ICSP Questions and Answers - Phase II.xlsx
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- Q201--Amendment 7- Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP)- File Size Update Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 36C10X23R0058
About this file
This document contains questions and answers related to a federal solicitation for an Integrated Critical Staffing Program. The solicitation is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Acquisition Center Frederick and seeks to establish a Veteran Integrated Team to provide clinical and non-clinical staffing support across the VA healthcare system. Key details include that Phase II proposals are due by September 7, 2023, and the solicitation covers occupational series for positions such as physicians, nurses, medical support assistants, and program support functions. Offerors must demonstrate capability through partners' past performance and geographical coverage. Pricing is included for labor rates by labor category for a representative task order for staffing 21 VA medical center locations.
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Sheet1
| Question # | Document | Attachment | Section | Page # | Question for Government | Government Response | |
| 1 | RFP | E.3 | 71 | What are the file naming instructions for the Evidence of Insurability? | RFP states "There is no prescribed format for this requirement", Recommend using something similar to "evidenceofinsurability_<companyname>" | ||
| 2 | RFP | 71 | |||||
| Can the government please clarify where Offerors should include the Evidence of Insurability required on page 71 and if there are specific requirments for file name, page limits, etc. | Provide document seperately, there is no page limit, RFP states "There is no prescribed format for this requirement", Recommend using something similar to "evidenceofinsurability_<companyname>" | ||||||
| 3 | RFP | E | 77 | Can the government confirm that evidence of insurability should be included within the document titled "ph2_VIT-FMC_<company name>. pdf" or should that be placed in a separate document under a different title (and if so please specify the title)? | Provide document seperately, there is no page limit, RFP states "There is no prescribed format for this requirement", Recommend using something similar to "evidenceofinsurability_<companyname>" | ||
| 4 | RFP | E.3 | 76 | Can the government confirm that it is requiring credentialling packages for only the 21 primary care physicians required under Attachment G Representative Task Order ICSP Centralized Staffing? | Per the section E language of the RFP: "For the identified primary care physician, offeror shall submit one associated complete Credentialing Package prepared by a team member with capabilities as an accredited credentials verification organization (CVO)". Offerors are submit ONE credentialing package for the identified primary care physician. | ||
| 15 | RFP | 76 | |||||
| (RFP version conformed for 0002) | Can the government please confirm that Offerors only need to submit 1 credentialing package? On page 77 it says "offeror shall identify up to three candidates (provide candidate names) for each Labor Category at each of the 21 sites of care and shall identify the primary care physician whose credentialing package is provided for each location." However, on page 77 it also says "For the identified primary care physician, offeror shall submit one associated complete Credentialing Package prepared by a team member with capabilities as an accredited credentials verification organization (CVO)." Further, on the Phase II forms, there is only 1 spot to list the name of the physician whose credentialing package is provided. | Per the section E language of the RFP: "For the identified primary care physician, offeror shall submit one associated complete Credentialing Package prepared by a team member with capabilities as an accredited credentials verification organization (CVO)". Offerors are submit ONE credentialing package for the identified primary care physician. | |||||
| 5 | RFP | E.3.B | 64 | The anticipated due date for Phase II submission was listed as "3 weeks from Phase II initiation". With the Phase II RFP going live on 8/24 with a submission due date of 9/7, that gives teams 2 weeks to complete the Phase II requirements. Can VHA extend the submission date by another week, for a total of 3 weeks? | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | ||
| 6 | RFP | B General Instrcution | 64 | Both the DRFP and the FRFP indicated an expected timeframe of 3 weeks from Phase 2 initiation through submission. Would the Government consider amending the Phase 2 submission deadline to September 14 to provide for 3 weeks especially considering that the accelerated 2 week timeframe also falls over Labor Day weekend. | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | ||
| 7 | RFP | A | 1 | We request government to extend submission deadline by 3 business days to Sep 12th (which will give us 5 calendar days including weekend). Several partners are reaching out to join which is taking time to vet their capabilities. Assuming the question and answers come out on Sep 1st, this will give us only 2 business days to make changes on the proposal based on the Q&A (Long weekend on Sep 4th). | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | ||
| 8 | RFP | E.3 | 66 | Will the government extend the submission deadline until Sept. 28, 2023, to allow time for offerors to assemble the resumes and credentialling packages required under Attachment G Representative Task Order ICSP Centralized Staffing? | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | ||
| 9 | RFP | E.3.B. | 67 | In Section E.3.B. the Government states as follows regarding the due date and time of the Phase II VIT Proposal: |
"Due date to be provided in Amendment initiating Phase II (anticipated due date 3 weeks from Phase II initiation)" Amendment 0002 was released on August 24, 2023 and included a submission deadline of September 7, 2023 - a period of two weeks.
