36C10X20R0002-0007036.xlsx
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- VHA Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT)
- Solicitation number
- 36C10X20R0002
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This solicitation seeks proposals for the Department of Veterans Affairs' VHA Integrated Healthcare Transformation indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity multiple award contract. The solicitation will utilize a two-phase evaluation approach to select multiple awardees to support VHA programs through task order awards over a five-year base period of performance. Phase I will evaluate prospective VITAL awardees based on eligibility and capability statements. Phase II will evaluate Veteran Integrated Teams on capability across three functional categories including health system transformation, data analytics and management, and healthcare business enabling services. The Strategic Acquisition Center Frederick will make awards and oversee task order performance. Proposals are due by dates specified in forthcoming amendments for Phases I and II. Pricing will be evaluated for best value using price analysis techniques.
36C10X20R0002 0007 AMENDMENT 0007 ATTACHMENT 4 - VENDOR QUESTIONS _ GOVT REPSONSES FOR REMAINING QUESTIONS PHASE I.xlsx
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Questions for CO
| Attachment I- RFP Questions.xls | Phase I (DELETE PRIOR TO RELEASE)!!!!!!!**************** | |
| Company Name | Advanced Management Strategies Group, Inc. | Phase II (DELETE PRIOR TO RELEASE)!!!!!!!**************** |
| Item (Add rows as needed) | RFP Section (A,B,C,D,E) | Document (PWS, RFP Attachment A, E.1 Quote Submission Instructions, etc.) | RFP Page | paragraph/ section | Question for Contracting Officer | Government Response | NOTES | UPDATED RESPONSE |
| example | C-Contract Clauses | Clause C.1 | 148 | 1 | Describe Question Here | |||
| 1 | D | Attachment D - Proposal Forms | 4 | D2 | Government uses the term "substantial healthcare integration experience" in the requirements for D2: VITAL Viability Submission - Capability. This is in conflict with the definition of VITAL as defined by government in D.10 Attachment J. Vit Definitions, "VIP Verified SDVOSB (or eligible VIP-verified Joint Venture) that is considered small under NAICS 541611, with capability in all Functional Category I capability areas, extensive experience and capability integrating large teams in execution of Government Contracts (expert integrator), and expert ability to manage and oversee contract performance including related administrative processes. Once contracts are awarded, VITALs are considered small for the duration of the five-year base period (but must remain VIP verified)." In Q&A following the industry day (see Q&A #2 and #24), Government responses are in alignment with the VITAL definition and do not indicate 'substantial healthcare integration experience' requirements. Could the government clarify the three part description for D2: VITAL Viability Submission - Capability? | While the VIT definition does not specifically mention substantial healthcare integration experience as stated in D.2 VITAL Viability submission, the Government will evaluate such experience. The VITAL definition has been updated to reflect healthcare integration. | Attachment J. Add healthcare to VITAL definition | |
| 2 | B | RFP | 5 | B.1.a.e | The RFP states: "The Government has entered into other contractual relationships in order to provide technical services throughout VA. These services are separate from IHT but may be related to or in close proximity to those provided under IHT. Contractors may be required to coordinate with other contractors in providing services under IHT. Contractors may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to commencing services under the base contract or a TO award." QUESTION: Will the Government identify those companies currently advising, supporting or in any way affiliated with SAC Frederick with the IHT procurement so that we can ensure we have no conflict of interest and/or if we need to sign a NDA? | There are no current companies that are advising, supporting, or affiliated with IHT. This will be addressed on a case-by-case basis at the TO level. | ||
| 3 | B | RFP | 5 | B.1.C.1.a | The RFP states: “VITAL Eligibility – The VITAL receiving the award must be determined eligible in terms of both size (small under NAICS Code 541611 as confirmed through SAM.gov Representations and Certifications) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status (Vetbiz VIP verified). Following award, the VITAL will be considered “small” for the duration of the five (5) year base period. The VITAL will be required to re-certify its size should the Government exercise its contract option at the end of the base period. VITALs must remain VIP Verified for the duration of the contract.” QUESTION: Will the Government commit to conducting size certification and SDVOSB verifications at the time of Phase 1 AND Phase 2 Proposal Submission AND at the time of IDIQ award? | The Government is required to check VIP/SAM verification status upon receiving submittals and prior to award. Offerors proposing as the VITAL must be VIP verified at the time of Phase 2 submission. See reference E.3.C.9.d. The Offeror (SDVOSB or JV) must submit proof of CVE submittal to Contracting Officer as attachment to Phase I Submission if seeking verification as stated in Attachment D. Proposal Form, Page 3, D.1. | ||
| 4 | B | RFP | 6 | B.1.C.1.b | The RFP includes a note as follows, “NOTE: For subcontracting purposes pursuant to sections 8(d) of the Small Business Act, a concern is small for subcontracts which relate to Government procurements if it does not exceed the size standard for the NAICS code that the prime contractor believes best describes the product or service being acquired by the subcontract.” QUESTION: What process/mechanism will the Government use to verify that the Prime has used the correct NAICS code to that, “…best describes the product or service being acquired by the subcontract.”? | The Government may utilize SAM.gov or the SBA to verify the Prime contractors NAICS code. The Government intends to utilize the NAICS codes under Attachment H NAICS Crosswalk for resulting TO's. The Government will review the size of the subcontractor being proposed at the TO level in accordance with the NAICS code as determined by the Order. This will be addressed in detail upon award and receiving the Task Order Ordering Guide. | ||
