Amendment_0002_Answers_to_Questions.pdf

No. Task / Reference Pg. Vendor Question Response

1 Attachment A SOW/ p. 4 There is the expectation that the Contractor work with the HRSA-funded TA centers and clearinghouses. Is it expected their collaborations should be included in the COE budget?

No. The Offeror should use the partners to amplify COE messages and products and as potential collaborators as appropriate for the purpose of the COE. This role is different than that of subcontractors.

2 Attachment A SOW/ p. 4

There is also the expectation that the Contractor work with key partners, such as Primary Care Associations, Health Profession Associations, etc. Is there an expectation that the Contractor includes all of those organizations as subcontractors? If not, how do you recommend we budget for their contributions to the project?

See answer to question #1.

3 Attachment A SOW/ Task 1.1.2/ p.6

For the bi-weekly monitoring meetings, what is the definition of bi-weekly: every two weeks or twice a week? Every two (2) weeks.

4 Attachment A SOW/ Task 1.1.2/ p.6 What is the estimated length of the bi-weekly monitoring meetings?

Bi-weekly monitoring meetings should be one (1) hour with the COR;

1.5 hours for BHW; 1.5 hours for BPHC; and then one (1) hour combined for HAB/MCHB/FORHP; a total of four (4) hours of meetings every two (2) weeks.

5 Attachment A SOW/ Task 2/ p. 13

Is there an expectation that an Annual Meeting be held during the first year of the project? What month should that be planned for? No. The annual meeting occurs in Option Periods 1 and 2.

6 Attachment A SOW/ Task 2/ p. 14 Who do you anticipate attending the Annual Meetings in person? Health Centers have the option to attend on-site or virtually. Other programs will only have the option to attend virtually.

7 Attachment A SOW/ Task 3/ p. 18

Can you clarify whether you would like one needs assessment report adhering to the page limit for each program's section delivered following the completion of all needs assessments or five different needs assessment reports delivered after the completion of each needs assessment?

Five (5) different needs assessment reports should be delivered after the completion of each needs assessment per the SOW.

8 Attachment A SOW/ Task 3.2/ p. 19

For the Health Professions Needs Assessment for Workforce Education to be completed during OY1, what needs assessment survey data will be provided to the contractor for analysis? Will the contractor be involved in data collection, or are these data already collected by HRSA? We would appreciate more explanation of this task.

The Contractor will not be involved in data collection for Task 3.2.

Data for this task will be provided by HRSA to the Contractor. Refer to the SOW for additional details.

9 Attachment A SOW/ Task 7/ p. 22

Do you anticipate holding two webinars total or two webinars for each of the three programs named?

Each individual request is for two (2) webinars. For instance, if BPHC requires four (4), then that is four (4) sets of two (2) webinars which equals 8 total. The number of sets of webinars is defined in Section F.4 Schedule of Deliverables.

10 Attachment A SOW/ Task 8/ p. 24

Are Tasks 8.1-8.6 subtasks that should be followed for each of the four Communities of Practice described in 8.7 (2 4-Month CoP for Special Populations); 8.8 (6-Month CoP for Health Centers); and 8.9 (8-Month CoP for Health Professions).

Yes.

11 Attachment A SOW/ Task 8.7/ p. 24

Are there two 4-month CoPs for each of the two programs or one for each of the two programs? Each task of a 4-month CoP includes two (2) 4-month CoPs.

12 Attachment A SOW/ Task 10/ p. 28

Do you anticipate any of the health centers participating in the onsite practice transformation coaching (Task 10.2) will also participate in the virtual practice transformation coaching (Task 10.1), or will the two groups be mutually exclusive?

They are mutually exclusive.

13 Attachment A SOW/ Task 10.2/ p. 28

Task 10.2 states the onsite PT coaching "plan shall include a PT coaching protocol for both virtual and onsite sessions, a tentative schedule for both types of PT coaching sessions for each year…" Do you anticipate the 12 hours of active coaching over two days (10.2.4) are the onsite component and there will be additional virtual time for those grantees participating in onsite PT coaching?

PT Onsite and Virtual coaching are mutually exclusive. The onsite PT coaching must include 12 hours of active coaching over two (2) days.

There is logistics time needed to plan to be onsite.

14 Attachment A SOW/ Task 10/ p. 29

Can you confirm that you would like a 2 page activity report for each virtual PT coaching session (50 total reports) and each onsite PT coaching session (25 total reports)?

No more than two (2) pages.

15 Attachment A SOW/ Task 11.1.17/ p. 31

Are the discussion boards established on the COE website and managed (registration; role-based access to the discussion boards;

posting of questions; monitoring the usage) in addition to the TA described in earlier tasks, or does Task 11.1.17 establish the technology and the discussion boards will be used as a functionality of other TA modalities?

Task 11 establishes the discussion boards as part of the web-site and should exist within the web-site operations.

16 Attachment A SOW/ Task

11.2 / p. 32

Is the Cloud-based Webinar/Virtual Meetings for all Programs task designed to support the COE Tasks, or is it also meant to be used by the HRSA programs for other needs outside the COE?

The IT specified in this SOW is for the the purposes of this contract only.

17 Attachment A SOW/ Optional Task 9/ p. 37

Similarly, is there an expectation that the Program-Specific Web pages would be designed to support the COE, or would it also be a venue for other materials/initiatives that are not part of COE TA?

