75N95022R00005 Offeror Q and A Amendment 2.pdf

Offeror Questions and Answers

RFP 75N95022R00005

1. In many instances, there are differences in the number of compounds requested for individual assays between the RFP (beginning on page 128) and attachment 4, statement of work (SOW). These differences in compound numbers will greatly impact the ultimate budget. Can you please clarify which document should be followed? The RFP or Attachment 4.

For developing the technical proposal and budget in response to the RFP, the Offeror should follow the Additional Technical Proposals Instructions starting on Page 127. The Statement of Work has been revised to reflect these same estimated quantities.

2. If attachment 4 is to be followed, we wanted to know if 20 compounds is the correct number of compounds to screen for Performance Area 2, Technical Requirement #1 in rats (page 5). The RFP says 6 compounds per year for rats (page 130) and that number is higher than has been requested previously. 20 compounds will require a very large budget and seemed to quite a large number, so clarification would be helpful.

Again, for developing the technical proposal and budget in response to the RFP, the Offeror should follow the Additional Technical Proposals Instructions as described on Page 130. The Statement of Work has been revised to reflect these same estimated quantities.

3. If attachment 4 is to be followed, replication studies (mentioned on page 130 of the RFP) seems to have been left off the statement of work. Should this be included in the proposal? Also, while on page 130 (performance area 1, 1.e), the RFP mentions providing information regarding how to screen in elderly populations. This does not appear in attachment 4. Should it be provided?

In response to first question, the Offeror should follow the Additional Technical Proposals Instructions as described on Page 130 which relates to Rigor requirements under Section II Additional Requirements of the SOW. In response to second question, this is a technical exercise, and the Offeror does not need to provide a budget, description of resources or letters of commitment as indicted for 1, 1.e on Page 130 of the RFP. This section of the proposal shall be used for evaluation under Technical Criteria A. Technical Approach and Organization Experience, 1. Performance Area 1.

4. If attachment 4 is to be followed, do we need to provide a budget for screening 5 compounds in a post traumatic epilepsy model as instructed in the RFP on page 131 under 5. Optional Tasks.

Attachment 4 indicates that budgets and detailed plans will be requested by the Contract Officer after the contract is awarded (see page 6, section E. Optional Tasks). The instructions between the RFP and SOW are very different.

After further review, the Government has revised its requirement from screening up to 5 compounds to screening up to 10 compounds, and it has revised the quantity options from 5 to 10. In response to this RFP, the Offeror is required to provide a technical proposal and budget as described on Page 131 of the Additional Technical Proposals Instructions - Optional Tasks. If exercised during Option Periods 1-4, each quantity option will be funded on a cost reimbursement, level-of-effort basis. In advance of the NINDS’ exercise of a Quantity Option for Optional Tasks services, the Contractor shall provide a specific technical proposal and updated budget, if applicable, to implement or subcontract the specific needs as defined by the NINDS COR at the time of the request to exercise the option(s). If an updated budget is submitted for consideration by the Government at that time, it shall illustrate any potential differences from assumptions in its final proposal revision to the specific needs, as defined by the NINDS COR at the time of the request to exercise an option. The Government may consider revision of the level-of-effort in each quantity option provided all options remain within the total contract ceiling. See revision of the quantity from 5 to 10 in Section B.2 in the RFP as well as the description of the requirement in Section I.

Performance Areas, Paragraph E. Optional Tasks in Attachment 4, Statement of Work.

5. Is it possible to request funds for equipment purchases and service contracts? See page 123 of RFP under property.

If the equipment is necessary to the performance of the contract, then the funding should be incorporated. Any equipment that is purchased with contract funds may be considered Government property. This equipment shall be dedicated for exclusive use under this contract.

6. Attachment 9 _Technical Proposal https://www.hhs.gov/web/section- 508/contracting/technology-products/product-accessibility-template/index.html This website has a number of links re: vendors and products. Also states on that site that this is not the current template. When you click on the link provided on the website for the current template, it does not appear to go to a valid web address. Any guidance as to which template to use would be appreciated.

There are no directions in the RFP and there isn’t a defined, actual attachment (PDF or Word) as there are for most of the other attachments

In lieu of the template the contractor may submit a document detailing the 508 compliance. The details should include how the 508 compliance is being adhered to for related items.

7. Attachment 11 - Small Business Subcontracting Plan. It is not clear which form to use or where instructions can be found for the small business contracting plan. Any clarification would be appreciated. The website that the RFP links to (page 75) does not seem to specifically have a small business subcontracting plan explicitly noted. As noted for attachment 9, there does not appear to be an actual attachment (PDF or Word) for this attachment. https://oamp.od.nih.gov/DGS/DGS-workform-information/attachment-files Any clarifications would be helpful.

A template is available via the link that is provided. The template is titled “ HHS Subcontracting Plan Template” and is available as a Word document.

8. Confirming that the submission is electronic, as per page 75 of the RFP via https://ecps.nih.gov - in many places, for example page 85 (number 2), it suggests we are submitting a paper copy.

Offerors are required to submit electronically via the ECPS link provided. Please keep in mind that you must register, and this could take several days to complete.

https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/contracting/technology-products/product-accessibility-template/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/contracting/technology-products/product-accessibility-template/index.html https://oamp.od.nih.gov/DGS/DGS-workform-information/attachment-files https://oamp.od.nih.gov/DGS/DGS-workform-information/attachment-files https://ecps.nih.gov/