36C25721R0028 0003.docx

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Q201-- CBOC, South West, San Antonio, Texas
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36C25721R0028
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This document contains questions and answers regarding a solicitation for outpatient clinic services for veterans in Southwest San Antonio, Texas. The solicitation seeks proposals for operating a Community Based Outpatient Clinic to provide primary care services to over 2,000 enrolled veterans. Key details include that the contractor must be able to begin operations within 120 days of award, with start-up requirements in place within 83 days. The contractor will be responsible for dispensing all medications administered in the clinic as well as vaccines, and must employ one full-time telehealth clinical technician for every 5,000 patients. The incumbent contractor's current enrollment is provided for reference. Clarification is provided around space, staffing, and telehealth requirements.

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36C25721R0028 0005.docx DOCX document
36C25721R0028 0004.docx DOCX document
36C25721R0028 0002.docx DOCX document
36C25721R0028 RFP 3-5-21.docx DOCX document
36C25721R0028 0001.docx DOCX document
D.29 Reporting Critical Imaging Test Results.pdf PDF
D.31 Bexar County Map (NW Boundaries).docx DOCX document
D.28 Medication Reconciliation.pdf PDF
D.30 Point of Care Testing Provider Performed Microscopy.pdf PDF
D.8 Past Performance References.docx DOCX document
D.5 Rights and Resp. of VA Patients, Not Mine.doc DOC document
D. 20 Proper Use of Email.pdf PDF
D.21 Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients.pdf PDF
D.19 VHA Handbook 1106.01 Path and Lab Medicine Services Procedures.pdf PDF
D.24 36C25721R0028 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN TEMPLATE_01.pdf PDF
D.9 Past Performance Questionnaire.docx DOCX document
D.1 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.pdf PDF
D.18 VHA Directive 2009-031 Improving Safety in the Use of Medical Equipment.pdf PDF
D.6 Suicide Prev. Assessment and Mgt, Not M.doc DOC document
D.16 VHA Handbook 1101.10 Patient Aligned Care Tea PACT.pdf PDF
D.12 Wage Determination.txt TXT text file
D.25 IT Security.docx DOCX document
D.27 Updated Pre-treatment and Trans. of Soiled Critical and Semi-Critical RME.pdf PDF
D.4 Document Scanning Policy.pdf PDF
D.13 VHA T-21 Implementation Guide.pdf PDF
D. 23 Patient Medical Records-VA.pdf PDF
D.10 Government Provided Equipment.docx DOCX document
D.15 VHA Handbook 1101.11 Coordinated Care for Traveling Veterans.pdf PDF
D.14 VHA Handbook 1605.02 Minimum Necessary Standard for Protected Health Information.pdf PDF
D.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest.R.docx DOCX document
D.26 Pre-treatment Transport of Soiled Critical Semi-Critical RME.pdf PDF
D.11 VA Hanbook 6500.6 Contractor Rules of Behavior.pdf PDF
D.2 Immigration Certification.R.docx DOCX document
36C25721R0028.docx DOCX document
D. 22 Home Telehealth.pdf PDF
D.7 Ancillary and Point of Care Testing.doc DOC document
D.17 VHA Handbook 1006.02 Site Classifications and Definitions.pdf PDF
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SW San Antonio/ RFP: 36C25721R0028 - Questions and Answers Point of Contact: Hassan Wilson, Contract Specialist: Hassan.wilson@va.gov

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) none 04-01-2021 36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs VHA Regional Procurement Office West El Paso Contracting Office, NCO 17 11495 Turner Road El Paso

TX

79936 36C257 El Paso Contracting Office Department of Veterans Affairs 11495 Turner Road El Paso

TX

79936 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25721R0028 04-01-2021

X x ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to:

4 May 2021 at 1700hrs, MST x The purpose of this amendment is to post answers to questions received and extend the proposal due date to: 4 May 2021 at (5PM) 17:00 hrs, MST.

Any additional questions shall be submitted to hassan.wilson@va.gov and Not Later Than: 8 April 2021.

All other information listed within RFP: 36C25721R0028 remain unchanged.

