QAs for Life Insurance.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Q&A

RFP No. 19MX53-20-R-0002

For Life Insurance Services

1. How many participants are interested in this solicitation?

A: It is unknown as solicitation is posted on the internet.

2. Regarding the Riders, will the proposal be delivered separately but with the same table format provided in the solicitation?

A: Please refer to Amendment 0002.

3. The RIDERS (aphis) are part of the 1562 employees or are they separately?

4. The Payroll stated in the solicitation, is it in dollars or pesos?

A: The estimated payroll is in Pesos, Mexican Currency.

5. How many bodyguards are in total?

6. Are the bodyguards armed?

A: Yes.

7. Will you share list of updated salaries?

A: This salary information are estimates only and for informational purposes only but issuance of task orders will provide definitive totals at time of issuance.

8. Are the employees reported as Mexican or US employees?

A: They are reported as Mexican national employees.

9. When is the expiration date of the current contract/coverage?

A: February 28, 2021. This date is subject to change.

10. Can you share the list of the insured with age, sex and salary?

11. Will the contract to be signed be in English and will it contain all the legal concepts mentioned in the solicitation, or only those that apply?

A: Correct, all FAR clauses contained in the solicitation shall apply.

12. What is the role of Aphis for this contract?

A: APHIS are considered U.S.G. employees. Please refer to Amendment 0002.

13. Can you explain further the processes of DUNS, NCAGE and SAM registration?

A: Please refer to Exhibit 4 under Section J, List of Exhibits.

14. Please confirm that this is a direct negotiation without an intermediary?

A: The U.S. Government will have direct negotiation with the insurance company;

however, an intermediate, agent or broker can be able to be involved in the process.

15. Additional coverages for accidental death and total and permanent disability (50 and

35) cannot be greater than the basic coverage of 33.

16. Please provide more information regarding Section B.6.

A: Each Offeror shall provide a firm-fixed price for the Base year and Each Option

Year. We have provided estimated payrolls of salaries.

17. In reference to Section C.2.7., can you please provide a brochure currently used?

A: No, it will be provided upon award.

18. Payment of premiums shall be made annually or quarterly?

A: Payments shall be made quarterly, with quarterly invoices. However, the policy shall be effective all year.

19. In reference to the English levels mentioned in section G.8.2. Project Manager

Requirements, which of the 3 certifications must be complied with?

A: With any of the three mentioned in the table of section G.8.2.

20. Can proposals be delivered/submitted in hardcopy?

A: No, it shall be sent to the email stated in Section L.3.2. Closing Date.

21. Will there be another virtual meeting on September 25th?

A: No, this deadline is to submit questions.

22. We have the option to submit a proposal for international pool, we would need to submit two price proposals? One with pool (without dividends) and the other local (with dividends); correct?

A: Correct. Please refer to Sections L.4.3.2. Profit Sharing Credit and L.4.3.3.

Employee Pool.

23. The period of performance for the contract will be effective March 1, 2020 at

12:00 hrs?

A: Please refer to Section F.5. Insurance Policies.

24. When you refer to Financial Statements, are you referring to the insurance’s Financial statements?

25. Please indicate award date for the winning contractor.

A: We do not have an exact award date. It all depends on the proposals received.

26. Please confirm that there will be no inconvenience in providing the contract in advance and will grant the necessary facilities for the winning bidder to carry out a prior review.

A: The solicitation will be converted into a Contract once awarded.

27. Is Section K optional if I already have an active SAM registration?

A: Yes, however, FAR clause 52.204.24 must be completed and submitted.

28. Is the sum insured per employee a fixed sum or is it based on salary?

A: Based on salary.

29. Please confirm how many cases there are to claim between the cut-off period and as of today. Please refer to Exhibit 1 under Section J, List of Exhibits. An update will be provided if the claims increased considerably.

30. Will there be a pre-proposal conference minutes?

A: Yes, it has been posted in BETA SAM.

31. All salaries listed in the Exhibits are annually, monthly or biweekly?

A: Annual.

32. Are there currently personnel in a state of disability?

A: Please refer to Exhibit 1 under Section J, List of Exhibits. However, there are none at the moment, since they are removed from our lists once it becomes official by the local social security authorities.

33. Regarding the tables in section B.6. please provide more information.

A: Each offeror shall provide a price proposal for the base year and each option year per the estimates provided.

34. If for the cases not contemplated in the present bases it is assumed that the General

Effective Conditions of the awarded insurance company will operate.

A: No, it will be determined on a case by case basis.

35. In reference to section C.2.7, can you give us a sample of the current pamphlet?

A: Please refer to question 17.

36. That it is understood that in case of a change in the insured base now of issuance, the total premium to be paid will change according to the individual tariffs.

A: The Contractor shall comply with the rates per premium stated in the contract for the Base Year and Each Option Year. The total amount to pay will vary depending on salary updates and number of employees.

37. That in case (insurance company) is awarded as the insurance company, it will be necessary to have the endorsements of the current validity in PDF format.

A: Upon award, a detailed list of employees will be provided.

38. If (insurance company) is awarded the insurance contract, we will have an updated list of.

A: Correct.

39. To ratify that the conditions required in these bases are identical to those currently in operation and in the event of a negative response, the Bidder is kindly requested to specify which conditions have historically changed with respect to the current validity.

A: The life insurance coverages have changed. Please refer to question 44.

40. Share change in conditions to which the policy was submitted, as well as specify the date of the changes.

A: No relevant modifications to the terms and conditions have been made in the current contract.

41. To share the historical loss in detail (Date of occurrence, opening date, amount paid, number of loss, coverage affected and suffering).

42. Indicate if there has been a change of company. If so, provide the corresponding

"IBNR" (claims that have already occurred but have not been reported).

A: There has not been a change of insurance company in the last 5 years.

43. Provide the list of insured persons with name or ID, date of birth, sex and relationship.

A: Please refer to Amendment 0002. To protect the employees’ Personal Identifiable

Information (PII), date of births and relationship will not be provided.

44. Indicate the "SAMSEM" (Maximum Insured Amount No Medical Requirements) that the group currently has.

A: Currently, our employees have the following life insurance coverages:

• Natural Death: twenty-eight (28) months of base salary

• Accidental Death: to twenty-five (25) months’ basic salary

• Total Permanent Disability: twenty-eight (28) months’ of base salary

45. Indicate if the account currently has dividends.

A: No.

46. Indicate which endorsements the account currently has.

A: Question is unclear.

47. If it is a for disqualification is not to grant requested renewal schemes

A: Yes, the Contractor shall submit a price proposal for the base year and each option years.

48. If it is a for disqualification is to propose a "SAMSEM" (Maximum Insured Amount

No Medical Requirements) different from the one currently issued.

A: Yes, please refer to Section L.4.3.1 under Life Insurance Benefit Levels paragraph.

49. If it is a reason for disqualification to grant a maximum insured sum equivalent to that requested in the basic coverage for permanent disability coverage.

A: Yes, please refer to Section L.4.3.1 under Life Insurance Benefit Levels paragraph.

50. If it is a reason for disqualification that the proposal sent is only valid for 30 days.

A: Yes, please refer to block 12 under SF-33 Cover page. The proposal shall be valid for 120 days from the date of receipt of offers.

51. If it is a reason for disqualification to deliver the proposals in free format in addition to the requested format.

A: Question is unclear. The proposals shall be sent in three separate volumes.

52. PLEASE CONFIRM THAT IT IS A DIRECT NEGOTIATION WITH THE

INSURANCE COMPANY WITHOUT AN INTERMEDIARY.

A: It may be a direct negotiation and/or a negotiation through an intermediate. The insurance companies shall not exclude or limit any broker, agent or intermediate from participating in this competition.

53. PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THERE WILL BE NO INCONVENIENCE TO

DELIVER THE CONTRACT IN ADVANCE AND GRANT THE NECESSARY

FACILITIES SO THAT THE WINNING BIDDER CAN CARRY OUT A PRIOR REVIEW.

54. PLEASE CONFIRM THAT ALL CONDITIONS NOT ESTABLISHED AND/OR

SPECIFIED IN THE BIDDING CONDITIONS, ATTACHMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

DERIVED FROM THIS CLARIFICATION MEETING, WILL OPERATE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL CONDITIONS AND ENDORSEMENTS OF THE

WINNING BIDDER'S POLICY.

A: Please refer to question 34.

55. BASED ON THE UPDATING OF THE REGISTRY IN THE SAM PORTAL THAT

US GOVERNMENT PROVIDERS CAN RECEIVE PAYMENTS, IT WIL REQUESTED

THE LETTER SIGNED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC SO THAT THE INSURER CAN CARRY

OUT THE PERTINENT PROCEDURES.

56. PLEASE TO INDICATE IF THE CONTENT OF THIS WILL PREVAIL OVER THE

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE POLICY AND THAT IN CASE OF AMBIGUITY THE

GENERAL CONDITIONS WILL APPLY.

A: The contract shall prevail and any ambiguities will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

57. PAGE 3 B.5 GROUP LIFE INSURANCE SERVICES PLEASE CONFIRM

THAT THE INSURANCE IS MANDATORY FOR THE CONTRACTOR'S

EMPLOYEES. 5.

58. PAGE 3 B.5.1. RIDERS AND PAGE 9 NUMERAL B.6.6. PLEASE CONFIRM

THE APHIS PROPOSAL WILL BE SENT IN THE SAME FORMAT?

59. PAGE 3 B.5.3.2. OFFERS AND PAYMENT IN PESOS, MEXICAN

CURRENCY, CONFIRM WHETHER THE POLICY WILL BE CONTRACTED FOR IN

DOLLARS OR MEXICAN CURRENCY AND CLARIFY WHETHER THERE WILL BE

SUBGROUPS OF EMPLOYEES WITH MEXICAN AND FOREIGN NATIONALITY.

A:

• First question: Please refer to B.5.3. Currency.

• Second question: All employees can legally work in Mexico, regardless of their nationality.

60. PAGE 4 B.6. FIXED PREMIUM RATES PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THE

SALARY RATES WILL BE SET EACH CONTRACT YEAR, HOWEVER, IT IS

POSSIBLE THAT IN OUR PROPOSAL WE OFFER A DIFFERENT RATE FOR EACH

CONTRACT YEAR.

61. PAGE 4 B.6 FIXED PREMIUM PLEASE CONFIRM THAT RATES MAY BE

INCREASING FOR EACH EFFECTIVE YEAR

A: Correct. The offeror may or may not set an annual increase of premium rates for each option year. If proposed, this increase must be included in their price proposal.

Rates cannot be increased once the contract has been awarded, unless Section B.8.

Economic Price Adjustment (EPA)-Life Insurance Premiums applies.

62. PAGE 12 C.2.1.1. AMOUNT OF EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE – NATURAL

DEATH, C.2.1.2. AMOUNT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH, C.2.1.3. TOTAL

PERMANENT DISABILITY COVERAGE PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THE SUM

INSURED RULE FOR THE COVERAGES REQUESTED FOR THIS CONTRACT

INCREASED.

A: Please refer to question 44.

63. PAGE 12 C.2.1.1. AMOUNT OF EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE – NATURAL

DEATH CONFIRM THAT THE SUM INSURED RULE FOR BASIC DEATH COVERAGE

IS 33 MONTHS' SALARY.

64. PAGE 12 C.2.1.2. AMOUNT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH CONFIRM THAT

THE SUM INSURED RULE FOR ACCIDENTAL DEATH COVERAGE IS 17 MONTHS

OF SALARY, AND IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENTAL DEATH CLAIM, THE TOTAL

INDEMINZATION, WHEN APPLICABLE, WILL BE 50 MONTHS OF SALARY

INCLUDING 17 MONTHS OF SALARY OF MONTHLY ACCIDENTAL DEATH

COVERAGE PLUS 33 MONTHS OF SALARY CORRESPONDING TO BASIC DEATH

COVERAGE

65. PAGE 12 C.2.1.3. TOTAL, PERMANENT DISABILITY

COVERAGE CONFIRM THAT THE INSURED SUM RULE FOR TOTAL AND

PERMANENT DISABILITY COVERAGE IS 35 MONTHS' SALARY, THIS RULE BEING

HIGHER THAN BASIC DEATH COVERAGE.

66. PAGE 12 C.2.2.LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS CONDITIONS AND

LIMITATIONS EXCLUSIONS MUST BE CLEAR ON WHAT IS INTENDED TO

BE EXCLUDED, THERE IS AMBIGUITY REGARDING ACCIDENTAL DEATH SINCE

NO TIME LIMIT IS STIPULATED BETWEEN THE OCCURRENCE OF DEATH AND

THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT. A 90-DAY PERIOD IS STIPULATED IN OUR

GENERAL CONDITIONS, NO PERIOD IS STATED IN THIS DOCUMENT, AS

REVIEWED. PLEASE CONFIRM THE DAYS TIME LIMIT IS STIPULATED BETWEEN

THE OCCURRENCE OF DEATH AND THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT.

A: Will follow local practices and labor laws per event.

67. PAGE 14 C.2.6 ELIGIBILITY AND POLICY PERIOD CONFIRM THE

INCEPTION DATE OF THE POLICY.

A: Please refer to Section F.2. Period of Performance.

68. PAGE 15 C.2.6.2. PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY CONFIRM IF THE EMPLOYEE

CONTRIBUTES TO THE PAYMENT OF THE INSURANCE PREMIUM AND IF SO, IN

WHAT PERCENTAGE.

A: Employer will pay 100% of premiums for life insurance services.

69. PAGE 16 C3 DEFINITIONS CONFIRM IF THEY RECEIVE THEIR BIWEEKLY

SALARY

A: Employees receive 26 biweekly Pay Periods. However, the coverage is based on monthly salary (annual salary divided by 12).

70. PAGE 21 F.4.1. DELIVERABLES WITHIN FIVE THE FOLLOWING (5)

BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A NEW TASK ORDER OR A TASK ORDER

MODIFICATION THAT REVISES THE EMPLOYEES THAT ARE GOING TO BE

INSURED; PLEASE INDICATE THAT IF THE INSURED’S DATA ON THE

CERTIFICATE IS INACCURATE, IT WILL BE POSIBLE FOR US TO RECEIVE: A COPY

OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE, OFFICIAL ID OR PASSPORT.

A: No. Any mistakes will be corrected and managed between the insurance representative and COR. The Contracting Officer will be involved in case of any disputes.

71. PAGE 22 G.4.1.1. ELECTRONIC INVOICES REQUIREMENTS INDICATE

WHETHER THE TERM “CONTRACT NUMBER” REFERS TO THE POLICY NUMBER

OR NOT. ADDITIONALLY, INDICATE WHETHER THERE IS MOTIVE FOR

DISQUALIFICATION OR NOT IF THE RESTAMPING IS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE

INVOICES.

• First question: No, the Contract number does not refer to policy number.

• Second question: Question is unclear.

72. PAGE 23 G.4.1.3 ADJUSTMENTS CONFIRM THAT IT IS INDEED POSSIBLE

TO OFFER THE SELF-ADMINISTERED ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM IN

ACCORDANCE WITH OUR GENERAL CONDITIONS WHERE PREMIUM

ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE ANNUALLY BY PERFORMING ADDITIONS AND

CANCELLATIONS USING THE FORMULA: SAF – SAI * annual rates per a thousand/ 2

a. SAF: Suma Asegurada Total Final Final Total of Sum Insured

b. SAI: Suma Asegurada Total Inicial Initial Total of Sum Insured

IF THAT IS NOT THE CASE, PLEASE CONFIRM THAT WE COULD APPLY THE

FORMULA QUARTERLY.

A: Not sure if policy can be self-administered. Furthermore, adjustments must be processed by an individual, since different funding sources are involved and have to be identified separately.

73. PAGE 23 G.4.1.3 ADJUSTMENTS PLEASE CONFIRM THAT WE CAN SHARE

A FILE TO FILL IN THE INFORMATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS AND THAT

EACH PERIOD WILL BE SHARED BY THE EMBASSY IN ORDER TO BE VALIDATED

AND APPLIED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

A: The Contractor should provide the list and COR will verify the data. However, we can provide the list in an Excel sheet. The U.S.G. will not input data in a third party software not approved by U.S.G.

74. PAGE 25 G.8.1. PROJECT MANAGER INDICATE WHETHER YOU NEED TO

CONFIRM THE CERTIFICATION OF LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION OF THE

PROJECT MANAGER OR NOT.

A: Proof of English levels are not being requested. However, if the Project Manager does not comply with the English levels stated in the Contract, then that means the

Contractor is not complying with our terms and conditions.

75. PAGE 26 H.4.1.GENERAL (3)SETTLEMENT THE METHOD OF PAYMENT

MUST BE WIRE TRANSFER SINCE ODP IS NOT ISSUED ACCORDING TO THE

COMPANY POLICIES.

76. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

TO BENEFICIARIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SETTLE LIFE INSURANCE

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (1)THE DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARIES WILL FOLLOW

THE (Insurance company) FORMAT DULY SIGNED BY THE CONTRACTING PARTY

AND THE INSURED. THIS FORMAT WILL INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF THE POLICY

IN EFFECT, NAME OF THE INSURED AND DATE, ADDITIONALLY, SUCH

DESIGNATION WILL BE CLEARLY DRAFTED WITHOUT THE USE OF

ABBREVIATIONS.

77. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS TO

BENEFICIARIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SETTLE LIFE INSURANCE

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (1) PLEASE CLARIFY ITEM B1 WHERE IT IS SPECIFIED

THAT THE COMPANY WILL ASSIST EMPLOYEES TO FILL OUT THE DESIGNATION

FORMS, HOW WILL THIS ACTION BE PERFORMED?

A: Upon an employee’s death or permanent disability, the beneficiary/employee will have direct contact with Human Resources Office/Local employee’s issues team. The Contractor will assist through Human Resources Office/Local employee’s issues team.

78. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (2) IT IS MADE CLEAR THAT LEGAL HEIRS ARE

DESIGNATED BY A COMPETENT JUDGE; THEREFORE, IT IS WRONG TO INDICATE

THIS DESIGNATION IN THE AGREEMENTS.

A: Questions is unclear.

79. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

TO BENEFICIARIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SETTLE LIFE

INSURANCE CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (2) IT IS MADE CLEAR IN ITEM THAT

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE COMPANY WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TIME

(60 DAYS), PROVIDED THAT THE CLAIM IS FULLY CONFIRMED.

80. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS TO

BENEFICIARIES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SETTLE LIFE INSURANCE

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (2) PLEASE CONFIRM THE NECESSARY

DOCUMENTATION IN ORDER TO VALIDATE THE CLAIM OF THE PERMANENT

AND TOTAL DISABILITY, EITHER FOR NATIONAL OR FOREIGN STAFF.

A: The Contractor shall follow local authorities, laws, and regulations; U.S.G. participates in Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

81. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (2) PLEASE SPECIFIED IF THE DOCUMENTS FOR FILING

CLAIMS REGARDING THE COVERAGES WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMPANY

IN ORIGINAL OR BY DIGITAL MEANS. (Insurance company) REQUIRES

DOCUMENTS IN ORIGINAL OR, AS THE CASE MAY BE, TO BE SUBMITTED WITH

THE APOSTILLE AND LEGAL TRANSLATION AS PER APOSTILLE HAGUE

CONVENTION.

A: The Contractor shall provide their own formats, either electronic (digital) or hardcopy so the employee/beneficiary can complete and submit the formats.

82. PAGE 27 H.4.1. GENERAL (b) PAYMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS

CLAIMS AS FOLLOWS (2) REGARDING ACCIDENT CLAIMS, IT IS NOT SPECIFIED

HOW WILL THE EXCLUSIONS APPLY IN THE EVENT ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN A

FOREIGN COUNTRY.

A: The Contractor should follow international regulations.

83. PAGE 29 H.10 SIGNATURE LIMITATIONS PLEASE INDICATE IF FOR

SIGNING THE CONTRACT, THEY CAN DELIVER THE SUPPORTING

DOCUMENTATION SUCH AS ART. 492.

A: Please refer to question 184.

84. PAGE 49 EXHIBIT 1 EMPLOYEE STATISTICS PLEASE INDICATE IF THE

EMBASSY WILL DELIVER THE LISTS OF INSUREDS WITH UPDATED SALARIES,

DATES OF BIRTH AND GENDER.

85. PAGE 52 EXHIBIT 1 NUMBER OF LOSSES AND CLAIM

AMOUNT PLEASE CONFIRM HOW MANY ADDITIONAL CLAIMS DO THEY HAVE

IN ADDITION TO THE 6 PENDING CASES IN PROCESS WITHIN THE PERIOD FROM

JULY TO DATE.

86. PAGE 52 EXHIBIT 1 NUMBER OF LOSSES AND CLAIM

AMOUNT PLEASE CONFIRM THAT ONLY IN CASE OF DEVIATIONS DUE TO HIGH

LOSS RATIO IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO ADJUST THE RATE AGREED IN THIS

CONTRACT.

A: It will only be possible to adjust the rate if Section B.8 Economic Price Adjustment

(EPA)-Life Insurance Premium is applicable.

87. PAGE 52 EXHIBIT 1 NUMBER OF LOSSES AND CLAIM AMOUNT IF THE

ANSWER IS AFFIRMATIVE, PLEASE INDICATE THE PROCESS, TIMES AND

DOCUMENTATION THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE ADJUSTMENT.

A: Please refer to question 86.

88. PAGE 59 EXHIBIT 4 REGISTER TO SAM PLEASE CONFIRM IF THERE IS NO

PROBLEM THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS A REGISTER IN SAM

BUT EXPIRES ON JAN 15, 2021. OR IF IT IS NECESSARY TO REGISTER AGAIN.

A: The Contractor shall renew the SAM registration each year.

89. PAGE 61 EXHIBIT 5 DOES THE INSURER HAVE TO FILL OUT THIS FORM?

A: No.

90. PAGE 84 L.4.3.1. LIFE INSURANCE BENEFIT LEVELS, PART 1 (e) PLEASE

INDICATE US WHAT TYPE OF AUDIT REPORTS ARE REQUIRED.

A: Please provide the most recent two audits and/or annual reports with clear summaries of financial performance that show the business is operating profitably.

91. BASED ON ARTICLE 69 OF THE INSURANCE CONTRACT LAW, THE

COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AS

DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY OF THE CLAIM. IT SHOULD BE

NOTED THAT LAWS TO BE GOVERNING THE CONTRACT ARE UNKNOWN AT THE

PRESENT TIME.

92. General. We thank the Convenor for confirming that the presentation of our proposals will be in Spanish. Please comment on this.

A: No, the proposal must be submitted in English.

93. Page 82, Questions and answers. The convenor is kindly requested that the minutes of the clarification meeting, in addition to publishing it in PDF, be provided to us, in an editable document (Word). Please comment on this.

A: The pre-proposal conference minutes has been published in Word on Beta SAM.

The questions and answers will also be published in Beta SAM.

94. Page. 3, Numeral B.5.3.2. Offers and Payment in Pesos, Mexican Currency. The convener is kindly requested to confirm that our prices and payment received will be in local currency (Mexican Pesos). Please comment on this.

A: If the price proposal is submitted in Pesos, the payment shall be received in Pesos, Mexican Currency.

95. Page 4 to Page 9 Numeral B.6 Fixed premium rates, Column “Estimated Payroll”.

The convener is kindly requested to confirm that the prices expressed there are Mexican pesos. Please comment on this.

96. Page 21 Numeral F.5 Insurance Policies. The Contractor will provide individual insurance policies for all employees of the Government of the US. We understand that it refers to the individual certificates and consents for each worker, or where appropriate specify in the requested document. Please comment on this.

A: The Contractor shall provide individual certificates and consents/formats for each employee.

97. Page 12, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. Please confirm that, for all those conditions not established or specified in the bases of this tender, they will operate according to the general conditions of (insurance company), s insurance. A. From c. V., prevailing the particular conditions requested by the contractor. Please comment on this.

A: It will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

98. In scope of the previous question, please confirm that we will be able to include our general conditions authorized by the national insurance and surety commission, together with the priority and non-adherence clauses, please confirm.

A: It will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

99. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. rty to specify if the staff to be insured has insured that they have leave without pay or partial salary so that they can provide us with the following:

A: List of employees will be updated periodically, any necessary actions, such as leave without pay will be reported.

100. List of people who are on leave. Please comment on this.

A: Currently, there are not any employees who are on leave without pay.

101. What is the reason for the leave to work with or without pay. Please comment on this.

A: Leave is equal to vacations per local laws; Leave without pay, exceptional circumstances when an employee is absent without available vacations and need to be absent with approval, but without pay.

102. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. The convenor is requested to indicate if it is in a position to prove the full identity of our clients, that is, if at the time of making a claim, all documentation that allows full identification of our client can be presented, as well How to prove the kinship with the insured for purposes of complying with the tax provisions, please comment on the matter.

A: The Contractor shall request legal identification documents to the beneficiaries or employee when processing a claim.

103. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. We understand that all claims that occur before the effective date of this tender for each of the insurable groups will be in charge of and paid for by the insurer that currently has the program, whether within the normal term and / or extension. Please comment on this.

A: Correct, the claims are processed by the date of the event.

104. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. The convenor is requested to confirm that in the event of an accident, at least the last 3 months of payroll receipts will be delivered, including those of employees and retirees as the case may be, please comment on the matter, A: No, the Contractor shall consider the last salary reported (last salary reported to

IMSS, and the last salary registered in the payroll). Additionally, the salary changes are made per local laws and reflected in Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

105. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. The convener is requested to confirm, the health institution that will rule the total and permanent disability.

A: The U.S.G. pays Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) contributions and follows IMSS ST-4 processes.

106. Pages 12 to 15, Numeral C.2. Group Life Insurance. General description of the requirement. It is requested in the most attentive way to the convener that specifies if it will cover personnel, whether active or retired or retired, who is in the process of declaring absence or presumption of death and how many they have in that case, as well that indicates whether it will cover people with whom they have pending labor litigation or of any other nature, for which their rights as a worker are suspended or who are on medical leave or commissions without pay. Please comment on this.

A: There are not pending labor litigations, suspensions employees on Medical leave or LWP.

107. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm whether consents from other insurance companies will be used.

A: No, the new contractors shall provide consents in electronic or hardcopy.

108. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm whether beneficiary designation formats from other insurance companies will be used.

A: No, the new contractors shall provide consents in electronic or hardcopy.

109. In the event of a negative answer to the previous question, confirm whether the awarded company formats will be used.

110. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm whether it currently has staff in the process of invalidity ruling.

A: We currently have none at this moment.

111. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide a list of personnel with established disability and, where appropriate, in the process of an opinion.

A: We currently have none at this moment. Employees are separated once they are under that category.

112. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide claims of at least five (5) years specifying at least coverage, person affected, amount of sum insured and date of occurrence and reported per year of validity.

A: Please refer to Exhibit 1 under Section J, List of Exhibits.

113. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide the insurance companies awarded the last three terms with the premium and term awarded respectively, as well as any extensions if applicable.

114. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the insurance conditions are the same as those established in the last five periods.

A: Insurance conditions are the same but maximum coverages have changed.

115. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the validity of the insurance.

116. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the entire eligible group receives their monthly salary in Mexican pesos.

A: Correct. Employees receive 26 biweekly pay periods.

117. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the entire eligible group will be compensated in Mexican pesos.

118. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that no exchange rate is used to convert wages in foreign currency to Mexican national currency.

119. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that no tax rate will be used.

120. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the coverage requested is Basic for

Death, Compensation for Accidental Death and Compensation for Total and Permanent

Disability.

121. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the accidental death coverage corresponds to paying the Insured Sum contracted for this benefit, if as a result of an

Accident occurred during the validity of the policy and within 90 (ninety) days after on the date of the same, any Group Member dies.

122. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that:

a. accident is understood to be an event originating from an external, sudden, fortuitous and violent cause that causes death in the person of the Insured.

b. Death intentionally caused by the Insured is not considered an Accident.

c. Death caused by homicide is not considered an Accident.

A: Response to the definitions:

a. Accident: Will be reviewed, on a case by case basis, if an event will not fall in a clear category.

b. Death intentionally cause by insured: Correct.

c. Death caused by homicide: False, should be considered Accident.

123. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that Total and Permanent Disability is considered as the loss of powers or aptitudes that make it impossible for the Insured to perform any work that may generate their own income, and may only be generated by

Accident or Illness that the Insured suffer, understanding by disease the alteration of health conditioned by a morbid agent and that prevents the performance of their work activities, in such a way that it generates a state of Total and Permanent Disability.

124. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the institution in charge of issuing and certifying the opinion of total and permanent disability.

A: The U.S.G. pays contributions to Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS);

therefore, it should be IMSS.

125. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the maximum age of acceptance for each benefit or coverage.

A: There is no maximum.

126. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the sum insured for the accidental death benefit of 50 months' salary is made up of 33 months corresponding to the natural death coverage plus 17 months for accidental death.

127. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the policy is without dividends.

128. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the activity of the insured is 100% administrative.

A: There are several different positions that are not 100% administrative.

129. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm whether the bodyguards carry a firearm.

130. If the answer to the previous question is positive, please indicate the type of weapon and vehicle used for your work.

A: This information is considered sensitive and cannot be provided.

131. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that to date no accidents have been reported due to accidental death.

132. In case of negative answer to the previous question, please indicate the number of cases per year of validity and departure.

133. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the personnel to be insured is only active, there are no retirees or pensioners within the community.

134. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the form of payment of the policy and, if it is multi-year, confirm issuance by fiscal year and form of payment for each one.

A: Please refer to Section G.4 Submissions of Invoices and Payment.

135. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the form of administration of the policy.

136. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide a list of insured persons including distinction by activities and position of the insured, separating personal bodyguards.

A: Please refer to Amendment 0002. Additional details will be provided upon award.

137. The Convenor is kindly requested to inform the meaning of the ‘passengers’.

138. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide the meaning of the acronym "USG".

A: United States Government.

139. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm the figure in charge of making the premium payment.

A: Please refer to Section G.7 Post’s Managerial and Administrative Support.

140. B.6. FIXED PREMIUM RATES. The Convenor is kindly requested to confirm that the total premium calculation for 12 months corresponds to 2 times the estimated fortnightly total, thus resulting in 24 fortnightly periods, instead of considering 26 fortnightly periods as indicated in the base document.

A: No, the annual base salary must be divided by 26 Pay Periods to obtain the biweekly salary.

141. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide the meaning of the term ‘Horsemen’.

142. C.2.6.1 Eligibility period and effective date. The Convenor is kindly requested to provide the meaning and composition of the term ‘Payment period’.

A: Life insurance price will be defined as an annual premium paid on quarterly installments. Prorated premiums will be calculated for those employees who did not work for the entire contract year (new hires or terminations.)

143. Section B5 Group Life Insurance Services. General for all solicitation. Regarding the characteristics of the group and partnership insured and in support of the Mexican State, as part of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD) and in implementation of the Agreement amending the various issuing protocol for action on public procurement, granting and extension of licenses, permits and authorizations, and concessions; this Insurance Company is registered in the

“Comisión Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas” (CNSF, Mexican Insurance Regulatory

Authority), the general clause under which the effects of the insurance of that insured person, beneficiary and/or contractor that is placed on an official list, relating to or linked to crimes that conflict against the interests of the state and/or the aforementioned countries (OECD) will cease. Therefore, the Solicitant is asked to ratify that, if my representative is awarded, the general clause referred to shall form part of the insurance conditions, which are the subject of the present procedure. Please confirm.

A: Additional clauses cannot be added to the Solicitation and/or Contract.

144. In addition to the previous question and in the event that it is answered in the negative sense. The solicitant is requested to confirm that the stay in the collectivity or insurable group, of all people who participate directly or indirectly in this insurance, which may be related to the illicit activities set out in Articles 139 to 139 Quinquies, 148 Bis, 193 to 199, 400 and 400

Bis of the Mexican Federal Criminal Code, will be subject to the provisions of the applicable legal provisions, on the understanding that insurance institutions are legally prevented from establishing a legal relationship with persons related to such illicit activities, the above in accordance with article 492 of the in force Law on Insurance Institutions and Deposits and

General Provisions (Ley de Instituciones de Seguros y de Fianzas y Disposiciones Generales). Please confirm.

A: Insurance services will be provided per Mexican laws and regulations.

145. In case we become the awarded insurance company, the issuance of the policy can be in Spanish and you will only need a brochure/written document in English (according to section C.2.7.1.) that specifies the conditions and coverages of the policy. The rest of the issuance documentation, policy cover page, terms and conditions, individual certificates, invoices, among others will be in Spanish. Please confirm

• The brochure must be in English and Spanish.

• Issuance of the policy and individual certificates can be in Spanish.

• Invoices can be submitted in Spanish.

146. The policy’s effective date is March 1st, 2021 at 12:00 hrs (noon). Please confirm.

A: No, the effective date is March 1, 2021 at 00.01 hrs. Please note this date is subject to change.

147. A (insurance company) on site service center inside the Embassy is needed (a person who will be attending the insureds for information and claims)? Please confirm.

A: No, a representative is not required.

148. The claims management and procedures between the insured and (insurance company) can be in Spanish. Please confirm

149. The option 1 will be considering a profit share scheme, we request to indicate the percentage of profit share to be considered in this option. Please confirm

A: A percentage cannot be provided.

150. Please confirm about the multinational Pool scheme, in this case the quote will be released without profit share as an option 2. Please confirm.

A: Cannot comment on how the offeror shall submit a price proposal. Please refer to

Section L.4.3.3. Employee Pool.

151. Every coverage or benefit that is not requested in this RFP will be applied according to this Insurance Company General Conditions. Please confirm.

A: No, the U.S.G. shall not request additional coverage or benefits.

152. Can you please confirm which legal authority will certify the life claim documentation such as: death certificate, accidental death and/or total and permanent disability certificate. Please confirm

A: The U.S.G. pays contributions to Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS);

therefore, it should be IMSS in case of permanent disability. In case of death or accidental, should be the local authorities and/or international, if occurred overseas.

153. Please confirm the date the Embassy will be informing about the awarded Insurance

Company.

A: Do not have a specific date. It depends on the quantity and quality of proposals received.

154. Can you please indicate if the basic coverage (33 months) and the accidental death (50 months) are separate benefits or they are summed (i.e. 33+50 months in case an accidental death, the total benefit amount will be 83 months of salary). Please confirm

155. According with section B.5.3. Currency

The convener is kindly requested to indicate whether the payment of the insurance premium was carried out in national currency (MXP). Please confirm.

A: The currency of the payment of premiums shall depend if the Contractor submits proposals in U.S.D. or in Pesos, Mexican currency. Please refer to Section B.5.3.

Currency.

156. B.6.6. GRAND TOTAL OF BASE PLUS ALL OPTION YEARS. The solicitant is kindly requested to indicate whether 5 options are being requested for this year or whether proposals are being requested for the 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year, 5th year.

A: Question is unclear. The contractor shall provide the grand total for the base plus all option years in section B.6.6.

157. If you request a proposal for the second year onwards, they will be illustrative. Please confirm.

A: No, it is not considered illustrative. The Contractor shall provide firm-fixed rates for the Base year and each option years. The total amount of premiums to pay will depend on the number of employees and salaries.

158. If you indicate that proposals are requested for the 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year and 5th year. Please indicate that in case of profit share, the premium refund will be made year after year or at the end of the 5th year. Please confirm.

A: It will be made year after year.

159. B.8.2. Premium Adjustment Based on Law. The Solicitant is requested to confirm that, if awarded, any modification to the terms of the Contract shall be upon agreement between the parties. Please confirm.

A: Correct. It would be a bilateral modification.

160. According with section C.2.1 Group Life Insurance Coverage. Benefits are greater than the basic plan benefit.

a. Natural death: 33 times the basic monthly salary.

b. Accidental death: 50 times the basic monthly salary.

c. Permanent disability: 35 times basic monthly salary.

For the insured sum of benefits, we kindly ask the solicitant to clarify whether:

Does the basic sum insured plus an additional amount in such a way that they add up to 50 times the monthly basic salary for accidental death and 35 times the basic monthly salary for

Total and Permanent Disability? Or are they independent sums insured?

161. Is it a reason for disqualification not to comply with the sum insured rule requested for

Accidental Death and Total and Permanent Disability benefits? Please confirm.

162. According with Section C Part II – Life Insurance in Group C.2. Group Life

Insurance.

The solicitant is kindly requested to indicate whether the American Embassy pays 100% of the premium. Otherwise and if the insured people/employees have a share in the payment of premiums, please indicate the percentage of contribution. Please confirm.

A: Employers pays 100% of the premiums.

163. C.2.1.3. Total Permanent Disability Coverage. In order to give greater clarity to this contest, the Solicitant is requested to confirm that, in case of payment of the sum insured corresponding to the coverage of total and permanent disability, it will be given the opinion of a doctor specialized in work medicine/occupational health or opinion issued by a relevant legal medical institution. Please confirm.

A: The U.S.G. pays Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) contributions, therefore, should be IMSS.

164. In addition to the above question, the Solicitant is requested to confirm the relevant legal medical institution responsible for issuing in the opinion of total and permanent disability certificate or legal document. Please confirm.

A: Same as above.

165. According with section F.5 Insurance Policies.

Regarding the text "The Contractor shall provide individual insurance policies for all employees of the United States Government within (14) fourteen calendar days of receipt of the corresponding Task Order". The Solicitant is kindly requested to indicate that it is a group policy and individual certificates regarding this policy will be issued. Please confirm.

166. According to section H.4.1. point b) Payment of Life Insurance Benefits to

Beneficiaries. In order to give greater clarity to the bidding process, the Solicitant is requested to certify that the designation of beneficiaries that the "COR" has in its possession is the last signed beneficiary dessignation document, therefore, undertakes to bring out safely and in peace the insurance company awarded for any claim that may be filed with the latter after the payment made, based on the last designation that had been provided by the Solicitant. Please

A: Correct. The Contractor shall provide the designation documents and the

COR will provide the completed forms to the contractor once a claim needs to be submitted, stamped by both parties.

167. Section H.5. Report Requirements, (a) Claims Report. The Solicitant is requested to ratify that in the event that such information is to be transferred between the contracting parties, it will be to preserve continuity in the operation of the corresponding insurance and for the direct benefit of the insured person(s) who are part of the insurable collectivity, the above in accordance with the provisions of the Mexican Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data in Possession of Individuals and/or General Law on the Protection of Personal Data in

Possession of Required Subjects. Please confirm.

A: Correct. The Contractor shall provide the required formats or documents to comply with Local and Federal Laws and regulations.

168. We will thank the Solicitant for confirming that, as a contractual requirement, the solicitant will provide the complete claims report, only with the statistical information necessary for the validation of claims and/or history of claims, so we request that the corresponding claims report be ratified. Please confirm.

A: Detailed claims report will be provided upon award.

169. H.6. MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS. In order to give greater clarity to this solicitation, the solicitant is asked to confirm that in the event that this insurance company is awarded, the contract derived from such award will be concluded within

Mexican territory, so it will not be necessary to legalize it. Please confirm.

A: Correct. The Contract will be signed by both parties in Mexico.

170. According with Part II: Group Life Insurance. Exhibit 1. Employees. 2. Employee census

The convener is kindly requested to provide complete listings, with a minimum of data:

a. Subgroup to which the insured person belongs (Employees, Bodyguard)

b. Date of birth or age.

c. Monthly salary in Mexican pesos (MXP).

Please confirm.

172. According with part II: GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. EXHIBITION 1. number of losses and claim amounts.

Regarding the claims information, the solicitant is kindly requested to share the following data:

a. Claim number

b. Date of occurring

c. Date of payment.

d. Paid benefit

e. Suffering or description of the claim

Sum insured historically exposed (preferably from the last 5years) Please confirm

A: We cannot provide claim number nor exact specific dates. In Exhibit 1 – U.S.G.

Employees, we have provided number of losses, identified cause of death or permanent disability and claim amounts in the last 5 years.

173. According with part II: GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. APHIS EMPLOYEES RIDER.

EMPLOYEE CENSUS

The solicitant is kindly requested to provide complete lists, with the following data:

a. Subgroup to which the insured person belongs (Employees, Bodyguard)

b. Date of birth or age.

Monthly salary in Mexican pesos (MXP).

Please confirm.

174. According with part II: GROUP LIFE INSURANCE. APHIS EMPLOYEES RIDER.

number of losses and claim amounts:

Regarding the claims report, the solicitant is kindly requested to share the following data:

a. Claim number

b. Date of occurring

c. Date of payment.

d. Paid benefit

e. Suffering or description of the claim

f. Historical exposed sum insured (preferably from the last 5 years)

Please confirm

A: We cannot provide claim number nor specific dates. Please refer to Amendment

0002.

175. Section L.4 Content of proposals, Part 1, Understanding of the Requirement, subparagraph (g), please confirm that this subparagraph refers to the economic proposal. Please confirm.

A: No, it does not refer to the price proposal. Describe how, and at what monetary level, the offeror will maintain an adequate reserve level to pay claims.

176. Section L.4 Content of proposals, Part 1, Understanding of the Requirement, subparagraph (h), we request to confirm that this subsection relates to claims reports. Please

177. Section L.4 Content of proposals, Part 1, Understanding of the Requirement, subparagraph (k), according to this subparagraph, we request to indicate the type surveys that are requested. Please confirm.

A: Any types of customer satisfaction surveys the insurance company can provide.

178. Section L.4 Content of proposals, Part 3, Licensing Information, L.4.3.2. Profit sharing credit, please specify. Please comment on this.

A: Please refer to question 22.

179. In case of Total and Permanent disability please indicate which legal authority will deliver the medical documentation. Please confirm.

A: U.S.G. pays Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) contributions, therefore, should be IMSS.

180. In case of insured with American nationality, confirm the treatment of the SSR (taxes);

due that in case of beneficiaries that are indirect family will receive 80% of the corresponding sum insured benefit and the other 20% will be retained to pay the IRS

(Impuesto sobre la Renta-tax) according to the Mexican Tax Laws. Please confirm.

A: As far as we know, insurance company should not retain (deduct) any amount from the life insurance payout when it is paid to the following beneficiaries: surviving husband/wife, legal partner, parents or children (according to the ISR law.) Other scenarios should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

181. In case the beneficiaries that do not have a bank account in MXN in a Mexican Bank

Institution can not claim the benefit on an American bank account. Are the insured aware that their beneficiaries have to come to Mexico to claim the corresponding sum insured? Please comment on this.

A: The Contractor should be able to transfer the amounts to any location around the world.

182. How is the approach with foreign beneficiaries managed? Please comment on this.

A: The Contractor should follow international guidance.

183. General question for the whole solicitation. The Solicitant is requested to ratify that the service tendered in this solicitation will be subject to compliance and jurisdiction established in the Mexican Laws, (Ley de

Instituciones de Seguros y de Fianzas, la Ley sobre el Contrato de Seguro y demás disposiciones emitidas por la Comisión Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas). Please confirm.

The contract is subject to U.S.G. regulations and jurisdiction. Insurance services will be provided per Mexican laws and regulations.

184. General question for the entire solicitation. Please confirm that the customer identification information for the file will be given to the awarded insurance company, which must contain at least: general data, legal appointment or power of attorney of the legal representative, official identification of the legal representative; to comply with section 492 of the “Ley de Instituciones de Seguros y Fianzas”. Please confirm.

A: Please refer to Section H.10 Signature Limitations. However, it will be reviewed upon award.

185. The solicitant is kindly requested to specify whether a profit share proposal is required and indicate the percentage of profit share requested. It is also requested to indicate whether it is a reason for disqualification not to provide profit share in case the policy is issued under international Pool. Please confirm.

A: The proposals will not be rejected if it doesn’t contain profit share proposal. Please refer to Sections L.4.3.2. Profit Sharing Credit and L.4.3.3. Employee Pool.

186. The solicitant is kindly requested to indicate the individual maximum sum insured limit that currently has in group life policy of the one you require for this quote. Please confirm.

A: Please refer to question 44.

187. E.2.2. Standard. Note that U.S. government performance standards state that it does not receive more than 3 complaints from customers per month. Please confirm.

188. G.5. REFUNDS TO THE GOVERNMENT.