RFQ Questions and Answers.pdf

Question Answer

Contract Status, Award Structure & Evaluation

Multiple questions came in asking if this is a new procurement or if it is currently being performed under an existing (incumbent) BOP contract or task order? If an incumbent exists, can you provide the name of the current vendor along with the associated contract or task order number, or any previous award information for similar services?

This is a new requirement and there is no incumbent.

Does the Government anticipate making one nationwide award, or could regional or multiple awards be considered?

The Government intends to establish an indefinite‑delivery, requirements type contract with firm‑fixed unit prices for nationwide service; however, the solicitation does not prohibit alternative quotes. All quotes received will be evaluated on a best‑value basis considering price, past performance, and technical capability as described in the solicitation.

Must contractors submit one nationwide unit price for the LEO Package and one nationwide unit price for the Non‑LEO Package, or may pricing vary by location or region based on local provider costs?

Quotes are requested for single unit prices nationwide; however, the solicitation does not prohibit alternative quotes. All quotes received will be evaluated on a best‑value basis considering price, past performance, and technical capability as described in the solicitation.

Please identify the relative importance of price, past performance, and technical capability and, within technical capability, the relative importance of network coverage, management approach, and personnel qualifications/experience. Please also clarify whether a past‑performance reference must include all three major service elements—medical examinations, drug testing, and fingerprinting—to be considered relevant, or whether contracts demonstrating comparable nationwide screening/managed‑health operations involving one or more of these service areas will be considered relevant.

This procurement uses simplified acquisition procedures. Quotes will be evaluated on a best‑value basis considering price, past performance, and technical capability as described in the RFQ. Relevant past performance may be demonstrated through previous contracts of similar nature, size, and scope involving nationwide pre‑employment screening or comparable nationwide service delivery.

Please confirm that FBOP requires a single nationwide firm‑fixed unit price for each LEO and Non‑LEO package in each performance period, rather than geographic or locality‑specific rates, and that all costs associated with remote/mobile coverage, laboratory processing, fingerprint transmission, and other required services must be incorporated into those package prices.

Quotes are requested for single unit prices nationwide; however, the solicitation does not prohibit alternative quotes. All quotes received will be evaluated on a best‑value basis considering price, past performance, and technical capability as described in the solicitation.

Subcontracting & Provider Network Requirements

For the requirement to provide professional references for the last three contracts of similar nature, size, and scope, may a quoter rely on relevant past performance/references of proposed subcontractors, provider‑network partners, or other major performers? May required clinic/facility licensures be furnished from provider‑network facilities?

Evaluation of past performance is specific to the quoter and may include the quoter’s performance as either a prime contractor or a subcontractor. Information regarding proposed subcontractors, provider‑network partners, or other major performers will be considered in evaluating the quoter’s overall technical capability to meet the Government’s requirements. Subcontractor or network‑partner experience may supplement, but not replace, the quoter’s own past performance.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide) Questions and Answers

May a local business participate as a subcontractor providing the urinalysis collection component at one or more Southern California locations?

Yes. A local business may participate as a subcontractor to provide the urinalysis collection component at one or more locations, provided the prime contractor ensures that all subcontracting arrangements comply with the terms of the Limitations on Subcontracting clause (FAR 52.219 14) included in the solicitation.

Is there an Interested Vendors List or another method for local service providers to connect with prospective prime contractors?

Yes, the Interested Vendors List (IVL) function has been activated for this posting on SAM.gov. All interested parties are encouraged to add their organization to the list to facilitate local teaming and subcontracting opportunities.

Will the Bureau maintain a list of interested local providers for potential prime contractors, or may local collection facilities participate through a subcontracting or teaming arrangement?

FBOP will not maintain a listing for the successful awardee. The successful awardee may be required to submit individual subcontracting plans that are consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Deviation 19.109 small business subcontracting plans.

Please clarify whether the RFQ permits a prime offeror to satisfy portions of the nationwide scope through named subcontractors or teaming partners, including subcontracting the urinalysis/specimen-collection component to qualified collection providers in specific geographic markets. If subcontracting is permitted, please also confirm whether subcontractor qualifications and service locations should be identified within the prime offeror’s technical submission.

