INVITATION FOR INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION IN AN INDUSTRY DAY PERTAINING TO SERVICE DOG HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) PROGRAM OFFICE FOR REHABILITATION AND PROSTHETIC SERVICE. BACKGROUND: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC), is providing an invitation to interested contractors to attend and participate in an Industry Day presentation pertaining to Service Dog Health Insurance services on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 via teleconference. The presentation of information and the subsequent submission of feedback/comments from industry is considered an exchange of information (FAR 15.201). The purpose of exchanging information is to improve the understanding of Government requirements and industry capabilities, thereby allowing potential offerors to judge whether or how they can satisfy the Government's requirements, and enhancing the Government's ability to obtain quality supplies and services, ascertain reasonable prices, and increase efficiency in proposal preparation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and contract award. An agenda is being planned whereby the SAC and VA Program Office for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Service intend to share its strategic goals, priorities and objectives. An agenda will be provided to registrants at a later date. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program Office for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Service requires veterinary-care benefits for two groups of dogs. For both groups, the VA shall decide which dogs are eligible for coverage. (Group 1) consists of veteran-owned dogs, hereinafter referred to as "Service Dogs." These Service Dogs shall be defined as Guide or Service Dogs prescribed for a disabled Veteran pursuant to 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 17.148. Service Dogs are privately owned by veterans suffering from visual, hearing and/or substantial mobility impairments. Pursuant to 38 CFR 17.148, the contractor shall provide veterinary health insurance coverage, which includes both a comprehensive wellness and health plan as well as sick/injured insurance coverage for all Dogs screened and approved by VA for receipt of Service Dog benefits regardless of age, breed, geographic location or pre-existing medical condition. VA's primary objectives are to: (1) provide assistance to keep the Service Dogs in optimal serviceable condition, (2) relieve the cost and administrative burden of caring for Service Dogs, and (3) improve the overall level of cost and efficiency on behalf of the Government in providing appropriate veterinary care for Service Dogs. In addition, veterinary care benefits are required for dogs in a Congressionally-mandated study. These dogs are in (Group 2) and owned by VA. They are issued to a Veteran as part of the research, and are hereinafter referred to as "Study Dogs." Study Dogs are either Service Dogs or Emotional Support Dogs. Per §1077(c)(5)(A) of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, VA must provide Veterinary treatment to maintain the health of the dog and keep it functioning in its prescribed role throughout the time the Veterans are participating in the study. The Veterans will have a dog for at least 18 months during the study. EVENT INFORMATION: DATE: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 TIME: 12:00 Noon, EST VANTS DIAL-IN INFORMATION: Dial 1-800-767-1750, Participant Code: 42216 REGISTRATION: The Industry Day will be held via VANTS Teleconference Service. There are 40 available spaces available for contractor and government personnel to call in. Due to limited available lines, each company is authorized to register only TWO representatives for the phone conference. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Upon registration, the government will provide to the contractor a copy of current Performance Work Statement (PWS). Contractors may review PWS and submit questions prior to Industry Day to allow the government the opportunity to prepare thorough answers prior to event. Registration closes at 5:00 p.m., EST on July 21, 2015. All questions are to be submitted NLT 5:00 p.m., July 23, 2015. To register, please contact Contract Specialist, Henry T. Wells via e-mail at
[email protected]. Please address the subject line of the e-mail as follows (without quotes): "REGISTRATION REQUEST: VA Dog Insurance Industry Day [Company Name]" The body of the e-mail shall be as follows: REGISTRANT #1 COMPANY: FULL NAME: [First MI Last] E-MAIL: PHONE NUMBER: [Area code plus phone #] REGISTRANT#2 (if applicable) COMPANY: FULL NAME: [First MI Last] E-MAIL: PHONE NUMBER: [Area code plus phone #] Failure to register according to the directions listed above may jeopardize your company's opportunity to timely register and/ ultimately participate. It is incumbent on the contractor to verify receipt of the registration request. All questions shall be directed to Contract Specialists, Henry T. Wells (
[email protected]). VA intends to publish a copy of the participation list (company names), slide presentations, and question/answer session(s) after the Industry Day. If unforeseen reasons prevent publication (i.e. technical issues, etc.) a request may be made for copies by e-mail to Contract Specialists, Henry T. Wells (
[email protected]). DISCLAIMER: This Industry Day is issued solely for information and planning purposes ONLY and does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotes (RFQ), an Invitation for Bids (IFB), or any other solicitation vehicle. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with attending this Industry Day. VA also reserves the right to reschedule and/or cancel this Industry Day.