SF30-ATT_.docx

Auditing Services: Contractor Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS) - Base Plus + Option Years.

1. Pg 38 states the submission date is May 8, 2024 @12pm MST. It also says the same in block 20 of the 1449. However, in the offer due section, block 8 of the1449 has the submission date April 26, 2024 @12pm PDT. Can the government please provide the correct due date for the solicitation?

Initial Responses: All questions must be submitted by email to barry.bland@va.gov no later than 12:00 PM (MST) on April 26, 2024. All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 08, 2024.-Offers.

Current Response: All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 29, 2024.-Offers.

2. Is this a new requirement? If not, please provide the incumbent information and the contract number for the existing contract.

This is a new requirement.

3. Is this a RFI or RFP?

This is an RFQ.

4. What is final due date - are the questions still due on April 26, 2024?

Initial Responses: All questions must be submitted by email to barry.bland@va.gov no later than 12:00 PM (MST) on April 26, 2024. All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 08, 2024.-Offers.

Current Response: All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 29, 2024.-Offers.

5. Please provide me with any new updated information

Initial Responses: This is a new Requirement. All questions must be submitted by email to barry.bland@va.gov no later than 12:00 PM (MST) on April 26, 2024.

All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 08, 2024.-Offers. With that in mind, upon receipt of the questions, the contracting office would amend the solicitation by posting the answers to the questions to facilitate better offers from the offerors.

Current Response: All information submissions must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST on May 29, 2024.-Offers.

6. Page 38, General Instructions for quotation submission, Submittal Instructions the government states quotations must have solicitation number 36C26224Q0924 on it. The solicitation number is 36C26224Q1023. Which solicitation number is correct?

The correct solicitation number is 36C26224Q1023.

7. Page 15, C4 Supplemental Insurance Requirements (d) states a successful bidder must have evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage. I believe most reputable insurance carriers have this written into policies automatically. Is the government going to have our employees working in asbestos filled areas? Will the government consider removing this requirement?

Insurance is needed to ensure contractor employees are covered in the event of exposure to asbestos fibers in government buildings. We do not suggest that your employees work in areas filled with asbestos. Thus, if asbestos is automatically included in general liability coverage, that would be sufficient.

8. Which occupational code is the government defining for this position? Is this an SCA contract?

Yes, this is a Service Contract Act

9. The Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS) is required to provide personal liability and property damage insurance in the quote. In this case, the CDIS will be an employee of our firm whose actions are covered by our corporate liability and property damage insurance. Is it permissible for us to provide documentation of our corporate liability and property damage insurance in our quote?

Yes

10. Page 36 requests a copy of an asbestos certificate. This seems like a requirement from a different contract. Can you please verify if an asbestos certificate is still required?

Yes

11. Page 38 request the quote submission email subject line be "RFQ# 36C26224Q1023_1, - Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS) - Auditing Services - Base Plus + Option Years -." This is a very long subject line with special characters. Can we please make the required subject line shorter?

No!

12. It looks like the SOW title erroneously reads "Automatic Doors Preventative Maintenance & Repair." The rest of the SOW body looks like a job description for a CDIS.

The correct title is “Auditing Services - Base Plus + Option Years Contractor Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS).”

13. Systems Questions:

· What electronic health record (EHR) system is used at the VA San Diego that the CDIS will need to be proficient in?

CPRS currently. We will be converting to Cerner, but timeline isn't known at this time.

· Are there any specific software applications or tools the CDIS will be required to use for documentation, reporting, or workflow management?

WEBVIRR (DSS), PowerBI, Microsoft Office and any other systems that might change due to National Implementation.

14. Productivity and Quality:

· Are there any productivity metrics or targets the CDIS will be expected to meet, such as number of records reviewed per day or week?

19 records a day minimum

· What quality standards or auditing processes will be in place to evaluate the CDIS's work?

Following processes and procedures that are set by the National program office. Query process accuracy. Documentation Review accuracy.

· Are there any specific quality metrics the CDIS will be measured against, such as accuracy rates or provider satisfaction scores?

This is determined yearly based on National and Facility Level needs. Currently accuracy, productivity, and evaluation of CDI knowledge. Provider Satisfaction.

15. Credentials:

· Is a Registered Nurse (RN) license or other clinical credential required in addition to the recommended CCDS or CDIP certification?

No

· If a clinical credential is required, will the VA accept foreign medical graduates (FMGs) with equivalent training and experience?

N/A

16. Workflows and Turnaround Times:

· Can you provide more details on the typical workflows and responsibilities of the CDIS, such as concurrent vs retrospective reviews, provider education, etc.?

Workflow is based on National and Facility needs. Currently we require concurrent, retrospective reviews, Query processes and tracking, provider education. Review of PSI, ROM and other SAIL Metrics as needed.

· Are there any specific turnaround time requirements for the CDIS to complete reviews or provide feedback to providers?

Reviews are initiated within 24 to 48 hours for concurrent and retrospective is as needed. Queries must be completed within 10 days and follow the facility SOP that is provided. This can be changed as required by facility needs or National requirements.

17. CDI Program Leadership:

· Is there a physician advisor or medical director who oversees the CDI program that the CDIS will report to or collaborate with?

The CDIS will report to the CDI supervisor and the Chief of HIM.

· If so, what is the physician's role in terms of providing clinical guidance, reviewing CDIS findings, and driving documentation improvement initiatives?

None. Program Manager is responsible for providing clinical guidance, reviewing CDIS findings, and driving documentation improvement initiatives.