The COE will post relevant materials that come from other sources outside of this contract as long as it is relevant to the COE target audience and the COE mission.

18 Attachment A SOW/ general

Revised activity/task plans are generally due five (5) business days following the kick-off meeting. How does HRSA plan to incorporate Needs Assessment data into project planning and the actual TA administered?

Offeror's are responsible for developing and implementing a process for incorporating needs assessment findings into the project planning/actual TA administration with respect to specific deliverables.

19 Attachment A SOW/ general

In review of the SOW, there aren't specific TA activities dedicated to the rural program, with the exception of the needs assessment. What specific activities should the contractor budget for related to the rural program?

There is a rural health-focused environmental scan required as part of the needs assessment.

20 Overall Any there key personnel requirements?

The project director, deputy project director, and task leads are key personnel. The Offeror may propose other personnel that they believe should be considered key to this contract.

21 Overall How many grantees are currently in each of the five programs? Not all grantees from each of the five (5) programs will be involved in COE activities. Refer to the answer to question #22 for upper limit.

22 Overall What is the maximum number of grantees expected to participate in each of the five programs at one time?

Demand at any given time will depend on the scope and audience of the T/TA and how it is sequenced. The annual meeting, which is scoped for 8,000 virtual participants, represents the largest audience anticipated for any single task.

23 Overall What is the maximum number of grantees expected to participate in each of the five programs over the life of the contract? Refer to the answer to question #21.

24 Task 4 What are the minimum qualifications for the expert faculty listed in Task 4?

The Offeror shall provide resumes of subject matter expert staff that demonstrates their proficiency and capability to complete this task.

25 N/A Will HRSA provide guidance on the level of effort? The Offeror shall propose the appropriate level of effort based on the requirements in the Statement of Work.

26 Section L / pg. 49 of 69 in Standard Form 33

Would the government please confirm that there is not a page limit for the technical volume? There is no page limit for the technical volume.

27 Task 6 / pg. 21 of 39 in

SOW

Will the contractor be expected to coordinate with other HRSA-funded TTA providers on related topics (e.g., (to leverage existing resources, avoid duplication, etc.)?

Yes.

28 Task 10 / pg. 28 of 39 in

SOW

Of the 25 practice transformation coaching sessions, how many should be on-site in a HRSA-supported health central, versus virtual offerings?

All sessions under Task 10.4 Onsite, Practice Transformation Coaching (formally Task 10.2) are onsite.

29 Task 11.2 / pg. 32 of 39 in

SOW

Do webinar platforms need to be developed by the contractor or can third-party platforms (e.g., Adobe Connect) be used if they can carry out the same requirements?

Third-party cloud-based subscriptions should be used.

Questions & Responses for Sol #19-250-SOL-00045: HRSA COE for BH TA

30 Task 11.1 / pg. 30 of 39 in

SOW

Will the COE's website be ".gov"? Will the contractor be expected to coordinate with the government's IT services and information security staff to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO)?

Yes. An ATO is required.

31 Section L.4.2.5 Are resumes to be provided for all named personnel bid or only those identified as "Key"? Resumes shall be provided for all named personnel.

32 Section L.4.2.7

Please confirm that the government wants to receive a past performance questionnaire for each project offeror lists under past performance. If a project is in PPIRS would basic project information suffice in lieu of the past performance questionnaire?

Yes, the Government requires a completed Past Performance Questionnaire regardless if a project is in PPIRS.

33 Section L.4.2.6 Can you please provide more details/clarification regarding the type of conflict of interest that you state should be avoided with HRSA grantees and the requirement for a sample conflict of interest form?

Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 9.5 Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest regarding conflicts of interest and HRSA grantees. The sample conflict of interest form is a draft of a conflict of interest form whereby the Contractor shall have employees/resources complete and sign before starting work on this initiative.

34 Section B.6 Please confirm that offeror does not need to complete the table in section B.6.3 if the offeror has a NICRA.

Section B.6.3 will be filled-in by the Government prior to contract award.

35 Task 11 / pg. 29 The contractor shall procure the cloud services on behalf of the government. Will the cloud services/solution be implemented on a .gov website?

Refer to the answer to question #30.

36 Task 11 / pg. 29

Is this a new implementation or will the Contractor be supporting a COE Website, Program-specific websites, cloud webinars/virtual meetings, and cloud eLMS already in existence? If any of these components exist, will the government please provide the relevant websites?

This is a new implementation.

37 Task 11.1 / pg. 30 In 11.1.2, the contractor will hold stakeholder meetings to gather COE website requirements? Will the government please provide an example of the types of stakeholders involved?

Stakeholders: HRSA Bureaus/program and grantees providing/receiving services.

38 Task 11.1 / pg. 30 In 11.1.3, will the government please clarify if the accessibility testing will be performed by the contractor or an external entity.

The Contractor is responsible for providing accessible product(s) and is responsible for the completion of testing to assure accessibility.

39 Task 11.1 / pg. 30 In 11.1.9, will the government please clarify or provide examples of what is meant by "including data integrity checks involving the COR and key HRSA staff?"

Automated testing to ensure data posted is correct (spellchecks, grammar), not modified from what is originally posted, and correct against what has been provided or injested.

40 Task 11.1 / pg. 30 In 11.1.11, will the government please clarify or provide examples of the "possible use of emerging technologies?"

The Contractor shall not use legacy code that has a limited support lifecycle or technologies in market research that might be in a stagnant market. Instead, the Contractor shall be in an emerging or leader market for a solution as a webinar or learning management solution toolset.

41 Background /pg 4

Under "Background Information" it is mentioned that the Contractor/COE will work with HRSA-funded TA Centers, such as the National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC). Does this mean these organizations are conflicted on teaming with a potential contractor in response to this proposal?

Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 9.5. If there is an actual or perceived organizational conflict of interest, provide a mitigation plan with your response.

42 RFP Estimated Cost/page 2- Can you please provide a Total Level of Effort (FTEs) for Base Tasks 1- 13 ? Refer to the answer for question # 25.

43 RFP Subcontracting Plan/page 54

Does 33% the Small Business subcontracting percentage include SDB, WOSB, HZ, and SDVOSB goals?

The socioeconomic subcategories are part of the overall small business requirement of 33%.

44 RFP Indirect Costs/page 8 Please provide a definition clarifying the difference between the requested Provisional, Fixed Ceiling, and Contract Rate for indirect costs.(Fringe, OH and G&A)

Provisional Rate: Refer to B.6. Provisional rates are to be used pending negotiated indirect cost rates.

Fixed Ceiling and Contract Rate were meant to be "Fixed Ceiling Contract Rate" and has been revised in the solicitation.

45 Schedule of Deliverables Item 7/page 16

Does the Quantity "1 each" within the Chart of Deliverables equal a total of "3" (1 for BPHC, 1 for BHW, 1 for MCHB)?

Each webinar shall have it's own Webinar Plan. There are two (2) webinars per program task/request.

46 Schedule of Deliverables Item 8.8, 8.9/page 17

Does the Quantity "1 each" within the Chart of Deliverables equal a total of "3" (1 for BPHC, 1 for BHW, 1 for MCHB)? CoP reports are due at the conclusion of each CoP.

47 Schedule of Deliverables Optional Tasks/page 18

Please clarify the statement that all the listed Optional Tasks "Maybe exercised four(4) times during each performance period" and whether this means, for example that all Quantities such as OT1 Ad Hoc Requests/Draft Report may have a total quanitiy of 3 x 4Times=12 total?

That is correct.

48 RFP Estimated Cost/page 2- Can you please provide a Total Level of Effort (FTEs) for Optional Tasks 1-10? Refer to the answer for question # 25.

49 Is this contract for just the planning purposes or is this a true execution of the 24X7 coverage?

This is not for planning purposes. The requirements in the SOW need to be executed.

50 RFP L.4.2.3, Page 51 and Section 2.a., Page 59

Please confirm that the Project Management Plan, inclusive of Learning Health Systems Plan, COE Communications Plan, Rapid Cycle Improvement Plan and Information Technology Plan, can be submitted as an appendix of the Technical Volume and does not count toward page limitation?

Refer to the answer for question # 26. There is no page limit for the technical volume. It can be submitted an an appendix if necessary.

51 RFP L.4.2.5, Page 52

Please confirm that only Resumes of prime offeror's and subcontractor key personnel are to be included in the appendix and do not count toward page limitation? Similarly, please confirm that Letters of Commitment by subcontractor companies or individual consultants can be submitted in an appendix?

See L.1.2. There is no page limitation. All resumes are requested.

52 RFP L 4.2.6, Page 52 Please confirm that sample conflict of interest forms can be included in an appendix to the technical volume? Yes.

53 RFP L.4.2.7., Page 53; and M.4.2.5, Page 67

Past performance refers that the Offerors (and its subcontractors) are to submit the Past Performance questionnaires for the 5 organizational experiences identified in section M.4.2.5. Could you please confirm that the Government's reference to 5 organizations is the description in Section M.4.2.5., subsection 7.a. that states: "Organizational experience and successful track record working with health centers, health professions, HIV/AIDS, maternal child health, and rural health."

If the Government interprets the Offeror's question correct, prime and/or subcontractors as a team are expected to demonstrate overall experience in all five (5) fields. Experience does not have to be with HRSA or government-only.

54 L.1.2., Page 48; and L.1.4., These sections cite a page limitation, but it is not defined. Please clarify any page limits for the technical and business volumes.

Section L.1.2 does not cite a page limitation. Refer to the answer for question # 26. Section L.1.4 was revised to remove any reference to a page limit for the technical volume.

55 Attachment A - SOW, Task 13.6, 13.7, Page 34 Task 13.6 and 13.7 refer to activities in task XX, please clarify. Task 13.6 and 13.7 have been revised accordingly.

56 Attachment A - SOW, Page

Please confirm what type of regional presence is required by the government. If continuous presence is required, can you provide a list of locations and anticipated activities to be performed in the Regions?

If COE anticipates ‘on-demand’ support in the regions, could the government provide a fixed travel plug-in figure for Offerors to use in their cost estimate?

This is mostly virtual. There may be some incidental travel required (PT coaching) which is not regional. Requirements can be at any health center. For pricing purposes, Offeror's can assume travel from Washington DC to Portland, Oregon. As stated in the SOW, the Contractor shall establish a training and technical assistance (T/TA) program with regional and topical presence (that addresses geographic differences in health policy, delivery system, provider and patient populations), to provide tailored T/TA to HRSA’s programs and stakeholders.

57 General To reduce government risks and administrative burden for this SOW, which provides well defined tasks, is the offeror allowed to propose Firm Fixed fee price?

The Government is unclear of your request. It seems that the Offeror is interested in submitting a proposal based on a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract type. The contract type will remain Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).

58 Attachment H - CLINs, The table references "Option Period 3". Please confirm this was a typo and should have read "Option Period 2" instead. Attachment H - CLINs has been corrected.

59 Attachment A

1.2.1.3. Section 4 page 9

Is there a legacy system? And how many different systems make up the ‘virtual’ COE?

No system currently exists. It is the Offeror's discretion to propose the solution for the virtual COE.

60 o Can we get the documentation for the systems? No. This is a new requirement.

61 o Did it follow EPLC gate reviews? Not applicable.

62 o Is this system under FISMA compliance? If so, what level?

No current IT systems providing systems support exist, but new systems must comply with the security requirements described in the

SOW.

63 Is there existing legacy training content? No.

64 o Is it hosted in a legacy LMS? Or document repository? No.

65 Attachment A Task 11, page 29

How many days after contract award is the ‘system’ planned to be stood up? Within three (3) months of project initiation.

66 Has HRSA prepared the initial Gate documentation and can they provide that to us? There is no initial Gate documentation.

67 Are there any restrictions in using COTS? OSS? Any budget limitations for ODCs?

There are no restrictions. It is up to the Offeror to propose the appropriate budget to complete the work required in the SOW, including ODCs.

68 Attachment A Task 3, page 15

Have Needs Assessments already been done and if so, will they be shared with the contractor? Prior needs assessments have not been conducted.

Task 1.2: Plans and Reports, Page 8

Has any branding for the COE been created? Will all branding for the COE be the responsibility of the chosen vendor? No branding has been developed for the COE. The Contractor shall develop COE branding in consultation with the Government.

70 Task 1.2: Plans and Reports, Page 8

What channels do you envision being used to communicate information about COE events?

The Contractor shall communicate using emails, social media, web posts, and other channels as appropriate.

Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

Do you have any specific cloud services requirements for this project? There aren't specific cloud service requirements as long as performance, product, integration, accessibility and future migration can be provided.

Page 29, Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

Could you share any examples of existing LMS that you think successfully accomplish their goals? SAP Successfactors; Adobe Captivate.

Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

Could you elaborate on your expectations for SSO for these platforms? Using HRSA PIV cards, the ability to integrate, possibly with HHS AMS, two-factor authentication with external accounts/user-name, password, token exchange.

Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

Will HRSA consider bids that propose integration with a third-party Webinar/Virtual Meeting System platform? Yes.

Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

What level of involvement do you expect from your Office of Information Technology in this project? Office of Information Technology will support the HRSA COR, and provide consulting and subject matter expertise. The solution shall be developed, run, and supported by the Contractor.

Task 11: COE IT Systems Implementation and Support, Page 29

Are there any details about the Office of Information Technology and its role in this project that you could share? Refer to the answer to question # 75.

Task 11.1 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30

Could you share information about the COE stakeholders you anticipate being involved in this phase and their involvement?

Bureaus/grantees interviewed with requirements gathered; user interface/design tested and approved; possible admin/edit rights to domain specific pages.

Task 11.1.7 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30

Do you anticipate having a large number of website users from low-bandwidth regions? Website users will be across the US. The Government is unsure of number of users. It may be possible that some website users are from low-bandwidth regions.

Task 11.1.9 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30, What format are the documents that would need to be converted currently in? MS Word, PDF.

Task 11.1.9 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30, Are there specific web-compatible formats that the converted documents would need to be converted to? PDF.

Task 11.1.13 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30

Could you elaborate on your expectations for the number of support calls to be handled and the times of days the selected vendor will need to be available to handle these? 9 a.m. ET - 8 p.m. ET, estimate 50 calls per year.

Task 11.1.13 COE Website Design, Implementation and Support, Page 30

Does HRSA have a helpdesk application that they are currently using for managing support calls? ServiceNow via Shared Service contract with another Operating

Division.

Task 11.1.14 Resource Center/Repository, Page 31

Does the resource center/repository content already exist? Or will this be created as part of the COE engagement? Some material may exist and can be utilized and some material will be created as part of the COE engagement.

Task 11.1.14 Resource Center/Repository, Page 31

Will the selected vendor be required to develop content for the creation of these resources? Yes, some of the content is developed as part of this requirement.

Task 11.1.14 Resource Center/Repository, Page 31

If the resource center content has already been created, what formats are these documents currently in (pdfs, csv, etc…)? Word, PDF.

Task 11.1.14 Resource Center/Repository, Page 31

Will the vendor be responsible for bringing this content into 508 compliance if it was not created this way by the content creator? Yes, the Contractor is responsible for compliance if product is not in compliance.

11.1.16 Calendar of Events, Does HRSA currently use any calendar and/or events registration platforms or applications that the selected vendor will need to integrate with?

No current calendar or events registration applications exists.

11.1.17 Discussion Boards, Could you elaborate on your expectations for the role the selected vendor will play in regards to moderating and facilitating the usage of discussion boards?

The Contractor shall be responsible for moderating and facilitating.

The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring uptime and accessibility.

11.1.22.2, Page 31 Is the expectation that the support hours will be for technical/website support? Or will these be user and administrator support? Support hours are for technical/website and administrator support.

11.2.18, Page 33 Will the selected vendor be responsible for providing both the functionality to support closed captioning functionality and the closed captions?

Yes.

91 OT2.1, Page 35 What format will the initial contact list for the database be provided in? Format may vary but will be in a standard-industry format such as Excel.

OT2.1, Page 35 Are there any specific requirements for the format for the COE e-mail database? Will this need to integrate with any other HRSA e-mail or other systems?

No. No.

OT5 – Webinars, Page 36 What are HRSA’s expectations for the selected vendor in regards to conducting the webinars? Do you anticipate this mostly including coordination and facilitation?

As specified in Task 7, the full compliment of activities required to complete the task.

OT 9 – Program-Specific Web Pages, Page 37

What is your expectation in regards to the number of program-specific websites/webpages that the selected vendor will be responsible for creating under this contract?

These are optional items; please price the tasks accordingly.

95 OT9.1: Program Specific Websites, Page 37

Is there a specific requirement driving the three-month timeline for delivery for usability testing?

No. However, HRSA anticipates that the website should be functional at the time that the COE begins its T/TA activities.

96 OT9.1: Program Specific Websites, Page 37

Would HRSA consider a bid that includes delivery of a minimum viable product at the three month mark?

No. HRSA anticipates that the website should be functional at the time that the COE begins its T/TA activities.

97 General Will HRSA consider other contract types that cost plus fixed-fee for this award (such as Time and Materials)? Refer to the answer to question # 56.

98 General Is there a budget or budget range that HRSA could provide for this project? No.

99 General Will the selected vendor be expected to meet any HIPAA requirements for any tasks in this project? There may be a possibility that HIPAA requirements are required.

Task 1.2.1: Revise and Maintain a Project Management Plan (PMP), Are there specific requirements for the format, style or technology used to create and maintain the PMP? It should be accordance with the instructions in the solicitation.

Task 1.2.1: Revise and Maintain a Project Management Plan (PMP), In addition to review and approvals, what role do you anticipate the HRSA team play in the development and management of the PMP? The COR will review and approve the PMP. The Contractor shall update the PMP based on COR feedback. It is considered a living document.

Task 1.2.2: Monthly Progress Reports, Page 39

Are there specific requirements for the format, style or technology used for the Monthly Progress Reports? Submitted in Microsoft Word format.

Task 3: Needs Assessment, Are there specific requirements for the format, style or technology used for the Needs Assessment? No; however, the document shall be searchable.

104 RFP, Page 60

The RFP mentions the importance of collaborating with key HRSA funded partners to ensure that there is no duplication and strategic coordination of TTA. Is there a similar expectation for collaboration with TTA centers funded by other federal partners? (e.g.

SAMHSA, DOL, HUD)

No.

105 General What priorities, if any, from the Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (SMICC), is HRSA focusing on as it relates to addressing serious mental illnesses as part of this RFP?

Refer to the language in the SOW. Offerors are required to address only the requirements contained within the SOW.

106 Attachment A, Page 8

Is there an existing process in place that the COE must use as it relates to assessing clinician/staff knowledge, attitude, and behavior change as a result of TTA activities?

The Contractor is responsible for creating an outline of the process to assess clinician/staff knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change as a result of the T/TA activities conducted by the Contractor before, during, and after T/TA events.

107 Appendix A Are there additional HRSA priority areas not mentioned in the RFP to be aware of as it relates to conducting the needs assessments?

Refer to the language in the SOW. Offerors are required to address only the requirements contained within the SOW. It will be based on currently known priorities.

108 Appendix B, Page 1 What is the role of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services as it relates to the proposed COE?

The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS) is a 21-member citizens' panel of nationally recognized rural health experts that provides recommendations on rural issues to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

109 RFP, Page 49 L.1.3 References that the proposals are to be submitted via email. We would like to confirm that this is correct and that there are no other systems we should be using for submission.

That is correct. Proposals shall be submitted via email. It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure that proposals are transmitted and received by the Government prior to the deadline.

110 RFP, Page 7 Consultant fees are listed as TBD prior to award; please confirm if there are any maximum daily rates that the offeror should use in proposal budgeting.

There are no maximum daily rates established.

111 RFP, Page 28 The RFP includes language that no purchases of food/meals will be allowed; please confirm if GSA per diem is allowable for travel budgeting purposes.

Per diem is allowable only in context of travel and in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations/Federal Travel Regulations.

112 RFP, Page 55 Please confirm whether a signed Representations & Certifications form is required if the reps/certs are completed through SAM.gov. Refer to Section L.5.3.2 Representations and Certifications.

113 RFP, Page 48/49 The RFP references that there is no page limit (page 48), but later refers to a page limit (page 49). Please clarify page limit guidance for the technical volume.

Refer to answers to questions # 26 and 54.

114 RFP, Page 50 Please clarify if the Section 508 PAT is expected to come first in the technical volume or as an appendix, following the main narrative of the technical volume.

Please follow the main narrative of the technical volume.

RFP, Page 52, L.4.2.7 and then referenced to pg 67 M..5

Please specify the number of past performance questionnaires that are required. Is it 5 total for the prime and all subcontractors combined, or is it five for each entity? Can it be more than 5?

Five (5) in total.

116 Attachment A, Page 3 As described on page 3, how many grantees and stakeholders related to HRSA's programs are anticipated to receive training and technical assistance by the COE in each year?

Refer to the answer to question #21.

117 3.1 - Needs Assessment, SO Can the issuer confirm that no needs assessment is required on maternal and child health? That is correct.

118 General Is there a specific number of past performances that need to be included? Also, can we include past project experience or only current? Refer to answer to question # 115. Within the past three (3) years.

119 M4.3 Past Performance (Factor 3), page 68

Are the five or more projects cited in Organizational Capacity and Experience (RFP page 67) the same projects the Government will use in evaluating each offeror's past performance?

Yes but Offerors are reminded that both independent data (such as information obtained from PPIRS databases, other databases available to the Government, and any and all sources including sources outside of the Government) and data provided by the offerors in their past performance information may be used to evaluate Offeror past performance.

120 Throughout the SOW

The solicitation mentions in multiple locations accessing grantee data.

What level of access to grantee data with the HRSA participating Bureaus and Offices should a bidder assume (e.g., grantee applications, progress reports, performance data)?

The Contractor shall use publically available data on the HRSA website, as well as HRSA-provided grantee contact information.

121 SOW, page 3 The solicitation references that the COE will have a "regional presence." Is HRSA using the 10 HHS Regions to define regions for COE structure and collaboration?

Yes.

122 SOW, Task 1.2.2.2, page

Does HRSA intend that the contractor will establish and maintain a T/TA tracking system that provides real-time data on the status of every ongoing T/TA activity? Should T/TA cost data be included in the tracking system?

Yes. Offeror's should choose whichever method is most appropriate to meet the reporting requirements of the COE. Costs should be accounted for under Task 1.

SOW, Task 3.1 Program Needs Assessment, page

MCHB is not currently included in Tasks 3.1.8–3.1.13 but is referenced in Task 3.1.15. Does HRSA anticipate including MCHB in the program needs assessment? If so, please provide available information on the focus of the assessment.

Refer to the answer to question #19.

SOW, Task 3.1.16 Program Needs Assessment: Activity Report, page 18

Is the contractor responsible for submitting one, comprehensive Activity Report for all program areas? Or, does HRSA require five individual Activity Reports as required for the Needs Assessment Reports?

Refer to the answer to question #7.

125 SOW, Task 3.2, page 19 Does HRSA anticipate any primary data collection as part of this task?

Or should the contractor plan for all data to come from secondary data sources?

Refer to the answer to question #8.

126 SOW, Task 5.4, page 21 Should bidders plan to conduct two virtual roundtables per contract year?

The base task requirement is to conduct roundtable sessions (2 total) for MCHB.

127 SOW, Task 7.4, page 22 How many participants should a bidder assume per webinar? Option Task 5 specifies 1,500 entities for national webinars.

Bidders should assume up to 1,500 participants for webinars for Task 7.4.

128 SOW, Task 8.7–8.9, page 24–25

Should the requirement for "contractor staff to be available for 2 hours weekly to discuss progress/challenges with individual participants," referenced in Task 8.1, be extended to the 4-month, 6-month, and 8-month CoP requirements (Tasks 8.7–8.9)?

Yes.

129 SOW, Optional Task 1, How many total Ad Hoc Reports does HRSA anticipate per year? The solicitation states "three (3) reports per task."

This is an optional task requirement that can be exercised up to four

(4) times per period. Each time the task is exercised, three (3) ad hoc requests shall be provided.

130 SOW , Optional Task 9, For cost estimation purposes, would HRSA please provide a target number of program-specific web pages to be developed and maintained per year?

The program specific website are optional items. Offerors are required to price out all optional items.

131 SOW, Optional Task 10.1, page 39 For the LMS, does HRSA have an anticipated number of users? No more than 2,000 possible users.

Section L.4, Technical Proposal Instructions, page

The requirements state that Section 508/PAT shall be the first section in the proposal and that it shall be included as an Appendix. Please clarify the placement of this section.

Refer to the answer to question #114.

Section M, Evaluation Factors, Section 2.a.1 and 2.a.4

The text for 2.a.1 states that bidders should "describe a detailed project plan that describes" the LHS Plan, Communications Plan, etc. The text for Task 2.a.4 states that "where tasks require a draft plan, they shall be included in the proposal." Does HRSA require that bidders develop a separate plan document for inclusion with the proposal submission?

Or is the requirement that the bidder describe (in the technical response narrative) its planning approach and activities?

The Government requires that Offeror's develop a separate plan document for inclusion with the proposal submission.

134 Section M, Evaluation Factors, Item 10, page 63

Will HRSA please clarify the role it intends for HRSA-funded providers/organizations to have on the COE? For example, does HRSA intend for the HRSA-funded providers/organizations to have a majority representation in the governance of the COE or in the selection of content and T/TA modality?

The Contractor is required to describe the governance and organization structure for the COE that illustrates T/TA resources that are representative of and responsive to the needs of Health Centers.

135 SOW, Task 11, page 30 For the < 3 seconds load time, will HRSA use a baseline client system or third-party test tool with a known connection speed to validate the site performance?

The baseline client in local and regional site.

136 SOW, Task 11 Page 29, 31 Given the seamless integration between the COE website and other systems, are there any existing HRSA SSO systems or federation endpoints that should be integrated?

HHS Access Management System (AMS) could be utilized.

137 SOW, Task 13 Has HRSA designated an expected FISMA impact/risk level for the COE systems (e.g., moderate or high)?

HRSA’s security team has determined that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability are “low.” The high Watermark is also “low.”

138 SOW, Task 2.2, page 14 Can bidders assume no meeting or A/V costs for the annual in-person/virtual meeting given it will be held at the Parklawn offices?

Bidders can assume no meeting room or A/V costs for the in-person component of the annual meetings held in Parklawn Building (5600 Fishers Lane Building).

139 SOW, Task 11.1.14, page

For the Resource Center/Repository, can the bidder assume that that any archived content to be uploaded (not generated as a part of this contract) will already be accessible and 508 compliant?

Yes.

140 SOW, Optional Task 10, For budgeting purposes, can bidders assume the Cloud LMS services would be exercised in the base period and system maintenance would take place in Option Years 1 and 2?

Yes.

141 SOW, Task 6.5, page 22 Task 6.5 states the Contractor shall “provide 150 virtual T/TA requests per program”. Can HRSA clarify how it defines “program” and how many there are?

"Program" is defined as the HRSA requesting Bureau or Office. There are five (5) programs supporting the COE.

142 SOW, Optional Task 9, For the Optional Task 9 Program-Specific Web Pages, can HRSA clarify for which specific programs the Contractor shall provide “program-specific website design and implementation”?

Refer to the answer to question #130.

143 L.5.3.1

The RFP states that a small business subcontracting plan is required if the proposal budget exceeds $700,000. Does the $700,000 refer to an annual amount or to the total budget for the proposal aggregated across years?

The $700,000 threshold applies to the total value of the contract to include all option periods and optional tasks. For more information, refer to FAR 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan and its prescription at 19.708(b).

144 L.5.3.1

Given that many of the tasks in the RFP are optional, how should bidders determine whether the proposal reaches the $700,000 mark and requires a small business subcontracting plan?

Refer to the answer to question # 143.

145 L.4.2.1

The RFP instructions first state that the Section 508/PAT should be the first item in the RFP. Further down on the same page, instructions indicate that the Section 508/PAT should be included as an appendix.

How should Section 508/PAT be organized in the proposal?

The reference to include the Section 508/PAT as an appendix has been removed.

146 L.4.2.3

Please clarify the expectations for the Information Technology Plan referenced on page 51 of the RFP. Should the full plan be included in the RFP, or should bidders describe their approach to plan development if awarded the contract?

Bidder should include their full draft Information Technology Plan as part of their response to the RFP.

147 G.9, Page 24 L.4.2.7, Page 52

If vendors have relevant projects in CPARS system, can they reference the CPARS rather than sending out a form to the client for Past Performance?

No.

148 L.4.2.7 Page 52 Do subcontractors have to submit past performance? If so, how many?

The Offeror may use a proposed subcontractor's past performance as part of the required five (5) submissions.

149 L.4.2.7

If subcontractors submit past performance, does the prime still have to submit 5 or should the total of subcontractor and prime past performances equal 5?

The total number should equal five (5).

B.2

The final row for the table labeled Option Year Period 3 - indicates “Total Value for Option Period 2”. Which is correct, is this table total for Option Year 2 or 3? Option Period 2. The table has been revised.

151 B.5.2.C

“Travel for general scientific meetings not directly pertaining to organ donation and transplantation.”

This appears to be an error, if so can you please confirm? If not can you please explain?

That was an error. The reference to "…not directly pertaining to organ donation and transplantation" was removed.

F.4

In the Deliverables Table Task 6 includes 150 T/TA requests. The quantity cell for that row indicates “Health Centers: 1; Health Professions: 1”. Does this mean 150 T/TA requests for Health Centers and 150 T/TA requests for Health Professions? Please confirm how many T/TA requests of each type are required.

Yes.

F.4 Page 16

In the Deliverables Table Task 7 indicates “conduct 2 webinars” and the quantity cell for that row indicates “BPHC: 4; BHW: 2; MCHB: 1”.

Does this mean 8 webinars for BPHC, 4 webinars for BHW and 2 webinars for MCHB?

Refer to the answer to question #9.

F.4

In Task 4, Virtual Clinical Case Conferencing for Health Centers indicates the amount of time per e-consultation (100 30-minute and 50 60-minute). Please indicate the expected amount of time for Task 6, Virtual TA for Health Centers and Health Programs.

Refer to SOW Task 6.5.

155 Attachment A, page 4

There is a list of a large number of strategic partners for the COE to work with in strategic coordination. Does HRSA have an established structure for this coordination, or will HRSA have the COE develop their own structure?

The COE shall develop its own coordination structure.

156 Attachment A, Page 28, Task 10.1 and 10.2

As a mechanism to encourage participation in practice coaching would it be an allowable budget expense to provide financial incentives to grantees that participate?

It is up to the Offeror to propose what approach will be most beneficial.

157 Attachment A, Page 28, Task 10.1 and 10.2

Can the 50 virtual practice facilitation grantees include some of the 25 on-site coaching grantees who may want continued ongoing support?

These grantees are mutually exclusive.

158 Attachment A, Page 26, Task 9

Is it allowable to use this contract funding to compensate the peer mentors? It is up to the Offeror to propose what approach will be most beneficial.

159 Business Proposal (L.5) -p53

In reference to the instructions for the business plan - Volume II, is there a required excel template that offerors should utilize? If so, how do offerors access the template?

There is no required Excel template.

160 Business Proposal (L.5) -p53

Should offerors propose a fixed fee as part of the application process or will the fee be negotiated with HRSA upon award?

This is not a grant, therefore you are not submitting an application The Offeror will submit a federal contract proposal. The Government encourages Offerors to carefully read the terms and conditions associated with submitting a federal contract proposal. The offeror's proposed pricing shall include fixed fee.

Past Performance Questionnaire (Att F) - p52, p67

For the purpose of the Past Performance Questionnaire/Attachment F, is this intended ONLY for completion by Federal contracting entities with which we (the offerer) have engaged, in contracts similarly to this one? Or are we to include other engagements that are non-Federal entities (such as state government, non-government entities such as health care organizations or associations)? Or Federally-funded (including HRSA) but that are programmatically structured in a way that includes TA as a primary component but is not fee-based/contract for services?

Refer to the instructions in Section L.4.2.7 Past Performance. The questionnaire's are to be completed by the five (5) organizations identified in Section M.4.2.5 Organizational Capacity and Experience.

Experience can be demonstrated with non-Federal entities.

162 Solicitation page 33 of 69 Please verify that the complete web address for the HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template is https://www.hhs.gov/web/section- 508/contracting/technology-products/vpath-instructions/index.html.

The HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template (PAT), that is referenced in 352.239-73 Electronic Information and Technology Accessibility Notice. Paragraph (c) and 352.239-74 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility. Paragraph (b), (d) and (e) has been replaced with the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Version (VPAT) 2.1 or later, is considered to meet HHS PAT requirement. The new form can be downloaded from https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat.

163 Attachment A (Statement of Work)

Aide from meetings where "in-person" is explicitly stated, is there an expectation of other tasks containing an in-person component? The SOW explicitly describes when a task has a on-site component.

164 Attachment_H_-_CLINs.docxPlease confirm that offerors are to price four (4) exercised times per performance period in the "Total Price" column, where applicable.

Offeror's shall assume that all optional tasks may be exercised up to 4 times.

165 Attachment_H_-_CLINs.docxCan the Government please provide an estimated total budgeted, to include all optional tasks, for this requirement?

Offerors shall propose the total estimated price to complete all task requirements for consideration.

166 RFP, B.4 Direct Costs, page 6-7 of 69

Since Contracting Officer approved materials, services, and consultants will be reimbursed costs, will the Government please confirm that these costs do not need to be provided in our price proposal? If so, will the Government please provide a "plug" number to offerors, as these items have not been identified yet.

All costs, to include direct costs and indirect costs must be proposed in Offeror pricing for consideration. No "plug" numbers are to be provided to Offerors.

167 SOW, Task 11, page 29 of

Please confirm that all costs associated with procuring the IT/cloud services will be allowable/reimbursable costs under this contract.

Refer to FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment for the regulation on reimbursing costs.

168 RFP, L.13, page 49 Are there file size restrictions to be aware of when submitting our proposal package via email? If so, will the government allow Offerors to submit multiple emails to accommodate the restrictions?

Assume that the file size restriction is 15 MB per email submission.

Yes but the Offeror shall be responsible for properly labeling/titling their emails so it is clear that there are multiple email submissions for their proposal response.

169 RFP, Section L.1.2 and Section L.1.4, pages 48-49

Can the government confirm there are no page restrictions for any Factor of the technical volume other than the 3 page maximum for resumes? Section L.1.2 says 'Please note that none of the volumes have a page limitation' while Section L.1.4 references a potential technical page limitation ('The Offeror may include foldouts up to 11 x 17 inches only to display graphics, flow charts, organizational charts, or drawings, which will not be counted towards the page limit for the technical volume'). It does not appear there are any page limitation requirements in the rest of the RFP.

Refer to the answer to question #145.

170 RFP

The RFP strongly emphasizes the use of technology, such as e-consultation, web-training, virtual meetings, etc. in the provision of training/technical assistance. What other alternatives would the government allow to engage areas with virtually no or not-so-good access to the internet and advanced technology devices (such as tribal areas; U.S. territories/jurisdictions)? Would the government consider a face-to-face provision of training/TA in these areas?

The only task that is scoped for face-to-face T/TA services is Task

10.4 (formally 10.2).

171 Statement of Work; Page 3.

Page 3 of the Statement of Work states "the COE will establish a centralized T/TA programs with regional and topical presence …" Please clarify if the expectation is to have physical presence in the region (i.e., establishment of regional COE offices) or does it mean the content of T/TA should be tailored to regional needs and condition

Offeror's should assume the content of T/TA should be tailored to regional needs and conditions where applicable. No physical presence in the regions is expected.

172 Statement of Work Task 11.1; Page 30 What is the government’s anticipated level of effort for Task 11?

There is not specified level of effort other than the Contractor deliver the anticipated product.