36C10X19R0010-0002001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

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:

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication 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 is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, 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.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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 letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 35

04-12-2019

NONE

21703

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C10X19R0010

03-26-2019

X x x

See Section A.1 CONTINUATION PAGE for details.

36C10X19R0010 0002

Table of Contents

A.1 CONTINUATION PAGE

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

E.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

A.1 CONTINUATION PAGE

The purpose of this amendment is to:

A. Provide responses to questions received in response to the solicitation and Government responses (#1-

113, below):

1) RFP states that the contractor must provide access to the VA to the online database. Will the VA provide configuration specifications to the contractor for the purpose of access?

RESPONSE: We are looking for the Contractor to have an established and usable online database. The database must be user-friendly for VA staff to access online.

2) RFP states that the contractor must be certified by NCQA or URAC. For small businesses the cost to become certified is rather cost prohibitive and can take up to 9-12 months to obtain. Would the government consider companies who follow the NCQA and URAC standards and guidelines for their CVO and perhaps grant the contractor up to 6 months post contract award to obtain the NCQA or URAC certification OR delete the certification requirement altogether?

RESPONSE: VA is looking for CVO’s to have a documented history of credentialing experience as established through current national accreditation. This ensures the VA goal of standardizing community care processes.

3) How many VISNs will this requirement cover?

RESPONSE: 21 VISNs

4) RFP indicates that the contractor must have (2) ports of entry for the HCPs to utilize access the online database – one of which must be electronic. Is this to say that the contractor would have to issue paper application for the HCP to complete? If so, can the cost of postage be considered?

RESPONSE: We anticipate that a very small percentage of providers would choose to complete a paper application instead of completing an online application form or emailed application form. We would like a paper application for those that choose this option. Cost should be very minimal due to the small amount.

5) In the pricing template the VA provides certain quantities of personnel/files that may be ordered.

Does this include any files that are backlogged?

RESPONSE: VA will need to rework some provider files that were approved under an interim process and are not fully credentialed. VA will work collaboratively with the CVO to achieve a manageable workload, with work spread out over the first year to 18 months of the contract.

6) Will encryption be required by the contract to communicate and exchange information with all VA personnel?

RESPONSE: VirtruPro encrypted email will be used and only be required if PII will be exchanged. Any information exchanges in a secure online portal will replace the need for an encrypted email.

7) In regards to the definition of a “Task Order” – would that correspond to a PSV Order?

RESPONSE: No, a Primary Source Verification (PSV) order/request will only be submitted by a VA facility once a task order has been placed and signed by the Contracting Officer. Each task order will include a quantity of line items that will be funded and can be used by VA after order placement.

The term “task order” within this solicitation/resultant contract is used as defined in FAR 2.101, which is as follows: “Task order” means an order for services placed against an established contract or with Government sources. Task orders under this Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will be used as explained in Section B.1 Contract Administration Data and the related ordering clauses (e.g. FAR 52.216-18, 525.216-19, 52.216-22) provided in the solicitation.

8) Section B, B (3): “Orders will be issued on the SF 1449 via email.”

Please provide more information on the SF 1449.

RESPONSE: Standard Form 1449 is the form used by the Government for the solicitation/contract/order of commercial items. It outlines pertinent information relating to the acquisition such as contract/order number, awardee, award amount and schedule of supplies/services. This is the form that will be used for the contract award and any resulting orders.

9) Pages 5-6, Sections B.1.C.1 and B.1.C.2: Please clarify annual expected volumes for credentialing and monitoring.

RESPONSE: The IDIQ contract minimums and maximums in Sections B.1.C.(1) and B.1.C.(2) are provided to set no less than and not to exceed figures for the entire five-year ordering period. The exact number that will be ordered is unknown. The price schedule provides annual volumes which when aggregated form the basis of the contract maximums.

10) Page 6, Section B.1, paragraph C. Minimum Guaranteed Quantities and Maximum Quantities:

Contract Line Item Description / Maximum Quantity Task 2: What is the composition of the newly credentialed provider types?

RESPONSE: A “Provider” will be defined individuals, facilities, and other entities that fall within the scope consistent with NCQA or URAC standards.

11) Section 6.0: What does “[…] with annotation of the VA facility that requested the services,” mean?

RESPONSE: For follow up and communication purposes, CVO must have a process to keep track of the

VA facility making the request.

12) Would each VA facility be considered a separate entity that would request PSV? If so:

a. How many VA facilities are there?

RESPONSE: Yes, 142 VA facilities

b. Could multiple VA facilities request PSV for the same provider?

RESPONSE: This is unlikely, but a possibility that VA would need CVO to manage this process. CVO must manage PSV requests and only PSV providers initially and at re-credentialing as directed by the facility staff.

c. Should the contractor/sub-contractor perform primary sources verification for the actual brick and mortar facility, or the providers who are serving in the facility as part of this RFP?