Marisela Galarza Contracting Officer Question 1: Will the new contractor inherit the patient’s last Primary Care vesting visit and be allowed to bill for one year from that date upon contract award?

Answer: Yes

Question 2: How many Choice/Mission Act referrals occurred in the past 12 months for enrolled veterans of the SW San Antonio CBOC?

Answer: Information is not available

Question 3: In the Prescription Fulfillment paragraph 4.6.3.1 on page 45 of the solicitation it states that the Contractor will provide all medication, including any necessary vaccines that are to be administered to patients in the clinic. Will the Vaccines be provided to the clinic at the cost of the Contractor or the VA?

Answer: Vaccines are at the cost of the contractor.

Question 4: If the cost of vaccines discussed in question 3 above are the responsibility of the contractor, please confirm that the following list of Vaccines are the responsibility of the contractor?

Answer: Confirmed

0. TDAP

0. Pneumovax 23

0. Prevnar 13

0. TD

0. Flu, High dose flu

0. Shingrix

0. Twinrix (Hep A&B)

0. Hep A

0. Hep B

0. HPV

0. Depo

Question 5: If the cost of vaccines is the responsibility of the contractor…. Are there any additional Vaccines required to be supplied by the contractor other than those listed in question 4 above?

Answer: No Question 6: If the cost of vaccines is the responsibility of the contractor…. What is the number of Vaccines, by type as listed in question 4 and any additional Vaccines added by the government pursuant to question 5, that was provided to the SW San Antonio CBOC Enrolled Veterans in the last 12 months?

Answer: Information is not available

Question 7: Pursuant to the Prescription Fulfillment paragraph 4.6.3.1on page 45 of the solicitation, please provide a list of Medications the government expects the contractor to dispense (at the cost of the Contractor) from the clinic that would not be a routine medication dispensed through the VA or an urgent/emergent medication dispensed through the VA contracted local pharmacy.

Answer: The contractor must provide ALL in-clinic medications. Whatever the clinic needs, they need to provide. We do not list specific meds, because then it becomes too exhaustive/restricted.

Question 8: In the Laboratory Services paragraph 4.6.4.3 on page 54 it states that the contractor is to send specimens to the VA Core Laboratory “Twice daily” once at the mid-day break and again after close of business. Due to patient fasting requirements we are concerned about the duration of patient fasting for the afternoon specimen collections. Please confirm the VA wants specimens to be delivered twice a day or does the VA only require 1 delivery each day after the mid-day break.

Answer: Requirement is Twice daily.

Question 9: Does the current CBOC facility meet the new contract PACT Space Module Design Guide requirements as stated in the Space Requirements paragraph 4.9 on page 96 of the solicitation?

Answer: No

Question 10: Will the Contractors proposed space be required to meet the on-stage/off-stage design with the PACT Zone?

Answer: Non-applicable

Question 11: How many VA staffed personnel will be providing services at the SW San Antonio CBOC? Please list by job title and number of days per month.

Answer: 3 (Social Worker, Mental Health and Nutritionist). 5 days a week.

Question 12: How many offices will be needed at the SW San Antonio CBOC for the VA provided staff (by position/function) identified in question 11?

Answer: 3

Question 13: How many veterans using the SW San Antonio CBOC are currently on the Primary Care billable roster?

Answer: 2005

Question 14: Is the SW San Antonio clinic also known as “San Antonio Southwest Military VA Clinic”?

Answer: No

Question 15 (Q15): In reference to: E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION; Factor 1 – Technical; Sub-factor (A) – Experience/Management Plan; 5) Proposed Staffing; Paragraph i and Paragraph ii.i. Provide a list of the names of the qualified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other primary care provider staff intended to be utilized in the performance of this contract and/or describe the mechanism used to provide qualified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and primary care provider staff to perform the contract work.

Additional Question to Q15: Are these two consecutive points asking for exactly the same information? If so, in the interest of limiting space, which can we remove? If they are not identical requests, can Government clarify what different information is requested?

Answer: Although both areas appear similar, ii) Providers: i., additionally requests a copy of licenses for all staffing, proceed with answering both questions and omit duplicate responses; Individual Example: If a physician’s name is provided in ii) Providers i. with a corresponding license, do not list the physician’s name in Proposed Staffing: i). Continue this methodology in answering both questions for remaining physicians, staff, etc. as applicable.

