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Solicitation # 36C24526Q0544 VA HOME Epidemiology Program
| Question |
| RFP or Attachment Page Reference |
(if applicable) Question
| 1 |
| 7.2, 7.2.9, 7.2.12 |
| PWS Section 7.2 states that the contractor shall conduct data collection "via survey (web or CATI)," and 7.2.9 reiterates collection by "web-based, CATI." However, 7.2.6 requires the contractor to "print, and mail study/survey materials (n=109,000)," and 7.2.12 requires data entry "to include scanning and editing questionnaire responses," both of which imply a mailed paper questionnaire and the scanning of returned paper forms. |
Please clarify if a paper version of the survey is required.
This does appear contradictory; however the contractor organization should propose the best design approach and may incorporate any or all of these modalities in providing the most cost effective and successful solution for the government’s requirement. Hard copy materials returned from survey respondents may require scanning, processing and retention/return to the VA.
| 2 |
| PWS 7.2.2, 7.2.3 |
| Will the Government provide updated contact information, or the original contact files from the prior NewGen (2009 to 2010) and CHAI (2018) data collections? Original files and updates from VA sources will be available – additional location procedures may be required. |
| 3 |
| Section 4, Scope (page 4); PWS 7.2.6 (page 7); PWS 7.2.9; Deliverables table, Task 2 / 7.2.2 (page 10); Deliverables table, Task 2 / 7.2.6; Deliverables table, Task 2 / 7.2.9 |
| Section 4 states the sample size will not exceed 100,000, while PWS 7.2.6, 7.2.9, and the deliverables table for 7.2.2, 7.2.6, and 7.2.9 reference 109,000. Please reconcile these figures and confirm the maximum sample size. The entry of “100,000” in the Scope (page 4) is an error and should read “109,000”– apologies. Please note the entry at Deliverable table 7.2.3 reads “30,000” - this is also an error and should read “109,000” |
| 4 |
| PWS 7.2.2 and 7.2.3 |
| For the post-2015 service-member augment, will the Government furnish the sample as it does for the existing cohorts, or is the contractor responsible for constructing that frame and drawing it? |
The government will supply this sample.
| 5 |
| PWS 7.2 |
| How is the sample allocated across the NewGen cohort, the CHAI cohort, and the post-2015 augment? |
NewGen was a sample N=~60,000; CHAI N=~38,000; augment will be the balance to achieve N=109,000.
| 6 |
| PWS 7.2.2 |
| For the vital status update, could the Government confirm it will provide access to VA mortality data, such as the VA Vital Status File? |
Access the VA Death Ascertainment File is anticipated, additional validation through credit bureau agency or other source may be proposed by the contractor.
| 7 |
| PWS Section 12; VA Directive 6500 |
| Please confirm that the contractor’s existing FedRAMP and FISMA authorization is acceptable for processing VA data under this contract. The contractor’s existing FedRAMP and FISMA authorizations may be used to support VA’s security and privacy review, but VA must independently determine whether those authorizations are sufficient for the processing of VA data and issue or rely on an appropriate Authority to Operate. Acceptance is therefore contingent on VA’s review of the contractor’s FedRAMP and FISMA documentation |
| 8 |
| PWS 7.2.1 |
| Please confirm whether the contractor will be using the VA’s IRB or the contractor IRB. |
The contractor can propose either alternative. If contractor IRB is proposed anticipate some interaction with the VA CIRB.
| 9 |
| PWS 7.2.1, QASP 7.2.1 references |
| 1. QASP 7.2.1 references "OMB Approvals," which is not mentioned in PWS 7.2.1. Please confirm whether OMB/PRA clearance is required under this contract, and if so, whether the VA or the contractor is responsible for obtaining it. This study will qualify as VA Research and be exempt from OMB PRA requirements. |
| 10 |
| PWS 7.2.8, PWS 7.2.9 |
| Can the Government please confirm the month the pilot is to start and the month the data collection is to start. Pilot start date needs to occur before data collection start date. This assumption is correct. This scheduling decision is TBD; the proposal should articulate the requirement and proposed manner of execution. Final decision on timing would be confirmed after award. |
| 11 |
| 52.212-2 / Supplemental Instructions |
| So that proposals are presented in a format the Government can fully and accurately assess, please clarify whether any automated, machine-assisted, or artificial-intelligence tools will be used in the intake, review, or evaluation of proposals. No automated, machine-assisted, or AI tools will be used regarding quote review HOME will not employ machine assisted or artificial intelligence tools in evaluation. |
| 12 |
| 52.212-2 / Supplemental Instructions |
| If AI tools will be used, please confirm the tools being used will be able to read and analyze information conveyed through graphics, figures, charts, diagrams, or tables embedded as images be fully captured and considered by those tools, or should offerors ensure that all substantive content is also presented in selectable, machine-readable text? N/A |
| 13 |
| PPQ |
| Please clarify the PPQ submittal process. Is the Offeror to obtain the input and submit with its RFQ response, or will the Government request the input directly from the designated contact? The Offeror is responsible for obtaining PPQ information and submitting it with the RFQ. |
