MIDS_TO_0001_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 Sample Task Order 0001 Questions and Responses
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Sheet1 Measure and Instrument Development and Support (MIDS)
| Subject: Task Order 0001 | |||
| Question # | Document, Section, Page Number | Question/Comment | CMS Response |
| 1 | Att. J.9-A, Task 1 SOW, B. Key Personnel Requirements, p. 6 | The Task Order requires a project director who is a project management professional (PMP) with informatics expertise, PhD preferred. Is it expected that these skills, PMP and PhD in Informatics, be found in a single individual? | CMS prefers the Project Director to be a PMP with informatics expertise and posses a PhD. However, most critically, the project management experience should match the requisite complexity of the tasks being proposed. For purposes of this proposal, do not split the position across multiple individuals. |
| 2 | Att. J.9-A, Task 1 SOW, Chapter 1, p. 2 | The Task Order requires the offeror to develop three de novo measures. How does CMS define de novo? Is it expected that the measures not exist in other settings? | CMS defines a 'de novo' measure as a new measure. Adapting an existing measure from a different setting does not meet this criteria. |
| 3 | Att. J.9-A, Task 1 SOW, Chapter 1, p.2 | The Task Order indicates that Chapter 5 is optional depending upon whether a program related to post-acute care is included. Would Chapter 5 be required if the de novo measures did not require patient assessment data and were based on other data such as claims, registry or electronic health record data? | This will depend on the requirements of the TO, but for the purposes of the sample TO 0001, Chapter 5 would not apply unless the offeror wants to introduce it through their technical approach. |
| 4 | Attach J.9-A SOW TO 0001 | The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures (e.g., process and outcome measures {including intermediary outcomes} that align with CMS Meaningful Measures (see Appendix A)), cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) whereby each outcome measure has cross setting capability as demonstrated by meeting the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs (See Appendix B), using relevant data sources including claims, registry and electronic health records (EHR)-based data. |
| Would CMS clarify the term "de novo"? For instance, is this term defined to capture measure that have not yet been NQF-endorsed or, alternately, finalized in a rule? | CMS defines a 'de novo' measure as a new measure. Adapting an existing measure not NQF-endorsed does not meet this criteria. | ||
| 5 | Attach J.9-A SOW TO 0001 | "The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures (e.g., process and outcome measures {including intermediary outcomes} that align with CMS Meaningful Measures (see Appendix A)), cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) whereby each outcome measure has cross setting capability as demonstrated by meeting the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs (See Appendix B), using relevant data sources including claims, registry and electronic health records (EHR)-based data." |
| Does every proposed measure need to meet the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs, OR do only outcome measures need to do so? | Every measure does not have to cross three settings. The three measures have to cross three settings. | ||
| 6 | Attach J.9-A SOW TO 0001 | "IAW section 3.A., Environmental Scan: The proposed information gathering process and environmental scan shall be targeted to describe the elements of the measure justification, conceptual framework, gap analysis, and opportunity for improvement that align with CMS priorities for decreasing reporting burden and alignment across multiple (at least 3) settings." |
| Does every proposed measure need to meet the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs, OR do only outcome measures need to do so? | Every measure does not have to cross three settings. The three measures have to cross three settings. | ||
| 7 | Attach J.9-A SOW TO 0001 | "The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures (e.g., process and outcome measures {including intermediary outcomes} that align with CMS Meaningful Measures (see Appendix A)), cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) whereby each outcome measure has cross setting capability as demonstrated by meeting the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs (See Appendix B), using relevant data sources including claims, registry and electronic health records (EHR)-based data." |
| Should the budget estimate and level of effort specified for the Sample Task Order reflect the development of up to 3 measures per year, OR up to 3 measures over the course of all contract years together? | The Technical Proposal shall account for developing 3 measures during the 5 year POP. However, the Business Proposal shall be reflective of only the Base Year. | |||
| 8 | Attachment J.4, Consent to Subcontract | Can CMS confirm that the information required in Attachment J.4, Consent to Subcontract, is needed only for subcontractors proposed for Task Order 0001 and should be submitted with the information required in Section L.14.D, Subcontractors? | Attachment J.4 is not required for proposal submission. | |
| 9 | Attachment J.9-A SOW TO 0001 (Statement of Work for Sample Task Order 0001), Section 1.B - Purpose, pages 2 and 4 | In Section 1.B, the TO 0001 SOW reads, "The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures… [emphasis added]" (page 2). However, under Chapter 4 of the TO 0001 SOW (page 3), it states, "The contractor is not required to perform the tasks in 4.B." The tasks in Section 4.B relate to Quality Measure Re-evaluation. Would you please confirm that re-evaluation is not required in Sample Task Order 0001 even though Section 1.B includes "re-evaluation" as part of the stated purpose of the Task Order? | Re-Evaluation is not required for the sample TO. | |
| 10 | Attachment J.9-A SOW to 001 page 3 | CMS states that the environmental scan should be targeted to, among other things, describe the opportunity for decreasing reporting burden and alignment across at least 3 settings. Should these two criteria be prioritized for selecting sample measures for 0001? | That decision is up to the offeror. | |
| 11 | Attachment J.9-A SOW, Chapter 3.C, page 3 | Regarding the requirement, "The Contractor shall prepare and submit an initial busniss case for each proposed measure concept…" Please clarify if the Contractor is required to submit the three business case documents as part of their response. | The Contractor shall prepare and submit an initial business case for each proposed measure concept. Therefore, the contractor shall submit 3 business cases. | |
| 12 | Attachment J.9-A TO 0001 SOW, Chapter 5. Instrument/Item Development, p. 4 | The SOW states, “IAW Chapter 5 of the MIDS IDIQ SOW, the contractor shall carry out all work/tasks described in sections 5.A. – 5.D, if applicable to the proposed measures and setting (PAC/LTC).” Could CMS clarify that Chapter 5 would not be required for settings that do not use standardized patient assessment instruments and/or for patient reported outcomes where existing validated tools would be proposed? | This will depend on the requirements of the TO, but for the purposes of the sample TO 0001, Chapter 5 would not apply unless the offeror wants to introduce it through their technical approach. | |
| 13 | Attachment J.9-A TO 0001 SOW, Section 1.A Background and 1.B Purpose, p. 2 | The background states in section 1.A that the task order is to “develop … Outcome and Efficiency Measures.” However, section 1.B indicates that the purpose is for “…an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures. (e.g., process and outcome including intermediary outcomes).” Could CMS confirm that the intent is to limit the process measures considered to measures that address efficiency? | Correct. Preference is given to outcome measures unless there is a real business case that a process measure is required before an outcome could be assessed. | |
| 14 | Attachment J.9-A TO 0001 SOW, Section 1.A Background and 1.B Purpose, p. 2 | The SOW states: “The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures (e.g., process and outcome measures {including intermediary outcomes} that align with CMS Meaningful Measures (see Appendix A)), cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) whereby each outcome measure has cross setting capability as demonstrated by meeting the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Programs (See Appendix B), using relevant data sources including claims, registry and electronic health records (EHR)-based data.” Could CMS confirm that the cross-setting capability of the measures proposed would be limited to the outcome measures? Could CMS also confirm that the scope is for 3 de novo measures and that re-specification of existing measures should not be considered? | Every measure does not have to cross three settings. Up to three de novo measures are required (e.g., the types of appropriate measures are noted). Preference is given to outcome measures unless a business case can be made that a process measure is required before an outcome could be assessed. Yes, CMS confirms that each outcome measure that is proposed must meet the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more settings. Yes, CMS confirms that the scope is for 3 de novo measures (not re-specification of existing measures). | |
| 15 | Attachment J.9-A, Chapter 12, Page 6 | Task Order 1 calls for two key personnel, including a project director with a PMP and preferably a PhD. May this position be split across multiple individuals that together meet the qualifications identified by CMS? | CMS prefers the Project Director to be 1.0 full-time Employee (FTE) (1800 hours). CMS prefers the Clinical Director to be 75% of 1 FTE (1350 hours). For purposes of this proposal, do not split the position across multiple individuals. | |
| 16 | Attachment J.9-A, Chapter 5, Page 4 | Task Order 1 Chapter 5 explicitly mentions patient assessment in the post acute care setting. Is it CMS's intent to indicate Chapter 5 is only relevant to proposed measures (a) that use patient assessments, (b) in the post-acute care setting, or (c) measures that are meet both conditions (a) and (b)? Can CMS provide guidance for how to respond to Chapter 5 if we propose measures that do not use patient assessments and are not in the post-acute care setting? | This will depend on the requirements of the TO, but for the purposes of the sample TO 0001, Chapter 5 would not apply unless the offeror wants to introduce it through their technical approach. | |
| 17 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: page 2 | Section 1.A notes the project is to "develop, reevalaute and implement . . . Outcome and efficiency measures." However, Section 1.B lists a variety of measure types, including process, intermediary outcomes, cost and resource measues, etc. Would CMS please clarify if they are any constraints on the types of cross-setting measures that can be proposed? | No, there are no constraints on the types of cross-setting measures that can be proposed. | |
| 18 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: page 2 | In section A, Background, the text says “The measures shall also include the full scope of services that comprise a cycle of care” does mean that the measures must cover an entire episode of care? |
| CMS' intention is to look towards the outcome of a patient, not at individual process. | |||
| 19 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: page 3 | Section 3.C specifies that empirical data analysis to support proposed measures should be summarized in the proposal. Does CMS expect that the referenced "initial business case for each proposed measure concept" also to be included in the proposal response? If so, what is the page-limit for this business case and does it could toward the overall limit? Or, is an initial busines case one of the anticipated deliverables that should be discussed? | Yes, the offeror shall submit a business case for each measure concept they propose. The business case is Deliverable 3-5. Yes, the business case is included in the page limit. The page limit for the Sample TO 0001 is 35 pages. |
| 20 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: page 4 | Chapter 5 is noted as required "if applicable to the proposed measures and setting (PAC/LTC). Is Chapter 5 required if the proposed cross-setting measure constructs could be applied to PAC/LTC settings but do note use PAC assessment items as a data source? | This will depend on the requirements of the TO, but for the purposes of the sample TO 0001, Chapter 5 would not apply unless the offeror wants to introduce it through their technical approach. |
| 21 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: page 6 | The TO SOW tasks described in sections 9.B.-9.H. shall not be performed in this TO” should the offeror assume that because tasks 9.B-9.H are not required that the measure will not be produced for public reporting or that it will be but public reporting will not be supported by the offeror? | Deliverables 9-2 and 9-3 are N/A for this TO. The offeror shall assume that because tasks 9.B-9.H are not required that the measure will not be produced for public reporting. |
| 22 | Attachment J.9-A, TO 0001 SOW: pages 2 - 5 | Should bidders assume that the USOW requirement to report costs at the chapter-level (i.e. 3.E, 4.C, 5.D, 6.D, 7.H, 8.E and 9.I) applyies to Task Order 0001 as well? If so, can this chapter-level requirement be adressed in a summary responses across all chpaters? | The TO 0001 SOW is for a five (5) year period of performance. The TO 0001 Business Proposal shall be reflective of the Base Year only. Offerors shall utilize a level of effort of 17,000 hours for the Base Year, inclusive of prime offeror, subcontractors and consultants. The cost estimate shall describe an estimated annual total dollar amount for direct labor, the types of labor categories estimated to be required, the annual total number of direct labor hours required, the annual total indirect costs (fringe, G&A, etc.), annual subcontractor direct labor amounts, and annual subcontractor indirect costs. Section L.14. of the Solicitation provides instructions on how to propose for the TO 0001. |
| 23 | Attachment J.9-B | Task Order 1 calls for a budget for just the first year of the five year project; however, de novo measure development typically requires more than one year. Can CMS confirm the requirement for a one year budget that will focus on activities of initial de novo measure development, or provide additional guidance on whether and how to budget for activities in the later stages of de novo measure development? | The TO 0001 Business Proposal shall be reflective of the Base Year only. The budget shall be focused on what would be needed in the initial Base Year. |
| 24 | Attachment J.9-B SOD TO 0001, p. 2 | Deliverable 3-1 – Information Gathering Report: The SOW for the task order indicates that Section 3.D Summary Report shall not be performed. Could CMS clarify if Deliverable 3-1 Information Gathering Report is required for this task order? | Deliverable 3-1 – Information Gathering Report, is a required deliverable for this TO. |
| 25 | Attachment J.9-B SOD TO 0001, p. 2 and Attachment J.1 IDIQ SOW, Chapter 2.D.2, p. 9 | Deliverable 2-2, the Final PMP, is due within 15 calendar days after TO award. Deliverable 2-3 is due within the first 15 calendar days following TO award. However, Chapter 2.D.2 of the IDIQ SOW states that the contractor will work with CMS personnel to develop the PMP. Would CMS consider changing the Due Date for Deliverable 2-2 to be the earlier of "within 15 calendar days after TO award" or "within 5 calendar days after the Kick-Off Meeting"? | At the Kickoff Meeting, the MIDS Contractor shall work with CMS personnel to develop and/or refine a PMP. The finalized PMP should be ready for discussion at the kickoff meeting. Depending on the discussions at the kickoff meeting, the PMP could be revised. |
| 26 | Attachment_J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, A. Chapter 3 (first paragraph) p.3 | SOW/SOD Discrepancy: This paragraph states that work described in the IDIQ SOW for Task 3.B shall not be performed under the Sample TO SOW. However, on the Sample TO SOD, the associated 3.B deliverable, deliverable no. 3-6 Expert Input Report, is listed as a required deliverable for the sample TO. Should deliverable 3-6 be disregarded in our Sample TO response? | The SOD originally stated, and continues to state, that Deliverable 3-6 is "N/A" for all 5 years of the POP of this TO. |
| 27 | Attachment_J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, A. Chapter 4 (first paragraph) p.3 | SOW/SOD Discrepancy: This paragraph indicates that the contractor is not required to perform work in Task 4.B. However in the Sample TO SOD, the associated Task 4.B deliverables: 4-9: Maintenance Reevaluation, 4-10: Comprehensive Reevaluation, 4-11 Ad Hoc Reevaluation, and 4-12 Public Description of Quality Measure are all listed as deliverables | The SOD originally stated, and continues to state, that Deliverables 4-9 - 4-12 are "N/A" for all 5 years of the POP of this TO. |
| 28 | Attachment_J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, A. Chapter 8 (first paragraph) p.5 | SOW/SOD Discrepancy: As noted Task 8.A.4 should not be included in the sample TO order response. However, in the sample TO SOD the associated deliverable, deliverable 8-3 Q&A Support is listed. Should we assume this should be excluded from our TO response? | The SOD originally stated, and continues to state, that Deliverable 8-3 is "N/A" for all 5 years of the POP of this TO. |
| 29 | Attachment_J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, A. Chapter 8 (first paragraph) p.5 | SOW/SOD Discrepancy: As noted Task 8.B. should not be included in the Sample TO response. However, in the sample TO SOD the associated deliverables: 8-4: Implementation Process Roadmap and 8-5: Measure Calculations/Results are included. Should these actually be excluded from our sample TO response? | The SOD originally stated, and continues to state, that Deliverables 8-4 - 8-5 are "N/A" for all 5 years of the POP of this TO. |
| 30 | Attachment_J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, A. Chapter 9 (first paragraph) p.5 | SOW/SOD Discrepancy: As noted Task 9.C & 9.D. should not be included in the sample TO response. However, in the sample TO SOD the associated deliverable with this task, Deliverable 9-2 Pre-Posting Preview Report and 9-3: Implementation Algorithm are included in the list of required sample TO deliverables. Should we assume these shouldn’t be included in our response? | The SOD originally stated, and continues to state, that Deliverables 9-2 - 9-3 are "N/A" for all 5 years of the POP of this TO. |
| 31 | Attachment_J9-A_SOW_TO_0001, B. Key Personnel Requirements p. 6 | For the Clinical Director, is a PhD Nurse Informaticist acceptable? | A PhD is preferred for the Project Director. The Clinical Director (a Physician), shall be at a minimum a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). |
| 32 | Attachment_J9-A_SOW_TO_0001, B. Key Personnel Requirements p. 6 | For the Clinical Director, is an experienced Nurse Informaticist acceptable? | A PhD is preferred for the Project Director. The Clinical Director (a Physician), shall be at a minimum a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). |
| 33 | IDIQ RFP, L.13.2 TO 0001, p. 128, Project Director | Per the Key Personnel and Essential Staff requirements, the Project Director title is followed by "Project Management Professional (PMP)". Is it CMS' intention that the Project Director hold a PMI PMP Certification? Or was it the intention that the Project Director be a qualified individual, with a career focus on project management, and to have a PMI PMP Certification would be a desired qualification, but not required? We have found the later to be the case with other CMS bids we have competed in. There are many highly qualified Project Managers and Project Directors who may have very relevant experience but not hold a formal PMP Certification. | Yes. CMS would prefer the Project Director to hold a PMP certification. However, most critically, the project management experience should match the requisite complexity of the tasks being proposed. |
| 34 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L, 14.D .7, page 131 | The solicitation states that a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data, is required as appropriate. Can CMS please confirm that the Prime is not required to submit a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data due to the 'adequate price competition' exemption within FAR 14.403-1? | The prime Offeror does not need to submit a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data. |
L.14.D refers to subcontractors. If the prime is proposing a subcontractor and a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data is applicable to that subcontractor arrangement, then it must be submitted.
| 35 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L.10 page 119 | Volume II is listed as Business Volume for Task Order 0001. The instructions for this volume are inclusive of the IDIQ and Task Order 0001. Will CMS confirm that this volume should be labeled Volume II: Business Proposal for IDIQ/Task Order 0001 | Volume II should be labeled as stated in the solicitation. |
| 36 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L.14 page 128 | The instructions state "Volume II is limited to one hundred (100) pages." If an Offeror is proposing multiple subcontractors at the IDIQ level and will be including the subcontractors Business Volume submissions, can these be submitted as attachments excluded from the Vol II Business Volume page limit? | The page restriction has been removed. |
| 37 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019, Section L.14; D.6; page 131 | States: "Extent to which adequate price competition was obtained, or justification for its absence" As this is at the IDIQ level and there is no pricing to be submitted at this level, will CMS confirm that the basis for determination should be reliant on the representative sample of the average labor rates for various categories submitted by each subcontract as defined in L.14.D.2 [2. A representative sample of the average labor rates for the various categories that are anticipated to be used under the IDIQ and how they are calculated with supporting documentation.]? | Unless stated otherwise, Section L.14 is for Task Order 0001. |
Section L.14.D.2 has been revised.