Question 16 (Q16): In reference to: E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION; Factor 1 – Technical; Sub-factor (A) – Experience/Management Plan; 5) Proposed Staffing; ii) Providers; ii. “Provide copies of the following information on any physician to be assigned to this solicitation. Include physicians providing coverage relief.” AND iii. “Curriculum Vitae “ AND iii) Nurse Practitioners; i. “Transcripts from an Accredited Nurse Practitioner Program”.

Additional Question to Q16: With a maximum of thirty (30) pages allowed, can these be presented post award? Or can they be submitted in an Appendix outside of the 30 page limit?

Answer: No, these cannot be presented post award and must be submitted with the initial proposal. Yes, they can be submitted in an Appendix outside of the 30 page limit with the initial proposal.

Question 17: As the time period for getting official transcripts is lengthy, can the NP transcripts be submitted post-award?

Answer: Yes

Question 18 (Q18): In reference to: E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION; Factor 1 – Technical; Sub-factor (A) – Experience/Management Plan; 5) Proposed Staffing; iii) Nurse Practitioners; ii. “ii. List the number of administrative support staff and describe the level of training and experience that will be utilized to meet the administrative support functions of this contract, including, such functions as patient scheduling, medical record documentation, record processing and reporting, grievance system and quality assurance and performance improvement.” AND E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION; Factor 1 – Technical; Sub-factor (A) – Experience/Management Plan; 9) “List the number of administrative support staff and describe the level of training and experience that will be utilized to meet the administrative support functions of this contract, including such functions as patient scheduling, medical record documentation, record processing and reporting.”

Additional Question to Q18: As these two items are identical in wording for the information regarding administrative support staff AND with a maximum of 30 pages is allowed can one of these items be removed.

Answer: Yes, please consolidate your response to these questions. Ensure that each function is addressed, as applicable; Example: “…functions of this contract, including such functions as patient scheduling, medical record documentation, etc.”

Question 19: As performance measurement process and quality control will be covered in Sub-factor (B) – Quality Control, items 2) “Describe the performance measurement process that will be implemented to monitor quality, appropriateness of care, access, and patient satisfaction.” and 3) “Provide information on proposed quality improvement plan.” Can we eliminate the need for this duplicate information from one of these two locations?

Answer: Yes, response to these questions may be consolidated. However, proposal shall indicate measures that will be taken regarding quality improvement, which is in response to possible quality issues that may arise throughout contract execution.

Question 20 (Q20): In reference to: E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION; Factor 2 – Geographic Location/Suitability and Accessibility of Facility; 1.”Proposed contractor’s facility must be located within Southwest San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County, Zip Codes 78220/78222/78223. The parent facility is the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). A site visit may be conducted as part of the evaluation process.”

Additional Question to Q20: What is required from the Offeror on this line item that will not be covered in Factor 2 – Geographic Location/Suitability and Accessibility of Facility; 2. “Describe location of proposed facility to be utilized under this contract. Include mailing address, street address, city, village, town and county as applicable.”?

Answer: Factor 2 – Geographic Location/ Suitability and Accessibility of Facility, Bullet # 1., is descriptive in nature and provides notification that, “A site visit may be conducted as part of the evaluation process.” No response to Bullet# 1 required from Contractor. Please proceed with answering Factor 2, Question # 2.

Question 21: Is this solicitation still pending award or will this solicitation also be cancelled and reissued as the NE San Antonio CBOC was done?

Answer: Yes, this solicitation is still pending award. No, this solicitation is not projected for cancelation.

Question 22 (Q22): In Reference to Page 173 of Solicitation:

Question to Q22: The RFP lists the paragraph below under the Provider heading on page 173. Does the VA require a copy of state licenses for just all providers or do they require a copy of state license for all staffing including, RNs, LPNs, etc..

10. Provide a list of the names of the qualified physicians and other primary care provider staff intended to be utilized in the performance of this contract and/or describe the mechanism used to provide qualified physicians and primary care provider staff to perform the contract work. Also submit a copy of licenses for all staffing.

Answer: For all staffing

Question 23: The RFP lists the required documentation for Nurse Practitioners. Can the following documentation requirements be submitted at the time of hire? Or will the VA accept a current CV in place of transcripts?

10. Nurse Practitioners:

1. Transcripts from an Accredited Nurse Practitioner Program

Requiring these documents be submitted with the proposal is unrealistic and provides a significant advantage to the incumbent. To collect these required documents would demand that we permanently hire all the required staff in less than 30 days. Asking candidates to provide such documentation before there is an available position is not a common practice in recruiting/staffing.

Answer: VA will accept current CV in place of transcript.

Question 24: In the event, the VA requires the transcripts and graduate certificates for the required positions, would the VA accept a “DegreeVerify Certificate” from the National Student Clearinghouse? The National Student Clearinghouse is an agency the VA uses to confirm education. See example attached.

Answer: No

Question 25: How many veterans are currently on the billable roster?

Answer: 2005

Question 26: Please provide the historical enrollment for the past five years?

Answer: Increase approximately 75 yearly

Question 27: Does historical enrollment support projected growth of 625 veterans over contract period?

Answer: Yes

Question 28: Will the new Contractor inherit the patients’ last vesting visit and be allowed to bill for one year from the date upon contract award?

Answer: Yes

Question 29: Since its implementation, how many Mission Act referrals have occurred for enrolled veterans at the CBOC?

Answer: Information is not available

Question 30: Please specify how many of the referrals were for primary care patients? Please specify the types of specialty services by number of patients.

Answer: Information is not available

Question 31: Will the VA require a clinic manager?

Answer: Yes

Question 32: How may VA staffed personnel will be providing services at the CBOC? Please list job title and number of days per month.

Answer: 3 (Social Worker, Mental Health and Nutritionist). 5 days a week.

Question 33: Will the VA-provided staff require an office at the CBOC? If yes, what type and size?

Answer: yes

Question 34: What additional COVID-19 related services will be required?

Answer: Please refer to Section 4.6.3.4 of the PWS and any other area within the solicitation that refers to COVID-19.

Question 35: The RFP requires courier services two times daily. Is this needed? Will the VA consider once daily service?

Answer: Requirement is twice daily.

Question 36: Please confirm all MH/PCMHI requirements will be staffed by VA, either in-person or by Telehealth.

Answer: Confirmed. Yes, all MH/PCMHI requirements will be staffed by VA, either in-person or by Telehealth.

Question 37: 2.8 states Telehealth TCT 1/5000 patients, will the VA require TCT 1.0 FTE?

Answer: Yes

Question 38: 3.1 Sates hours of operation 0800-1630, please confirm Monday-Friday.

Answer: Confirmed

Question 39: 6.1.2 requires 120-day buildout, but references start-up requirements must be NLT 83 days, please clarify that should read 113 days.

Answer: The buildout requirement is for 120 day completion, which can be completed before 120 days. However, if completion is projected to go over 120 days, it would have to be assessed on a case by case basis as to why the build out completion exceeds 120 days.

Question 40: Since data lines are currently taking 180 days for installation, will the VA consider extending the buildout time?

Answer: The data lines installation is expected for completion by 180 days; however, any deviation to this timeframe must be looked at on a “case by case basis.”

Question 41: Please confirm if the contractor is responsible for the procurement, installation and maintenance of all printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines*, shredders, or other peripheral office equipment will the VA network this equipment? If not, please provide a list of equipment that the VA will provide?

Answer: VA will provide laptops, printers, copiers, and network lines. More precisely, anything connected to the VA network, the VA will provide it to include installation and maintenance. This equipment requirement is hereby removed from 4.11.1within the PWS.

Question 42: Please confirm that the VA will provide Women’s Health Pap test kits (Thin Prep)?

Answer: Confirmed

Question 43: Please include a revised copy of the QASP. The copy attached to Beta.Sam has been digitally signed by the COR and cannot be updated with the Contractor’s signature.

Answer: Please continue to use QASP version that was previously uploaded to Beta.Sam. To fulfill Contractor signature requirement, please include a signed addendum with your proposal referring to the previously posted QASP with Contractor signature and date. Addendum may simply state, “ Contractor acknowledges QASP (RFP: 36C25721R0028) with Contractor’s signature and date.

Question 44: Will the government further define the boundaries of where they would like the CBOC located?

Answer: No. Please refer to the information provided in the solicitation.

Question 45: Does the government require sliding doors on the primary care patient exam rooms? If so, are they required on both sides of the room?

Answer: Yes, the Government requires sliding doors on the primary care patient exam rooms. They are only required on both sides of the rooms if there is more than one entrance/ exit.

Question 46: Does the current clinic design meet the requirements of the RFP?

Answer: No

Question 47. In Section B.2 Schedule of Services, on page 6, Base year Line Item Number 0001 of the RFP states the base year estimated enrollment is 2060. As the incumbent contractor, the latest billed enrollment quantity for the SW San Antonio CBOC was 1,899 which is 161 enrollees (approximately 8%) lower than the estimated enrollment stated. Secondly, on page 85 paragraph 4.7.2.4 of the RFP states, “The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all Veterans assigned to Contractor’s site of care in PCMM have at least one qualifying encounter with Contractor’s PCP at least every 12 months.” The current qualifying encounter cycle of the contract in place is for 16 months. Moving from 16 months qualifying encounter to 12 months will have a significant impact on the enrollment, cost and pricing; approximately 106 enrollees will not be eligible for billing by the contractor on day one. Taking these two factors, higher estimated quantity in RFP than current eligible enrollment and moving the qualifying encounter from every 16 months in current to 12 months as stated in RFP, would result in the PMPM quantity to be about 267 (13%) lower than the estimate of 2060. Could the VA please explain the rationale behind the RFP stated estimated starting Quantity of 2060 for PMPM costs which is 15% higher than a more realistic starting quantity of around 1793 allowing a contract to more accurately capture PMPM costs?

Answer: The rationale takes into consideration the current billable roster and projecting increases.

Question 48: On page 22 paragraph 2.4 of the RFP states, “the following discipline specific staffing shall be provided by VA.” which includes CPS Anti-Coagulation. On page 56 paragraph 4.6.4.4.3 of the RFP states, “Anticoagulation services will be provided by Contractor”. If the VA is providing the CPS Anti-Coagulation, wouldn’t the VA provide anticoagulation services?

Question 49: On page 23 paragraph 2.4.5 of the RFP states, “PC-MHI service include co-located collaborative care, disease-specific care management, and education/treatment consultation to PCPs who prescribe medications for mild to moderate MH needs. Is PC-MHI contractor support/VA provided telehealth delivery?

Answer: Yes

Question 50. On page 24 paragraph 2.8 of the RFP states, “The following telehealth staffing shall be provided by the Contractor. Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) FTE Ratio performance standard 1.0 FTE Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) per estimated 5,000 patients at clinic, with a trained back-up.” On page 22-23 paragraphs 2.4.1-2.4.5, it states that CPS, LCSW, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and PCMHI is Contractor supported/VA provided telehealth delivery. On page 80 paragraph 4.6.7.1 it states, “It is anticipated the VA will utilize Telehealth Primary Care at this site for up to 40 hours per week during Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.” What support is required for the Discipline Specific PACT Team Members? Is the one TCT described on page 24 paragraph 2.8 and page 80 paragraph 4.6.7.1 sufficient to cover all the telehealth and support requirements? Is the VA requiring a separate TCT for Mental Health Support? Will the VA clarify the Contractors on-site labor obligation for total TCT services?

Answer: One TCT will be sufficient to cover all telehealth. Include, but are not limited to the following: Assist the primary care or specialty care provider with the Veteran physical exam as needed, provide Veteran education, documentation and assistance with workload capture for the completion of the visit, per scope of practice and manage required screenings and complete clinical reminders, documentation, scheduling and opening and closing the encounter.

Question 51: On page 45 paragraph 4.6.3.1 of the RFP states, “The Contractor will provide all medications, including any necessary vaccines that are to be administered to patients in the clinic.” Will the VA provide a list of all the medications and vaccines required to be administered in the clinic and the historical usage for pricing?

Answer: No

Question 52: In section E.11 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items on page 174 it states that the Contractor is to describe the procedures to be implemented for accountability and safeguarding of medications provided by the Parent Facility. According to Section 4.6.3.1 the Contractor is providing all medications and vaccines administered in the clinic. Why is the Contractor being evaluated on procedures to be implemented for accountability and safeguarding of medications when the Parent VA is not providing the medicines?

Answer: Although the VA is not providing the medicines as applicable/ stated within your question, policies and procedures must be uniformed because of Joint Commission standards for administering and storing medications supporting Veteran care.

Question 53: On page 45 paragraph 4.6.3.1 of the RFP states, “Urgent/Emergent medications needed will be filled via a contracted local VA pharmacy for up to 10 days.” Are the urgent/emergent medications provided by the contracted local VA pharmacy provided at the VA’s expense?

Question 54. On page 79 paragraph 4.6.7 Tele Health Support and Services in the RFP states, “The VA will maintain the VA-provided telehealth equipment.” Does the VA-provide all equipment in the telehealth rooms including exam tables?

Answer: Telehealth equipment not the exam tables.

Question 55. On page 96 paragraph 4.9 Space Requirements in the RFP states, “For any buildout/construction that might be required to prepare space for performance of this contract, Davis-Bacon Wages (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction) must be paid to any personnel working on the buildout/construction of the space and certified payrolls for any buildout/construction workers are due to the COR and Contracting Officer no later than 10 business days prior to the clinic opening.” Because any construction work will be merely incidental to the furnishing of services under the contract, will the VA consider removing this requirement in order to reduce the cost of preparing space for the provision of the contracted primary and specialty care services?

Answer: No

Question 56. On page 121 paragraph 6.1.2 of the RFP states, “The Contractor shall have 120 days from contract award to commencement of the provisions of medical care to local Veterans. However, the Contractor must have all start-up requirements in place and ready to commence operations NLT 83 calendar days from contract award.” Was it the VA’s intention for the Contractor to have all start-up requirements in place and ready to commence operations NLT 113 calendar days from award? With the size of the project logistics and completion turnkey, the realistic accelerated cycle from award to completion dictates 30 days for technical drawings for permit, 30 days for permit, and 90 days for construction minimum to complete without around the clock shift work and accelerated construction costs to complete. Based on unknown award date, would the VA consider a 180-day start-up schedule from award to provide a cost savings and assure performance by all bidders?

Answer: Answer: The buildout requirement is for 120 day completion, which can be completed before 120 days. However, if completion is projected to go over 120 days, it would have to be assessed on a case by case basis as to why the build out completion exceeds 120 days.

Question 57: On page 163 Part 1- Requirements for Technical Capability, there is a limit of 30 pages and any pages beyond 30 will not be reviewed by the Evaluators. On page 26 paragraph 2.9.6 of the RFP states, “A copy of licenses must be provided with offer and will be updated annually.” On page 173 of the RFP states, “Also submit copy of licenses for all staffing.” And to provider curriculum vitae and Nurse practitioner transcripts. And on page 174 it states, “if the contractor is not accredited by the Joint Commission, Contractor shall provide Infection Control Plan, Blood borne Pathogen Plan and Tuberculosis Control Plan.” Is it acceptable to the VA for the Contractor to provide attachments that are not counted towards the 30 page limitation?

Answer: Yes, it is acceptable. However, information in response to these questions beyond the 30 page limitation must be added via Appendix and clearly named/ identified.

Question 58: On page 163 Part 1 – Requirements for Technical Capability, it states, “Submit one e-mailed electronic copy along with one e-mailed redacted electronic copy for evaluation.” Is the VA only requiring a redacted electronic copy for Factor #1 Technical Capability? Does the VA require redacted version for Factor 2 Geographic Location? Are there any email size requirements in the submission of the electronic copies emailed to the VA?

Answer: Yes, within initial proposal, please provide email and redacted electronic copies for Factor #1 Technical Capability and Factor# 2 Geographic Location. The size limit is 40mb for electronic submissions. If a submission is noted as too large (unsuccessfully sent), please breakdown the submission in increments that accommodate a successful transmission.

Question 59: On page 163/164 paragraph 3. Part 2 – Requirements for Geographic Location states, “Proposed contractor’s facility must be located within Southwest San Antonio, Texas. Parent facility is the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). A site visit may be conducted as part of the evaluation process. Reference:

D.31 Bexar County Map (See SW Boundaries).” The boundaries map in D.31 provided as an attachment references zip codes in Northwest San Antonio and not Southwest San Antonio. Will the VA provide the zip codes in the Southwest boundaries where the facility can be located? Based on no specific geographic information identified correctly, will the VA consider extending the due date to allow Contractors time to survey and select viable facilities in the target area?

Answer: Yes (Solicitation/ Proposal Due Date is extended as a result of this amendment)

Question 60:. In Section E.11 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items under Sub-factor (A) – Experience/Management Plan on page 172 it says, “identify all relevant company experience in providing the same/similar types of services identified in this solicitation, including VA experience, and other government and/or private sector experience. Provide a clinical and administrative contact point for each experience episode provided.” Is the VA looking for a list of all relevant contract experience and the point of contact? With the number of contracts we have along with the page limitations outlined in the RFP, it is physically impossible to include all this information. Would the VA consider removing the page limitation or reducing the amount of relevant company experience requested? Is this point of contact information requested in Part 1 Technical Proposal different than the 3 references and point of contact information provided in Part 3 Past Performance? Please clarify what the difference is.

Answer: The amount of relevant company experience requested is not changed. The page limitation within this area is removed.

Factor 1 – Technical / Sub-factor (A) – Experience/ Management Plan 2), ii: Is a separate requirement for reference as described within the solicitation. Moreover, this requires a clinical and administrative contact point for each experience / episode provided and does not specify within the past three years.

Factor 3 - Past Performance: Is a separate requirement for reference and specifies, “(3) current or recently completed (within past three years) contracts that are…..” Although this seems similar to Factor 1 – Technical / Sub-factor (A) – Experience/ Management Plan 2) ii, it is not as expressed within this narrative.

Question 61: Sorry, I do have one more question regarding the SW San Antonio CBOC Solicitation. On page 24 paragraph 2.8 of the RFP states, "Depending on the skills needed for the encounter, the Telepresenter can be a licensed independent provider (LIP), Registered Nurse, LPN, or Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT)." Is it acceptable to the VA to use Medical Assistants as TCTs as we do in other CBOCs across the United States?

Question 62: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Do the PACT teams require a consult room, along with the exam rooms?

Answer: Yes

Question 63: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Are there room size requirements for the Telehealth group room or the telehealth consultation rooms?

Answer: Consultation rooms

Question 64: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Does the space require general group care room?

Answer: Yes

Question 65: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Will there be VA staff requiring consult or exam staff onsite?

Answer: Consult

Question 66: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Are there additional tele-mental health rooms required?

Answer: No

Question 67: C.4.9 Space Requirements. How many, if any mental health rooms are required for the VA provided mental health staff?

Answer: 1

Question 68: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Since the VA is providing a radiologic technician, should we include a x-ray room and x--ray viewing room in the space plan?

Answer: No, service provided at VA by referral.

Question 69: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Please confirm that the VA IT closet only needs to be 40 sf with no measurement requirements? Other VA IT space requirements of 100sf and the room being 10'x10'.

Answer: Minimum 10 x 10

Question 70: C.4.9 Space Requirements. Is there a separate group care room requirement?

Answer: Yes

Question 71: 69. B.2 Staffing and Qualifications (16 of 193) “Total Estimated Patients enrolled/assigned to site: 2060.” Please provide the most recent 3-month billing figures/members/enrollees for primary care services.

Answer: 2005

Question 72: PWS Section 4.6.3.1 Prescription Fulfillment (46 of 193) Can the VA please provide the list of medications and vaccines the contractor will be responsible for providing? Additionally, can the VA also provide estimated utilization numbers/quantity for each medication/vaccine required (or historical information)?

Answer: Information is not available

Question 73: PWS Section 6.2.1 Billable Roster (123 of 193) Please confirm that the new contractor will inherit the patient’s last vesting visit and is eligible to bill for one year from that date upon contract award?

Answer: Confirmed End of Document

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