RESPONSE: VA expects primary source on provider types consistent NCQA or URAC standards, including entities and individuals.

13) Page 7, Section B.2, 2.0 Ordering Period: There are a number of items that are identified in the proposal that must be completed by the contractor including but not limited to the development of a standardized provider risk assessment and development of training for VA employees and providers.

The estimated ordering period begins in May 2019. Can the Government please clarify what it means by the May operational period – fully operational and starting the risk process or start of the contract and transition-in period?

RESPONSE: There is expected to be a short transition period at the start of the contract and initial order placement. The ordering period reflects the dates when task orders can be placed against the base contract. Per Section B.1.A.(2) e., an initial order will be placed at time of contract award for the minimum guaranteed quantities listed in Section B.1.C.(1). The due dates listed in Section 10.0 Deliverables of the PWS reflect the effective date of an order and will only apply to those items/deliverables placed/obligated in the order. VA will work collaboratively with CVO in this transition.

14) Page 7, Section B.2, 2.0 Ordering Period: The Government states, “The estimated ordering period is

May 2019 – May 2024.”

a. What is the anticipated ramp up period for this contract?

RESPONSE: The Government anticipates a 30-days ramp-up period after contract and initial order award prior to the initial order’s effective date. All deliverables would be due in accordance with the schedule outlined in Section 10.0 Deliverables.

b. Given the time of submission and an aggressive award estimate of May, the above statement suggests that the contract transition period from award is 30 days or less to include: implementation, VA approvals, VA security provisioning, connectivity and training. Would the Government consider providing a transition period of 60 to 90 days for the contract to minimize program start up risks and provide additional time for testing?

RESPONSE: See response to question 14.a. VA will work collaboratively with CVO in the transition process to begin PSV activity ASAP.

15) Page 7, Sections 2.0 and 4.0: Will Task Orders be issued by individual VAMC/VISN or will a single

Task Order be issued that encompasses all VAMC/VISNs?

RESPONSE: Task orders will be only be issued by the CO identified in Section B.1.A.(2) a. of the solicitation. Orders will be placed according to the Contract Line Items identified in Section B.1.C.(1) and the Price Schedule and providers to be credentialed will encompass providers requested from all VAMC/VISNs. VAMCs may require individual or groups of providers to be credentialed.

Grouped “buckets” of providers may be requested by VAMC or VISN office, most frequently, to accomplish recredentialing requirements.

16) Page 8, Section B.2, 5.0 General Requirements: The PWS states, “The contractor shall always be certified or accredited for its credentials verification services by a nationally recognized certifying or accreditation organization (e.g. the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC).”

Can the Government please clarify if by “the contractor” they mean the Prime or a member(s) of the team

(subcontractor)? Should the prime contractor hold the NCQA or URAC certification? Is it acceptable if the sub-contractor holds the NCQA or URAC certification?

RESPONSE: Section 5.0 of the PWS refers to the prime contractor. The majority of the work under this solicitation will be performing the credentials verification and the Government requires the contractor performing that work to be certified or accredited. Therefore, the prime contractor must hold the NCQA or URAC certification.

17) PWS, Page 8, Section B.2, 5.0 General Requirements: If the Government intends for the statement, “the contractor shall always be certified or accredited for its credentials verification services by a nationally recognized certifying or accreditation organization (e.g. the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC)” to apply to the SDVOSB prime contractor with a $15M size standard, it will severely limit competition on this opportunity. Would the Government be willing to relax the requirement at contract start to allow the contractor a reasonable amount of time to pursue and acquire one or both NCQA and URAC accreditations during the execution of the contract, as long as it can demonstrate and document that its processes and systems will be compliant to at least one certifying or accreditation organizational standards?

RESPONSE: See responses to questions 2 and 16.

18) Page 8, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1: There is no mention of end user testing or validation prior to start date. Please confirm if end user testing or validation is expected during transition.

RESPONSE: See response to question 1.

19) Page 8, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1.1 “…Contractor shall provide VA personnel, and all providers identified by VA, with access to the database.”

Assuming a 30 day ramp up period with award and contract start expected in May, will the providers be identified on contract award?

RESPONSE: Initial staff needing access will be provided at time of order placement.

20) Page 8, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1.1, “…Contractor shall provide VA personnel, and all providers identified by VA, with access to the database.”; “Database licenses for up to 2,000 VA personnel.”

Per the PWS, providers are required access to the database, yet there are no licensing requirements for providers. Who will be providing these licenses?

RESPONSE: VA is stating that we would need access to the online database for up to 2,000 VA personnel. This could be through licenses, passwords, codes, etc.