| 5 | B | RFP | 6 | B.1.C.1.d | The RFP states, “Exclusivity – All teams are exclusive, with all partners/ subcontractors specific to one, and only one Veteran Integrated Team (VIT). No individual firm may be associated with more than one VIT, unless specifically provided for at the TO level.” QUESTION: What process/mechanism will the Government use to verify the exclusivity of the VIT? | At the time of Phase II Proposal submittal, the Government will cross reference submittals to ensure compliance with exclusivity. | ||
| 6 | B | RFP | 6 | B.1.C.1.f | The RFP states, “Open Enrollment Additions – VIT partners will be expressly identified within the base contract at time of award as a Key Partner. (Key Partners at time of award require an equal or greater replacement). The Government anticipates partner additions may be required to enhance capability and robustness of the VIT to allow it to respond to the evolving complex healthcare needs of VA. As such the Government intends to provide an open enrollment period to facilitate the addition of new partners during a two-week window near the end of select contract years (Government will notify awardees prior). “ QUESTION: Will the Government tell the bidders during which, “…two-week window near the end of select contract years…” they will provide the open enrollment period? Specifically, will the Government hold an Open Enrollment near the end of the first contract year? The reason for this question is that given the length of time involved to complete the procurement process for the IHT IDIQ, there could be more than one year before the initial TOPR is released. This time lag between forming a VIT for the IDIQ and submitting the first TOPR response could mean that a VITAL needs to re-stock its team. | If necessary, the CO may have an open enrollment period for circumstances that are out of the ordinary and may require special attention. | ||
| 7 | - | - | - | - | What is the time limit on Past Performance references used in the Proposal? | The time limit for Past Performance will be five years from the date of the solicitation. | ||
| 8 | F | Attachment F - Representative Task Order.docx | - | - | QUESTION: Will the Government tell us which two VISNs we will be piloting the QMS so that we can incorporate our knowledge of the VISNs into the response we provide? | This is a sample task order, specific VISNs have not been identified for the purpose of this exercise | ||
| 9 | F | Attachment F - Representative Task Order.docx | - | - | QUESTION: Is there a contractor currently performing the work described in the Sample Task anywhere in the VHA? If so, which one or more companies is doing this type of work? | We are not aware of any contractor currently performing this or similar work in the VHA at this time. | ||
| 10 | D | Attachment D - F - Representative Task Order | - | - | Sample task order has key personnel requirements. Since this is a sample task order to evaluate capabilities and not intended to be awarded with the IDIQ, could the Government confirm no resumes are required during the Phase 2 response? | The Government is requesting resumes during both Phases. As stated under Phase II, c. Key Personnel, page 94, resumes are required under Phase II. | ||
| 11 | RFP | RFP | 89 | C.9.e | Reference Phase I: RFP page 89 states “Templates have been provided for the purpose of streamlining the proposal and evaluation process. Do not alter the templates.“ Is it appropriate to delete pages 16 to 26 (Phase 2 template pages) of the Attachment D Proposal Forms Template when submitting the Phase I proposal? | Deleting Phase II from the proposal booklet to only include Phase I is considered allowable. | ||
| 12 | D4/D5 | Attachments D4 and D5 | D4, 22 | - | Reference Phase II: The D5 Key Personnel IDIQ Manager Biography Template was released by the government in 2 places, the Attachment 004 Proposal Forms, page 22, and the Attachment 005 D5 Key Personnel Bio. Does the government want this form filled out twice? | Attachment 004 is the complete Proposal Form. Please use Attachment 005, Key Personnel Bio for each individual key personnel proposed. Attachment 005 can be replicated as needed, as it is assumed Offerors will be proposing more than one Key Personnel member. | ||
| 13 | D4 | Attachment D4 Proposal Forms | 20-21 | - | Reference Phase II: The D4: Capability Narrative form, located on page 20 and 21 of the Attachment 004 Proposal Forms, instructs the offeror to “Complete one form per member capability for each member of the VIT identified in table above.” As some offerors may have very large teams, does the government prefer that we extract these pages and duplicate as necessary for each VIT Team Member, and then save the file separately as D4 Capability Narrative? | Yes. | ||
| 14 | - | - | - | - | Upon submitting each of the proposal templates and documents, does the government prefer a specific naming convention, i.e.. the offerors name prior to the file names? | OfferorName_PhaseI. Additional instructions will be provided at the initiation of Phase II for naming. | Phase II - Naming convention for submission | a. OfferorName_VIT.pdf b. OfferorName_Price.xls |
c. OfferorName_TO.pdf/.doc
d. OfferorName_1449.xls
| 15 | Section B |
| Main Solicitation |
B.1 Contract Administration Data
| Page 5 of 116 | B. Minimum Guaranteed Amount and Maximum Value | Please clarify the maximum aggregate value of the contract (all awards and task orders) over 5 years may not exceed $1,000,000,000. This appears somewhat misaligned (maybe a little low) given the time period, scope, and size of proposed team structure. | See B.2, Page 5. (2) The maximum aggregate value of all awards and TOs under IHT is $1,000,000,000. This ceiling is neither divided nor multiplied by the number of awardees. | |||||
| 16 | E. | E..3.B | 86 | chart | Are both "Attachment D -Proposal Forms" pp. 1 -15 and "Attachment D - "Capability Narrative Template(s)" required for Phase 1 submissions? | Pages 1-15 of Attachemnt D are for Phase 1. The end of the Phase 1 submittal is bolded in red at the bottom of page 15. | ||
| 17 | D | Attachment D - Proposal Forms | 12 | D2B | In the Complexity response field in the Section for "Describe the complexity, duration, number of vendors/subcontractors involved", the form only allows for 10 characters. Offeror suggests room for at least 150 characters, as complexity involves telling a story that was complex and then resolved with a successful solution. | Revised. See revised Proposal Forms Attachment D. | Phase I - Revised Forms Attachment D | |
