Attachment 3: Consolidated Questions and Answers

CONSOLIDATED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

RFQ 36C24827Q0047 — FY27 Waste Management and Recycling Services C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and Lee County Healthcare Center 1. SDVOSB Teaming and Similarly Situated Subcontractors Consolidated Question: May an SDVOSB prime contractor subcontract waste collection, hauling, and disposal services to another SBA-certified SDVOSB while the prime performs contract management and oversight? How do the limitations on subcontracting apply to this arrangement? Government Response: The solicitation addresses subcontracting requirements under FAR 52.219-14, VAAR 852.219-73, VAAR 852.219-75, and SOW Section 10.H. Subcontracting to a qualifying similarly situated SDVOSB is permitted, provided the arrangement complies with all applicable limitations on subcontracting and other contractual requirements. Payments to qualifying similarly situated entities are treated in accordance with the applicable FAR, VAAR, and SBA regulations.
The prime contractor remains responsible for satisfactory contract performance and compliance with all solicitation requirements. The Government will not make advance determinations regarding compliance of hypothetical teaming or subcontracting arrangements. 2. Limitations on Subcontracting and Excluded Costs
Consolidated Question: How is the 50-percent limitation on subcontracting calculated for this acquisition? Are third-party landfill, transfer-station, recycling-processing, or tipping fees eligible for exclusion as other direct costs? What documentation is required, and how are payments to nonsimilarly situated subcontractors treated? Government Response: The limitations on subcontracting are governed by FAR 52.219-14, VAAR 852.219-73, VAAR 852.219-75, and applicable SBA regulations, including 13 CFR 125.6. For this services acquisition, the applicable limitation generally restricts payments to firms that are not similarly situated to no more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government to the prime contractor, subject to applicable regulatory exclusions. A first-tier subcontractor must satisfy the applicable similarly situated entity requirements, including the required socioeconomic certification and size standards. Work further subcontracted by a similarly situated entity is treated in accordance with 13 CFR 125.6. The Government does not make a blanket determination that landfill, transfer-station, recyclingprocessing, or tipping fees qualify for exclusion as other direct costs. Any claimed exclusion must