36C79121R0008 QA Final_V2 100121.pdf

Questions and Answers

36C79121R0008

Date: 10/1/2021

*The answers to questions do not themselves change the terms of the solicitation and that any changes to the terms of the solicitation are expressly and separately indicated as such.

Q1 I ask for your assistance on how to appropriately bid for this contract when the solicitation is released. What information should we provide and in what format? When will there be a RFI and how will I be notified? What specifics should provide to gain the attention of the VA?

A1 You are advised to review the solicitation in its entirety along with the attachments for complete instructions on how to submit a proposal.

The solicitation and attachments are available for download on Contract Opportunities located here: https://sam.gov/opp/71dc46d08a5e4f4e890ba1981b8df374/. Please pay particular attention to Section E, as it has instructions on how to ask questions and to whom.

Continue to monitor SAM.gov for any amendments to the solicitation.

Capability statements are not sufficient and will be considered nonresponsive.

Q2 Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this? (like, from India or Canada) A2 Veteran Affairs welcomes all interested parties to propose on this solicitation if they can fulfill and perform the requirements as well as be active in the System for Award Management

(SAM).

Q3 Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (like, from India or Canada) A3 Performance of this contract will require Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliance, please refer to FAR 52.225-5 Trade Agreement Clause.

Q4 Can we submit the proposals via email?

A4 Refer to Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors & addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to

Offerors for proposal submission requirements.

Q5 Section 3.1 (Information Technology, Clinical and General Service Fee) of the

RFP states that the VA Enterprise Cloud is anticipated to be implemented during the contract period. Will VAEC be available at the start of the contract? If not, when is VAEC anticipated to be available?

A5 There is no anticipated date at this time.

Q6 In the pricing schedule, there is no line item for cellular usage. Incorporating cellular usage into the GSF could substantially increase the GSF for Veterans who don’t need cellular provided through this contract and for platforms where cellular connectivity is not provided. Can the VA confirm that cellular usage should be built into the GSF or through a separate line item?

A6 As stated in section 3.1.C-General Service Fee (GSF), Cellular fee shall be included in GSF.

Q7 The terms for contractors currently on service were extended through 8/31/22. Will the new contract start on 9/1/22, following the end of the existing contract extension, or will the contract start on 2/1/22 as stated in 4.8.2 Period of Performance?

https://sam.gov/opp/71dc46d08a5e4f4e890ba1981b8df374/

A7 The current contract expires on 8/31/2022. VA anticipates award date in February of 2022 with a notice to proceed to issue after Authority to Operate (ATO) is approved, which VA anticipates on or before September 2022.

Q8 Whether we need to come over there for meetings?

A8 Please read the solicitation and attachments in the entirety to understand the requirements.

Q9 If a contractor uses MAC addresses to associate a specific Veterans’ Bluetooth peripherals to the same Veterans’ platform, will the VA DLC scan and provide MAC addresses for VA-provided peripherals within 24 hours of shipment? Example: Veteran A receives blood pressure monitor MAC address 123 and weight scale MAC address 456)

A9 VA will work with awarded contractors to address VA provided peripherals MAC addresses after notice to proceed is given.

Q10 How should an applicant approach the inclusion of an additional peripheral not referenced in the RFP (i.e. headset for video calls) in the pricing schedule and overall bid?

A10 No additional optional items will be allowed to be proposed at this time.

Q11 1. First, is platform requirements/restrictions to monitor patients? 2. Is there any credentialing with VA necessary (like FedRAMP) or firewall issues we need to be aware of? 3.

As for peripherals, how do we determine if what VA distributes to patients is compatible with our platform? 4. For required peripherals we must provide, I’m assuming China manufactured items are prohibited? 5. Finally, is estimated patient volume 16,000 monthly? 6. If so, is this national service or just Colorado?

A11 This is a national requirement and is subject to the Trade Agreements Act. Please read the solicitation and attachments in the entirety to understand the requirements. Refer to Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors & addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors for proposal submission requirements.

Q12 In reference to Req D., is the FHIR API connectivity to Patient Generated Data required as part of the demonstration or is the expectation that this will take place when the system is being built after VA approval?

A12 The FHIR API is not required as part of the demonstrations but shall be required for onboarding after ATO is received.

Q13 In reference to Req I. CCWV has the ability to enter up to 10 task orders at the same time, is this requirement part of the demonstration or is the expectation that this will take place when the system is built after VA approval?

A13 The CCWV is not required to demonstrate 10 task orders at the same time but shall be required once VA ATO approval received.

Q14 P. 150 states: “Recent is defined as within the last three fiscal years of the solicitation closing date identified in SF1449, Block 8, unless this date is changed via a formal amendment.”

Whereas page 135 states: ” Provide a written comprehensive narrative describing: up to ten

(10) examples of experience (Prime and Subcontractors, or teaming arrangements) on current or previous contract(s) over the past five (5) years…” Please clarify the timeframe from which qualifying past performance can be submitted.

A14 Revised pg. 150 to reflect five years Q15 Is a smaller font size acceptable for tables?

A15 Font size shall be limited to a minimum of 12, except for diagrams and drawings where impractical. Tables shall be a minimum of 10 Font size.

