Amendment 4 - Q_A.pdf

DHS RFP 70RDAD20R00000012

Amendment 4

Questions and Answers

Q# Page Section Paragraph Question Answer 1 General Is the Department of Homeland Security only looking for Full services through the Solicitation? This is including Sourcing swabs, transportation media, test results report as well as testing the kits as well?

As a Manufacturer for PCR Kits for the COVID-19 we can confirm only our manufacturing capabilities. Please let us know if the solicitation is okay with receiving a proposal for our PCR Kits only without the other services and products.

Is the Department of Homeland Security only looking for Full services through the Solicitation?

Answer: No, see Functional Categories 4.2-4.3.

This is including Sourcing swabs, transportation media, test results report as well as testing the kits as well?

Answer: Yes. If you are submitting a bid, you need to provide the swabs, transportation media, and test results. See SOW Functional Categories 4.2 and 4.3.

As a Manufacturer for PCR Kits for the COVID-19 we can confirm only our manufacturing capabilities. Please let us know if the solicitation is okay with receiving a proposal for our PCR Kits only without the other services and products.

Answer: No, only a kit doesn’t meet the requirements. See SOW

Functional Categories 4.2 and 4.3.

2 General We are a company producing various diagnostic tests specific to COVID-19. We do not perform the testing, but do manufacture the equipment and test kits. The platforms we manufacture are moderately complex platforms and require trained personnel in a laboratory setting to test and report results.

We recognize several commercially available sampling methods, but do not provide the products for collecting samples.

See SOW Functional Categories

4.2 and 4.3. This provides the requirements for a potential vendor to offer a bid for a diagnostic test.

3 General Would you accept antibody serum testing or only prefer PCR?

Answer: See SOW Functional Categories 4.2 and 4.3. Antibody testing has been removed from this RFP (was Functional Category 4.4 in the initial release of the RFP.

4 Attachment B I was reviewing the specifications for RFP No.

70RDAD20R00000012 “COVID-19 Testing Solutions” that was posted to SAM.gov. I see the per day testing requirement (500/day Mon- Fri) but I did not see how many locations are involved in the testing. I would greatly appreciate if you can provide the total # of sites and if you are able to provide a breakdown per state.

This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation, the specific sites will be provided at the order level.

Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations.

5 General Please let us know if we can help you procure consumables and reagents for increased COVID19 testing for DHS.

Let us know which of the following you are in the most need of procuring.

Virus Transport Medium with swabs – VTM (2 or 3 ml)

RNA extraction reagent for manual extraction (Nucleic acid extraction kit)

RT-PCR Kits (Nucleic acid reagent kit for SARS Cov-2)

Proposing only test kits or elements of test kits will not meet the solicitation requirement.

Section 3.0 of the solicitation states: For all testing solutions and functional categories, the government requires all the components necessary to administer the tests and for the results to be provided, to include any swabs or collection tools, test cassettes, devices to process tests results on-site or laboratory processing capabilities, transport media (if necessary) that does not impact test efficacy, and medical waste disposal.

6 General As a company that provides Covid-19 Test Kits is that something we can offer for the Covid-19 Testing Solutions?

Proposing only a test kit will not meet the solicitation requirement.

Section 3.0 of the solicitation states: For all testing solutions and functional categories, the government requires all the components necessary to administer the tests and for the results to be provided, to include any swabs or collection tools, test cassettes, devices to process tests results on-site or laboratory processing capabilities, transport media (if necessary) that does not impact test efficacy, and medical waste disposal.

7 General I'm reaching out to clearly understand what your contract you are looking to fulfill is. Are you looking for a Test Kits? If so please let me know.

The requirements for the test kits and other services are stated in Section 2, Description of Services/Statement of Work.

8 5.1 Place of Performance

Section 5.1 Place of Performance states “The primary place of performance will be DHS component and component designated locations both CONUS and OCONUS to include the US Territories and will be specific at the order level”

1. Question: Is the expectation that every contractor be able to provide the testing at both CONUS and OCONUS sites?

2. Question: Can you provide a list of all the expected testing sites?

Question: Will all sites have 500 tests daily per the Managed Testing Scenario?

Is the expectation that every contractor be able to provide the testing at both CONUS and OCONUS sites? Yes. However, the vast bulk of the DHS workforce resides in CONUS.

Can you provide a list of all the expected testing sites? Cannot provide the information requested. This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation.

Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations.

