New SMT North Wheelchair and Stretcher Transport

Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing this contract for Nonemergent Wheelchair and Stretcher Transportation Services to support the transportation needs of veterans. The goal of this contract is to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services for veterans requiring wheelchair and stretcher transport, in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Work Details
The contractor shall provide Nonemergent Wheelchair and Stretcher Transportation Services on an as-needed basis. Key tasks include:

- Transporting veterans with VA staff and equipment back to the original pick-up location;
- Transporting miscellaneous items such as luggage, medical records, medications, and comfort items at no additional cost;
- Ensuring all personnel are courteous and professional;
- Meeting qualifications specified in the contract;
- Conducting background checks on personnel;
- Providing a tuberculosis exposure control policy;
- Maintaining vehicles in compliance with safety standards;
- Ensuring vehicles are equipped with first aid kits;
- Utilizing VetRide or VA-approved transportation software for trip requests;
- Adhering to response times for scheduled and unscheduled requests;
- Managing cancellations appropriately; and
- Allowing escorts for patients at no extra charge.

The contractor must also ensure that all drivers have valid licenses and meet specific training requirements.

Period of Performance
The contract period begins on August 1, 2026, and ends on July 31, 2027. There are options to extend the contract for additional years up to a total of five years.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed at various locations as required by the Department of Veterans Affairs, primarily centered around the Lake City VA Medical Center located at 619 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract, with Excelsior Ambulance Service holding contract 36C24821P1465 (08/01/21–07/31/26) valued at $6,610,935 for special mode wheelchair and stretcher transportation for the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System (North Region). The prior work includes safe and timely wheelchair/stretcher transport, safety protocols (e.g., seat-belting/loading/unloading techniques), handling cancellations/reimbursements, and providing attendants for certain transfers, with service at VA medical centers including Lake City. The current requirement for nonemergent wheelchair and stretcher transport on an as-needed basis at the Lake City VA Medical Center is consistent with this described service model and operational scope.