| We would respectfully request that the Government extend the submission deadline for the Phase II VIT Proposal until at least September 14, 2023, in accordance with the due date information furnished in the Solicitation. | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | |||||
| 10 | RFP | B General Instrcution | 64 | Both the DRFP and the FRFP indicated an expected timeframe of 3 weeks from Phase 2 initiation through submission. Further, there are many LCATs that should be added/revised based on inconsistencies between Attachments A & N that will likely cause additional time to price as well as coordination of rates between many subcontractors. Would the Government consider amending the Phase 2 submission deadline to September 14 to provide for 3 weeks especially considering that the accelerated 2 week timeframe also falls over Labor Day weekend. | The statement reflected what was initially anticipated, and did not imply any guarantees. The Phase II proposal due date remains Sept 7, 2023. | |
| 11 | RFP | B.1.C.(2) | 7 | The RFP states as follows: |
"(2) Free Agency. The Government intends to establish and maintain a Free Agent VIT List for the life of the vehicle. The list will include non-awardees that request to be added as well as VIT partners off-ramped or replaced during contract performance. The list will be updated periodically."
| How often does the Government anticipate updating the Free Agent VIT List? | When the list is established, periodic updates would likely occur on an annual basis. The government anticipates having an open enrollment period (partners may be added to teams) shortly after award and the Government anticipates bi-annual open enorllment periods afterwards. | ||||
| 12 | RFP | B.1.C.(2) | 7 | The RFP states as follows: |
"(2) Free Agency. The Government intends to establish and maintain a Free Agent VIT List for the life of the vehicle. The list will include non-awardees that request to be added as well as VIT partners off-ramped or replaced during contract performance. The list will be updated periodically. The Government intends to release periodic FBO notices offering opportunities to be added to the list."
| How often does the Government anticipate releasing periodic FBO notices offering opportunities to be added to the list? | When the list is established, periodic updates would likely occur on an annual basis initiated via FBO notice. The government anticipates having an open enrollment period (partners may be added to teams) shortly after award and the Government anticipates bi-annual open enorllment periods afterwards. | ||||
| 13 | RFP | B.2.7.6 | 24 | On question 43 of the Amendment 1 Q and A, the Government was asked the following question: |
“Q: The VA does not recognize the American Red Cross as a valid certifying body for Basic Life Support in any temporary contract nor do they recognize it internally for permanent hires. We request you remove American Red Cross from this section as it is not compliant with the VHAs own requirements.”
The Government responded saying, “Language updated”
However, in the Government’s updated language, the first usage of American Red Cross was removed, but the second usage of American Red Cross was kept.
This language creates confusion as to whether or not BLS certification from the American Red Cross is acceptable.
Is BLS Certification from the American Red Cross Acceptable?
| The "American Red Cross" has been removed from Section 7.6 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | |||||||
| 14 | RFP | 6.1 | 23 | Section 6.1, Key Personnel, IDIQ Contract Manager - Can the government clarify if the IDIQ Contract Manager will primarily be interacting with the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist or will the IDIQ Contract Manager primarily be interacting with VHA Program Staff (e.g., VISN Director, VAMC Director, OHT Leadership, etc.)? | The IDIQ Contract Manager will be interacting with both the CO/CS and the CORs associated and occassionally VHA Program Staff. | ||
| 15 | RFP | A | Economist | 14 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but this LCAT is not included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that either removes this LCAT from Attachment A or adds 2 lines to price Economist - Jr and Economist - Sr to Attachment N. | Attachment N now has Economist Jr and Sr listed | |
| 16 | RFP | A | Script writer | 14 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing includes Scriptwriter twice. Will the government issue an amendment that changes the lines to price Scriptwriter - Jr and Scriptwriter - Sr to Attachment N. | Jr and Sr have been added as label for Attachment N | |
| 17 | RFP | A | Communications Product Specialist | 15 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines F24:F43to price Communications Product Specialist - Jr and Communications Product Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 18 | RFP | A | Copy Writer/Editor | ||||
| (marketing) | 15 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Copy Writer/Editor (marketing) - Jr and Copy Writer/Editor (marketing) - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | ||||
| 19 | RFP | A | Programmer | 16 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Programmer - Jr and Programmer - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 20 | RFP | A | Logistics Analyst | 17 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Logistics Analyst - Jr and Logistics Analyst - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 21 | RFP | A | Systems Analyst | 18 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Systems Analyst - Jr and Systems Analyst - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 22 | RFP | A | Systems Engineer | 18 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Systems Engineer - Jr and Systems Engineer - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 23 | RFP | A | Marketing / | ||||
| Media Specialist Jr | 18 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Marketing / Media Specialist Jr - Jr and Marketing / Media Specialist Jr - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | ||||
| 24 | RFP | A | Media Buyer/Planner | 18 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Media Buyer/Planner - Jr and Media Buyer/Planner - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 25 | RFP | A | Production/Operations Specialist | 19 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Production/Operations Specialist - Jr and Production/Operations Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 26 | RFP | A | Public Relations Specialist | 19 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Public Relations Specialist - Jr and Public Relations Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 27 | RFP | A | Social Media Specialist | 19 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Social Media Specialist - Jr and Social Media Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 28 | RFP | A | Technical Writer/Editor | 19 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Technical Writer/Editor - Jr and Technical Writer/Editor - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 29 | RFP | A | Video Editor | 19 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Video Editor - Jr and Video Editor - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 30 | RFP | A | Video Engineer | 20 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Video Engineer - Jr and Video Engineer - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 31 | RFP | A | Administrative Assistant | 21 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Administrative Assistant - Jr and Administrative Assistant - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 32 | RFP | A | Evaluation Specialist | 22 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Evaluation Specialist - Jr and Evaluation Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 33 | RFP | A | Statistician Jr | 22 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Statistician Jr - Jr and Statistician Jr - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 34 | RFP | A | Instructional System Designer | 22 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Instructional System Designer - Jr and Instructional System Designer - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 35 | RFP | A | Inventory Specialist | 23 | Under Minimum Experience, this LCAT includes different requirements for Junior and Senior levels but there is only one LCAT included in Attachment N - IDIQ Pricing. Will the government issue an amendment that provides separate lines to price Inventory Specialist - Jr and Inventory Specialist - Sr to Attachment N. | Updated Attachment A. LCAT. Not broken down to Jr or Senior. | |
| 36 | RFP | A | Certified Registered Nurse Assistant (CRNA) | N/A | This LCAT was added to Attachment N but no LCAT description or minimum requirements were added to Attachment A. Attachment A includes a description for Nursing Assistant but that is a separate LCAT to be priced. Will the government provide an amendment with an updated Attachment A that include a description and minimum requirements for this LCAT? | LCAT has been added to Attachment A | |