| 18 | D-Proposal Evaluation Approach | Phase I Viability Assessment | 90 | 1 | Will the various evaluation criteria described in this section be weighted the same or differently? If differently can you please let us know the weighting factor for each. | To be eligible, Offerors must fall within either category (SDVOSB or SDVOSB JV). These two eligibility scenarios are not weighted differently. The Government will assess capability statements received from prospective VITALs based on eligibility, and then if eligible, prospective VITAL Capability. All Phase I viability criteria are weighted the same. | ||
| 19 | D | Attachment D - Proposal Forms | 17 | D3A | In Attachment D, D3A: Phase II VIT Team Summary cover page, if a VIT Member has multiple applicable functional category areas that have different NAICS codes, how do offerors fill in column 3 (DUNS/Sub NAICS) of the form, as there is only an option for 1 NAICS code per VIT Member? However, the instructions require the VIT to list multiple FC Areas as needed. | Please use the NAICS code most closely aligned with the Functional Capability Area of Response; further instruction for Phase II will be released following the completion of Phase I. Prior to the initiation of Phase II, the form and/or the instructions for use will be updated and amended to the solicitation. | Phase II - Revised Forms Attachment D to allow for multiple NAICS | In accordance with the updated Instructions to Offerors, Offerors need only submit the FC 1 capabilities of the VITAL, its best representative example of each other capability from the VITAL or team members, and identification of partners that also have capabilities in all of the capability areas. The proposal forms have been updated to reflect this change. (Including a place to identify the respective NAICS codes). |
| 20 | RFP | RFP | 94 | D. Phase II - VIT Proposal Para e. | In "Phase II - VIT Proposal, para e. Task Order Capability", on page 94; is this sample task order awardable? | At this time, the associated Sample Task Order is not awardable and for evaluation purpose only. | ||
| 21 | D | Attachment D - Proposal Forms | 17 | D3B | Reference: D3B: VIT SUBMISSION- TEAM SUMMARY (COVER PAGE- CONTINUATION): In response to the instruction to "Use this CONTINUATION PAGE as needed based upon team size", our team is larger than the continuation page allows. Is it acceptable for the offeror to copy additional continuation pages and reinsert them into the Proposal Form file at page 18? | Yes, this is acceptable. | ||
| 22 | B | Contract Administration | 4 | C | Can the VITAL be comprised of similarly situated CVE SDVOSBs each meeting the 541611 NAICS size standard? | In order to be a viable VITAL for consideration in terms of eligibility, you must be either of the following: a) CVE VIP-Verified SDVOSB small in SAM.gov under NAICS 541611 as of the date for submission of Phase II Proposal, or b) | A valid Joint Venture (JV) as of the date of submission of Phase II Proposal. “Valid Joint Venture” for the purpose of eligibility means: A CVE VIP-verified Joint Venture with fewer than 3 business ventures (contracts) in the past two years established as a small-small JV (with each concern small in SAM.gov under NAICS 541611) or as a Mentor-Protégé (with SBA approved Mentor, and Protégé small in SAM under NAICS 541611). This is only allowable if the SDVOSBs teamed to create a JV. See D.1 (a) and D.1 (b), page 90. | |
| 23 | B | Contract Administration | 4 | C | When does the Government project Phase II response to be? We are in the process of acquiring CVE for our All-Small JV Arapaho Technical Services. | The Phase II amendment is projected to be posted for mid to late November 2019. | ||
| 24 | B | PWS | 16 | 1.2 | Must the VITAL alone provide Functional Category I support? | Yes, the VITAL must be fully capability in all areas of Functional Category I. | ||
| 25 | B | PWS | 16 | 1.2 | Can the VITAL also support other Functional Categories (II and III)? | Yes, the VITAL may support Functional Categories II and III. This will be evaluated in Phase II. | ||
| 26 | B | PWS | 17 | 2.2 | When is the projected ordering period? | February 2020-January 2025 Base Period; however, this is the estimated award date and is subject to change. | ||
| 27 | C-Contract Clauses | Submission Instructions | 88 | C.6 | In this section it is stated, "By the due date and time identified in the Amendment to initiate Phase II, Prime Contractor must complete and submit the Phase II Proposal." Can the government offer an estimate of how long after Phase I submission it will provide VITAL viability determinations? | Approximately 2-3 weeks following Phase I submission deadline. Phase I assessments are projected to be complete by mid November 2019. | ||
| 29 | D-Proposal Forms | Attachment D - Proposal Forms | All | All | Some response cells in Attachment D allow for a number of characters which renders the text too small to read without increasing the viewing size. As long as the response fits/is allowed in the cell, do respondents need to ensure that the text size is readable (without increasing the viewing size)? | As there is a character limit, respondents need not ensure that the text size is readable. The revised Proposal Forms, as attached in the amendment, will show the character limit per response section. | Phase I - Revised Forms Attachment D | |
| 30 | E- INSTRUCTIONS AND EVALUATION APPROACH | Performance Work Statement | 87 | Paragraph C, sub-paragraph 6 & Attachment 4 | Paragraph states that offerors, "Do not alter the questions or information requested in each template. Failure to provide a response to each question in a template may result in a less than favorable rating and no further consideration.” In addition, the same section for submission of the Phase I - Viability Assessment directs that, “When submitting the VITAL Viability Submission, prospective VITAL shall combine into one file (MS Word or Adobe pdf formats only) and submit as a single volume. Character/page limits if applicable are built into each question.” Are offerors expected to modify Attachment 4 so that we only submit pp. 3 – 15 of the attachment, which includes only the Phase I Viability Assessment forms as an MS Word or Adobe pdf? |
If yes, can the Government confirm that the only limitation in recreating the Phase I Viability Forms is to ensure that neither the questions or information requested are altered, and responses must remain compliant with the character limitations for each section of the template?
If the form can be recreated and offerors are compliant with character limitations for each section, what is the font and pitch of the characters allowed in each section?
Phase I portion of the Proposal Booklet can be modified to take out Phase II. The form will be submitted in a PDF and must be returned in that manner. Pages 1-15 of Attachemnt D are for Phase 1. The end of the Phase I submittal is bolded in red at the bottom of page 15. You may not alter the Proposal Form Attachment D other than removing pages as notated earlier. Character limitations will be explicitly stated with the revised Proposal Form.
| 31 | E.3 Instructions and Evaluation Approach | All | 85-95 | N/A | The instructions are clear on how to become an eligible and viable VITAL. Are there any eligibility requirements for onboarding to the IHT IDIQ as a VITEP? If so, please clarify. If not, what does the government suggest a NAICS 541611 SDVOSB do to become a VITEP on a VIT? Will the government provide a list of all Viable and Non-Viable VITALs prior to Phase II of the solicitation process? | VITEP is defined on page 78 of the solicitation; there are no additional eligibility requirements for a VITEP. To become a VITEP, you would need to team with a VITAL whom you create a partnership with. A list of VITALs assessed as capable following Phase I is under consideration. | Phase I - Will there be a Phase I VITAL directory published? | |
| 32 | B | B.1 | 6 | c.1.f | Open Enrollment Additions. - If a VOSB VITSO member of a VIT receives their SDVOSB CVE certification from the VA OSDBU VIP program after award of the IDIQ contract, what will be the process to get the VITSO subcontractor re-designated from VITSO to VITEP with their VIT? | A VIT-SO, upon receipt VIP verification as an SDVOSB would be eligible to serve as a VITEP on all applicable future task order proposals, given the appropriate NAICS match. | ||
| 33 | B | B.1 | 6 | c.1.f | Open Enrollment Additions. - states, "… the Government intends to provide an open enrollment period to facilitate the addition of new partners during a two-week window near the end of select contract years" What criteria defines or determines a year to be a "select" year? | If necessary, the CO may have an open enrollment period for circumstances that are out of the ordinary and may require special attention. | ||
| 34 | B | B.1 | 6 | c.1.f | Open Enrollment Additions. - states, "Additions to the VIT will be added to the base contract as “non-key Partner”." Are all non-Key Partners added to a VIT exclusive to that VIT for the remainder of the VITAL's IDIQ contract? | Yes, any non-key partners added to a VIT are exclusive to that VIT for the remainder of the VITAL's IDIQ contract. | ||
| 35 | B | B.1 | 7 | c.1.g | Replacements. - Are subcontractors added to a VIT during Open Enrollment as a non-Key Partner placed under the same waiting period restrictions as Key Partners to join another VIT if they are either removed by the VITAL (6 month waiting period) or if they voluntarily leave the VIT (1 year waiting period)? | Yes, any non-key partners added to a VIT during open enrollment are exclusive to that VIT for the remainder of the VITAL's IDIQ contract. | ||
| 36 | B | B.1 | 7 | c.2 | Free Agency. - If a Free Agent is bid on a Wildcard Task Order, does that subcontractor company then become a permanent and exclusive member of the VIT for the remainder of the VITAL's IDIQ contract? | A free agent utilized on a wildcard task order does not automatically become a permanent member of the VIT. Members may be added at Open Enrollment. | ||
| 37 | B | B.1 | 7 | c.2 | Free Agency. - states, "The [Free Agent VIT] list will include non-awardees that request to be added as well as VIT partners off-ramped or replaced during contract performance. "Does "non-awardees" include only companies that were originally bid on a non-awarded proposal, or can new entrants join the List? | Non Awardees include those firms not in receipt of initial award to base contract. The Government intends to release periodic FBO notices offering opportunities to be added to the list. See Attachment J, VIT Definitions, IHT Free Agent (FA) VIT List. | ||
| 38 | B | B.1 | 7 | c.2 | Free Agency. - Will some Free Agency companies be exclusive for a Wildcard Task Order and then return to Free Agent status, while other Free Agent companies will become exclusive to a VIT once bid on a TOPR response? | Companies will remain on Free Agent list unless approved and added to a VIT during Open Enrollment period or Key Partner replacement. Use on a Wildcard Task Order does not remove the Free Agent from the listing. This usage only allows just that, usage. This does not constitute becoming a VITSO or VITEP. D.10 Attachment J Definitions | ||
| 39 | B | B.3 | 17 | 1.3 | Authorized Ordering and Administration. - states, "The healthcare focused services within the scope of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), as described in Section 3 below, can be used by all VHA Programs." Can VA administrations and offices, in addition to VHA, use the IHT IDIQ, such as a healthcare-supporting VBA program? | The vehicle has been developed for use within the VHA. Use by other VA Agencies for a healthcare related requirement will be at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and may require alignment with a VHA Program Office. | ||
| 40 | B | B.3 | 19 | 3.3.1.1 | Program and Project Management. - Government states "When needed the approach must incorporate large integrated (to include governmental) healthcare project management best practices." | |||
| Does the government have a desire to incorporate commercial healthcare industry best practices? | This will be defined at Task Order level. | |||||||
| 41 | B | B.4 | 19 | 3.3.1.2 | Business Requirements Development. - Government states "The contractor shall support the development of complex healthcare business requirements to support strategic implementation of new technology solutions that improve business efficiency while meeting programmatic goals." | |||
| Will any support to develop requirement preclude the associated contractor from responding to any resulting task orders from those requirements? | See section B.1, E (3) Future Competitions - In performing services of IHT, contractors may gain access to procurement sensitive information or be tasked with providing support services in developing acquisition packages. Contractors are advised that such access or support may deem the contractor ineligible for award on future related procurements. Contractor’s failure to recuse itself from future competitions or present a mitigation plan in light of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), where applicable, may be grounds for termination under this contract and non-selection for future contracts in accordance with FAR Part 9.5. |
Any potential organizational conflicts of interest will be identified at the task order level and be handled by the contracting officer.
| 42 | B | B.5 | 20 | 3.3.1.4 | Program Evaluation. - Government states "The contractor will employ a proven systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and leveraging information to evaluate healthcare projects, policies and programs for effectiveness and efficiency." | ||||
| Can the proven methodology be based upon vendor's client experience? | Responses should best represent the offerors capability in a particular area and include any relevant supporting information. | ||||||||
| 43 | B | B.6 | 20 | 3.3.1.4 | Program Evaluation. - Government states "Contractor shall provide all business architecture deliverables in accordance with VHA Standards as mandated by VHA Business Architecture." | ||||
| Can government provide a copy of the VHA Standards as mandated by VHA Business Architecture? | This question is in reference to Business Process Reengineering, Improvement and Management (3.3.1.5). Standards are available at https://www.ea.oit.va.gov/ Additional standards will be provided at the task order level. | ||||||||
| 44 | B | B.7 | 20 | 3.3.1.6 | Change Management and Transition. - Government states "The contractor shall provide Change Management tasks in accordance with the Prosci Change Management Framework, and staff will be Prosci certified change management specialists in support of the labor categories associated with this functional category." | ||||
| Must all assigned change management staff be PROSCI certified or just those personnel in the Change Management Specialist labor category? | Position requirements are listed in the Labor Categories Attachment A; Requirements will be further defined at the task order level. | ||||||||
| 45 | B | B.8 | 21 | 3.3.2.1 | Studies and analyses. - Government states "The contractor shall also conduct surveys, focus groups, conjoint analyses, and other VA accepted techniques for data collection in support of transformation initiatives. " | ||||
| Can the government provide a list of the currently approved software/platforms in use as VA accepted data collection mechanisms? | Specific software/platform requirements will be defined at Task Order Level. | ||||||||
| 46 | B | B.9 | 21 | 3.3.2.2 | Data Governance. - Government states "The contractor shall support in the management of the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the VHA’s healthcare data. Services may include consultations and process improvements utilizing precise standards and data integrity constraints." | ||||
| What specific databases or systems does the government intend for vendor to provide support for data governance of VHA healthcare data? | Specific requirements will be defined at Task Order level. | ||||||||
| 47 | B | B.10 | 22 | 3.3.2.7 | Policy Management. Government states "The contractor shall perform tasks related to the management, review, and revision of existing healthcare policy documents." | ||||
| How many existing healthcare policy documents is the VA currently managing? | Specific requirements will be defined at Task Order level. | ||||||||
| 48 | B | B.11 | 22 | 3.3.2.9 | Media Buying. - Government states "The contractor shall assist in the procurement of healthcare related advertising and outreach activities that can be in the form of television time, periodical advertisements, internet advertisement, radio, social media, billboards, public transportation, etc." | ||||
| Will the vendor be expected to conduct strategic sourcing, develop and draft sourcing and procurement documentation for the acquisition of media by the government? | Specific services will be defined at Task Order Level. | ||||||||
| 49 | B | B.12 | 23 | 3.3.2.13 | Video/Film Production. - Government states "The contractor shall develop healthcare related video and/or film materials in multiple mediums to include digital media for the use by the customer." | ||||
| Can the government provide clarification regarding who intended customers could be? | The specific customer(s) will be specified at Task Order level, but could include both internal and external. | ||||||||
| 50 | B | B.13 | 24 | 3.3.3.1 | Medical Supply Chain and Healthcare Logistics Analysis. - Government states "The services include all phases (design, development, testing, production, fielding, operations, maintenance, sustainment, improvement, modification and disposal) of planning, acquisition and management of healthcare logistics systems" | ||||
| What specific healthcare logistics systems does the government intend for vendor to provide support for the medical supply chain? What systems are currently in use across the VHA? What systems might be new technology on the horizon? | Specifics will be defined at Task Order Level. | ||||||||
| 51 | B | B.14 | 24 | 3.3.3.3 | Supply Chain Planning. - Government states "The contractor shall provide support, analysis and recommendations to the Government for the process of predicting future healthcare requirements to balance supply and demand." | ||||
| What is the current spend across VHA for medical supplies (expendable and non-expendable), prosthetics, and high-tech medical equipment? What is the current spend across VHA for medical supply on contract purchase order vs purchase card vs other procurement methods? Does the government intend to utilize currently existing VA supply chain systems to predict future supply and demand or is the government looking for systems, etc. not currently in use at VA? | Specifics will be defined at Task Order Level. | ||||||||
| 52 | B | B.15 | 24 | 3.3.3 | Functional Category III: Healthcare Business Enabling Services. - Government states "The contractor shall provide specialized functional services in support of healthcare programs and projects aligned with the areas below … " | ||||
| What are the current pain points that the government is currently experiencing for each area? | Specifics will be defined at Task Order Level | ||||||||
| 53 | B | B.16 | 25 | 3.3.3.5 | Supply Chain Optimization. - Government states "The contractor shall provide support in the analytical study of efficiencies and opportunities in the healthcare supply chain." | ||||
| What are the current pain points that the government is currently experiencing for the VA healthcare supply chain? | Specifics will be defined at Task Order Level. | ||||||||
| 54 | B | B.17 | 26 | 3.3.3.11 | Procurement Support to Program and Project Management. - Government states "The Contractor shall provide incidental procurement services to support portfolio, program, and project-level product and service requirements. … awardees of task orders on this IDIQ that include acquisition support tasks may, at the Contracting Officer’s sole discretion, be restricted from involvement in future related activities and acquisitions ..." | ||||
| For OCI concerns, will only those consultant staff that were directly involved in the development of any procurement related support be concerned for OCI or is the entire VITAL Contractor team subject to OCI for all related task orders? | This will be determined at the task order level and OCI will apply at the discretion of the task order Contracting Officer. | ||||||||
| 55 | E | E.3 | 86 | c.4 | Given that the time from solicitation release to the Questions due date of Oct 23, 2019 is less than one week and that interested bidders are focused on responding to Phase I, will the government open a second Q&A period for Phase II? | Yes, there will be a Phase II Q&A Period. | |||
| 56 | E | E.3 | 89 | c.9.c | Additional Instructions, - states, " Subcontracting arrangements must be exclusive (i.e. one subcontractor may not be proposed on multiple proposals.)" A VITAL cannot control the actions of a subcontractor that violates procurement instructions/rules and joins two proposed teams without the knowledge of the VITAL. If the government discovers that a subcontractor has joined two proposed VITs, what action will the government take to correct the situation without penalizing the VIT who is an innocent party to the subcontractor's actions? | If a subcontractor is proposed on more than one VIT, that subcontractor's submission will be removed from all VITs. The VIT's response will be evaluated without that subcontractor's capabilities. A VITAL is responsible for ensuring the entire VIT response is in accordance with instructions within the solicitation. | |||
| 57 | F | F.1 | 1 | 1.a | Introduction. - Does the Government expect that Training Development (Functional Category II) will be part of the optional implementation task (Task 6)? | Training Development capability area is not specifically called out in Task 6 of the sample task order, however, the proposal should include the offerors best response to the RFP. | |||
| 58 | F | F.3 | 4 | Task 6 | Implementation (Optional Task). - The Government states that "the Contractor will execute the project management plan, once approved and authorized by the Government, and implement the systems of systems approach for SPS at five VAMCs." | ||||
| Does the Government expect that the implementation occur across five VAMCs in both VISNs for a total of 10 VAMCs as described in Section 2 Scope or Purpose? Or is the implementation expected to be conducted in any of the five VAMCs across the two VISNs in the pilot? | Assume that all five VACMs are in a single VISN. | ||||||||
| 59 | F | F.3 | 4 | Task 6 | Implementation (Optional Task). - If the implementation task is awarded, will the weekly update brief replace the bi-weekly TO meetings and status reporting? | No, these would be in addition. | |||
| 60 | F | F.11 | 7 | 11.d | Key Personnel. - d. Infectious Disease/Regulatory/Sterile Processing SME/Health Systems Analyst. Does the Government expect more than 1 SME for Infectious Disease/Regulatory/Sterile Processing/Health Systems? The description is mostly about the Health Systems SME - what are the requirements for the other SMEs around Infectious Disease, Regulatory, and Sterile Processing? | This role is open to interpretation in the submission and the proposal should include the offerors best response to the RFP. | Phase II - Additional Sample Task Order clarification | Please refer to amended Sample Task Order Attachment F. Offerors shall submit its best response to include applicable experts. | |
| 86 | Submission Table | Due date for Phase 1 VITAL Viability Submission is 10/29/19 12:00 EDT, which may not provide sufficient time to reflect answers to questions in the VITAL submission. Will the government please provide a seven day extension to allow Offerors enough time to review and react to the governments answers to questions? | Submission deadline for Phase I is extended to Monday, November 4, 2019 at 12:00pm EDT. |
| 87 | Phase 1- Viability Assessment Paragraph 2 | The government states "The purpose of the submission is to demonstrate eligibility and understanding of the role, relevant experience, and appropriate resources to serve as a VITAL." Will the perspective Vital need to validate this experience in Phase 1? | See section D, Proposal Evaluation Approach of section E.3, Instructions and Evaluation Approach. | ||||
| 20 | 3.3.1.5 | Under section 3.3.1 Functional Category I: Health System Transformation, the government lists "3.3.1.5 Business Process Reengineering, Improvement and Mangement" as a functional area included in the scope of this IDIQ. This functional area was not included in the Attachment D Proposal Forms as Functional Category in which capability needs to be descripted by the prospective VITAL. Is that intentional or an oversight? | This was an oversight. See revised Attachment D, Proposal Forms. | Phase I - Attachment D Forms | |||
| 10 | Section E. (1) | " In cases where a VITAL sizes out and its VIT is off-ramped, consideration should be given by the VIT in order to maintain the integrity of the VIT “keep the band together”, thus maximizing opportunity for a new award and preserving the VITs value." Could the government confirm that the sized-out VITAL is permitted to become a member of the off-ramped VIT when that VIT, with a new VITAL, applies to be on-ramped? | The sized out VITAL has potential to fill the VIT Subcontracting Only (VIT-SO) role. The VITSO team member is a not similarly situated (non-SDVOSB) that cannot serve as eligible partner and cannot contribute to VITAL’s 50% for purposes of limitations on subcontracting requirement. VIT-SOs could include VOSBs, small businesses, large businesses, non-profits, academia, etc. that fulfill one or more Functional Category capability areas, provide specialized subject matter expertise and reach-back, and enhance VIT robustness. | ||||
| 2 | n/a | For the "Acquisition Analyst" Labor Category, please state the Years of Experience Required. This is the only LCAT that appears to be missing that information. | This was an error of omission. Listing should read: Acquisition Analyst - Jr. 4 years of experience. Attachment A, IHT Labor Categories has been revised to reflect this omission. | Phase I - Attachment A | |||
| 25 | Paragraph 6 | Please further define some of the administrative support tasks for the peer review and literature review processes. What subject matter content would be included in literature reviews? | Specifics will be addressed at the task order level. | ||||
| 1 | SECTION B | B.3 Performance Work Statement (PWS) |
3.0 Functional Categories and Labor Categories
| 3.3.3.11 Procurement Support to Program and Project Management | 26 | Organizational Conflict of Interest | The section references "PWS Appendix C." Would the Government please provide Appendix C? | Upon the issuance of a task order request that states Procurement Support to Program and Project Management (see section 3.3.3.11 of the PWS) is needed, a Non-Disclosure Agreement will be attached to that solicitation. | |||||
| 2 | SECTION E, D. PROPOSAL EVALUATION APPROACH | ||||||||
| Phase II- Veteran Integrated Team (VIT) Proposal | 94-95 | Task Order Capability | The evaluation list elements a, b, c, d and f. Is this a typo? If not, will the government provide the missing element "e?" | Phase II e. Task Order Capability includes sub-parts a - d. Phase II f. Price is not a sub-part of Phase II e. | |||||
| 3 | SECTION E | Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items | 1 | Block 20 | Will the Government facilitate a second round of Q&A for Phase II? | Yes | |||
| 4 | SECTION E | RFP E.3 Instruction and Evaluation Approach; Section B General Instruction | 86 | B | Does the Government have a timeline for when Phase II of this procurement will be released? | The Phase II amendment is projected to be posted for mid to late November 2019. | |||
| 5 | SECTION E | RFP E.3 Instruction and Evaluation Approach; Section B General Instruction | 86 | B | Does the Government have a timeline of how long it will allow for responses for Phase II (number of days between Phase II release and the date responses are due)? | The current timeline provides for a 21 business day response period; official timeline will be provided in Phase II Amendment. | Phase II Amendment | This information has been provided via Amendment that initiated Phase II. | |
| 6 | SECTION D | Contract Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments; D.1 - Attachment A | 58 | D.1 | Do the labor categories (LCATs) for the Representative Task Order response in Phase II have to be contained in the list of LCATs in Attachment I; or can new LCATs be used, which are not listed in Attachment I? | The LCATs listed in Attachment A are to be utilized for the Sample Task Order response. | |||
| 7 | SECTION B | B.3 PWS; 1.2 Scope | 16 | 1.2 | Can the Government share a schedule of the estimated number of Task Order Proposal Requests that it will released in the first year of this IDIQ? | Task order requirements will be based on the needs of the Government at a given point in time. | |||
| 9 | SECTION E | Instructions and evaluation approach. | 85 | E.3, A. | Will the names of firms that pass Phase 1 evaluations successfully be publicly announced? Or will public announcements only be made after final IDIQ awards are made? | If publicly announced, this will be done within the Amendment that ends Phase I and starts Phase II. | Phase II Amendment | The Government will not be publically providing a list of those vendors determined to be viable/non-viable. If you are interested in partnering, vendors should have evidence in the form of a viability letter provided by the Government. | |
| 10 | SECTION E | Instructions and evaluation approach. | 85 | E.3, A. | Will VITALS be permitted to add teaming partners at any time after Phase II awards are made? | No, please refer section B.1, Contract Administration Data, C. Veteran Integrated Team (VIT) Management (1) f of the solicitation. | |||
| N/A | N/A | How many awards does the Government anticipate making in response to the solicitation? | The Government intends to award several IDIQ contracts based upon the quality of responses. Award(s) will be made on a best value basis, identifying the proposals that are determined to be in the best interest of the Government. | ||||||
| N/A | N/A | Does the Government intend to assign adjectival ratings to offerors’ Phase I proposals? Or does the Government intend to evaluate the proposals on an acceptable/unacceptable basis? Please provide the rating methodology for the Phase I proposals. | See section E.3, Instructions and Evaluation Approach. | ||||||
| 5 | B.1.C(1)a | Paragraph B.1.C(1)a states that "Following award, the VITAL will be considered “small” for the duration of the five (5) year base period. The VITAL will be required to re-certify its size should the Government exercise its contract option at the end of the base period." Attachment J, in the description for "VIT Eligible Partner (VITEP)," states that "Mature VITEPS may also have the opportunity to move into VITAL role if the VITAL becomes large during the base period of performance." |
| Did the government intend to convey that VITEPS may have the opportunity to move into VITAL role when the VITAL is no longer in the VIP database OR at the point of size recertification at the time the option is exercised? | Attachment J included in the base document is correct. | ||
| 11 | B.1.H(1) |
B.1.H(2)b Paragraph B.1.H(1) states that "Limitations on Subcontracting requirements apply to every Task Order". Paragraph B.1.H(2)b states that "…any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 125.6."
Can the government confirm whether this will be tracked at the Task Order level or at the IDIQ level? Will the government consider tracking this at the IDIQ level to give contractors the maximum flexibility to staff Task Orders in the most efficient and cost effective manner, while still complying with the Limitations on Subcontracting requirements? Limitations on subcontracting requirements are applied at the task order level.
27 B.3.4 The penultimate paragraph of Section B.3.4 states that "To the extent that any ancillary labor for services are within the scope of IHT and subject to service contract labor standards in accordance with FAR Subpart 22.10 and other applicable agency specific regulatory supplements, the Ordering Contracting Officer for the affected TOPR must identify such work in the task order solicitation and make a determination as to whether service contract wage determinations are to be applied or not."
| Can the government confirm that any such ancillary labor for services would be in addition to the labor categories included in Attachment A, and that the labor category descriptions for any service contract labor would conform to the Department of Labor Directory of Occupations? | It is not anticipated that any contracted services will fall into ancillary labor category for services, but in the instance they do the CO will make a determination on wage determination as well as the need to add labor categories outside of Attachment A at the Task Order level. | ||||
| 44 | Paragraph 4 | Pertaining to insurance requirements, can the government confirm whether a Joint Venture (JV) will need to have its own separate insurance? In an unpopulated JV, will it be sufficient and acceptable to have insurance at the partner level versus the JV itself? | Your joint venture agreement should clearly outline the respective roles and responsibilities of the firms involved, including partner liability allocation and a dispute resolution procedure. | ||
| 94 | c. Key Personnel | If a firm chooses to propose additional Key Personnel for base contract support: 1) How will they government factor their experience and qualifications into their evaluation? 2) Shall contractors provide the Labor Category description, minimum years of experience and minimum education? | Additional key personnel shall be selected using the LCATs in Attachment A and will be evaluated on years of experience and education. | ||
| 78 | Paragraph 3 | The description for the VIT Eligible Partner (VITEP) in Attachment J (36C10X20R0002-012) states that "Mature VITEPS may also have the opportunity to move into VITAL role if the VITAL becomes large during the base period of performance." However, the description for the VIT Agile Lead (VITAL) states that "Once contracts are awarded, VITALS are considered small for the duration of the five-year base period (but must remain VIP verified)." |
1) Can the government confirm that if a VITAL is awarded a contract, that they will remain a prime for the duration of the base period as long as they remain VIP verified?
2) If so, can the government revise the wording for the VIT Eligible Partner (VITEP) to state that "Mature VITEPS may also have the opportunity to move into VITAL role if the VITAL becomes large during size recertification, which will occur at option exercise."
3) If a VITAL can no longer be VIP verified, will the government allow a VITEP team member to take on the role of the VITAL? Yes, a VITAL will remain small and serve as the prime for the duration of the base contract period.
A VITEP will have the opportunity to propose as a VITAL for their VIT, if the original VITAL is no long VIP verified.
| 78 | Paragraph 3 | The description for the VIT Eligible Partner (VITEP) states in the last sentence that "A VITEP is considered small for its subcontracts if it does not exceed the size standard for the NAICS code that the prime contractor believes best describes the product or service being acquired by the subcontract (consistent with the Government's identified NAICS per capability area. . . .)" Can the government confirm whether the VITEP must meet the definition at the time of proposal submission AND contract award? | Yes, must meet size definition at the time of Phase II proposal submittal and award. |
| 82 | 52.212-1(e) | FAR E.2 52.212-1(e) states, “Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.” Solicitation E.3.C.9.a states, "Offerors may not provide more than one proposal as the prime contractor. Offerors should develop one team that offers its best approach. If one offeror submits multiple proposals as a prime contractor, only the first proposal received will be evaluated and any others will not be considered (unless notified to cancel prior to closing time)." |
| Please clarify this apparent discrepancy with regard to the ability to submit multiple proposals. | IAW FAR 12.301(b)(1) ….52.212-1, is a single, streamlined set of instructions to be used when soliciting offers for commercial items and is incorporated in the solicitation by reference. The contracting officer may tailor these instructions or provide additional instructions tailored to the specific acquisition in accordance with 12.302. As such Part (e) of FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items will be removed from the clause. | Update solicitation | ||||
| 85 | Paragraph 2 | Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, states, “The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation: (See next page)” However, there are no additional provisions included. Please confirm no additional provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1. | The additional provisions are listed in sections E.4 through E.12. | |||
| 85 | Paragraph 4 | E.3.A, Basis for Award, states, “The Government intends to conduct proposal evaluations using a two-phase approach. Phase 1 will consist of an advisory down-select of potential VITALs based upon capabilities and will result in each SDVOSB submitting as a prospective VITAL receiving a letter of advisement (positive or negative) based on capabilities.” Solicitation E.3.D.2 states, “The agency will inform respondents that, notwithstanding the advice provided by the Government in response to their submissions, they may participate in Phase 2 (either as a VITAL or by joining a VIT as a team member)." Figure 1: VITAL Eligibility on page 91 indicates that, for those receiving a negative advisory letter, “Those assessed as Non-Viable highly encouraged to join Viable VITAL, but not prohibited from building Team for Phase II Submittal.” |
1) Please confirm that Phase 1 is not an actual down-select, and that receipt of a negative advisory letter does not prevent an offeror from submitting a Phase 2 proposal.
2) In the event that the team receives a negative advisory letter, does the exclusivity requirement continue to apply to members of the team, or are team members allowed to join other teams? Restated, can the government confirm that if a team receives a negative advisory letter in Phase 1, and chooses to submit a Phase 2 proposal, that their exclusive teaming agreements still apply, such that all partners of that team would be unable to join another team until the on-ramp?
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