Questions and Answers for Solicitation RFQ 12318726Q0109 Columbia Basin.pdf

Questions and Answers for Solicitation RFQ 12318726Q0109 – Columbia Basin

1. Discrepancy in Required Positions

The Schedule of Items (Attachment 1) lists only two positions:

Registered Nurse (CLIN 0001) or (PWS Position C )

Center Mental Health Counselor (CLIN 0002) or ( PWS Position A)

However, the Performance Work Statement -PWS (Attachment 2) and Labor Category (Attachment 5) include detailed requirements and tasks for a third position:

Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor (PWS Position B)

Could you please confirm the definitive list of positions required for this solicitation and clarify if the

Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counselor should be included in our pricing?

The are only 2 positions – listed in the Schedule of Items ( Registered Nurse and Center Mental Health

Counselor)– Attachment 1. The PWS and Attachment 5 positions are for informational reference only.

Please only provide pricing as required for those 2 CLIN’s indicated on page 1 (Attachment 1 – Schedule of

Items) and that is all that is required.

2. Alignment of Employee Classes and Wage Rates

We also require clarification on the Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (FAR 52.222-42) provided on page 4 of the solicitation.

The Employee Class listed in this statement does not seem to align with the professional qualifications required in section 7.0 Contactor’s Key Personnel and Attachment 5:

• Mental Health Provider vs. Nursing Assistant III:

• The Statement of Equivalent Rates lists Nursing Assistant III (Mental Health Provider) at a rate of

$19.56. However, Attachment 5 requires the Center Mental Health Counselor to be an independent practitioner with an active, unrestricted license as a Clinical

• Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

• Registered Nurse:

• The Statement lists a Registered Nurse at $33.60, which aligns with a Registered Nurse II in the provided Wage Determination, but the PWS Position C Nurse tasks include those for nurses with specialized mental health certifications.

In reference to the Wage Determination – attachment 3.

Employee Class Monetary Wage -- Fringe Benefits

Registered Nurse $33.60

Nursing Assistant III

(Mental Health Provider)

$19.56

12222 NURSING ASSISTANT II In addition to providing personal care, the Nursing Assistant II performs common nursing procedures such as, observing and reporting on patient conditions; taking and recording vital signs, collecting and labeling specimens, sterilizing equipment; listening to and encouraging patients, giving sitz baths and enemas; applying and changing compresses and non-sterile dressings, checking and replenishing supplies, securing admission data from patients, and assisting in controlling aggressive or disruptive behavior. The Nursing Assistant II follows specific instructions and matters not covered are verified with the supervisor. (Positions involved with the above duties in forensic units of mental health institutions are classified as Nursing Assistant III.)

• Mental Health Provider vs. Nursing Assistant III:

• The Statement of Equivalent Rates lists Nursing Assistant III (Mental Health Provider) at a rate of

$19.56. However, Attachment 5 requires the Center Mental Health Counselor to be an independent practitioner with an active, unrestricted license as a Clinical

• Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

The Center Mental Health Counselor is considered key personnel and must meet these minimum requirements. The job corps program is run by the Department of Labor (DOL). Key personnel shall be approved by DOL prior to award or replacement:

7.1.1. Have an active, unrestricted license to practice as an independent practitioner in the state where the center is located and does not require supervision to practice.

7.1.2. Minimum 1 year of experience as a licensed independent practitioner providing assessment and treatment services to adolescents and young adults.

7.1.3. Maintain licensing requirements/certification/accreditation and required insurance coverage at a minimum of $1 million per occurrence/$3 million aggregate during the entire performance period with proof being submitted to the CO upon request

7.1.4. Agree to a criminal background check, and drug testing, as a prerequisite for contract performance, if determined necessary by the CO.

7.1.4.1. Information obtained through the background check may be used in determining contractor’s qualification for this contract. Information regarding a person’s race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or age will not be evaluated or have any impact on the determination of qualifications for this contract.

7.1.4.2. Government may terminate the contract if the background check is determined to be unacceptable or if any aspect would jeopardize the health and safety of the students.

52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for

Federal Hires (May 2014)

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination

This statement is not a wage determination and does not impose mandatory pay rates on contractors; it serves as a reference for understanding federal pay equivalencies.

• Service Contract Labor Standards: Ensures that service employees are compensated fairly in federally funded contracts.

FAR 52.222-42 is a compliance and informational tool that helps contractors understand the federal equivalent pay and benefits for service employees under a contract. It ensures transparency and supports adherence to labor standards without establishing enforceable wage rates.

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