MIDS_Solicitation_Ques_and_Resp.xlsx
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- Measure and Instrument Development and Support (MIDS) Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 75FCMC18R0019
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MIDS Solicitation Questions and Responses
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Sheet1 Measure and Instrument Development and Support (MIDS)
| Subject: Solicitation | |||
| Question # | Document, Section, Page Number | Question/Comment | CMS Response |
| 1 | Attachment J.13, 508 Evaluation Template | This Section 508 Product Assessment Template (VPAT) refers to the previous 508 regulations/requirements and does not comply with the January 18, 2017 Final Rule (https://www.access-board.gov/attachments/article/1877/ict-rule.pdf). Is the offeror required to comply with this J.13-VPAT version, or should the offeror complete VPAT 2.0 (https://www.itic.org/dotAsset/d432b9da-3696-47fe-a521-7d0458d48202.doc) associated with the 2017 Final Rule that accounts for updated requirements for information and communication technology covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communication Act? This is described at https://www.section508.gov/content/sell/vpat. | An updated form has been provided. |
| 2 | Attachment J.2, Section C, page 2 | Is the "Attachment J.y" that is highlighted twice meant to be J.3? | Yes, this has been correced. |
| 3 | Attachment J.2, Section D, page 3 | Is the "Attachment J.x" that is highlighted twice meant to be J.2? | Yes, this has been correced. |
| 4 | Attachment J.3, Part III, page 5 | Should Part III "Additional Positions" include the chart that shows what should be disclosed? | Yes, the dcoument has been updated |
| 5 | General | In addition to emailing the proposal to CMS, may an offeror send hard spiral bound copies for ease of reviewing? If so, how many copies and where should they be sent? | Hard copies will not be accepted. |
| 6 | General | Due to the amount of responses required to be submitted, could the government extend the deadline to April 20, 2018? | No |
| 7 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L.11.B.3 page 119 | "CMS requires separate attachments for each volume. Each volume shall be |
submitted in one (1) PDF file with the exception of Excel spreadsheets. Excel
| spreadsheets shall be included in the PDF file as well as submitted separately." Please confirm that the VPAT is required to be in PDF format and not submitted in readable 508 format. | The VPAT shall be submitted in PDF format but will also need to be 508 compliant. | |||
| 8 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L.6 page 115 and Attachment _J.13-VPAT | This Attachment is required to be submitted, but the Proposal Instructions does not state in which volume it is to be included. Please confirm which Volume the VPAT is to be included in as an Attachment and that it will not count towards the page limit for said volume. | The VPAT is not required for the IDIQ. It is required for Task Order 0002, 0003 and 0004. | |
| 9 | IDIQ, Page 114 | In our SAM registration we registered under NAICS Code 541990. The NAICS Code for the RFP is 541690. Under both codes the size threshold to be a small business is $15 million. Do we need to add NAICS Code 541690 to our SAM registration to qualify as a small business for this RFP? | Yes, however please reach out to your SBA contact regarding this question as they can provide additional clarification and information. | |
| 10 | IDIQ, Pages 1-2 | Where should the "Solicitation, Offer and Award" sheet, with the middle section completed by the offeror, be included in the proposal documents? | CMS is assuming you are referencing the SF33 form. Refer to L.14.B | |
| 11 | IDIQ,MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section K.17 page 111 | States "The offeror shall provide documentation that the Cognizant Federal Agency has |
determined that the proposed earned value management system (EVMS) complies with the EVMS guidelines in Electronic Industries Alliance Standard 748 (EIA-748) (current version at time of solicitation)." There is no requirement for EVMS in the IDIQ Statement of Work. Will CMS confirm the requirement for EVMS and if so what Volume should the supporting documentation be included in as an attachment and that it will not count towards that volume's page count. EVMS helps project managers to measure project performance. It is a systematic project management process used to find variances in projects based on the comparison of work performed and work planned. EVMS is used on the cost and schedule control and is useful in project forecasting. At the TO level, the complexity of the project will determine whether it is necessary. Contractors should have the mechanism to perform EVMS.
Section K is included in the Business Proposal Volume.
| 12 | MIDS RFP 75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.11.B.10, page 120 | The instructions state: “The technical proposal must not contain reference to price/cost; however, resource information such as data concerning labor hours and categories, subcontracts, etc., may be contained in the technical proposal so that Offeror’s understanding of the scope of the work may be evaluated.” Will CMS consider providing a list of labor categories? | No. It is up to the offeror to determine how to best formulate the proposal. |
| 13 | MIDS RFP 75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.11.C, page 120 | The instructions state: “Cover Letter/Page. Each volume shall include a cover page that includes the following information: …” The bullets listed in this section are typically included in a transmittal letter. Does this instruction meant that CMS is not expecting a transmittal letter and expects this information to be included on the proposal cover only? | Offeror can provide a transmittal letter or cover letter for each proposal as long as the information requested is included. |
| 14 | MIDS RFP 75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.12.E, pages 124, 126 | The instructions state: “Significant Subcontractor – A subcontractor performing major or critical aspects of the requirements relevant to the prospective contract. If a subcontractor is performing 25% or more of the work, they are considered Significant” (page 124); and, “Limit the number of past performance references to six (6) for the prime Offeror and three (3) for each significant subcontractor” (page 126). Is CMS expecting allocation of workshare at the IDIQ level? Generally, significant subcontractors are not determined at the IDIQ level. Is it permissible to include past performance subcontractors for which workshare has not yet been allocated? | Offeror shall determine how they will propose on the IDIQ. It is acceptable to provide past performance for subcontractors that Offeror deems significant. |
| 15 | MIDS RFP 75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L11.B.3, page 119 | The instructions state: “CMS requires separate attachments for each volume. Each volume shall be submitted in one (1) PDF file with the exception of Excel spreadsheets. Excel spreadsheets shall be included in the PDF file as well as submitted separately.” Will CMS consider providing a pricing template spreadsheet? Will a Business Narrative volume be required for the IDIQ? | No template is provided but the Summary Rollup of All Costs shall be included in the spreadsheet. |
A business proposal is not required for the IDIQ.
| 16 | MIDS RFP Document, Attachment J.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (HHS Subcontracting Plan Template), Section 2i, Title of table, page 4 | The title of the table in section 2i of the "HHS Subcontracting Plan Template" states, "Subcontracting Opportunities (description of all principal products/services to be subcontracted to all types of concerns listed in 2.b.-2.f.)." Should it read, "2.b.-2.g." instead of "2.b.-2.f." to include women-owned small business concerns, which are listed in 2.g. of the Template? WOSB is listed in the table. | Yes. This has been corrected. |
| 17 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.11, page 119 | In Section L.11, the RFP states, "2. Each file shall be printable to 8.5”x11” paper and be readable without requiring formatting adjustments. Type font shall be Times New Roman. Type size shall not be less than 12 point. Margins shall be no less than 1". Graphs and tables shall be no less than 10 point font. All pages shall be numbered." Can all sections of the proposal be single-spaced? |
| Yes | |||
| 18 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.12.E, Pg. 124 | Could you please clarify what is meant by the following: "The list of directly related projects/contracts shall cover at least the last 6 months, but not more than the most recent 3 years." Does this mean that projects must have been in place for at least the last 6 months but not longer than the last 3 years? | Yes. |
| 19 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.14.B., pg. 129 | Section B states "the Representations and Certifications contained in Section K must be |
executed by an official authorized to bind the Offeror and provided by the Prime
| Contractor and subcontractors". Should this information be provided only for subcontractors proposed in Task Order 0001 Technical Proposal or should this information be provided for all subcontractors proposed in the MIDS IDIQ Technical Proposal? | The Solicitation has been revised. The requirement for subcontractors has been removed. | |||
| 20 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.14.B., pg. 129 | The Representations and Certifications contained in section K are 25 pages long and are required for both the prime contractor and subcontractors. If the prime contractor and subcontractors are required to fill out this section in its entirety and three (3) subcontractors are proposed, this could potentially exceed the page limitation for the entire business proposal volume (100 pages). Can the Representations and Certifications be excluded from page count and provided in an Appendix to the business proposal? | The Reps and Certs is only required for the Prime Offeror. The Business Proposal page restriction has been removed. | |
| 21 | MIDS RFP, Page 8, Section B.5 | Please clarify if the Contractor is allowed to discount T&M rates for high dollar Task Orders, instead of the need to modify the contract to establish new ceilings. | The T&M ceilings are established at the time of Task Order award. | |
| 22 | MIDS RFP, Section B.5, Labor Rates (Time and Materials (T&M)) - page 8 | The solicitation indicates that T&M rates will be established at the task order level. Kindly confirm that labor rates are not required at the IDIQ level as part of this proposal submission. | Confirmed. | |
| 23 | MIDS RFP, Section H - Special Contact Requirments - H.1 business Ethiscs, Conflict of Interest and Compliance (APR 2017) b. Definitions Financial Interests/Relationships | Please clarify that for the purposes of this solicitation, you intend the word Government to mean the Medicare program. | The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is an extention of the Federal Government and the word Government is used interchangeble with CMS. | |
| 24 | MIDS RFP, Section H - Special Contact Requirments - H.1 business Ethiscs, Conflict of Interest and Compliance (APR 2017) b. Definitions Financial Interests/Relationships | If you have a financial relationship, by providing consulting services, with State Medicaid programs as a payer of claims, do you have a conflict of interest? | CMS cannont make a determination on this issue with the infomration provided. | |
| 25 | MIDS RFP, Section H - Special Contact Requirments - H.1 business Ethiscs, Conflict of Interest and Compliance (APR 2017) b. Definitions Financial Interests/Relationships | Please clarify the definition of paying claims to be direct payment of claims (as opposed to a self-insured party). | Paying cliams refers to an organization that would authorize and/or pay claims for healthcare services. | |
| 26 | MIDS RPF, Section G.7.e, page 23 | "Each Task Order will require separate subcontractor consent." If we have potential subcontractors/partners for future task orders already under agreement should we submit Consent to Subcontract forms with the IDIQ submission or should we wait for Task Orders on which we would subcontract with these partners? | If these subcontractors will assist CMS in making an IDIQ award decision, then submit with the IDIQ. | |
| 27 | MIDS RPF, SectionG.7.c, page 23 | "Contractor is required to submit a completed Consent to Subcontract form for the following:…" Are we allowed to submit these forms for all potential subcontractors even if they are not being proposed on Task Order 001? | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. | |
| 28 | MIDS_RFP, L.14.D, p. 113 | Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data should not be applicable, is this correct? | Not applicable to the prime Offeror but may be applicable to a subcontractor. | |
| 29 | MIDS_RFP, L.6.D, p. 115 | HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template should go in which section? | The Solicitation has been revised. The Product Assessment Template is not required at the IDIQ level. | |
| 30 | MIDS_RFP, Section L.11.A, p. 119 | 1. If we submit th proposal by the due date and time but it is held due to the electronic work hour hold will it still be considered on time? | ||
| 2. If the proposal is submitted 24 hours prior to accommodate system holds on large files, the submission will occur on a Sunday so since that would not be core working hours can we expect that the transmission would be "on time"? | 1. The proposals must be received on time to be considered on time. |
2. The proposals must be received in the designated e-mail box by the date and time specified in the solicitation in order to be considered on time.
| 31 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.12.E.2, p. 124 | There is a reference to a "list of directly related projects" (gov't emphasis). Can you provide more guidance on this list? | Past performance should indicate that Offeror has the experience and ability to perform the work outlined in the solicitation and SOWs. |
| 32 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.12.E.2, p. 124 | Is this a "list of directly related projects" that is separate from the up to 6 Past Performance of the Prime and 3 from each significant subcontractor? | No. The list is inclusive. |
| 33 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.12.E.2, p. 125 | Past Performance - For contracts that are in CPARS, can the Offeror submit a CPARS reference and supplemental information or must we reproduce all required information, even where it is redundant with CPARS? | It is preferred that CPARS information be submitted as directed in Section L.12.E.2. |
| 34 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.12.E.2, p. 125 | For contracts that are in CPARS, does the Offeror need to also submit a Past Performance? | CPARS is past performance. Offeror shall provide CPARS information as directed in Section L.12.E.2. |
| 35 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.12.E.2, p. 125 | Past Performance - How should past performances be included in the Technical Volume? Is there a list, a table, a list and a table? | The table listed in L.12.E.2 indicates the information that should be provided. |
| 36 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, B.5, p. 8 | States "The Contractor is limited to the negotiated T&M rate ceilings stated below for all T&M Task Orders". However, then states "T&M rates will not be established until there is a T&M order". Do we need to supply T&M ceiling rates or not? | When Offeror is submitting a proposal for a Task Order that is declared a T&M type of contract, then the Offeror/Contractor will be required to submit T&M rates. There is no requirement at this time to submit T&M rates. |
| 37 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, G.7 p. 23 vs L.14.D & E p. 131 | 1st reference states that "consultants are considered subcontractors." 2nd reference has 2 different sets of requirements, one for consultants the other for subcontractors. If all consultants are considered subcontractors, are there exceptions with respect to the requirement for government approved accounting systems? Will consultants be required to register in SAM and provide a NICRA? | Consultants are individuals and do not need to be registered in SAM and do not need to submit a rate letter/agreement. |
| 38 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, G.7, p.23 | Do we need to provide Consent to Subcontract information for subcontractors that we are proposing to be on our IDIQ team but are not proposed on Task Order 0001? | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. |
| 39 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, G.7, p.23 | What qualifies as Consent to Contract? Is it a TA or ? | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. |
| 40 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, L.6.B, p.115 | Is it sufficient to complete the VPAT form and ensure all contract deliverables are 508 compliant? | The VPAT form is not required for the IDIQ. It is required for TO 0002, TO 0003, and TO 0004. It is also expected that Offeror will ensure that all deliverables are 508 compliant. |
| 41 | Reference H.1 Business Ethics Conflict of Interest and Compliance subsection (d)(2)(b) Personal Conflict Information, p. 42 and Attachment J.3. | Please confirm that for Governing Body Members and Principals of the organization as defined by FAR 52.203-13, the Offeror/Contractor must obtain COI information from those individuals who would be, or are involved with, the performance of this contract. | Yes. Refer to the instructions on page 1 of Attachment J.3. |
| 42 | RFP Attachment J.13 | Please clarify VPAT requirements. Are separate VPATs required for the IDIQ and Sample Task Order 0001? Can you specify which Section 508 accessibility standards are applicable to each? | The VPAT form is not required for the IDIQ. It is required for TO 0002, TO 0003, and TO 0004. It is up to the Offeror to determine which standards apply. |
| 43 | RFP document, Attachment J.13-VPAT, Section 1194.24-25, pp. 7-8 | In the web site instructions (https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/contracting/technology-products/product-accessiblity-template/index.html) it says to not fill out sections that do not apply to our product.: "If a section does not apply to your product, do not fill it in. Leave it blank or delete it from the form before sending it to the Requesting Official for review. However, do not delete or leave blank §1194.31 and §1194.41." Can CMS confirm what sections they are requiring that we focus on for this template? | Offeror shall determine which sections apply. The template sections required to be filled out will be determined based on the application Offeror is submitting the VPAT for; however, as specified, do not leave blank sections §1194.31 and §1194.41. Other sections can be left blank if they do not pertain to Offeror's application. |
| 44 | RFP document, Attachment J.2 B.2, p. 2 | Can CMS explain what "other relationships" includes? | For example consulting would be an "other relationship". Other relationship are those business relationships that are not necessarily bound as either a traditional prime contractor of subcontractor relationship to government contracts. |
| 45 | RFP document, Attachment J.2 B.2, p. 2 | Is it acceptable to state N/A for any section for each contract that is non-applicable? | It is accepatable only with justification as to why N/A has been marked. |
| 46 | RFP document, Attachment J.3 Part III Additional Positions, p. 5 | This field is missing. Can we use the former J.24 Part III for this field or will CMS be providing a new J.3 template with this section included? | Please see the revised Attachment J.3 |
| 47 | RFP document, Attachment J.4 (general) | Does the business proposal need to include attachment J.4 for each subcontractor at the IDIQ level? At the Sample Task Order level? | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. |
| 48 | RFP document, Attachment J.5 (general) | Does CMS want the Volume III Task Order Business Proposal to include the J.5 template from proposed sample task order subcontractors whose subcontract total dollar amount would exceed $700,000? | Attachment J.5 is to be completed by the Prime Offeror. |
| 49 | RFP document, Attachment J.5 Box 2, p. 2 | For the "individual plan" box in question 2 of this template, should we include dollar amounts only for the proposed Base Year of the Sample Task Order one and leave the option periods for Sample Task Order blank (given that we are not providing dollar amounts for the sample task order option years)? | Offeror shall only include percentages and no dollar amounts. |
| 50 | RFP document, Attachment J.5 Box 5, p. 6 | Box 5 states that FAR 52.219-9(d)(8) must be flowed down in all subcontracts exceeding $700,000 for the entire period of performance and that all subcontractors, except small business concerns, that receive subcontracts in excess of $700,000 must adopt and comply with a plan similar to the plan required by FAR 52.219-9. Aside from flowing down FAR 52.219-9 to applicable subcontractors, what steps must Prime Contractors take to ensure applicable subcontractors are complying with their small business plan? | The subcontractor's plan is an agreeement between the Prime Offeror and the subcontractor. It is up to the Prime Offeror to determine what terms are established with the subcontractor regarding compliance. |
| 51 | RFP document, Attachment J.5, p. 1 | Section L.14 requires Offerors to submit the J.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Given that the Volume III Business Proposal is for the Sample Task Order only, is the J.5 submission to be completed at the Sample Task Order level, or is it to be completed at the MIDS IDIQ level? | The form is to be completed at the IDIQ level. |
| 52 | RFP document, Attachment J.5, p. 1 | In the "Subcontract Plan Requirements" box, it says "Small Disadvantaged Business" includes 8(a) Program Participants, Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) and Indian Tribes." Does this mean Small Disadvantaged Businesses must fall within one of these three (3) special categories? | Offeor may refer to the SBA website to determine the definition of a Small Disadvantaged Business. |
| 53 | RFP document, F.2, pg. 13 | Within F.2 you have indicated base period is 5 year, when you look at schedule B.8 on pg 9, is Clin 0001A and 0001B intending to be 5 year period of performance? | Both CLIN 001A and CLIN 0001B reference the base period of a Task Order. F.2 references the base period of the IDIQ. |
| 54 | RFP document, L.11.B.2, page 119 | Are the business proposal spreadsheets required to be in Times New Roman 12 Point? Or is this font and font size only required for Word documents? | Font size should never go below 10 point. |
| 55 | RFP document, Optional Form 336, p. 2 | Is CMS expecting the offeror to populate this form? | Page 1, the SF33 must be completed by Offeror. Page 2 does not require any action by the Offeror |
| 56 | RFP document, Optional Form 336, p. 2 | Why does this sheet only describe a 5-year contract ("Period of Performance: 09/04/2018 to 09/03/2023")? | This is the base period for the IDIQ. |
| 57 | RFP document, Section B.5.a, p. 8 | Please confirm that the table in B.5.a should not be populated as part of the offeror's proposal. | Correct. |
| 58 | RFP document, Section B.8, p. 9 | Does CMS expect the offeror to populate the table in B.8 based upon Task Order 0001? | No. |
| 59 | RFP document, Section B.8, pg 9 | Please confirm Option Year 1 in the table on pg 9, B.8 and Summary Rollup year 1 on pg 130 should reconcile to each other | Offeror does not complete Section B.8 |
| 60 | RFP document, Section G.10.d, p. 25 | RFP states: Written advance notice of at least forty-five (45) days shall be provided to the CO of the Contractor's desire to release findings of studies or research or data or information described above. |
Question: Can the CO and/or the COR waive this requirement for 45 days advanced notice?
| No. | ||||
| 61 | RFP document, Section H.1 (general), p. 35 | Do Umbrella Proposal Subcontractors need to complete J.2/J.3 COI documentation? Or do both Task Order and Umbrella Proposal subcontractors need to complete this documentation? | Yes to both questions. | |
| 62 | RFP document, Section H.1 (general), p. 35 | In pre-solicitation Q&A question 56, it was asked whether COI is required at both the IDIQ level and task order level. CMS responded "Both. There are different facts under the IDIQ and task orders." Can CMS explain whether there are differences in COI document collection/review at the task order and IDIQ levels? | COI is fact dependent and will be reviewed based upon the differing requirements in the IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) and then again for each Task Order SOW. | |
| 63 | RFP document, Section H.1 (general), p. 35 | In pre-solicitation Q&A question 89, CMS states that "offerors are expected to conduct COI reviews of themselves as well as other subcontractors prior to submission of proposal, when possible." Does CMS envision that the only time pre-proposal review would not be possible is when a proposed subcontractor choses to submit the prime Offeror a redacted COI proposal only? | Subcontractors must be comfortable submitting this information to the Prime contractor post award. However, for pre-award purposes, subcontractors may submit un-redacted information directly to CMS. | |
| 64 | RFP document, Section H.1 (general), p. 35 | In pre-solicitation Q&A question 89, CMS states that "[a]all known or suspected unfair competitive advantage COIs will be resolved by CMS before solicitation" and that "[i]f such COI becomes evident during proposal review, it is likely that submission will be excluded." Does this mean the entire Offeror's submission would be excluded? Or only the portion with the proposed subcontractor? Also, does this mean the subcontract submission is excluded even if we propose a mitigation plan? Does this also mean we need CMS approval before we submit the proposal? | CMS must make Conflict of Interest Determinations based upon factual data. | |
| 65 | RFP document, Section H.1 (general), p. 35 | For subcontractors who the Offeror identifies has a potential or actual COI, can we submit the COI proposal with the proposed mitigation plan as part of the entire proposal package, or does the Offeror have to notify CMS prior to submission of proposal regarding every potential or actual subcontractor COI (or does this pre-proposal CMS clearance apply only to COIs of the "unfair competitive advantage" type)? | CMS expects offeror's to be proactive in their proposals, and if a conflict is identified with a subcontractor, offeror's must submit a mitigation plan. | |
| 66 | RFP document, Section H.1, p. 39 | In Section H.1.c.1(d), the Contracting Officer has determined that "For the purpose of identifying entities with actual, potential or apparent COIs, at a minimum, the entity is one that-...(d) Lobbying, influencing, or attempting to the [sic] influence the actions of legislation, regulation or other government decisions, actions, or polices;" Question: This language seems to go much further than the Anti-Lobbying Clause found at HHSAR 352.203-70. Please clarify as to whether this expansion was intentional, and if so, please state the nature of the conflict and whether it is, in the Contracting Officer's view, mitigatable. | H.1.c.1 conflicts are not mitigatable. | |
| 67 | RFP document, Section H.1, p. 39 | In Section H.1.c.1(e), the Contracting Officer has determined that "For the purpose of identifying entities with actual, potential or apparent COIs, at a minimum, the entity is one that-...(e) An entity, provider, clinical, or individual that submits claims to and is financial [sic] compensated by the government for the delivery of health care services;" Question: Please state whether CMS views this OCI as potentially mitigatable. | Please review the revised section H.1.c.1 and Amendment 1. | |
| 68 | RFP document, Section H.1, p. 39 | In Section H.1.c.1(f), the Contracting Officer has determined that "For the purpose of identifying entities with actual, potential or apparent COIs, at a minimum, the entity is one that-...(f) Evaluate, approve, and endorse measures relating to clinical quality of care, care coordination, population/community health, safety, person- and caregiver-centered experience and outcomes, and efficiency and cost reduction;" Question: Please state whether CMS views this OCI as potentially mitigatable. | Please review the revised section H.1.c.1 and Amendment 1. | |
| 69 | RFP document, Section H.1.c.1 and H.1.c.2, pp. 39-40 | Do we notify CMS before proposal submission if any subcontractor potentially meets any of the criteria listed? | No. CMS will not pre-screen subcontractors. | |
| 70 | RFP document, Section H.1.c.1.f, p. 39 | In the types of activities that are considered potential Significant Conflicts of Interest, can CMS clarify what is meant by "Evaluate, approve, and endorse measures relating to clinical quality of care, care coordination, population/community health, safety, person- and caregiver- centered experience and outcomes, and efficiency and cost reduction"? Is this referring to an entity that holds all three of these roles (e.g., NQF)? | This refers to any entity that hold's any or all of these roles. | |
| 71 | RFP document, Section H.1.d, p. 40 | Do we submit our Code of Conduct and Compliance Program with our COI Proposal package? Or is it sufficient to just state that we have both in place? | Please review attachment J.2 and provide the requested information. | |
| 72 | RFP document, Section H.1.e, p. 43 | This section requires that when a mitigation plan is required to be submitted, the Contractor shall obtain the services on an External/Independent auditor to conduct an audit of the "Mitigation Strategy." Can Offerors budget into their base year (and beyond as applicable) the costs of this independent audit be paid under contract? Can subcontractors, when applicable, budget these same costs? | These cost are not contract exclusive and should be billed direct to this contract. | |
| 73 | RFP document, Section H.1.e, p. 43 | Is an Audit required at the IDIQ level or only the Task Order level? | If a mitigation plan is at the IDIQ level, then an audit would apply at the IDIQ level. If a mitigation plan is at the Task Order level, then an audit would apply at the Task Order level. | |
| 74 | RFP document, Section I.15, p. 83 | |||
| RFP document, Section L.6.D, p. 115 | On p. 83, section I.15 uses "may": "the Contracting Officer may require that the contractor submit a completed HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template and any other additional information |
necessary to assist the Government in determining that the EIT supplies or services
| conform to Section 508 accessibility standards" whereas on p. 115, section L.6.D uses the word "must": "In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed EIT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template, in accordance with its completion instructions." We would like clarification about submitting this template. | The template is not required for the IDIQ but is required for Task Order 0002, 0003 and 0004. | |||
| 75 | RFP document, Section I.9, p.80 | In Section I.9, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders, the Contracting Officer will give notice of the order or orders, if any, to be set aside for small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3) and the applicable small business program. Will CMS require the Small Business to be certified at the time of the IDIQ award or at the time of Task Order Award? | The small business shall be certified at time of proposal submission. | |
| 76 | RFP document, Section I.9, p.80 | In Section I.9, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders, the Contracting Officer will give notice of the order or orders, if any, to be set aside for small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3) and the applicable small business program. This notice, and its restrictions, will apply only to the specific orders that have | ||
| been set aside for any of the small business concerns identified in 19.000(a)(3). What percentage of the Task Orders does CMS expect to award as small business set-asides? | It is unknown at this time. | |||
| 77 | RFP document, Section K.5 (9), p. 95-96 | Please confirm Section K.5 (9) of the RFP is referring to an approved Accounting System only as referenced in FAR 16.301-3 and Section B.2 of the RFP. | FAR 16.301-3 states that an adequate accounting system is required for a cost reimbursement contract. Section L.14.G.3 is requesting Offeror to declare if Offeror has an adequate accounting system, that the accounting system is in compliance with FAR Part 31, and if the accounting system has been approved/deemed adequate by a Cognizant Federal Agency. | |
| 78 | RFP document, Section K.5. - Question 10, p. 96 | Can CMS explain what they are asking for in this question when they are asking for the indirect cost rates? It is unclear whether there are four (4) categories in the left hand column or if there are only three (3) categories and "Fringe year Fringe Benefits" is a title. Please clarify. | The Solicitation has been revised. | |
| 79 | RFP document, Section K.5. - Question 6, p. 95 | If the Offeror is part of a larger organization (i.e., Offeror has a parent organization), should Offeror's response to this question regarding manpower be in reference to the entire parent organization, or rather, only to the Offeror's portion of the organization? | Both. | |
| 80 | RFP document, Section K.5. - Question 9, p. 95-96 | In this question, CMS lists 6 categories on the left (e.g., Estimating System, Job Order, etc.). Are each of these six categories to be checked for the two top categories (i.e., Estimate/Actual Cost and Standard Cost)? In the event Offeror does not have a process system, can the response be N/A? | Yes. Yes. | |
| 81 | RFP document, Section L. 12, pg 124 | The Past Performance instructions state that a Significant Subcontractor should supply past performance if they are receving 25% or more of the work. Since this is the IDIQ response and work share will not be determined until specific Task Orders are bid on, with their own Past Performance requirements, will CMS allow the offeror to submit Past Performance for their entire Team? If not, will the government please clarify how we should determine significance in relation to the IDIQ? | If Offeror is proposing subcontractors at the IDIQ level, Offeror shall determine which subcontractors are deemed significant. | |
| 82 | RFP document, Section L.11 (C), p. 120 | Item 8 under Cover Letter/Page is for assumptions. |
a. If offeror is unable to fit all of their assumptions on the cover page, can offeror submit assumptions in an Appendix to Volume 1A?
b. Typically we submit a cover letter with the proposal that is separate from the cover page of each volume. Please confirm this is an acceptable approach.
c. Is the cover page of each volume included in page limitations? a. No.
b. This is adequate as long as the required information accompanies each proposal.
c. The cover page is not included in the page limit.
| 83 | RFP document, Section L.11, p. 119 | "Each file shall be printable to 8.5"x11" paper." Will the government consider allowing 11"x17" foldout pages for large graphics or tables? If allowed, will they be considered one page or two? | They will be considered 2 pages. | |
| 84 | RFP document, Section L.11, p. 119 | "Type font shall be Times New Roman… Graphs and tables shall be no less than 10 point." Please confirm font in graphics and tables can be other than Times (such as Arial/Arial Narrow) as long as it meets the size requirement. | Times New Roman is the font that should be used. | |
| 85 | RFP document, Section L.11, p. 119 | "Graphs and tables shall be no less than 10 point." Will the Government consider allowing text in graphics to be 8 point? | No. | |
| 86 | RFP document, Section L.11, p. 119 | Please confirm a compliance matrix will be considered a part of the table of contents. | A compliance matrix may be included and will not be considered as part of the page count. | |
| 87 | RFP document, Section L.11.A, p. 119 | If a proposal is submitted prior to 11:00 AM ET April 9, 2018 but is held to after work hours by CMS "so as not to disrupt the normal flow of [CMS] business," is the proposal considered late? | If the proposal is not received in the designated e-mail box by the date and time specified in the solicitation, it will be considered late. | |
| 88 | RFP document, Section L.11.A, p. 119 | Must the proposal be submitted in 508 compliant format? If so, does this include all sections, including standard "J" attachments required with the proposal submission? Must appendices be 508 compliant too? | All documents submitted shall be 508 compliant. | |
| 89 | RFP document, Section L.11.B, p. 119 | Is there a certain line spacing specification for proposal submissions? | single spacing. | |
| 90 | RFP document, Section L.11.B.5, p. 120 | Is it acceptable for the PDF responses to the IDIQ to be labeled: offeror’s corporate name (or initials), volume number, solicitation number and IDIQ? | If the submission is for the IDIQ, then yes. | |
| 91 | RFP document, Section L.11.C, p. 120 | Must each volume include a cover letter/page which is signed by an individual authorized to bind the Offeror's institution? | Not per volume but per submission, ie. IDIQ/TO 0001, TO 0002, TO 0003, and/or TO 0004. | |
| 92 | RFP document, Section L.11.C, p. 121 | Does the cover letter/page for each volume count toward that volume's page limit? | No. | |
| 93 | RFP document, Section L.6.D, p. 115 | Are we correct to assume that one VPAT form for 508 Evaluation needs to be submitted per software used for remediation? Thus, if we only use one software program, we only need to submit for that software? | Correct. Offeror will only have to submit one VPAT for Offeror's remediation software if it’s the only software Offeror uses for that purpose. | |
| 94 | RFP document, Section L.7.E | Will the Government consider granting a 1-week extension to the proposal due date? | No. | |
| 95 | RFP document, Section L.9, p. 118 | Will Contractors that are awarded the base five-year IDIQ period need to submit a subsequent bid for the optional additional five years? | Currently that is not the plan but the Government reserves the right to make that request. | |
| 96 | RFP document, Standard Form 33 (general) | Does the IDIQ proposal need to include Standard Form 33 with relevant portions completed by the Offeror? | Yes. | |
| 97 | RFP Section G.7 (d), page 23 | If the consent to subcontract will be completed for each task order (G.7 (e)), will G.7 (d) of the base award always remain blank. What information will go into G.7 (d) | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. | |
| 98 | RFP Section H.2, page 45 | Would the customer modify (g) to read No subcontractors at this time. In the event an awarded Task Order requires subcontractor EVMS, it will be limited to major subcontractors? | This section is not to be altered by Offeror. | |
| 99 | RFP Section L.11.B.2. Specifications, page 119 | The RFP requires Times New Roman type. Can an alternate type, such as Cambria, be used? Can an alternate type, such as Ariel or Calibri, be used in tables and charts? | Times New Roman is the font that should be used. | |
| 100 | RFP Section L.12.E. Past Performance, page, 125 | The table provided in 2. Instructions does not provide columns or room for the bulleted information required such as name of contracting activity, contract type, contracting officer/contact name-address-phone, program manager-phone, key project staff, problems encountered/corrective actions and relevance the contract has to the SOW. Please clarify how CMS would like the information presented. | The Solicitation language has been updated. Anything that does not fit neatly in to one of the columns may go in the "Other" column. | |
| 101 | RFP Section L.12.E. Past Performance, page, 126 | The RFP states "Limit the number of past performance references to six (6) for the prime Offeror and three (3) for each significant subcontractor." Is this limit inclusive of CPARS/PPIRS references or only to the non-CPARS/PPIRS references? | Total is 6 for the prime and 3 for each significant subcontractor. | |
| 102 | RFP Section L.12.E. Past Performance, page, 127 | For the non-CPARS/PPIRS references, please confirm that only the listed information is required and that no Past Performance Questionnairs (PPQs) are required. | Confirmed | |
| 103 | RFP, Att. J.3, Pg. 5 of 8 | This page, titled "Part III: Additional Positions" is blank. Can the Government please provide the information that is intended to appear on this page? | Please see the revised Attachment J.3 | |
| 104 | RFP, H.1(c)(2), Page 40 | If the offeror has a 50% equity interest in a company that may contract with organizations that pay claims, would the offeror be barred from competing at the IDIQ level for some or all of the task orders released under MIDS? The work of the subsidiary would not involve paying or administering claims. | CMS must make Conflict of Interest Determinations based upon factual data. | |
| 105 | RFP, H.1(c)(2), Page 40 | Section H.1(c)(2) notes that CMS proposes to restrain future Contractor activities if the Contractor processes claims for the Government and/or is affiliated or has a financial relationship…with an entity that pays claims. For the latter part of the sentence, will CMS clarify if "pay claims" refers to claims paid for by the Government, or if this refers to claims that may be paid for by a private insurer? | Both will cause a conflict. | |
| 106 | RFP, pg. 136, L.15 BUSINESS ETHICS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND COMPLIANCE | |||
| PROPOSAL | Is subcontractor COI information and documentation required from all subcontractors or just ones being bid on the Sample Task Order? We have a couple subcontractors being bid as part of our overall IDIQ team but not in our Sample Task Order proposal. | Prime contractors are responsible for ensuring that all proposed subcontractors are conflict free. | ||
| 107 | RFP, Section 11, Proposal Presentation and Delivery, p.119 | Since proposal submission is electronic, will CMS confirm receipt of the proposal? If so, how and when will CMS confirm receipt? | The same day the proposal is received, Offeror will receive an e-mail from CMS confirming reciept. | |
| 108 | RFP, Section 11, Proposal Presentation and Delivery, p.119 | The RFP notes “Based upon the size of the electronic submissions, Offerors are advised that the Agency often holds transfer of large documents to after core work hours, so as not to disrupt the normal flow of business.” Is there a maximum email size limit? | The file size limit per email is 25 MB. If multiple emails are required, refer to Section L.11.B.6. | |
| 109 | RFP, Section G, page 33 | Indirect Costs Ceiling Rates - Will the government confirm Indirect ceilings will not be established at the IDIQ level? If Indirect rate ceilings are to be established at the IDIQ level, should the rate ceilings be included in VOL II - Business Proposal for Task Order 0001? | Ceiling rates will be established at the Task Order level. Refer to G.17.A.2.a) | |
| 110 | RFP, Section G, page 33 | Indirect Costs Ceiling Rates -The Indirect Costs Ceiling rates tables allows for one rate to be established for each indirect cost. Is it the governments intention to have one ceiling rate to cover all 10 years of the IDIQ or will the government allow the contractor to propose a ceiling rate for each contract year of the IDIQ? | Ceiling rates will be established at the Task Order level and will cover the entire period of performance of the Task Order. | |
| 111 | RFP, Section H1, Page Number 42 | Please confirm Government means Federal Government. | Yes | |
| 112 | RFP, Section L, page 120/128 | Will the government confirm the excel spreadsheets are not included in the 100 page limit for the Business Proposal? | Correct.. | |
| 113 | RFP, Section L.15 Business Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Compliance Proposal (Oct 2015) (Volume III), p. 136 | May subcontractors submit their confidential business information for Conflict of Interest, e.g., list of contracts, directly to CMS instead of to the prime contractor? | Yes. However, any information submitted by a subcontractor must clearly identify the Prime Offeror that this information is supporting. | |
| 114 | RFP, Section L.15 Business Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Compliance Proposal (Oct 2015) (Volume III), p. 136 & Attachment J.2, COI | Section L.15 states, “Where the Offeror Subcontractor(s) indicates that no COI exists for a given contract, then for each indication, the Offeror/Subcontractor(s) shall provide rationale and facts in support of said indication.” Attachment J.2 asks for disclosure of only those contracts that could pose a COI. Should the offeror submit all contracts with Attachment J.2, or only those contracts that pose an actual, potential, and/or apparent COI? | Please review attachment J.2, Section B.2. | |
| 115 | RFP, Section M.5.A, Pg. 146 | This criterion implies that Attachment J.3 as applicable may be reviewed by the CMS Contracting Officer. IDIQ RFP Page 42 at Section H.1.d.2(b) says "Personal COI information obtained from the above individuals shall not be submitted to the Government. Attachment J.3 confirms this instruction. Can the Government please clarify that the completed Attachment J.3 personal information is not to be submitted to the Government? | J.3 should not be submitted to CMS. | |
| 116 | Solicitation, Section L.11, A., Pg 120, B., 10. | Should volumes 1A and 1B be submitted together or separately? | Separate | |
| 117 | Solicitation; Attachment J.2 Contractor Business Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program Requirements, Section C.1; page 2 | States: "Attachment J.y. is a Contractor PCI Financial Disclosure Template (Template)". Will CMS please confirm references to Attachment J.y. should read J.3. | Yes, the J.2 form has been updated and corrected with appropriate references. | |
| 118 | Solicitation; Attachment J.2 Contractor Business Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program Requirements, Section D.1; page 3 | States: "The Prime Contractor/Offeror shall obtain from all of its proposed subcontractors’ “Contractor Business Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program Requirements” information identified herein, in the same format as specified in this Attachment J.x for inclusion in the Prime Contractor’s/Offeror’s proposal." Will CMS please confirm references to Attachment J.X. should read J.2. | Yes, the J.2 form has been updated and corrected with appropriate references. | |
| 119 | RFP L.G; J.3 | Section L, Subsection G of the IDIQ RFP states: "The Offeror and Subcontractor(s) shall submit Volume III.* Attachment J.2 Contractor Business Ethics, Conflicts of Interest and Compliance Program Requirements and Attachment J.3, Contractor Personal Conflicts of Interest Financial Disclosure Template, contain the proposal submission requirements for Volume III." while the Instructions on Attachment J.3 states "Personal Conflict of Interest Financial Disclosure information shall NOT BE submitted to CMS."(emphasis in original). Since the form itself is clear that it should not be submitted to CMS, are we correct in assuming that only the Offeror/Contractor Compliance Officer Analysis of Individual Conflicts of Interest (Attachment J.2, Page 8) is submitted as part of our proposal submissions? | Correct. | |
| 120 | RFP document,section L.12.E.2, page 125 | Past Performance, P. 125 of the solicitation requires the offerors to identify the methods and outcomes of its evaluation of proposed subcontractors only when providing non-CPARS information. Please confirm this will require the prime to review past performance information for proposed subcontractors. If so, would you please clarify what types of methods are acceptable for conducting this review? | For any significant subcontractors being proposed, Offeror shall make a brief statement of the subcontractor's past performance along with a statement of how the determination was made. |
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