Questions and Answers_75R60221Q00072.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Solicitation #75R60221Q00072

1. Section 4.1, Is there additional guidance on what the outreach will consist of and how frequently it will occur?

Response: The development of the outreach plan will be guided by and implemented in close coordination with the HHS, HHS sister agency CDC, senior health officials, and state, local, and territorial health departments. Frequency of required outreach will vary depending on the phase of the program and number of health centers included in each cohort.

2. Task 4, We envision providing a website that would have information as part of the outreach strategy. Can you confirm that this website would be hosted by the vendor?

Response: Information on the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program is currently hosted on the HRSA website at URL - https://www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/health-center-program

3. Task 2, Could you confirm that the recruitment of additional health centers would not be the responsibility of the vendor?

Response: It is not the responsibility of the vendor to recruit addtioanl health center.The Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program is a voluntary program open for all HRSA supported health centers who opt-in to participate. No additional recruitment beyond the invitation to participate will be required.

4. Task 6, Will there be a potential for the vendor to track and report adverse events in addition to community health center’s responsibility for tracking and reporting adverse events for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Response: No. As part of the Conditions of Participation, health centers who participate in the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program must be in enrolled and in compliance with the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program as well as comply with all related conditions in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement, which stipulates that providers are required to report to Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) the following adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination.

5. Section 6.1, What type of technical assistance you anticipate will be required?

Response: See revised RFQ, Attachment B-Performance Work Statement.

6. Section 6.2, What is the expected volume, metrics, and hours of operation?

Response: All HRSA funded health centers (n = ~1,400) and “look alikes” (n = ~100) with over 14000 clinical service delivery sites have the opportunity to receive the invitation to participate in this program. The contractor shall collaborate with HRSA staff to develop and support a T/TA strategy to support program participants who have opted-in.

The hours of operation is 7:00 am – 12:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7 days a week,

7. Will the government consider corporate capabilities and past performance related to non- COVID public health emergencies as well as past performance directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Response: Yes.

8. In Section 5.1, bullet one, the RFQ references “providing quantitative and qualitative analytical services” through “analysis of participants’ readiness assessments, weekly Health Center COVID-19 Survey, and performance outcome data”.

Does the government require the ability to have insights provided and accessible to the HRSA team in real-time rather than (or in addition to) a static weekly report to better mitigate risks and enable more effective responsiveness?

Response: The cadence of the weekly Health Center COVID-19 Survey is weekly; thus static weekly report would suffice. The readiness assessment is designed as a one-time assessment to ascertain the readiness and interest of HRSA-supported health centers to participate in the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. Currently, health centers receive outreach through phased cohorts of health centers on a weekly basis.

For health centers that have opt-in to participate in the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, they will provide clinical site information to receive vaccines. Health centers may update clinical site information based upon need from week to week.

9. In Section 5.1, bullet one, the RFQ references “providing quantitative and qualitative analytical services” through “analysis of participants readiness assessments, weekly Health Center COVID-19 Survey, and performance outcome data”.

Would HRSA want to include data/feedback from HRSA / health clinic’s help desk, contact centers, if a capability existed to receive real-time analysis on speech/audio feedback, to better understand key issues, needs, program performance, etc. and better mitigate risks?

Response: Yes. Feedback and questions from health centers are submitted through the Saleforce Online Community, which houses the readiness assessment. Feedback and questions will inform and improve technical assistance and outreach.

10. In Section 5.1, bullet two the RFQ states,”Develop a user-friendly data dashboard for the purposes of accessing data and evaluating the impact of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. This dashboard will enable users to explore and download associated datasets and generate descriptive summary statistics on the impact of the program.” Does the government require a user friendly dashboard that is role specific i.e; tailored to the audience/individual’s role to reduce time to dig through data for relevancy or key priorities/risks (e.g. HRSA leadership, HRSA representatives, Health Center Leader, Risk Management Team, Communications Manager, Health Center Staff, Program Management Lead, Insights Team)?

Moreover would it be helpful to have this dashboard provide predictive analytics (using natural language processing, AI, and machine learning) with real-time filterability to more accurately identify and reduce risks, become more proactive and efficient, and therefore effectively achieve mission impact and outcomes across its 1,400 health centers?

Response: The user friendly dashboard does not have to be role specific or use predictive analytics.

11. Does HRSA have a desire to increase the response rates for those it distributes feedback mechanism to? If so, does the government require multi-modal survey capabilities such as email, web, sms, raw audio, and video data ingestion? Other government programs have found that the availability of methods/channels that participants, patients, program stakeholders have to leave feedback on what they are experiencing greatly increases an organization’s ability to get timely and actionable data to improve performance (and reduce risks) and operational outcomes.

Specifically, is HRSA interested in incorporating other methods of stakeholder feedback capture, which will be included in the continuous analysis and risk mitigation activities?

Specifically these include, digital surveys on health center websites, SMS/mobile messaging, video/telehealth, contact center/help desk (after call survey) and/or contact center/help desk (real time analysis of calls).

Response: No. Feedback and questions from health centers are submitted through the Saleforce Online Community

12. In Section 6.2 the RFQ states, “Provide around the clock technical assistance including group and one-on-one supports for health centers based upon Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program participants identified needs”.

The severity and critical nature of implementing and managing a successful and thriving vaccine management program requires having real-time alerts on critical issues particularly when managing the depth and breadth of HRSA’s 1,400 centers. As such, would HRSA prefer to have the capability (for the contractor and HRSA leadership/staff) to receive real-time alerts on the dashboard (e.g. does not require manual trigger or a human to read through all feedback and incoming data) based on the analysis of feedback (surveys, reporting, administration data, and other patient engagement/education, or stakeholder data) to more effectively ensure that real risks and/or systemic issues do not fall through the cracks and/or are not addressed in the most appropriate time?

Response: Yes.

13. Given the breadth of HRSA’s health centers (1,400 sites) and need to scale quickly, there are anticipated and unanticipated issues that come with vaccine management. Is HRSA placing importance in their technical evaluation on the ability to leverage open text analytics - using automated intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to best manage, track, prioritize, triage anticipated issues and - more importantly to find and surface unanticipated issues (even if a survey question did not think to ask about it - e.g.Insights related to impact of new strain of COVID, jurisdiction needing increase of spanish speaking support staff, risk of provider burnout/mental health challenges, etc.)

Response: As stated in the PWS, Nationwide, over 1,400 HRSA-supported health centers operate more than 14,000 sites. No. we will not focus technical evaluation on the offeror’s ability to leverage open text analytics

14. In Section Task 8 - Security Requirements, HRSA notes the importance of following FIPS 199, FIPS 140-2, and M-06-16. Based on these requirements, the sensitive nature of PII data, and the volume of PII data being analyzed, is HRSA requiring software used in the program to be FedRamped authorized at the Moderate level?

Response: Yes

15. Given the RFQ reference of the HRSA Salesforce Community (page 5), would HRSA benefit having analytical capabilities and a dashboard that can integrate with Salesforce in order to incorporate operational data sets from Salesforce via a managed package integration? Is there a preference for a platform of this nature to possess the ability to integrate with any other operational platforms such as Adobe, ServiceNow, SFDC, Microsoft and others?

Response: A dashboard with the ability to integrate high quality operational data from Salesforce Online Community.

16. The RFQ asks for “ability to ramp up within 3-4 days of effective date of contract,” and also references the “ability and methodology to conduct a comprehensive program management assessment... under 3 days” and mentions meeting with the COR “within two (2) business days.” When does the government anticipate the work starting?

Response: The awardee will be expected meet with the COR within two business days of the effective date of the contract and begin the comprehensive program management assessment.

17. The RFQ stipulates resumes “shall be no more than three (2) pages”; is the page limit for resumes 2 or 3 pages?

Response: Three (3) pages.

18. Will the government provide key personnel roles?

Response: The Offeror shall propose.

19. What is the anticipated volume of “around the clock” technical assistance requests?

Response: Due to the vast geographic dispersion of program participants, it is anticipated that many TA requests will be received after normal EST working hours. The volume of “around the clock” support will depend on the phase of the Program and number of participants in each cohort. The applicant should be able to provide personnel to support HRSA staff on nights and weekends, particularly as the Program increases in size and complexity.

20. The PWS Deliverables Quantities listed in the Deliverables table differ from those quantities listed in the QASP table as do some of the descriptions and Task Numbers. Please can the Government review for consistency?

Response: See revised QASP.

21. Will the services be required on-site or could it be fulfilled remotely or contractor's location?

Please specify.

Response: Services can be fulfilled remotely or contractor's location as stated in the PWS. “The Contractor shall perform the work under this contract off-site, primarily at the contractor’s facilities.”

22. If remote, will the candidate be required to travel on-site occasionally?

Response: No.

23. Does the HHS has any recommendations or suggestions on the approximate number of personnel required to perform the services?

Response: No. The Offeror shall propose.

24. Could HHS provide on recommendation on the type of labor categories required?

Response: No. The Offeror shall propose based upon the tasks delineated in the PWS.

25. It is mentioned under Factor 1: Technical - Ability to ramp up quickly:

• Demonstrate ability and methodology to conduct a comprehensive program management assessment of Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program implementation and understanding of the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness and CDC’s COVID19 Vaccination Program and its national operations with respect to the issues pertaining to equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.

under 3 days.

• Demonstrate ability to provide a project management plan and recommendations for setting up a program management office under 3-5 days.

− As per the requirement, ramp up within 3-4 days, does this mean required proposed candidates for the labor categories have to start working after 3-4 days of contract execution?

− What exactly work/tasks needs to be done under the given timeline (Under 3-5 days)?

− How the performed work within this given timeline will be evaluated?

Response: HRSA plans to review and award a contract as soon as possible. The awardee will be expected to meet with the COR within two business days of the award and have personnel available to begin the comprehensive program management assessment.

26. The RFQ talks about setting up Project Management and Project planning for COVID-19 Vaccine Program. In some places in the document e.g., page 4 it talks about comprehensive Program Management assessment. Please advise if HRAS is looking more for Program Management Skills or Project Management Skills?

Response: HRSA is seeking project management and program management skills.

27. Can the PM work remotely or is he/she expected to be working from a particular location, if so please specify the same so can factor any commuting or travel costs into our bid.

Response: Services can be fulfilled remotely or contractor's location as stated in the PWS.

“The Contractor shall perform the work under this contract off-site, primarily at the contractor’s facilities.”

28. Is there any existing technology that is deployed to manage the current operations for managing the 1400 centers and has anything been developed for COVID vaccine rollout? If so, please provide details for any technical skills of using the same the PM is expected to have?

Response: HRSA currently use Salesforce to manage current operations.

29. If there is no existing technology/database in place to manage Vaccine rollout, then is the expectation that the PM will formulate the requirements?

Response: HRSA currently use Salesforce to manage current operations.

30. Will the HRSA provide the vendor personnel with PCs or laptops? If not, what are the system requirements for desktops or laptops to be used by the PMO?

Response: Yes, the Government will issue laptops.

31. What is the HRSA expect when it asks about past performance in similar scope as most probably there are no direct expertise in Vaccine rollout management?

Response: Past performance in program management of implementation of new programs.

32. Can the HRSA share the number of key senior personnel/Key personnel for the opportunity?

Its not clear if the HRSA expects one Senior PM to start with execution of the contract and if more PMs are needed then the vendor can provide those resources?

Response: No. The Offeror shall propose based upon the tasks delineated in the PWS.

33. If the above is the case, can we provide fixed price for each level of resource for 1 year commitment.

Response: Please see response above.

34. What is the travel requirement if any for the PM to any, if there is travel outside the main area of work then how will that be factored outside the fixed price commitment?

Response: No travel requirement.

35. The solicitation talks about submitting work reports, are there any expectation on the format, mode for submitting reports or will that be worked out as part of the engagement?

Response: The Offeror shall propose format.

36. Personnel, Item reads “Key senior personnel must possesses technical knowledge and has seven (7) or more years of experience in each of the following areas: Project and program management; Program integrity, monitoring and risk management; Strategic communication outreach and stakeholder engagement; and Data analytics including qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics.” Would the government please clarify if a total of 28 years of experience are required for senior key personnel, or if it is a minimum total of seven years of experience in one of the referenced areas?

Response: Minimum of seven years of experience in each of the referenced areas.

37. 1.5 Weekly Reports, Item reads “Submit a weekly progress reports and project updates to the COR for the first three months after the effective date of the contract.” The deliverables table references 52 weekly reports. Would the government please confirm if contractor is delivering weekly reports for three months, or for twelve months?

Response: Twelve months.

38. 1.8, Program Management Documents, Item reads that contractor is to provide “Business requirements documents with visual business workflows for the overall process” under a project management task. BRDs support systems development processes, would the government confirm it intended to reference process maps and is not for purposes of system development?

Response: Business workflow process maps

39. 2.3. Program Management Plan Execution and Support Services, Item reads “Upon achievement of national COVID-19 vaccine coverage, the contractor shall: Carry out the winding down process of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.” Would the government please confirm that should the completion of the national COVID-19 vaccine coverage occur beyond 24 months from EDOC that this requirement will be waived.

Response: No.

40. 5.1 Program Analytic and Data Visualization Services, Item reads “Develop a user-friendly data dashboard for the purposes of accessing data and evaluating the impact of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program. This dashboard will enable users to explore and Rthe program.” Would the government please confirm it will provide GFE, support systems access and use government provided software? If not, please clarify what government will provide and what contractor must provide.

Response: No GFE will be provided. Contractor will only need assess to Salesforce online.

41. 5.3 Ad hoc Analytics, Item reads “Provide 50 ad hoc analytics in support of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program reporting and program evaluation.” Would the government please clarify if use of the term analytics in this context is analogous to Key Performance Indicators and/or performance metrics? If no, please clarify.

Response: Ad-hoc analysis is any business report or data analysis requested by senior leadership and as needed for programmatic data informed decision-making.

42. 6.2 Technical Assistance and Performance Improvement Support,Would HRSA please clarify if the “around the clock technical assistance” as discussed on page 17:

1) During what hours does the government expect “around the clock” support (e.g.

24x7x365, during business hours, multiple time zones)?

2) Is technical assistance to be provided to the 1,400 HRSA-supported health centers and their 14,000 sites?

3) Is there a current Learning Management System in place or will the contractor need to provide one?

4) Is there a HRSA contact center platform that can be leveraged to provide technical assistance or will one be developed?

Response: The volume of support will depend on the phase of the Program and number of participants in each cohort. The Offeror should be able to provide personnel to support HRSA staff on nights and weekends, particularly as the Program increases in size and complexity. The program is voluntary for health center participation, but Technical Assistance may be eventually provided to all HRSA-supported health centers and sites.

However, the TA is being provided in phases as health centers join the program. HRSA uses Salesforce for providing TA and contact/ticket management.

43. Is HRSA engaging with any other vendors as part of program execution, and will Contractor be responsible for monitoring the completion of their deliverables as part of program management & oversight? As an example, an external shipping vendor for vaccine distribution.

Response: HRSA collaborates with CDC on vaccine distribution.

44. 1.2 Kickoff Meeting, Item reads that contractor will “Meet with the COR and other HRSA representatives…”

Approximately how many individuals is HRSA dedicating to the program leadership team?

Response: 6

45. 2.2 Program Management Plan, Item reads that contractor is to “Provide tools, workflows, templates, and reporting frameworks to support HRSA’s processes, management, and oversight of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program”

What Program Management processes and tools does HRSA currently have in place, if any?

Response: Salesforce, SharePoint and OneNote

46. 2.1 Program Management Assessment, Plan, and Recommendations, Item reads that contractor shall “Conduct a rapid assessment of HRSA’s program management and oversight needs…”

Does HRSA already have a governance model or program structure for vaccine distribution defined, or will contractor be developing a new structure for program management and oversight?

Response: Yes, once is in place but needs to be streamlined.

47. 2.3 Program Management Plan Execution and Support ServicesItem reads that upon achievement of national COVID-19 vaccine coverage, contractor will “Facilitate…partnership transition planning between HRSA supported health centers and public health departments in states and jurisdictions”

Will HRSA be interfacing with State-level or local government entities as part of the distribution process, or only during the winding down period?

Response: As part of the distribution process.

48. 1.3 weekly conf calls. Please provide the platform for the conference calls.

Response: The Offeror can propose.

49. Task 6. 6.1 Technical Assistance, Is there a specific platform that can be leveraged or is the contractor supposed to provide one?

Response: HRSA currently uses Salesforce for operations.

50. 4.3 Strategic communication outreach support, What is the expected number of inquiries HRSA is expecting?

Response: All HRSA funded health centers (n = ~1,400) and “look alikes” (n = ~100) with over 14000 clinical service delivery sites have the opportunity to receive the invitation to participate in this program. There are also external stakeholders including CDC, state primary care associations, jurisdictions, and others that may be engaged in communication and outreach.

51. Can the Government provide more clarification as to the level of effort (such as number of engagements, calls, interactions, deliverables, etc.) on Task 5 and 6?

Response: Please re-review Task 5. As stated in PWS for Task 6, Provide around the clock technical assistance.

52. Can the Government identify more specifically the KPs (how many/what roles) and the associated qualifications desired for them?

Response: No. The Offeror shall propose.

53. What is the existing cross-organizational communication platform and are there licensing constraint(s) to contractor support? If yes, what are the constraint(s)?

Response: Zoom, Microsoft Teams

54. Given the requirement for quick ramp up, can contractor assume personnel can begin work once background paperwork is submitted and prior to government’s completion of background investigation?

Response: Yes

55. Does HRSA/ HHS currently have in place for leverage in the program 1) a PMO, 2) Governance Board(s), and / or 3) Project Management Lifecycle processes and templates? If so, can these be provided as GFI?

Response: No.

56. Does support of the PMO conflict the same vendor out of participation for support of the implementation of the HRSA COVID-19 Vaccine Program?

Response: No for establishing any HRSA COVID-19 PMOs.

57. As the contractor will be required to provide weekly vaccine ordering and inventory analysis, can it be assumed that the contractor will be provided visibility into the CDC order platform?

Additionally, will the contractor also be responsible for ordering the vaccine?

Response: Contractor will facilitate the ordering of vaccine through the weekly vaccine ordering and inventory analysis

58. 6.2 Technical Assistance and Performance Improvement Support. Can the Government please clarify if "around the clock" means 24x7 support?

Response: The volume of “around the clock” support will depend on the phase of the Program and number of participants in each cohort. The Offeror shall be able to provide personnel to support HRSA staff on nights and weekends, particularly as the Program increases in size and complexity.

59. Attachment B PWS, 5.2 Task 2 Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program Management, Will the government please further define what activities are considered within the scope of Program Management for the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program? (i..e managing assessment and distribution of available vaccines to Health Centers, onboarding new Health Centers into the vaccine program, etc.)

Response: This task only requires analysis.

60. TASK 5 Reporting and Data Analytics Support, Please define the data type(s), data format, data sources, and frequency of receiving the data referenced within Task 5.

Response: The data is currently in Microsoft Excel .The Health Center COVID-19 Survey is weekly cadence. The vaccine ordering take place on a weekly basis. Readiness assessment is conducted to onboard health center program participants to inform vaccine ordering.

61. TASK 5 Reporting and Data Analytics Support, Are there any restrictions for using Cloud or On-Premises solution?

Response: See revised RFQ, Attachment A-Performance Work Statement.

62. TASK 5 Reporting and Data Analytics Support 5.1, Who will have access to the dashboard and will all users have the same data access?

Response: Internal and external users will access the dashboard. Internal users will have access to all of the data and external users will have access to public-facing data only.

63. Attachment B PWS, Task 8 Security Requirements, 5) Contractor NDA, The RFQ States: “A copy of each signed and witnessed NDA shall be submitted…”

Will the government clarify if there are additional accommodations for witnessing NDAs given the work at home provisions due to COVID? Would the witness be able to be another member of the associate’s household.

Response: NDA is not required.

64. QASP, For Task 4.2, what audit strategy is this referring to? Task area 4 is about communication outreach.

Response: See revised QASP.

65. 6.2 Technical Assistance and Performance Improvement Support, The first row of the QASP Table is cut off. Will the government provide the missing information from the first two columns on the first row?

Response: See revised QASP.

66. Personnel, Will the government require key personnel to be dedicated to the contract?

Response: Yes

67. P.5, “Communication and Coordination,” Bullet 1: “Demonstrate the Offeror’s understanding of the challenges experienced by the safety net primary care programs and proposed solutions and alternatives”

For clarification, should the requirement be: “Demonstrate the Offeror’s understanding of the challenges experienced by the safety net primary care programs and propose solutions and alternatives”? If not can the Government please clarify what “proposed solutions and alternatives” it is referring to?

Response: Offerors shall demonstrate knowledge of the challenges of safety net primary care programs and proposed solutions and alternatives that have been successful previously that will be beneficial for supporting the PMO.

68. P.12, Task 1.3: “Chair weekly conference calls with the COR and HRSA representatives, providing an agenda with action items and any corrections within 24 hours of the meeting...”

Will the Government please clarify when agenda corrections are due? Should this be a separate requirement (e.g., 1] agenda, 2] corrected agenda)?

Response: Providing an agenda with action items and any corrections within 24 hours.

69. P. 12, Task 1.4: “Chair and conduct up 250 ad hoc meetings…” P. 24, Task 1.4: N/A

Does the government mean “up to 50” or “up to 250” ad hoc meetings. Additionally, should these ad hoc meetings be priced in the deliverable table?

Response: Up to 250 ad hoc meetinsg.The ad hoch shall be priced in Volume II.

70. P. 12, Task 1.5: “Submit a weekly progress reports and project updates to the COR for the first three months after the effective date of the contract.”

P. 24, Task 1.5: “Quantity: 52”

Would the Government like to receive progress reports for the duration of the contract (52 weeks) or only for the first 3 months?

Response: 52 weeks

71. P. 14, Task 3.1: “Develop a strategy in support of HRSA carrying out program integrity, monitoring and risk management activities pertaining to the implementation of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program within 6-8 weeks from EDOC.”

P. 25, “3.1: “Program Integrity strategic plan” “Due two (2) weeks after EDOC

Are the “strategy” (described in p. 14) and the “Program Integrity strategic plan” (described in p. 25) the same thing? If so, please clarify its due date? If not, please provide details about the required “strategy.”

Response: They are different. The contractor shall develop the strategy within 6-8 weeks and submit the Proram Integrity Strageic Plan within 6-8 weeks.

72. P. 16, Task 5.3: “Provide 50 ad hoc analytics…”

P. 24, Task 5.3: N/A

Should ad hoc analytical reports be considered a deliverable for pricing?

Response: Yes

73. Table on Page 24 vs. QASP Table on Page 28

Please clarify discrepancies in item quantities and discrepancies in the task numbering.

Respons See revised QASP.

74. P.17, Task 6.2: “Provide around the clock technical assistance including group and one-on-one supports…”

Please clarify that “around the clock” support means 24 hour support. Does the government have an estimate of number of resources expected to be available for this activity?

Response: The hours of operation are 7:00 am – 12:00 am EST, 7 days a week. The contractor shall provide personnel to support HRSA staff on nights and weekends, particularly as the Program increases in size and complexity.

The Offeror shall proposed estimated number of resources for this activity,

75. P.13, Task 2.1: Conduct a rapid assessment of HRSA’s program management and oversight needs in support of the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program building upon HRSA’s existing structures/infrastructure carrying out activities pertaining to the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program.

What previous work has been done in assessing needs or building out an HRSA program management plan or PMO office?

Could the government provide the scope of the prior work to aid in contractor assessment of resource requirements?

Who was the incumbent on the previous work?

Response: This is a new procurement. There is no incumbent.

76. P.6, “Personnel”

Does the government have an estimate of the number of resources expected to be required for this contract?

Response: No. The Offeror shall propose the level of effort.

77. Task 6, Can the Government please provide an anticipated range of technical assistance (TA) requests during the 12-month period of performance?

Response: Develop and operationalize a detailed T/TA strategy aligned with the phased approach of the Program (Phase 1-3) and focused on invitation process (initiation), orientation (onboarding), outreach (readiness), and analysis and evaluation of the Program.

This includes various learning formats, including toolkits, one pagers, videos, webinars, and other events tailored to specific audiences and topics (i.e. curriculum, various forums, content, timelines, audience, resource guides, etc.).

78. Task 6.2, Can the Government please provide the preferred web-based learning platform?

Response: HRSA currently uses Salesforce.

79. Task 5.1, Can the Government please provide the specific data dashboard requirements?

Response: The Offeror shall propose data visualization dashboard.

80. Task 4.3, Can the Government please provide the anticipated number external inquiries expected during the 12-month period of performance?

Response: No.

81. Can the government clarify the vehicle being used to issue the RFQ?

Response: We are using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under FAR 13.5

82. Since this is a competitive, commercial items quote, cost and pricing data is not required. In addition, prices from the overarching vehicle are negotiated. Will the government remove the requirement of a cost analysis? Will the government remove the requirement for cost and pricing data?