21) Page 8, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1.2, “The Contractor shall provide five virtual live training sessions, at least one to be recorded, for up to 2,000 VA personnel with access to the database.”

Is training for providers required?

RESPONSE: No, this training is for the VA personnel (non-providers) only on how to access/use the online database.

22) Page 8, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.1.2, “The Contractor shall provide five virtual live training sessions, at least one to be recorded, for up to 2,000 VA personnel with access to the database.”

Who will train providers on how to use the database?

RESPONSE: See response to question 21.

23) Pages 8-10, Sections 7.1 and 7.2: Is there a unique identifier within the data to identify CCN versus non-CCN providers?

RESPONSE: VA will provide one at the time of initial order placement.

24) Page 9, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.2.1.2 “The process must have two entry points with at least one being electronic. After award, VA will provide the Contractor with an initial list of providers for which the credentialing process must be initiated.”

Assuming a 30 day ramp up period, will additional time be provided for the development, testing, and validation of electronic entry points (e.g., estimated 60 days)?

RESPONSE: VA is expecting the CVO to have an established online platform.

25) Page 9, Section 7.2.1.2: Will the VHA please provide the estimated volume of the initial list of providers to be sent through the credentialing process?

RESPONSE: The initial order placed at time of contract award will be for a minimum of 5,100 for the duration of that order. VA anticipates a maximum of 3,500 initial providers to be requested upon order placement.

26) Page 9, 7.2: Please define the provider types included in the credentialing/verification process? (i.e.

Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physical Therapist, etc.)

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

27) Pages 8-10, Sections 7.1.2 and 7.2.1.5: Is the contractor expected to support a helpdesk and contact center for users post training? (i.e. System lock outs, turn over, training for new employees, trouble shooting, etc.) If so, what is the anticipated volume to support this function? Additionally, will a CLIN be added?

RESPONSE: No, the online database is expected to be a user-friendly portal that would not require a helpdesk. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring access and password issues are resolved.

28) Section 7.2.1: “Risk assessment and analysis of individual providers’ qualifications based on the application of VA-determined criteria to the Contractor’s review of collected and verified information.”

Will the VA be able to provide these criteria?

RESPONSE: The Contractor shall present, for VA’s approval, the criteria that will be used to verify provider information and conduct a risk assessment of each provider, and the Contractor shall develop a process and materials based on those criteria.

29) Page 9, 7.2.1.3: Has the VHA done a risk assessment of providers in the past? If so, can the VHA share the percentage and number of providers found to be at risk?

RESPONSE: VHA has not performed risk assessment of providers though a credentialing process. We require the CVO to provide a process for approval by VA.

30) Page 9, 7.2.1.3.a: What is VHA policies that disqualify providers? And/or how does VHA risk score providers? Additionally, what is the process the VHA uses to rescore at risk providers?

RESPONSE: Some providers would be disqualified based on standing federal regulations, such as OIG -

List of Excluded Individuals & Entities (LEIE). The criteria will be established and approved by VA under this contract. See response to question 28.

31) Page 10, Section 7.2.2.b: Best primary source verification practice includes criminal data (i.e. DUI convictions); financial red flags (i.e. foreclosure/bankruptcy, liens and judgements). Has the VHA considered adding these into their standard practice?

RESPONSE: VA does not plan to add for this contract.

32) Page 10, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.2.2 b, “Obtain documentation of and verify the following credentials information, using primary source verification as a standard practice:”

Assuming a 30 day ramp up period, will additional time be provided for the development, testing, and validation of the connections with primary source verification?

RESPONSE: VA expects the CVO to have an established practice of PSV.

33) Page 10, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.2.2: These appear to be credentialing requirements for physicians only. Will other provider types be credentialed?

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

34) Page 10, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.2.2 b. 3., “Education and training”

Do the providers require Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life

Support and immunizations for credentialing?

RESPONSE: This will not be a part of the contract.

35) Please provide more detail regarding the scope of credentials verifications for the following requirements per section 7.2.2.b of the RFP:

a. Education & Training -- Is the duration for this requirement from the individual's completion of a qualifying degree? Please also specify which types of "training" are required (e.g., CMEs, PGME, technical/device training, etc.).

RESPONSE: Yes, consistent with NCQA or URAC standards. CME/PGME or any additional training will not be a part of the CVO contract.

b. Work History -- How far back in history is required to be verified?

RESPONSE: Work History would be verified according to NCQA or URAC national credentialing standards.

c. Hospital Privileges -- How far back in history is required to be verified? We assume a copy of the practitioner's verified delineation of privileges comprises the artifacts necessary to meet this requirement?

RESPONSE: Work History would be verified according to NCQA or URAC national credentialing standards. A copy of practitioner verified delineation of privileges must meet NCQA or URAC standards.

36) Page 10, Section B.2, 7.0 Tasks, 7.2.2 b. 10., “Current malpractice coverage to be of a certain minimum value”

What is the minimum malpractice coverage value required?

RESPONSE: The minimum according to state or federal law.

37) Regarding the Review Board, is the government's intent to have a peer-level review committee (e.g., MD's, Nurses, PA's) as is customary in the industry to perform this function or is this more akin to senior credentialing staff members performing final assessments of credentialing files and submitting to the VA Credentialing Committee for final review and approval?

RESPONSE: VA is requiring a peer-level review committee similar to industry standard.

38) Reference 7.3. Topic: Operation of credentialing review board and administrative support for VA

Credentialing Committee. Will there be any Doctors / Directors from the existing VA network who should be part of this committee board? Does VA have a defined process to assess the board of directors or should it be established by the contractor?

RESPONSE: VA will work collaboratively with CVO on the CVO’s deliverable of creating a credentialing review board. The review board membership, roles & responsibilities, etc., will need to meet the approval of VA.

39) Reference 7.3.1. Topic: Committee review. Are the contractors expected to set up their own board of

Committee members / directors to review and approve the providers for participation?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Contractor will have their own credentialing review board to conduct enhanced reviews of credentialing information. VA’s Credentialing Committee will independently determine whether or not to credential the provider and whether or not to grant or deny an appeal.

40) Section 7.3.1: “Upon request from VA, the Contractor’s credentialing review board shall also evaluate provider appeals of VA credentialing determinations.”

Does the VA have an anticipated volume of providers appeals?

RESPONSE: Not at this time. It is expected to be a very small amount.

41) Section: 7.3.1. Topic: VA’s credentialing process will entail automatic acceptance or rejection of certain providers that meet or fail to meet certain criteria. Providers that are not automatically accepted or rejected will be reviewed by a VA Credentialing Committee. Please provide more clarity on this.

RESPONSE: Similar to industry standard, VA will pass through clean files for automatic approval without further vetting and pass through clearly unqualified providers for rejection without further vetting. Providers with questionable PSV materials in their files will be discussed in more detail with the VA Credentialing Committee making the final decisions based on PSV facts and Credentialing Review Board recommendations.

42) Section 7.3.2:

a. Are notification letters to be sent by regular mail or certified (or some other)?

RESPONSE: This will not be a contractor responsibility; see update to section 7.3.2 of the PWS.

Rejected applicants will be notified by certified mail to track receipt by VAMC.

b. Is drafting of administrative oversight documents intended to be a one-time event or will VA require periodic review and update of these documents? If yes, what is the expected frequency of review/update?

RESPONSE: The contractor will be responsible for the initial drafting of oversight documents only.

43) Section 7.3.2. Topic: Operation of credentialing review board and administrative support for VA

Credentialing Committee. What would be the preferred mode of communication to providers (FAX /Email). How should any denial letter / confidential data request be sent to provider? Can an electronic secure mode be used or should it be only hard copy mailing?

RESPONSE: The preferred method of communication to the providers is email. See response to question 42.a.

44) Section 7.3.3: “The Contractor shall establish an electronic process to disseminate documents and collect individual summaries of provider file reviews.”

a. Can the VA provide a high-level overview of what this process is anticipated to be?

RESPONSE: VA needs CVO to have an electronic process to disseminate all documents and deliverables listed instead of a paper (mail) or faxed based process. The timely processing of provider applications will be essential to the success of the contract.

b. To whom are documents to be disseminated?

RESPONSE: Both VAMC staff/ cc to Network Management POC, and directly to Credentialing

Committee when necessary. Section 7.3.3 of the PWS has been updated accordingly.

c. From whom are individual summaries of provider file reviews to be collected?

RESPONSE: VAMC Staff and Network Management. These will go in the provider files. Section 7.3.3 of the PWS has been updated accordingly.

d. What are the retention policies related to these summaries?

RESPONSE: See requirements for Contractor Records Retention in Section C.14 FAR 52.212-5(d)(2).

e. Section 7.4: Please confirm our understanding that NPDB monitoring is required only for non-CCN providers and is not needed for CCN providers.

RESPONSE: Correct, NPDB monitoring will only be required for non-CCN providers.

f. What is/are the unique identifier/s used for providers within PPMS?

RESPONSE: National Practitioner Identifier (NPI)

45) Section 7.4. Topic: Monitoring Providers. How should the contractor handle any provider who is found to be a defaulter on any one of the mode of sanctions monitoring. Does contractor have the right to notify providers on the same or will it be communicated through VA or, Does Dept. of VA expect Delegated load of CCN providers governed/Credentialed by TPA in to Contractor's network and monitored for sanctions?

