Solicitation Questions-Responses.pdf

Audiometric Service Solicitation Questions September 16, 2022

1. Are there any restrictions on service performance to audiologists only, or are you asking us to create a proposed staffing plan to cover the requirements?

• No Service restrictions on service performance. Audiologist should be able to make professional judgments when evaluating an employee’s annual audiogram and make comparisons to employee’s baseline in determining the hearing capabilities of employees.

Audiologists should be capable of making an assessment of employee’s hearing and make recommendations as needed in accordance with OSHA requirements.

2. I am confused at the breakdown, since you are stating that employees must be tested annually, and that there are 10 locations, so I am missing something here:

How does this break down?

• The breakdown is 10 districts and within the districts, there are various circuits and within the circuits, there are hundreds of establishments where USDA OFO personnel are located. The Vendor will be required to provide audiology services where USDA OFO personnel are located at all establishments.

3. Are you asking that our staff come into the FSIS facilities and do the testing, or are the employees permitted to schedule their tests at our offices according to their own personal schedules? Does the testing all have to be completed within a specific period of time or can it take place throughout the year?

• Testing can be done throughout the year but mobile Audiology staff should support districts, circuits and establishments. Each establishment should be given 1-2 days to complete audiograms for USDA personnel.