Questions for Solicitation 140A2320Q0418_0001.docx

1. Will the Government please specify how many full-time, on-site counseling positions are required, and at which locations?

ANSWER: The BIE is creating a Behavioral Health and Wellness service delivery program that should be accessible to all bureau-funded institutions. Currently, the BIE has an EAP program that is only accessible to Federal Employees which is managed through the Department of the Interior. This contract is a new endeavor for the BIE and will establish an immediate behavioral health service delivery response system that will not only provide much needed counseling/crisis support across our system, but assist BIE with learning the true scope of the behavioral health needs across the system. This contract is to mirror the concept of an EAP program, while allowing for flexibility when addressing the specific cultural needs of the BIE and the actual method of service delivery (virtual, telephonic, or in-person) due to the unique geographic locations of many of our bureau-funded institutions. Primarily, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and limitations for in-person service delivery across the country, the BIE understands that service delivery might need to be deployed virtually or via teleconference modes. However, the BIE would like to ensure that in the event a crisis response team is needed or in-person services are requested, the vendor will have mental health professionals available for deployment (safety permitting). Additionally, similar to the EAP program, the BIE would like to establish a 24/7 hotline that will serve as the first point of contact for anyone accessing services. The mental health professionals staffing the hotline will be available 24/7 and be able to not only provide immediate intervention (all telephonically), but refer individuals to other behavioral health services as outlined in the contract (which might include in-person or virtual modes of service delivery with a provider closer to the individual’s geographic location).

2. Will the Government please specify either the number, location, and duration of trips that will be required on an annual basis?

ANSWER: Due to BIE’s inability to predict the location, frequency, or duration of crisis intervention teams or in-person service delivery, we are not able to provide a set number of visits/locations of potential travel.

3. If the Government is unable to provide specific information about required travel (Question 2 above), will the Government provide a “plug” number or a “not to exceed” amount that all offerors must use, or revise the solicitation so that a travel estimate does not need to be included in the offeror’s firm fixed price?

ANSWER: A Not to Exceed (NTE) amount will be provided in an amendment to the RFQ.

4. Does Section 2, Subsection F apply only to local travel?

ANSWER: No, it does not apply only to local travel.

5. Will an ODC CLIN be added for out of scope travel?

ANSWER: An ODC CLIN will not be added.

6. Section 1.2 (Offeror’s Schedule) has one space for the offeror to provide its price. Should this price be for only the Base year, or should it contain the combined price for the Base Year and the Option Year?

ANSWER: Please provide the TOTAL price to include the option year. You will need to break out the total for the base year and total for the option year. This may done in your quote or attach a spreadsheet.

7. Will the Government please provide a copy of the directory?

ANSWER: https://www.bie.edu/schools/directory Directory may not inclusive of all BIE locations.

8. If this is an EAP-type program, what is the total population of plan participants (to include all students, staff, etc.)? Since pricing for EAP-type programs is typically calculated on the number of lives to be covered, this information is critically important.

ANSWER: This contract is designed to mirror an EAP, but please note that we do not anticipate that all students and employees (federal and Tribal) will need to access these services. Additionally, BIE’s establishment of this contract will provide much needed data regarding the behavioral health needs that exist across all of our systems. The DOI’s EAP contract has been established for several years and uses prior year data (how many employees’ actually utilized EAP services) to establish set rates. This contract will be the first establishment of this type of specific behavioral health service delivery for the entire BIE.

9. Would it be possible for the Government to grant a 1-week extension, to 9/11/2020 at 2:00pm ET? We appreciate any flexibility you can offer on the submission date.

ANSWER: Extension granted to Wednesday 9/9/2020 at 2:00 pm ET.

10. If one company is an office of physicians or mental health specialists but their subcontracting partner is not, can they still partner for this opportunity as long as the prime holds the NAICS code?

ANSWER: Yes. The Government has privity of contract with the prime contractor.

11. Is an offeror eligible for this work if they are a physicians' office, even if they have not performed work for the federal government under this NAICS code?

ANSWER: Yes, if they meet all the requirements listed in the solicitation.

12. Can a subcontracting partner be above the size standard?

ANSWER: Yes. The Government has privity of contract with the prime contractor.

13. Will the government consider offers from companies that meet all of the key personnel requirements for certifications and licenses and have capacity and experience performing the identified tasks but are not classified under this NAICS code?

ANSWER: Yes.

14. Will the government consider changing the due date for proposals, to allow time to incorporate the government's responses to questions?

ANSWER: Extension granted to Wednesday 9/9/2020 at 2:00 pm ET.

15. What is the expected date for launch of services?

ANSWER: As soon as logistically possible after the contract has been awarded. BIE understands and recognizes that there will be time needed to organize and implement services and will work with the vendor to assist with that process.

16. Is it a 12 month duration (will we be seeing students and staff during the summer?) or just during the school year?

ANSWER: Yes, the vendor should plan for providing services and assistance during summer months.

17. Will visits occur at the schools or dorms?

ANSWER: Primarily, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and limitations for in-person service delivery across the country, the BIE understands that service delivery might need to be deployed virtually or via teleconference modes.

However, the BIE would like to ensure that in the event a crisis response team is needed or in-person services are requested, the vendor will have mental health professionals available for deployment (safety permitting). Additionally, similar to the EAP program, the BIE would like to establish a 24/7 hotline that will serve as the first point of contact for anyone accessing services. The mental health professionals staffing the hotline will be available 24/7 and be able to not only provide immediate intervention (all telephonically), but refer individuals to other behavioral health services as outlined in the contract (which might include in-person or virtual modes of service delivery with a provider closer to the individual’s geographic location). Possible locations for service delivery might include schools, dorms, BIE offices, Tribal Communities, College/Universities, or directly with individuals (students/staff/employees) requesting services.