AMENDMENT 0004 - 75FCMC25RJ018 QA.pdf

AMENDMENT 0004 - 06/17/2025

Research Measurement Assessment Design Analysis (RMADA) 3 Questions and Responses

Question No.

Section & Title

Page Number Question Response

L.12, ii. 2, Past Performance (Amendment 0003)

Does the government expect to receive Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) in Phase I or Phase II?

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, Past Performance is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written; therefore, Past Performance Questionnaires are due by the date and time that Phase II proposals are due.

L.8.E Procurement Timeline 133

Phase II oral presentations are estimated to take place over the August 18-29, 2025 period, while Attachment J.10 states the August 18-22 period. Please confirm the period.

RFP Section L.8.E and Attachment J.10 have been updated.

L.10.i 139 Can CMS please clarify whether the IDIQ Program Management Plan under Volume II, Oral Presentation should be provided within the slide deck or as a separate PDF?

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, the IDIQ Program Management Plan is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Oral Presentation. RFP Section L.10.i.6, has been updated to clarify Offerors shall include the IDIQ Program Management Plan in the presentation slide deck as a PDF.

L.11.i 142

The Corporate Experience highlights including both the Title and the Name of Contracting Activity. Does CMS intend for one of these to be the contracting organization?

Yes, the name of the Contracting Activity should be the name of the contracting organization.

L.12.i.3 147

CMS makes it clear that there is only one key personnel for the IDIQ, the Program Director. However, for the resume/CV submissions, should we include multiple relevant staff for the TORPs under this IDIQ?

Offerors shall not propose additional key personnel. Key personnel for task orders will be based on the specific model and will be reviewed and evaluated on a task order basis.

Amendment 0003 - Questions and Responses

Regarding question number 266 on Page 22, can the government confirm when the Offeror has an approved accounting system, Offeror is able to award a T&M contract to a subcontractor who does not have an approved accounting system?

The subcontractor must have an approved/adequate accounting system for a T&M subcontract agreement.

L.10.i.2 Acceptable Minimum Requirements

Please confirm that the Cover Page required to be submitted with each written proposal volume is excluded from the page limits.

Yes, the cover page is excluded from the page limits. See updated RFP Section L.10.i.4.

RFP L.12.ii.2 Past Performance 150

To consider a subcontractor "significant" it appears that the Government has required the submission of references from at least three (3) relevant contracts. Would the Government consider some type of exception for newer small businesses (e.g., a WOSB) to be considered significant if they will play a critical role but do not have 3 relevant past performance contracts?

A subcontractor is considered significant based on the definition of significant in RFP Section L.12.ii.2. "A subcontractor performing major or critical aspects of the requirements relevant to the prospective contract." As stated in M.4.B.6, "In the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance, or for which information on past performance is not available, the Offeror’s Past Performance may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably."

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach Attachment J.10: Oral Presentation Instructions, Format and Rules page 2

Do we need to speak to all information within each slide we present (i.e. read word for word) for the information to be evaluated? Will the slide presentation document be reviewed in the evaluation?

As stated in Attachment J.10, "The oral presentation itself will be evaluated whereas the slide deck is only provided as a supplement for the oral presentation."

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach 137

Regarding, "Presentation slides may include links to graphics or pictures to enable Offerors to display graphics in a medium which is easier to view." Does CMS mean that we can open links to display information as part of our presentation?

Yes, links to graphics or pictures maybe displayed as part of your presentation within the time frame specificed.

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach 137 If we include links to graphics or pictures that are outside the slide deck, do those graphics or pictures also need to be somehow included in the presentation document submission?

As stated in RFP Section L.12.i.1, "Offerors are instructed NOT to send additional written materials for the oral presentation as they will not be considered." Links to graphics or pictures are to be part of the Offerors slides and diplayed as part of the presentation to be considered.

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach 137

Is it permitted to submit the Oral Presentation deck as a PDF file of the powerpoint slides to ensure that the submitted document is not easily modified by accident?

See updated RFP Section L.10.i.6 for clarification.

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach 137

Is the IDIQ Program Management Plan to be submitted as Powerpoint slides. In the proposal table on 137, only the Technical Approach is the only item marked as being in presentation slides.

Technical Approach (L.12.i.1.A), IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel (excluding vitae/resume) shall be part of the Offerors presentation and slide deck. RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

RFP L.12.i.1 Technical Approach 137

Does the presentation of the Key Personnel resume have to be in Powerpoint format as well, or is the Govt's intention that the resume PDF document be opened and reviewed in the presentation? Can the resume be summarized in the Powerpoint and presented?

Technical Approach (L.12.i.1.A), IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel (excluding vitae/resume) shall be part of the Offerors presentation and slide deck. RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.8.G.a "Small Business Subcontracting Plan"

Please confirm that the proposal submission deadline referenced in L.8.G.a is August 18th (Phase II), and therefore all bidders must submit their Small Business Subcontracting Plans to the SBCX system by then.

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, Small Business Utilization is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written;

therefore, the Small Business Subcontracting plan must be submitted in the SBCX system by the time Phase II proposals are due.

Section L and Attachment J.10 N/A

Section L.8.E states "Phase II: Oral Presentations of Volume II, IDIQ Technical Proposal, August 18- 29, 2025 (dates will be given via advisory notice)" and Attachment J.10 page 2 "Presentations are estimated to be held the week of August 18-August 22, 2025."

Can you confirm orals presentations will be anticipated for August 18- 29, 2025?

RFP Section L.8.E and Attachment J.10 have been updated.

L.12 - Section 3. Key Personnel 154 of

The solication states, "The Program Director position shall be the one and only key personnel position at the IDIQ level."

As numerous sections refer to vitae/resumes (plural), please confirm that only the Program Director resume applicable at the IDIQ level is to be provided in the RMADA 3 IDIQ response.

RFP Section L.12.i.3 has been updated for clarification.

L.13. 10. Conflicts of Interest and Compliance Proposal Submission Instructions

Can CMS please confirm that Attachment J.6 should now be a part of the business volume?

As stated in RFP Section L.13.10, Conflicts of Interest and Compliance Proposal Submission Instructions, Attachment J.6 (or a document containing similar information) shall be completed and submitted in Volume III, Business Proposal.

L.8.G, Small Business Subcontracting Plan - Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) System

133 -134 The link to the SBCX system provided on page 134 is not working.

Can CMS please provide the link so that offerors can upload their completed small business plans?

RFP Section L.8.G has been updated with the correct links.

L.13 Phase II: Volume III - Business Proposal Instructions

The instructions list the SF 33 both in section 2 [Contract Form (SF33)] and section 3 (SF-33 and the Representations and Certifications). Can CMS please clarify if the SF33 should be in a section by itself, or with the Reps and Certs?

RFP Section L.13.2 and 3 have been updated.

Attachment J.10 Oral Presentation Instructions, Format and Rules

#9 states “Presentations are estimated to be held the week of August 18-August 22, 2025”. Amendment 0003, Page 134, E states “Phase II: Oral Presentations of Volume II, IDIQ Technical Proposal, August 18- 29, 2025.” Which date range should bidders prepare for?

RFP Section L.8.E and Attachment J.10 have been updated.

L.8.G. SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTING PLAN – SMALL

BUSINESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

(SBCX) SYSTEM

Does the "proposal submission deadline" for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan indicated in section L.G.8 refer to the Phase I deadline (i.e., June 25, 2025) or the Phase II deadline (i.e., approximately August 18, 2025)?

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, Small Business Utilization is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written;

therefore, the Small Business Subcontracting plan must be submitted in the SBCX system by the time Phase II proposals are due.

L.11 Phase I: IDIQ Technical Proosal Instructions

May offerors include email addresses instead of telephone numbers for the contracting officer, customer program manager, and administrative contracting officer as part of the additional documentation required for Volume I?

Email addresses are sufficient.

L.12 Phase II: Volume II – IDIQ Technical Proposal Instructions 142

To ensure we are aligning with the submission requirements, can CMS please confirm that the IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel sections (excluding CVs, which we understand may be included in an appendix) should be incorporated into the oral presentation slide deck submitted with Volume II, and not submitted as separate appendices or as part of the Written Proposal?

Technical Approach (L.12.i.1.A), IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel (excluding vitae/resume) shall be part of the Offerors presentation and slide deck. RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.12 Phase II: Voume II Technical Proposal, Written - Past Performance 150

Can CMS confirm whether past performance references for subcontractors are limited to 3 (per question 301 in the most recent Q&A) or should provide at least 3 (per page 150 of Amendment 003)?

RFP Section L.12.ii.2 is correct with "Offerors and proposed significant subcontractors shall obtain references from at least three (3)."

L.12 Phase II: Volume II – IDIQ Technical Proposal Instructions 142

May offerors include slides in their presentation slide deck that are not presented during the oral presentation (e.g., in an appendix) but still included in the government's evaluation of Phase II?

As stated in RFP Section L.12.i.1, "Offerors are instructed NOT to send additional written materials for the oral presentation as they will not be considered". Additionally, as stated in Attachment J.10, "Materials referenced in the oral presentation, but not an actual part of the presentation, will not be accepted, or used in, evaluations (except the Key Personnel resume)."

L.12 Phase II: Volume II – IDIQ Technical Proposal Instructions

149-150

The numbered list for the past performance information on page 149 does not align exactly with the table shell headers provided on page 150. Can CMS clarify whether information on relevance (#5 in the numbered list) should be incorporated in the "Relevance Y/N" header, and whether Offerors should include a separate column to indicate CPARS availability?

Yes, information on relevance (#5 in the numbered list) should be incorporated in the "Relevance Y/N" header. Additionally, there is a already a column to indicate CPARS availability.

Attachment J.10

For the oral presentation, will the offeror be sharing their screen and controlling the slides or will it be someone from the government?

When it is time for the presentation, the Offeror will be sharing their screen and controlling the slides.

L.10.i.2 136

The cover page must state that the proposal is valid for 180 days past the due date. Should this be 180 days after June 25, 2025, or August 18, 2025?

It is 180 days from Phase I proposal due date.

L.12.i.1 142

The RFP states that offerors shall submit a written presentation slide deck as part of their Volume II submission. Should this be submitted as a PowerPoint or pdf file?

RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.12.i.3 148

The RFP states that the vitae/resumes for key personnel shall be provided as an Appendix to Volume II. Does this mean as an appendix to the written portion of Volume II (the small business utilization) or should it be submitted as a stand-alone file along with the slide deck?

RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.8.G 133 Please confirm the Small business subcontracting plan-small business customer experience (SBCX) system is due with an offerors Phase II submission (currently anticipated to be 8/18).

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, Small Business Utilization is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written;

therefore, the Small Business Subcontracting plan must be submitted in the SBCX system by the time Phase II proposals are due.

L.8.G 134

Can CMS provide the links for the HHS SBCX system and the SBCX Industry guide?

RFP Section L.8.G has been updated with the correct links.

Solicitation, L.10 and L.12 137, 142 and 148

This section states: "Key Personnel vitae/resumes Format & Length: PDF, No page limit." These resumes are to be included as an appendix to the Volume II - IDIQ Technical Proposal, Oral Presentation. Please confirm if the PDF of the Resumes should be sent as a separate attachment titled Appendix, or if the PPT presentation should be in PDF format with the resumes appended to it?

RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.10.i.4. Proposal Organization & Content

137-138 & 153

Can CMS confirm whether offerors should include their completed Attachment J.6 COI Response as part of Volume IV Other Administrative Data? Currently it is missing from the table outlining the volumes in pages 137-138 and appears to be in Business Volume III section on page 153.

RFP Section L.10.i.6, Volume III Business Proposal states to see Section L..13. As stated in RFP Section L.13.10, Conflicts of Interest and Compliance Proposal Submission Instructions, Attachment J.6 (or a document containing similar information) shall be completed and submitted in Volume III.

Section L.11.i Corporate Experience 139

Can CMS confirm that the required information for each contract used to demonstrate experience (e.g., title, name of contracting activity, denote whose reference it is (prime or subcontractor) does not count toward the 15 page limit?

The list of information starting with Title and ending with Administrative CO in RFP Section L.11.i shall be included in the page limit. See updated RFP Sections L.10.i.6 nad L.11.i.

Section L.12.i Oral Presentation 142-146

To what extent does the oral presentation need to cover areas not included in the technical questions in section L.12.i.1.A but included in the Statement of Work (attachment J.1)?

Offerors shall deliver an oral presentation responding to the questions outlined in L.12.i.1.A.

Section L.11.i Corporate Experience 138-139

Can we include hyperlinks to external products such as evaluation reports in the phase I volume?

Hyperlinks to external products such as evaluation reports in Phase I with not be considered.

L.12.ii.2 - Past Performance 149

Based on the Q&A responses, specifically questions 288, 301, 302, it suggests Past Performance number of contracts is either a minimum or maximum of 3 for the prime and each significant subcontractor. Is three a minimum or a maximum for the number of contracts included in Past Performance?

RFP Section L.12.ii.2 is correct with "Offerors and proposed significant subcontractors shall obtain references from at least three (3)."

L.11.i Corporate Experience 143

Does Corporate Experience have to include three contracts from the prime and each significant contractor, or does this requirement only apply to Past Performance?

There is no number limitation on contracts and/or subcontracts to demonstrate experience as part of Corporate Experience.

L.11.i Corporate Experience L.12.ii.2 Past Performance

139-142 149-150

Can the government confirm that contract details, including the bulleted list under Additional Information on page 139, can be included in a Volume I appendix outside the page count and to be considered as part of the evaluation?"

The list of information starting with Title and ending with Administrative CO in RFP Section L.11.i shall be included in the page limit. See updated RFP Sections L.10.i.6 and L.11.i.

3. Key Personnel 147-148

The document states "The Offeror shall identify its proposed key personnel for the IDIQ, providing their educational background, professional experience, etc." Then further down "The Program Director position shall be the one and only key personnel."

Please confirm if ONLY the Program Director shall be described in the oral presentation and if ONLY the Program Director's resume shall be provided in the Appendix or if the bidder may include other resumes for staff with expertise and education who will be key to performing the work under the RMADA 3 IDIQ Task Orders.

See RFP Sections L.10.i.6 and L.12.i.3 for updates.

L.8.E - Procurement Timeline 133

This section states that oral presentations of Volume II will be held from August 18-29, 2025, however attachment J.10 stipulates that oral presentations will be held from August 18 - 22, 2025. Can CMS confirm the timing for oral presentations?

RFP Section L.8.E and Attachment J.10 have been updated.

L.12.B.3 - Key Personnel 154

Please confirm that the Program Director is the only allowed key personnel position and offerors are not able to identify additional key personnel in their submissions.

RFP Section L.12.i.3 has been updated for clarification.

PROCUREMENT TIMELINE 133

This sections states Orals can begin at the same date Phase 2 proposals are submitted, can CMS verify that this information is correct?

Yes, Phase II proposals are due when oral presentations are slated to begin. See RFP Section L.8.E for anticipated dates.

L.11 PHASE I: VOLUME I – IDIQ

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Could CMS please clarify the expected or recommended number of project examples to be included within the 15-page limit for the IDIQ Technical Proposal (Volume I – Corporate Experience)?

While the instructions outline the required details for each example, they do not specify a target or maximum number, and we want to ensure we balance sufficient detail with breadth of experience in accordance with CMS’s evaluation expectations.

There is no number limitation on contracts and/or subcontracts to demonstrate experience as part of Corporate Expereince.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD –

EVALUATION PROCESS

The instructions state "The Phase II evaluation will include the evaluation of Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Oral Presentation and Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Written for each Offeror."

Can the government confirm the Volume II Technical Proposal is the Orals slide deck?

See RFP Section L.10.i.6 and L.12.i and ii to see what is included in Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Oral Presentation and Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Written.

PHASE II: VOLUME II – IDIQ TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS142

The instructions state "The Volume II – IDIQ Technical Proposal consists of an oral presentation and a written proposal." Can CMS confirm the written proposal is the orals slide deck? If not can CMS identify the instructions for the written proposal?

See RFP Section L.10.i.6 and L.12.i and ii to see what is included in Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Oral Presentation and Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Written.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD – EVALUATION PROCESS157

The instructions state "Once the ratings are complete for both Volume I IDIQ Technical Proposal Corporate Experience, Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Oral Presentation, and Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Written for all Offerors," Can CMS confirm the written proposal is the orals slide deck? If not can CMS identify the instructions for the written proposal?

See RFP Section L.10.i.6 and L.12.i and ii to see what is included in Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Oral Presentation and Volume II IDIQ Technical Proposal Written.

Section G.a SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTING PLAN – SMALL

BUSINESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

(SBCX) SYSTEM

Paragraph 2 states, “An offeror is to submit their respective subcontracting plan electronically using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) system HERE.” Please provide or clarify where Vendors may find this system.

RFP Section L.8.G has been updated with the correct links.

Section G.a SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTING PLAN – SMALL

BUSINESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

(SBCX) SYSTEM

Paragraph 3 states, “The offeror shall follow the instructions outlined in the SBCX Industry Guide at HERE to successfully submit their subcontracting plan by the proposal submission deadline.” Please provide the location of the SBCX Industry Guide.

RFP Section L.8.G has been updated with the correct links.

L.10.ii SPECIFICATIONS FOR

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS:

Please confirm that offerors may include a cover and a table of contents in "Volume I - IDIQ Technical Proposal, Corporate Experience" that is not included in the 15-page limit.

RFP Section L.10.i has been updated for clarification.

Attachment J.10 Section L.12.i. Oral Presentation 2.IDIQ Program Management Plan

J.10:

L.12.i.2:

page 153-

In the Oral Presentation Instructions, CMS provides a table outlining the total time allotment of each oral presentation component. In the table's row 3, CMS provides the offeror 45 minutes to response to questions in Section L.12.i.

Section L.12.i includes three subsections: 1. Technical Approach (A. Responses to Technical Questions and B. On-the-Spot Scenario); 2. IDIQ Program Management Plan, and 3. Key Personnel. Will CMS confirm that the Offeror needs to discuss all three of these sections in the allotted 45 minutes?

Attachment J.10 has been updated.

L.11.Phase I: Volume I - IDIQ Technical Proposal Instructions

Please confirm that if the project title and name of contracting activity are the same, the offeror can combine the fields.

The project title should reflect the title of the work performed and contracting activity is the entity the work comes from.

How should offerors who proceed to the oral presentation submit resumes for key personnel: as a separate file, or integrated into the slide presentation? Also, should offerors assume that under this amendment, the only key personnel is the proposed project director? Or, rather, should the offeror also submit additional core personnel resumes, for example, resumes for the four additional representative presenters for the oral presentation?

RFP Sections L.10.I.6 and L.12.i.2 have been updated.

Additionally, no other resumes need to be submitted.

Executive Summary

Has the option for including an Executive Summary been dropped, or may offerers include one? The instructions are unlear. If offerors may include an Executive Summary, where should it be included and what page limitation might apply?

RFP Section L.10.i has been updated for clarification.

L.11.i 141

Should the corporate experience volume (volume I) include any overview of the proposed RMADA 3 team corporate backgrounds? Or should the offeror focus simply on past experience on specific project references?

Corporate Experience shall only address what is listed in RFP Section L.11.i.

L.12.ii.1 /M3 155 /167

It appears that offerors small business utilization plans will, under this amendment, become part of the evaluation criteria, whereas under the original solicitation, it was not an explicit evaluation factor. Can CMS confirm this?

Yes, Small Business Utilization is part of the non-price evaluation factors, see RFP Section M.3.

L.11.i, Corporate Experience

(clean copy)

In the Additional Documentation section of Corporate Experience, the RFP instructs offerors to provide copies of documents (e.g., teaming agreements) and to describe the work to be performed by the significant subcontractors. The RFP states these documents are excluded from the 15 page limit for Corporate Experience. QUESTION: Please confirm that the description of work to be performed by the significant subcontractors, which is required in addition to copies of appropriate documents, is excluded from the page limit.

See updated RFP Section L.11.i for clarification.

L.10.i.4, Proposal specifications table;

L.12.ii, Written Proposal; L.12.ii.2, Past Performance

137, 148, and

(clean copy)

For the Phase II: Volume II - Written submission, the proposal organization table (p. 137) and Past Performance instructions (L.12.ii.2, p. 150) specify that the Past Performance list of references should be in XLSX format; however, the Written Proposal Instructions (L.12.ii, Written Proposal) specify that the Offeror shall provide a single written volume (PDF file) for past performance and small business utilization. QUESTION: Will the government please confirm that Small Business Utilization and Past Performance should both be submitted in one PDF document for Phase II: Volume II - IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written?

RFP Section L.12.ii has been updated. See RFP Section L.10.i.6 for the format for the Small Business Utilization and Past Performance.

L.12.ii.1, Small Business Utilization

(clean copy)

If the prime contractor is a small business, does the government require the prime contractor to address the Small Business Utilization requirements in their Written Proposal, or is this requirement only applicable to prime offerors who are other than small businesses?

As stated in M.4.B.5, small business prime offerors are not required to submit a subcontract plan and will receive the highest rating for this criterion.

Amendment 0003, All Sections, Section L

"Vitae resumes for proposed key personnel shall be provided as an Appendix to Volume II … no page limit." No page limit seems counter to the idea that only one resume is required. Are you suggesting that contractors may submit as many staff resumes as they want, but only one resume for the Program Director is actually required?

RFP Section L.12.i.3 has been updated for clarification.

Amendement 0003, Q&A N/A

On question #293, CMS indicated that "Resume(s) are now only required for the one and only Project Director." Does this mean we should not attach more than one resume in Volume II where it calls for attachment of Vitae/Staff Resumes (plural)?

RFP Section L.12.i.3 has been updated for clarification.

Amendment 0003, All Sections, Item B On-the-Spot Scenario

146-147 Will all vendors receive the same "on-the-spot scenario" and same set of questions during the oral presentation?

Yes, Offerors will receive the same on-the-spot sceanario based questions referenced in L.12.i.B during the oral presentation.

Amendment 0003, J9, Business Template Tab

N/A Should the J9 T&M hourly rates include fixed fee, or will fixed fee be determined at the Task Order level?

As stated in Amendment 0003 Questions and Responses, the fully loaded T&M rates should include build up (indirect rates, fee, etc).

Amendment 0003, All Sections, Section L13, Item 9

To clarify, can CMS please explain the difference between a "significant subcontractor" that needs to complete Section K and a "non-significant subcontractor" who does not?

Significant subcontractor is defined in RFP Sections L.11.i and L.12.ii.2, as a subcontractor performing major or critical aspects of the requirements relevant to the prospective contract.

Amendment 0003, All Sections, Section M

If a small business is submitting as prime, does it still need to submit Section K for each of its significant subcontractors?

Yes.

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS

FOR AWARD, M.4 RATING PROCESS

FOR NON-PRICE EVALUATION

FACTORS

In the previous structure of the response, CMS indicated that each bidder should determine their own definition of "significant" for subcontractors. However, with the restructure of Amendment 3, this question grows in importance. Only team experience is evaluated in Phase 1, meaning that an imbalance among the bidders in the definition of "signficant" has substantial impact on Phase 1 outcomes. We strongly encourage CMS to more closely define this term (i.e. as a percentage of expected workshare, a percentage of SOW requirement for which the sub will be responsible, etc.), in order to level the playing field and create a fair and objective assessment for a team's collective, corporate experience.

Significant subcontractor is defined in RFP Sections L.11.i and L.12.ii.2, as a subcontractor performing major or critical aspects of the requirements relevant to the prospective contract.

L.11 PHASE I: VOLUME I – IDIQ

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS,

i. Corporate Experi

Please confirm that the information required for each contract and/or subcontract used to demonstrate experience (i.e., Title, Name of Contracting Authority, Denote Who reference it is [Prime or Subcontractor], Contract Number, Contract Pricing Arrangement, etc.) on Page 139 should be included for all projects in the Corporate Experience Narrative, not strictly if providing Additional Documentation for significant subcontractor’s experience.

The list of information starting with Title and ending with Administrative CO should be provided for each contract and/or subcontract used to demonstrate experience and shall be included in the page limit. See updated RFP Sections L.10.i.6 and L.11.i.

Attachment J.9 - IDIQ Business Proposal Template

N/A

Will RMADA3 awardees be able to submit TO proposals with LCATs and rates that are not submitted as part of the IDIQ? If not, can bidders proposal additional LCATs and rates, such that they can be used on subsequent TOs?

As stated in multiple questions and answers in Amendment 0003, the fully loaded labor rates submitted in Attachment J.9 will be incorporated as T&M rates in the resultant contract.

However, additional labor categories may be proposed on task order solicitations. Each task order will include specific proposal instructions and evaluation criteria based on its determined contract type. Additional LCATs should not be proposed in Attachment J.9.

B.8 TIME AND MATERIALS RATES 2

Please confirm if the Offerors are expected to fill out the table of T&M Rates in section B.8 and submit it with their Business Proposal, or will this table be filled in based off of Offerors' submitted Attachment J.9?

RFP Section B.9 will be filled in based off of the awardees submitted Attachment J.9.

B.8 TIME AND MATERIALS RATES,

Attachment J.9 Labor Category Descriptions

Task Order Key Personnel for a given opportunity may have requirements that will be higher or require more specific education, experience, and expertise than the descriptions and requirements provided in Attachment J.9.

Will the maximum Labor Rates established in this table also be applicable to Key Personnel on subsequent Task Orders under this IDIQ?

As stated in multiple questions and answers in Amendment 0003, the fully loaded labor rates submitted in Attachment J.9 will be incorporated as T&M rates in the resultant contract.

However, additional labor categories may be proposed on task order solicitations. Each task order will include specific proposal instructions and evaluation criteria based on its determined contract type. Additional LCATs should not be proposed in Attachment J.9.

L.12 PHASE II: VOLUME II – IDIQ

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

ii. WRITTEN PROPOSAL - 1. SMALL

BUSINESS UTILIZATION (NO PAGE

LIMIT)

At this stage, offerors are unable to meaningfully project or commit to small business utilization without task order-specific scopes and funding details. Given that no work will be performed at the IDIQ level, will CMS consider removing the Small Business Utilization requirement from the IDIQ solicitation and instead incorporate it at the task order level, where actual work requirements will be defined?

As stated in RFP Section L.8.G, in accordance with FAR 19.704 and FAR Clause 52.219-9, the submission of a subcontracting plan by other than small business offeror(s) is a requirement.

Attachment J.10: Oral Presentation Instructions, Format and Rules

Would the 45 minutes oral presentation also include the discussion of IDIQ Management and Key Personnel section? If not, would CMS consider IDIQ Management and Key Personnel sections submitted as a separate volume in Word (PDF) format?

Technical Approach (L.12.i.1.A), IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel (excluding vitae/resume) shall be part of the Offerors presentation and slide deck. RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

Amendment+0003+- +Attachment+J.9_IDIQ+Business+Propo sal+Template

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Will the rates that offerors provide for each LCAT in Attachment J.9 establish ceiling rates for the listed LCATs that will be applicable to any subsequent Task Order released under the

IDIQ?

As stated in multiple questions and answers in Amendment 0003, the fully loaded labor rates submitted in Attachment J.9 will be incorporated as T&M rates in the resultant contract.

However, additional labor categories may be proposed on task order solicitations. Each task order will include specific proposal instructions and evaluation criteria based on its determined contract type. Additional LCATs should not be proposed in Attachment J.9.

L.9.iv Email Submissions 135-136

Pg. 136 states, “The maximum file size for external email submissions will vary depending on the configuration of the relevant email systems. Nonetheless, Offerors can assume a maximum file size of twenty-five (25) MBs per email” PPT files are usually much larger than 25 MBs. Can we submit a PDF version of our PPT in advance of the Oral Presentation , but present the PPT high res version during the actual presentation?

RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck instead of the PPT.

L.11.i Corporate Experience 138

CMS states that contracts used to satisfy corporate experience requirements must have an "end date falling within the last three

(3) years from the date of this solicitation." Considering the significant delays to the RMADA 3 procurement process, would CMS accept contracts with an end date after January 1, 2022?

The "from the date of this solicitation" is from the date of Amendment 0003 posting May 30, 2025.

L.12.ii Written Proposal 148

On page 148, CMS says that "the Offeror shall provide a single written volume (PDF file) for past performance and small business utilization." However, on page 150 and page 137, CMS requests Past Performance be submitted in Excel format. Can CMS confirm that the Phase II Written Proposal should contain a PDF file with the Small Business Utilization Plan and an Excel file with the Past Performance information?

RFP Section L.12.ii has been updated. See RFP Section L.10.i.6 for the format for the Small Business Utilization and Past Performance.

K.3 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL

REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2025)

On page 102, for NAICS Code 541720, the Small Business Size Standard is shown as $28 Million. In Section K.9.b.1 on page 119, the Small Business Size Standard is shown as $28.5 Million.

Please confirm the correct Small Business Size Standard.

RFP Section K.9.b.2 has been updated to $28 million.

L.11.i Corporate Experience pg. 138

This section says "Include the following information for each contract and/or subcontract used to demonstrate experience…" Want to confirm that this means a prime Offeror can submit projects where a prime was a subcontractor as demonstrated experience?

Yes, the prime Offeror can submit projects where they were a subcontractor to demonstrate experience.

L.12.ii.2 Past Performance pg. 149

Does the solicitation date for past performance ("…contracts and task orders that have an end date falling within the last 3 years from the date of this solicitation…") refer to the original solicitation date or the current amendment 003?

The "from the date of this solicitation" is from the date of Amendment 0003 posting May 30, 2025.

Attachment J.10 pg. 2

Should any time be allocated for questions from the government during the 45 minute presentation? If so, how much time should be devoted to follow up questions based on this part of the presentation?

As shown in Attachment J.10, the Government and Offeror will participate in interactive dialogue related to the information presented by the Offeror and this is allotated for 30 minutes.

However, also stated in Attachment J.10, the period of time allotted for interactive dialogue/questions is a time block set aside to address any clarifications. If the Government does not have any questions, then this time will not be used.

Additionally, if all clarification questions cannot be addressed in the time block, no additional time will be afforded. It is incumbent on the Offeror to provide a clear presentation and to provide concise responses to clarification questions.

Attachment J.10 pg. 1 Are offerors allowed to have different presentors answer different questions during the 45 minute presentation, or is it expected that the Project Director answers all questions?

As shown in Attachment J.10, the Government and Offeror will participate in interactive dialogue related to the information presented by the Offeror and this is allotated for 30 minutes.

The Project Director is not required to be the only one to answer the questions.

Attachment J.10 pg. 2

Could you plesase clarify the meaning of the following sentence:

"Oral presentations are distinct from the Government’s reserved right to conduct discussions."

See FAR 15.102 Oral Presentations and FAR 15.306 Exchanges with offerors after receipt of proposals.

L.12.i.3-KEY PERSONNEL 147-8 of

The RFP states, "The Offeror shall identify its proposed key personnel for the IDIQ, providing details on their educational background, professional experience, and specific qualifications directly relevant to the requirement. The submission shall also describe how they will be integrated within the organizational structure, and outline their proposed responsibilities." Can CMS please clarify what they mean by "the submission"? Specifically, does this information need to be part of the oral presentation or submitted separately with the Program Director's CV?

Technical Approach (L.12.i.1.A), IDIQ Program Management Plan and Key Personnel (excluding vitae/resume) shall be part of the Offerors presentation and slide deck. RFP Section L.10.i.6 has been updated to require a PDF of the PowerPoint slide deck, with the vitae/resume included as an appendix to the PDF slide deck.

L.12.ii.2 Past Performance

149 of

Can CMS confirm that we may we use the same projects we include in Phase I for the past performance contracts and/or questionnaires?

Yes, the Offeror may use the same projects in Phase I for the past performance contracts and/or questionnaires as long as they met the specific requirements for each section.

G. Small Business Subcontractor Plan - Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) System

133-134

In G.(a) it states: "The offeror shall follow the instructions outlined in the SBCX Industry Guide to successfully submit their subcontracting plan by the proposal submission deadline." Can you please confirm which Proposal Submission Deadline this is referring to as there is the Phase I: Volume I IDIQ Tech Proposal, Corporate Experience due on 06.25.2025 and the Phase II:

Volume II Tech Proposal and Volume III Business Proposal due on 08.18.2025?

Per RFP Section L.10.i.6, Small Business Utilization is part of Phase II, Volume II-IDIQ Technical Proposal, Written;

therefore, the Small Business Subcontracting plan must be submitted in the SBCX system by the time Phase II proposals are due.

L13. IDIQ Labor Rates and Labor Categories Template

How many hours should be used to calculate the effort of one

FTE?

A sampling of hours was already provided by CMS in Attachment J.9. Additionally, as stated in Attachment J.9, CMS provided labor categories and labor hours, do not remove, update, or add additional items. Therefore, the Offeror should not propose different labor categories and/or labor hours.

L13. IDIQ Labor Rates and Labor Categories Template

Are the hours used to calculate an FTE inclusive of Paid Time Off

(PTO)?

A sampling of hours was already provided by CMS in Attachment J.9. Additionally, as stated in Attachment J.9, CMS provided labor categories and labor hours, do not remove, update, or add additional items. Therefore, the Offeror should not propose different labor categories and/or labor hours.

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As a small business fully capable of providing these services, would HHS consider issuing a subset of the awards as a small business set-aside? Doing so would further support HHS’s efforts to meet its small business participation goals.

Based on market research, the RMADA 3 was not set aside for small business or has a set number of awards reserved for small businsess. Additionally, as addressed in Amendment 0002 Questions and Responses, RMADA 3 IDIQ is not set-aside for small business, however awards may be made to any business size.

L.11 PHASE I: VOLUME I – IDIQ

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS,

i. CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

Amendment 3 - All Sections states: "Offerors shall at a minimum include corporate experience from the prime Offeror. Offerors may also include corporate experience from significant subcontractor(s), given the following conditions: (1) the prime contractor cannot adequately demonstrate corporate experience independently; and (2) the subcontractor will be performing major or critical aspects of the key capabilities and tasks outlined below." For clarification, must both conditions be met in order for an offeror to include corporate experience from a significant subcontractor?

Per the RFP Section L.11.i instructions, both conditions must be met: (1) The prime contractor cannot adequately demonstrate corporate experience independently; AND

(2) The subcontractor will be performing major or critical aspects of the key capabilities and tasks.

Section L.11, Volume I - IDIQ Technical Proposal Instructions

The Corporate Experience requirement states, "demonstrate corporate experience on specific contracts and task orders relevant in scope and size that have an end date falling within the last three (3) years from the date of this solicitation." Can the Government specify the date of this solicitation?

The "from the date of this solicitation" is be from the date of Amendment 0003 posting May 30, 2025.

RFQ, L.8.G Small Business Subcontracting Plan - SBCX System

"An offeror is to submit their respective subcontracting plan electronically using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) system HERE. The offeror shall follow the instructions outlined in the SBCX Industry Guide HERE to successfully submit their subcontracting plan by the proposal submission deadline."

Please be advised, the text for the SBCX system links ("HERE") does not include hyperlinks.

RFP Section L.8.G has been updated with the correct links.

RFQ, M.4.B.5 Small Business Utilization 160

The solicitation requires large business Offerors to submit a small business subcontracting plan, but it is unclear whether CMS intends to evaluate compliance and performance against this plan at the IDIQ level, the task order level, or both. Given the requirements of FAR 19.704 and FAR 52.219-9, and the importance of ensuring meaningful small business participation throughout the life of the contract, can CMS clarify whether subcontracting plan goals will be enforced and monitored solely at the master IDIQ level or also at the individual task order level?

Without such clarification, there is concern that small business utilization may be diluted over time, particularly if task orders are awarded without regard to the subcontracting commitments made at the IDIQ level.

As stated in RFP Section L.8.G.c, "Subcontract Plan goals will be tracked at the IDIQ level and based on actual awarded Task Orders (as a percentage of total subcontracted dollars).

However, in accordance with the requirements of FAR 19.704(a)(2), each subcontracting plan shall include a statement of total dollars planned to be subcontracted and a statement of the total dollars planned to be subcontracted to small business. Since the total value of awarded task orders is unknown at the time of IDIQ award, offerors will calculate these dollar values as a percentage of the total potential IDIQ contract value."

RFQ, M.3.A, Evaluation Process 158

The solicitation outlines that Offerors will be evaluated on corporate experience and oral presentations across two phases, yet it does not provide a rubric, scoring methodology, or weighting of evaluation factors. In accordance with FAR 15.304(d) and 15.305(a), which require that evaluation factors and their relative importance be clearly communicated and applied consistently, can CMS clarify whether a formal scoring rubric or adjectival rating system will be used to evaluate corporate experience and oral presentations?

As stated in RFP Section M.3, "Corporate Experience is designated as the highest weighted factor. Technical Approach and IDIQ Program Management are positioned at the second tier of importance and carry equal weight relative to each other. Key Personnel, Small Business Utilization, and Past Performance, which are all weighted equally, carry less significance than the preceding criteria." Additionally, see RFP Section M.4 for the rating definitions.

RFQ, M.3.A, Evaluation Process 158

The solicitation outlines that Offerors will be evaluated on corporate experience and oral presentations across two phases, yet it does not provide a rubric, scoring methodology, or weighting of evaluation factors. In accordance with FAR 15.304(d) and 15.305(a), which require that evaluation factors and their relative importance be clearly communicated and applied consistently, if there is a formal scoring rubric or adjectival rating system, will CMS disclose the evaluation framework to ensure Offerors can tailor their submissions appropriately and are afforded a fair opportunity to compete?

As stated in RFP Section M.3, "Corporate Experience is designated as the highest weighted factor. Technical Approach and IDIQ Program Management are positioned at the second tier of importance and carry equal weight relative to each other. Key Personnel, Small Business Utilization, and Past Performance, which are all weighted equally, carry less significance than the preceding criteria." Additionally, see RFP Section M.4 for the rating definitions.

RFQ, L.11. Corporate Experience 139

The solicitation permits Offerors to include corporate experience from significant subcontractors under certain conditions, including when the prime cannot independently demonstrate the required experience and the subcontractor will perform major or critical aspects of the work. Can CMS confirm that, provided these conditions are met and appropriate documentation is submitted, the combined experience of the prime and subcontractor(s) will be considered collectively in evaluating the Offeror’s corporate experience?

Yes, the combined experience of the prime and significant subcontractor(s) will be considered in evaluating the Offeror's Corporate Experience.

RFQ, L.11. Corporate Experience 139

The solicitation permits Offerors to include corporate experience from significant subcontractors under certain conditions, including when the prime cannot independently demonstrate the required experience and the subcontractor will perform major or critical aspects of the work. Will CMS confirm that such combined experience will be evaluated on equal footing with that of a single entity prime, in accordance with FAR 15.305(a), which requires that proposals be evaluated based on the content of the submission and not the offeror’s incumbent status or organizational structure?

The combined experience of the prime and significant subcontractor(s) will be considered in evaluating the Offeror's Corporate Experience.

Volume I - Corporate Experience Question

We would like to request clarification regarding the number of past performance references required for significant subcontractors.

In response to Question 301, the Government stated: “The number of past performance references is limited to a total of three (3) references for each significant subcontractor,” which suggests that fewer than three may be permitted. However, in response to Question 302, the Government confirmed: “Yes, that means three

(3) for each significant subcontractor,” which appears to indicate that three references are required.

To reconcile these responses, can the Government please confirm whether it is acceptable for a significant subcontractor to submit fewer than three past performance references if they do not have three relevant projects to include?

RFP Section L.12.ii.2 is correct with "Offerors and proposed significant subcontractors shall obtain references from at least three (3)."

L.8 - Phase I, A, Multi-Phases 133 Please confirm that the advisory notifications are not final agency…