AMENDMENT 0002 - 75FCMC25RJ018_QA.pdf

Amendment 0002 -05/02/2025 Research Measurement Assessment Design Analysis (RMADA) 3 Questions and Responses

Category Question

No.

Section & Title

Page Number

Question CMS Response

GENERAL

G.2 ; 3. Final Indirect Cost Rate Ceilings

For contractors with HHS cognizant federal agencies (CFAs), would CMS allow indirect cost ceiling rates to be determined by the CFA and not be memorialized in the IDIQ contract? If not, will the ceiling rates be adjusted anually, as necessary, to allow billing at the negotiated provisional and final indirect rates determined by the CFA for the term of any task order awarded under the IDIQ contract?

Indirect cost ceiling rates will be determined by the Contracting Officer and will be memorialized in the awardee's IDIQ contract, as applicable. A modification to the IDIQ contract may need to be done if the negotiated rates are higher than the ceilings; however, the contractor shall submit appropriate documentation related to the increase.

GENERAL

Section C.3 DUA Closure 40

We believe this section should possibly have a section number. Could CMS confirm if this sections should have designated subsection numbers?

CMS has added the subsection number "C.3.iv" for DUA closure.

GENERAL

C.1 Background, Paragraph 2

While the IDIQ solicitation is full and open, does the government intend to make a specific numnber of small business awards?

This IDIQ is not set-aside for small business, however awards may be made to any business size.

GENERAL

C.1 Background, Paragraph 2

Does the government intend to issue any Task Orders as a small business set-aside?

This IDIQ is not set-aside for small business, however awards may be made to any business size.

GENERAL

N/A N/A

A sample task order was not included with the statement of work (SOW).

Will the Government please confirm that a response to a sample task order is not required?

Confirmed, a sample task order response is not required.

GENERAL

B3: Minimum and Maximum Quantities

Please confirm that the intent of the statement that “the maximum IDIQ amount (i.e., the maximum ceiling across all RMADA3 IDIQ’s) shall not exceed $3,500,000,000 (inclusive of all costs and fee) over the life of the contract", that “RMADA3 IDIQs” references “RMADA3 Task Orders”?

RMADA3 IDIQs is inclusive of the RMADA3 task orders.

GENERAL

B.5

Please estimate the percentage of task orders that will be each of the following: firm fixed price, cost-plus fixe fee, time and materials, and labor hours.

CMS cannot provide this estimate as each order/requirement is reviewed in order to establish the appropriate contract type.

GENERAL

G.11 Procedures for Placing an Order under a Multiple-award IDIQ

Please confirm if the micro-purchase threshold should be revised to $10,000 as per current FAR 2.101.

This section of the solicitation has been updated.

GENERAL

I. 1 FAR 52.252-2

CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

Please confirm if these clauses are still applicable:

52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (SEPT 2016)

52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUN

2020)

Section I.1 has been updated to remove 52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (SEPT 2016) as a result of a class deviation. 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES remains in the solicitation.

GENERAL

I. 1 FAR 52.252-2

CLAUSES

INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

FAR Clause 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) is included within the solicitation but no Wage Determinations were provided and Section L has no instructions on pricing in accordance with a Wage Determination. Will the Government consider removing this clause?

RFP Section I.1 was updated in Amendment 0001 to remove the clause for the IDIQ. At this time and based upon historical analysis, the government does not anticipate RMADA3 work under the SCA and does not anticipate the use of wage determinations; if it is determined necessary for a specific task order, the clause will be incorporated into that individual solicitation.

GENERAL

I.5 Ordering FAR 52.216- 19 127

Please confirm the minimum and maximum orders values since those listed in I.5 Ordering FAR 52.216-19 contradict with section B.3 Minimum and Maximum Quantities.

B.3 refers to the minimum IDIQ value while I.6 indicates the ordering minimum.

GENERAL

K. 10 PREVIOUS

CONTRACTS AND

COMPLIANCE

REPORTS FAR 52.222-

22 (FEB 1999)

Please confirm if this representation is still required considering that EO 11246 has been revoked.

The Agency has recently received a class deviation effective February 19, 2025; this clause has been removed from the solicitation and K.10 is now reserved.