Will all sites have 500 tests daily per the Managed Testing Scenario? No. See the answer to question 2.

9 I came across your request for COVID-19 testing kits on sam.gov and wanted to get more

The requirements for the test kits and other services are stated in https://urldefense.us/v3/__https:/mailtrack.io/trace/link/93071e81becb856832aa8af3f14cc5f354251c34?url=http*3A*2F*2Fsam.gov&userId=5696879&signature=183ab6f3fd38fb74__;JSUl!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!W9-U-7uG6N83khQ5nuS7gDp3tssEiZQIRREIYicLUMPGYXtGOv0sq87F8p_FuDyb4cHlgxgrt-uD$ https://urldefense.us/v3/__https:/mailtrack.io/trace/link/93071e81becb856832aa8af3f14cc5f354251c34?url=http*3A*2F*2Fsam.gov&userId=5696879&signature=183ab6f3fd38fb74__;JSUl!!BClRuOV5cvtbuNI!W9-U-7uG6N83khQ5nuS7gDp3tssEiZQIRREIYicLUMPGYXtGOv0sq87F8p_FuDyb4cHlgxgrt-uD$ information as to what kind of tests you are looking for and what type of quantity.

Section 2, Description of Services/Statement of Work.

10 May I check if we can just submit the test kit part instead of including the serving part?

Proposing only test kits or elements of test kits will not meet the solicitation requirement.

Section 3.0 of the solicitation states: For all testing solutions and functional categories, the government requires all the components necessary to administer the tests and for the results to be provided, to include any swabs or collection tools, test cassettes, devices to process tests results on-site or laboratory processing capabilities, transport media (if necessary) that does not impact test efficacy, and medical waste disposal.

11 Section 5 5.1 Place of Performance

Does the contractor have to be able to provide a large quantity testing sites or could the contractor propose just a few sites such as the DHS law enforcement training centers?

As noted in Section 3, the Testing solutions can be point-of-care or laboratory-based solutions, but testing shall occur at point-of-care settings at government designated locations. Meaning samples are obtained at government designated locations.

12 p. 5 Section 2 3.0 Scope The RFP states, “testing shall occur at point-of-care settings at government designated locations.” Will the facilities/building/room be provided by the government for on-site testing?

This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation. Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations. When a Component selects the Functional Categories they wish to use, they will work with the vendor to establish the designated government locations.

13 p. 5 Section 2 3.0 Scope As defined in individual orders, COVID-19 testing solutions shall be deployable to support DHS in the continental United States (CONUS), outside of continental United States (OCONUS), and U.S. territories. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary equipment, supplies, personnel, materials, travel, and other services required to satisfy the ordered testing solution requirements. How will General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 privacy rules apply to transferring the testing data to DHS under a task order for OCONUS locations in the European Union?

No, the data sent will be anonymized.

14 p. 6 Section 2 4.1 FC 1 Managed Testing Services

The RFP states, “The contractor shall provide COVID-19 diagnostic testing and associated services as a managed service, to include on-site screening, testing, and results tracking, on a routine basis at DHS designated locations.”

Please provide the anticipated number of DHS locations that will need Managed Testing Services simultaneously?

This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation. Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations. When a Component selects the Functional Categories they wish to use, they will work with the vendor to establish the designated government locations.

15 p. 6 Section 2 4.1 FC 1 Managed Testing Services

The RFP states, “The contractor shall provide COVID-19 diagnostic testing and associated services as a managed service, to include on-site screening, testing, and results tracking, on a routine basis at DHS designated locations.”

Please provide the anticipated locations inside the U.S. and outside the U.S. that would require Managed Testing Services, such as physical addresses or city/U.S. state or city/country.

This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation. Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations. When a Component selects the Functional Categories they wish to use, they will work with the vendor to establish the designated government locations.

16 p. 6 Section 2 4.1 FC 1 Managed Testing Services

The RFP states, “Return test results in no more than three (3) business days from the time a sample is obtained from the individual.”

Would the Government consider changing the language to 'Return test results to DHS in no more than three (3) business days from the time the laboratory finishes processing the test"? Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be difficult for offerors to guarantee that COVID-19 test results will be available within three business days from the time the sample is obtained from an individual. The peaks and valleys of the pandemic in different states and countries over time, the remoteness of some geographic locations affecting courier delivery times, and

Question: Would the Government consider changing the language to 'Return test results to DHS in no more than three (3) business days from the time the laboratory finishes processing the test"?

Answer: No. The intent of DHS is that the vendor will return test results in no more than three (3) business days from the time a sample is received in the lab for processing. This has been changed as of Amendment 4 to calendar days.

the volume of test specimens that laboratories must handle at one time will affect the turnaround time for results.

17 pp.

22-23

Section 7 7.8 Security Requirements

Will the contractor be expected to have the team working onsite at government facilities?

If the contractor submits a bid under Functional Category 4.1, then yes, they are expected to provide staff members to work onsite at government facilities.

18 pp.

22-23

Section 7 7.8 Security Requirements

The RFP states, "The DHS OCSO/PSD may, as it deems appropriate, authorize and grant a favorable Entry on Duty (EOD) decision based on preliminary checks." Will the speed of the EOD match the expected implementation periods?

The speed of EOD depends upon the individual.

19 p. 5 Section 3.0 The Solicitation states: “As defined in individual orders, COVID-19 testing solutions shall be deployable to support DHS in the continental United States (CONUS), outside of continental United States (OCONUS), and U.S. territories. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary equipment, supplies, personnel, materials, travel, and other services required to satisfy the ordered testing solution requirements.”

• Please clarify how many DHS designated locations CONUS sites are anticipated?

Please clarify how many OCONUS sites are anticipated?

This is an IDIQ enterprise-wide solicitation. Once awarded, the various components of DHS may use the contract to order services detailed in SOW Functional Categories 4.1-4.3. At this point, we cannot determine how many DHS components will seek vendor services or at how many locations. The vast bulk of the DHS workforce resides in

CONUS.

20 p. 8 Section 3 4.3 Functional Category 3 –

Would DHS consider Oral Fluid as a Molecular Diagnostic Testing Kit

So long as the Oral Fluid Sars- CoV2 molecular Diagnostic test

Antigen Testing Kits and Testing Services

4.4 Functional

Category 4 – Antibody Test Kits and Testing Services is FDA authorized or has received the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19, and the vendor otherwise meets the requirements of Functional Capacity 4.2, DHS is okay with a saliva based test.

21 On page 7, under 4.2 Functional Category 2 – Molecular Diagnostic Test Kits and Testing Services, bullet point #4 has a list of materials necessary from sample collection to result output. Most diagnostic manufacturers do not make kits that contain all of these items. Is DHS interested in specific components from this list or does the respondent need to have all components pre-kitted in order for DHS to be interested in their proposal? Please clarify.

Yes, the vendor needs to provide all the necessary components to collect samples and successfully transport them to the laboratory where they are test is run. It means the nasal or oral swabs, the transport media, the reagents needed to run the test, etc.

22 Is the DHS interested in companies that can provide the molecular diagnostic test kits, but that do not perform the testing services aspect of the RFP? It is a very quick turnaround for a contractor to identify a company providing these services and enter into a teaming agreement. Is the DHS interested in a proposal where a contractor supplies the testing kits to DHS and DHS contracts with a separate entity to perform?

No. Under Functional Categories 2 and 3, the vendor needs to also provide testing and reporting services.

DHS requires a complete solution for a particular Functional Category and will not contract separately if only one element of the statement of work is proposed. Please review the solicitation instruction and evaluation sections carefully.

It is the contractor’s responsibility to identify and develop a teaming agreement or other business relationship to respond to all of the requirements stated in this solicitation. Vendors may choose to propose on one, some or all Functional Categories.

23 On page 5, under section 3 of the RFP it states “testing shall occur at point-of-care settings at government designated locations”. Does this mean that diagnostic tests offered to DHS will need to be CLIA Waived or will DHS be able to use CLIA Moderate tests?

Samples are to be obtained in a point-of-care fashion (meaning in the workplace).

For PCR tests, the requirement (as stated in Functional Category 2) is that the prospective vendor provide documentation of an established relationship with a CLIA certified lab to perform high complexity tests at high volume. The same exists for Functional Category 3 (Antigen testing).

24 On page 7, under 4.2 Functional Category 2 – Molecular Diagnostic Test Kits and Testing Services, bullet point #7 states – “Return test results in no more than three (3) business days from the time a sample is received for lab processing”. Please clarify if DHS is interested in products or services as this is

The government anticipates changing the requirement from business days to calendar days in an upcoming solicitation amendment. The metric is different in Section 4.1 for contrary to Pg. 6 – Section 4.0 where it states, “Functional Categories 2-4, no contractor staffing to administer the test is required”.

Functional Category 1 because the expectation is that the managed service provider is doing the collection. Under Functional Category 2 and 3 the requirement is that the vendor return the test results in no more than three (3) business days from the time the sample in received for lab processing. In the case of Functional Categories 2 and 3 the expectation is that the sample is being sent to a lab. These processing times apply at the IDIQ level.

More stringent processing times and service level agreements (SLAs) may be applied at the order level based on component requirements.

25 Does section 4.5 on page 9 or 4.6 on page 10 apply to tests kits that are supplied to DHS under sections 4.2-4.4? If these do apply to 4.2-4.4, how does DHS envision that implementation with Pg. 6 – Section 4.0 stating, “Functional Categories 2-4, no contractor staffing to administer the test is required”?

Yes, Section 4.5 does apply to Functional Categories 2 and 3 (Functional Category 4 has been removed from the SOW). The verbiage in Section 4.0 relates to having the vendor for Functional Categories 2 and 3 NOT having to provide staff to obtain the test samples from DHS workers.

26 As the government is requiring Computing Integration capability, is the government going to pay the integration cost to create this capability?

No. It is expectation of the Government that offerors will have existing integration points that will provide for the electronic exchange of test results.

27 As a private entity is connecting to government systems what are the Government IT security requirements that have to be met?

Integration with Government systems is the responsibility of the Government; however, the offeror must provide secure integration mechanisms with native capabilities of their proposed solution. Systems requiring encryption shall use products that employ FIPS 197 Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms with at least 256-bit encryption and have been validated under FIPS 140-2.

28 Please provide an example of the data exchange technique.

An example of the data exchange technique is Secure File Transfer Protocol with certificate-based authentication.

29 The proposal instruction states that offerors shall complete and submit Attachment A for each functional category proposed. Please confirm that if an offeror is proposing multiple categories that the "Offeror Information

If the contractor is proposing multiple tests duplicate offeror information tables aren’t required. For the additional kits, ensure that

Table" response is required for each categories response as the required information would be similar for all 3 functional categories.

the offeror name, kit type and any information that may be different for that kit is included in the offeror information table. The vendor is still required to submit a separate Attachment A for each functional category but is not required to duplicate the offeror information table.

30 The proposal instruction states that offerors shall complete and submit Attachment A for each functional category proposed. Given that the Attachment A response is limited to 12 pages, confirm that the questions 1-20 is required separately for each proposed category. If yes, would USG consider adjusting the page limit to 20 pages?

The page limit remains unchanged. Offerors shall submit a separate Attachment A for each functional category they propose. For example, if an offeror is proposing a solution for FC2 and a solution for FC3, then the offeror shall submit 2 Attachment As. The offeror information table does not have to be duplicated, but the offeror name, kit type and any information that may be different for the two kits must be included on the additional Attachment A.

Please do not include external links to websites or videos in your responses to the Attachment A questions.

31 The RFP states, “The contractor shall provide COVID-19 diagnostic testing and associated services as a managed service, to include on-site screening, testing, and results tracking, on a routine basis at DHS designated locations.”

Please provide the anticipated number of DHS locations that will need Managed Testing Services simultaneously?

The resulting award of this RFP is an IDIQ contract.

Multiple IDIQ contracts are anticipated to be awarded;

therefore, it is not expected that a single vendor will be providing all of DHS' service requirements. An accurate estimate of specific location requirements cannot be provided at this time. At the IDIQ level, more general requirements are provided to allow for ordering flexibility.

More specific information on the locations will be provided in task order requests for proposal.

32 Please clarify if the “500 individuals per day” equates to 500 tests per day, per site (CONUS/OCONUS)? Is this amount individuals being tested per day?

The scenario provided does not represent an actual requirement, it is only provided in order for price to be evaluated. Offerors shall assume it is a single site.

Specific locations will be identified at the IDIQ order level, in which each order is competed amongst the IDIQ contract holders.

33 Does DHS plan to issue any TOs that don't include testing services but instead the infrastructure and data management to support testing?

No. The tests and the computing/communications components to manage the process, and to share the results with the Government are expected to be part of the offeror’s comprehensive solution. The Government will be retrieving the test results using their own IT infrastructure via a secure transport (See question #27).

34 Will the solicitation remain open, so that additional proposals may be submitted after the initial deadline?

The solicitation will close at the time and date specified, so please ensure proposals are submitted on time. After it closes, the solicitation will remain posted on beta.sam but will not be open. It will be amended to reopen the solicitation period with a new due date and time.

Proposals will not be accepted until the solicitation is reopened.

35 Can an offeror include one or more additional tests in their ID/IQ bid whose final EUA has yet not been issued at the time of ID/IQ bid submission but is expected to be issued before contract award?

No, the offeror can only include tests in their proposal that have received an EUA from the FDA.

36 Given the rapid innovations in testing technology, is DHS open to submission of tests with improved specificity and sensitivity, especially those who are pending FDA authorization?

No, the offeror can only include tests in their proposal that have received an EUA from the FDA.

37 Can an offeror include one or more additional tests in their ID/IQ bid whose final EUA has

No, the offeror can only include tests in their proposal yet not been issued at the time of ID/IQ bid submission but is expected to be issued before Task Order award?

that have received an EUA from the FDA. Please note that Section 3.1.1 of the proposal states FDA approval or FDA EUA approval shall be dated no later than one week (7 calendar days) prior to the submission date of the proposal.

38 Can we submit a testing solution that includes both quantitative and specific virus and antibody testing (perhaps as a separate/hybrid Functional category) that produces a comprehensive report and resiliency rating for each test subject?

At this time, DHS is not accepting proposals for antibody testing (whether it be qualitative or quantitative).

39 If an offeror does not get an award following the July 15th closing date, can the offeror reapply under the same functional categories (FC) that were included in its original offer?

Yes. Once the solicitation is reopened, an offeror may resubmit an offer under the same FC. Being an unsuccessful offeror for a prior competition does not exclude participation in a future one.

40 If an offeror does not get an award following the July 15th closing date, can the offeror reapply under a different FC?

Yes

41 Are any portions of the IDIQ, upon specific contracting, going to be a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set aside?

The IDIQ competition is unrestricted. Please also see Section 6.10 of the solicitation which states that Task order set-asides will be discretionary when the conditions in FAR 19.502-2 [the rule of two] and the specific program eligibility requirements are met at the time of order set-aside.

42 Do the responses to FAR 52, 212-1, 52.212-4 FAR 52.212-3 AND 52 212-5 also need to be included under the response?

Yes, please include these with the pricing information.

43 Should responses to FC1 be limited to the managed services themselves since each test scenario needs to also be individually responded to

For FC 1, please see Section

3.2.2.1 for instructions.

44 We see the that "All-in per test" pricing are encouraged but also see that 3.2.2.1 1 for example implies that a break out of all labor categories and labor rates are required Could you clarify if ONLY providing an "all in per test" pricing is sufficient?

Per the instructions at Section 3.2.2.1 the following are required, not just an all-in per test price.

a. All labor categories required to complete the scenario;

b. A description of the qualifications of each labor category proposed;

c. A labor rate for each labor category proposed;

d. The number of hours required of each labor category proposed;

e. A description of all materials required to complete the scenario;

f. The total price for all materials required to complete the scenario;

and

g. The total price of all labor and materials required to complete the scenario (total price for

h. the scenario).

45 If an offeror gets an award this time under one FC, can the offeror apply later under a different FC and, if successful, obtain a modification to the contract to add the new

FC?

Yes. Once the solicitation is reopened, a successful offeror may resubmit an offer under a different FC.

46 Section 6.3 of the RFP states that “at the Contracting Officer's discretion, this solicitation will remain open for approximately one year with periodic closing dates ” However, future closing dates are not specified

After the solicitation closes, it will remain posted on beta.sam but will not be open. The solicitation will be amended to reopen the solicitation period with a new due date and time. It isn’t anticipated that future dates will be posted collectively so interested offerors are encouraged to monitor beta.sam

47 Are offerors only allowed to bid on Task Orders under the Functional Category that they propose to at the ID/IQ level?

Yes. When an IDIQ is awarded it will be for a particular FC or FCs. The awardee will only be able to participate in task order competitions for the FCs included in its award.

48 Are awardees allowed to discount per-test prices or add volume discounts at the Task Order level?

Yes, discounts are encouraged both at the IDIQ and Task Order level.

49 Please clarify what is meant by the IDIQ will remain open beyond the currently published due date

The solicitation will close at the time and date specified, so please ensure proposals are submitted on time. After it closes, the solicitation will remain posted on beta.sam but will not be open. It will be amended to reopen the solicitation period with a new due date and time.

Proposals will not be accepted until the solicitation is reopened.

