Description
INDUSTRY DAY IN COLUMBIA, SC-MAY 13, 2019 AMBULANCE LITTER/STRETCHER and WHEELCHAIR TRANSPOTATION SERVICES The Consensus from Contractors from Industry Day regarding Ambulance and Wheelchair with approximately ten (10) Contractors in attendance, mostly comprising of Small businesses with various categories, such as SDVOSB and one (1) large business is as follows: -Risk or safety concerns were mainly providing services to those patients with Mental health issues and overweight or obese. However, some but very few Contractors agreed that they were prepared to handle both type of patients. -Most favor having one contract combining both services, will be more expensive. However, having multiple providers may cause problems if the minimum maximum may not be profitable for them. Some Contractors believe they may have to subcontract for the Ambulance portion of providing services. -Estimated market prices were expressed with the type of services requested, the norm is usually estimated in accordance with the going Medicare rate and those ranged from $50.00 - $124.00 as a base rate. Over the base rate per mile ranged from $2.00- $4.00 on an average. -Start of service for transition phase most expressed 30-120 days, this was mainly due to locating dispatching areas. -Unknown capabilities were as expressed by majority of Contractors were none, due to years of experience in providing the services. However, some stated locating dispatching areas for ambulance portion may be the most unknown factor in providing these services. -Processes or methods anticipated in performing work such as online scheduling should be utilized along with dispatching system for pick-up and returning patients to prospective destinations. At present most Contractors, believe there needs to be a more sufficient process implemented. The Government agreed to implement the integration of our Vet-ride program system with the Contractor s online scheduling system which will provide for a better process. -Risks anticipated if a multiple award is made in performing these services, may be having duplication of pick up and returns. Minimum and maximum for that day, may not be profitable for the Contractor. Also getting communication between drivers which may tie up vehicles. The Government will reflect clarifications of areas such as ALS & BLS, Mental health patients, wait times to remain at 30 minutes, transporting patients with luggage, distinguishing what is an non- emergency vs emergency calls, 24/7 support for main facility only, not CBOC s, mandate from form Central office to have contractor access for dispatching Vet-ride, address when a patient has multiple appointments, clarify if a motor scoter may be transported with a patient. Also, all Government parties involved in Procurement understands the need for a Best Value-RFP type award. All concerns /clarifications will be included in the revised final Performance Work Statement (PWS), respectively.