RESPONSE: CVO will notify VA of providers with findings, such as sanctions. VA will communicate with the providers.

46) Page 12, Section 9.0: What data file formats are compatible with PPMS? (i.e. .csv, .txt,etc.)

RESPONSE: The finalization of file sharing formats for PPMS is still in progress. VA will work collaboratively with the CVO during Phase II of the Data Compatibility process.

47) Page 12, Section 9.0: Will the contractor interface with or access VetPro system to perform requirement under this PWS? If yes, please explain how PPMS and VetPro interact and interface.

RESPONSE: No, VetPro will not be interfaced in this contract.

48) Section 9. Topic: Data compatibility with PPMS. Will the contractor get access to PPMS prior to the commencement of project to assess necessary requirements / appropriate elements (fields) which need to be part of the Credentialing System that will be developed?

RESPONSE: No, the contractor will not have access to PPMS.

49) Section 10. Topic: Deliverables. Is the Order effective date same as contract signing date?

RESPONSE: No, after an award has been made, orders will be placed through this IDIQ vehicle. The order effective date will be the award date of each individual order placed.

50) Section B. Topic: Platform. Does Dept. Of VA expect electronic/Platform access for VA credentialing Committee to conduct enhanced reviews of credentialing information in the system that was not automatically approved/rejected?

RESPONSE: No.

51) Section B. Topic: Platform. Could you please provide roles of the 2000 VA user licenses to be procured for Database access? e.g.: Auditor, VA credentialing specialist/Supervisor etc.

RESPONSE: The 2000 VA user licenses will be for mostly VAMC Community Care staff who are seeking agreements with the providers and some administrative staff.

52) Section B. Topic: Platform. Does Dept. of VA have a dedicated portal or if contractor need to provide a separate portal for demographic and professional data to be self-reported by providers? It is understood that the self-reported provider details need to be automatically fed into contractor's system or DB?

RESPONSE: No, VA does not have a dedicated portal. VA is seeking the contractor to have a user-friendly portal for providers to enter and update information. Task 7.1.1 - The Contractor shall maintain a profile-based data collection online database that contains demographic and professional data that is self-reported by providers, as well as data regarding providers’ credentials.

53) Section B. Topic: Platform. Could you please confirm if Dept. of VA is looking at online application flowing into contractor system/DB or is it expecting paper/ Bulk load process for provider enrollment process?

RESPONSE: Online application.

54) Section B. Topic: Platform. Could you please share a sample provider enrollment application?

RESPONSE: VA does not have a sample enrollment application.

55) Section B. Topic: Platform. Could you please list out all the data elements needed for credentialing application form by VA?

RESPONSE: The provider application should address all the elements required for NCQA or URAC national accreditation standards, along with specific VA requirements to be addressed post-contract.

56) Section B. Topic: Platform. Is there a requirement to handle provider appeals for VA's provider credentialing determination electronically?

RESPONSE: No, the provider will not be appealing directly to the CVO. Provider appeal documents will come back to the originating VAMC.

57) Section B. Topic: Platform. For Deliverable 7.3.3, Contractor shall establish an electronic process to disseminate documents and collect individual summaries of provider file reviews. Kindly confirm, if Dept. of VA is looking at only E-mail or any other channel for document dissemination.

RESPONSE: VA is anticipating email.

58) Section B. Topic: Platform. The performance standards and acceptable quality levels (AQL) set forth in Attachment A: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), Attachment A, B, C are missing in the document. Could you please furnish the same?

RESPONSE: The attachments to the solicitation are available in the FBO posting.

59) Section B. Topic: Platform. Please confirm if there is a need for API or a batch file interface of Dept.

of VA's PPMS with Contractor's system to input the Credentialing data/on-going monitoring of providers/ document dissemination?

RESPONSE: There could be batch filing. See response to question 46.

60) Section B. Topic: Platform. Could you please share the PPMS compatible template/format?

RESPONSE: See response to question 46.

61) Section B. Topic: Platform. Does Dept. of VA currently interface with external data aggregators such as CAQH, LEXISNEXIS etc. Kindly confirm if the same need to be continued after contract award?

RESPONSE: VA does not interface with external data aggregators.

62) Section B. Topic: Platform. The estimated ordering period is May 2019 – May 2024. Does this mean the contract /fully functional operations are set to begin in May 2019?

RESPONSE: See response to question 13.

63) Section B. Topic: Platform. Kindly confirm if Dept. of VA is looking at system/platform hosted at

Dept. of VA or Contractor's data center?

RESPONSE: See response to question 1.

64) Section B. Topic: Platform. Apart from provider enrollment, Credentialing, On-going monitoring etc… is Dept. of VA also looking at Provider data management where contractor will perform Provider file operations and maintenance of provider data etc.?

RESPONSE: It is preferable that Contractor has a fully functional provider portal that allows providers to self-report changes in credentials or demographic information.

65) Topic: POSITION/TASK RISK DESIGNATION LEVEL(S): Please provide more insights to the levels provided

RESPONSE: Tier II Moderate/MBI security access is required for all tasks.

66) Page 16, Section 13.0: Will the VHA allow interim Tier II Moderate/MBI security access during the processing of security clearance?

RESPONSE: An interim has not been approved at this time.

67) Page 16, Section 13.0.d: Is the contractor expected to pay for the Tier II Moderate/MBI security clearance? If so, what is the cost?

RESPONSE: Yes, $791.00.

68) Pages 15-18, Section 13.0: What security protocols and FISMA level will the VHA require for access for provider data (i.e. PII)?

RESPONSE: All information listed in Section 13.0 Security of the PWS.

69) Section 13: “Preserve such data, records, logs and other evidence which are reasonably necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.”

What is the required data retention period?

RESPONSE: Per the NIST SP 800-61 computer security incident handling guide:

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-61r2.pdf General Records Schedule (GRS) 24, Information Technology Operations and Management Records, specifies that “computer security incident handling, reporting and follow-up records” should be destroyed “3 years after all necessary follow-up actions have been completed.” GRS 24 is available from the National Archives and Records Administration at http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/grs/grs24.html.

70) Pages 37-38, Section C.14: Does Service Contract Labor Standards and paid sick leave under executive order apply to labor?

RESPONSE: No, these do not apply.

71) There appears to be two current “network” processes for entering into a VA-sponsored network of providers. One is a more stringent credentialing process for Patient-Centered Community Care Providers (PC3) that requires source verification of boards, education and training, employment, and malpractice aspects. The other is for the VA Choice Program, which only requires licensure, sanctions, controlled substance Rx authority, a NPI, and Medicare participation. If this contract will not require full compliance with VHA Credentialing Directives, which model will be used?

RESPONSE: VA will need full credentialing similar to PC3 and consistent with national accredited network credentialing standards (NCQA/URAC).

72) Are provider background checks included in the scope of work for this contract? If not, who performs the provider background checks?

RESPONSE: Provider background checks are not part of this contract.

73) What percentage of the initially credentialed providers in your network do you anticipate being foreign medical graduates requiring either ECFMG or international primary source verification or both?

RESPONSE: This is unknown at this time.

74) Attachment C Price Schedule: Are the nation-wide, third-party credentialing primary source verification, state licensure verification, background check, etc., fees to be included in the contractor’s “other direct costs?”

RESPONSE: No, this should be included in the fixed price of the Credentialing verification services line item.

75) The RFP refers to providers that furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care services.

a. Can the VA provide more clarity on the provider types who will be served as part of the credentialing services?

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

b. Is this RFP only for professional providers and individual practitioners?

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

c. Are brick and mortar facilities part of the credentialing verification services?

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

d. Are ancillary providers part of the credentialing verification services?

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

76) The Government’s use of the NAICS 541611 size standard excludes many viable SDVOSB vendors from competing as prime contractors under this procurement. Please consider changing the NAICS code to 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) to increase competition and allow the Government to evaluate a wider selection of SDVOSB firms with expertise delivering accredited credentials verification services, large-scale database development solutions, and experienced staff to support this effort.

RESPONSE: There are no specific deliverables for “software” under this contract, and the access to a database under task 1 does not constitute the majority of the work required. The NAICS identified as the most appropriate based on the majority of the work is 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.

77) Please describe how often provider data will be transferred from the vendor-developed system to

PPMS. Will vendors be responsible for establishing a secure interface with the PPMS system?

RESPONSE: There is no established frequency at this time. The data will be in a format compatible with PPMS; the Contractor will not have access to PPMS.

78) Please provide the average monthly number of CCN providers that the contractor will be responsible for credentialing to support the VA.

RESPONSE: The average monthly number is unknow at this time. Please refer to the

“Minimum/Maximum Quantities” in Section B.1.C.(1) and (2).

79) Please provide the average monthly number of non-CCN providers that the contractor will be responsible for credentialing to support the VA.

RESPONSE: See response to question 78.

80) Reference Section C.1. Topic: Volume. The maximum/minimum quantities table has annual volumes or for the entire 5-year period. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: See response to question 9.

81) Reference Section C.1. Topic: Minimum Guaranteed Quantities and Maximum Quantities. What will be the timeframe for communicating the contractor regarding change / update in volume mentioned [Min - 5,100 | Max - 129,451 |Recred -85,085]

RESPONSE: The minimums and maximums of the base IDIQ contract will not change. An initial order will be placed at time of contract award for the minimum guaranteed quantities listed in subsection B.1.C.(1), with subsequent orders as additional volume is identified by VA.

82) Reference Section C.2. Topic: Task 4 – Monitoring providers. Are the numbers provided for

Monitoring include out of network providers too? Is the contract expected to perform this as an ongoing activity?

RESPONSE: Monitoring of providers will be for non-CCN and CCN providers as stated in the task.

83) Section: Overall. Topic: Compliance. Are there any specific Compliance and Statutory requirements?

RESPONSE: Please see OIG section (pages 16-18); Section B.2, 13.0 Security (pages 15-18); Section C

(pages 20-40); Section E (pages 42-66).

84) Section: Overall. Topic: Process. Please share the current process flow documents for all in-scope processes/activities in Credentialing Operations from start to end.

RESPONSE: These are in development but will be consistent with the typical process flow between a health plan and CVO.

85) Section: Overall. Topic: Volumes. Highlight any specific seasonality which needs to be considered on the process?

RESPONSE: Unknown.

86) Section: Overall. Topic: General. Will the cost for the 3rd party validation/verification be borne by vendor?

RESPONSE: Yes, this is a firm fixed price contract according to the line items in the Price Schedule.

87) Given the scope of the requirements, will the government consider alternative proposals, including less than 100% SDVOSB?

RESPONSE: In accordance with VA policy “rule of two”, the Government is obligated to solicit under a 100% set-aside to SDVOSBs if two or more have been deemed capable of fulfilling the requirement.

Offerors must meet the requirements of the solicitation’s set-aside to be considered for award.

88) Is the government comfortable with having this work performed offshore? In other similar engagements, the government restricted this work to only being performed.

RESPONSE: No.

89) Page 42, Section E.2.3: Will VHA consider extending the proposal due date to allow VHA time to respond to questions, and for Industry to incorporate the VHA’s response into the solution/RFP submission? This will ensure the government receives the most comprehensive and best value proposal.

RESPONSE: Proposal due date has been extended to April 25, 2019, 2:00 PM ET. Please reference amendment A00001.

90) 7.1.1 Will this access be read only?

RESPONSE: Yes.

91) 7.2.1 Application Process

a. Is this application required to be online or suggested?

b. If online is the requirement, so that the provider can submit online only or ongoing access?

RESPONSE: See response to question 4

92) 7.3.1 Credentialing Review Board

a. Is the board making the final decision or recommending only?

RESPONSE: See Deliverable 7.3.1 Enhanced review and written assessment and recommendation to

VA’s Credentialing Committee for each provider under review. The recommendation will be provided to VA for consideration by VA’s Credentialing Committee. VA’s Credentialing Committee will independently determine whether or not to credential the provider and whether or not to grant or deny an appeal

93) Section B.1.C describes Minimum Guaranteed Quantities and Maximum Quantities. Can OCC provide:

a. A schedule of the anticipated ramp to reach the minimum quantities for each Contract

Line Item Description (CLID). For instance, if Online Demographic minimum is 5,000 - Is the minimum expected to be reached within 12 months of contract award or over a longer period of time during the full 5-year ordering period.

b. A maximum anticipated monthly volume for each of the Section B.1.C CLIDs.

c. Is PNT correct in the following assumptions/ Can OCC provide additional data to complete this table CLID Maximum

Qnty Approximate Annual Volume

Maximum Monthly Volume

Task 2 – Credentials Verification Services – New Providers

129,451 Max Qnty / 5 = 25,890 / year

Task 2 – Credentials Verification Services - Recredentialling

85,085 85,085 / 5 = 17,017

Task 4 – Monitoring Providers 494,101 2,283,545

2,777,646/ 4 years = 694,411

RESPONSE: See response to question 9.

94) Given the minimum value is 0 and maximum value is 60 (indicating a monthly process). Can OCC provide additional information on what administrative Support the VA Credentialing Committee requires?

RESPONSE: Task 3 outlines the requirements for administrative support of the VA Credentialing Committee. This line item may or may not be ordered under this contract, so the minimum guaranteed quantity is 0, and the maximum quantity is 60 to allow for monthly support over the entire five-year ordering period.

95) What kinds of providers will need to be credentialled? Medical (professional, institutional), Dental, Behavioral Health, Ancillary providers (and if so what types).

RESPONSE: See response to question 10.

96) Will on-site visits be required as part of the CVO services?

RESPONSE: On-site visits will only be required if required by CVO’s NCQA or URAC standards.

97) Can OCC provide more information on the timeline which is expected for service delivery? The solicitation states that services may start in May 2019. When would OCC expect to provide a roster of providers to for initial credentialing services?

RESPONSE: See response to questions 13 and 14. VA anticipates approximately 60 days after contract award/30 days after initial order effective date.