| 37 | RFP | A | Project Manager | N/A | This LCAT is included on Attachment N but no LCAT description or minimum requirements are included on Attachment A. Will the government provide an amendment with an updated Attachment A that include a description and minimum requirements for this LCAT? | LCAT has been added to Attachment A | |
| 38 | RFP | A | Creative Director | N/A | This LCAT is included on Attachment N but no LCAT description or minimum requirements are included on Attachment A. Attachment A includes a description for Director but that is a separate LCAT to be priced. Will the government provide an amendment with an updated Attachment A that include a description and minimum requirements for this LCAT? | LCAT has been added to Attachment A | |
| 39 | RFP | Many firms who work in the staffing industry will be new to this type of contract and the "integrated team". Does the Government have recommendations on how to enhance the robustness, capability, and eventual success of our Veteran Integrated Team? | While the Government will not prescribe the exact makeup of the proposed Veteran Integrated Teams, teams must be fully mission capable. Offerors could enhance Government confidence in the team through increased robustness, including a large presence of SDVOSB partners (to help meet subcontract limits) balanced with mature staffing/recruiting firms with large market share. A more robust team will also increase chances of success. | ||||
| 40 | PWS | NA | NA | For respondents who have a large number of team members, the size limit of the files may pose an issue. If needed, can we send our response in several emails? | Yes, Responses may be submitted in multiple emails. Please ensure the emails are labeled accordingly (1 of 20, 2 of 20 etc) and that all emails are submitted prior to the deadline for submission of proposals. | ||
| 41 | PWS | NA | NA | How the ordering process will work. How many individuals will be placing the orders, what is the method of placing the orders, etc. | Refer to Section B.1 (D) Task Order Procedures starting on Page 7 of the RFP for information regarding the ordering process after award. | ||
| 42 | PWS | NA | NA | Will some of these jobs be salary no OT, or will they all be hourly. | This will be determined at the task order level (Some task orders wil be fixed price and others will be labor hour) | ||
| 43 | PWS | NA | NA | What is the method of receiving the timesheets for each employee and what is the frequency of the time sheet? | If a method for receiving timesheets is needed and the frequencies defined - these tasks will be defined at the Task Order level | ||
| 44 | PWS | NA | NA | Will the interviews be in person, or will virtual be allowed? | Government is not clear on what this question refers to… | ||
| 45 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | A | 1 | Social Worker - The Social Worker Description mentions a BS and a MS as a requirement however, the education column mentions a Masters Degree as the requirement. Which degree is required? | Updated Attachment A with MS for all under Social Worker | ||
| 46 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | G | 9 | 4 | Is government requesting this physician credentialing package attested by a NCQA/URAC accredited CVO? OR can this be submitted by the VITAL after we perform our standard primary source verification of medical school etc and other background checks? | Per the RFP language: "Credentialing Package prepared by a team member with capabilities as an accredited credentials verification organization (CVO). " Also, refer to Section 7.9 of the PWS for Credentialing and Privileging for additional information. | |
| 47 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | G | 9 | 4 | Is government requesting any malpractice insurance loss runs report (please specify if govt is requesting 5 years of 10 years) and NPDB report with physician credentialing package? | Please include a 5 year malpractice insurance loss run and a National Practitioner Data Bank report for the one submitted credentialing package. Attachment G is updated to reflect these additions. | |
| 48 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | G | 8 | 4 | "Diagnostic Radiologic Technician: Includes Ultrasound, Sonography, Vascular Technologist". Can government clarify that you are requesting any Diagnostic Radiologic Technician? OR Is government requesting only Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer is the same) and Vascular Technician resumes? | This question was addressed in Amendment 0001 Q&A: "The government is only looking for one resume. The vendor will decide if the resume will be that of an Ultrasound Tech, Sonographer or Vascular Technologist and must meet the Education and Experience requirments as Noted in Attachment G" | |
| 49 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | G | 8 | 4 | In US, almost all the states (as far as we know) do not offer a license for Ultrasound Technicians, CT Techs, X Ray Techs, Vascular Technicians but rather they need a certification in the respective specialty. Example: Ultrasound sonographers are certified by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Vascular techs are certified by ARDMS and CCI. We request government to remove the licensure requirement for this category and add a certiication by ARDMS/CCI/ARRT | Attachment G has been updated to remove "license to practice radiography" and has been updated to state "if a certification applies, please provide". | |
| 50 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | H | 13 | 3 | Can the government confirm the IDIQ Onboarding Liaison should meet requirements of the Program Analyst Jr. LCAT since no requirements for Project Manager Jr. appear in Attachment A VHA ICSP Labor Categories? | The Project Manager Jr has now been updated to just "Program Manager" with no distinction between Jr and Sr. RFP and Attachment H have been updated to reflect this change. | |
| 51 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | J | The character count for each Key Personnel form is limited to 2,000 characters. A standard 2 page resume is about 5,000 characters. In order to provide the Government with a full view of each key personnel’s resume, can the Government increase the character count for each form to 5,000 characters? | The Government is increasing to 5,000 characters. Updated version of Attachment L will be included with the Amendment. | |||
| 52 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Full Mission Capability | 3 | Can a company submit more than 1 past performance per OC? | Vendors are to submit the most relevant past performance example per OC as stated in the form. | |
| 53 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Full Mission Capability | 4 | Can we use an IDIQ Contract as a past performance reference? | If the IDIQ contract performance reflects experience relevant to the OC such performance may be used for this purpose. | |
| 54 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2E | 11 | The Credentialing Package should have the Personally Identifiable Information redacted. This conflicts with the list of information needed in Attachment G. Most of this will be redacted. Is that okay?: a. | Personal Information (Name, Address, Contact Information) (PII) | |
| b. | NPI and Taxonomy (PII) | ||||||
| c. | Professional Education (Schools, Dates of Attendance, Degrees Conferred) | ||||||
| d. | Professional Training (Internship, Residency, Fellowship; Institutions, Dates, Completed) | ||||||
| e. | Licensure (License Type, License Number, State, Issue Date, Expiration Date) (PII) | ||||||
| f. | Certifications (Specialty, CDS, DEA, ECFMG; Issue Dates, Expiration Dates) | ||||||
| g. | Work History (Organizations, Job Titles, Dates; include Prior Clinical Privileges) | ||||||
| h. | References/Peer Review (provide Four (4) Support Letters) | ||||||
| i. | Attestation (Provide statement signed by provider affirming that they have never been or are in the process of being – either on a voluntary or involuntary basis – denied, revoked, suspended, reduced, limited, placed on probation, not renewed, withdrawn, or relinquished clinical privileges while under investigation or for disciplinary reasons.) | The Government will use information provided within the credentialing package for evaluation purposes ONLY. The Government WILL NOT contact the primary care physician identified within the credentialing package and will maintain appropriate controls over all information provided. "Personally identifiable information" (SSN, address, etc.) refers to personal information and not professional information. NPI and Taxonomy and Licensure information shall be included. | |||||
| 55 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Full Mission Capability | 3-4 | What if a company has the capability to provide services in an OC but doesn not have a past performance to provid?. Can the company provide a write up for Capability without a contract reference? In theory, they could have the potential to do it, just never had the chance... | Offerors may submit FMC form without past performance however, in order to be determined fully mission capable, the offeror must have at least one partner with capability and experience supporting the OC's. Per the language in the solicitation, page 72, "The Government will determine capability of VIT members based upon the degree of capability and relevance of the past performance information provided. " | |
| 56 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Full Mission Capability | The language in the 2A Full Mission Capability (Program Support Capabilities) form says “ (One form per company)” yet the directions say “Describe the capability and experience of the VIT (lead and partners)”. While the solicitation states that one Technical Description and one Past Performance sections of form 2A should be completed by the “Offeror” and “Each Proposed Partner”, there is no such language in the solicitation instructions for the Program Support Capabilities form. Specifically it says “Offeror shall complete one Full Mission Capability (Program Support Capabilities) form.” Please clarify: Does the government want a Program Support Capabilities form from every company on each team, and if so, should each company only address their own specific program support capabilities and experience? | The Program Support Capability is one form which reflects the teams capability and experience in the specific areas indicated on the form. The Government has updated the character limit to 5,000 instead of 3,000. | ||
| 57 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Letter of Commitment | If a company checks a box (OC1, OC2, OC3, Program Support) do they have to provide a Full Mission Capability Form for those boxes checked? | A partner completing the letter of commitment to the VITAL should check the OC's and/or Program Support areas that apply to the commitment. However, offerors may decide to not use every partner with a letter of commitment for the purposes of establishing full mission capability. | ||
| 58 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Will the VHA consider extending the due date for proposals? | After consideration, the Government has the Phase II proposal due date set to Sept 7, 2023.(unchanged) | |||
| 59 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Full Mission Capability (Program Support Capabilities) | 5 | Can Partners complete Full Mission Capability (Program Support Capabilities) OR is this for the VITAL only? | The Program Support Capability is one form which reflects the teams capability and experience in the specific areas indicated on the form. This form shall be completed by the Offeror reflecting the VITs program support capability and experience. | |
| 60 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A | 3 | Page 1 of the 2A form asks for the "NAICS applied to Subcontract." Please calrify what each partner should list in this block. Also, please indicate whether the response would vary depending on whether the respondent is a VITAL, VITSO, VITEP, or other. | The NAICS to be included here should match the NAICS code within the established subcontract agreement with the respective partner. This may differ from the primary NAICS for the overall procurement. | |
| 61 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A | 3 | Page 1 of the 2A form has a text block to enter the "NAICS applied to Subcontract." When entering a 6-digit NAICS code, the form automatically inserts a comma after the third digit which we have been unable to remove. Is this intentional? It appears to only affect the PDF version. Should offerors insert a comma in the middle of a NAICS code if using the Word version? | The form is udpated to correct this as there should not be a comma. | |
| 62 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2F | 16 | Can the Government clarify what "Timeline (relative)" means? Is the government asking for a timeline for contract deliverables and if so, why is the word "relative" used here? | Because no Period of Performance has been established for this representative task order, "relative timeline" should be based upon an assumption of a 52-week task order with support duration consistent with the weeks provided in the representative task order location table. | |
| 63 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | Can the government please confirm that Offerors will not be deemed non-compliant if partners include "N/A" for information requested on page 2 of the 2A Full Mission Capability form for non-government past performance (e.g., contract number, value, NAICS)? | Non-government past performance will be accepted for evaluation purposes. Offeror should complete as much information as is relevant to the performance and should identify the performance as "non-government" in the capability description narrative to help avoid uncertainty. | |||
| 64 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2D | N/A | Is there a specific format required for the Key Personnel form? Should the write ups be presented as resumes or as narrative? | No specific format is mandated for the experience narrative but the narrative must reflect the requirements for the position. The KP forms must be used. Note: The character limit has been increased to 5,000. | |
| 65 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2D | If the person is currently employed by the offeror or a member company of the offeror in the case of a Joint Venture, do they need a letter of commitment? What are the filing instructions for the Key Personnel letters of commitment? Should we attach them to the save file as the Key Personnel write-ups? | All Key Personnel must have a letter of commitment with the offeror. Per the Q&A from Phase I, the Government responded to this stating "On the form provided, offeror shall check the box to indicate whether it has a letter of commitment from the proposed KP. The Government reserves the right to request copies from apparent awardees prior to award. RFP language has been udpated to add "KP with education or experience less than or not in line with KP requirements, or without letters of commitment with the offeror will reduce Government confidence". Offerors should "check Yes" on the form and if the Government requests, the form shall be sent accordingly. |
| 66 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2C | Given Amendement 3's new instructions and evaluation criteria for Contract Management & Administration, can we increase the character count of this Attachment L form (section 2C) to 10,000? | Per the amendment (0003), the new instructions do not increase response burden on the Offerors (only updated the form for consistency with Section E of the RFP). The character count remains at 5,000. | |
| 67 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A | Given the significant complexity and scope of the Program Support Services requirement, can the Government increase the character count to 5,000? | The character limit has been increased to 5,000. Updated attachment L will be included with the new Amendment. | |
| 68 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A. | 4 | The following is stated as part of the Full Mission Capability section: |
"VITAL/ PARTNER CAPABILITY DESCRIPTION- PAST PERFORMANCE (3,000 Characters) Describe the performance supporting staffing needs from within the OC selected above. If multiple OCs apply to a particular partner, form should be replicated to address each OC with separate description. Narrative should include details of performance, breadth of experience, or other information to permit clear alignment of experience to staffing needs and understanding of relevance to future staffing needs"
| Can a prime contractor reference performed by the Protégé of a Joint Venture formed under a SBA-approved Mentor-Protégé agreement be submitted as a relevant past performance example that a Joint Venture offeror has performed as the prime contractor? | Given the workshare requirement for a Joint Venture, Prime contractors references performed by either partner to a Joint Venture may be submitted as relevant past performance for the purposes of the offerors FMC submission. | |||||
