).

• Maximum Quantity: $3,000,000.00 (total for base and all option periods).

• Offer Due Date: May 1, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT.

• All questions must be submitted via email to Fernando.defillo@va.gov no later than April 23, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Capability (Qualifications/Experience and Staffing Plan) and Past Performance. Technical factors are significantly more important than price.

• Award will be made to the responsible Small Business contractor whose quotation is most advantageous to the Government.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 621511 (Diagnostic Imaging Centers).

• Size Standard: $41.5 Million.

• The contract will be administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8).

• Payment will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer.

• Invoices must be submitted monthly.

• The PWS is detailed on pages 10-37.

• Contract clauses and provisions are detailed from page 38 onwards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire for Phlebotomy Services. It is used by the San Juan VA Caribbean Healthcare System (SJVCHS) to gather feedback from vendors who have previously contracted with a company, to validate that company's past performance.

• The questionnaire asks evaluators to rate a company's performance in areas such as:
  • Staff professionalism
  • Responsiveness to inquiries
  • Flexibility in responding to urgent requirements
  • Overall customer satisfaction
  • Compliance with staffing requirements (notice of changes, trained/qualified staff)
  • Staff qualifications and proficiency
• It also includes questions about whether the company received any cure or show cause notices and if the evaluator would hire the company again.
• A rating scale from "O" (Outstanding) to "U" (Unacceptable) is provided, with definitions for each.
• Space is provided for narrative explanations and additional comments.

Bidders should be aware that this questionnaire will be used to assess the past performance of potential offerors. The feedback provided by references will be a critical factor in the evaluation process. Companies seeking to bid on this opportunity should ensure their references are aware of this requirement and are prepared to provide detailed and accurate feedback.

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

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines a systematic method for the government to evaluate contractor performance on a stated contract. It details what will be monitored, how monitoring will take place, who will conduct it, and how efforts and results will be documented.

This document focuses on the government's responsibility to objectively evaluate performance, not on how the contractor accomplishes the work. It serves as a "living document" subject to review and revision coordinated through contract modification.

• The QASP defines performance standards used to determine the level of contractor performance.
• Performance requirements are listed in Section 6, which details specific measures, PWS references, standards, acceptable quality levels, and surveillance methods.
• Key performance areas include Accuracy (Technical Competence), Productivity, Safety, Education and Training, Customer Service, and Validation of Hours Worked.
• CPARS ratings (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory) are assigned based on performance against these standards.

Not explicitly detailed in this document, but it governs performance evaluation for the contract.

• Government Roles: Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) are defined with their responsibilities.
• Contractor Representatives: Primary and Alternate Program Managers are to be identified.
• Documentation: Performance will be documented, and reports may become part of annual past performance assessments (CPARS).
• Contract Discrepancy Reports (CDRs) will be issued for performance not meeting acceptable quality levels, requiring contractor response and corrective action plans.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Contractor Certification: Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended." It requires the contractor to certify compliance with all legal provisions related to the Immigration and Nationality Act, as enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically concerning non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Compliance Statement: The contractor must certify they will not employ illegal aliens or non-immigrant foreign nationals in violation of their status.
• E-Verify Requirement: Contractors must comply with "E-Verify" requirements consistent with "Executive Order 12989" and related amendments.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply may result in the prohibition of foreign nationals from working on VA contracts and may be grounds for contract termination.
• Subcontractor Certification: The contractor agrees to obtain similar certifications from their subcontractors.
• Signature Block: Includes fields for Signature, Date, Typed Name and Title, and Company Name.
• False Certification Warning: States that making a false certification is subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

Bidders must understand and be prepared to complete and submit this certification as part of their contractual obligations if awarded an opportunity. It signifies a commitment to legal employment practices regarding foreign nationals and adherence to specific federal requirements like E-Verify.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "SAMPLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACKNOWLEDGMENT" form (Appendix A to VHA HANDBOOK 1660.03). It is intended to be completed by specific VA personnel to acknowledge their understanding and agreement to abide by guidance related to conflicts of interest in contracts or agreements for sharing of HCR.

• The form requires the individual to confirm they have received, read, and agree to abide by VHA Handbook 1660.03 regarding conflicts of interest.
• It also requires confirmation of completion of appropriate Tier Level Medical Sharing/Affiliate Office Customer training.
• The form includes fields for "Description of Requirement," "Signature," and "Date."

While this is an internal VA form, bidders may be required to ensure their personnel involved in HCR contracts understand and comply with conflict of interest regulations as outlined in VHA Handbook 1660.03. The completion of this form by VA personnel indicates a commitment to ethical conduct and compliance within the procurement process.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a solicitation for on-site Phlebotomy Services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), San Juan Caribbean Healthcare System (SJCHS) located in San Juan, PR. The procurement is being conducted under the authority of 38 USC 8153 and FAR Part 12, and is a Small Business Set-Aside.

• Provision of on-site Phlebotomy Services.

• Period of Performance: Anticipated base period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

• The solicitation is anticipated to be issued on or about April 16, 2026.

• Interested contractors must download the solicitation, attachments, and amendments from the designated website; no hard copies will be provided.

• The response date is April 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Questions should be directed via email to the Contracting Officer, Fernando G. Defillo (Fernando.defillo@va.gov), with the solicitation number in the subject line. Telephone requests will not be accepted.

• This requirement is a Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 621511 (Medical Laboratories)

• Small Business Size Standard: $41.5 million

• Product Service Code: Q702 (Technical Medical Support)

• Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• The contracting office is Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) located in Orlando, FL.

• The solicitation will include instructions for the RFQ submission process.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is a request for information to gauge market interest and identify potential sources for on-site Phlebotomy Services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Caribbean VA Healthcare System (CVACHS), specifically at the San Juan VA Medical Center (SJVAMC) and several other VA locations across Puerto Rico. This is a new requirement with no incumbent contractor.

• Provide on-site Phlebotomy Services to eligible VA beneficiaries.

• Services will be performed at multiple locations including San Juan VA Medical Center, Ponce OPC, Mayaguez OPC, Arecibo VA Clinic, Ceiba VA Clinic, Comerio VA Clinic, and Guayama VA Clinic.

• Phlebotomists must be highly reliable, experienced in healthcare settings, and capable of working with diverse patient populations (geriatric, disoriented, disabled, physically impaired, and chronically/mentally ill).

• Contractor must comply with all Federal laws and regulations regarding patient privacy, including HIPAA.

• The anticipated period of performance includes a base year and four (4) one-year option periods.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 621511 (Phlebotomy Services).

• The Business Size Standard is $41.5M.

• This is a Sources Sought notice for market research and planning purposes; it is NOT a request for quotes or proposals.

• Interested parties should submit a capability statement electronically to Fernando G. Defillo at Fernando.defillo@va.gov by March 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.

• The capability statement should include: Point of contact, company name and address, SAM.gov Unique Entity Identification code, socio-economic status, and documentation of capability.

• The VA is looking for certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), Small Businesses, and/or other than small businesses.

• SDVOSB or VOSB firms must be certified and verified in the Veterans Small Business Certification website (sba.gov).

• All interested firms must be registered in SAM (System for Award Management).

• The authority for this procurement is Title 38 USC 8153 and FAR Part 12.

• The VA will not pay for any information received in response to this notice.

• Requests for copies of a solicitation will not be honored at this time.