2.2.1- A0001 Vendor Questions_Responses_RFP 70B06C26R00000017.docx

RFP 70B06C26R000000017- Vendor Questions and Government Responses

Ref/Sentence Question/Comment/Response

This section of the RFP references suitability from Tier 4 and Tier 5 investigations. However, section 8.1.1.1 pg 123 of the SOW states this program is considered “sensitive but unclassified”.

The final risk designation is high risk/public trust.

Most likely T4; however, only CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), Personnel Security Division (PSD) will make that final determination after award. Please note that some investigations may only require a T2 but only CBP OPR PSD can confirm once an award is made.

Unclassified.

See response above.

Confirm that the government does not consider service providers within the contractor’s provider network to be subcontractors.

Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

The government cannot provide an updated list at this time. An updated list will be provided upon award.

Can the contractor submit evidence of participation in SBA’s Mentor Protégé Program as part of Volume V.

Yes.

Section 9.6.1, (page 130)

Will the Government revise the requirement in the deliverables table and the 9.6.1 requirement to state 'to be provided prior to the contract start date' for specimen collector staff and specimen collector clinics?

The Government may consider revising this requirement.

Do the references used for the Past Performance Questionnaire and the Prior Experience Questionnaire need to be the same or can they be different? In other words, please confirm the 3 references from Past Performance Questionnaire and Prior Experience need to be the same 3.

The references used for the Past Performance Questionnaire and the Prior Experience Questionnaire may be the same or different. The selection of references is at the discretion of the offeror.

Once the Past Performance Questionnaires are completed by the customer, are they to be sent directly to CBP or sent back directly to the vendor (for inclusion in Volume II)?

Completed Past Performance Questionnaires should be returned to the offeror for inclusion in Volume II of their proposal submission.

Attachment 4 - Price Proposal Template only appears to list service quantities for Candidates (PRE) and not Employees (POST) with the exception of Blind Sample drug testing (CLIN 1037). Will the only Employee (POST) services conducted be those listed on Attachment 4 on an "as-needed" basis?

The price proposal template has been updated.

The volume of individual services listed in Attachment 4 Price Template are significantly higher (e.g. pre-employment medical exams - 135,000) than the historical volumes of requested services listed in Table I of the SOW. Please confirm the estimated quantities in Attachment 4 for the base year and each of the option years are intended to be consistent for each year (e.g. 135,000 pre-employment exams).

A previous question was asked "Will the Government provide all exam forms and medical standards with the release of the formal solicitation?", to which CBP responded "Yes". Can the Government please provide?

These documents are critical in the preparation of our technical proposal (and pricing template), as well as oral presentation to ensure an appropriate and comprehensive solution to CBP is provided.

For the NPD portion of the contract, examination forms and medical standards will be provided to the successful vendor due to privacy reasons. The general examination is a comprehensive examination of the employee, similar to that used by primary care physicians. It does not require specialized testing.

For the HC portion of the contract, copies of the Medical Requirements, Candidate Medical Exam, and PFT manuals are now provided.

The SOW references several appendices and attachments that inform the scope of services and pricing assumptions. For proposal completeness, please provide copies of the CHHQ and exam attachments (#17A, #17C, and #17E, #10A - #10G) with the Q&A response.

Copies of the Medical Requirements, Candidate Medical Exam, and PFT manuals are now provided.

Will CBP be conducting any large scale collection/medical events at one location. If so, please provide expected requirements (e.g. number of candidates, locations, number of days, service types, how many events, etc.)

CBP has over 600 locations throughout the US and continental. Annually we test approximately 200 of these locations. Of the 200 locations, several are large locations and we may test up to 600 employees from either location. Service will be needed for collections. The number of events will vary annually because they are randomly selected.

On Attachment 4 where quantities are listed as "0", please confirm whether we still need to provide an "each" price ?

Please confirm whether the pre-employment medical exam for all positions only includes: medical history, blood pressure, height, weight, corrected and uncorrected visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, HRR color vision, pure tone audiometry and medical opinion, are there any additional components?

The Pre-Employment Medical Exam includes: medical history review, vision testing (depth perception, peripheral vision, visual acuity, color vision), audiology testing, height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and a physical examination. Copies of the Medical Requirements and Candidate Medical Exam are now provided.

Please provide a breakdown of fitness test components for BPA, CBPO, and AMO.

The pre-employment fitness tests consist of three test components – sit-ups, push-ups, and a step test (either 4” or 5” step depending on position). Copies of the PFT manuals are now provided.

Please clarify the service requirements under CLIN1010-1023 non-psychiatric consultations. Does this entail interaction with the applicant/incumbent? And does this entail having additional appointments with examining physicians?

Section 2.4 references incumbent employees and the Mental Health Reviewing Consultant’s review. The IME reviews occur after the IME. Return to Work Reviews are reviews of documentation.

Please clarify the service requirements under CLIN1024-1030 psychiatric consultations. Does this entail interaction with the applicant/incumbent? The SOW references attachments #23 and #24 for these services. Please provide with Q&A response.

Attachment #23 is the Mental Health Consult Decision Template. Attachment #24 is the Mental Health Screener Decision Template. The Screener will likely include online questionnaire responses and a telephone interview with the applicant; while the consult decision is based on a review of medical records and documentation provided by the applicant, not interaction with the applicant. Also see response to Item #17.

Is a specific standardized comprehensive psychological assessment tool/survey required for the pre/post-psychiatric specialist consultation or does the Contractor propose a comprehensive psychological screening tool for approval?

The psychiatric specialist will conduct an examination that answers specific questions related to the employee’s fitness for duty.

Please confirm that the pre-employment medical exam components for exams conducted overseas are the same as those for CONUS?

This is correct.

For overseas pre-employment medical exams, is HRR color vision test required or are other color vision tests acceptable?

HRR testing is required.

4.1.3.4.1-4.1.3.4.7 provide the elements of measurement in the medical examination for applicants. Please confirm if there are any other elements of the examination that need to be conducted including cognitive health screening, etc.

The Pre-Employment Medical Exam includes: medical history review, vision testing (depth perception, peripheral vision, visual acuity, color vision), audiology testing, height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and a physical examination. Copies of the Medical Requirements and Candidate Medical Exam are now provided.

4.1.3.4.1-4.1.3.4.7 provide the elements of measurement in the medical examination for applicants. Please confirm if these are the same elements of measurement for employee examinations. Please confirm if there are any other elements of the examination that need to be conducted including cognitive health screening, etc. for employees

The Pre-Employment Medical Exam includes: medical history review, vision testing (depth perception, peripheral vision, visual acuity, color vision), audiology testing, height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and a physical examination. Copies of the Medical Requirements and Candidate Medical Exam are now provided.

For the Mental Health Reviewing Consultant role, would an MD or DO with occupational board certification and relevant experience in law enforcement evaluations be acceptable?

The requirements in the SOW must be met.

Under CLIN1001 - IME including physician review, are there any additional CLINs to account for large number of documents on a particular case?

Regarding CLIN1026 please provide details on the services needed. Please provide Attachment #24. Is the agency using a specific screening tool such as MMPI or Inwald Personality Inventory?

At present, we are using MMPI but this may be altered.

Please specify the process CBP utilizes in the administration of Psych screening tests. Different agencies use these tests in various manners.

We are uncertain of what this question is asking.

Please confirm that the pre-employment PFT1 test components for testing conducted overseas are the same as those for CONUS?

This is correct.

For CLIN1042 Pre-Employment on-site Drug Testing, please confirm what is the minimum number of donors that would be ordered? And will CBP be proving the venue?

CBP has a requirement for these services on an as-needed basis. At this time, we do not have an anticipated volume or frequency of use, but the requirement is included to ensure the capability is available should the need arise.

Please confirm if an EKG is required in any of the examinations. If so, which exams?

For NPD, it is possible that an EKG may be required as a component of the general examination. Currently EKGs are not required for the Pre-Employment Medical Exam.

In light of the final RFP release and associated updates, including refined technical, system, and security requirements, will the Government consider extending the proposal due date to allow offerors sufficient time to fully evaluate the requirements, coordinate with teaming partners, and submit a complete and compliant proposal?

Item 2 on page 2 states there will be a single award for an IDIQ contract with Firm Fixed Price task orders; Section I.4 on page 8 states any resultant award will be a Firm Fixed Price IDIQ Contract and goes on to say this is a single award IDIQ for the issuance of Firm Fixed Price or Fixed Unit Price task orders; Section II.72 on page 52 states orders will be placed against the IDIQ on a Firm Fixed Unit Price (FUP) basis; Section III.8 on page 68 states there will be a single award IDIQ contract that allows for Firm Fixed Price of (sic) Fixed Unit Priced task orders. Please confirm the type of task orders that will be issued under any awarded IDIQ contract.

Fixed Unit Price task orders will be awarded.

The header for Section II.67 states 52.233-3 Protest After Award, but the description below is for stop-work orders. Please confirm if this reference should be for protest after award or for stop-work orders, or should both be included.

The language in the clause is correct. The clause is designed to manage the risks and administrative actions associated with a protest after award, ensuring both parties know their rights and obligations during and after a stop-work order related to a protest. The process involves immediate procedural actions by the government and establishes clear contractual mechanisms to manage the situation. The process for dealing with a protest after award can be broken down into two main areas: immediate procedural responses and the management of contractual and financial consequences. When an agency receives a protest after an award has been made, the Contracting Officer (CO) must take specific, immediate actions. If a protest is filed within 10 days after the award or 5 days after a debriefing (whichever is later), the CO is required to immediately suspend the contractor's performance. However, there are exceptions. Performance can continue if there is a written justification for urgent and compelling reasons, or if it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government. Such a determination requires a formal written document (a Determination and Findings) that must be coordinated with legal counsel.

The Federal government will require administrative level access.

Please confirm whether the required IT platform is intended to be provided as a contractor-owned, contractor-operated system for use during contract performance, or if the Government expects delivery, transfer, or licensing of the system or underlying software.

The platform is intended to be contractor-owned and operated, but accessible to CBP personnel, Contractor personnel, and candidates as stated in the SOW. The data within the contractor’s system will be considered Government-owned data subject to delivery with rights under the contract.

The data will be considered Government data subject to delivery with rights under the contract.

Alternative methods may be acceptable at the Government’s discretion.

Integrations with existing CBP systems will be required.

Yes.

Contractor’s IT platform.

NPD is unable to provide surge volumes.

CBP HC is unable to provide expected surge volumes – volumes of services are dependent upon congressionally mandated hiring targets and volume of applications received.

For NPD, the contractor will be given information to prepare for drug testing events.

For CBP HC, the Government will be in frequent communication with the Contractor to notify of any anticipated changes in volume with as much notice as possible.

For NPD, 24/7 support is limited to drug and alcohol testing notifications.

Expectations will be approved on an individual basis.

The expected frequency – daily, format – varies, but is typically via email, level of detail – varies. For NPD, status reporting is not expected on a daily basis, but reports are expected per the schedule in the SOW and upon request.

CBP retains full authority for all final recommendations.

Please see SOW.

The contractor may propose a tailored approach, but this must be approved and reviewed by CBP prior to implementation. CBP reserves the right to approve or suggest the QCP format.

Both.

The Government will have ownership of the rights of the pre-existing contractor-developed software and any enhancements made during the contract performance.

e).

Page Size and Format The RFP states “In those instances where reduction is allowable, Offerors shall ensure that the print is easily readable; no less than 8 point font on graphs and 10 point font on tables. Tables cannot be block texts.”

Please clarify the Government’s definition of “block texts” in this context. Specifically, does this mean that tables should not contain paragraphs or dense narrative text, and should instead be limited to concise entries such as labels, bullets, or brief phrases and/or sentences?

Correct. In this context, “block texts” refers to lengthy paragraphs or dense narrative text within tables. Tables should be limited to concise entries such as labels, bullets, brief phrases, or short sentences. The intent is to ensure tables are easily readable and not used to circumvent page limitations by including large amounts of narrative content.

4) iii.

Volume VI - Cost/Price Proposal (Written Submission) The RFP states, “Volume VI - Cost/Price Proposal (Written Submission)…Refer to “Attachment 4 – CBP Medical Services Price Proposal Template” to submit pricing”.

Please clarify whether the Cost/Price Proposal is required to include both (1) a written pricing narrative submitted in MS Word or PDF format and (2) the completed Attachment 4 pricing spreadsheet, or if the Cost/Price Proposal submission consists solely of the completed Attachment 4 spreadsheet.

The Cost/Price Proposal submission must include the completed Attachment 4 pricing spreadsheet. Offerors may also include a written pricing narrative in MS Word or PDF format if they wish to provide explanatory notes or assumptions, but only the completed Attachment 4 spreadsheet is required.

4) i, ii, iii, and iv Volume V - Small Business Utilization Plan (Written Submission) The RFP states that Volume V will cover Factor 5 – Small Business Utilization & Mentor‑Protégé Participation Plan and requires all Offerors to submit a Small Business Utilization Plan using the template provided in Attachment 2. The instructions further note additional requirements related to Mentor‑Protégé participation (if applicable), no page limit for Volume V, and submission of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) certification and mitigation plan, if applicable.

Please clarify the required format for the Volume V submission. Specifically, should Offerors:

Complete and submit the Attachment 2 Small Business Utilization Plan template exclusively (with added pages only for the OCI certification and mitigation plan, if applicable), or Prepare a standalone Volume V document (e.g., MS Word or PDF) that includes a cover page, table of contents, glossary of acronyms, the completed Attachment 2 template content, and the OCI certification and mitigation plan (as applicable)?

Offerors may submit Volume V as a standalone document (e.g., MS Word or PDF) that includes a cover page, table of contents, glossary of acronyms (if applicable), the completed Attachment 2 Small Business Utilization Plan template, and any required OCI certification and mitigation plan. The format is at the discretion of the offeror, provided all required content is included and clearly identified.

2) Oral Presentation The RFP states “Offerors invited to Phase II must submit their required written submissions (e.g., Volume IV – Oral Presentation Slide Deck, Volume V - Small Business Utilization Plan, and Volume VI - Cost/Price Proposal) by the due date specified in the advisory notification. These submissions must be provided prior to the oral presentation.”

Please confirm that the Oral Presentation slide deck format shall be submitted in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Yes, the Oral Presentation slide deck should be submitted in Microsoft PowerPoint format.

2) Oral Presentation Please confirm the length of time (e.g., 30-minutes) offerors may have to present their oral presentation.

The specific length of time allotted for oral presentations will be provided in the advisory notification. Offerors should expect a presentation period of approximately 60 minutes, but the final duration and schedule will be confirmed by the Government in advance of the oral presentations.

Past Performance Questionnaire Upon review of the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), the form provides a field to identify the point of contact for the customer providing the rating; however, there does not appear to be a designated area for the customer to sign the PPQ.

Please clarify whether it is the Government’s intent that Offerors submit unsigned PPQ forms and that the Government will validate the information directly with the identified point of contact, or if a signature from the customer is required and should be provided elsewhere on the form.

A signature from the customer providing the rating is not required on the Past Performance Questionnaire. Offerors should submit the completed PPQs as provided by their references. The Government reserves the right to contact the identified point of contact for validation or clarification as needed.

4). Page Limit Volumes I, II, III Please confirm the acceptable file format(s) for submission of Volumes I, II, and III. Specifically, are submissions in MS Word or PDF format acceptable?

Yes, submissions for Volumes I, II, and III are acceptable in either MS Word or PDF format.

Volume II – Past Performance Questionnaire

Volume III – Prior Experience Questionnaire Volumes II and III Please confirm whether it is the Government’s intent for Offerors to submit the same contracts in both Volume II (Past Performance Questionnaires) and Volume III (Prior Experience Questionnaires), or if different contracts may be proposed for each volume.

Offerors may submit the same contracts in both Volume II and Volume III, or they may submit different contracts for each volume. This is at the discretion of the offeror.

Volume II – Past Performance Questionnaire Volume II Please clarify the required format for the Volume II submission. Specifically, should Offerors:

Complete and submit the Attachment 5 Past Performance Questionnaire(s) using the provided form only, or Prepare a standalone Volume II document (e.g., MS Word or PDF) that includes a cover page, table of contents, glossary of acronyms, and the completed Attachment 5 template content?

Offerors should complete and submit the Attachment 5 Past Performance Questionnaire(s) using the provided form. Offerors may include a cover page, table of contents, and other supporting material for clarity and organization, but the core content should be the completed Attachment 5 forms.

Volume III – Prior Experience Questionnaire Volume III Please clarify the required format for the Volume III submission. Specifically, should Offerors:

Complete and submit the Attachment 6 Prior Experience Questionnaire(s) using the provided form only, or Prepare a standalone Volume III document (e.g., MS Word or PDF) that includes a cover page, table of contents, glossary of acronyms, and the completed Attachment 5 template content?

Offerors may submit Volume III as a standalone document (e.g., MS Word or PDF) that includes a cover page, table of contents, glossary of acronyms (if applicable), and the completed Attachment 6 Prior Experience Questionnaire(s). The completed Attachment 6 form(s) must be included, but additional organizational elements are at the discretion of the offeror.

DHS Small Business Goals and Achievements Kindly confirm if the FY-25 Small Business Subcontracting Goals apply to FY-26?

Yes, the FY-25 Small Business Subcontracting Goals apply to FY-26 for this solicitation, as FY-26 goals are not yet available.

Attachment 2, p. 11

2-4

Small Business Utilization Plan

Additional Important Note for Other Than U.S. Small Businesses ONLY. Small Business Subcontracting Plan is Required (FAR 52.219-9) RFP section II.40 references FAR clause “52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan”.

Attachment 2 also references the same FAR clause and states “Separate from Small Business Participation Plan, other than U.S. Small Business offerors must also submit a subcontracting plan meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 the offeror has a comprehensive subcontracting plan)”.

Can CBP provide a template for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

A template is not available. The Homeland Security Acquisition Manual (HSAM) and Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) do not provide a specific template. HSAM Chapter 3044, which pertains to "Subcontracting Policies and Procedures," is reserved and explicitly states, "There is no text supplementing FAR Part 44" HSAM.pdf. Similarly, HSAR refers to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause at 48 CFR 52.219-9 for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, rather than providing a department-specific template.

A subcontracting plan must include the following key elements:

· Separate Goals: The plan must separately address subcontracting with small business (SB), veteran-owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business (SDB), and women-owned small business (WOSB) concerns.

· Goal Expression: Goals must be expressed in terms of total dollars subcontracted and as a percentage of the total planned subcontracting dollars for each small business category.

· Separate Parts: An individual subcontracting plan must have a separate part for the basic contract and for each option period, if any.

Section II.40 Small Business Utilization Plan Please reference section II.40 /52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Can CBP provide further direction as it pertains to FAR clause 52.219-9(d)(1) to allow the Offeror to distinguish the request between submitting a Subcontracting Plan from submitting an Individual Subcontracting Plan?

Offerors that are required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan should submit an Individual Subcontracting Plan, unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. The plan should meet the requirements outlined in FAR 52.219-9(d)(1) and be tailored to this specific contract.

4). Page Limit Volume I, Appendix Z The RFP states “Volume I: The page limit for Volume I is 25 pages and does not include the attachments below:

o Appendix X (Key Personnel Resumes) 3 pages maximum per resume o Appendix Y (Geo-Access Map)- no page limit o Appendix Z (Draft Transition-In Plan)-”

Kindly clarify the page limitation for Appendix Z (Draft Transition-In Plan).

There is no page limit for Appendix Z (Draft Transition-In Plan).

4). Page Limit Volume I, Appendix X, Y, and Z The RFP states that Volume I has a page limit of 25 pages, excluding the following appendices: Appendix X (Key Personnel Resumes), Appendix Y (Geo‑Access Map), and Appendix Z (Draft Transition‑In Plan).

Please clarify the required submission format for Appendices X, Y, and Z. Specifically, should these appendices be submitted as stand‑alone documents with a cover page, table of contents, and glossary of acronyms (as applicable), or should they be included as annexes to Volume I?

Appendices X, Y, and Z should be included as annexes to Volume I. Offerors may include a cover page, table of contents, and glossary of acronyms for each appendix if desired, but this is not required.

3.)

Cover Page & Table of Contents The RFP states, “The first page of each volume, except for volume IV “Oral Presentation Slide Deck”, shall be a cover letter (letter of transmittal) prepared on the Offeror’s letterhead stationery.”

Please clarify whether Offerors should include a separate cover page in addition to the required cover letter for each proposal volume. Specifically, should Offerors submit:

A distinct cover page (identifying the Volume number and title, Offeror name, UEI, CAGE code, and authorized point of contact), followed by the cover letter as the first page of the volume, or A single transmittal letter that serves as both the cover page and the first page of each proposal volume?

Offerors may submit either a distinct cover page followed by the cover letter, or a single transmittal letter that serves as both the cover page and first page of each proposal volume. Either approach is acceptable, provided all required information is included.

3.2.2 Pre-Employment Mental Health Screening – Diagnoses/Situations Requiring Additional Follow-Up Without Screening Section 3.2.2 states: “There are some diagnoses/situations which cannot be resolved by a mental health screening alone. These applicants will require additional follow-up and therefore screening will not be necessary. The CBP HC will provide a list of those diagnoses/situations to the contractor.”

This list is not included in the solicitation as a Government Furnished Information (GFI) attachment, and its contents are unknown to Offerors. The nature and volume of cases falling into this category directly affect pricing and staffing assumptions.

Please provide the list of diagnoses/situations for which a mental health screening will not be administered and additional follow-up will instead be required. Additionally, please clarify what “additional follow-up” entails in these cases (e.g., direct referral for a psychiatric IME) and how those services will be billed.

This sentence indicates that currently not all applicants complete Mental Health Screening. Precise numbers of expected screens are not available and will vary by overall applicant volume. Additional follow-up refers to processes within the Hiring Center and is not related to the Medical Services Contract.

3.2.2 Pre-Employment Mental Health Screening – Required Components (Online Survey vs. One-on-One Evaluation) Section 3.2.2 states the mental health screening “should include, but is not limited to, an online survey that can be administered from any location with web access and a one-on-one evaluation, conducted either in person or by phone by a doctoral-level, licensed, psychologist or psychiatrist.”

It is unclear whether both components (online survey and one-on-one evaluation) are required for every candidate who receives a mental health screening, or whether the online survey component alone may be sufficient in certain circumstances (e.g., when the candidate’s history indicates only minor/resolved mental health issues).

Please confirm whether both the online survey and the one-on-one evaluation with a doctoral-level psychologist or psychiatrist are required for all candidates referred for a mental health screening, or whether CBP anticipates circumstances under which only the online survey component will be required. If the two components may be billed separately, please confirm whether the Price Proposal Template will include distinct CLINs for each component.

The assessment must be consistent for all applicants referred for Mental Health Screening.

Background / 4.1.1.4 Pre-Employment Psychiatric Evaluation – Sequencing and Scheduling Relative to General Medical Examination The Background section states “Psychiatric examinations must begin with a general examination before proceeding with the psychiatric examination.” However, Section 4.1.1.4 instructs the Contractor to “schedule candidates to take the medical examination and psychiatric evaluation (if applicable) in coordination with the CBP HC.”

It is unclear whether the general medical examination and the pre-employment psychiatric evaluation must occur on the same appointment date (requiring a single combined visit) or whether they may be scheduled on separate days, provided the general exam is completed first.

Please confirm whether the general medical examination and psychiatric evaluation must be administered on the same appointment date, or whether they may be scheduled on consecutive or separate days.

Mental Health Screenings may occur after the general exam is completed.

4.2.1 / 9.2 / 9.3.6 Mental Health Reviewing Consultant – Permissibility of Also Conducting Pre-Employment Mental Health Screenings Section 9.3.6 defines the Mental Health Reviewing Consultant (Key Personnel) as responsible for reviewing psychiatric IME reports and issuing FFDE fitness recommendations. Separately, Section 3.2.2 requires a “doctoral-level, licensed, psychologist or psychiatrist” to conduct one-on-one pre-employment mental health screenings. Section 4.2.1 states that the Contractor’s Reviewing Consultants shall not perform initial follow-up examinations requested of candidates, as this is a conflict of interest.

It is unclear whether the Mental Health Reviewing Consultant may also conduct pre-employment mental health screenings, or whether this constitutes a prohibited dual role given the reviewing function they also perform.

Please confirm whether the Mental Health Reviewing Consultant (Key Personnel) may also serve as the doctoral-level psychologist or psychiatrist conducting pre-employment mental health screenings, or whether these roles must be performed by separate individuals to avoid a conflict of interest.

These roles are separate due to potential conflict of interest.

9.11.1 & 9.11.2.1 NPD Invoicing Could you please clarify the pricing structure for “Post” drug testing services? Within the SOW, RFP, and Q&A, there are requirements for onsite and offsite random testing, post-accident/reasonable suspicion testing, and follow-up testing.

However, it is unclear how these specific services should be billed.

Additionally, the most recent Q&A indicates that two invoices are required for NPD drug testing. Could you please confirm how this invoicing requirement applies to the services mentioned above?

One invoice is required for NPD drug testing. A separate invoice is required for Medical Services. Both of these invoices should be directed to NPD.

SOW §3.1.2.4

3.1.2 General Examination and Testing Services – CBP Hiring Center Only The following is noted in paragraph 3.1.2.4, “In cases where auditory screening with hearing aids is performed, the service will be billed under a separate CLIN.”

However, this CLIN is not included in Attachment 4 Price Proposal.

Will Attachment 4 be amended to include this CLIN?

The pricing schedule/price proposal template has been updated.

1.10.3

1.10 Federal Drug Free Workplace

The SOW refers in several places to subcontractors, subcontracted collectors, and subcontractors’ facilities.

Can the Government clarify whether provider network clinics, collectors, laboratories, and similar medical service entities are all intended to be treated as subcontractors for purposes of proposal submission and evaluation, or whether the Government distinguishes between traditional subcontractors and provider network entities used to ensure geographic access and service delivery?

Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

3.1.2.11

3.1.2 General Examinations and Testing Services – CBP Hiring Center Only The SOW contemplates use of a nationwide provider network and refers in several places to subcontractors, subcontracted collectors, and subcontractors’ facilities.

Recognizing that other federal healthcare programs have, in certain contexts, treated provider-network arrangements differently from traditional subcontracting structures, such as TRICARE under 10 U.S.C. § 1097b and the Department of Labor’s TRICARE provider rule, and VA’s healthcare agreement authorities under 38 U.S.C. § 1703A and VAAR 801.104-70, can the Government clarify whether provider network clinics, collectors, laboratories, and similar medical service entities are intended to be treated as subcontractors for purposes of small business participation and applicable FAR flowdown requirements? Or will DHS allow for the prime contractor to treat the network clinics, collectors, laboratories, and similar medical service entities as affiliate vendors?

The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring all requirements within the contract are met, whether through use of subcontractors or not. Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

NA

2.3.1

NA

Employee Specialized Medical Tests SOW Section 2.3.1 states that the COR may order Specialized Medical Tests, including additional laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, and that the Contractor shall provide the specific costs of those tests under the contract. However, the revised pricing schedule does not include separate CLINs for these services, which were listed on the prior pricing schedule as Additional Medical Tests. Please confirm whether these services remain in scope and, if so, please update the Attachment 4: Pricing spreadsheet to include these separate CLINs.

The pricing schedule/price proposal template has been updated.

A Employee Services – National Program Division The SOW continues to include Section A employee services for NPD, including employee medical examinations, psychiatric consultations, medical review consultation services, reassignments, employee drug testing, and other employee medical services.

However, many of the corresponding post-employment/NPD service lines do not appear on the pricing schedule. Please confirm whether these services remain separately orderable, are intended to be included within other CLINs, or have been removed from scope.

If these remain in-scope, will the Government please update Attachment 4 to include them as separate CLINs.

The Pricing Schedule provides CLINs for the services in the SOW. The pricing schedule/price proposal template has been updated.

NA

NA

In the pricing schedule, IME, no-show IME, and Psychiatric IME CLINs are listed with estimated quantities of zero.

Please confirm whether offerors are still required to provide pricing for these CLINs for evaluation and future ordering purposes, notwithstanding the zero estimated quantities.

Yes, provide pricing. The Pricing Schedule has been updated.

NA

NA

The pricing schedule lists Non-Psychiatric Level II Consultation with an estimated quantity of zero.

Please confirm whether this CLIN is intentionally retained for ordering flexibility and whether offerors are expected to provide pricing despite the zero estimated quantity.

Yes, provide pricing. The Pricing Schedule has been updated.

NA

2.6

NA

Task 6: Employee Drug Testing SOW Section 2.6 continues to require employee drug testing services for random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty/follow-up testing. The revised pricing schedule states that all associated costs will be rolled into the applicable CLINs, but the corresponding post-employment event-specific CLINs are not shown on the revised page provided.

Please confirm whether additional pricing pages contain these CLINs or whether the Government intends a different pricing structure, and clarify whether collection, collection supplies, shipping, laboratory, MRO, reporting, courier, split specimen transfer, and administrative support are all to be included in the applicable unit prices.

All cost associated with Drug Testing will be rolled into CLINs under the circumstances for Random, Reasonable Suspicion, Post Accident and Return-to Duty /follow up. Specimen Testing Services include: Scheduling, Collection Supplies, On and Off-site specimen collection, Quality Control and Training, Data, Monthly Statistical Reports, Corrective Action Report, Status Briefings, Next Day Delivery Service (One Way), and Courier Services, Laboratory, MRO services and split specimen transfers.

2.5.3

Clinical Consultation The SOW includes clinical consultation support for development and modification of medical requirements and related policy advice.

The pricing schedule does not include separate CLINs for hearing standards, vision standards, and clinical consultation for policy determinations. Please clarify whether those services remain in scope and, if so, where they should be priced.

The Pricing Schedule has been updated.

7.3, 7.4 Expert Testimony & Travel SOW Sections 7.3 and 7.4 indicate that only certain travel categories are reimbursable with prior approval, while ordinary meeting travel is generally not reimbursable.

Please confirm that the revised NTE travel CLINs are intended only for the reimbursable travel categories identified in the SOW.

Travel CLINs are intended for reimbursable travel.

11, 12, 14, 15, 16

1.8

NA

Employee Medical Services – Examination and Consultations The pricing schedule includes estimated quantities that materially exceed the recent historical volumes reflected in the SOW for pre-employment medical exams, fitness tests, and drug testing.

Please confirm that these revised quantities in Attachment 4: Pricing spreadsheet are the Government’s intended estimates for evaluation and pricing purposes.

Yes, estimated quantities provided in the pricing schedule are based on hiring trends and future anticipated volume. Service volume is ultimately dependent on volume of applications and congressionally mandated hiring targets.

1.0 Background Please confirm whether Attachment #9 and Attachments #10A–#10G govern the specific content of the pre-employment medical examination, including required history questions, physical exam elements, vision/hearing testing details, and repeat testing protocols.

If so, please provide those attachments so offerors can accurately understand the required clinic workflow, provider effort, and pricing assumptions.

Attachments #9-10G are now provided.

To ensure pricing is complete and aligned with the SOW, please confirm whether the pricing schedule is intended to be the complete universe of orderable CLINs, or whether the Government anticipates issuing a revised schedule/addendum to restore services that remain described in the SOW but are not currently listed.

The pricing schedule has been updated and provided in the amended RFP.

9.8.2 Transition Process The following is noted in paragraph 9.8.2.3.5, “The Transition-In period must be no less than 90 business days, at which time the contractor must begin full performance with BI cleared staff.”

Will the government consider updating the SOW to indicate that the transition-in period must not exceed 180 days?

The government may consider it.

(i)

(i) Instructions for Written Submissions.

Will the Government extend the proposal submission date by 2 weeks to Tuesday May 5, 2026? This allow sufficient time for the Government to answer questions and provide offerors adequate time to incorporate those answers into their bid submission.

The RFP is extended to 5/5.

9.6.1

REQUIREMENTS DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM

The Final SOW states “With the proposal and prior to the contract start date and with the proposal, the Contractor shall provide documented evidence of training certifications as defined in the most current version of Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (42 CFR Chapter 1) for the Contractor’s Medical Review Officer, Laboratory Director, Specimen Collector staff, and Specimen Collections Clinics to the CO and the COR.”

Are training certifications required for the Specimen Collector staff (NON-KEY personnel) and…