| 69 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A. | 4 | The following is stated as part of the Full Mission Capability section: |
"VITAL/ PARTNER CAPABILITY DESCRIPTION- PAST PERFORMANCE (3,000 Characters) Describe the performance supporting staffing needs from within the OC selected above. If multiple OCs apply to a particular partner, form should be replicated to address each OC with separate description. Narrative should include details of performance, breadth of experience, or other information to permit clear alignment of experience to staffing needs and understanding of relevance to future staffing needs"
| Can a prime contractor reference performed by the Mentor of a Joint Venture formed under a SBA-approved Mentor-Protégé agreement be submitted as a relevant past performance example that a Joint Venture offeror has performed as the prime contractor? | Given the workshare requirement for a Joint Venture, Prime contractors references performed by either partner to a Joint Venture may be submitted as relevant past performance for the purposes of the offerors FMC submission. | |||||
| 70 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A. | 4 | The following is stated as part of the Full Mission Capability section: |
"VITAL/ PARTNER CAPABILITY DESCRIPTION- PAST PERFORMANCE (3,000 Characters) Describe the performance supporting staffing needs from within the OC selected above. If multiple OCs apply to a particular partner, form should be replicated to address each OC with separate description. Narrative should include details of performance, breadth of experience, or other information to permit clear alignment of experience to staffing needs and understanding of relevance to future staffing needs"
| Can a prime contractor reference performed by a prior Joint Venture, which consists of the same Protégé and Mentor as the current offeror, where both Joint Ventures were formed under the same SBA-approved Mentor Protégé Agreement with the same ownership percentages, be submitted as a relevant past performance example as the prime contractor for a Joint Venture offeror? | Given the workshare requirement for a Joint Venture, Prime contractors references performed by either partner to a Joint Venture may be submitted as relevant past performance for the purposes of the offerors FMC submission. Additionally, prime contract references performed by a JV consisting of the same partners may also be submitted. | |||||
| 71 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2F. | 16 | In the PMP Section Table, the Government shows font requirements as 12 pt. font. |
| Does the Government want the PMP submitted in a specific type of font, such as Times New Roman? | No font type is specified, however, please do not submit using Wingdings. | ||||||
| 72 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2A | While partners can have capability in OC3 PROGRAM SUPPORT, it does not appear that the Government is requesting more than one response to the Technical, Past Performance, and Program Support forms. Please confirm which, if any, partners need to complete Technical, Past Performance, and Program Support forms for OC3. | The Program Support form is separate from the OC technical and past performance descriptions. In accordance with the form instructions, offerors shall submit "one form per partner, per OC" (also VITAL). One program support form shall completed by the Offeror reflecting capability and experience of the VIT providing program support. | ||
| 73 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2F | 2F. Representative TO Response - Program Support states, "Provide an associated PMP in both narrative and graphic format that details each of the sections identified in the table below." The input SHALL include BOTH narrative and graphic or MAY it include both? | PMP shall include narrative and may include graphical content upon the discretion of the offeror. | ||
| 74 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2D | 2D. MAY experience or certifications be substituted for education? | The education requirements will not be relaxed for the key personnel. However, extensive relevant experience and/or certifications could increase Government confidence. Any Key Personnel designated at the Task Order level could potentially this type of substitution at the ordering CO's discretion. | ||
| 75 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | L | 2E | 12 | Page 12 of Attachment L Representative Task Order Response – Facility Staffing Ability requires us to list the name of the person whose resume we provided, by position, VISN, and specific location in the VISN. In contrast, the answer to question 89 published in the Q&As states that redacted resumes are acceptable. Completing of the Facility Staffing Ability contradicts this instruction. Please clarify whether redacted personal information from resumes is acceptable and, if so, how are we to complete the Facility Staffing Ability table of Attachment L. Conversely, if names are required, please confirm the VA will not contact any of the individuals included in the Facility Staffing Ability form. If names are required, can we redact all other personal information such as phone number and email address? | If resumes are redacted, Attachment L Representative Task Order Response – Facility Staffing Ability, should include "Redacted Resume" within the applicable respective candidate boxes. Resumes should identify the medical center and position (for example: "VISN 1 Manchester - Practical Nurse"). If the Government is unable to map the candidate to the site, the resume will not be evaluated. |
If resumes include names, offerors may redact personal information such as emails, phone numbers, etc.