Quotes must include detailed information demonstrating the offeror’s technical capability and management approach, briefly explaining how the quoter will meet all requirements of the solicitation, including the ability to perform all required screening services nationwide. Quotations must also indicate whether subcontracting is or is not anticipated. The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring that all subcontracting arrangements comply with the Limitations on Subcontracting clause (FAR 52.219‑14) included in the solicitation.

11 May separate subcontractors perform individual components of a screening package? Yes, if compliant with terms at FAR 52.219‑14 Limitations on Subcontracting.

12 Would the Government consider a quote offering only fingerprint services?

No; quoters must demonstrate the ability to provide Pre Employment Screening services for all identified FBOP facilities nationwide in accordance with the Description of Requirement in RFQ Attachment 001

Please confirm whether the initial quotation must include only the subcontracting certification statement, or whether a subcontracting approach, proposed goals, or draft Small Business Subcontracting Plan must also be submitted with the quote.

Quotations must indicate whether subcontracting is or is not anticipated. A copy of the FBOP Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be posted to the RFQ for review and reference. Quoters who may be required to submit a subcontracting plan should be prepared to provide a completed plan within 24 hours upon request from the Contracting Officer. Submission and subsequent approval of the quoter's plan will be required prior to award.

Given the nationwide requirement, please clarify whether quoters must submit licensure/certification documentation for every proposed network clinic and provider with the quotation, or whether a network roster/attestation and key-personnel credentials may be submitted with the quotation, with site-specific documentation made available prior to activation or upon Government request.

A network roster/attestation and key-personnel credentials may be submitted with the quotation, with site-specific documentation made available prior to activation or upon Government request.

Requirements are for a subcontracting plan to be submitted prior to award; please clarify if this means the subcontracting plan is to be submitted with the proposal.

Quotations must indicate whether subcontracting is or is not anticipated. A copy of the FBOP Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be posted to the RFQ for review and reference. Quoters submit a subcontracting plan with their quote; or be prepared to submit a completed plan within 24 hours upon request from the Contracting Officer. Submission and subsequent approval of the quoter's plan will be required prior to award.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

Geographic Coverage & Operational Accessibility

Are mobile collection services acceptable, or must all services be performed at a fixed community-based clinic?

Services provided in support of this effort shall be performed at vendor facilities, or mobile unit. A community based facility is preferred; however, the government recognizes that rural areas may require performance via mobile unit.

Please confirm whether satisfying either the 50 mile radius standard or the one hour drive standard is acceptable. Please also identify whether compliance will be measured from each institution’s street address using road mileage, straight line radius, estimated drive time, or a Government designated mapping tool.

Quotes should include description of method or basis used to ensure compliance with the place of performance distance limitations for evaluation with regard to technical capability.

May a quoter combine a fixed clinic, a separate fingerprinting site, and/or a mobile unit to satisfy the geographic coverage requirement for a BOP facility?

Yes. Quotes must describe how the quoter will meet the place‑of‑performance distance limitations, including any combination of fixed clinics, fingerprinting sites, or mobile units. RFQ Attachment 002 should be used to identify proposed service locations.

Please identify any maximum appointment lead time, minimum operating hours, walk-in availability standard, or evening/weekend availability requirement that BOP will use to evaluate service accessibility.

Services should be performed during the regular operating hours of the community based facility. The provider must offer services at the same time and under terms and conditions similar to those offered to the general public.

Please confirm (1) that the 50-mile radius or one-hour drive requirement is satisfied if either criterion is met; (2) the method/source FBOP will use to measure distance and drive time; (3) that mobile services may be used to satisfy coverage where a fixed clinic is unavailable; and (4) whether individual package components may be performed at separate contractor-network locations, provided all applicable locations meet the geographic and timeliness requirements.

Quotes must describe the quoter’s operational and management approach for delivering services nationwide and should explain the method or basis used to ensure compliance with the place‑of‑performance distance limitations for evaluation of technical capability. RFQ Attachment 002 – Network of Service Locations should be used to identify locations to be serviced via mobile units and to provide details on multiple sites proposed to meet the government’s full requirement.

Attachment 2, Column H is currently labeled “Audiologist.” Section 2.0 (Hearing Test) requires an audiometric evaluation, which is a hearing screening rather than an evaluation by a licensed audiologist. Please confirm that Column H is intended to identify audiometric (audiological) testing capability, and not the presence of an “Audiologist,” as currently presented.

Column H of RFQ Attachment 002 should be completed to indicate location where hearing screening will be performed, not labeled Audiologist as an audiologist is not required to conduct the required hearing testing.

Fingerprinting Requirements

Does the contractor need to use an FBI-approved channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary results and deliver them to BOP, or will BOP obtain the results using fingerprints collected and submitted by the contractor? Please confirm the required submission route and who is responsible for obtaining and delivering the results.

Must use an FBI/DOJ Approved Channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary and deliver them to BOP

Does the same-day delivery requirement apply to the final FBI results, or only to confirmation that fingerprints were successfully collected and submitted? If final results may follow later, what turnaround is required?

The same day requirement does not apply to the “final” FBI results but it does apply to the initial results from the successful submission to the Justice Biometric Identity Service.

Is the contractor responsible only for collecting and submitting fingerprints, or must the contractor also obtain and return the completed FBI background-check results to FBOP?

The contractor is responsible for returning the results after a successful submission.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

Should fingerprints be transmitted directly to the FBI, routed through a BOP system, or delivered to BOP for submission? Please identify the required recipient, file or transaction format, and transmission method.

The contractor must use an FBI/DOJ Approved Channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary and deliver them to BOP. The same day requirement does not apply to the “final” FBI results but it does apply to the initial results from the successful submission to the Justice Biometric Identity Service.

Please confirm that the fingerprinting company is expected to submit the fingerprints for processing and deliver the resulting report directly to FBOP, with the contractor receiving only confirmation that the collection and submission were successfully completed. If not, please describe the required workflow and the contractor’s responsibility for receiving and delivering the fingerprint results.

The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. BOP will not be connecting to their systems through BOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor must provide BOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information, and, the contractor must use an FBI/DOJ Approved Channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary and deliver them to BOP. The same-day requirement does not apply to the “final” FBI results , but it does apply to the initial results from the successful submission to the Justice Biometric Identity Service.

Will the Contractor be responsible only for the physical identity verification and digital capture/rolling of the ten-print impressions to be handed off to the BOP for internal routing? Or is the Contractor expected to electronically transmit the prints directly to the FBI and pay the federal processing fee on behalf of the agency?

The contractor must electronically transmit fingerprints through an FBI/DOJ‑approved channeler and is responsible for any required processing fees. Price quotes shall be inclusive of all charges The contractor must provide BOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information, and, the contractor must use an FBI/DOJ Approved Channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary and deliver them to BOP.

The same-day requirement does not apply to the “final” FBI results , but it does apply to the initial results from the successful submission to the Justice Biometric Identity Service.

Is same‑day compliance satisfied when fingerprints are captured and submitted electronically on the date of service? If final results arrive later, is the contractor still compliant? What turnaround applies?

Yes. Same‑day compliance is satisfied when fingerprints are successfully captured and electronically submitted on the date of service. The contractor must provide BOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information, and, the contractor must use an FBI/DOJ Approved Channeler to obtain the FBI Identity History Summary and deliver them to BOP. The same-day requirement does not apply to the “final” FBI results , but it does apply to the initial results from the successful submission to the Justice Biometric Identity Service.

28 Please provide all FBI technical and procedural standards for fingerprint collection.

Contractors must follow all applicable FBI technical and procedural standards for electronic fingerprint capture and submission. Contractors may obtain current standards directly from the FBI or an FBI‑approved channeler.

Drug Testing Requirements

Same‑day drug testing: Does the requirement for same‑day urinalysis results apply only to the initial drug screen, or must any non‑negative specimen also receive confirmatory laboratory testing and final results the same day?

Same‑day results apply only to the initial drug screen. Confirmatory laboratory testing and final results for non‑negative specimens must be delivered within 24 hours of testing.

For applicants who screen negative on‑site, is that on‑site negative result considered final and reportable, or does BOP still require lab confirmation of negatives as well?

An on‑site negative result is considered final and reportable. Laboratory confirmation of negative specimens is not required unless additional testing is triggered under the screening protocol.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide) Questions and Answers bop01349 Line

Attachment 001 requires urinalysis testing using SAMHSA‑certified laboratories and procedures and states that same‑day results are required. Please clarify whether “same‑day results” means a final laboratory result, including confirmatory testing and medical review, or whether same‑day collection and reporting of available same‑day results satisfies the requirement. For non‑negative, invalid, dilute, or other specimens requiring additional processing, what turnaround applies?

