Questions_and_Answers.docx

Collection of Pharmaceutical Prescription Data Solicitation Number: 15DDHQ19R00000019

1. Question: To ensure proper completions and hard copy of delivery of proposal, we respectfully request a modest extension to the submittal deadline from 10/15/19 at 11:00am to Friday 11/18/19 at 11:00am

Answer: DEA will extend the solicitation due date from 10/15/19 to 10/18/19 at 11:00 am EST. An amendment to the solicitation page will be included to reflect this change.

2. Question: Is it the DEA’s intention to request hard copy delivery of the proposal responses in lieu of an electronic submittal? (Section:7.1, Page# 63-64, Paragraph: a-d)

Answer: That is correct. Please see page 63-64 of the solicitation.

3. Question: Please confirm that DEA would like quarterly access to state level data over monthly. Regional data is available at a monthly view through an online querying tool. (Section:3.2, Page#11, Paragraph: Task 2)

Answer: Yes, Quarterly State data is sufficient

4. Question: Does DEA Require access to all products and markets for task 2 (regional) or the requested 130 drugs outlined in task 1. (Section:3.2, Page# 11, Paragraph: Task 2)

Answer: Only for 130 drugs

5. Question: The RFP states “Other Government Work – List all contracts or major subcontracts currently held by the proposing entity with Government agencies other than DEA. For every contract, identify its number, name and address of Government department/agency concerned, and percent of completion to date”. Given that the vendor is already providing 3 relevant past performance / qualifications within this response, is this requirement necessary? Additionally, many vendors have hundreds of government contracts so it would be extremely difficult to meet this requirement. We respectfully request that this requirement be removed. (Section:7.0, Page#63, Paragraph: Other Business Information to be Furnished)

Answer: DEA will not update the Statement of Work. Please follow the instructions specified in Section 7.0.

6. Question: The following products were not listed in the requested market definition: (Section N/A; 3-4, Page#13. Paragraph: N/A)

AMPHETAMINE

7.

BUPROPION

CANNABIDIOL

DIETHYLPROPION

FENTANYL

PENTAZOCINE

PHENYLEPHRINE

PROMETHAZINE

PROPOFOL

8.

9.

Answer: The drugs listed in the SOW are simply a subset (examples) of some of the 130 drugs DEA wants access to. The SOW specifies that data will be provided for any 130 drugs DEA chooses and that DEA may add, delete and/or substitute drugs at any time, as long as DEA stays under the 130 drug limit.

10. Question: Neither the RFP nor SOW identifies a requirement for a transition in the statement of work. Since this is existing work with an incumbent, will the government amend the solicitation to include details of transition in/out requirements so little to no impact to the continuation of work will be felt should the incumbent contractor not be successful?

a. Specifically:

b. -will the incumbent’s transition-out plan be provided to all offerors?

c. -will the incumbent software and data be made available to the winning offeror in a manner that will facilitate a start work date of 02/01/2020? (SOW C-3, Requirements, Page 2)

Answer: No transition required and no incumbent software provided. New Contract holder will provide 100% of their own software and data will be required to be provided to DEA starting first month of new contract.

11. Question: Will any of the data to be collected or reported on be considered classified or require PHI, PII, or HIPAA handling in development? (SOW C-3, Requirements, Page 2)

Answer: No

12. Question: Will this data exchange fall under the purview of DFARS 252-204-7000 “Disclosure of Information” requirements? (SOW C-3, Requirements, Page 2)

Answer: DEA clause 2852-242-78 Approval Required for Advertising and Media Releases (May 2012) was added to the solicitation. Please see the attached updated page of the solicitation.

13. Question: Is the primary source of data the NCPDP DataQ, or are there other data sources the DEA expects the contractor to use/have access to? (SOW C-1, Background/Objective, Task 1, C-1)

Answer: Contractor must have own data, that they collect and be able to provide data starting on first month of contract.

14. Question: Are there existing POCs for data access and collection for all of the drugs and agency outlets? (SOW C-1, Background/Objective, Task 1, C-1)

a. If there are existing POCs the contractor will be provided, when will the government provide these contact points to the winning offeror? (SOW C-1, Background/Objective E, Task 1, C-1)

Answer: Contractor must have own data.

15. Question: What is the total number of pharmacies that need to be contacted? Is there a minimum number of pharmacies that need to be surveyed? (SOW C-3, Requirements, C-1) Answer: No minimum

16. Question: The government states that “All data shall be accessible via a PC-based software or online application that enables the automated retrieval and manipulation of data.”

a. -Will the government list acceptable software applications or is there an existing format preferred by the government? Contractor must provide software of their choosing.

b. -Does the government intend that this PC-based software be COTS software and offered without licensing fees? (SOW Task 1, Background/Objective, Task 1, Last sub bullet, C-1)

Answer: Contractor must have own data, contractor should already have such software and capabilities in place to begin providing data starting first month of contract.