NNMS_RFP_Attachment 3_Questions and Answers_Government Response (dated 07312023).xlsx
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- 70T01023R7663N001
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Q&A_Gov't Response
| Question Number | Document Name | Page Number | Section Number | Question | Response | |
| 1 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 68 | 7.7.3 | Requirement states to provide "past performance references from current or prior customers on contracts or orders (as a prime contractor)." Would you consider modifying this requirement to allow use of subcontracts that are highly relevant in size, scope, and complexity and for which the offeror has full management and oversight responsibility for medical services? | The past performance references from current or prior customers on contracts as a prime contractor has been modified by the Government to allow use of subcontracts. | |
| 2 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 63 | 7.2 | Requirement states "Times New Roman 12-point font or larger for text." Typically, graphics and tables are allowed to use a smaller sans serif font. Would you consider modifying this requirement to include that graphics and tables may use 9 point Arial font? | The RFP has been modified to allow the use of no smaller than 9 point font for graphics and tables only. | |
| 3 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 67 | ||||
| 68 | 7.7.1 | |||||
| 7.7.2 | Requirement in 7.7.1 states to "demonstrate the Offeror’s approach for the five (5) specific tasks referenced in the SOW (Section Two: Specific Requirements Tasks). Requirement in 7.7.2 states to provide "a Staffing Matrix with a breakdown of hours for each labor category, mapped to each section and subsection of the SOW." Could you please clarify that the staffing matrix is to address the staffing required for the same sections and subsections of SOW Section Two (only) as referenced in 7.7.1 (vs. the SOW in its entirety)? | Yes, that is correct as referenced in section RFP Section 7.7.1. | ||||
| 4 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 68 | 7.7.2 | Requirement in 7.7.2 states to provide "a Staffing Matrix with a breakdown of hours for each labor category, mapped to each section and subsection of the SOW." Could you please confirm that the breakdown of hours should cover a one-year period of performance? | The breakdown of hours should cover a one-year period of performance for each of the option periods. | |
| 5 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 59 | Section VI | Solicitation Provision 1.D Offeror Responsibilities - are these requirements applicable to this solicitation and due with the proposal submission? | TSA-INSTR: OFFEROR ACCESS TO SENSITIVE SECURITY INFORMATION (SSI) NECESSARY FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION (FEB 2023) is a required provision. The NNMS RFP does not contain SSI information. This provision will be removed upon contract award. | |
| 6 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 67 | 7.6 | "Table 7.6 - Proposal Content" is numbered incorrectly at Factor 6 (Other Submission) showing IV, IV.A, and IV.B vs. VI, VI.A, and VI.B. For accuracy, as an administrative correction, could you please revise these numbers? | Table 7.6 - Proposal Content has been updated with the correct numbering for Factor 6 - Other Submission. | |
| 7 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 66 | 7.6 | The instructions state that each resume is limited to 2 pages, but could you further confirm that there is no overall restriction for the number of resumes or, therefore, number of pages comprising the resume section? | 7.7.2 FACTOR 2 - MANAGEMENT APPROACH (#3) One resume for each Key Personnel is needed (Program Manager, Medical Director, Chief Nurse). Two page limit for each Key Personnel resume remains the same. | |
| 8 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 14 | 10.1 | Could you please clarify if a Draft Transition-In plan is due as part of the proposal in Volume II Management, or if not, when and in what format is the Transition-in Plan required? | The Transition-in Plan is due at the post-award conference kick-off meeting. SOW Section Three Deliverables has been updated to include new CDRL #13 Transition-In Plan. | |
| 9 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 17 | 14 | The requirement states "The Contractor shall perform services at TSA HQ and TSA Field Office (CONUS and US territories) locations." Can you please confirm that program management and support services can be performed at the contractor's site? | Services will mainly be performed at contractor site, within 25 miles of each airport and FAMS field office. SOW Section 14 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE has been updated to clarify requirements at TSA HQ. | |
| 10 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 18 | 16.3 | Requirement for Program Manager states "Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Required." Would you consider modifying this requirement to allow, as an alternative to PMP exclusively, advanced academic credentials, such as an MBA along with other project management courses or certifications? | SOW Section 16.3 has been updated to expand upon the PMP certification requirement. | |
| 11 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 18 | 16.3 | Requirement for Program Manager states "Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Required." Would you accept a Program Manager who shows proof of enrollment in a PMP program at the time of proposal submission, as part of the 90-day transition-in period? | SOW Section 16.3 has been updated to expand upon the PMP certification process | |
| 12 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 3 | 5.3 | The 2nd paragraph refers to section 2.1.9. This appears to be an error. Could you please correct this reference or clarify where this section is located? | SOW Section 5.3 has been updated to correct reference from 2.1.9 to 5.9. | |
| 13 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 3, 4, 5, 25 | 5.3, 5.5, 5.9, A.7 | The sections listed in column D all state requirements in "calendar days". Would you please consider revising to express all number-of-days requirements as business days? We recommend consistently using business days in order to account for weekends and holidays. | TSA does not concur with revising all references in SOW from "calendar days" to "business days". References to "calendar days" remains the same. | |
| 14 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 2,4,8,9,15,16,25,26,29,31,35,36,37,42 | 2, 5.8 b,7.4, 8.3c, 11.4, 12, B.1, B.4, C.3, D.7, F.3, N.3, Q.5, R.6, S.1, T.5, Security Requirements C.3.g | The sections listed in column D all state requirements in "days" without indicating business days. Would you please consider revising to express all number-of-days requirements as business days? We recommend consistently using business days in order to account for weekends and holidays. | TSA does not concur with revising all references in SOW from "calendar days" to "business days". References to "calendar days" remains the same. | |
| 15 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 6 | 5.16 | Requirement states, "Notify candidates via e-mail and trackable letter via priority mail of their medical and drug results and applicable next steps within 24 hours (next business day) of the vendor making a final medical adjudication." Could you please define priority mail? | SOW Section 5.16 updated to clarify requirements. | |
| 16 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 9, 12 | 4, 8.3, 10 | Sections 4 and 10 refer back to 8.3. 8.3b (page 9) refers to QAR report being done monthly; however on the deliverables table, it has under 4 Quarterly QAR. Is this deliverable monthly or quarterly? | SOW Section 3 Deliverable #4 updated to monthly. | |
| 17 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 1 | 2 | Requirements state, "The purpose of this requirement is to obtain and maintain a Nationwide Network of Medical Services (NNMS) affiliates within twenty-five (25) miles of each airport and Federal Air Marshall Service (FAMS) Field Office, for TSA candidates and employees to locally attend medical exams and drug testing." Could you please provide list of the FAMS field office addresses? | SOW Section 5.1 updated to clarify requirements. |
Section 5.1 states "Affiliates within 25 miles of each airport meets the FAMS Field Office requirement as FAMS Field Offices are in close proximity to TSA airport locations." Therefore, if vendor meets the requirement to have an affiliate within 25 miles of the airports listed in Appendix 3 they also by definition meet the FAMS location requirement.
| 18 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf, NNMS_RFP_Attachment_6_NNMS_Pricing_Template.xlsx | RFP p. 2 | |
| Att 6 "Base" tab | RFP Section I |
Att 6 "Base" tab
| Could you please confirm the Base Period of Performance is 12 months and no exams will be ordered during this period? | The Base period of performance is estimated to be 12 months. The timeline is contingent on ATO approval. No exam will be performed until the ATO is achieved. | ||||
| 19 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 2 -- 5 | Section I | A note on page 5 states: OPTIONAL CLINs for TSO Medical Evaluations, FAMS Medical Evaluations, TSS-EDCH Medical Evaluations, TSS-E Medical Evaluations, Criminal Investigator Medical Evaluations, and Mobile Medical and Drug Testing Evaluation Unit can be ordered by the Government in any stated quantity from 1 up to the quantity stated for those related OPTIONAL CLINs in Section I – Price/Costs. Could you please confirm the Optional CLINs can only be ordered after the prior CLINs quantities have been met (and exams completed)? | The Optional CLINs for TSO Medical Evaluations, FAMS Medical Evaluations, TSS-EDCH Medical Evaluations, TSS-E Medical Evaluations, Criminal Investigator Medical Evaluations, and Mobile Medical and Drug Testing Evaluation Unit will be ordered by the Government based on Government need. Exercising an Optional CLIN has no impact on completed exams. |
| 20 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 9 | Task Five | Drug Testing components are not included in the exam requirements. Could you please clarify which exams require drug testing, what drug panel should be used, and whether the drug tests are regulated or non-regulated? | Reference Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 13 / Monday, January 23, 2017 / Notices Page 7920, Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. All federal drug testing must be collected, analyzed and reviewed in accordance with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. The federal drug testing panel appears in Section C-Urine Drug and Specimin Validty Tests begining on page 7940. |
| 21 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | 1 (ii) | Under "independent assessment": For the controls in the System Security Plan, which revision of NIST 800-53 does TSA expect the SSP to use? | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. |
| 22 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | 1 (ii) | Under "independent assessment". Will TSA allow System Security Plans which use 800-53 rev 4 ? | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. |
| 23 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | 1 (ii) | Under "independent assessment". Does TSA prefer 800-53 rev 5 to 800-53 rev 4? | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. |
| 24 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 3 | 4.2 | Under applicable documents, listed is "NIST SP 800-53, Rev 3, Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems". We believe there to be a typo in the revision version. Can you please confirm rev 3 or update to state either rev 4 or rev 5? | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. |
| 25 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 24 | A.4 | Under A.4, it is stated that contractor shall comply with ...800-53 Rev 5 standards. Is Revision five (5) the correct version of NIST 800-53 that all security controls abide by? In other sections, there are references to rev 3 and rev 4. | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. |
| 26 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 24 | Appendix 1: Information Technology | Under a) i. Requirement states "All solutions and services shall meet DHS and TSA Enterprise Architecture policies, standards, and procedures". Is this applicable if the offeror is proposing an existing standalone product, not built for TSA or part of their system enterprise, but a commercially available product? | Yes, this is still applicable. Even if the solution is a commercial product, the implementation of that project needs to be presented to Enterprise Architecture. They will need to develop a System Design Document (SDD). |
| 27 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 37 | Appendix 1: T. Personal Identity Verification | Under section T "personal identity verification", for applications not-owned or not designed specifically for TSA, does the PIV card requirement hold? The requirement is for accessing TSA resources (IT applications and physical facility), but could you please confirm that there is no expectation to use PIV cards for non-TSA applications? | Yes, the TSA requirement would still hold. Any system that is hosting TSA information is considered to be an TSA resources. The Zero-Trust model would also enforce this. |
| 28 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 37 | Appendix 1: T. Personal Identity Verification | Should PIV cards be required, would PIV-I cards be acceptable? | TSA issued PIV cards only. |
| 29 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 29 | Appendix 1: A.11.E Contingency Planning | A.11.E Does this requirement require an alternate data center for processing? | Yes, this would also apply to cloud solutions. The FIPS, BIA, and other factros would also play a role. It is a control that needs to be addressed. |
| 30 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 29 | Appendix 1: A.11.E. Contingency Planning | A.11.E If an alternate data center is required for alternate data processing, what is the specific expectation? A hot site, warm site or cold site? | Expectation would be based on availability categorization of the system, as well as the Business Impact Analysis. |
| 31 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 29 | Appendix 1: A.11.E Contingency Planning | A.11.E.15 "The Contractor shall ensure that data at the secondary location is current as required by the system’s availability security categorization impact rating" Does this secondary site refer to offsite storage of backed up data or does it state that data must be ready at an alternate processing facility (a secondary data center) ? | Depending on BIA and FIPS199 |
| 32 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 32 | Appendix 1: I. Data Stored/Processed at Contractor Site | What is the specific technical level is this requirement? Are shared physical servers allowed if the servers are hosting multiple virtual environments (ESXi hosts), with TSA being on an isolated virtualized environment with other clients on other virtualized environments? | Depending on BIA and FIPS199. Alt processing and and back-up are different |
| 33 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 35-36 | Appendix 1: Information Technology Q. Continuous Diagnostic and Mitigation | What is the specific monitoring (logs, events, etc.) requirement? Will this be done solely by TSA or can/will be done by the service provider to support IR efforts? | Log events which need to be monitored are dictated in the TSA IA Handbook. TSA and service provider will need to adhere to policies and since this is TSA owned information and CNDS/SOC/TSOC would need to be engaged. |
The IA Handbook is available to the public https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/tsa-ia-hb-07272018.pdf
| 34 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 36 | Appendix 1: Information Technology: R, Software Guidance | Besides the IOC software, what other security software is required and will be provided to the service provider? What access to the logs will the service provider have? If the service provider is monitoring, will these logs be able to be ingested in to the service providers SIEM? | IOC = Indicators of compromise? IOC = Initial Operating Capability? If so then there is policy for required tools to be installed such as CDM that are required to be in place. Access to logs/events must adhere to policies and SIEM requirements which will entail going through the SOC process as well. |
| 35 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW).pdf | 35 | Appendix 1: Information Technology Q. Continuous Diagnostic and Mitigation | Will the CDM solution be performed by the TSA or will that be delegated to the service provider? | This is based on how the service provider implements their solution. The Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) solution is part of the ATO process. |
| 36 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | (1)ii. | Will TSA consider a conditional Authority To Operate, prior to any independent assessment performed as noted in NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf, page 50, section “(i) Security Authorization Process Documentation.” | This information should be included in the draft security plan with their proposal/quotation as their response to the RTM which Vendors are required to submit as part of the solicitation. |
| 37 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | (1)ii. | As noted on page 50 of the NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf , and independent assessment must take place. Will the TSA COR provide a listing of authorized assessors? | The independent assessor guidelines are provided on page 85 of the NIST Special Publication 800-53r5 Security and Privacy Controls. |
| 38 | NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf | 50 | (1)ii. | As noted on page 50 of the NNMS_RFP_05112023.pdf , and independent assessment must take place. If the TSA COR will not provide a listing of authorized assessors, will they provide criteria as to how to select an independent assessor? | The independent assessor guidelines are provided on page 85 of the NIST Special Publication 800-53r5 Security and Privacy Controls. |
| 39 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_ Statement_of_Work | 34 - 35 | N | Will this program require a Security Program Plan (SPP)? | TSA does not require a Security Program Plan (SPP), but does require a System Security Plan (SSP). TSA systems does not manage an SPP. |
| 40 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_ Statement_of_Work | 34 - 35 | N | If a SPP will be required, how can bidders obtain a copy of the appropriate template? | TSA does not require a Security Program Plan (SPP). The authoritative source and system of record is an online system called CSAM. TSA manages all security documentation through CSAM. |
| 41 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_ Statement_of_Work | 34- 35 | N | If required, will the SPP replace the System Security Plan (SSP)? | TSA does not require a Security Program Plan (SPP), but does require a System Security Plan (SSP). TSA systems does not manage an SPP. |
| 42 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_ Statement_of_Work | 34- 35 | N | Will there be an expectation to maintain both an SPP and SSP? | TSA only requires that the SSP be kept utilizing CSAM. |
| 43 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 2 | 6.3a,d | Please provide a copy of TSA HC and TSO Business Rules | SOW Section 17.2 was added to address TSA Business Rules. |
| 44 | Atachment 8 - Past Performance Questionnaire | 1 | Part 1 - Contract/Task Order Details | There is no line item for the relevant contract number on the questionnaire. Is this an oversight ? | The questionnaire has been updated to add a line item for contract number. |
| 45 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 17 | 14 | Please provide a list of locations (airports, field offices) including US Territories | TSA list of airport locations added to SOW as Appendix 3. |
| 46 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 46 | Appendix 2 | How many medical evaluations were conducted in each of the U.S. Territories for CY17 - CY21? | Appendix 2 updated to include data for U.S. Territories |
| 47 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 18 | 16.3 | Would relevant experience in successfully managing and providing similar services for more than 10 years for other federal agencies be acceptable in lieu of the PMP certificate. | SOW Section 16.3 has been updated to expand upon the PMP certification process |
| 48 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | Please provide further details on the appeal process when candidates provide additional supporting documentation to determine if there should be a change in eligibility determination | SOW Section 5.15 was updated to include the following: Each candidate should be advised of the medical appeal process in their medical ineligiblity notification. Candidates initally have 30-days to appeal. However, if the candidate is actively enaged in the appeal process and additional time is required for the candidate to obtain additional medical documentation to support their appeal, that additional time should automatically be granted in 14-30 day increments. Based on the collective documentation the candidates provides, the medical vendor ajudicates the candidate against the medical guideline(s) in which the candidate was found ineligible. | ||
| 49 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 1 | 1 | Please clarify if fitness for duty exams are to be conducted under this Solicitation | Fitmas for duty exams are currently not required under this solicitation. |
| 50 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 8 | 7.2b | The section states: "Applying at least three contact attempts (combination of phone calls and emails spread out over several days)….Rules." How many business days is "several days" ? | SOW Section 7.2b updated to clarify requirement. |
| 51 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 4 | 5.8 | Please clarify "Establish and deploy mobile medical and drug testing evaluation capability". Is the "mobile medical" referring to a self-contained mobile vehicle or is this referring to having the ability to perform services at TSA locations utilizing portable equipment? | SOW Section 5.8d updated to clarify requirement. |
| 52 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 6 | 5.15, 5.16 | Is there a specific format required for the results/adjudication letter being sent to the employee/candidate? Can you provide a template of such notification letter. | SOW Section 17.2 GFI was updated to include a TSA provided template. |
| 53 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 3,4 | 5.3, 5.5 | Please confirm that the vendor has a total of 14 days to complete the full cycle for the exam; 7 days to schedule the exam plus an additional 7 days to conduct the exam. | Correct. |
| 54 | Attachment 2 - Statement of Work | 9,10 | 9.1 - 9.6 | Please provide a copy of the TSA Health History Questionnaire and any other forms relevant to the medical evaluations and testing. | The TSA Federal Form "Transportation Security Officer Medical Questionaire" and suplemental Forms can be found online at OMB Control Number 1652-0032, TSA Form 1130B-2 TSO Medical Questionaire and Evaluation - Forms and Instructions. |
| 55 | Attachment 6 - Pricing Template | Option Period 1 - 4 | CLINS 1001-1005 | Is the unit price to consist of the medical services only or should it also include the cost of the review and disposition by the M.D. ? | The unit price should be the total unit cost including review and disposition by the M.D. |
| 56 | Attachment 6 - Pricing Template | Option Period 1 - 5 | CLINS 1001-1006 | Is drug testing to be included as part of the medical evaluation pricing ? | Medical Evaluations and Drug Testing is part of the medical evaluation pricing. |
| 57 | General Question | N/A | Is this a new requirement or is there an current incumbent? Who is the incumbent ? | This requirement is currently performed under Accenture's R&H contract (Contract 70T01022C7663N001). | |
| 58 | General Question | N/A | What was the total spend for Calendar Year 2022 | TSA cannot provide information on current budget/costs. | |
| 59 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment 2_Statement of Work (SOW) | 12 | 8.2 (a) | The final bullet in section a) states "Total Actual Cost" does this refer to the total cost of the Exam, the total charge by the contractor, or something else? | SOW Section 8.2(a) was updated to clarify this requirement |
| 60 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 13 | SECTION THREE: DELIVERABLES | For the Project Management Plan deliverable, should the Draft Project Management Plan also include a draft transition plan? If so, is the Transition In plan part of the overall page count for the Project Management Plan deliverable? Will the government confirm that the Transition In plan is part of the Program Management Plan deliverable and overall page count for Volume II: Management Approach? | SOW Section Three Deliverables updated to include new CDRL #13 Transition-In Plan. |
| 61 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 13 and 18 | SECTION 3: DELIVERABLES and 16.1 | In SECTION 3: DELIVERABLES, it is stated that the Draft Project Management Plan is due with the proposal. This is contradictory to what is stated in section 16.1, which states "the draft Project Management Plan shall be due at the Post-Award Conference/Kickoff meeting". Please verify the deadline for the Draft Project Management Plan. | SOW Section 16.1 was updated to correct this requirement. |
| 62 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 16 | 13 | Are there specific positions that are identified as needing Tier 2 positions? If so, please share the specific positions. | All positions are required for a Tier2 level background investigation which entails a detailed, fingerprint-based screening. |
| 63 | NNMS_RFP_05112023 | 65 | 7.5 | Please confirm the proposal due date and time. There is a conflict with the RFP and the notice of solicitation. The solicitation notice states that proposal is due at 12 PM ET. The RFP states that the proposal is due at 2 PM ET. | The solicitation notice due date and time has been updated. |
| 64 | NNMS_RFP_05112023 | 63 | 7.2 | Please confirm that tables, graphics, diagrams, illustrations, etc. can be less than a 12 point Times New Roman font. | The RFP has been modified to allow the use of no smaller than 9 point font for graphics and tables only. |
| 65 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 9 | 9.1 | Please provide a list of procedure codes for Medical/drug services. | TSA does not provide a list of procedure codes for medical services. |
| 66 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 3 | 5.1 | Please provide a list of airport locations and FAMS Field Office locations. | Please see response to items 17 & 45. |
| 67 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 9 | 9.1 | Please provide a copy of the TSA Health History Questionnaire and any other required forms needed for each of the five employee types. | The TSA Federal Form "Transportation Security Officer Medical Questionaire" and suplemental Forms can be found online at OMB Control Number 1652-0032, TSA Form 1130B-2 TSO Medical Questionaire and Evaluation - Forms and Instructions. |
| 68 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_6_NNMS_Pricing_Template | N/A | N/A | In Attachment 6 Pricing Template, what differentiates the 5 Optional CLINs 1001AB through 1001AF? We aren't clear what would drive the use of one over the other when evaluation volume exceeds 20k. Why wouldn't a single Optional CLIN suffice for incremental evaluation counts greater than 20k? | The 5 Optional CLINs provide more flexibility in meeting the Program Office need. |
| 69 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 7 | 6.7 | Can the government provide guidance to define how a employee is determined to be "inactive" and who makes that determination? | In this instance, 'inactive' would mean candidate records in which the candidate medical determination was made more then one year prior. Traditionally, the medical vendor would retain the current and prior year's candidate medical record in their possession, and prepare the prior year's records for archive shipment. |
| 70 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 1 | SECTION ONE: GENERAL, 2. Scope | Please provide the Medical and Psychological Guidelines that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating exams. What are TSA's protocols? | SOW GFI Section 17.5 has been added. |
| 71 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.12 | Can the government confirm that this requirement is referring to a 5 panel test and are there any TSA specific guidelines/protocols that are required beyond federal requirements? | The federal “5-panel” test has been extended. Reference Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 13 / Monday, January 23, 2017 / Notices Page 7920, Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs; All federal drug testing must be conducted in accordance with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines. Reference Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 105 / Thursday, June 1, 2023 / Notices Page 35896, Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Current List of HHS-Certified Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilitiies Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Federal Agencies. Laboratories must be HHS certified, see referenece for HHS certified laboratory listing. |
| 72 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 10 | 9.2 | In regards to the Hardy-Rand-Rittler (HRR) 4th edition color vision test that is to be provided as part of a comprehensive vision test, will there be any GFE for the HRR books? Is this something the medical vendor/provider needs to supply? What vision testing equipment is needed, and does the vendor need to purchase this equipment or will it be provided? | The vendor is responsible for this requirement. No GFE will be provided. |
| 73 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 18 | 16.3 | It is indicated that Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required. Would an education degree such as a Masters in Health Care Administration or a Bachelor's degree with commensurate experience in Program/Project Management be acceptable in lieu of this certification? Additionally, would progress towards achieving a PMP/PMI be acceptable? | See responses to questions 10, 11 & 47 |
| 74 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 18 | 16.2 | Where are the TSA quality standards and TSA project-specific processes documented? | Please see updated SOW Section 16.2 |
| 75 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 4 | 5.8 | Will there be a change in the expectation for drug evaluations to only point-of-service resulting, or will the expectation be that we have a provisional result at the time of the evaluation and then a confirmatory result following the processing of the laboratory specimen? |
| If the above is not the case, will the customer be able to elect if they would rather have POS testing/immediate results, laboratory results, or both? | Testing results are post lab specimen evaluation. | |||||
| 76 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 1 | SECTION ONE: GENERAL, 2. Scope | Please define the specific requirements for performing audiometry. Are there specific requirements for the level of credentials required to perform (CAOHC)? | The individual performing the audiometric test must have medical credentialing. This can be a physician, RN, MA, etc. TSA does not specify level of Medical cededntials. | |
| 77 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 1 | SECTION ONE: GENERAL, 2. Scope | How often do candidates/employees appeal a medical review decision? | SOW Section 5.15 updated as follows: Approximately 25-30% of candidates appeal the decision. | |
| 78 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 3 | SECTION TWO: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/TASKS, TASK ONE: Nationwide Network of Medical Services (NNMS) Affiliates - Conducting Medical Evaluations | Are we able to document telephone conversations? Is there the ability to have conversation exchanges (i.e. messaging) on the portal between the provider and TSA CMO? | All telephone conversations between the medical vendor and the candidates should be documented in the canddiate's medical records. | |
| 79 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 3 | 5.3 | Will the customer allow for exceptions to be granted in meeting scheduling and appointment execution timelines based on the current healthcare landscape of longer wait times and staffing shortages? | ||
| The requirement is as stated in SOW Section 5.3. | ||||||
| 80 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 4 | 5.8 | In regards to mobile medical and drug testing, please indicate if this should be done using mobile medical units (e.g., trailer) or at an off-site location (e.g., hotel). | Please see response to item #51 | |
| 81 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.9 | Can the government provide the number of employees at each airport location? | No, we cannot provide that information. It is security sensitive. | |
| 82 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.12.b | Is an onsite evaluation required at each site that is contracted regardless of the number of services they can perform? At what cadence are audits required for each site/contract? | Question is what is TSA's requirement for "at what cadence are audits required" - TSA does not direct vendor audits under SOW Section 5.12. | |
| 83 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.12.b | What are customer expectations on frequency and type of audit(s) (e.g., Gold Standard vs MVP)? | Question is what is TSA's requirement for "at what cadence are audits required" - TSA does not direct vendor audits under SOW Section 5.12 | |
| 84 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.12.b | Does "medical evaluations" equate to auditing everything that occurs during the medical appointment, including H&P, medical exam, labs, drug testing, and other testing processes? | Question is what is TSA's requirement for "at what cadence are audits required" - TSA does not direct vendor audits under SOW Section 5.1 | |
| 85 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 5 | 5.12.b | May a vendor use QUEST as a delegated MRO for drug screening determination? Are we able to rely on HSS and DOT compliance/noncompliance in lieu of auditing QUEST Labs? | Reference Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 13 / Monday, January 23, 2017 / Notices Page 7920, Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, Subpart K-Laboratory, Section 11. Persons serving as the Medical Review Officer (MRO) must be certified in accordance with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines and the HHS MRO Manual. Pursuant to the HHS Mandatory Guidelines (Section 11.25) a MRO cannot be an employee, agent or have any financial interest in the HHS certified laboratory that analyzes the federal agency’s drug testing specimens. | |
| 86 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 6 | 5.15 | What is the government's required method for notifying candidates of pass/fail status? | Please see SOW Sections 5.16. | |
| 87 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 8 | 7.2 | Please provide more details regarding what tracking and monitoring of candidate responses entails. | To keep track of what candidates have scheduled their medical exams and which ones have not. For those that have not, extend outreach to encourage and assist them with scheduling - tracking the outreach attempts. | |
| 88 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 9 | 8.3 | Please provide more information on what the capacity represents. Is it the number of applicants that are scheduled within each Airport/regional area per week/month? | The vendor needs to report on the capacity of medical exams that are available and the number scheduled at each location at the monthly PMR. | |
| 89 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 11 | 9.5.d | Will this be 6 lead or 12 lead ECGs or Stress EKG that is needed? | OCMO do not determine if the ECG/EKG is a 6 or 12 lead. As long as the ECG/EKG results are accurate. | |
| 90 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 37 | T.1 | Please confirm which employees would actually need a PIV card (e.g., all workers, or just those conducting the exams, etc.). What systems will our employees need to access on the TSA side? What is the timeline for security PIV cards? | All users that have access to the system. Whether that's basic use or administrator level. In general the timeline for security PIV cards takes approximately 30 to 45 days. | |
| 91 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 32 | I.1 | Is the existing Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) system which utilizes logical separation, and has undergone several ATOs from other agencies, sufficient for data storage? | Unclear of question. Is this referencing the existing medical system or one the vendor is proposing. If the latter, it would need to be assessed in it's entirety and approved by TSA leadership before it could be deployed. | |
| 92 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 34 | M.1 | Is purging of data stored on logically separated media, performed in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-88 Guidelines for Media Sanitization, sufficient? | It would also have to meet TSA/DHS guidelines. | |
| 93 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 35 | Q.3 | Can our existing Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) solution on the COCO system, which are currently being used to support ATOs for other government agencies (DoD, VA) in order to meet the continuous monitoring requirement, be acceptable without using the CMaaS option provided by the agency? Our current CDM solution which utilizes similar security tool set (CISCO ISE, Tanium, Tenable) provides strong data protection and security posture which supports our existing ATOs. We will still deliver vulnerability scanning reports regularly to TSA. | Any system proposed by the vendor would have to proceed through the full TSA ATO process before implementation. Any other process or proposed system would present a certain level of risk to TSA. | |
| 94 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 36 | R.3, R.4 | Can the contractor utilize our existing forensic tool set, which is currently being used to support ATOs for other government agencies (DoD, VA), without installing the TSA provided forensic software? The ATOs for our existing COCO system which supports other federal agencies may be negatively impacted by the installation of such forensic software. | Any system proposed by the vendor would have to proceed through the full TSA ATO process before implementation. Any other process or proposed system would present a certain level of risk to TSA. | |
| 95 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_7_NNMS_H_H_H_-_RTM | i | Introduction | Is the requirement for the system to meet NIST 800-53 Rev 4 or Rev.5 for compliance? | SOW Section 4.2 updated. Rev 5 is the version of the 800-53 that we are abiding by, unless it is a FedRAMP system. Those systems should reference Rev 4. Rev 3 is no longer applicable. | |
| 96 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 4 | 5.6 | Who would be the designated providers and how are the results expected to be delivered to them? | As example designated provided would be TSA's Recruitment & Hiring Services vendor that is assisting with moving candidates through the respective hirnig process and would need to know the medical results. | |
| 97 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 6 | 5.16 | If a candidate can review their results via a portal, would this be a sufficient replacement instead of a trackable letter? | SOW Section 5.16 has updated to include requirements for notification via tool/portal. | |
| 98 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 8 | 7.2 | Can the government advise on what needs to be tracked and monitored for FAMs candidates? | All candidate mointoring and tracking should be the same regardless of position type. | |
| 99 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 8 | 7.4 | How is the documentation delivered to the FAMS medical branch? What is the contractor's responsibility if the FAMS candidate uses their own provider? | Applicants to Federal Air Marshal positions must use agency-providers for pre-employment medical examinations. The preferred method of delivering medical examinations to the Medical Programs Sections is through a secure electronic transmission. | |
| 100 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 10-Sep | 9.1 | Will the contractor be responsible for facilitating the delivery of the HHQ to the applicant or will TSA send over the completed electronic version? | The contractor will need to deliver the HHQ to each candidate. | |
| 101 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 20 | 16.5 | What would be contained within the document repository on the TSA site? Who will be granted access to this site? How will this site be accessed? | TSA will provide an Ishare site and provide a governance structure at time of award. At a minimum, the site will contain all contract deliverables, including but not limited to: PMR, Bi-weekly status reports etc. | |
| 102 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 21 | Appendix 1: Information Technology | Does a contractor owned contractor operated system need to conform to the IPv6 standard as mentioned in the DHS and TSA Enterprise Architecture? Would the TSA approve an existing architecture of a COCO system supporting other government agencies, such as DoD, VA, for an ATO if it does not fully align to the DHS and TSA Enterprise Architecture requirements? | Yes, COCO systems still need to adhere to DHS/TSA policy related to IPV6 implementation. All TSA systems are required to get their system architecture approved by EAD. | |
| 103 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW) | 13 | SECTION THREE: DELIVERABLES | |||
| 12 | With a 12 page limit for the Management plan, is the expectation that an entire Quality Control Plan be included in this document? Or will a full draft be excluded from the page count? | The 12 page limit for the Management Plan has been increased to 15 pages inclusive of the QCP. | ||||
| 104 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_2_Statement_of_Work_(SOW)_SECTION FOUR: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 10 Transition-In Support | 14 | SECTION FOUR | SOW states "10.1 In developing the Transition-In Plan…"where does the Transition In plan go? It is not listed as a program deliverable, nor is it listed in the Instructions to Offerors proposal format, or in the evaluation criteria. | SOW Section Three Deliverables updated to include new CDRL #13 Transition-In Plan. | |
| 105 | NNMS_RFP_7.6 PROPOSAL CONTENT | 67 | 7.6 | Proposal Volume 6 is incorrectly labeled as "IV" in some places with corresponding "IV.A -- OCI Mitigation Plan, if applicable and "IV.B -- Vendor Response to Solicitation Provisions/Clauses, RFP Amendments Acknowledgement, as applicable". Should these sections all read VI? | Table 7.6 - Proposal Content has been updated with the correct numbering for Factor 6 - Other Submission. | |
| 106 | NNMS_RFP_SECTION ONE - PRICE/COSTS | 2 | SECTION ONE | Does this mean that the entire 12 month base period will not include providing any medical evaluations to any audience? | The Base period of performance is estimated to be 12 months. The timeline is contingent on ATO approval. No exam will be performed until the ATO is achieved. | |
| 107 | NNMS_Attachment 2_Statement of Work (SOW)_SECTION THREE -DELIVERABLES | 13 | SECTION THREE: DELIVERABLES | Page 18, section 16.1 of the SOW states that "TPP shall be due at the Post-Award Conference/Kickoff meeting." However page 13, #13 (Project Management Plan) states that "Draft Project Management Plan is due with proposal." Which is correct? | SOW Section 16.1 was updated to correct this requirement. | |
| 108 | SECTION III - TSA REQUIREMENTS | 8 | SECTION III - TSA REQUIREMENTS | H-1 States that "All TSA contractor employees and consultants must execute a DHS Form 11000-6, Sensitive but Unclassified Information Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon initial assignment to TSA and before being provided access to TSA sensitive and/or mission critical information." Please confirm that form 11000-6 is not required to be submitted with the proposal. | TSA-RQMTS; CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL ACCESS TO TSA FACILITIES, INFORMATION AND/OR SYSTEMS (SEP 2020) states the DHS Form 11000-6 is to be provided upon initial assignment to TSA and before being provided access to TSA “sensitive and/or mission critical information. This is after contract award. | |
| 109 | NNMS_RFP_Attachment_6_NNMS_Pricing_Template | N/A | Also: SOW Section 12 (Period of Performance) | Please provide clarity on Transition In duration and timing. In Attachment 6 Pricing Template it states: "Authority To Operate (ATO) (SOW Appendix 1) and Transition-In (Three Months) (SOW Sec. 10)" while the SOW section 12 states: "...period of performance will start 60 days after contract award." | The contract period of performance starts 60 days after contract award to allow contractor employee entry on duty. Transition In and ATO is anticipated to be 1 year during the base period. |
Additional SOW Updates
| Additional SOW updates | SOW Section |
| Revised SOW language 5.4 Shall provide a medical scheduling portal that allows employees/candidates to be able to schedule medical exams in an efficient and timely manner. Reported in Bi-weekly Status Report 5.4.1 Vendor will provide email and phone number. | SOW Sec 5.4 |
| Revised SOW language 5.4 Shall provide a medical scheduling portal that allows employees/candidates to be able to schedule medical exams in an efficient and timely manner. Reported in Bi-weekly Status Report 5.4.1 Vendor will provide email and phone number to candidates/employees to assist with any questions and/or technical issues with the portal. | SOW Section 5.4 |
| Modify Section 5.9 to state “Ensure the medical affiliates have sufficient appointment capacity commensurate with individual airport and FAMS field office candidate/employee volumes. (Sufficient capacity is defined as being able to offer a candidate a minimum of two (2) possible appointment dates that are within (5) calendar days of when the candidate/employee initiates appointment scheduling.” | Update 5.9 |
| Timeliness: 100% of medical exams shall be scheduled through the tool/portal within 5 businesscalendar days of being notified by TSA or it’s designated NNMS service provider. |
| SOW Sec 5.5 | |
| Add to SOW requirement "Contractor shall automate process for candidates and physicians eliminating a need for candidates to print forms to take to medical exam. Affiliates should also not need to mail results to central processor for data entry and adjudication. Contractor shall stand up portal that can be used by candidates and affiliates to eliminate printing forms and mailing forms." | SOW Sec 5.4 updated |
| Add to SOW Contractor shall provide user support for technical issues to include an email and phone number for candidates and physicians to contact for technical issues with the portal and scheduling tool" | SOW Sec 5.4 updated |
| Remove or revision reference to section 2.1.9 as that does not exist in the SOW. | SOW Sec 5.3 updated to correct reference to SOW Sec 5.9. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .