Attachment 5 - MEAD Questions and Answers 36C10G24R0014 0004.xlsx
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- 7G20--Medical Emergency Alert Devices RFP
- Solicitation number
- 36C10G24R0014
About this file
This document contains questions and answers related to a Department of Veterans Affairs Request for Proposal for Medical Emergency Alert Devices. The solicitation seeks proposals for neck pendant and wristband emergency alert devices to provide Veterans access to emergency services. Key requirements include devices that have fall detection, GPS location services, seven day battery life, IP67 water resistance, and contact up to three emergency contacts in addition to 911. Offerors must propose pricing for the devices and required accessories on the Schedule of Supplies attachment. The RFP evaluation will include a literature review and physical device demonstration at an on-site location. The agency intends to make up to two awards for the devices. The potential contract value is $178 million over a five year period including a one year base and four one year options. Delivery timelines are 10 days for CONUS and 14 days for overseas locations.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 36C10G24R0014 0005.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 1 - Schedule of Supplies 36C10G24R0014 0005.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment 1 - Schedule of Supplies 36C10G24R0014 0004.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| 36C10G24R0014 0004.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 6 - Past Performance Questionnaire 36C10G24R0014 0004.docx | DOCX document | |
| NAICS - Notice and Order.pdf | ||
| 36C10G24R0014 0003.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C10G24R0014 0002.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C10G24R0014 02.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C10G24R0014 0001.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 4 - Contract Discrepancy Report.pdf | ||
| 36C10G24R0014.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 6 - Past Performance Questionnaire.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 1 - Schedule of Supplies 36C10G24R0014.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment 2 - Pay.gov Vendor Submittal Instructions.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 5 - MEAD Questions.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment 3 - Quarterly Reporting Tool.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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Sheet1
| Medical Emergency Alert Device MEAD - Questions Limit 1- page | |||
| Question # | RFP Section/Paragraph # | Questions | Answers |
| 1 | B.2.3 Scope of work | Is it the expectation that the wristband has fall protection? | Both devices should have auto-fall detection capability. |
| 2 | B.2.3 Scope of work | If yes, knowing that wristband devices are notorious for false alarms, what criteria were used to determine that it is needed on this device? For example, are there reports and research you can share on effectiveness of fall detection for wrist based product vs performance of body worn products. Further, can you provide tolerances related to acceptable number of false alarm for fall detection measure that you will be using in a lab testing environment? | The veteran's functional assessment from the clinical provider is used to determine the veteran's risk for falls and other risk factors based on their health status and medical commonalities historically; thus, the need for a device with fall detection functionality was identified as a criterion for this requirement. There are no reports or research that we have available to share. Market research for the item shows that many manufacturers and vendors highlight the fall detection feature as a relevant benefit with use. Offerors should provide literature and data results that demonstrates the products offered meet the MTRs which will be reviewed and considered during the evaluation phase. We are not privy to relevant documentation to support your claim that the wristband option is more problematic than a body-worn device option. We welcome any evidence-based documentation that the vendor has to defend the claim. Place provide evidence-based documentation in your proposal. |
| 3 | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MTRs | (minimum of 3 additional contacts allowance exclusive of 911) Does this require the user to directly call the contacts from the device or is it appropriate to provide emergency information through text messages and/or calls notifications to the additional contacts? | A direct call to contacts by the user is not a specific requirement. All notification options outlined in the vendor's proposal will be reviewed and considered. |
| 4 | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MTRs | Alternatively, would it fulfill the requirements to provide the additional contact details to the emergency contact center to contact as needed? | All options of notification outlined in the vendor's proposal will be reviewed and considered. |
| 5 | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MTRs | (wearing accessories) By accessories is expected to be a lanyard or wrist strap? Are there any other devices associated with this? Is the wearing accessories expected to be free (part of the purchasing cost of the product) and/or made available for additional purchase? (what is the expected requirement for wearing accessories that would come with the device) | The Minimum Technical Requirements (MTRs) request a Neck Pendant and Wristband. The MTRs specifies, Shall include wearing accessories. i.e. neck pendant and wristband. Other wearing options can be provided in the offerors proposal as additional wearing accessories. These accessories can be listed as a separate contract line item number (CLIN). The offeror shall provide unit pricing for all the products that are being proposed or make the item as included/No Charge. |
| 6 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Performance | With fall detection, how will you determine the accuracy of falls? | Offerors should provide literature and data results that demonstrate the products offered meet the MTRs which will be reviewed and considered during the evaluation phase. |
| 7 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Performance | What are the minimum and maximum thresholds for acceptable fall detection? | See response #6. |
| 8 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Usability | (Accuracy of fall detection) How did the government measure the technical portions of this request? | See response #6. |
| 9 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Usability | What is the matrix used to determine minimum and maximum thresholds for acceptable fall detection? | The vendor provided product quality testing data results and reports will be reviewed and considered. See response #6. |
| 10 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Usability | Is the minimum requirement for fall detection sensors to use an accelerometer and gyroscope? Is the minimum requirement for fall detection sensors to use an accelerometer? Or does it need to meet a higher standard to include gyroscope and other detection sensors? Current majority standard is acceleratormeter based. Is there expectation to include more accurate fall detection (2 factor - accelerameter and gyroscope, more factors? More factors allow for increased accuracy. Further, is there an expectation of the technology for fall detection to be able to be upgraded and updated throughout the purchase of the product? (For example, with either company update via mail-in upgrade for fall detection or via over-the-air upgrades?) | There is not a minimum requirement for the fall detection sensors to use an accelerometer and gyroscope. See response #6. |
| 11 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Usability | (Device speakers and microphone features provide clear communication transmission) What devices or criteria is being utilized to measure clarity? | Market research for the item shows that many manufacturers and vendors highlight a two way communication feature as a relevant benefit with use. See response #6. |
| 12 | Phase 1 - Technical – Literature Review - Usability | What are the parameters of the drop test that will be used to evaluate the product under breaking while being dropped? | See response #6 and #9. |
| 13 | E.7.3 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS | What city and state will the usability test be located in? | The location of the evaluation, date and time will be provided to each offeror that pass the literature review and move on to the physical evaluation. |
| 14 | E.7.3 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS | Will the facility be a controlled environment with proper 4G services without obstructions? | The physical MEAD device provided for evaluation should be in an operational testing mode with 4G services. The device will be tested inside the facility and outside of the facility at the location of evaluation. |
| 15 | STANDARD FORM 1449 | Will greater consideration will be given to certified SDVOSBs over a 100% Small Business? | As stated IAW VAAR 852.215-70, "Eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Status evaluation factor." |
| 16 | STANDARD FORM 1449 | Are the participants to be verified through the SBA as a 100% Small Business? | To be determined a small business the offeror must meet the criteria under clause 52.219-8 as a small business. The offeror self certifies through the System for Award Management through https://www.sam.gov. |
| 17 | Open Questions | If all technical requirements are met as equals; how many vendors could be awarded on this contract? | As stated under section E.8.1 Basis of Award, "The Government may make up to two (2) single awards, one award per device or one award for both devices, resulting from this solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to establish as many or as few awards as determined appropriate on the result of this competition." |
| 18 | STANDARD FORM 1449 | A formal request for bid extension due to time restrains from "Question Responses" to bid due date? | The solicitation is extended. |
| 19 | E.7.7 and E.8.1 | RFP section E.7.7 indicates that Offerors must propose pricing for each line item. RFP section E.8.1 states "The Government may make up to two (2) single awards, one award per device or one award for both devices, resulting from this solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to establish as many or as few awards as determined appropriate on the result of this competition." Why is there a requirement to propose on all items if the Government has opened the door to separate awards for the wristband and the pendant device? | Section E.7.7 has been updated to read, "IDIQ PRICING PRICE/COST/SCHEDULE: The offeror shall complete attachment 1, Schedule of Supplies. Offerors must propose pricing for either line item or both to include options. The offeror shall provide unit pricing for all the products that are being proposed or mark the item as Included/No Charge (INC or N/C) or Not Applicable (N/A)." |
| 20 | E.8.2 | E.8.2 indicates that the technical panel will evaluate the accuracy of the fall detection feature for usability. Please clarify what is meant by "accuracy". Will the Government be assessing "false positives" i.e. fall detection that did not occur but triggered the device--or a "false negative" i.e. a device failure to detect a legitimate fall? Or will the accuracy test assess both false outcomes? | We define, Accurate, as information, measurements and statistics about the device. See response #6. |
| 21 | E.8.2 | E.8.2 indicates that the technical panel will evaluate the accuracy of the fall detection feature and breakage of components for usability. In lieu of a requirement for a wristband device would the Government consider a belt clip device which would increase these usability characteristics simply by locating the device to a more stable area of the human anatomy less prone to generating false fall alerts? | The MTRs request a Neck Pendant and Wristband. Other wearing options can be provided in the proposal as additional wearing accessories. See response #5. |
| 22 | B.1 | Item 6 of B.1 indicates the SAC CO will be the only individual authorized to direct/redirect the efforts under the base contract. Will all delivery orders be issued by the SAC or will orders be de-centralized? | Orders will be de-centralized. |
| 23 | B.1 | Item 8 of B.1 indicates a maximum aggregate value for all orders as $178,460,000. Will the Government provide estimated volumes of the pendant and wristband devices by year to facilitate volume based pricing calculations? | Estimates have been provided under section E.7.7 Volume IV - Price, of the solicitation. Estimates are based on device purchases per year and not based on specific devices or locations. |
| 24 | B.2.4 | MTR 10 of B.2.4 requires "shall include wearing accessories". Would the Government clarify what specific accessories are required by each device? | See response #5. |
| 25 | B.2.6 | B.2.6 requires delivery within 10 business days for regular orders and expedited delivery within 3 business days. Will the Government disclose estimated volumes by location (i.e. CONUS, US territories, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam) to facilitate accurate freight estimating? | See response #23. |
| 26 | B.2.6 | B.2.6 requires delivery within 10 business days for regular orders and expedited delivery within 3 business days. Will the Government consider modifying these delivery time requirements for OCONUS shipments? These timeframes may not be reliably achievable for some OCONUS locations particularly for small businesses without OCONUS warehousing. | Section B.2.6 has been changed to read. "Regular deliveries within the Continental United States shall be made within 10 business days after receipt of a delivery order and expedited delivery within 3 business days. Regular deliveries within the U.S. Territories shall be made within 14 business days for regular orders and expedited delivery within 7 business days." |
| 27 | E.7.3 | E.7.3 requires a company representative to be present at the physical evaluation. What is the level of interaction required of the representative at the event (i.e. answer questions, demonstrate the item, provide a presentation, etc.)? | The offeror is required to provide a demonstration of the device and features. See update in solicitation section E.7.4. |
| 28 | E.7.4 | E.7.4 requires a sample device(s) to be provided by the offeror for the evaluation at no cost. Will the device be leaving with the representative after the physical evaluation, returned by the Government after award, or will title convey to the Government and the device retained? | See response #27. |
| 29 | Attachment 1 | Government does not include detailed descriptions for required inputs for each column of the spreadsheet. Could the Government please provide what is required for each column or indicate specific columns that are not relevant to this procurement? | Columns to be completed by the offeror are C, E (if any), O, Q, AO, AN, BZ, CC, CD, CF, CG, CH, and CS. Column headers are highlighted in yellow. |
| 30 | Attachment 1 | Government requests FSS pricing information. Is the product required to be on FSS? | See response #29. |
| 31 | Attachment 1 | Government requests information regarding GPC acceptance in column BV. Could the Government explain the role of the GPC in this procurement as it is not listed as a payment method in the solicitation? | The following is updated under section B, Clause 52.232-36 Payment by Third Party and Other (Payment may be made by use of the Government Purchase Card (GPC) for orders under the micro-purchase threshold. Also see response #29 for the columns to be completed. |
| 32 | Attachment 1 | Spreadsheet references salient characteristics. Solicitation references Minimum Technical Requirements. Please clarify what is required in column CL? | Salient Characteristics are not required. See response #29. |
| 33 | E.8.2 | Under the performance portion of this section, "Responsiveness of the call center to provide a physical location of the device using the GPS feature" will be evaluated but a call center is not listed in the MTRs. Can the Government clarify that a call center is a mandatory requirement for consideration, not just a 911 connection? | See response #39. |
| 34 | Attachment 6 | PPQ includes verbiage "The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently in the process of awarding a competitive service contract", isn't this solicitation for a product and not a service? | This is changed to read, "The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently in the process of awarding a competitive contract." |
| 35 | B.2.3 | Section states "The offeror shall provide device warranties for a minimum of one (1) year. The offeror shall offer a MEAD option for when the device is still under warranty and after the warranty is expired." Please provide clarification as to "shall offer a MEAD option for the device...and after the warranty expires". Does the Government require replacement for a device that fails after the 1 year warranty period? If so, then what is the period of time that replacement is required? | This section is changed to read, "The offeror shall provide device warranties for a minimum of one (1) year. A new device would be ordered if it can't be replaced under warranty or the period of warranty coverage has expired." |
| 36 | B.2.3 | Section states "All damaged MEADs within the warranty period will be replaced at no cost to the veteran or the VHA." As worded, this requirement does not differentiate between damage caused by misuse or other user caused failures and failures from defects in workmanship. Could the Government clarify if replacement is required for all device damage regardless of cause? | A warranty is for devices that break down or has a manufacture's default within a certain time frame. The Government is not requesting replacement for damaged devices regardless of cause. See response #35. |
| 37 | B.2.6 | Section states "The Government acceptance of all delivery orders shall take place at the delivery point." Would the Government confirm that presentation by the contractor of the proof of delivery required earlier in this section will constitute Government acceptance of the product? | Receipt of delivery will be determined at the order level. |
| 38 | Page 11 B.3 | How many current clients are receiving the services at this time? How many participant do you anticipate will receive this service per year? | See response #23. |
| 39 | Page 7 B.2.4 Description of Supplies | Do some of the MEAD devices call to 911 and others call to a 24/7 monitoring center? If so, what is the breakdown of numbers for each type of device? | MTR 4 is updated to read "Shall include a 24/7 monitoring system with an emergency notification dispatching function" and MTR 5 is updated to read, "Shall have structured provisions to address false alarms or user cancellation routed to the emergency call dispatch function prior to escalation to an emergency dispatching system." |
| 40 | Page 7 B.2.4 Description of Supplies | If some of the MEAD devices going to be calling to 911 and contact and others going to call to a 24/7 monitoring center, how do we differentiate pricing on the price sheet? | The following has been updated in section B.2.3, The device shall provide a 24-hour, seven (7) days a week monitoring system with an emergency notification dispatching function for Veteran assistance and MTR 4 and 5 have been updated in section B.2.4. |
| 41 | Attachment 3- Quarterly Reporting Tool | What are the service areas covered in the solicitation? | The Quarterly Reporting Tool is updated quarterly by the awarded Contractor. The service area covered is identified by the location of the VA Medical Center (VAMC) or the station ordering the device. We are unable to determine what the service areas are until an order is placed. |
| 42 | Page 60 E.8.3.3 | Who is the current contractor and what is their pricing? | Currently, VA does not have a National Contract for MEADs. |
| 43 | Page 55 E.8.1 | Is this an exclusive contract that one vendor will be chosen? | See response #17. |
| 44 | Page 47 E.6 52.212-1 | Does the vendor need to be GSA approved to submit a bid or to enter contract to provide the medical emergency alert units? | The vendor does not need to be GSA approved. |
| 45 | Page 7 B.2.4 Description of Supplies | On the solicitation it mentions that the medical emergency alert device should have a minimum of a 7-day battery life. As far a we are aware, there are no medical alert devices in the market with GPS and fall detection that have more than 3-5 day battery life. Those features use a lot of battery, so the devices need to be charged more often than once per week. Would this be sufficient? | The Government's requirement will remain as stated in the solicitation. |
| 46 | Page 7 B.2.4 Description of Supplies | Is the VA interested in landline/cellular homebound units for recipients who do not leave home often and do not want to charge the unit? Is this currently offered? If so, what is the current pricing? | The Government's requirement will remain as stated in the solicitation. |
| 47 | Attachment 1- Schedule of Supplies | How do we fill out the price sheet? Not all of the columns apply for medical emergency alert units. If it does not apply to our services, should we write N/A? | See response #19 and #29. |
| 48 | Page 7 B.2.4 Description of Supplies | Are the devices leased or will they be purchased for each participant? | The devices will be purchased not leased. |
| 49 | Attachment 1- Schedule of Supplies | Is there a charge for replacement devices? If so, where should that be entered on the price sheet? | See response #35. |
| 50 | Page 34- C.10 SAC 180-01 | Can you please elaborate on this requirement? | SAC Clause 18-01 is a 3% Service Level Agreement (SLA) fee and is provided as a means of reimbursement for customary acquisition-related services necessary to obtain contractor services and/or supplies as required. The 3% fee is added to or imbedded in the agreement price of the device. Sales are tracked using the Quarterly Sales Report (QSR) as stated in the clause and attachment 3 Quarterly Reporting Tool. The SAC SLA fees are paid quarterly through pay.gov by the contractor IAW the clause. |
| 51 | Attachment 1- Schedule of Supplies | is there a monthly fee for the services or should the price reflect the lifetime that the client has the service? If there is a monthly fee, where should it be written on the price sheet? | There should be one all encompassing price for the device. |
| 52 | 1449 Block 8 | Will the SAC delay the proposal due date until 30 days after all industry questions are addressed and any necessary RFP amendments are published? | See response #18. |
| 53 | 1449 Block 10; Sections B.3 & E.7.8 | The NAICS code 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing) is inappropriate for Medical Emergency Alert Devices. 334510 (Electromechanical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus) would be more appropriate. | The NAICS code will remain as 334220. |
| 54 | Section B.3 | Is there an estimated annual quantity for the number of devices to be ordered? The Price/Cost Schedule and the Attachment 1 both indicate a quantity of 1 of each device per ordering period. | See response #23. |
| 55 | Section B.2.3 | RFP requires a MEAD option for when the device is under warranty and after the warranty is expired. There is no CLIN for such a MEAD option after the warranty has expired. Will there be an additional CLIN added to cover this requirement? | See response #35 and #40. |
| 56 | Section B.2.5 | Does the Base Period start immediately upon award of the contract, or where there be a reasonable startup period between the award date and the POP Begin date? | The base period can start 30 days after award or at the beginning of the following month at the discretion of the awarded contractor and in agreement with the Contracting Officer. |
| 57 | Section B.2.6 | Please confirm that direct-to-patient delivery is a most likely requirement and is in scope. | The requirement is for the device to be delivered directly to the Veteran or the VA Medical Center. |
| 58 | Section E.7.3 | In this section directions are provided on MEAD device physically evaluation. Should offerors have device functioning to call a central monitoring agent or provide a 911 example experience ? | The device should contact an emergency dispatching system. See response #39. |
| 59 | Section E.8.1 | The SAC intends to make award(s) based on the proposal that is determined to be the best value to the Government. We have multiple products that meet and exceed the MTRs with added features. May we submit alternative proposals--or one proposal for each product? This will allow the Government to select the best value from a wider range of MEAD devices. | Each offeror should provide one proposal and only one device per CLIN. |
| 60 | Section E.8.3.1 | Will your evaluation of Past Performance include a proven capability to protect PII and PHI information? | The past performance information should contain information about contracts, which, when considered are similar in size, scope and/or complexity when compared to the anticipated requirements. |
| 61 | Section E.8.3.1 | The requirements indicate that the contractor will be required to supply a significant volume shortly after award. Will your evaluation of Past Performance assess whether a small business offeror has adequate past and present capability to warehouse this volume, and the ability to handle hundreds of VA orders per day? | See response #56. See section E.7.4.b and c of the solicitation. |
| 62 | Section B.2.4 | The Description of Supplies introduction states that "While MTRs are required other device functions more than the MTRs are also acceptable." Can you identify any other device functions that you consider to add to your best value decision? For example, two-factor fall detection that includes both accelerometer and barometer sensing? | It is up to the contractor to propose device functions that exceed the MTRs. Each product proposed will be evaluated individually not as a package. Any features that exceed the MTRs may be evaluated as "best value. |
| 63 | MTR 3 | Auto-fall detection in MEAD devices is a valuable feature to enable help when someone falls for assistance. Some MEAD device companies have introduced a cancel feature on the feature in the event the user does not want a signal sent automatically. Confirming MTR 3 will require cancel functionality? | MTR 3 will remain the same. |
| 64 | MTR 4 | For MTR 4, please confirm whether the MEAD device needs to have functionality to contact 911 directly when a button is pressed or a fall is detected signal is received or if you are looking for the MEAD device to contact an agent in a central monitoring station who can speak with the user on the situation and help call 911 on behalf of the user and provide location coordinates? Not having an agent in a call center who handles these calls and engages with the user directly eliminates functionality of GPS or even fall detection because 911 will not have a connection to the device to locate them if voice-to-voice is not established. | See response #39. |
| 65 | MTR 4 | In MTR 4 regarding the 911 call functionality and these interactions create a robust data set that can be used to improve clinical outcomes. Its standard for MEAD devices to have reporting and alerts to care teams (VA telehealth center) and staff at the Medical Center who will receive ongoing operational, population and predictive reporting on users with the service to be informed of individuals active, documentation incidents occurring by type of event (falls, chest-pains), chronic diseases, and predictive analytics to indicate who's most at risk for a fall or ED visit based on data, diseases and signals collected from the device. The care teams may use this information to better understand events in the home and rising risk of users to prevent unnecessary ED or hospitalizations and improve access to care. Will the SAC be requiring bidders to have these requirements as part of MTR 4? | The requirements mentioned in the question are not a part of MTR 4. |
| 66 | MTR 5 | As defined in MTR 5 this solicitation calls for an agent to respond to calls from the MEAD device who will have structured provisions to address false alarms or user cancelation prior to escalation to 911. Traditionally these agents are trained and work in a central monitoring station or call center and create an ongoing cost to the MEAD service. Given the VA looks to procure devices in a one time event, should bidders provide a set of amount of time (12-24 months) in the warranty period where central monitoring of the device is included in the cost, would require a new MEAD purchase once that period of time expires from activation, or should these fees be called out separately as a general service fee? | See response #39 and #51. |
| 67 | MTR 5 | MTR 5 requires structure provisions to address false alarms or user cancellation to "agent" prior to escalation to 911. Today, 911 call centers nationwide are overworked and understaffed. It is critical that these $178M of VA MEAD devices do not unnecessarily create even more problems for these 911 call centers. Our MEAD devices can operate either with or without a contractor provided call center. Call center solutions are proven to significantly reduce hospitalization by up to 40% and reduce unnecessary emergency calls/visits and admissions. This requires continuous call center monitoring to provide help 24/7/365 whether the veteran is at home or on the go. It requires predictive algorithms that identify and predict veterans who are at risk for hospital transport and admission. It requires triage and intervention to avoid flooding 911 call centers. One study shows a 68% decrease in 90-day readmissions and a 49% decrease of 180-day EMS encounters. While your MTR calls for an "agent", the RFP does not address the critical need for a call center manned by these agents to achieve these results--or any RFP specified results. A call center should be an element of any VA best value solution given the proven savings in hospitalization and EMS. Will you expand the MEAD RFP to expressly call for (and pay for) a call center staffed by trained emergency specialists to answer in seconds and provide critical support services to our Veterans? Will you permit offerors to propose a monthly call center fee CLIN for veterans that are adhering to the use of their MEAD? If not, please explain how such agent services should be combined into a single, one time MEAD device price. Should the first MEAD unit include services for 5 years, while a unit ordered in the last year only receives one year of service? Please address this in detail so that industry can propose best value solutions for the VA. Please confirm VA is seeking devices that contact a central monitoring station for triage and escalation to responders or 911 and not a device that direct dials 911 automatically. | See response #39 and #40. |
| 68 | MTR 6 | MTR 6 speaks to allowing user to enter minimum of 3 additional contacts allowance beyond 911. Traditionally these contacts are used to respond to emergencies in the home if a call does not require EMS. They also can be stored as contacts to notify of an incident once the case is closed with no responsibility to respond to home. In addition, it has become standard for MEAD device companies to provide a downloadable phone app that enables users and consented family the ability to update these contacts in their online profile and history of incidents or location of the device. Does SAC intend for bidders to support both situations with MTR 6 and require the MEAD device to provide an optional phone app for users and authorized caregivers to use for updates in the profile and location of the device? | See response #40. |
| 69 | MTR 7 | GPS functionality is traditionally used in MEAD devices to locate a individual who needs assistance, but has limitations especially if it cannot establish a connection, for example indoors. Some MEAD devices have introduced Wi-Fi location technology that may geo-locate someone or establish a breadcrumb trail based on Wi-Fi locations they come into contact with, establishing another locating technology if GPS is not functioning. In addition, GPS is typically utilized for users who tend to have cognitive impairments or dementia and could wander away from home. Device companies have introduced new functionality to MEAD devices called AWAY to track when a user leaves their home zone with geo-fencing and sets up protocols that if a user does not return home within a set amount of hours a pre-determined and consented contact such as a caregiver is alerted via email or text and can geo-locate the user on their cell phone. Should bidders functionality include Wi-Fi locating and AWAY functionality to meet MTR 7? | The monitoring system MTR was specific to a device with the capability to identify the veteran's physical location using technology such as GPS capability. If an offeror has a device with similar capabilities but calls it something different such as a Wi-Fi locator the government will review. The offeror can provide all device features understanding that solicitation MTRs must be met. Please outline process in the proposal. |
| 70 | MTR 7 | MTR 7 requires the MEAD to have GPS functionality, but does not specify any level or accuracy of GPS functionality. What location accuracy is required by EMS services? | The government will review and use the vendor's provided quality testing data results and reports on their specific GPS functionality. See response #6. |
| 71 | MTR 8 | MEAD devices are available in mobile or at-home options. Mobile can be used at home and at-home only works at home. In the at-home version the speaker and microphone feature is not integrated with the neck or wrist pendant and built into a separate piece of equipment called a home communicator (including microphone and speaker) that is placed controlling in the home for communication. While mobile MEAD devices have gained in popularity and adoption there are some use-cases where veterans may desire an at-home MEAD device. How should bidders respond to compliance with MTR 8 considering this? | The current solicitation is specific to a device that has the functionality of MTR 8. |
| 72 | MTR 10 | Can you please define beyond a neck cord or wrist strap if there are any additional wearing accessories that will need to be included with MEAD device? | See response #5. |
| 73 | MTR 12 | Battery life of MEAD devices varies on use of imbedded technology such as cellular, activity, falls detection and GPS. For a very active user battery life will be decreased. To support users MEAD devices have introduced low battery warnings to verbally announce from the speaker, a blinking warning light on the button in the neck or wrist pendant and IVR calls to the user to let the consumer know its time to charge the device. Please confirm that MTR 12 should include these low battery warning requirements and is considered as "standby mode with minimum of 7 days" for MEAD's device? | MTR 12 will remain the same. |
| 74 | MTR 12 | Battery life of new innovative MEAD devices such as MEAD smartwatches may vary below the MTR 12 of battery life "minimum of 7 days" requirements due to introduction of new features such as an LCD screen and imbedded functions to check heart rate, pulseOx or battery life indication. Given these new MEAD devices are more appealing to younger consumers and especially men, would SAC consider adjusting MTR requirements to include devices with minimum battery life of 24-48 hours to maximize adoption with individuals who have traditionally not wanted to wear a neck or wrist MEAD device? | See Response #73. |
| 75 | MTR 17 | IPX7 is a similar rating standard as IP67, can you please confirm IPX7 will comply with MTR 17? | MTR 17 will remain the same. |
| 76 | Section B.2.4 | Please confirm that the VA is seeking a MEAD that works both at home and on the go by establishing a specific MTR. Data shows that 60% of falls occur inside the home, 30% outside the home, and 10% in a health care center. | See section B.2.3 description is changed to read: The offeror shall provide a neck pendant device and a wristband device to allow Veterans emergency access while on-the-go. |
| 77 | Section B.2.4 | Please confirm that the MEAD requires current FDA approval. If so, will this be added as a new MTR? | There is no mention of FDA requirement in the solicitation. FDA requirement will not be added as a new MTR. |
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