| 38 | IDIQ, MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019; Section L.14; D. Subcontractors; page 131 | Please confirm that not all named subcontractors at the IDIQ level (Volume IA) must be utilized on the task order 0001 effort (Volume IB). The expertise from some subcontractors at the IDIQ level may not be required for Task Order 0001, but will be required for future (post-award) Task Orders. | |
| Offeror shall determine what is appropriate. | |||
| 39 | IDIQ, Page 127 | Should Volume IB consist of, or include, a completed version of TO 0001 with the particulars of our proposal, or should TO 0001 only be completed after a proposal is accepted? | Section L.9 states that Task Order 0001 is mandatory. It must be included with the IDIQ proposal submission. |
| 40 | IDIQ, Page 129 | The IDIQ states that offerors should assume that Task Order 0001 will be on a cost plus fixed fee basis. Will CMS consider other pricing methods, such as a set-up fee and pricing based on the number of employee claims and other records processed or PEPM (Per Employee Per Month) if that works best and is more appropriate under a particular proposal? | No. |
| 41 | IDIQ, Page 130 | The IDIQ states that there are no anticipated travel costs under Task Order 0001. Will CMS reimburse travel costs if they are shown to be necessary under a particular proposal? | Task Order 0001 is not requesting travel. Section L.9 states that Task Order 0001 will not result in an actual task order award; therefore, there is no need to address reimbursement of travel costs for TO0001. |
| 42 | IDIQ, Pages 120-128 | What is the conceptual difference between Volume IA and Volume IB? In some cases, they seem to be asking for the same things. | Volume IA is the technical proposal for the IDIQ. Volume IB is the technical response for TO 0001. |
| 43 | J.9-A, TO 0001 SOD Deliverable# 8-5, and 9-1, pg 10 | Deliverables 8-5 and 9-1 seem to be in conflict. For 8-5 SOD states measure calculations/results N/A each year, but 9-1 states "Compare site file and measures" due as requested and is a deliverable each year. Confirm if 8-5 is N/A or required; confirm if 9-1 is required. | Confirming Deliverable 8-5 is N/A for all 5 years of the POP. Also confirming Deliverable 9-1 is required for all 5 years of the POP. |
| 44 | J.9-A_SOW_TO_0001, B. Key Personnel Requirements; page 6 | Can CMS confirm that the key personnel FTE requirements can be fulfilled through utilization of a combination of staff? | CMS prefers the Project Director to be 1.0 full-time Employee (FTE) (1800 hours). CMS prefers the Clinical Director to be 75% of 1 FTE (1350 hours). For purposes of this proposal, do not split the position across multiple individuals. The Key Personnel of Project Director for TO 0001 must be fulfilled by an employee of the Offeror. |
| 45 | J9 A SOW Chapter 2, pg. 3 | What is the government's limit on ad hoc requests (e.g., number of requests, hours per request)? | For the purposes of estimation for TO 0001, please estimate 1 ad hoc task per year (5 for the total POP). |
| 46 | J9 A SOW Chapter 3, pg. 3 | The government requires that the offeror submit an initial business case for each proposed measure. The business case template comprises four pages unpopulated. Does the government require the use of that template or is it instead asking for a textual (1-2 paragraph) brief of the business case that would justify investment in each measure. | The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate the way offerors are thinking about measure development. The complete template is not required; however, offerors must provide sufficient detail for CMS to understand the approach. |
| 47 | J9 A SOW Chapter 5, p. 4 | The government states that chapter 5 is optional. Please clarify why this chapter is optional. | Depending on the type of measure proposed, the tools chapter may not apply. |
| 48 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOD, p. 1. | RFP states that "Depending on the measure(s) chosen to be developed under this Sample TO, some deliverables below may not be applicable." |
| Please clarify how the offeror is supposed to determine which deliverables are to be included and which ones are not if the measures have not been selected by the Government. | Certain measures in certain settings require different processes and hence require different deliverables. Because CMS is allowing offerors to propose measures from different settings, CMS left the SOD as broad as possible to account for measures that may need the applicable deliverables. If a deliverable is not included, please explain why the deliverable was not included in the proposal. | ||
| 49 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs)..." |
| Please clarify what is meant by "innovative mix" in this MIDS context. | CMS is always searching for innovation, especially when developing measures. CMS is looking for offerors to apply knowledge about effective health care technologies to bring innovations to care delivery more efficiently. CMS continually looks for innovation and improved processes when developing clinical quality measures. | ||
| 50 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs)..." |
| Task Order 0001 SOD does not include re-evaluation deliverables. Please clarify if the above purpose statement should exclude the term "re-evaluation." | There will not be time in the sample TO 0001 to engage in re-evaluation of a de novo measure. This is just a sample TO and does not reflect measures that may be in various states of endorsement in real life. | ||
| 51 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs)..." |
| What is the total number of measures the Government expects to develop under this Sample Task Order 0001? | The purpose of this MIDS TO is to obtain services for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures. | ||
| 52 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs)..." |
| Is the Government expecting the offerors to select their own program areas that would be inclusive of all of the above types of measures? | Yes, the Government is expecting the offerors to select their own program areas that would be inclusive of the types of measures referenced in the TO 0001 SOW, Chapter 1. | ||
| 53 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs)..." |
| Is the Government expecting the offerors to select a specific disease area that would be inclusive of all of the above types of measures? | The Government is expecting the offerors to select their own program areas that would be inclusive of the types of measures referenced in the TO 0001 SOW, Chapter 1. | ||
| 54 | J9. Task Order 0001 SOW, Chapter 1 Scope 1.B-Purpose, p. 2. | RFP states that the purpose of this MIDS TO "is to obtain service for the development, re-evaluation, and implementation of an innovative mix of up to 3 de novo measures…, cost and resource use measures, electronic quality measures, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) whereby each outcome measure has cross setting capability as demonstrated by meeting the requirements for inclusion in 3 or more current CMS Quality Reporting Program..." |
| Is the government asking offerors to identify which of the specific programs from Appendix B will be applicable to the proposed measures? | The Government is expecting the offerors to select their own program areas that would be inclusive of the types of measures referenced in the TO 0001 SOW, Chapter 1. Appendix B provides the CMS Quality Reporting Programs offerors shall choose from. | |||
| 55 | MIDS RFP 75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.9.B.3, page 118 | The instructions state: “The technical proposal and technical response shall reflect all five (5) years but the business proposal shall only reflect the Base Year.” Please clarify the difference between technical proposal and technical response. | Volume IA is the technical proposal for the IDIQ. Volume IB is the technical response for TO 0001. | |
| 56 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.13.2, Pg. 127 | Are resumes required for key personnel and essential staff under Task Order 0001, Volume 1B? If so, are they limited to 2 pages and included in an appendix in Volume 1B instead of 1A? | Resumes are expected for key personnel at a minimum. Resumes are limited to 2 pages. An Appendix has been added to Volume IB. The Solicitaton has been revised. | |
| 57 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.13.3, pg. 127 | Can the milestone chart and staff loading chart for TO 0001 be included in an appendix in Volume 1B? | The referenced documents can be provided in the Appendix for TO 0001. The RFP has been revised. | |
| 58 | MIDS RFP Document, Section L.14.I. Small Business Subcontracting Plan, page 134 | In Section L.14, the RFP describes the Small Business Subcontracting Plan. A completed Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required as part of the TO 0001 Business Proposal for proposals that exceed a total estimated cost of $700,000 for the entire period of performance. Must the HHS Subcontracting Plan Template (Attachment_J.5_Small_Business_Subcontracting_Plan) be used for this submission or can an offerer use its own format as long it complies in accordance with the terms of FAR 52.219-9? | The template must be used. | |
| 59 | MIDS RFP, L.14 Business Proposal, p. 128 | Would CMS reconsider the page limitation for Volume II? Normally business volumes are not page restricted due to the variable lengths of required information. The Section K requirment is 25 pages and is required of all subcontractors, so the 100 pages will be exceeded for that section alone if three subs are included. We believe the instructions are asking for more than 100 pages of information from the prime alone. | The page restriction has been removed. | |
| 60 | MIDS RFP, Page 129, Section L.14, C.2 - Subcontracts | Please confirm that subcontractors can propose to the prime on a T&M basis instead of CPFF. | The Prime must submit a cost plus fixed fee proposal but the Prime may have any pricing arrangement with a subcontractor the Prime deems appropriate, as long as the subcontractor is eligible for that specific type of arrangement. | |
| 61 | MIDS RFP, Page 130, Section L.14, C.7 - Summary Rollup of All Costs | Please clarify the definition of the term "Leave" in the Summary Rollup of All Costs. We assume employee paid time off (PTO) to be included in the Fringe rate. Please confirm. | Offerors shall complete the Summary Rollup of All Costs as appropriate for their particular accounting structure. | |
| 62 | MIDS RFP, Page 73, Section I Clauses | Would the Government consideer adding FAR 52.215-16 Facilities Capital Cost of Money as this is an allowable cost? | The Provision has been added to Section L. This provision is applicable to Commercial Organizations as outlined in Far Subpart 31.2. | |
| 63 | MIDS RFP, Section L.13, Page 127 | CMS allows contractors to submit an appendix containing information on Key Personnel and past performance for Volume IA, including a separate page count (page 120, MIDS RFP). Should we assume that the same applies for the Sample Task Order 0001 and that these these sections for Volume IB can be included as an appendix and do not count against the 35-page limit for the technical approach? | The Appendix does not allow for information on key personnel and past performance. The Appendix is limited to 75 pages and allows for resumes, letters of commitment, milestone charts, etc. |
An Appendix has been added to Volume IB.
| 64 | MIDS RFP, Section L.13, Page 128 | The MIDS IDIQ RFP states that the task order's Project Director must be a Project Management Professional (PMP) with informatics expertise (Ph.D preferred). Will CMS consider allowing the Project Director to hold an MD in lieu of a Ph.D? | The Project Director is preferred to be a Project Management Professional (PMP) with demonstrated informatics expertise. That same person is preferred, not mandatory, to be a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as well. |
| 65 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14. C, Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal - page 129 | The solicitation provides an estimate of 17,000 for the Base Year. In developing the technical response, should offerors assume the same level of effort for each option year? | Yes. |
| 66 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14. C, Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal - page 129 | The solicitation requires a budget submission for the Base Year only. There is an additional requirement to provide budget information as an "annual total". Can CMS kindly confirm that this information is indeed only required for the Base Year? | Correct. |
| 67 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14. C.3, Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal, Indirect Rates - page 130 | The solicitation requires that subcontractors without a current NICRA provide a detailed separate breakdown of indirect costs. Can CMS please confirm that if a subcontractor does not have a current NICRA, a firm fixed price subcontract would be required, and negate the requirement for subcontractors to provide a separate detailed breakdown of indirect costs? | If the subcontractor does not have a current NICRA or an approved rate letter, the Prime Offeror may establish a firm fixed price subcontract arrangement with the subcontractor. The indirect cost requirement would no longer apply to the subcontractor. |
| 68 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14. E, Consultants - page 131 | Section L.14.E, Consultants, requires copies of consulting agreements as part of the proposal submission. Given that we do not enter into these agreements until after award, would CMS allow a sample agreement, along with the other information required to substantiate the proposed consultant? | Yes, along with a letter of commitment. |
| 69 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14. G, Other Administrative Data - page 133 | Section L.14.G, Other Administrative Data, item 6 requires identification of subcontractors, consultants, and teaming arrangements. Kindly confirm that this refers to the subcontractors and consultants proposed for Task Order 0001 only. | Required for all proposed subcontractors and consultants. |
| 70 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14.B, Business Proposal for Task Order 0001, Contract Form Representations and Certifications - page 129 | Section L.14.B, Contract Form and Representations and Certifications, requires submission of the SF33 by the Prime Contractor and subcontractors. Kindly confirm that this document is required only from the Prime Contractor, for use in the subsequent contract award. | The SF33 is only required to be signed by the Prime offeror. |
| 71 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14.B, Business Proposal for Task Order 0001, Contract Form Representations and Certifications - page 129 | Section L.14.B, Contract Form and Representations and Certifications, requires submission of Section K, Representations and Certifications, by the Prime Contractor and subcontractors. Kindly confirm that this document is required only for subcontractors being proposed for Task Order 0001. | Only required for the Prime offeror. |
| 72 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14.B, Business Proposal for Task Order 0001, Contract Form Representations and Certifications - page 129 | Section L.14.B, Contract Form and Representations and Certifications, requires submission of Section K, Representations and Certifications, by the Prime Contractor and subcontractors. Would CMS consider allowing offerors to submit evidence of current registration in SAM in lieu of providing completed Section K forms? | Section K is required. |
| 73 | MIDS RFP, Section L.14.D, Subcontractors - page 131 | Kindly clarify that items 1-7, requirements for Subcontractors, are required for Subcontractors proposed for Task Order 0001 only. | Correct. |
| 74 | MIDS RFP, Section L.9.B, General Proposal Instructions for a Multiple IDIQ Contract and Task Orders, Period of Performance | For budgeting purposes, can CMS please provide an estimated start date for TO 0001? | TO 0001 is a sample and will not lead to an actual Task Order award. |
A start date of 9/1/18 may be used to calculate costs.
| 75 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.14.D, p.131 | Do we need to provide all information in section L.14.D for subcontractors that we are proposing to be on our IDIQ team but are not proposed on Task Order 0001? | Unless otherwise noted, Section L.14 is for Task Order 0001. |
| 76 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.14.D.2, p.131 | States that subcontractors are required to submit a representative sample of average labor rates for the various categories that are anticipated to be used under the IDIQ, however this is requirement is not listed for prime contractors. Do Prime contractors need to include this as well? | No. |
| 77 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.14.G, p. 132 | Lists several Other Administrative Data requirements for prime contractors that are not required for subcontractors. Examples are Statement of Proposal Validity, Uncompensated OT Policy, Total Compensation Plan & Responsible Prospective Contractor Submission. Are any of these items required to be submitted by subcontractors? | Section L.14.D lists what is required to be submitted by the Prime Offeror for Subcontractors. |
| 78 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019 L.14.G.6, p.133 | "Identification of subcontractors, consultants and teaming agreements." How does the gov't want these "identified" and does the government want a list of all subcontractors proposed on the IDIQ team or just the subcontractors proposed on Task Order 0001. | The offeror shall clearly identify in their proposal who their subcontractors, consultants and teaming agreements are. |
| 79 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.12, page 120 | There are no Technical Proposal Instructions included for Volume IB, other than the page limit of 35 pages. Can we assume that Volume IB should be organized in the same format as Volume IA? | Refer to Section L.13. |
| 80 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.12, page 121 | Will CMS expect an Executive Summary to accompany our proposal response, and if yes, will this be included in the page count? | It is not required but, if it is submitted, it will count against the page limit. |
| 81 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.12, page 122 | Will CMS expect an Compliance Matrix to accompany our proposal response, and if yes, will this be included in the page count? | It is not required but, if it is submitted, it will not count toward the page limit. |
| 82 | MIDS_RFP_75FCMC18R0019.pdf, Section L.14, page 128 | The instructions state: “In order to adequately establish the reasonableness and realism of the proposed cost or price, the offeror shall support their total cost or price with a functional unlocked unencrypted Microsoft Excel spreadsheet breakdown of costs by SOW chapter/task." Will CMS consider providing a pricing template spreadsheet? | No but the Summary Rollup of All Costs should be included in the spreadsheet. |
| 83 | RFP document, L.14, D, 3 p. 131 | In section L.14, D, 3 of the solicitation requires proposed indirect forward pricing rates with supporting documentation for subcontractors. Please confirm that this information may be submitted directly to CMS in the subcontractor's sealed package. | Confirmed. |
| 84 | RFP document, L.14, E p. 131 | Section L.14, E requires a copy of the consultant agreement to be provided in the business volume. Actual consulting agreements are not usually executed until the contract is awarded. Please confirm if submission of a proposed, but unexecuted consulting agreement or a Letter of Commitment is acceptable. | A sample agreement with a letter of commitment is acceptable. |
| 85 | RFP document, L14,C,3 p. 130 | In section L14,C,3 of the business proposal instructions, the solicitation states "Please provide the G&A / Indirect Costs calculations applicable to the Task Order on a separate excel spreadsheet." Indirect rates and calculations are usually provided in the detailed business proposal worksheet as part of the total detailed price calculation along with direct labor, level of effort, subcontractor costs and ODCs. Please confirm that the indirect cost calculations should be represented in a different file than the direct labor and total price calculation? Or Can this information be provided in a worksheet tab in the same business proposal Excel file as the direct labor and total cost buildup? | It can be combined in to one spreadsheet. |
| 86 | RFP document, Section G.18, p. 34 | In the event the Contracting Officer confirms that the Service Contract Labor Standards do apply, and to ensure consistent pricing across Offerors and compliance with the required Wage Determinations, please provide any required Wage Determinations applicable to Task Order 0001, 0002, 0003, and/or 0004 at this time. This document will have a material impact on Task Order price proposals. | Wage Determinations are based on locality. If there is not a specific place of performance associated with the Task Order, then the wage determination would be based on the Offeror's location. A wage determination will be included in the Task Order award. |
| 87 | RFP document, Section G.18, p. 34 |
RFP document, FAR 52.222-41, p.74
| In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 6702 (a), Service Contract Labor Standards applies to contracts which have a principal purpose of furnishing services in the United States through the use of service employees. A principal purpose is defined by U.S.C. as a majority of contract requirements (over 50% of the FTEs and/or value). Service employees are defined as individuals engaged in the performance of a contract made by the Federal Government and not exempt under section 41 U.S.C. 6072 (b). | ||||
| Based on the scope of work defined herein and the anticipated level of effort from service employees, we do not believe this requirement is mandatory and therefore the provision does not apply. Please confirm. | CMS did not find a 50% definition in the code or the regulation. Per 29 CFR 541 the majority of services performed by this contract are exempt from the Service Contract Labor Standards but some positions may not be exempt. FAR clause 52.222-41 does apply for any position that is not exempt. | |||
| 88 | RFP document, Section K.17 (b), p. 111 | If the offeror needs to "submit a comprehensive plan for compliance with the EVMS guidelines" is this plan part of the 100 page limit for the Business Proposal, or can this be submitted as an Appendix to the Business Proposal? | Please note, there is no longer a page limit for the TO 0001 Business Proposal. The RFP has been amended to reflect the above. | |
| 89 | RFP document, Section L. 13, pg 127 | Item #2 requires the offeror to provide Key personnel (Project Director) for Sample Task Order 0001. Is the government expecting an actual current/contingent employee of the offeror to be provided, or is the offeror to provide a sample/fictional person for this sample Task Order? | Even though the Sample TO 0001 will not be awarded, CMS fully expects offerors to propose as if the TO was going to be awarded. CMS will evaluate the proposals as if they were going to be awarded. Proposed personnel and costs shall be legitimate. | |
| 90 | RFP document, Section L.13, p. 128 | Would CMS approve of the Project Director to have directly relevant experience for the contract, in lieu of a PMP certification? | The Project Director is preffered to be a Project Management Professional (PMP) with demonstrated informatics expertise. | |
| 91 | RFP document, Section L.13, p. 128 | The key personnel position, Program Manager, is listed as 1 FTE at 1,800 hours. Please confirm 1,800 is the total hours to be used for all FTEs. | Per the RFP, 1 FTE = 1,800 hours for this proposal. | |
| 92 | RFP document, Section L.13, p. 128 | The government states that the sample task order SOW is for a five (5) year period of performance and the technical response shall be reflective of all 5 years. Can the government confirm that this requirement indicates that all aspects of the technical response (e.g., a project timeline) should reflect five years? | The TO 0001 SOW is for a five (5) year period of performance. The technical response shall be reflective of all 5 years. The TO 0001 Business Proposal shall be reflective of the Base Year only. | |
| 93 | RFP document, Section L.13.2, p. 128 | Does the Project Director have to be Project Management Professional (PMP) certified, or can adding other certified staff fulfill this requirement (e.g. a PMP-certified project manager)? Does the Project Director have to have informatics expertise, or can the project staff include someone else with informatics expertise? Can a MD or other advanced degree stand in for the PhD for Project Director? | The Project Director is preferred to be a Project Management Professional (PMP) with demonstrated informatics expertise. That same person is preferred to be a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as well. | |
| 94 | RFP document, Section L.13.2, p. 128 | Can you tell us how the 1800 hours was calculated and if it is mandatory to calculate FTEs this way? Is this to define the 100% effort on a contract and if so would it not possibly understate the amount of labor necessary to complete the task order and overstate the cost? | For purposes of this proposal only, offerors shall assume a FTE = 1,800 hours. 1 FTE is assumed to devote all of his/her time to the project. | |
| 95 | RFP document, Section L.14 D. 1., p.131 | Please confirm Time and Material (T&M) and/or Labor Hour (LH) subcontracts are not considered cost reimbursable for purposes of Subcontract awards. | Confirmed. |
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