VA looking for Laboratories!!!

Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson

New Member
Messages
1,908
Reaction score
13
It's that time of year again. The VA is taking bids from contractors for work. These are generally pretty big accounts and a door opener for more work from VA hospitals all over the country. Foreign labs, and those not members of the NADL need not apply...

Dec 28, 2010 (FedBizOpps via COMTEX) --
NOTICE TYPE: Sources Sought Notice
DATE POSTED: 27-DEC-10
OFFICE ADDRESS: Department of Veterans Affairs;West Palm Beach VA Medical Center;7305 North Military Trail;West Palm Beach FL 33410-6400
SUBJECT: Q--RFI- seeking potential sources to determine viability of SDVOSB, VOSB, or other small business set-aside to provide Dental Laboratory Services to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
CLASSIFICATION CODE: Q - Medical services
SOLICITATION NUMBER: VA24811RI0095
CONTACT: Eric [email protected] (561)422-1272 mailto:[email protected] [Contract Specialist]
SETASIDE: N/A
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE ZIPCODE: 33410
NOTICE TEXT: Department of Veterans Affairs West Palm Beach VAMC Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes. This announcement does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this RFI are preferred VIA E-MAIL to [email protected]. This RFI can be obtained in a clearer and better formatted electronic form by sending a request to Eric Sullivan at this same email address.The purpose of this RFI is to obtain market research in order to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses , and other small businesses interested in, and capable of, providing the dental laboratory services described below. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses adequate functional area expertise and the relevant experience necessary to successfully provide dental laboratory services to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System. The Government is not obligated to nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought synopsis request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. Currently a total small business set-aside is anticipated for a requirement with a 12-month base year and four 12-month option years. However, depending on the responses to this notice, an alternative set-aside or full and open competition may be pursued. No sub-contracting opportunity is anticipated. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 339116 "Dental Laboratories" (500 employees). Responses to this notice shall include the following: (1) company name (2) address (3) point of contact (4) phone, fax, and email (5) DUNS number and Cage Code (6) business size (the standard for a small business for this procurement is 500 employees or less) (7) small business type (if applicable),e.g. services disabled veteran owned small business, veteran-owned small business, woman-owned business, etc. (8) a capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below (9) evidence of experience doing the same type of work All interested respondents should submit information by e-mail, mail or ground carrier to: Eric Sullivan, Contracting Officer at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center [email protected] West Palm Beach VA MEDICAL CENTER 7305 N. Military Trail Bldg 12 West Palm Beach, FL, 33410 All information submissions to be marked Attn: Eric Sullivan, Contracting Officer (90C) and should be received no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on January 5, 2011. Notice to potential offerors: All offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR located on the web at www.ccr.gov). It is desirable that any Offeror completes their business Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Additionally, all Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Veteran Owned Businesses who respond to a solicitation on this project must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise VetBiz Registry located at http://vip.vetbiz.gov. This is for MARKET RESEARCH purposes only. DESCRIPTION OF DENTAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENT STATEMENT OF WORK Dental Laboratory Services for the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Overview The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System has a need for dental laboratory services which are not all inclusive of the service requirements of the Dental Service at the West Palm Beach VAMC. The contractor will provide laboratory support including fixed and removable Prosthodontic laboratory work. Scope of Services The following services shall be provided by the contractor on an as needed basis: 1. Complete dentures (including bite rims, set-up, process and finish) 2. Cast partial dentures (including frameworks, set-up, process and finish) 3. All acrylic partial dentures (including those which require wrought wire clasps, with set-up, process and finish) 4. Use of therma-flex or duracetal claps on cast partial frame works. 5. Flexible Resin partial dentures 6. Complete and partial denture repair 7. Complete and partial denture relines and rebases 8. Thermoplastic mouth guards 9. Traditional acrylic night guards 10. Porcelain fused to metal crowns and bridges 11. All gold crowns and bridges 12. All ceramic crowns, porcelain veneers and bridges including Lava 13. Processed provisional crowns and bridges 14. Diagnostic wax-up and design services for removable and fixed prosthodontics 15. Pre-fabricated and custom abutments for implants 16. Implant supported crowns and bridges 17. Implant stents 18. Maryland bridges 19. Precision cast retentive bars 20. Precision and semi-precision attachments 21. Cast gold post and cores The contractor will provide all materials and supplies necessary to complete each item. Acceptable supplies for removable prosthodontics include: Lucitone 199 denture acrylic and Trubyte Bioblend, Ivoclar or Portrait IPN denture teeth. Acceptable supplies for fixed prosthodontics include: type 3 gold, high noble metals and quality porcelain systems such as Lava, IPS Empress, Procera, Captek and Belle-Glass. The contractor will provide items that meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of the patient. The contractor will be familiar with mould guides by Trubyte Bioblend, Ivoclar and Portrait IPN and with their comparable shade guides and the VITA 3D Tooth guide. High quality materials will be utilized from ISO 9001/CE registered companies. The contractor will use procedures, techniques and current technology which are considered to be the standards in the industry. The contractor will offer, at no additional cost to the VA, professional case consultation as well as responsive and knowledgeable customer service. Estimated Annual Requirements No. CLIN Description Qty Unit Complete Dentures 72 each 1 model 10 each 2 custom tray 30 each 3 bite block 60 each 4 articulation 30 each 5 set up 60 each 6 reset 15 each 7 Process & finish Includes either- Lucitone 199, characterized lucitone or Injectable 72 each 8 Stock Denture teeth (Bioblend or bioform type or equivalent, Determined by the VA) 6 each Cast Partial Denture each 9 Framework any major connector designs including any lingual plating and up to 4 cast clasps and all saddles. All inclusive frame, excludes special clasps below 120 each 10 Add: Wrought Wire (includes soldering or welding to RPD Frame) 40 each 11 Therma-flex clasps 36 each 12 Duracetal clasps: 12 each 13 custom tray 6 each 14 bite block 6 each 15 articulation 12 each 16 set up 48 each 17 reset 8 each 18 process & finish 48 each 19 (Flipper) Transitional acrylic RPD with up to four teeth and including up to two clasps 24 each 20 Acrylic Partial Dentures w/2 Wrought Wire Clasps 36 each 21 FRS(Flexible Resin System) Flexible RPD (design and process) 24 each Repairs Complete Denture or Removable partials 22 complete denture-simple fracture 2 each 23 complex fracture 2 each 24 partial denture-simple fracture 2 each 25 complex fracture 2 each 26 clasp repair 12 each 27 replace saddle 2 each 28 replace tooth 12 each 29 reline 6 each 30 rebase 6 each Other Removable appliances 31 Thermoplastic niteguards or Hard niteguards 12 each 32 Thermoplastic niteguards w/soft liner 10 each 33 Playsafe (mouth guard) 4 each 34 Hinged Snore Guard ( I.E. -TAP III appliance) 6 each 35 Swing lock-type partial 1 each 36 Surgical stent for implants ( complete- includes metal guide sleeves 6 each 37 Surgical clear stents for immediate Denture 4 each 38 Denture teeth - Stock 156 39 Implant bar overdenture (not including implant parts and high noble metal) 2 each 40 Precision and semi-precision attachments 4 each Gasket-type partial denture 41 Bleaching Tray 6 each 42 Cast Overlay RPD Framework- Including any major connector design with lingual plating as needed and up to 4 cast clasps and all saddles. All inclusive frame, excludes special clasps that can be added like cast RPD above. 6 each Crowns, bridges and implants - per unit price 43 Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown 48 each 44 FPD (bridge) abutment tooth 36 each 45 FPD (bridge) pontic tooth per unit (Includes all noble metal). From final impression to finished crown or bridge. 36 each 46 Full cast gold crown (includes high noble metal gold) 12 each 47 ALL Porcelain Crown Lava crown (complete) 24 each 48 All Porcelain Bridge Lava bridge (each unit) 12 each 49 Gold onlay/ inlay (metal @ mkt. price) 2 each 50 Porcelain onlay/inlay (E-max system) 4 each 51 Acrylic provisional crowns and bridges per tooth ( Pontic or abutment) 72 each 52 3 unit Maryland bridge w/ceramic pontic & 2 wings 2 each 53 Cast gold post & core- (includes gold) 4 each 54 Custom shade w/patient 1 each 55 Diagnostic wax-ups for fixed & removable cases 6 each 56 For Implants: surgical stent 6 each 57 custom tray 2 each 58 soft tissue model 12 each 59 Custom abutment implant 4 each 60 Modify a prefab abutment for a cement retained restoration 4 each 61 Porcelain labial margin on PFM crown/FPD 6 each 62 Porcelain 360 margin on PFM crown/FPD 2 each 63 Captek Crown (includes gold) 6 each 64 Captek Bridge (includes gold) 3 each 65 IPS Empress Esthetic Veneers 6 each 66 Laser Welding FPD or RPD frame work 6 each 67 Porcelain bonded veneer 6 each 68 Modify a prefab abutment for a cement retained restoration 6 each 69 Labor for screw-retained restoration 6 each 70 Crown fitted under partial (additional charge) 4 each 71 Surveyed crown for RPD design - Cut & Cast Shallow Rest 6 each 72 Milled Telescope Coping for FPD abutment crown or overdenture 4 each Quality Control The contractor shall maintain a Quality Assurance Process (QA) that will guarantee a product that meets the patient's natural aesthetics & superior fit with minimal chair time. Use of high quality raw materials purchased from ISO 9001/CE registered companies. Laboratory will perform internal technical audits to ensure consistent, high quality, and timely restorations. The contractor's laboratory will use procedures, techniques and current technologies which are consistent with standards of practices in this industry. This includes the use of Dental Wave 7000 Microwave burnout technology, Cad Cam technology & advanced laser welding. Laboratory will provide a thorough infection control process for all incoming and outgoing cases. All completed services must be disinfected before the product is returned to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and The contractor will, at no additional expense to VA, re-make all dental items that are not correct or flawed due to contractor error. For example, if a crown does not fit the die, it will be considered flawed and unacceptable. The crown will be remade at no additional expense to the government. If the crown fits the die but not on the patient's tooth, it will be considered a flawed action of the government and the remake will be at the VA's expense. If, in the case of porcelain work, the porcelain shatters within twelve months of fabrication, it will be considered flawed and remade at no additional expense to the VA. The West Palm Beach VA Dentists will provide legible dental service prescriptions. The Dentists will provide accurate impressions and bite registrations. If a prescription is not legible or clearly understood, the contractor must contact the VA's Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) to obtain a clear and legible prescription. Performance Timelines Impressions, teeth, prescriptions, finished product, etc. will be picked up from the VA West Palm Beach Dental Service by the contractor and transported to the contractor's laboratory at the contractor's expense. Completed work will be immediately returned back to the location from which it was received. The contractor must identify the specific type of metal used in each prosthesis at the time of delivery. The West Palm Beach VA desires that work be returned when completed and encourages daily deliveries, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays. Pick-ups and deliveries must be accomplished between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It is the intent of the Government to make a single award to a Small Business with such proximity to the VA West Palm Beach facility as to provide a two (2) hour response time when required to help meet patient's nutritional needs. All crown and bridge procedures shall be completed within ten (10) working days from the day of arrival at the laboratory. All complete and partial denture steps shall be completed within four (4) working days of pick-up. Additional Service: No charge pick-up and delivery service to ensure that casework arrives on time and safely. Other Requirements The Contractor's laboratory must be certified by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. A copy of the contractor's current certifications must be provided to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare system with completed proposal. The contractor's laboratory will offer professional case consultation, responsive and knowledgeable customer support representatives, computerized tracking, and personalized shipping and delivery services.
INTERNET ADDRESS: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/WPBVAMC/VAMCCO80220/VA24811RI0095/listing.html Provided by Federal Information & News Dispatch, Inc. (FIND) 202-429-5944
 
Last edited:
TheLabGuy

TheLabGuy

Just a Member
Full Member
Messages
6,223
Reaction score
817
but if you're a NADL lab that sends most of your work offshore, feel free to apply?
 
JohnWilson

JohnWilson

Well-Known Member
Full Member
Messages
5,487
Reaction score
1,575
Mark have you ever submitted a bid?
 
Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson

New Member
Messages
1,908
Reaction score
13
but if you're a NADL lab that sends most of your work offshore, feel free to apply?

No, the work must be Made in America. A well known Chinese lab got drug out into the sun when the Dallas VA hospital thing blew up a few years ago.

John, I have done work for VA hospitals, yes. I will not be bidding this one out, as we are not a Certified Dental Lab. It is on our to-do list for 2011 though.
 
TheLabGuy

TheLabGuy

Just a Member
Full Member
Messages
6,223
Reaction score
817
No, the work must be Made in America. A well known Chinese lab got drug out into the sun when the Dallas VA hospital thing blew up a few years ago.

I didn't know that Mark, I'm curious, what happened, how did it get brought out into the open? Also, since you've done work for them in the past, is it mostly NP, noble or high noble?
 
JohnWilson

JohnWilson

Well-Known Member
Full Member
Messages
5,487
Reaction score
1,575
Thats interesting, in this proposal they are actually looking for a local Florida lab If I read through the requirements correctly, however I know that in the past other VA's would accept bids from everywhere.

As for no offshore work going through the VA's this is bogus, I won't say anymore but lets just say I know its happening NOW.
 
user name

user name

Well-Known Member
Full Member
Messages
6,960
Reaction score
1,633
I do work for a V.A. I am a NADL'r, but no one ever asked. I was requested to sign an agreement that I wouldnt outsource outside the U.S. Initially when I was asked to do some work I explained that I was full, and any work would be overtime. To simplify my work flow...no return dates. Ill get them done as soon as possible, but it might not be under two weeks. Its been a good relationship. They are very hesitant to try e.max. Everything is PFM- NP or FC gold.
 
Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson

New Member
Messages
1,908
Reaction score
13
Thats interesting, in this proposal they are actually looking for a local Florida lab If I read through the requirements correctly, however I know that in the past other VA's would accept bids from everywhere.

As for no offshore work going through the VA's this is bogus, I won't say anymore but lets just say I know its happening NOW.

Turn them in John. They are breaking the law. Being local is necessary for repairs. You could find a local lab to coordinate that part for you, especially if you are DAMAS.

USERNAME, every VA hospital cuts it's own deal, but EVERY contractor must meet the Made in America requirement. I believe that is congressional in nature.
 
Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat

New Member
Messages
124
Reaction score
0
The "powers that be" have been alerted, lets see what is REALLY going to be done...pay attention in 2011....
 
Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat

New Member
Messages
124
Reaction score
0
Screw the news, the people who should know, DO know, who is doing what where and how. They have been given names, detailed info on where to find the paper trail, all labs involved from one end to another. Now, sit back and see if anything will be done. it is time to see where our professional organizations stand, the side of american dental labs or the corporate entities such as supliers and large corporate volume labs with overseas interests...not to mention the parent companies who also have their hands in dental practice management...and I wonder what connections they have to dental insurance companies. One giant soupy mess we are swimming in........
 
Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat

New Member
Messages
124
Reaction score
0
not to mention our state and federal officials who should be waaaay more concerned about what we all know goes on, both overseas AND once the restorations reach our shore....how they are being resold and packaged/invoiced. ...I mean poisoned baby formula, lead in toys, dental appliances should be at the top end of their watch and regulate list, but it seems like eveyone in this industry is trying to conduct these 'investigations" in the most polite and politically correct way. frankly I'm sick of it. I can compete/hold my own technically.....I can compete with a broad line of services and products, I can compete with price too.....none of us stand a chance when we have to compete against sour business practices and obvious disreguard of disclosure laws.
 
TheLabGuy

TheLabGuy

Just a Member
Full Member
Messages
6,223
Reaction score
817
none of us stand a chance when we have to compete against sour business practices and obvious disreguard of disclosure laws.

Can't disagree with anything you said, very refreshing actually. I'd like to echo what Mark was asking as well though. Give us some details and WE all will sit back with you and see what happens because as a Military chap myself I'd hate to think some of my brethren were receiving offshore work thinking it was Made in America.
 
Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson

New Member
Messages
1,908
Reaction score
13
not to mention our state and federal officials who should be waaaay more concerned about what we all know goes on, both overseas AND once the restorations reach our shore....how they are being resold and packaged/invoiced. ...I mean poisoned baby formula, lead in toys, dental appliances should be at the top end of their watch and regulate list, but it seems like eveyone in this industry is trying to conduct these 'investigations" in the most polite and politically correct way.

I agree, so why not out them here and now? We need to quit tip toeing around thgese things, and not be afraid to report people who are breaking the law. Why should only SOME of us play by the rules?

Go take a look at the post about people working in this industry. There are people who HATE being a dental technician. They may like the work itself, but hate the industry. We have the power to change it...or just complain about it. Give me the information and see what happens.
 
Last edited:
JohnWilson

JohnWilson

Well-Known Member
Full Member
Messages
5,487
Reaction score
1,575
The truth can be an expensive thing.
 
Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat

New Member
Messages
124
Reaction score
0
it isn't even "truth", it is "obvoius common sense"

I have played by the political rules of engagement and the proper people have what they need, i would rather wait and see if all this grandstanding by industry organizations who are here to cultivate dental within this country, yet they seem to just drag their feet on investigating and encouraging government officials to pursue prosicutition. Truthfully, I know a number of people who have reported offenses by their employer, and are so freaked out they told someone their info, and have verbally expressed their extreme fear of either getting sued, somewhat terrorized by the entity they turned in, and one person even said " if I go missing, you know who did it...." WTF? who is really running this "show"? think about it.........
 
Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat

New Member
Messages
124
Reaction score
0
the initial offense is more "obvious common sense" beacuse when we all notice these "shifty goings ons" our gut just tells us that the obvious answer IS simply... the answer . The "truth" is way beyond what we are comfortable/competent in dealing with, the truth is like an octopus...many arms.
 

Similar threads

S
Replies
6
Views
393
Marylandfarmer
Marylandfarmer
sidesh0wb0b
Replies
6
Views
656
Doris A
Doris A
R
Replies
0
Views
306
renewdentalartsclt
R
R
Replies
0
Views
498
renewdentalartsclt
R
Top Bottom