BO Questions2.docx

1. Can a single independently practicing NP provide all 400 hours without a physician?

Yes—per SD law, a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) may practice independently if they meet the criteria in SDCL 36 9A 13.1 (which includes >1,040 practice hours or a collaborative agreement). Up to half of the 4 hrs per 100 students/week physician requirement (i.e., 2 hrs/100 students/week) may be fulfilled by a qualified NP without physician presence, provided they work under a formal collaborative agreement outlining supervision terms. No additional government oversight is mandated beyond this Doc NP agreement and compliance with state practice authority.

2. In a mixed physician + NP/PA model, can hour allocations shift?

Offeror’s can choose how to price and allocate hours, including separate line items for NP/PA and MD, if they wish.

3. Are any clinical functions restricted to physicians only?

No specific clinical duties are reserved exclusively for physicians. A licensed NP/PA may perform any task within their scope—including visits, physicals, prescribing, minor procedures, and exams.

4. Current student census, monthly encounters, new-intake physicals?

Current student census is: 95 Monthly encounters: 28-35 depending on medication management and need.

New Intake Physicals: approximately 20

5. Existing supporting staff (nursing, behavioral health, admin)?

Yes. Centers must maintain the following support staff (approved by the Regional Office):

• Registered nurse coverage:

o OBS 250–299: 100 hours/week (≥ 80 RN hours) o OBS 300–349: 120 hours/week (≥ 80 RN hours)

• Other health staff:

The Health & Wellness Director, staff nurses, TEAP specialists, mental health personnel, and administrative support will regularly be onsite to assist the provider during scheduled clinic hours.

6. Is ~8 hours/week sufficient subject to mutual adjustments?

Yes. The 400-hour annual requirement aligns with a typical schedule of 1–2 days/week (approximately 8 hr/week, provided adjustments are mutually agreed and coordinated with the Center.

7. Are documentation, meetings, and calls included in the 400 hours?

No. time spent on documentation, monthly reports, participation in DAC/coordination meetings, training, or after-hours calls is not included in the 400 compensated hours. Only on-site clinical hours are billable.

8. If a scheduled clinic day is canceled by the Center, how is that addressed?

Scheduling and closures (e.g., for holidays, low census) are resolved by mutual agreement. Canceled clinic days should be rescheduled mutually. There is no minimum guaranteed utilization or guaranteed hours—it's strictly a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) hourly arrangement.

9. Is the provider expected to remain reachable between visits?

Yes. They must be on call to provide support to HW staff in case of emergency.

10. Must substitutes be pre-identified in the quote?

Substitutes are not required to be provided in the initial quote.

11. How long does credentialing of substitutes take, and are gaps allowed?

?Credentialing of substitutes follows the same process as credentialing key personnel.

12. Does DEA registration need a South Dakota address at submission?

Not necessarily. The contractor’s DEA may initially list an address elsewhere, but must be updated to a South Dakota practice address before performance begins to meet licensure requirements.

13. Who provides access to health records, training, and medical supplies?

The Government provides:

• Access to the Student Health Record system and required training.

• Supplies and facilities including vaccines, medical supplies, EHR interface, and clinical stock—all part of the Federal Center’s support. The contractor needs only bring their own DEA license, liability insurance, and personal equipment (e.g., stethoscope).

14. Does past performance include ongoing contracts within the past 3 years?

The Government will consider all sources of relevant information, including CPARS (if applicable) as well as information furnished by the offeror.

15. How are Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price weighted?

?Past Performance and Technical Capability, when combined are more important than price, therefore the lowest-priced offer may not necessarily result in award—award will be on a best value basis.

16. Are CLIN dates for the six-month extension accurate?

?Yes, the dates are accurate: i.e. the intended dates of the extension are December 15, 2031 through June 14, 2032. Note that the six-month extension is not guaranteed to be utilized.

17. Is the 200-hour extension priced separately and evaluated?

?The extension will be included as part of the total price but is to be priced as it’s own line item.

18. Will there be site visits or meetings pre-submission?

No. There is no Government-sponsored site visit or requirement to introduce proposers to the Health & Wellness Director prior to quoting. Centers may allow a site visit if approved, but it's not anticipated or officially offered.

19. Are monthly reports/deliverables part of contract deliverables?

These are considered routine deliverables.

20. Is Telehealth permitted?

The current Statement of Work does not permit any services to be provided via telehealth: i.e. all services must be provided on site.