Request for Information .pdf

Q: What is the service area?

A: Reservation size is estimated at 70,000 acres. Transfers are limited to Havre, Montana, 45 miles one way.

Q: What type of trucks are used to transport?

A: Fort Belknap Service Unit has three (3) ambulances.

Q: Are there just EMTs or are Paramedics included?

A: Paramedics and EMTs.

Q: Is there enough staff for coverage?

A: There is currently sufficient staffing for one (1) ambulance crew.

Q: What is the work schedule?

A: Seven (7) days on with approximately 12 hour shifts. Because of the limited number EMTs on staff, some shifts are longer.

Q: What is the current estimated timeframe for security checks?

A: Estimated six weeks.

Q: What sort of issues does the Fort Belknap Service Unit encounter?

A: Challenges can include Weather, including snow and blowing snow; limited communication can occur due to the terrain or remoteness of the service area; Wildlife; Distance and Response Time; Unimproved roads can add time to call.

Q: Is there a current contract in place for these services and if so are there any incumbents?

A: There is no current contract for these services.

Q: Will submission of the IEE representation form alone satisfy verification, or are tribal enrollment documents and/or business ownership certifications required at the time of submission?

A: The IEE Representation form is sufficient for this solicitation.

Q: Is there a preferred date for the site visit or a recommended window before the submission deadline? What are the available dates and times for site visits allowed prior to submission?

A: The site visit was optional, and was scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 12noon to 3:00pm.

Q: Could you confirm whether there is an incumbent providing services under this scope, and if so, who the incumbent is?

A: There is no current contract for these services.

Q: Is there a specific format or filename convention required for the three proposal volumes when submitting via email?

A: Please submit files in PDF, and include the solicitation number 75H709-FB25Q-006 in the subject line. If files are large, the Indian Health Service Secure Data Transfer Service may be used to submit bid. The site for this service may be found at IHS Secure Data Transfer Service.

https://securedata.ihs.gov/bds/Login.do

Q: Is this a monthly FFP contract?

A: The intent is to ultimately award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract.

Q: Is there a current incumbent for these EMT services? If yes, please provide the Contract Number and Period of Performance.

A: There is no current contract for these services.

Q: The current 5-page limit for the Technical Volume may be inadequate. Would you kindly consider extending the page limit to 10 pages?

A: 10 Pages may be submitted if needed.

Q: Can you please provide a full job description for the positions?

A: Please reference the Performance Work Statement.

Q: Is there the potential to do 7 shift in a row (week)?

A: Yes, the modules worked at typically 7 days in a row.

Q: Can we receive an example two week schedule to include on-call shifts?

A: The planned schedule is 7 days in a row, 12 hours a day. There are situations in which EMTs may work more than 12 hours a day.

Q: There does not appear to be a separation between regular hours, on call hours, and OT hours in the pricing document. Is there a distinction between these or is pricing to reflect regular, OT, and on-call as all-inclusive cost?

A: We are planning for 7-days on, 12 hours per day, although some days may be longer due to Service Unit needs.

Q: Are invoices to from the vendor to be made monthly? Or is a more frequent option available?

A: Monthly invoicing is standard.

Q: Throughout the SOW there is reference to EMT. Is this request for Paramedics or EMTs?

A: The request is for EMTs or Paramedics.

Q: Can you confirm if CV's/resumes are required for submission with proposal?

A: Yes.

Q: How many paramedics does this call for?

A: Two (2)

Q: How many hours per week (what schedule) will they work?

A: 7 days in a row, 12 hours per day for these 7 days, although some shifts may be longer due to service unit needs.

Q: Could you please provide additional details on the expected staffing pattern (e.g., shift length, number of EMTs per shift, rotating schedules)? Is 4,638 hours intended for a single full-time equivalent (FTE), or split among multiple personnel?

A: Planning on up to two (2) EMTs/paramedics. The schedule is typically 7 days in a row, 12 hours a day, although some shifts may be longer due to service unit needs.

Q: Will EMTs be expected to respond to 911 calls, interfacility transport, or both? Are these primarily on-reservation services or are off-reservation transports that will also be expected?

A: Both. 911 calls are on reservation, with the rare situation that there is need to respond to a mutual assistance call. Interfacility transport calls are off the reservation, however, at present, FBSU limits the distance of these interfacility transports.

Q: The RFP mentions potential travel within the “Service Unit and Area.” Could you clarify the geographic boundaries and frequency of travel expected for EMTs?

A: Fort Belknap Service Unit EMS serves only the Fort Belknap reservation, with the exception of rare nearby off-reservation mutual assistance calls.

Q: Will the government furnish any equipment, vehicles, or housing to support EMT operations? Or is the contractor responsible for all transport, gear and PPE?

A: The ambulances used by FBSU are owned by the government (GSA). The service unit (IHS) provides certain PPE. The service unit supplies and equips the ambulances, and maintains the ambulances stocked with typical patient care supplies as well as certain PPE. The service unit does not supply uniforms or personal emergency medical equipment that EMS is expected to carry.

Q: Will the government provide administrative support for this role? (i.e., Computer, Desk, Office area, supplies, etc.)

A: There is computer access for work-related use only (documentation of ambulance runs/patient care, IHS-required trainings, IHS email for work use). Office supplies for work-related use are available as well.

Q: What is the typical timeframe for completing the CNACI background check and fingerprinting?

Will personnel be permitted to begin work under interim clearance?

A: 6 to 8 weeks, although this can be longer for some individuals.

Q: If there is an incumbent contractor, are current EMT staff eligible for transition to the new awardee, and will clearance transfer be permitted?

A: There is not an incumbent contractor.

Q: Can CSAT, infection control, and privacy training be completed remotely prior to the start date, or must they be conducted on-site?

A: Some of this can be.

Q: What is the minimum required coverage amount for medical liability insurance under this contract?

A: FAR 52.237-7 is removed from this solicitation.

Q: For the 6-month option pricing, should we assume the same hourly quantity (2,319 hours) based on a prorated calculation, or is a different number of hours expected?

A: The same coverage and schedule is expected, just for a shorter time frame.

Q: What is the standard invoicing cycle (e.g., monthly, biweekly), and how long does the Billings Area IHS typically take to process payments through IPP?

A: Monthly invoicing is anticipated, and electronic invoicing will be required through IPP.

Q: Is it required to submit a candidate resume along with a proposal?

A: Recommended

Q: Please confirm what would be the Education requirement/Degree requirement for this role?

A: EMT certification or Paramedic certification, with Montana license

Q: Is the system being designed to function as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support system? This is asked because of the various levels of staffing that may be required to operate under either platform.

A: Basic Life Support

Q: The hourly quantity listed is 4,638 hours. Are you able to provide more specific “anticipated” hours of operation (ie 0800 – 1600, M-F) or shift scheduling (8 hour, 12 hour, etc.) to account for the 4,638 hours being requested?

A: Typically worked modules consist of 7 days per week, with 12 hours per day, although days may be longer due to service unit needs.

Q: Are services to be provided 7 days/week – 365 days a year?

A: Yes

Q: To provide additional clarity, please explain what the Belknap Indian Reservation is providing in this opportunity (supplies, vehicles, communications equipment, etc.)? Or is the Contractor required to provide all non “manpower” provisions?

A: The contract would be with Indian Health Service/Billings Area/Fort Belknap Service Unit (IHS).

The ambulances operated by the service unit are government owned (GSA). Equipment and supplies for the ambulances are provided by the service unit (IHS).

Q: Is the Billings Area Indian Health Services providing a physical location/station for use by the contractor’s employees and required equipment?

A: Fort Belknap Service Unit has a garage adjacent to the hospital for the ambulances.

Q: How many ambulances are proposed for possible utilization/deployment within this RFQ? Are backup units required?

A: Additional ambulances are not required. The ambulances used by the EMS Department are government owned (GSA).

Q: Are resumes required with the proposal? If yes, how many should be submitted to meet the staffing requirement?

A: Resumes are recommended. Recommend a minimum of 5.

Q: PWS states the government will provide certain PPE and equipment, but the contractor must also supply uniforms and personal medical instruments. Could you confirm whether medical equipment for patient care in ambulances (monitors, oxygen, defibrillators, etc.) will be entirely government-provided, or if the contractor must furnish any?

A: Ambulance-stocked equipment for EMS patient care that resides on the ambulances is provided by IHS. Personal medical instruments and uniforms are the responsibility of the contractor.

Q: Section 15.0 says lodging may be offered at prevailing rates. Is government housing usually available, and what is the daily cost for each provider?

A: Government housing is sometimes available, but the availability is generally minimal although this availability varies.