Q16 Please confirm Attachment U forms are excluded from page limitations.

A16 Attachment U is excluded from page limitations.

Q17 “Narrative must describe the company’s commercial market experience and operations for

CCWV and each submitted platform along with length of experience.”; Please confirm that the response to this requirement is meant to be a single narrative under Factor 3, and NOT a subsection for each of the past performance examples submitted.

A17 The Past Performance Factor 3.i is a single narrative in accordance with the instructions.

Q18 Does “subcontractor” refer to the subcontractors proposed to perform on the RPM contract, or to subcontractors who performed on the referenced past performance example?

A18 The Government will evaluate subcontractors in accordance with E.10 Factor 3.

Q19 Please provide additional detailed instructions on the delivery process and location so

Offerors can plan accordingly. Will there be a security screening before official receipt? Which desk should Offerors visit upon arrival? Which office/room should receive the proposal? Etc.

A19 Proposals can be couriered to NAC- CSAS, ATTN: Star Yeo, Denver Logistic Center, 555 Corporate Circle, Golden, CO 80401 by the date and time listed in the solicitation. This is a secure facility in which access is through front entrance. Visitors will be screened by front desk personnel and must have valid state/federal identification. All individuals will need to follow federal facility access COVID requirements. (Mask).

Q20 Will the VA be providing an Excel spread sheet to use for the pricing proposal?

A20 No.

Q21 If the Vendor does not bid for an Optional Item at time of the initial proposal, is it possible to use the Tech Refresh process later to propose a platform or peripheral?

A21 No; Revised tech refresh language for clarity and added additional information on changes.

Refer to amendment 0002, Section 6.5.D.2 Tech Refresh.

Q22 Will contractors be allowed to offer platforms that are hosted through a hybrid on-premises and VAEC approach? For example, can a platform use hosted applications on a VAEC AWS instance and store data-at-rest on-premises at VA data centers? If so, how should an applicant complete line items 1a and 1b regarding the GSF in the pricing schedule to account for the use of a hybrid hosting approach? We would highly recommend consideration for a hybrid approach that allows for use of on-premises and VAEC hosting to minimize disruption and additional expense.

A22 Yes, any and all platforms would have to Authority to Operate security requirements as outlined in the contract.

Q23 If a vendor gets awarded the on premise GSF and the VA eventually elects to move 100% cloud will the vendor have the ability to do a tech refresh and transition to the Cloud? Would there be an opportunity to adjust the GSF should this happen?

A23 Pricing is to include both Cloud and Onprem through base and option periods. GSF is set in the initial proposal for base and all option periods, no revisions will be allowed.

Q24 According to the pricing schedule, it appears that the VA does not intend to bill a unit price for the IVR modem. As this could lead to a substantial increase to the GSF that the contractor would bill for all platforms (not just IVR modem), can the VA confirm that the IVR modem hardware price should be built into the GSF?

A24 As stated in the price schedule, the cellular service associated with the modem (for IVR and or Browser) should be included in the General Service Fee (GSF). Please refer to p. 54; 3.1.C- General Service Fee for further information. (See revised price schedule)

Q24 Section 3.1 Page 38 notes that a solution cannot be hosted on a private (non-VA) cloud and will be considered not responsive if proposed. If a contractor’s solution is hosted through VAEC and leverages SaaS solutions (i.e. Orbita) that reside outside of the VAEC, will the solution still be considered responsive?

A24 A pathway to leverage SaaS solutions that reside outside of the VAEC has not been established at this time. Any and all Platforms would have to meet all the security requirements as outlined in the contract. The SaaS would have to be FedRAMP certified at the data security categorization level and obtain any necessary VA Authority To Operate (ATO). All external connections shall have an ISA/MOU. The solution would be considered responsive, but a full evaluation would need to take place to determine the feasibility of the solution.

Q25 Section 3.4 (B) states that “(T)raining courses and materials shall comply with VA, VHA, and OCC branding and style; privacy guidelines and Section 508 requirements. What specific components of the VA branding standards should be incorporated into final co-branded versions of training materials? What is the preferred VA tool for 508 compliance testing?

A25 VA branding for co-developed projects between vendor and VA are found at:

https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/graphicstandards/va_graphicstandardsguide_508_011 3.pdf. Requirements for 508 compliance testing can be found at:

https://www.section508.gov/test/testing-overview

Q26 This question is in reference to section 3.1 – Item 4 - VA Data Center Environment and Sustainment - “The Contractor(s) shall provide support for the software on its server via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) authorized by VA through an Interconnection Security Agreement & Memorandum of Understanding (ISA/MOU). Currently, Citrix is utilized to connect to the VA environment. Is the expectation that there will be an additional VPN layer added, or will Citrix continue to be the method of connecting to the VA?

A26 At this time, Citrix Access Gateway (CAG) and RESCUE ( Remote Access Solution Cisco AnyConnect VPN) are the remote access solutions. All external connections shall have an

ISA/MOU.

Q27 Attachment I Minimum Technical Requirements Platforms and Peripherals

There are six references to clause 2.2.1, but the clause does not exist. It is not clear if this is a subset of 2.2, or a reference to clause 2.1 in total, or something that is just missing. Could you have someone clarify the requirements here.

A27 There is no 2.2.1 however please refer to Attachment I - 3 - Minimum Technical Requirements for Hub Platforms please refer to the Attachment I - Section 2 - Technical Requirements, in entirety, which includes 2.1 - Minimum Requirement for all RPM -HT Platforms and 2.2 - Optional Desired Capabilities for applicable Platforms.

Q28 Are companies bidding on the opportunity being judged on their size, number of years in business, and or financial strength as indicated by minimum annual gross and or net revenues etc.?

A28 Please review Section E in its entirety and on p. 122 for further clarification.

Q29 Is there any consideration planned to be given to minority or veteran owned businesses for this opportunity?

A29 This is an Unrestricted Full and Open competition.

Q30 Is this contract likely to be awarded to one (1) sole bidder at its conclusion or is VA planning to narrow the field down to a select group of finalists that will then demonstrate their capabilities’ and then be awarded the contract based on the bidder’s system’s performance capabilities?

A30 In accordance with section 4.4-Contract Type, the contract type selected for this acquisition is a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite- Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The VA will award up to four (4) multiple FFP IDIQs resulting from this solicitation.

Q31 Would VA require any bidders to jointly perform the contract?

A31 Please review Section E in its entirety on p. 122 for further clarification.

Q32 Would VA be able to indicate an existing VA vendor that currently provides VA with telehealth capabilities but is in need of RPM capabilities?

A32 Currently, VA has two Vendors who support this requirement. Medtronic (VA791-17-D-0004) and Cognasante (VA791-17-D-0001). Any communication with these companies will need to be done directly with the vendors as this is outside VA contracting control.

Q33 As the format for the CMP is prescribed and the information contained therein will become a security artifact, please consider removing this document from page limitations to ensure Offerors can provide complete and comprehensive information without restriction.

A33 The Technical Volume is increased to maximum of 750 pages.

Q34 Please provide dial-up details (1-800 number, credentials) for the POTS demo unit.

A34 Demonstrations will not require actual dial up actions via POTS. Please refer to page 136

Factor 4 Demonstrations and Working Samples for Instructions and then refer to page 151 Factor 4: Platform/Product Demonstration.

Q35 Clauses C.6 and C.7 are contradictory. It appears one of them should be deleted. Please clarify.

A35 Add 852.212-72 Gray Market and Counterfeit Items Gray Market and Counterfeit Items, in solicitations and contracts for new medical supplies, new medical equipment, new information technology equipment, and maintenance of medical or information technology equipment that includes replacement parts if used, refurbished, or remanufactured parts are unacceptable, when the associated solicitation includes FAR provisions 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, and 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items.

Q36 The RFP does not require bid or performance bonds. Under FAR 28.204-4 this clause should not be included; please delete.

A36 Thank you for the information, FAR Clause IBR will be deleted.

Q37 Attachment DD requires “RPM-HT Product Detail Form 6550 for all offered devices and peripherals” Attachment U states “This form is based on relevant fields from VA 6550.”

(emphasis added) Please confirm whether Attachment U fulfills this requirement, or whether a separate official Form 6550 is required.

A37 Refer to page 132 under Factor 1 - Subfactor 3.i, submit a completed Attachment U - RPM-HT Product Detail Form for each proposed platform/peripheral.

Q38 Should Attachment D be returned with the proposal?

A38 Attachment D - CRISP Mandatory Compliance Responsibility Memorandum does not need to be returned at time of proposal. This is for ATO process and will be required then.

Q39 “6.4.4 The COR’s assessment and recommended rating will be reviewed by the Contract Specialist /Contracting Officer to ensure sufficient justification. Upon completion of the Government’s annual assessment and rating of the Contractor’s performance, the assessment and rating will be officially recorded in the Past Performance Retrieval System (PPIRS).” PPIRS is no longer an extant system. We recommend removing this language from the RFP.

A39 Thank you for the information, Attachment BB - QASP will be revised once contract award is made with updated language on Past Performance reviews.

Q40 “Similar in size means the reference demonstrates past performance that meets or exceeds $10,000,000 in home telehealth services.” This language very narrowly defines what past performance references are applicable to the subject contract and limits the breadth of capabilities Offerors can demonstrate to the VA. Telehealth services can be applied in many contexts outside the home, and still have relevancy and applicability to this subject effort.

Additionally, associated services, such as call center management, are directly relevant to the subject contract without including “home telehealth services.” For example, Subfactor 1 states that relevant subcontractor experience “may include, but is not limited to, IT services and/or medical supplies.”

We recommend that the VA update this requirement to only apply to two of the past performance references. For the remainder of the references, the onus would be on Offerors to demonstrate relevancy through their narrative. This change would enable the VA to receive more information from Offerors to support a better evaluation process and aligns with the spirt of FAR part 11.002.

A40 Past performance is not limited to Government contracts. As stated in the instructions to offerors on page 135, Factor 3.iii: Furnish a list of no more than ten (10) references of Federal, State, local government, or commercial projects relevant to the scope, complexity, and magnitude of the work required under the solicitation with verifiable telephone numbers to support your past performance.

Q41 “For CLINs 13-26 – Optional Items” Is VA open to including optional service items at a firm fixed price in these CLINS?

A41 No additional optional items that are not listed will be allowed to be proposed at this time.

Q42 The VA will determine the number of sessions in each VA Standardized DMP. All approved vendor platforms shall be capable of accepting up to 150 sessions. Please define “sessions” in this context.

A42 A session is defined as one full days’ worth of content for an individual veteran.

Q43 “Provide two topological diagrams (data center and cloud) and two narratives that reflect the offeror’s processes and understanding of the requirements in section 3.1 of the PWS (see Attachment A).” What creative latitude do Offerors have in formatting these diagrams?

For example, may we use our own icons as long as they are clear and 508 compliant, or are we required to use standard Microsoft/Visio icons?

A43 The software the document is created in requires Microsoft/Visio. Specific Icons placed in the documents do not to need meet standardized specifications as long as they are visible and readable.

Q45 Video hub requirements require connections over WiFi and/or Cellular (Section 8.1 K, page 7, Attachment I) to ensure video capabilities work sufficiently. It also says the Video Hub must adhere to all requirements for the Hub device (Section 8.1 A, page 7, Attachment I).

The hub device requirements say that Hub device must transmit via POTS and Cellular (Section 3.2 D, page 3, Attachment I). Will the Video Hub be required to connect and transmit over POTS?

A45 The Video Hub is not required to connect and transmit over POTS.

Q46 Minimum Requirements for all RPM-HT Platforms (Section 2.1 C, Page 1, Attachment I) says that all data transmitted wirelessly shall meet FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards or its successor.

Will BYOD devices used with Mobile App technology be required to meet FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards? As FIPS 140-2 Level 2 requires additional hardware to provide security, this is not something commonly available in consumer phones and tablets.

A46 BYOD devices would not be required to meet FIPS 140-2.

Q47 Spirometer is a “required” peripheral for use with the IVR modem. You show volume of approximately 100 per month; however, order history has been much less during the current contract. Could this be listed as an “optional” peripheral rather than required peripheral?

A47 The Spirometer will remain a required peripheral.

Q48 Will GovCloud costs (AWS native service, EC2 run costs, etc.) be billed back to the Vendor?

A48 No Q49 Our video hub device will be designed to connect to a Pexip server through WebRTC. Will the vendor be responsible for provisioning their own Pexip infrastructure or will patients connect directly to the EVTN Pexip infrastructure? The RFP mentions interoperability with Pexip.

A49 No; Vendors will not be responsible for providing their own Pexip infrastructure.

Q50 Is the expectation that the price for each CLIN is the same in Year 1 as Year 8? Are vendors able to price each CLIN at different prices each year to account for inflation and other increases?

A50 Vendors are encouraged to use best business practices to price proposal appropriately for base award and options. (Note: this is a Firm-Fixed-Price requirement and should be priced accordingly)

Q51 Under attachment I 5.3.B., regarding minimum requirements for mobile applications, it states that “vendors should have the capability of transmitting vital signs via vendor-provided modem connected to Bluetooth peripherals and transmitting vital signs by manual entry depending on the need of the patient.” If the proposed mobile application can couple with Bluetooth peripheral devices through the Veteran-owned or VA-provided smart device -

- without use of a separate modem – can the mobile application be offered without also offering a modem? Does the VA expect the contractor to supply a mobile hotspot to provide cellular connectivity for Veterans who don’t independently have WiFi or cellular connectivity? If a vendor-supplied hotspot/modem is required for connectivity, how can the vendor charge/bill for the hardware and monthly associated fees for providing such connectivity?

A51 Yes, mobile app will be offered without modem; No, the vendor does not need to provide a mobile hotspot device; Modem cellular service is covered in the GSF; a hotspot device is not a contracted item.

Q52 Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMA) Section 2 Logistics: It states that the return shipment supplies at minimum will include “, the return shipment must have the device, completed Attachment T (copy), a return label and instructions for return.” Do we need to have the Attachment T (Copy) form in the Return Supplies box? If the defective devices are coming back to MCMS from the patient there is no need for us to have this form because the processes in place already tell us who these devices belong to and whether they are warranty replaced. Having that form printed and sent with the return device to the patient/clinician adds another step and does not add value for us at MCMS.

A52 Refer to page 76, C.1 - Initiation under Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) - Attachment T is to be sent to DLC via email and not inside the box.

Q53 Section 3.3 –Customer Service Section A. states: “Contractor(s) shall create and manage all active user accounts (approximately 100,000 staff and patients) in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 requirements.

(https://www.va.gov/vapubs/Search_action.cfm?FormNo=6500).” As a vendor, we do not have visibility to VA HR resources to determine who is currently employed with the VA and who is not. Can we get more clarification to what they mean by “manage and create” user Will the VA provide clear instructions as it pertains to the management and creation of user accounts without having proper visibility to employment statuses or roles to grant or manage access. The word “manage” can mean account auditing and clean up. We want to avoid being on the hook for this.

A53 Vendors are not responsible to manage information for which they do not have access to. VA has a quarterly access control review process to manage information that vendors do not have visibility to.

Q54 Does this apply to VA DMP’s? Would the Government price based on small, medium or large size/effort of DMP to regulate costs?

A54 CLIN 1-8-New/Initial Vendor Developed DMP for a required VA developed DMP should be priced in accordance with vendor best business practice. This CLIN is reserved for when ther VA requires a new DMP.

Q55 For IVR with Modem and/or Platform – Mobile App, the pricing structure has optional Y/N MSRP and monthly service fee (MO) included in GSF. Please confirm, is it allowable to submit MSRP for Modem, and also MSRP for Mobile App?

A55 Please refer to amended price schedule, CLIN 127 for Modem. Yes, please provide MSPR for Modem. Mobile app monthly service fee is included in GSF.

Q56 Optional Peripherals: Must the optional peripherals be interoperable with the submitted Platform, or added later? If for example, we offer ECG, but it is not currently integrated with the Platform, may it be added later?

A56 See amendment for details concerning tech refresh on page 79, under section 6.5 Q57 In the interest of the VA and Veterans, we would recommend that this language be updated to allow Contractors to provide replacements that are equal to or newer/better than the defective device, as technology will continuously be refreshed.

A57 See amendment for details concerning tech refresh on page 79, under section 6.5 Q58 Due to pages being portrait, landscape, and foldouts would the Government please consider removing the requirement that proposals shall utilize both sides of the paper?

A58 No in accordance with page 96 in solicitation under Clause 52.204-4 - Printed Copied Double-

Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper.

Q59 The Configuration Management Plan Template is 21 pages can the completed file be submitted as an Appendix and be outside of page count?

A59 No, Configuration Management Plan is considered part of the page count.

Q60 Page 131 Subfactor 1 - Production System ii. Submit your company’s and if applicable any subcontractors/joint venture/teaming Organizational Information Technology Security Policy.

If this is referring to the SSP it is over 200 pages long. Would the Government, please consider these documents as an Appendix and be outside of page count?

A60 The Technical Volume is increased to maximum of 750 pages.

Q61 pg 131 Subfactor 1 – Production RPM-HT System requirements

iii. Provide company data breach plan along with a list of any data breaches within the last three years that include actions taken to mitigate future data breaches.

Subfactor 1 – Production RPM-HT System requirements

iii. Provide company data breach plan along with a list of any data breaches within the last three years that include actions taken to mitigate future data breaches.

Subfactor 1 – Production RPM-HT System requirements

iii. Provide company data breach plan along with a list of any data breaches within the last three years that include actions taken to mitigate future data breaches.

If this is referring to the incident response plan (IRP) it is several pages in length. Would the Government please consider these documents as an Appendix and be outside of page count?

A61 Exclude IRP and Change Management Plan from page count.

Q62 It states Windows server 2012/R2 is approved however the VA TRM states Windows server

2012/R2 is divested. We intend to follow the TRM and use Windows Server 2019, is this correct?

A62 Correct, Vendors are expected to follow the Technical Reference Model (TRM) and use the current Windows release. The TRM can be accessed at http://trm.oit.va.gov/.

Q63 A&D offerors small, medium, and wide range BP monitors. Will the VA offer all sizes, or shall offerors submit as optional?

A63 Offerors shall not submit separate priced sizes.

Q64 Shall offerors submit the Attachment version of the 6550, or to save space, may we replicate and use our own version?

A64 In accordance with page 132 - Factor 1 - Subfactor 3.i. - submit a completed Attachment U -

RPM-HT Product Detail Form for each proposed platform/peripheral Q65 Can the Government provide the total liability of liquidated damages based on the current or projected number of impacted individuals?

A65 In accordance with page 14, IT Contract Security 7.a the amount of $40 per affected individuals to cover the cost of providing credit protection services for one year to affected individuals and page 104 the clause C.3 52.211-11, pay to the Government liquidated damages of $645.00 per calendar day of delay of services and supplies.

Q66 Attachment U is an Excel spreadsheet that is several pages long and for 3 platform/peripherals. Can Attachment U be submitted as separate Excel files and be outside of page count?

A66 Attachment U is excluded from page limitations.

Q67 “DMP’s to be used for the demonstration are heart failure for first platform and diabetes mellitus for second platform. If a third platform is offered the offeror may demonstrate using either heart failure or diabetes mellitus DMP. Instructions for demonstrations are as follows and shall be used for each platform being demonstrated in the prescribed order (“a” thru “d” below for first platform, then “a” thru “d” for second platform, then “e”. Bullet “f” to be evaluated by Source Selection Team outside of the allocated demonstration time): “

If > 3 platforms are offered, may the offeror select the DMP’s, or shall we continue to use heart failure and/or diabetes mellitus DMP’s?

A67 For alternate platforms being offered the offeror may demonstrate using either heart failure or diabetes mellitus DMP.

Q68 Product samples. When required.... unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government and returned at the sender’s request and expense unless they are destroyed during pre-award testing. If offeror would like samples returned, is it acceptable to indicate this and include return shipping label?

A68 Yes, offeror should indicate and provide return label.

Q69 Will the Government please confirm that the migration of services into the VAEC is to be performed by the winners of this contract and not by the Enterprise Cloud Services Office

(ECSO).

A69 The program office has not determined when this contract will use Enterprise Cloud Services.

Q70 Would VA consider adding or allowing an OPTIONAL CLIN 1-27 and greater to allow Offerors to include non-mentioned clinical innovations for consideration? Please confirm if added this that these items will not be included in the offeror price evaluation.

A70 No additional optional items that are not listed will be allowed to be proposed at this time.

Q71 Due to the length of DMP’s, would VA consider allowing DMP’s to be included an Appendix?

A71 Submitted DMPs will count towards the Technical Volume page count of 750.

Q72 Requirement states “Proposals shall be bound in [comb binders]”. Will the Government consider allowing three ring binders in consideration of proposal volume size?

A72 Yes, Three Ring Binders will be allowed for proposal submittals.

Q73 Please confirm that these requirements are not applicable for CCWV Care Coordinator Web

Viewer Platform (CCWV).

A73 Confirmed, Not required for CCWV.

Q74 Would the Government add a column in Section B for total price per CLIN and lines for total evaluated price to ensure all contractors price in accordance with Evaluation Factor 5 to ease the evaluation by the Government.

A74 The government will not add columns or total evaluation price to current Pricing Schedule.

Q75 Should offerors include POTS in the cloud topology diagram? If yes, can the Government identify who will host the gateways to support the POTS connection? Currently the VA provides the dial-in number.

A75 Refer to section E.1 p. 130-131, factor 1, subfactor 1, 1.i.b; Gateway will be identified at time of award.

Q76 The RFP references VA standards for systems hosted in the VA data center locations. Can the VA supply standard hosts for that environment, and, if so, what costs should be included for that?

A76 VA is the host and Does Not charge for VA hosted sites.

Q77 Does the VA allow and have standards for hosting applications in Docker Containers?

A77 Proposed platforms must meet requirements outline in solicitation to be granted Authority to Operate. Please review solicitation and attachments in entirety to understand the minimum technical requirements.

Q78 Is travel to perform training and other system related duties a separately reimbursed cost?

A78 Travel is not reimbursable. Refer to General Service Fee section for training costs.

Q79 How will the contractor be paid from the period covering the date of award and the activities required to implement and deploy the system to the time when the contractor is able to bill the VA for veterans being served through the system? Meaning, will the VA pay the contractor for development and implementation costs?

A79 Not specifically, Historically, development and implementation costs are included in the GSF.

Awardees are eligible to invoice once they have achieved an ATO, successfully completed the associated, required deliverables explained in Attachment FF and received a notice to proceed. In addition, awardees are guaranteed the minimum contract value of $100k at the end of the base period in accordance with section 4.3.

Q80 Please clarify if all equipment being provided as part of the contract will be shipped to the DLC warehouse in Denver or if items will be shipped to veterans being served at their homes as well.

A80 Confirmed, all contract items will be shipped to DLC.

Q81 Where in the proposal should offerors place cover letters?

A81 Cover letters can be provided in Volume II - Technical Proposal Q82 Are cover letters excluded from the page count limits?

A82 No cover letters are not excluded from page count.

Q83 Please confirm offerors can use a font size less than 12 point for tables, header/footer information, and disclaimer on the cover?

A83 Font size shall be limited to a minimum of 12, except for diagrams and drawings where impractical. Tables shall be a minimum of 10 Font size.

Q84 Can offerors "hand deliver" hard copies of the proposal?

A84 Proposals can be couriered to NAC- CSAS, ATTN: Star Yeo, Denver Logistic Center, 555

Corporate Circle, Golden, CO 80401 by the date and time listed in the solicitation. This is a secure facility in which access is through front entrance. Visitors will be screened by front desk personnel and must have valid state/federal identification. All individuals will need to follow federal facility access COVID requirements. (Mask).

Q85 Are examples of past performance experience excluded from page count limits? Also, is there a limit to the number of pages for each?

A85 In accordance to section E.1 Factor 3.i, Provide a written comprehensive narrative describing: up to ten (10) examples of experience (Prime and Subcontractors, or teaming arrangements) on current or previous contract(s) over the past five (5) years which is relevant to this solicitation in terms of complexity, size, type and scope of the PWS. This counts as part of the Technical Volume page limitations.

Q86 Bidders are asked to submit GSF pricing for both hosting options: on premise of VA Data Center; and VA Enterprise Cloud. We understand that VA will select and award only one solution per vendor. Can we therefore assume that VA's award to a bidder will be the same for all base and option years (i.e., all years are Data Center, or all Cloud), and that any subsequent move (between on premise and VAEC) will be via change request?

A86 Yes, any change to move from On Premises to Cloud will required a change order modification.

Q87 What is the purpose of the product working samples being provided alongside the proposal?

For example, are they simply for visual inspection?

A87 In accordance with Section E.1 Factor 4, Product Demonstrations are required and will be evaluated in accordance to Factor 4 standards.

Q88 Please define "working samples" for the product to be supplied for the bid. For example, do devices need to be provisioned and configured as if ready for Veteran use, or are they to be as shipped by the OEM?

A88 Read the instructions to offerors for proposal submission requirements for Factor 4 Platform Demonstrations & Working Samples.

Q89 A Commercial customer (private sector) has confirmed their reluctance to provide precise contract value, for legitimate confidentiality reasons. Please confirm that a customer is allowed to attest that the contract value is >$10m, without being more specific.

A89 Yes, the government wants to know the actual contract amount referenced. If the information is proprietary, please mark accordingly.

Q90 5-6, 5-7 and 5-8 are repeated for Years Six. Please clarify that for year 6 they should read 6-6, 6-7 and 6-8.

A90 Corrected Option Period Six to reflect CLN s as 6-6, 6-7 and 6-8.

Q91 Are letters of Intent from Subcontractors required?

A91 Letters of Intent will be required upon Subcontract Plan Approval after award.

Q92 Please define "multiple report views”, “tailoring" and "standard reports".

A92 Multiple Report Views is defined more than one; Attachments pg. 248. V and W.

Q93 Please define "dual acknowledgment for device shutdown."

A93 System requirement that is a confirmation of the initial selection, in this case for device shutdown. Also known as a confirmation pop up.

Q94 Does the VA foresee that an individual care coordinator may service Veterans across multiple VISNs?

Q94 Yes as clinically appropriate as outlined in the requirements under Attachment I - Section 6 -

Minimum Requirements for Care Coordinator Web Viewer Platform (CCWV) 6.2.C.

Q95 Is FIPS 140-2 a requirement for all supported medical devices?

A95 Yes, and is required on Attachment U - Product Detail Form Q96 Please confirm that "…demonstrate all required peripheral devices" means peripherals required by the DMP being demonstrated.

A96 All required peripheral devices.

Q89 How many Veterans in the RPM-HT programs on average use a dial-up POTS connection to transfer data on a daily and annual basis?

A98 VA has a requirement to offer multiple options for veterans to connect various platforms, including POTS.

Q99 How many Veterans in the RPM-HT program on an IVR platform are using a modem connection to transfer peripheral data on a daily and annual basis?

A99 The modem is required for the IVR and Web browser platforms.

Q100 Does the VA require tracking a prescription (Rx) for any of the peripheral management technologies for required platforms? Example: Nonin 3230 Pulse Ox provided by DLC.

A100 All peripherals for the RPM-HT program are tracked through the Remote Order Entry System

(ROES).

Q101 Will VA accept a cloud-based solution?

A101 VA will consider its internal readiness to implement the cloud solution and reserves the right to award either “on premise” or “cloud” solutions, depending on which is in the best interest of the Government.

Q102 What CCOW controls are used by the government to support this program?

A102 Refer to attachment P.

Q103 What system security scans would be used by the VA in contractor environments?

A103 See eMASS Authorization SOP in attachment C.

Q104 If contractor uses a cloud based IVR what security requirements would need to be met in order to support a back-end cloud to VA Enterprise cloud integration?

Q104 See eMASS Authorization SOP in attachment C.

Q105 Is Cerner integration required to establish IOC and achieve a provisional ATO?

A105 Refer to section 3.1.3a Step 5 Q106 Is FHIR capability to integrate patient generated data required at time of submission?

A106 Yes Q107 Would the Government allow offerors to leverage existing VA Video Conferencing infrastructure? If not, would offers use existing VA Pexip licenses? Can the Government provide integration points for their Pexip infrastructure?

A107 Refer to PWS section 7, p. 52-53.

Q108 Does the "wide variety of personal devices" the offeror is required to support include all tablets - both iOS and Android based?

A108 Refer to attachment I for requirements on mobile app, p. 4.

Q109 If an offered platform uses components from two separate vendors (i.e., app from one vendor and Hub Equipment from another vendor) and each of those components have been used separately for at least 6 months of commercial use but have not been sold together as a complete platform package - will that meet this requirement?

A109 Yes Q110 Although only 2 of the 3 are required - the evaluation factor notes that offers providing all 3 will be rated more favorably.

To increase the competition to include potential offerors beyond the incumbent contractors, would the VA consider requiring only 1 platform offering and not evaluating vendors more favorably if they submit all 3?

A110 No. 2 of 3 platforms are required for proposal.

Q111 Will the VA provide a roster of existing active user accounts or will contractor be required to create and manage only those referred to our services? How will that roster be updated regularly?

A111 VA will not provide a roster; this must be managed by the vendor.

Q112 What 508 assessment tool does the Government use?

A112 VA branding for co-developed projects between vendor and VA are found at:

https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/graphicstandards/va_graphicstandardsguide_508_01 13.pdf. Requirements for 508 compliance testing can be found at:

https://www.section508.gov/test/testing-overview

Q113 Does all vendor training content need to be loaded into SCORM?

A113 10) Clinical training for telehealth equipment, platforms, and software shall conform to the

Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) standard for e-learning interoperability and shall be produced as a compiled Shareable Content Object (SCO). The Contractor(s) shall upload, launch, and maintain all training plans, courses, and materials in the appropriate OCC training portal, which are currently hosted using the Drupal Content Management Framework, LifeRay Content Management System, Blackboard Learn Platform, and/or VA’s Talent Management System (TMS). The Contractor(s) shall deliver digital health technology training to VA clinicians and staff as well as Veteran end-users both virtually and on-site. The Contractor(s) shall also provide production and logistical support for training delivery

Q114 The FDA defines a "convenience kit" as a medical device that contains two or more different medical devices packaged together and intended to remain packaged together and not to be replaced, substituted, repackaged, sterilized, or otherwise processed or modified before being used by an end user. Does the VA consider two or more devices delivered through the DLC to constitute a convenience kit?

A114 No, this solicitation does not call for a convenience kit.

Q115 How does ROES communicate new patient enrollments/disenrollment’s to the vendor's system?

A115 Currently, ROES does not exchange data directly with the vendor system.

Q116 Can the VA please clarify if the reference to teaming arrangement is for Prime Teaming

Arrangements (e.g., Co-Primes) or for any subcontractors that are part of a prime team (even if not a Joint Venture).

A116 The reference at E.1 Instructions to Offerors refers to any form of teaming arrangement.

Q117 Does Government provide a PPP server for receiving calls and connecting them to the VA network? Does government allow a third-party dialup service such as AOL for POTS connections?

A117 25 on qa2 Q118 Can VHA provide their Disease Management Protocols?

A118 Disease Management Protocols are listed in PWS section 3.2.A p. 57.

Q119 Can a teaming agreement be recognized if it working through the SAM.Gov process? Would a Letter of Intention or other documentation suffice for the VHA to recognize a teaming agreement?

A119 In accordance to Section E.1 Factor 3 - Past Performance, Joint- Ventures or Teaming Arrangements must be registered in SAM.gov by proposal due date.

Q120 Does the VA already have the questions and logic for the DMPs, or do we need to suggest some?

A120 VA has questions and logic for VHA DMPs.

Q121 Does Government provide a PPP server for receiving calls and connecting them to the VA network? Does government allow a third-party dialup service such as AOL for POTS connections?

A121 VA Data Centers use dial-up service with RAS servers. 3rd party vendors can be utilized as long as the requirements are met. The vendor is responsible for their 3rd party arrangements.

Q122 Can a smartphone be used as a "hub" device?

A122 As defined in Attachment AA, pg 2, definitions. Stationary device that has capability to transmit data via Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) and cellular communication channels.

Excludes mobile device and Interactive Voice Response. A mobile device in a stand or docking station is NOT considered a Hub.

Q123 Is POTS connectivity mandatory for the "hub"?

A123 Yes Q124 Do all peripheral devices need to be pre-paired to the hub device?

A124 No. It is expected awardees will have instructions/customer service for Veterans to pair devices upon receipt.

Q125 Does the Mobile Device Management (MDM), such as AirWatch, need to be hosted inside the VA network or can the SaaS version of this product be used?

A125 Any applications or SaaS shall be hosted within the VAEC (VA Enterprise Cloud) environment.

Q126 When the Emergency Management Patient Classification field was added to our software, we were directed not to make it a required field. Attachment V, section 3, page 7 indicates this field is now “mandatory”? Is this correct?

A126 Yes, it is mandatory.

Q127 Document 36C79121R008, page 57: this page states vendor platforms shall be capable of accepting up to 150 sessions. We can build DMPs with a maximum of 100 individual days of health checks and then restart, typically on day 2. Does this meet your requirements?

A127 A session is defined as one full days’ worth of content for an individual veteran.

Q128 On Clin 1.8 New/initial Vendor developed DMP and implementation it shows that it is a required CLIN with its own price but then on page 59 it states Vendor DMP’s for use will be included in the cost of the general service fee. Can you clarify if Clin 1.8 is to support the development and implementation fees of the vendor DMP?

A128 This CLIN is reserved for when the VA requires a new DMP to be developed. CLIN 1-8- New/Initial Vendor Developed DMP for a required VA developed DMP should be priced in accordance with vendor best business practice.

Q129 Offerors may be unable to release their Organizational Information Technology Security Policy due to proprietary or sensitive information. Would the government accept a cybersecurity readiness score, or similar evidence of a strong security policy in lieu of the policy itself?

A129 You must provide the documents in accordance to the instructions to offerors outlined in section E. If its proprietary, please mark each page with the following:

1. Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government’s right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

2. Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.”

Offerors may seek to have the government execute a non-disclosure agreement. Although the government is not prohibited from entering into such agreements, it is often highly resistant to do so. Contracting officers can generally point to the statutes and regulations as adequate protection for an offeror’s data.

Q130 In RFP Sec. E.10 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS, VA states that, “[…] VA will consider its internal readiness to implement the cloud solution and reserves the right to award either “on premise” or “cloud” solutions, depending on which is in the best interest of the Government.” Can VA share the specific decision criteria and definitions/measures as to how the VA determines whether an application will be hosted on-premises or in the cloud?

A130 VA will not share decision criteria.

Q131 Does VA require that all components of the RPM-HT solution are FedRAMP High? Or are there components where FedRAMP Moderate might be sufficient? If so, please specify which components of VA’s requirements enable flexibility of FedRAMP compliance.

A131 Yes, All components require FedRAMP high.

Q132 If a mobile device (such as an android tablet) is paired with a charging/communications cradle and a POTS interface adaptor, would that be considered a “hub”?

A132 As defined in Attachment AA, pg 2, definitions. Stationary device that has capability to transmit data via Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) and cellular communication channels.

Excludes mobile device and Interactive Voice Response. A mobile device in a stand or docking station is NOT considered a Hub.

Q133 Is the contractor required to supply all infrastructure equipment, ie.