50 Are the labor rates proposed in the IDIQ considered ceiling rates for CONUS and OCONUS locations?

The IDIQ labor rates will be ceiling rates. If you have separate CONUS and OCONUS rates, please provide them in the Schedule B pricing table.

51 If the amendment will be issued on/about 7/10/20, will the bid due date be extended?

Amendment 4 to the solicitation extends the due date to Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12pm Eastern.

52 Capability Questionnaire, Question 20 states "Does your test kit have FDA proof of test performance data submission and validation? If so, please provide -- The 12 page limit makes it very hard to provide the test performance data in full. Would the DHS prefer that only a summary of the test

The FDA proof of test performance data may be included as a separate attachment that is not included in the page count.

performance data be submitted or that FULL performance data added but in addition to the 12 page limit, or a web link allowed for this purpose

53 Would DHS consider extending the due date to Friday July 17, 2020 ?

Amendment 4 to the solicitation extends the due date to Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12pm Eastern.

54 Will DHS be extending the due date? Amendment 4 to the solicitation extends the due date to Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12pm Eastern.

55 How many vendors are anticipated to be selected under the multiple award IDIQ?

The government has not set a number.

56 With the view of price calculation and the contract allocation can the price be amended if the volume increased or drops?

The IDIQ rates are ceiling rates. Successful IDIQ awardees will also have the opportunity to set task order prices based on the specific volumes and requirements stated in those orders.

57 We are teaming Do all vendors need to be in SAM at time of response on the 15th?

All vendors will need to be registered in SAM prior to award. Registering in SAM as soon as possible is encouraged.

58 Is DHS planning to open up the RFP at a future date and if so, when?

Yes. After the solicitation closes, it will remain posted on beta.sam but will not be open. The solicitation will be amended to reopen the solicitation period with a new due date and time.

Proposals will not be accepted until the solicitation is reopened.

59 Does DHS have a pipeline of opportunities that you can share from DHS agencies they expect to place on the vehicle in the near term?

To view upcoming DHS opportunities, offerors are encouraged to monitor beta.sam and view our forecast of contract opportunities https://apfs.dhs.gov/.

60 Does DHS have an estimated amount of vendors they plan to award to?

The government has not set a number.

61 Can the Government clarify that variable costs such as including test kits, test diagnostic (lab) services and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be paid on a time and materials basis? Thank you!

Please see Schedule B, pricing table and Section

3.2.2 of the solicitation for pricing instructions.

62 How will DHS enforce requirements for testing facility subcontractors. Will subcontractors need to be identified in proposal?

Subcontractors need to be identified in the proposal

63 Section 6 3 Open Solicitation states "this solicitation will remain open for one year with periodic closing dates" Would DHS consider accepting proposals after the due date on a rolling basis ?

After the solicitation closes, it will remain posted on beta.sam but will not be open. The solicitation will be amended to reopen the solicitation period with a new due date and time.

Proposals will not be accepted until the solicitation is reopened.

https://apfs.dhs.gov/ https://apfs.dhs.gov/

64 Please designate which questions in Attachment A apply to FC1, FC2, and FC3, respectively

For attachment A, all offerors for all FCs answer questions 1-20. Only offerors proposing FC 1 answer the additional 3 questions on page 4.

65 What hours are required for on-site test collection?

The hours for collection will be specified at the task order level.

66 The RFP states that DHS intends to keep the solicitation open for one year to provide offerors with the opportunity to provide a proposal in the future If a company is not ready to submit a complete proposal by July 15th, @ 12:00 PM, can you please advise when will be the next opportunity to submit a proposal?

A specific date is not available at this time, but it is expected to be after award of the initial IDIQs.

67 where can we get information on vendors looking to partner up with other vendors Such as a test kit manufacturer looking for testing service providers or lab service providers

General information on doing business with DHS can be found at https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs. This site provides resources to reach our small business and industry liaison team.

68 Can DHS clarify the answer to Question 16 in Amendment 2? Does the answer relate to the IDIQ contract level or Task Order Level following an IDIQ award?

The answer to Question 16 from Amendment 2 is as follows:

DHS intends to keep the solicitation open for one year to provide offerors with the opportunity to provide a proposal in the future. Also, https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs since the award resulting from this solicitation is an IDIQ contract, immediate standup/performance requirements are specified at the order level.

The above answer relates to the IDIQ. Task order solicitations will be issued individually by the various components after the IDIQs are awarded.