“Same‑day results” refers to the same‑day reporting of the initial drug screen outcome available at the time of collection. Final laboratory results, including confirmatory testing and medical review for non‑negative, invalid, or dilute specimens, must be provided within 24 hours of testing.

Please identify the required drug‑testing protocol, including analytes, cutoff concentrations, initial and confirmatory testing requirements, chain‑of‑custody requirements, and applicable federal testing guidelines. Please also clarify whether the contractor is responsible for Medical Review Officer (MRO) services, donor contact, and final verification/reporting of non‑negative results.

Contractors must follow SAMHSA‑certified laboratory procedures and federal drug‑testing guidelines for analytes, cutoff concentrations, initial and confirmatory testing, and full chain‑of‑custody requirements. The contractor is responsible for providing Medical Review Officer services, completing donor contact where required, and issuing final verified results for non‑negative specimens to FBOP.

Please clarify the Government’s required testing methodology.

a. Does the Government require an instant, point‑of‑collection drug screen to provide a same‑day preliminary result, with any non‑negative specimen forwarded to a SAMHSA‑certified laboratory for confirmation?

b. Alternatively, does the Government require all specimens to be collected and sent directly to a SAMHSA‑certified laboratory for initial and confirmation testing?

The Government requires an initial same‑day point‑of‑collection drug screen, with all non‑negative specimens forwarded to a SAMHSA‑certified laboratory for confirmation and final verification

The PWS requires urinalysis drug testing using SAMHSA‑certified laboratories and also states that same‑day results are required. Since specimens must be shipped to a SAMHSA lab for analysis, does “same‑day results” mean providing same‑day confirmation of specimen collection and shipment, with final laboratory results reported to FBOP as soon as they are available?

Yes. “Same‑day results” refers to same‑day confirmation of specimen collection and initial screening results.

Specimens requiring laboratory analysis may be shipped to a SAMHSA‑certified lab, with final laboratory results reported to FBOP as soon as they are available and within the required turnaround timeframe.

Health Assessment Screening Services

Please clarify whether the contractor’s examining provider is expected to make the final FBOP medical qualification determination for a law-enforcement applicant or to document examination findings and provide a recommendation for subsequent FBOP adjudication. If the contractor is responsible for the final determination, please provide the complete medical qualification/disqualification standards, decision criteria, and procedures for cases in which findings do not clearly establish qualification or disqualification.

FBOP requires the contractor’s personnel be licensed and qualified to perform physical examinations that would permit review and completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker.

The Physical and Medical Requirements list functional abilities such as walking, running, dragging a 75-pound body, climbing stairs, lifting, and self-defense movements. Please clarify whether the contractor must physically test applicants performing these activities, or whether the examining provider is only expected to assess medically whether the applicant is capable of performing them based on the history and general physical examination. If actual functional testing is required, please provide the required protocols, equipment, safety requirements, and pass/fail criteria.

FBOP requires the contractor’s personnel be licensed and qualified to perform physical examinations that would permit review and completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker. The FBOP does not require the contractor to physically test applicants performing the physical activities.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

The requirements state that law-enforcement workers must be mentally and emotionally stable and require an assurance concerning conditions adversely affecting judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness. Please clarify whether the medical examination includes any psychological or behavioral-health evaluation beyond the applicant’s medical history and general physical examination. If so, please provide the required evaluation methodology, provider qualifications, and determination criteria.

FBOP does not require any psychological or behavioral-health evaluation beyond the applicant’s medial history and general physical examination.

Attachment 001 permits physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants to perform medical assessments, while the Applicant Physical Exam Report requests the "Name of Physician" and "Signature of Physician." Please confirm whether appropriately licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants may complete and sign the form and render the required medical qualification determination.

FBOP requires the contractor’s personnel be licensed and qualified to perform physical examinations that would permit review and completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker.

Section 2.0 (Medical Assessment directs the provider to indicate whether the applicant is medically qualified and, if not, to document the basis, with reference to the “Physical and Medical Requirements of a Law Enforcement Worker” Section 2.0, Medical Assessment, sub‑bullet 1 refers to whether a “disqualifying condition exists.” Please provide the “disqualifying conditions” referenced in this section.

Disqualifying conditions are those that, in the examiner’s professional medical opinion, would prevent safe performance of FBOP law‑enforcement duties as described in the Physical and Medical Requirements.

Please clarify what the Government considers an acceptable summary of medical assessment.

Is this requirement satisfied by the completed BOP medical assessment forms and supporting test results, or must the contractor’s physician staff prepare a separate narrative summary?

A separate narrative summary is not required. The FBOP only requires completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker.

Section 2.0 (Medical Assessment states the contractor is responsible for completing all BOP-provided forms. Will the Government supply all BOP‑provided forms that the contractor is responsible for completing, and in what format (e.g., fillable PDF)?

A digital copy of the required FBOP forms has been provided with the solicitation as part of RFQ Attachment

001. The contractor is responsible for replicating these forms for use in performing the required examination and screening tests and for ensuring all replicated versions remain consistent with the FBOP‑provided format.

Section 2.0 requires “ a standard color vision screening to confirm ability to distinguish colors as required for FBOP operational duties. Please confirm that a red/green/yellow (R/G/Y) color‑discrimination screening is the intended color vision test under Section 2.0, bullet 3.

Yes, confirmed.

Please confirm whether the examining physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is responsible for making the final “Medically Qualified/Not Medically Qualified” determination for LEO applicants, or whether the contractor is to document findings for final medical adjudication by FBOP.

The FBOP requires the contractor’s personnel be licensed and qualified to perform physical examinations that would permit review and completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker.

Please provide or identify the complete FBOP vision and color vision standards contractors are expected to apply when determining whether an applicant meets FBOP requirements, including required visual acuity, whether standards apply to each eye or both eyes, corrected versus uncorrected vision requirements, and applicable color vision pass/fail criteria.

Visual Acuity and Color Vision. The applicant must have at least 20/30 vision with or without correction. If only one eye is present or functional, the examining health care practitioner will determine if an applicant can perform the 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker. The red/green/yellow (R/G/Y) color‑discrimination screening is the intended color vision test.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

Please provide or identify the FBOP operational-duty requirements and applicable vision, color vision, and hearing standards by applicant position/role. If standards vary by occupation, will FBOP identify the applicant’s position and applicable medical standards at the time the screening is ordered?

The FBOP requires the contractor’s personnel be licensed and qualified to perform physical examinations that would permit review and completion of the provided Medical History Report, Applicant Physical Exam Report, and a Medical Qualification determination of the applicant’s ability to perform the provided 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker. Visual Acuity and Color Vision. The applicant must have at least 20/30 vision with or without correction. If only one eye is present or functional, the examining health care practitioner will determine if an applicant can perform the 16 physical and medical requirements of a law enforcement worker. The red/green/yellow (R/G/Y) color‑discrimination screening is the intended color vision test. The applicant must be capable of hearing conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, in at least one ear, as measured by normal findings in the decibel ranges of 500, 1000, and 2000.

Please confirm the required audiometric pass/fail standard. Is qualification based solely on hearing of <40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in at least one ear, with the remaining frequencies collected for reporting purposes only, or are there additional FBOP hearing criteria applicable at 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz?

The applicant must be capable of hearing conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, in at least one ear, as measured by normal findings in the decibel ranges of 500, 1000, and 2000.

The PWS requires the examining provider to determine if an applicant is mentally and emotionally stable based on history and physical examination. Given that most clinics do not conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations during a single pre-employment visit, is it sufficient for the provider to base this determination on the applicant's self-reported history and a general mental status assessment, or is a more in-depth psychological evaluation expected?

It is sufficient for the provider to base this determination on the applicant's self-reported history and a general mental status assessment.

Scheduling & Workflow

Please identify any maximum appointment lead time, minimum operating hours, walk-in availability standard, or evening/weekend availability requirement that BOP will use to evaluate service accessibility.

Services should be performed during the regular operating hours of the community‑based facility. The provider must offer services at the same time and under terms and conditions similar to those offered to the general public

Please clarify if there is a standard definition of what the "designated operating hours" for walk-in services would be for this program.

Services should be performed during the regular operating hours of the community‑based facility. The provider must offer services at the same time and under terms and conditions similar to those offered to the general public.

Please describe the anticipated applicant referral, authorization, scheduling, and results-delivery workflow. Please identify how FBOP will transmit applicant/order information to the contractor, how the contractor will confirm the appropriate screening package, and the required method and format for returning same-day results (e.g., secure portal, encrypted email, SFTP, API/interface, PDF forms, structured data, or another Government-designated method).

Quotes should describe how contractor will meet the Service Delivery Requirements outlined in the SOW (RFQ Attachment 001) which calls for supply a standardized results packet of all assessment and test results, as well as, confirmation of successful collection and submission of fingerprints and results. The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. FBOP will not be connecting to their systems through FBOPNet so we do not require an ATO. Rather, the contractor must provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Following receipt of an applicant referral, is there a required timeframe within which the Contractor must make initial contact with the applicant (e.g., within one business day or 24 hours)?

Ideally, the FBOP provides applicant with an authorization to self schedule with the contractor. As described in the SOW (RFQ Attachment 001), the Contractor shall provide options for self-scheduled appointments via an online platform or phone scheduling.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

IT Systems, Data Security & Records Retention

FedRAMP/ATO applicability: If the contractor uses an existing commercial scheduling or results platform that does not connect directly to BOPNet, will that platform still require FedRAMP certification and/or an FBOP Authority to Operate?

Their internal systems are their internal systems. We will not be connecting to their systems through FBOPNet so we do not require an ATO. They will have to provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Will BOP provide a secure portal, encrypted email method, file-transfer system, required templates, file-naming conventions, or interface specifications for same-day delivery or results to BOP-designated personnel?

The FBOP will not be providing anything. The contractors internal systems are their internal systems. FBOP will not be connecting to their systems through FBOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor will have to provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve information if unable to send required information through an encrypted method.

Does BOP require the contractor to provide an EHR, portal, or system integration? If no, do the IT, cloud, ATO, and medical-system requirements apply only when a contractor proposes a new contractor-hosted or cloud system, or do they also apply to existing commercial clinic/EHR systems used internally?

They will have to provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Based on the requirement for information systems to obtain an ATO approved by the FBOP, how will that time (from contract award to ATO approval) be accounted for in the period of performance and the pricing schedule of this effort? What ramp-up time will be afforded to successful offerors to establish the ATO prior to initiation of services under the awarded contract?

Quoters are encouraged to indicate how much time they need to implement performance and provide full nationwide service under a resulting award. FBOP has an immediate need, and each quoter’s implementation timeline will be evaluated as part of technical capability. Quotes must also include a technical capability description explaining how the quoter will meet all solicitation requirements and deliver all screening services nationwide. The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. FBOP will not be connecting to their systems through BOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor must provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Attachment 001 contains requirements for system development, ATT/ATO, Agile development, UAT, system management, master data management, information-assurance documentation, ISSO resources, and as-built documentation. Please clarify which of these requirements apply when the contractor proposes to use an existing commercially available scheduling/case-management platform and secure data-delivery capability rather than developing or deploying a system on the FBOP network. In particular, please confirm whether a contractor-hosted system used only to schedule applicants and securely transmit screening results requires a new FBOP ATO.

The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. FBOP will not be connecting to their systems through BOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor must provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Please identify the required operational start date following award and any permitted implementation or transition period. Must the contractor have its entire nationwide network and all required information systems fully operational on the Effective Date of Award? If an FBOP ATO is required, may screening services begin before completion of the ATO process using an interim Government-approved method of exchanging applicant information and results?

Quoters are encouraged to indicate how much time they need to implement performance and provide full nationwide service under a resulting award. FBOP has an immediate need, and each quoter’s implementation timeline will be evaluated as part of technical capability. Quotes must also include a technical capability description explaining how the quoter will meet all solicitation requirements and deliver all screening services nationwide. The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. FBOP will not be connecting to their systems through FBOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor must provide FBOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)

Please clarify the applicable records-retention and destruction requirements for applicant medical, laboratory, and fingerprint information. Please reconcile the requirement that FBOP data be destroyed with the later language permitting sensitive data to be retained while required for approved project activities, and clarify how the contract requirements should be applied when healthcare-provider or laboratory record-retention obligations require retention for a longer period

Destroy records at the end of healthcare-provider and laboratory record-retention obligations.

1The project deliverables table sets deliverables at 5 to 10 days after kick-off and at 45, 90, and 120 days after award. What is the transition period?