98) Will providers which have already been credentialled require recred services in the first year of the contract?

RESPONSE: No, re-credentialing is not expected until year 4.

99) At the start of the contract, how many providers will need to be credentialled in an initial CVE event.

Is there any credentialing information that will form the basis for the VA’s Credentialing Program?

RESPONSE: See response to question 25.

100) Our company is a SDVOSB. We meet many of the qualifications of the solicitation however while we have extensive experience and expertise with provider data, quality program information and data exchange between provider organizations and health plans, we do not have a full CVO offering which could be deployed immediately for OCC’s program use. We believe can meet all requirements if provided a reasonable “Transition In” period. Will OCC consider a transition in period of up to 6 months to support establishment of procedures, forms and systems integration? Will OCC allow a successful vendor to work with a third party during the transition in period, to support immediate credentialing needs during the Transition In period?

RESPONSE: See response to question 2 and 14.

101) Can OCC provide a Companion Guide for PPMS, including data structure required and / or a file layout?

RESPONSE: VA will provide a sample sharing report of credentialing data elements required for Phase 1 of Section 9.0. PPMS data-sharing will not be in the initial phase of the contract but will be a future state initiative. Information on data structure and file layout will be provided at that time.

102) Will OCC accept a vendor which in process of receiving NCQA / URAC accreditation if the accreditation is expected to be received during the contract period and other credentials are in place (such as EHNAC, CAQH Core Compliant, etc.)

RESPONSE: The Contractor shall be certified or accredited at the time of proposal submission. See response to question 2.

103) How many paper applications does the OCC expect to receive on an annual basis each year of the contract?

RESPONSE: See response to question 4 and 97.

104) Should the awardee assume that all primary source verification information will be used exclusively by the VA and as such the cost of all such data items should be included in the pricing evaluation?

RESPONSE: Yes.

105) Page 9, Section 7.2.1.4: The PWS requires a second FAQ be developed for use by providers. Can the government please clarify if the training in 7.2.1.5 will also include providers?

RESPONSE: No, the training provided under 7.2.1.5 is for VA personnel only.

106) Page 9, Section 7.2.1: Can the government please clarify if the requirement is for hard copy documentation or does an electronic authoritative source meet the documentation requirement?

RESPONSE: An electronic source is acceptable (Word or editable PDF).

107) Page 12, Sections 7.4.2 & 7.4.3: Can the VHA please expand on if there are any sanctions or disciplinary actions that would require immediate notification?

RESPONSE: VA needs to be immediately notified of all sanction/disciplinary actions against the providers so VA can determine action(s) needed. VA will work collaboratively with CVO on a communication process post-contract.

108) Has the VHA considered the need for an outreach program to work with the provider to resolve any additional information gathering that would be required for credentialing? If so, will the outreach program be added to the scope of work within this PWS?

RESPONSE: The contractor is required to work with the provider to obtain needed information. The contractor can develop an appropriate strategy to perform such outreach.

109) Please confirm that suppliers of Other Direct Costs constituting greater than 20% of the total value of the contract would qualify as major subcontractors permitted to provide past performance information.

RESPONSE: For the purposes of this solicitation, a major subcontract is defined as 20% of the total contract effort that are services (excludes ancillary supplies).

110) Cloud-based software solutions likely comprise over 50% of total contract value for this contract.

Please confirm that cloud-based software costs will not be considered when calculating the amount of work required to be performed by an SDVOSB.

RESPONSE: Reference VAAR 852.219-10(c); 13 CFR §125.6. “In the case of a contract for services (except construction), it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not similarly situated. Any work that a similarly situated subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.”

111) Since documentary proof of accreditation and/or certification requires multiple pages and there is a 15-page limitation, will the Government modify the page limitation for Volume I to exclude the documentary proof?

RESPONSE: Page limitation for Volume I is updated to read “15 pages, excluding the documentary proof of accreditation and/or certification.

112) While we understand the Government’s request for concise responses, it would be beneficial to allow offerors 5 additional pages to address the PWS tasks. This allows offerors to provide enough detail to ensure the Government’s confidence in their understanding and abilities to perform the work.

Will the Government modify the page limitation for Volume I to 20 pages?

RESPONSE: The page limit for Volume I will remain unchanged.

113) Can the Government confirm if a transmittal letter will count against the page limitation of

Volume I Technical Capability?

RESPONSE: Per Section E.2.7, the cover page, table of contents, and/or a glossary of abbreviations or acronyms will not be included in the page count of any Volume.

B. Update Section B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C. Update Section E.2 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

All changes to the are noted in BLUE for ease of reference.

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 General Overview

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Community Care (OCC), requires services to support and implement certain functions related to VA credentialing and/or monitoring non-VA health care providers that furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care services to Veterans under VA’s community…