Attachment_1_-_Answers_to_Questions_Submitted.docx

ATTACHMENT 1

1. Answers to Questions Submitted:

a. Q: Is the subject effort a new requirement or a follow-on to an existing contract(s)? If the latter, please provide the incumbent contractor's name(s) and contract number(s).

A: This is a new requirement.

b. Q: The RFQ specifies clinical and administrative consultants but does not specify life safety. In order to provide VISN 4 with a comprehensive accreditation readiness review, is it recommended that a life safety consultant be required. Is it the intent of VISN 4 to have a life safety consultant on the assessment team in addition to clinical and administrative?

A: No, VISN04 already has a contract for a LSC consultant.

c. Q: The RFQ specifies the number of days at each site, for example it specifies 2 days at Altoona VAMC but a quantity of “2 each” (example below). Due to the size and complexity of the TJC and LTCI programs it is recommended that you have separate reviews of 2 days for each program (3 days at larger sites). Limiting the accreditation readiness review to 2 or 3 days per site will only give VISN 4 a cursory evaluation. Can you clarify the “quantity” required?

A: There is a national contract in place for survey readiness. The VISN is supplementing with their own contract. The VISN conducts an annual review and the facilities have their own readiness programs. The expectation is the facilities are in a constant state of survey readiness. The QM/AS will discuss with the survey readiness contracted team any areas they would like to focus on within their facilities. The QM/AS will contribute to the agenda for the visit. A Quantity of “2 each” for a given facility would require 2 AR reviews/visits (not necessarily separate reviews for TJC and LTCI – focus areas for each review to be determined by the facility QM/AS).

d. Q: Are there any known “black out dates” at any of the facilities that would limit scheduling availability?

A: Federal Holidays. Additionally, the contractor will need to arrange visits with AS/QM at each facility and discuss availability with them.