The Government will not contact any candidates whether the resume is redacted or not.
| 76 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | M | What is the evaluation criteria for 'Attachment M- Matrixed Coverage', and how will this component be scored? | Per Section E of the RFP, "For the purposes of this evaluation, robustness refers to the number and quality of VIT members with ability to staff clinical and non-clinical occupational series and the national geographical coverage provided by the integrated team." The matrix coverage worksheet will provide greater detail to the Government as it will reflect the number of partners that can provide a given labor category in a specific state or territory. | ||
| 77 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | N | Clinical Occ | Tab 1 | We request government to evaluate and add the following specialites for Physicians and surgeons. 1) Hematology & Oncology, Pulmonary & Critical care (Typically these 2 are combination specialties), 2) Geriatrics, 3)Sleep Medicine, 4)Hospice and Palliative Medicine 5) Urologist, 6)Interventional radiology (pricing is very different from general radiology) 7)Surgery (Oncology) 8) Surgery (Trauma), 9) Oral and Maxillo-Facial surgery 10) Medical Officer of the day (MOD) | Per the PWS language: "The current list of LCATs has been identified based on current needs in the VA. There may be other labor categories required at the Task Order Level that are not included on the IDIQ. The IDIQ CO reserves the right to add additional labor categories throughout the life of the IDIQ through formal contract modification. Additional LCATs, when needed, will be added to all IDIQ awards through bilateral agreements." These additional LCATs will not be added at this time but could be included after award through a modification. |
| 78 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | N | Clinical Occ | Tab 1 | Can we assume all the lines from 58-83 are all nursing (RN) categories only? | Rows 49-71 represent Registered Nurse categories and Attachement N has been updated with highlighting to show this. |
| 79 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | N | Clinical Occ | Tab 1 | We request government to evaluate and add the following specialites for allied health depending on the need 1)Optometrist 2)Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 3)Phlebotomists 4) Medical Support Assistant (Move from non clinical to clinical tab) 5)Ultrasound Technician | Per the PWS language: "The current list of LCATs has been identified based on current needs in the VA. There may be other labor categories required at the Task Order Level that are not included on the IDIQ. The IDIQ CO reserves the right to add additional labor categories throughout the life of the IDIQ through formal contract modification. Additional LCATs, when needed, will be added to all IDIQ awards through bilateral agreements." These additional LCATs will not be added at this time but could be included after award through a modification. |
| 80 | ATTACHMENT(SPECIFY) | O | Will the GOV reconsider adding per diem CLIN options (lodging, meals, etc) to the RTO Pricing sheet? The VA responded to questions that said this will be done at the Task Order level but if this RTO is an example of a task order then we should be able to price as such. Short-Term requirements are succefully filled with travel HCWs. We could include this in our bill rates for the RTO but then our prices would be higher than normal becasue they include items that should be priced as per diems such as lodging, etc. Furthermore there are several locations that have small populations and very limited resources and/or candidate pools to draw talent from thus requires the use of travelers to satisfy the short term, remote location, positions on the RTO. This way our rate would only be for the cost of labor. All other items would be separated out (per diems). | Attachment O is updated to allow for proposed direct costs associated with staffing each medical center. RFP Section E language is updated for the Amendment. | ||
| 81 | Can we re-submit the eligibility form (Phase I) with Phase II submission, if we have a recent (pre-submission of Phase II) approved SBA MP JV? | Only offerors that submitted a Phase I proposal are eligible to submit in Phase II. |
-If the Phase I submission was from a Joint Venture with JV partners identified on the Eligibility Cover Page and Eligibility Supplemental, and that JV was not eligible at time of Phase I submittal but is now eligible, Offeror shall resubmit the Phase I eligibility form reflecting updated JV eligibility.
-If an SDVOSB submitted in Phase I as a stand-alone SDVOSB (as proposed VITAL), the Offeror may not submit in Phase II as a Joint Venture. (this would result in rejection of the proposal since the JV was not assessed in Phase I.
Phase II Question and Answer Integrated Critical Staffing Program Solicitation #36C10XR0058
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .