36C25519Q0487-009.pdf

Questions and Answers:

1. What is the distribution of work among the locations? How much is in St. Louis versus the other locations in MO and IL?

Historically all services have been performed in St. Louis. We wanted to make sure the other locations were represented in the contract if some special circumstance were to arise.

2. Does “original and two copies” include a copy to non-agency parties, e.g., witnesses, arbitrators, external counsel, etc.?

Yes.

3. The SF1449 indicates that a singular hourly rate is desired. From our experience, this type of pricing is not the most advantageous to the government, especially when a singular rate is desired for AIB’s, EEO Hearings, Merit System Protection Boards, and Arbitrations. Is it possible to provide differentiated pricing for:

a. A per page rate + an hourly appearance fee?

b. Division of pricing by type, e.g., separate pricing for AIB’s, EEO Hearings, MSPB’s, and

Arbitrations?

c. Division of pricing by geographical location, e.g., separate pricing for St. Louis versus IL and other MO locations?

We are willing to consider contracts with pricing structure differing from the “example price structure” shown in the SOW.

4. Could you confirm that a proofreader is required? Some reporters work with scopists, who do proofreading but aren’t the same as proofreaders, but not all do. It’s very common in this industry for the reporter to proof their own work.

We are fine with the same person transcribing and proofreading.

5. The SOW mentions the caveat of “…without the use of tapes. No back-up tapes are to be used or created”. Could you confirm this is required? Court reporters utilize backup audio as a part of their daily performance. Without so, the scopist couldn’t accurately proofread the transcripts.

Lastly, the NCRA only requires 95-96% accuracy. If a higher percentage of accuracy is required, this back-up audio is critical to achieving it.

Recordings are an expected part of the service being requested. I believe this was misinterpreted as a way to safeguard patient privacy.

Questions and Answers: