Wastewater Questions and Answers.docx

1. What is the data upload process? e.g., programmatic upload via API, a manual file transfer, etc The preferred option is a comprehensive data file will be uploaded to the data platform using an API. If the API agent is unable to be installed in the company’s servers, a manual file upload will be proposed using the Citrix ShareFile software.

1. For the purposes of completing "Volume II – Price Proposal Content", is it appropriate to assume that we only sample 250 locations for the duration of Phase 1? In the event that we ramp up to more than 250 locations during Phase 1, are we able to invoice the CDC differently than what is indicated in "Volume II – Price Proposal Content", and instead for the total number of sites actually sampled?

Invoicing can scale with the number of sites sampled, in 50 site increments. The base requirement is to begin testing samples from 250 sites within 2 weeks of contract initiation. The contractor will continue to enroll until the 500-site capacity is reached. As soon as the contractor reaches another 50-site increment, they can begin invoicing for that testing. By month 3, the contractor must be sampling and testing 500 sites. The contractor is encouraged to enroll all 500 sites as early in Phase 1 as possible.

1. Q1. The RFP is directed as a small business set aside. Please clarify whether it requires Minority and/or Women- business participation.

This is a total small business set-aside. Minority or Women-owned business is not required.

1. Q2. Does the Proposer require analytical testing services to be conducted at a single laboratory site?

Testing does not need to be conducted at a single site, but all tests must be conducted using the same methods with the same quality control standards.

1. Q3: Is on-site field testing an acceptable alternate to laboratory testing?

A minimum set of data is required to interpret SARS-CoV-2 wastewater measurements for use in the COVID-19 response, and any on-site field testing must be able to meet the minimum requirements (link to NWSS). Consistency in testing is also essential. Differences in lab methods may limit the comparability of PCR target concentrations. If on-site testing is proposed, the offeror should explain how test consistency will be measured and maintained among sites.

1. Q4. The CDC test criteria allow adoption of testing methodology meeting the Proposer’s quality objectives: Is use of multiple testing methods acceptable, as long as they are appropriately validated to meet those objectives?

No. All tests completed under this contract must be conducted using the same test methods with the same quality control standards.

1. Q5. Similarly, do the test criteria allow for adoption of novel biological and/or non-pathogen-based fecal normalization approaches (e.g. chemical markers), if appropriately validated in the literature or through original work?

Test methods, including fecal normalization methods, must align with the current NWSS data submission standards (NWSS Data Dictionary).

1. Q6. Does the arrival of RNA/DNA at a sequencing facility trigger starting of the clock toward the time limit or is it the arrival of the raw wastewater sample? (Note that information from genetic analysis is needed to determine whether sequencing is warranted)

The data reporting times begin when the raw wastewater sample is received at the laboratory.

1. The RFP mentions subcontracted entities are allowed but would need to be approved. At what time does this have to occur? Meaning, do any/all subcontracting entities need to be disclosed at the time of bidding or at the time of project initiation? Are they allowed to be added in/approved after the award is given? Subcontractors do not need to be approved. Proposed subcontract cost should be disclosed in your proposal so that a price reasonableness evaluation can be completed.

1. The PWS states that the contractor must enroll 500 wastewater facilities to receive testing services under the anticipated contract and that CDC will provide a list of at least 500 priority facilities for enrollment. Does some or all of the CDC priority list include facilities that are actively and/or previously enrolled in the NWSS testing program? Or is the list composed of facilities not previously enrolled or recruited?

Sites that are currently participating in the wastewater testing contract awarded by CDC in December 2021 will be transferred to this contract for continued testing. If fewer than 500 sites are available, then additional sites and/or priority states will be provided by CDC.

1. Can this list of 500 facilities be provided now prior to the proposal due date to support preparation of cost and technical proposals?

The list of sites cannot be provided prior to contract initiation.

1. Under Factor 2 Roadmap of Technical Evaluation, the RFP states:

The Contractor’s roadmap includes an approach that includes a timeline and milestones to recruit utilities that are not part of the Contractor’s current network.

1. Please explain further the meaning of “Contractor’s current network”. For example, does current network refer to the 500 utilities [wastewater facilities] to be enrolled under the anticipated contract or does it refer to the Contractor’s own utility clients?

The offeror should provide a clear plan for contacting and enrolling sites that they do not have existing relationships with.

1. Phase 1 is scheduled for 9 months. Does this equate to 36 or 37 weeks?

Phase 1 is 36 weeks.

1. Will testing be relaxed during the Christmas holidays?

No. The contractor is expected to continue the testing and reporting cadence through holidays. Sampling dates can be adjusted within a week, but two samples per week is expected for all sites regardless of holidays.

1. We request a proposal due date extension of one week (to March 10, 2022).

This is being extended to March 4, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. EST.

1. 7. Are the following items included or excluded from technical volume page limitations?

Table of contents, cover letter, cover page.

Table of contents, cover letter and cover page are not included in the page limits.