Amendment A002 - RFP 19LE2023R0003 - Life Insurance Services.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

NO.

A002

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

November 1, 2023

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ.

NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

CODE

Contracting Office

Department of State

American Embassy

Beirut, Lebanon

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (NO., street,city,county,State,and ZIP Code)

X

9a. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

19LE2023R0003

9b. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

September 22, 2023

10a. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER

NO.

10b. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

[ X ] is extended, [ ] is not extended

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning ___1____ copies of the amendment;(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or(c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers.

FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF

OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A. 52.243-1 Changes--Fixed Price (AUG 1987)

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b)

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [ X ] is required to sign this document and return __1_ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

SEE ATTACHMENT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

Christopher Berkey – Contracting Officer

15B. NAME OF CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

BY

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C.DATE

SIGNED

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C.DATE SIGNED

November 1, 2023

CONTINUATUION SHEET

RFP # 19LE2023R0003

Life Insurance Services

U.S. Embassy Beirut - Lebanon

We are hereby amending the RFP # 19LE2023R0003 to:

1- Answer the received questions.

2- Amend Section B.7.2. of the RFP # 19LE2023R0003 to remove columns on funeral benefits

3- Amend the due date to submit the offers.

4- Share the minutes of meeting of the pre-proposal conference that took place on

October 25, 2023.

1- Here below the answers to the received questions:

Q1: “Section B Price” – under page (2) started by B.5, could you please provide us with the page where B.1., B.2, B.3 & B.4 are found.

A1: B.1, B.2, B.3 and B.4 are not part of the solicitation, and they were removed on purpose.

Q2: Does your employees include Administrative and Security men?

A2: It includes both administrative and security employees.

Q3: Could you please specify the type of work of the insured persons under Exhibit B and Exhibit C?

A3: Exhibit B: personal staff of the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission, namely cook and housekeeper.

Exhibit C: association that provides lodging and services on the Embassy premises, namely housekeeping, kitchen and administration.

Q4: Are Exhibit C & Exhibit B part of Exhibit A? or these are separate additional employees?

A4: Separate additional employees.

Q5: You request a sum insured equal to 33 times his/her monthly basic salary. What is the Maximum Monthly Basic Salary requested?

A5: A census list will be available based on request.

Q6: What is the maximum age required for coverage?

A6: 65 years of age.

Q7: Kindly provide the census list, inclusive of each employee's date of birth and monthly salary. Without this essential data, we are unable to provide an accurate quotation for your Group Life scheme. The census list, along with the size, total face amount, and average age of the scheme, plays a pivotal role in determining the terms and pricing of the policy.

A7: A census list is available based on request – please send an email to

ContractingBeirut@state.gov.

The list includes the date of birth, gender monthly basic salary and profession.

Q8: Updated claims experience with date of claim, notification date and reason of claim.

A8: The claims experience for death and work-related injury is as listed in Exhibit A

No further claims incurred up to date.

Zero death claim for Exhibit B & C.

Q9: Is it possible to give us an updated claims experience? (Noting that your reported claims are as at April 30).

A9: Refer to A8.

Q10: Kindly provide a detailed census list if possible (if not possible, what is the maximum

Sum Insured?)

A10: Refer to A7.

Q11: Please confirm our understanding that funeral expenses Sum Insured is 2 x monthly salary.

A11: Refer to C.2.1.4: funeral benefit is 200% of the official minimum wage for work related death, and 150% of the official minimum wage for causes of death not work-related.

For private sector currently the minimum wage rate is 9,000,000 LBP. Which equates to US$600 (based on the official government rate of 15,000).

Q12: Is it possible to exclude nuclear contamination as a result of Terrorism?

A12: Refer to C.2.2.

Q13: Would you accept our reinsurer accumulation limits? Being:

➢ by event $20 Million

➢ Due to Passive war risks $5 Million

A13: Refer to C.2.1.1.; C.2.1.2; C.2.1.3; C.2.1.4;

Q14: What are the requested benefits apart from Death Any Cause?

A14: Refer to A13.

Q15: Are the disability and accidental benefits only requested under WRK policy (decree

136)?

mailto:ContractingBeirut@state.gov

A15:

Life Insurance Work related Non-work related

Natural death N/A

Yes, 33 times the monthly basic salary

Accidental death

Yes, 33 times the monthly basic salary or the minimum required as per occupation injuries law, whichever is higher

Yes, 33 times the monthly basic salary

Total Disability

Yes, as per D

(2) Work‐

Related Total

Disability: 33 times the monthly basic salary or the indemnity required as per

Decree‐Law No.

136 of 1983, whichever is higher.

Yes, if there is a non work related total disability, this falls under C(2), amount can be up to, but not more than 33 times the monthly basic salary

Q16: Are the requested benefits same as expiring policy benefits?

A16: No. Current expiring policy is as follows:

• Life insurance (natural and accidental death) equals to 23 times the monthly basic salary.

• Total disability coverage: due to injury, accident or sickness equals to 36 times the monthly basic salary.

Q17: What is the requested and the existing Free Cover Limit?

A17: Refer to A16 for existing benefit.

Refer to C.2.1.1; C.2.1.2; C.2.1.3; C.2.1.4 for requested coverage.

Q18: What is the requested / existing Free Cover Limit?

A18: Refer to A17.

Q19: Are there any requested benefits apart from Death Any Cause?

A19: Refer to A13.

Q20: Are the disability and accidental benefits only requested under WRK policy (decree

136)?

A20: Refer to A15.

Q21: If possible, are the requested benefits the same as expiry?

A21: Refer to A16 for expiring benefits and A13 for requested benefits.

Q22: If possible, who is the incumbent insurer?

A22: Bankers Assurance SAL.

Q23: Kindly provide the list of employees including (date of birth, Sum insured, gender).

A23: Refer to A7.

Q24: Are the disability and accidental benefits only requested under workmen’s policy

(decree 136) or under the group life policy as well?

A24: Refer to A15.

Q25: Summary of the death claims, mentioning type of claims ( due to accident or sickness along with the reason of the sickness ) and amount per claim if available.

A25: Exhibit A:

Contract year Amount per claim Reason of death

2019 $ 38,710.00 Heart attack

2020 $ 42,665.00 Heart attack

2020 $ 71,263.58 Sickness-Covid

2020 $ 54,170.75 Accident

2021 $ 210,869.75 Sickness-Covid

2022 $ 235,684.00 Sickness-Cancer

2023 $ 112,738.33 Sickness-Cancer

Exhibit B & C: Zero death claims.

Q26: Are the requested benefits same as expiry?

A26: Refer to A13 & A16.

Q27: What is the requested/ existing Free Cover Limit?

A27: Refer to A13 & A16.

Q28: Can you please advise what is the official minimum wage for work-related and non-work-related deaths?

A28: For funeral expenses refer to A11.

Q29: Detailed census list including members' date of birth, salary, sum insured.

A29: Refer to A7.

Q30: Under page 2 of your tender specifically B.6, you said “Bidders must complete attachment number 1(pricing) to this RFP for pricing of the contract in MS excel format”. Could you please provide us with the attachment?

A30: The attachment is posted on SAM.gov along with the RFP.

Q31: Are you requesting 3 different offers (one for the employees, another for ORE and the third for EAE?)

A31: ORE and EAE are riders to the main contract.

Q32: Our research has shown that as per the law, Workmen compensation should be covered under the DBA. And as per the US law, the Embassy is considered a US territory and is subject to the above, please advise.

A32: For local staff working at the US Embassy, work related disability will be covered by the contractor. This will be considered the primary insurance. U.S. workmen’s compensation will be considered a secondary insurance.

DBA insurance is not requested in this solicitation.

Q33: Would you please clarify if the employees who are to be covered under this tender are all Lebanese.

A33: Primary Lebanese or legal residents.

Q34: Can we send you the premium rates for the Employees, the ORE and the EAE as one set of premium to all? or do you want them separately for each sub-group?

A34: Please send premium rates separately for each group.

Q35: Is Lebanon involved in the Act of 2010? Do we have to pay a tax of 2%? If so to whom and the 2% should be applied on what?

A35: Refer to FAR 52.229-12 Tax on certain foreign procurements – Notice and

Representations (Feb 2021).

Q36: In the Pricing Excel file:

➢ Estimated Payroll (Bi-Weekly in Thousands) *; do we enter here the

Annual salaries / 26?

➢ Bi-Weekly Total; should it be the total premium to be paid every two weeks, so Bi-Weekly total should be: Premium (Per 1,000 of Salary) * Estimated

Payroll (Bi-Weekly in Thousands)/ 1,000 / 12 * 33)?

A36: Each company should make its own computations and propose its offer accordingly. Amended excel sheet is posted on SAM.gov.

Q37: Disability - Total and Permanent If the impairment is the result of a previous impairment, it shall be considered a continuation of the prior impairment.

Please enhance: If an employee is already totally disabled, he will not benefit from

Disability cover?

A37: We do not have currently employees on total and permanent disability currently serving their waiting period.

Q38: C.1.0 thru C.1.6 were not found in the RFP and are referred to in page 14. Please advise.

A38: C.1.0 thru C.1.6. are reserved. E2 hereby reads C.2. Group Life Insurance.

Q39: Premium Payments of ORE & EAE are fully in advance, for the whole year?

Contrary to Employees that is Bi-Weekly?

A39: Refer to H.3.1. for ORE and EAE rider payments.

Q40: Dependents is mentioned many times as they could be included. Please explain the meaning, knowing that employees on payroll only, could usually be covered.

A40: Refer to C.2.3.1 Eligible employees.

Q41: The DOS Personal Identification Card Policy and Procedures may be accessed at http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rpt/c21664.htm (site not available, please advise).

A41: This clause is not applicable.

Q42: Is it possible to present to us the Optional Form 347 and 348 during the Pre-proposal meeting? Or send them to us by email?

A42: These forms are available online.

Q43: Page 46 EAE Lump sums looks different from Page 41 total annual salary. (e.g.

$37,475.00 vs $449,304.00)

A43: See revised exhibit C.

Embassy Association Employees - (EAE)

Statistics on potential insured

Age Bracket Years Employees

0-20 2023-2003 0

21-25 2002-1998 4

26-35 1997-1988 4

36-46 1987-1977 6

47-60 1976-1963 3

61-64 1962-1959 4

Average Age Male 35 http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rpt/c21664.htm

Average Age Female 46

Total 40

Lump sum bi-weekly payroll: USD 17,296-

Lump sum annual payroll: USD 449,700.00

EXHIBIT C – EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION EMPLOYEES RIDER

Statistics on EAE participants by age and salary (lump sum)

Age Number Salary

20-34 8 $183,468.00

35-45 5 $109,992.00

46-55 2 $50,040.00

56-64 6 $106,200.00

Q44: Regarding the retention amounts, they are requested to be in dollar value instead of a percentage. Alternatively, can it be a rate per 1000?

A44: As stipulated in section B.7, the retention amount is a fixed amount that is a part of the premium amounts.

Q45: Under C.2.1.1 life insurance: Is the Death coverage requested due to sickness only?

Or accident will be included within this specific coverage as well?

A45: Refer to A15.

Q46: Is Accidental Death coverage applicable only if work related or at any time? Is double indemnity requested? And if so in what scenario? (For example, in case of accidental death, the coverage will double. Life coverage is 100K, if due to accident it will be 200k).

A46: Refer to A15. Double indemnity is not applicable.

Coverage is up to 33 times the monthly basic salary or if applicable the indemnity required as per Decree‐Law No.136 of 1983, whichever is higher.

Q47: It is requested that medical expenses will be covered for work related accidents as per decree 136.

• What is the Limit requested here? Will it be an open limit/no limit?

• Which hospital class shall apply in this scenario?

• Which network shall apply in this scenario? Full network (all hospitals) or restricted network?

A47: There is no limit to the medical expenses incurred for work related accidents.

Class A coverage for work related accidents.

Full network.

Q48: Given that medical expenses due to work related accidents are covered under the medical policy as per the following clause. Why is this coverage requested? It would be a duplication of coverage.

A48: Under the current medical coverage there is the following limitation: “There is no coverage for expenses that will be reimbursed or paid directly under the host country medical program, the U.S. workers’ compensation program, or Lebanon’s workers’ compensation program”.

With the new life and disability insurance benefit, approved work-related claims will no longer be covered by U.S. workers’ compensation program. The life and disability insurance contract will be covered by the successful offeror.

Q49: Regarding, Permanent partial and total disabilities (PPT & PTD); will this coverage only apply if they occur to work related accident? Please confirm. Furthermore, they should be as per decree 136 or 33 times monthly salary, whichever is higher, correct?

A49: Refer to A15 for the total disability.

Refer to C.2.1.3.1; C.2.1.3.2; and C.2.1.3.3 for work related disabilities.

Q50: In accordance with Decree-Law No. 136 of 1983, the contractor will pay for the funeral costs up to 200% of the official minimum wage for work-related death.

Given that the official rate is 15,000 LBP and the minimum wage is 9,000,000

LBP. Accordingly, the minimum wage In USD is 600$. The coverage needed for this is 1,200$? To be adjusted on each renewal shall the minimum wage change.

Please confirm.

Furthermore, this coverage will apply only if the death is work related, please confirm.

A50: Refer to A11 for the funeral benefit of work-related death.

For non-work-related death, the funeral benefit shall be computed as stated in

C.2.1.4.2. (150% of the official minimum wage).

To be adjusted automatically when the minimum wage for the private sector and the official exchange rate is updated.

Q51: In accordance with Article 27 of the Lebanese National Social Security Law, the contractor will provide the payment of 150% of the official minimum wage for causes of death that are not work-related. Per our calculations, the coverage per the above would be 900$, please confirm.

A51: Refer to A11 for the calculation.

For a 9,000,000LBP minimum wage rate with the official rate of 15,000 LBP the funeral benefit for non-work-related deaths would be $900. This is subject to change based on the minimum wage rate for the private sector and the official exchange rate.

Q52: Is the passive war coverage needed for death only or also for PPD and PTD. If so, will this coverage under PPD and PTD apply during working hours only or at all times?

A52: Conditions and limitations listed under C.2.2. apply to benefits listed under C.2.1.

Q53: What will be the mode of payment? (Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual).

A53: Refer to G.4.2 and H.3 for ordering procedures of U.S. Government employees

(non-rider employees).

Refer to G.4.4 and H.3.1 for ORE staff and EAE rider employees.

Q54: What is meant by temporary disability for occupational illnesses? What is the needed coverage here?

A54: Refer to C.2.1.for life insurance coverage.

Q55: Is there a minimum and maximum requested regarding the amount of coverage?

A55: Refer to C.2.1. for life insurance coverage, Q56: We would appreciate your support to share with us the below information to be accurate in our assumptions and pricing. Regarding the group life policy only.

A56: Question not clear.

Q57: Did the coverage change from 2019 to 2020 to 2021 to 2022? If so, how? In terms of amount and in terms of additional coverage.

• Appreciate sharing the total sum insured in USD (Total coverage for the whole population) per year and for the past 5 years.

• Appreciate sharing the total insured of lives insured per year and for the past 5 years.

• Appreciate sharing the detailed insured members list (without names) with the following details included:

o Date of birth / Gender / Salary / Occupation

A57: Refer to A16 for existing benefit valid from February 13, 2019 through February 12, 2024.

Refer to exhibit A, B & C for current lump-sum bi-weekly and annual payroll.

To calculate the total sum insured you need first to calculate the monthly total payroll.

For the census list refer to A7.

Q58: Regarding claims shared, appreciate your clarification/support of/for the below:

• First table of injuries says 51 cases, whereas the summary table says 62 injuries.

Which is correct?

• Appreciate sharing the injuries separated per year and among, o PPD claims.

o PTD claims.

o TTD claims o work and non-work related claims o count of each

• Are all the death claims paid? Or any still pending payment?

• In what currency were the claims paid? In local dollars? In fresh dollars? Or a mix of these and if so, appreciate adding the currency to the table.

• On page 45, it is mentioned that the months payable are 23 months. Appreciate your clarification on this point.

• No PPD, PTD claims were paid in the past 5 years?

A58: Total of 51 work-related injuries. The data is provided covering the period from

February 2018 through May 2023.

The last death claim is in the final stages and will be paid soon. Death claims should be paid in fresh US dollars.

The 23 months benefit refers to the existing benefit. The current existing benefit does not include partial and temporary disabilities.

Q59: What is the free sum assured/ free cover limit required? Meaning will underwriting be allowed for any member? (Medical form to be filled and/or medical test to be conducted).

A59: Underwriting is not applicable.

Q60: Under page 2 of your tender specifically B.6, you said “Bidders must complete attachment number 1 (pricing) to this RFP for pricing of the contract in MS excel format”, could you please provide us with the attachment.

A60: Revised copy of the pricing table is posted on SAM.gov.

Q61: Are you requesting three (3) different offers (one for the employees, another for ORE and the third for EAE)?

A61: Yes, three (3) different offers, one for the employees, and one for each of the riders.

Q62: Would you please explain about the retention amount?

A62: Refer to clause B.7.

Q63: Page 66 (L.4-b) price proposal for the option years of both insurance programs?

A63: Price proposal for the option years shall be only for the life insurance program.

Q64: What is the definition of permanent total disability requested? Is it (own or similar occupation) or (any occupation)?

A64: See C.3.0. Definitions Disability - Total and Permanent. “A physical or mental impairment which precludes the individual from performing ordinary motor or bodily functions and which requires separation from employment. If the impairment is the result of a previous impairment, it shall be considered a continuation of the prior impairment.”

Q65: Work-Related Temporary Disability:

a) Can you confirm the duration and extent of the temporary disability cover, specifying if it is indeed 75% of the basic salary for 9 months? Is there any flexibility to extend this period?

b) Could you provide an example of when this coverage applies to diseases linked to an employee's work?

c) What is the relevance of Decree Law N°136 of 1983 to the coverage provided? Are disability and accidental benefits only applicable under the

WRK policy per Decree 136?

d) For the temporary disability coverage, is it necessary to separately cover medical expenses, or will they be reimbursed up to 75% of the basic salary?

e) Is there a waiting period or deductible, such as a specific number of days, before the temporary disability coverage becomes active?

f) Can you confirm that the requested temporary total disability coverage is "per accident," as mentioned in your initial email?

A65: a) Confirm. In case of work-related temporary disability a compensation of 75% of the daily wage is paid for a maximum period of 9 months as per C.2.1.3.

b) For work related injuries and occupational illnesses which occur during work hours in accordance with Decree-Law No. 136 of 1983, please refer to occupational diseases as defined by Lebanon’s Ministry of Labor and as per related law – Decree

No. 14229 of 2005 Table of Occupational Diseases and any future Decree.

c) Temporary disability is work related.

d) Separately cover medical expenses.

e) In terms of work related-temporary disability, law No. 136 of 1983 states that the workers’ injury benefit, the 75% daily wage indemnity, should be provided starting on the day after the accident or onset of the occupational illness per

Article 5 of the law. Per Article 5, the 75% daily wage indemnity should be paid on the usual payday of the employee – the interval between two successive payments cannot be more than 15 days.

f) Refer to C.2.1.3.

Q66: Funeral Benefits:

a) Could you clarify the terms "work-related death" and the reference to

"minimum wage" on page 6? Is the minimum wage the monthly salary?

b) Please confirm that funeral expenses sum insured is 2 times the monthly salary.

c) Can you please advise what is the official minimum wage for work-related and non-work-related deaths?

A66: Refer to A11, A50 & A51.

Q67: Employee Statistics:

a) On page 43, we noted a discrepancy between the two tables. In the first table, there are 51 cases, but in the second table, the total is reported as 62. Additionally, when calculating the average cost of injuries by dividing the total value by 51, it returns an average of 599, whereas it is stated as 397. Moreover, if we multiply the average number of lost days by the average cost, we arrive at a figure of 8,337, which also differs from what's presented in the report. Can you please verify these figures or provide more information and clarification from the client?

file://///Washdc.state.sbu/stateshares/HRPublic$/Office%20Shares/HR%20OE/CM%20Central/CM%20Electronic%20Files/Region/NEA%20SCA/Lebanon/Benefits/Lebanon%20Life/Life%20Insurance%202022-2023/REF%20B.%20Decree-Law%20No.%20136.pdf

b) Could you provide additional details or clarification regarding riders, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C, particularly in relation to ORE and EAE, as mentioned on page 8, point C.2.3.3?

c) Could you share information about the types of jobs performed by embassy employees, including any potentially risky professions like military or police roles?

d) We kindly request a detailed census list with members' date of birth, salary, and sum insured.

e) It would be extremely helpful to receive detailed claim experience from past years, including the date of loss, claim nature, and amount.

A67: a) To confirm there are 51 cases. Average cost of injuries is US$599. Amended table below.

EMPLOYEE STATISTICS

Covering the period from February 2018 through May 2023:

No. of on the job injury cases

Total value of medical expenses

Average cost of medical expenses

Total no. of lost days

Average no.

of lost days/case

51 $ 30,559.00 $ 599.98 542 days 21

Summary of injuries

Fell from slipping or tripping 18

Fell in stairway or from steps 16

Struck against stationary objects 9

Fell to floor or ground 8

b) ORE are the personal staff of the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission

(namely housekeeper and cook).

EAE is the employee recreation association. Type of jobs are kitchen staff, housekeepers, and administrative.

c) the census list provided will be divided into 3 categories: Security, field, and administrative staff.

d) Refer to A7 for the census list.

e) Refer to A25

Q68: Other Clarifications:

a) Is nuclear contamination resulting from terrorism excluded from coverage?

b) Could you please clarify if Permanent Total and Partial Disability due to sickness and accident not related to work is required?

c) Are the requested benefits the same for expiry, and could you specify what is meant by the requested/existing Free Cover?

d) Could you provide further clarification on points B.7 regarding administrative retention amounts and B.8 concerning Economic Price adjustment as mentioned on pages 3 and 4?

A68: a) Refer to C.2.2. conditions and limitations.

b) Permanent Total Disability due to sickness and accident not related to work is covered. Refer to C.2.1.2 and C.2.1.3.3..

Partial disability due to sickness and accident not work related is not covered. Refer to C.2.1.3.3.

c) For expiring benefits refer to A16.

d) Refer to Section B.7

Economic Price Adjustment

ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT-LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS

Premium Adjustment Based on Experience - For life insurance, prices may be adjusted upward or downward based on the experience rating of the Mission(s) covered by the contract, and it specifically excludes all riders. No adjustment will be allowed during the first twelve months. After such time, the Contractor or the

Government may request an adjustment in premiums on an annual basis.

Adjustments are not retroactive to previous contract terms. Before any such adjustment is made, the Contractor agrees to provide the Government a balance sheet showing three main components for the time period: (1) receipts (premiums received) minus the retention amount, (2) number of insurance plans and (3) claims paid. This information shall be provided per type of premium, i.e. per line item. The retention amount is not subject to adjustment. The Government reserves the right to have an independent third party review the balance sheet and claims and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the requested adjustment. Any adjustment shall be subject to mutual agreement of the parties and shall result in a written modification to the contract. Mutually agreed to adjustments shall be effective thirty days after complete information is received by the Government. Any failure to reach agreement under this clause shall be subject to the procedures in the

Disputes clause.

Premium Adjustment Based on Laws - The rates may also be adjusted during the performance period of the contract as a result of laws enacted by the host

Government, if such change in the laws has a direct impact on the cost to the Contractor to perform this contract at the contracted rate. In that event, the

Contracting Officer may enter into negotiations with the Contractor to modify the contract to adjust the premium rate. The Contractor agrees to provide all documentation necessary to support any requested adjustment.

Employee Pool – This clause is only in effect if the Contractor included details in its offer regarding a pooling arrangement, of which this contract is a part.

Before any adjustment is made under this price adjustment clause, the Contractor shall include in its proposal for adjustment, details setting forth how the pool impacts the request for equitable adjustment.

Q69: How the funeral benefit is calculated. It’s mentioned 200% of official minimum wage for work related death. Is the wage monthly / bi-weekly or other period?

A69: Refer to A11, A50 & A51.

Q70: As per Decree 136, The medical coverage in case of work-related accident is restricted to the same coverage of the National social security fund (Class C) and limited, however in the conference it was requested for the coverage to be Class A –

Unlimited.

Please Advise

A70: Reimbursement of medical expenses will be on Class A coverage. Unlimited.

Q71: In page 5 Section C.2.1.2., the following is mentioned:

Amount of Accidental or Work-related Death or Disability

The employee's estate or employee will receive an amount equal to 33 times the amount of monthly basic salary or the minimum required as per

Occupation Injuries Decree-Law No. 136 of 1983, whichever is both relevant and higher.

However, in page 6 section C.2.1.3.2. the Work-Related Total Disability: 33 times the monthly basic salary or the indemnity required as per Decree-Law

No. 136 of 1983, whichever is higher.

Appreciate confirming that the coverage for Permanent Total Disability is not to be restricted to work related accidents.

A71: Confirm. Permanent Total Disability is not restricted to work related accidents.

Q72: Is the passive war and terrorism coverage mentioned on page 6 requested to include

Disability (Permanent, Partial & Temporary)?

A72: The conditions and limitations listed in C.2.2. are applicable to all the benefits provided in C.2.1.

Q73: Reference to the following statement on page 2:

JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 VICTIMS HEALTH AND COMPENSATION

ACT OF 2010 NOTICE: UNLESS A WAIVER OR EXCEPTION

APPLIES, PAYMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THIS PROCUREMENT ARE

SUBJECT TO AN EXCISE TAX OF 2% PERSUANT TO 26 .S.C. 5000C.

Please advise in which cases a waiver or exception is to be applied.

A73: Refer to RFP, FAR 52.229-12 TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN ROCUREMENTS-

NOTICE AND REPRESENTATION (FEB 2021). It explains in detail what should be done in case of a waiver or exception and in case there is no waiver or exception.

Q74: In page 10 the following in mentioned in the Table under Disability - Total and

Permanent:

A physical or mental impairment which precludes the individual from performing ordinary motor or bodily functions and which requires separation from employment. If the impairment is the result of a previous impairment, it shall be considered a continuation of the prior impairment.

Please clarify what is meant by the above statement. (Ex: If there is an insured member who has suffered loss of vision in one eye and was indemnified based on partial disability with current insurer. In case the insured loses vision in the second eye due to the original accident, does this mean he will have to be indemnified a second time as Permanent total disability.

A74: Yes. Preexisting condition is applicable.

Q75: In page 5 under Work related temporary disability coverage the following is mentioned:

The contractor will equally assume the charges required for the fixing, maintenance, and renewal of protheses and other medical and surgical appliances required for the treatment and recovery of the employee.

Please clarify if once the contract is expired, does the above continue to apply for the entire duration of recovery.

A75: As per the industry prevailing practice, all claims and incidents that occur before the expiry date of the current contract, shall be covered by the current contract. Any claims or incidents that occur after the expiry date of the current contract shall be covered by the new contract.

Q76: Is it possible to explain the meaning? and what to fill under NAICS Code and Size standard?

A76: 524113 – Direct Life Insurance Carriers

Q77: (a) Definitions. “Inverted domestic corporation” and “subsidiary” have the meaning given in the clause of this contract entitled Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted

Domestic Corporations (52.209-10).

We could not find the definition on the website (error message: OOPS! Didn't

Find what you are looking for ?). Is it possible to send us the definition?

A77: The correct citation is FAR 52.209-10 and is available online.

Q78: K-10 Do not submit an offer unless— A certification is provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision and submitted with the offer; Please enhance if this is indeed needed.

A78: Yes, it is needed.

Q79: Will the Embassy sign our insurance proposal, endorsement and KYC forms after the tender?

A79: No, the Embassy will only sign the contract resulting from the solicitation. The contract will have the same terms and condition specified in the solicitation document.

Q80: Will the clauses included starting from Section E P. 16 to Section L P.67 govern the relationship till the end of tender only or will remain in force to govern the whole insurance relationship? If it will remain in force, does this mean that they will not sign the insurance proposal and endorsement, or the clauses be vailed along with the insurance policy?

A80: Refer to A79.

Q81: Could you please confirm that the DBA will not be applicable?

A81: DBA is not required.

Q82: Will the occupations be added to the census list?

A82: Refer to A7.

2- Section B.7.2. of the solicitation is hereby amended as follows:

B.7.2. Retention Amounts per Separate Premium Paid per Employee:

Period of

Performance

Life Insurance

(Per C.2.1.1)

Accidental or Work- Related

Death or Disability

(Per C.2.1.2)

Work-related

Temporary Disability

C.2.1.3.1)

Related

Total Disability

C.2.1.3.2)

Related Partial

Disability

C.2.1.3.3)

Base Period

First Option

Year

Second

Option Year

Third Option

Fourth Option

3- Amend the due date to submit the offers. The offers shall be due by 8:00 a.m. on

November 27, 2023. An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to all offerors. In case companies do not receive this email, they are requested to reach back and call 70-116516.

4- The minutes of meeting of the pre-proposal conference that took place on October 25, 2023 are attached herewith.