The project deliverables applies to Technical Standards for Acquisitions of FBOP IT Systems and Peripherals for potential FBOP contract renewals. As no IT system or peripherals is being purchased at this time, the project deliverable table is not applicable for initial contract award.

Please clarify whether the contractor and examining clinic may retain copies of these records when required by applicable federal or state medical‑record retention laws, notwithstanding the solicitation’s FBOP Data destruction and 90‑day erasure requirements.

Quoters are expected to provide services under terms and conditions similar to those offered to the general public. Accordingly, the Government expects contractors to follow customary commercial‑market standards, including full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the performance of these services.

What is the expected timeframe for obtaining the Authority to Operate (ATO) prior to the start of services, and are there any milestones or deadlines we should be aware of during the ATO process?

Quoters are encouraged to indicate how much time they need to implement performance and provide full nationwide service under a resulting award. FBOP has an immediate need, and each quoter’s implementation timeline will be evaluated as part of technical capability. Quotes must also include a technical capability description explaining how the quoter will meet all solicitation requirements and deliver all screening services nationwide. The contractor's internal systems are their internal systems. BOP will not be connecting to their systems through BOPNet so we do not require an ATO. The contractor must provide BOP staff with login access to a secure portal to retrieve the information.

Security Clearances

Please clarify which contractor personnel are subject to DOJ/FBOP background clearance requirements. Specifically, please confirm whether community-based clinic, laboratory, and fingerprint personnel who neither enter FBOP facilities nor access BOPNet require FBOP background investigations, PIV cards, Government-furnished equipment, or FBOP user accounts.

In the rare circumstance that the contractor may be required to perform services onsite, such as when a local clinic is not available. Before any contractor employee may enter a Bureau of Prisons facility, the Government may require completion of applicable security and suitability procedures. This requirement is not applicable to service providers performing at community-based facilities.

The solicitation references DOJ/FBOP background clearance requirements (Section 14 requires all contractors to comply before performing any work and references contractor user accounts, PIV cards, and government-furnished equipment. Please confirm that this requirement does not apply to affiliate provider network clinics and fingerprinting collection sites.

Confirmed. This requirement does not apply to affiliate provider network clinics and fingerprinting collection sites.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide) bop01349 Line

Solicitation Criteria

Can FBOP provide historical applicant volume by facility or region, including the approximate split between LEO and Non-LEO screenings? The RFQ provides estimated quantities but states they are not guaranteed.

No, This data is not readily available

We have reviewed the bid posting site and noted that the submission due date is Sep 14, 2026, 02:00 pm CDT. Could you please confirm if this date is correct and if there have been any updates or amendments that may not have been posted yet?

See Amendment 001 for extended quote deadline.

Please confirm whether any overall page limits, resume limits, font or margin requirements, email-size limits, file size limits, or attachment naming conventions apply.

The RFQ does not establish page limits; however, quotes must provide sufficient detail to show how the quoter intends to meet all requirements without being overly burdensome to evaluate. Quotes must comply with all Submission of Quotations instructions in the RFQ, including the requirement that quotes be submitted in .pdf format only- with the Network of Service Locations spreadsheet, and emailed with the subject line “Quote submitted in response to 15B0AT26Q70000001.”

To support accurate nationwide network planning and firm-fixed pricing, will FBOP provide historical and/or projected applicant volumes by facility, region, state, or ZIP code and by LEO versus Non-LEO package? If available, please also provide typical monthly volumes, peak-period volumes, and historical cancellation/no-show rates.

No, this data is not readily available.

Attachment 001 identifies timeliness, accuracy/completeness, staff credentialing, applicant satisfaction/service accessibility, and compliance as performance measures. Please provide any quantitative performance standards, acceptable quality levels, measurement methodology, reporting requirements, and associated remedies, deductions, or other consequences that will apply after award.

FBOP will evaluate performance based on same‑day delivery requirements, accuracy and completeness of documentation, professionalism and credentialing of staff, service accessibility, timely delivery of required results, and overall compliance with all medical, clinical, fingerprinting, and privacy requirements in the SOW.

These measures collectively reflect the contractor’s ability to meet FBOP standards for quality and timeliness.

Will FBOP provide anticipated applicant volume by geographic location? Please also provide historical volume by LEO and non-LEO by location or geographical location in the prior year.

No, this data is not readily available.

RFQ 15B0AT26Q70000001- Pre-Employment Screening Services (Nationwide)