GENERAL

Section M.3

TECHNICAL

EVALUATION PROCESS

189 -

Will cost realism be incorporated into the cost or price best value evaluation? If so, how?

Cost realism is not applicable to this solicitation.

GENERAL

M.2 GENERAL

PROCEDURES 188

How many prime IDIQ contract awards does CMS intend to award? See RFP section M.2.C, "The Government anticipates multiple IDIQ contract awards resulting from this solicitation.

The actual number of IDIQ contracts awarded will depend upon the quantity and quality of proposals received, sufficient to provide for the fair opportunity of consideration for individual awards."

GENERAL

M.2 GENERAL

PROCEDURES

What number of prime award contracts will CMS set aside for small businesses?

This IDIQ is not set-aside for small business, however awards may be made to any business size. There is no predetermined number of IDIQ awardees.

GENERAL

Section M.3

TECHNICAL

EVALUATION PROCESS

How will subcontractor past performance references be evaluated? For example, will they be evaluated with the same weight as prime past performance references?

There is no weighting element, subcontractors are not independently evaluated. Significant subcontractors will be evaluated as a totatality of prime contractors response.

GENERAL

Section G.14 Payment Selected Items of Cost reimbursement contracts

Paragraph b Facilities Capital Cost of Money, states the following: "In accordance with HHSAR 315.404-4, Facilities Capital Cost of Money shall be an unallowable cost under this contract." This reference is to a section of the HHSAR supplement that no longer exists based on the latest publication on acquistion.gov. Therefore we request it be removed. Additionally, FAR 52.215-16, Facilities Capital Cost of Money is included in Section L.1 which indicates FCCOM is an allowable cost if the criteria for allowability in FAR 31.205-10 (b)

Section G.14 has been removed and changed as RESERVED.

GENERAL

F.2 Period of Performance (IDIQ)

This section states that the period of performance of the IDIQ contract is estimated to be August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2030. QUESTION: Is this a 5-year contract, or a one year Base and four one-year options? Does the Government anticipate a further Option period?

The RMADA3 is a non-severable 5 year contract.

GENERAL

M.3 Technical Evaluation Process

189 -

Can CMS clarify how each of the four sections of the proposal will scored and weighed during the evaluation process? Will each of the four sections -- Technical, Personnel, Management and Past Performance --be given a numerical score? Or will each section be assigned only a categorical rating (Excellent through Unacceptable)? If the latter, how will the categorical ratings be combined to determine awardees versus non-awardees?

RFP Section M.3 was updated in Amendment 0001 and has been further updated in this Amendment 0002.

GENERAL

H.18 352.239-78

INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (FEB

2024) (DEVIATION)

Please confirm submission of HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or an ACR (based on the VPAT) is not required for this proposal submissions.

Section H.18 has been updated to correct the HHSAR clause number 352.239-79 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION). A HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or VPAT is not required at the IDIQ level (only the task order level).

GENERAL

H.18 352.239-78

INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (FEB

2024) (DEVIATION)

In the event a HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or an ACR (based on the VPAT) is required for this proposal submission, please confirm this should be included in Volume III: Other Administrative Data.

Section H.18 has been updated to correct the HHSAR clause number 352.239-79 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION). A HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or VPAT is not required at the IDIQ level (only the task order level).

GENERAL

RFP G.11 Procedures for Placing an Order Under Multiple-Award

IDIQ

Are task orders that were awarded under RMADA 2 included in the "Exceptions to Fair Opportunity Consideration" clause in this section?

RMADA3 Terms and Conditions are only applicable to future RMADA3 task orders.

GENERAL

L.3 TYPE OF

CONTRACT FAR 52.216-

1 (APR 1984)

How many contractors does CMS envision awarding the IDIQ to? See RFP Section M.2.C. There is no predetermined number of IDIQ awardees for RMADA 3.

GENERAL

H.10 352.239-73

CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL

SECRURITY AND

AGENCY ACCESS (FEB

2024) (DEVIATION)

86-87

Will any security clearances be required for staff on any of the task orders?

Each task order will be assessed independently based upon the work to be performed.

GENERAL

H.10 352.239-73

CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL

SECRURITY AND

AGENCY ACCESS (FEB

2024) (DEVIATION)

86-87

What level of risk and sensitivity level designation are expected for task orders under the IDIQ?

Each task order will be assessed independently based upon the work to be performed.

GENERAL

I.1, 52.217-6,FAR

52.217-6

The reference to FAR 52.217-6 does not match the FAR clause text int he solicitation. FAR 52.217-6 is "Option for Increased Quantity," but the solication specifies it is "Notice of Total Small Business Set-aside."Notice of Total Small Business Set-aside" is FAR 52.219-6, not FAR 52.217-6 . Are we correct in our assumption that the reference should be changed to 52.217-6, Option for Increased Quantity?

RFP Section I.1 has been updated to correct FAR clause numbers.

GENERAL

H.7 CMS SECURITY

CLAUSE (MAY 2018)

Approximately what percentage of staff will require a PIV, PIV-I, or Locally Based Physical Access card?

Quantities will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the task order level.

GENERAL

M.3.A Evaluation

The Executive Summary is not mentioned within the evaluation criteria.

Can the government please confirm that the Executive Summary is not scored?

RFP Section L.9 has been updated - The executive summary requirement has been removed.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.9, L.10.2

166, 174

Section L.9 states that the authors of the proposal should be listed on the cover page. Section L.10.2 states that the authors of the technical proposal should be included in the cover letter. Are these referencing the same location or is a cover letter required in addition to the cover page?

RFP Section L.10.2 has been updated to remove the statement "the author(s) of the proposal must be identified in the cover letter." See L.9 for further instructions on inclusion of author(s).

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 30

L.10.2, H.2, M.3.B 65, 181, Is the Program Director referred to in the Instructions (Section L.10.2) the same role as the Project Director referenced in the evaluation criteria (section M.3.B) and in the Key personnel table (Section H.2)?

RFP Section L.10.2 was updated in Amendment 0001.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 31

L.10.4

The list of bullets requested for past performance references don’t match the columns in the table shell requested. Can offerors use a different format to present the requested information?

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10.4

Can offerors include past performance references from RMADA 1 if they’re within the 3-year time period?

Yes, offerors can submit past performance references from RMADA 1 as long as they are within the 3-year time period. RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001 and further updated in this Amendment 0002.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 33

L.9 Proposal Organization and Content

Would it be acceptable to include an acronym list in the Cover letter or is it preferred as an appendix. Would this count against the 60 pages of the technical?

That option is at the discretion of the offeror and will not count against the 60 page limitation.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 34

L.10.2.B Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ (Volume I)

Is there a page limit for each resume? There is no page limit for reach resume.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10 Technical Approach Instructions for IDIQ (Volume I)

"CMS states that offeror should not submit past performance information completed as the prime contractor under the RMADA IDIQ.”.

(1) If a significant subcontractor is a sub on a RMADA contract, can the significant subcontractor use that contract for past performance?

(2) if the prime or the sub is currently working on a RMADA contract but the contract is not complete, can the prime offer and/or the significant subcontractor use the contract for past performance?

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 36

L.10 Technical Proposal Instructions 174

Can CMS please confirm that offerors should not include contracts on the past performance list where they are the prime contractor for RMADA1 or RMADA2 contracts?

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10 TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

IDIQ (VOLUME I)

Under 4. Past Performance, instructions state, Therefore, Offerors shall not submit Past Performance information pertaining to performance completed as the prime contractor under the existing RMADA IDIQ. We assume "existing RMADA IDIQ" refers to RMADA2; specifically does not refer to RMADA1. Please clarify if this assumption is correct. If it is correct, please confirm that bidders should submit past performance pertaining to performance completed as the prime contractor under RMADA1 IDIQ (when it meets the requirements specified in the B.

Instructions)

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Other Administrative Data

Section L.12 of the RFP states, For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed subcontracting plans to contain at a minimum the percentages as identified in Section G.11 . However, there is no Section G.11. Please clarify if this text should instead read, For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed subcontracting plans to contain at a minimum the percentages as identified in Section G.10 .

RFP Section L.12 has been updated.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Other Administrative Data, 3(b) 180

Section L.12, 3(b) of the RFP states "In accordance with Section VII, Instructions for Submitting Accounting System Information, below, include documentation of the subcontractor’s an adequate accounting system." However, there is no Section VII below. Can CMS confirm this is intended to reference "Section L.11.4, above"?

RFP Section L.12 has been updated to reflect the correct reference of L.11.4.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Other Administrative Data, 3(c)

Regarding Section L.12, 3(c), similar to the instruction at 3(b) with regard to accounting system adequacy, if a subcontractor will perform on a non cost-reimbursement basis, may the requirement for proposed indirect forward pricing rates be waived?

In the absence of forward pricing rate submissions for a subcontractor, the government will grant consent for fixed price subcontracts.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 41

l.9 Proposal Organization and Content

Please clarify - should the section titled "Cover Letter" , including the specified cover page contents, be a separate volume?

RFP Section L.9 has been updated again in Amendment 0002. A cover letter should be included for each volume of the proposal.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L6.B Electronic and Information Technology Notice HHSAR 352.239-

CMS requires Offerors " to submit an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template as part of their task order proposals" and directs Offerors to a HHS 508 website. No assessment template has been provided in the attachments. Can CMS confirm which 508 checklists must be submitted by Offerors?

Please see Section H.18 which has been updated to correct the HHSAR clause number 352.239-79 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION). A HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or VPAT is not required at the IDIQ level (only the task order level).

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Other Administrative Data (Volume III) 186

CMS requires "The SF33 and 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."

Please confirm that the SF33 is to be completed by subcontractors.

The SF33 is not completed by subcontractors. In addition, L.12.2 has been updated to change the reference to section G to section K.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 44

L.9

To help government evaluators navigate offerors proposals, please confirm that offerors may include a Table of Contents in Volume I IDIQ Technical Proposal that does not count against the page limit.

Yes, RFP Section L.9 was updated in Amendment 0001 and further updated in this Amendment 0002.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.9

Please confirm that offerors may include a cover to their proposal volumes that contains basic information (e.g., proposal title, RFP#, government POC, offeror POC) and does not count against the page limit?

Yes, RFP Section L.9 was updated in Amendment 0001 and further updated in this Amendment 0002.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10.2 Personnel/Skills Matrix

Is there a template that Offerers should use for completing the skills matrix?

Skills matrix is not a requirment for the solicitation and therefore no template is provided.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10.2 Personnel/Skills Matrix

In an effort to show staff capabilities and expertise across the model lifecycle, and the requests throughout the solicitation to demonstrate significant capacity, the skills matrix could be rather lengthy. Would CMS consider allowing the matrix to be included as an appendix item that does not count towards the page limit?

Skills matrix is not a requirment for the solicitation. Section L.9 of the solicitation was updated in Amendment 0001 to include information of what can be included as an appendix.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10.2 Personnel/Skills Matrix

Can CMS please clarify whether the 'other key personnel and essential staff' referenced in the RFP and included in the technical are individuals contractually committed to performing the work under the resulting contract, or if they may instead serve as representative examples of our organization’s expertise and capabilities?

Resumes are required for relevant key personnel and essential staff. Contractors are not required to submit resumes for all labor categories proposed.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.6 ELECTRONIC AND

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY

NOTICE HHSAR

352.239-73 (DEC 2015)

This section refers Section 508 compliance and VPAT submissions being required for responses to task order solicitations. Please confirm a VPAT submission is not required for the IDIQ proposal response.

Please see Section H.18 which has been updated to correct the HHSAR clause number 352.239-79 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (FEB 2024) (DEVIATION). A HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist or VPAT is not required at the IDIQ level (only the task order level).

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS 50

L.10.4 - Past Performance 182

Please confirm that offerors may submit Past Performance information pertaining to performance completed as a Subcontractor under the existing RMADA2 IDIQ program.

Yes, a contractor may submit past performance information pertaining to performance as a subcontractor under the existing RMADA2 IDIQ.

COVER PAGE:

OFFEROR

INFORMATION &

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

L.10.2 Personnel/Skill Mix

Instructions state, "The author(s) of the proposal must be identified in the Cover Letter." Are author signatures required?

RFP Section L.10.2 has been updated to remove the statement "the author(s) of the proposal must be identified in the cover letter." See L.9 for further instructions on inclusion of author(s).

COVER PAGE:

OFFEROR

INFORMATION &

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

L.9 PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION AND

CONTENT 171

The RFP requires the inclusion of a DUNS Number. QUESTION: Should offerors provide a UEI instead of the DUNS Number?

RFP Section L.9 has been updated to replace DUNS number with UEI number.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.4

The RFP says, "The relevant past performance information shall be supplied in a list format along with a brief summary of the relevance the contract has to the RMADA 3 IDIQ SOW. The contracts, subcontracts and task/purchase orders may be with CMS, other federal government agencies, state agencies, local government and/or commercial firms for the same or similar services required by this solicitation. The list of directly related projects/contracts shall cover at least the last 6 months, but not more than the most recent 3 years. When providing CPARS information: • Provide the contract number, order number and the period of performance so that a CPARS record may be located." QUESTION:

Should bidders enter information about non-RMADA CMS contracts with CPARs in the table on page 177?

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.4

Please confirm if for RMADA contracts selected as past performance, if only the information requested in the table/list format on page 135 of Section L.10 is required? And if non-RMADA contracts should be included as separately from the list of past performance, and rather as a separate part of the past performance section with the information provided?

The Past Performance information in RFP Section L.10 was updated in Amendment 0001.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.4

The solicitation states that "For the purposes of this solicitation, ‘relevant’ is also past performance information which is similar in size, scope and complexity to this contract."

Does "this contract" to refer to the RMADA3 IDIQ contract vehicle itself or to task orders that may be released under the RMADA3 vehicle?

RMADA3 IDIQ

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.4

For existing RMADA contracts that have no CPARS record to date, should the offeror provide additional information about that contract in the more detailed past performance table?

If no CPARS evaluation was completed, offerors should utilize the PPQ.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.2 Personnel/Skill Mix 191

REQUEST: Please confirm letters of commitment for "a planned hire" are excluded from page count.

The letters of commitment for a "planned hire" are excluded from the page count. RFP Section L.9 has been updated.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.2 Personnel/Skill Mix 191

REQUEST: Please confirm letters of commitment for "a planned hire" should be in the Appendix relating to Vitae/Resumes.

The letters of commitment for a "planned hire" are to be submitted in the appendix. RFP Section L.9 has been updated.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL 59

L.10 TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

IDIQ (VOLUME I), 4.

Past Performance

Are the prime and subcontractors limited in the number of CMS contracts they may include, if they are relevant to the scope of work?

The prime and significant subcontractors are not limited to the number of CMS contracts if they are relevant to the scope of work.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

G.2.2.a Final Rate Agreement 46

The table in "Final Rate Agreement" states the agency that shall execute the Final Rate Agreement is "NIC." Should that be NIH?

Yes, the language has been updated to NIH in Section G.2.2.b.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

G.16 Contract Funds Management 62

Can CMS confirm that the CMF Report is not required for the IDIQ submission but rather at the Task Order level?

The Contract Funds Management report is not required on the IDIQ; however, will be required on the task orders.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

PART III – LIST OF

DOCUMENTS,

EXHIBITS, AND OTHER

ATTACHMENTS

Can CMS confirm that attachments J.8 a & b are not required for the IDIQ submission but rather at the Task Order level?

Attachments J.8 a&b are not required on the IDIQ; however, will be required on the task orders.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

G.11 Procedures for Placing an Award under a Multiple-Award IDIQ

Can CMS confirm whether the Business Proposal should include ODCs and Travel sections for the IDIQ submission or these are sections to be included, as needed, at the Task Order level?

ODCs and travel are not included for the IDIQ; however, they will be included at the task order level, as applicable.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

G.11-G.14

G.11-G.14 are missing from the solicitation. Please clarify if there are additional sections to read or if G.15 should be renumbered G.11

The RFP has been updated to renumber G.15 through G.21 to G.11 through G.17

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

L.12.3.C

Are subcontractors permitted to submit their indirect rates via a sealed package as part of their proposal submission?

Yes, subcontractors can submit their indirect rates separately; however, it is the prime contractor's responsibility to ensure proposals are received by the time specified.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12 Other Administrative Data; 3.

Subcontractor/Consult ant Information

Can CMS please clarify if Attachment J.2 is required, if the Prime Contractor Offeror has an approved purchasing system?

If the prime offeror has an approved purchasing system, J.2 is not required.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12 Other Administrative Data; 3.

Subcontractor/Consult ant Information

Can CMS please provide a copy of Section VII, Instructions for Submitting Accounting System Information for subcontractors, as referenced?

RFP Section L.12 has been updated to reflect the correct reference of L.11.4.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12; 2. Contract Form and Representation and Certifications

The instructions state to complete "… Section G of the solicitation … where applicable." Is it acceptable to include only those Section G pages that require completion, or should the Offeror include pages 46-64?

RFP Section L.12.2 has been updated to change the reference to section G to section K.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12; 3.

Subcontractor/Consult ant Information

The instructions state that for subcontractors, Offerors should include "… c) Proposed indirect forward pricing rates with supporting documentation detailing how the rates are calculated ...." For subcontractors without indirect rate agreements, can we assume that those subcontractor task order awards would need to be firm fixed price awards?

Yes, this is correct.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12; 3.

Subcontractor/Consult ant Information

Can CMS please clarify if subcontractor labor rates are to be provided in Volume II, Business Proposal?

Yes, subcontractor labor rates shall be provided in the Business Proposal Volume.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Should Small Business Offerors also fill out a Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

No, RFP Section M.3.D states small business prime offerors are not required to submit a subcontract plan.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.10 Technical Proposal Instructions

Are resumes required for all labor categories or only for the Program Director?

Resumes are required for the Project Director (key personnel position) and other key personnel identified by the offeror (as applicable). Section L.10 has been updated.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

G.20 Contract Funds Management 62, 63

Will the government clarify the meaning of CLIN and define what it specifically represents? Does it refer to a single labor category or something else?

CLIN stands for Contract Line Item Number.

GENERAL

Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

What are the geographic limitations, if any, for service delivery? CMS anticipates service delivery to be determined at the task order level. We expect most, if not all , work to take place within the United States and/or its territories. See Section G.6 for more information.

COVER PAGE:

OFFEROR

INFORMATION &

EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

Section L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Quoters L.9 Proposal Organization and Content Cover Letter: Offeror Information & Executive Summary

171-172

The RFP requires an affirmation of compliance with all RFP requirements and instructions, signed by an officer authorized to bind the company. Is an electronic signature acceptable, or must it be a physical signature scanned into the submission?

Electronic signature is acceptable.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA 76

L.12 Other Administrative Data (Volume III) (No Page

LIMIT)

2. Contract Form and Representation and Certifications

186-187

The RFP requires execution of SF33 and Representations and Certifications (Section K). Can electronic signatures be used, or are wet signatures required?

Electronic signature is acceptable.

GENERAL

G.9 SUBCONTRACTING

REPORTING (ONLY FOR

LARGE BUSINESSES) 56

There is not a separate classification listed for Veteran Owned Small Business. Should this be included here?

RFP Section G.9 has been removed as part of Amendment 0002.

GENERAL

G.10

SUBCONTRACTING

PROGRAM FOR SMALL

AND DISADVANTAGED

BUSINESSES

There is not a requirement listed for Veteran Owned Small Business, although this classification is shown in the description paragraph of this section. Should there be a separate requirement for this classification?

RFP Section G.10 has been removed as part of Amendment 0002.

RFP/ PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

L.12 Other Administrative Data, 4 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

As total dollars planned to be subcontracted are unknown and unknowable at the IDIQ level, for the purposes of setting goals in Section 2(a) through (h) of Attachment J.1, the Subcontracting Plan template, should offerors show "TBD" for dollar goals, and only propose percentage based goals? Further, can CMS confirm that goals need only be proposed as a percentage of subcontracted dollars, and that separate goals for "% of Total Contract $" are not required for this solicitation (far right column of Section 2 of the Subcontracting Plan template)?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME II:

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

G.10 Subcontracting Program for Small and Disadvantage Business

Please confirm that the subcontracting goals are based of total dollars subcontracted?

RFP Section G.10 has been removed as part of Amendment 0002.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

G.10

SUBCONTRACTING

PROGRAM FOR SMALL

AND DISADVANTAGED

BUSINESSES

of 187

Section G.10 states contractors should strive to achieve the following Dept.

of Health and Human Services minimum small business utilization goals when developing its small business subcontracting plan:

Small Business 31% Small Disadvantaged Business 5% Women-Owned Small Business 5% HubZone 3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business 5%

Would CMS please confirm these percentages are percentages of the total subcontracted dollars for a given task order or for the aggregate performance for all task orders across the IDIQ?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA 82

L.12 Other Administrative Data; 4.

Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Page 180 of

The instructions state "For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed subcontracting plans to contain at a minimum the percentages as identified in Section G.11." Since the Business Volume only requires labor category and rates (not a task order price), will CMS please clarify whether attachment J.1 is required for submission, and if so, what contract value does CMS want us to use as a basis for the subcontracting goal dollar values?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

G.10

SUBCONTRACTING

PROGRAM FOR SMALL

AND DISADVANTAGED

BUSINESSES Page 57 of 187

Section G.10 states contractors should strive to achieve the following Dept. of Health and Human Services minimum small business utilization goals when developing its small business subcontracting plan:

Small Business 31%

Pursuant to the January 24, 2025, small business administration agency contracting goals, will CMS please clarify that the small business subcontracting goal should be updated to 23%?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

G.10

SUBCONTRACTING

PROGRAM FOR SMALL

AND DISADVANTAGED

BUSINESSES

of 187

Section G.10 states contractors should strive to achieve the following Dept.

of Health and Human Services minimum small business utilization goals when developing its small business subcontracting plan:

Small Business 31% Small Disadvantaged Business 5% Women-Owned Small Business 5% HubZone 3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business 5%

How will the evaluation of small business subcontracting plan be used in the determination of award?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

G.10

Please confirm the small business subcontracting goals are a percent of subcontracted work.

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

Attachment J.1 Given this is an IDIQ with an unknown value, what total contract value should offerors use to develop the small business subcontract plan?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

G.10 - Subcontracting Program for Small and Disdadvantaged Buisnesses

Section G.10 (pg. 57) - SUBCONTRACTING PROGRAM FOR SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES: “In accordance with FAR 19.704, Subcontracting Plan Requirements, the subcontracting plan submitted for work under this contract with small, disadvantaged, woman-owned, HUBZone, veteran owned, and services-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, shall be approved by the Contracting Officer and incorporated as Attachment J.1 of this contract and made a part hereof.”

There is no percentage for veteran owned. QUESTION: Will the Government please confirm there is no percentage allocated to Veteran Owned small businesses?

RFP Section G.10 has been removed as part of Amendment 0002. Additionally, see RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

Attachment J.1 Would the Government please confirm that small businesses that bid as a Prime Contractor are not required to provide a subcontracting plan to detail how they plan to meet the below subcontracting requirements:

Small Business: 31% Small Disadvantaged Business: 5% Women-Owned Small Business: 5% HubZone: 3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business: 5%

RFP Section M.3.D states small business prime offerors are not required to submit a subcontract plan.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

Section L.12.4 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Could you please clarify how the small business subcontracting plan applies to the IDIQ framework that does not have a defined contract value?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

Section L.12.4 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Is the small business subcontracting plan required for the sample Statement of Work provided?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12 Other Administrative Data (4).

Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Pg. 180-

The HHS Subcontracting Plan Template requires we identified a Total Contract Amount. The pricing instructions in this RFP only require rate information. What should contractors use for the total Contract Amount in the plan?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

Other Administrative Data (VOLUME III) - Small Business Subcontracting Plan

Per the RFP, the government expects all contractors to provide documentation as to how they plan on meeting the stated goals . Will the government please confirm that for documentation, an offeror may provide a narrative that includes examples of how we plan to meet the proposed small business goals to meet this requirement?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12 Other Administrative Data (Volume III)

Can the government confirm that when it says "For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed subcontracting plans to contain at a minimum the percentages as identified in Section G.11" it means Section G.10 instead?

RFP Section G.10 has been removed as part of Amendment 0002. Additionally, see RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

GENERAL

Attachment J.1: Small Business SubK Plan Template

If the prime vendor is a HUBZone certified small business are they still required to submit a Subcontracting Plan?

RFP Section M.3.D states small business prime offerors are not required to submit a subcontract plan.

VOLUME III:

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA

L.12.4 - Small Business Subcontracting Plan

The instructions for Administrative Data Volume note that "In accordance with FAR 19.702, each large business offeror shall submit a completed Small Business Subcontracting Plan (as provided in Attachment J.1)."

How should the goals be calculated since the business proposal doesn't include a task order budget?

See RFP Sections L.8, L.10, L.12, and M.3 for revisions on the Subcontracting Plan requirements.

VOLUME I: IDIQ

TECHNICAL

PROPOSAL

L.10.4.B Past Performance Instructions

179-180 The Instructions state, "Offerors and proposed significant subcontractors shall obtain references from at least three (3) of the relevant contracts listed above (3 each for the prime and each significant subcontractor)."

Will the Government confirm the term 'references' is inclusive of either a PPQ or a CPARS evaluation? For example, a Offeror might submit 1 PPQ and 2 CPARS evaluations to meet the requirement.

Yes, the term references is inclusive of CPARS or PPQs. Section L.10.5 of the RFP has been updated.

VOLUME III –

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA (NO PAGE

LIMIT)

L.12.2 Contract Form and Representation and Certifications

180 Will the Government confirm that competion and submission of the the Representations and Certifications contained in Section K is only required by the Prime Contractor?

Yes, significant subcontractors should also complete.

VOLUME III –

OTHER

ADMINISTRATIVE

DATA (NO PAGE

LIMIT)

L.12.2 Contract Form and Representation and Certifications

180 In the event competion and submission of the the Representations and Certifications contained in Section K is required for subcontractors, given the confidential nature of the information requested in Section K, will the Government provide directions for submission of that information via a sealed package?

Section L.9 has been updated to clarify - If a significant subcontractor submits a proposal in a separate e-mail, the e-mail must clearly identify the prime Offeror. Additionally, the prime offeror is responsible for tracking the proposals of any proposed subcontracts in the event that the subcontractors find a need to submit business information under a separate cover.

GENERAL

L.9 PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION AND

CONTENT 180

Clarification regarding inclusion of CPARS: Page 180 of the RFP states that if a past performance evaluation was completed in CPARS, then a separate past performance questionnaire is not required but that offerors should instead submit the CPARS evaluation as part of their proposal.

However, offerors are providing the necessary information for the government to access the CPARS evaluations, and CPARS are not public information and not normally included as part of a proposal submission.

Can CMS please confirm that CPARS evaluations are not required to be included in an offeror’s proposal and instead, offerors vendors can provide contract name, number, and POC for those relevant contracts with CPARS.

CPARS should not be submitted as part of proposal if the evaluation is is available in the CPARS system. Section L.10.5 of the RFP has been updated.

GENERAL

L.9 PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION AND

CONTENT 167

Clarification regarding inclusion of CPARS: If CMS determines that CPARS evaluations should be submitted as part of the offeror’s proposals, the proposal submission instructions on page 167 do not include any instructions on where offerors are to include the CPARS evaluations within their proposal. Please confirm if the CPARS evaluations should be submitted in the appendix with the relevant past performance and resumes.

CPARS should not be submitted as part of proposal if the evaluation is is available in the CPARS system. Section L.10.5 of the RFP has been updated.

GENERAL

L.9 PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION AND

CONTENT 167

Clarification regarding inclusion of CPARS: Subcontractors may not want to provide their CPARS to their prime contractor due to the confidential nature; therefore, If subcontractors want to provide CPARS under sealed bid, to whom should they be sent at CMS?

Significant subcontractors can submit CPARS evaluations directly to Melanie.Suris-Rodriguez1@cms.hhs.gov.

Section L.10.5 has been updated.

GENERAL

L.9 PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION AND

CONTENT 179

Clarification regarding references: The RFP states on page 179, “Offerors and proposed significant subcontractors shall obtain references from at least three (3) of the relevant contracts listed above (3 each for the prime and each significant subcontractor). Please confirm if a significant subcontractor has fewer than 3 relevant contracts, it is permissible to include only those that are relevant (e.g., fewer than 3).

Yes, if an offeror or a sigificant subcontractor has less than the minimum requirement of 3 references they may submit only those that are relevant (e.g. fewer than 3).