Response: You are correct; however, we are requesting this information to analyze the fairness of the pricing being proposed.

83. Can the government provide the expected level of effort?

Response: Please propose the level of effort the Offeror believe it will take to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

84. Will the Government extend the response due date by one week from Thursday 3/4/21 to Thursday 3/11/21?

Response: Unfortunately, due to the immediate need of the services we can only extend the due date to 3/8/21

85. In order to more effectively provide the government with a fixed price bid and appropriate labor mix, will the government provide a range for the anticipated level of effort/FTEs for any Task Areas as it relates to senior, key, and non-key personnel?

Response: Please propose the level of effort/FTEs the Offeror it deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

86. Due to the urgency of this solicitation and the breadth of support, does the government anticipate any possibility of there being multiple awards given at this time?

Response: No

87. Has the government already identified potential offerors or incumbents for this solicitation?

88. Will the government please clarify the page limitation for the technical quote? Excluding cover pages, table of contents, and resumes, is the limitation 10 or 15 pages?

Response: 15 pages

89. Please can the Government provide the anticipated level of effort for the base and option period?

Response: Please propose the level of effort the Offeror deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

90. Paragraph 2 reads “Supporting Documentation: The contractor shall furnish a price breakdown in support of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and deliverables.” Please confirm the “price breakdown” requirement will be satisfied by the offeror providing a breakdown of Price by Labor Category rates times hours by Task for each Contract Period.

Response: The “price breakdown” requirement will be satisfied by the offeror providing a breakdown of price by labor category rates times hours by task for the base period and option period.

91. In the opening paragraph of the cover letter, Page 1 of the RFQ, it reads “The period of performance will be a 12-month base period”. However, in other sections of the RFQ, it states the period of performance will be one 12 month base period and one 12 month option period. Please confirm the Period of Performance will also include one 12 month option.

Response: The period of performance is a 12-month base period plus one (1) 12-month option period.

92. The RFQ stipulates “quotes and revisions of quotes shall be submitted via email to” and then is blank. Should we assume that quotes and revisions of quotes shall be submitted via email to ctaylor@hrsa.gov?

Response: Quotes and revision of quotes shall be submitted via email to ctaylor@hrsa.gov.

93. Is there a minimum number of Past Performance qualifications?

Response: Only three (3)

94. Given the Government’s request for “clarity, relevance, and conciseness... not the length,” are brief callouts summarizing relevant experience generally a sufficient format for communicating past performance, or would the government prefer detailed write ups of each recent experience?

Response: CPARS and/or the Past Performance Questionnaire shall be submitted for past performance.

95. The page limit states that it excludes “cover pages, table of contents, and resumes” but does not mention Past Performance; if Past Performance is part of the Technical Volume, can the government confirm it is not part of the page limit?

Response: Past performance is not a part of page limit.

96. The RFQ indicates that “Technical,” “Price,” and “Past Performance” will each be scored but requests the submission of only two volumes: “Technical Quote” and “Price Quote.” Should Past Performance be submitted as part of the “Technical Quote?”

Response: Past Performance shall be submitted as a separate volume, Volume III.

97. The RFQ indicates that best value will be determined based on “Factor A: Technical; Factor B: Past Performance; and Factor C: Price” and that “All non-price factors (i.e., technical approach and past performance) are significantly more important than price” but then states that “Price” is more important than “Past Performance.” Is it correct to assume that the order of importance is: “Factor A: Technical” is more important than “Factor B: Past Performance” which is more important than “Factor C: Price”?

Response: See Revised RFQ

98. The RFQ references both a 10-page and 15-page limit; can the government confirm a 15-page limit?

Response: 15-page limit

99. Please can the Government provide an estimated range for the contract value?

mailto:ctaylor@hrsa.gov

Response: No. Please propose the level of effort the Offeror deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

100. P.4, “Page Limits & Format”: “The technical quote shall not exceed 10 single-spaced pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents and resumes. Pages submitted over the 15-page limit will not be read or evaluated.” To clarify, can the government confirm that a document consisting of a cover page, table of contents, the technical quote, and resumes, should not exceed 15 pages in total?

Response: The technical quote shall not exceed 15 single-spaced pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents and resumes

101. P.6, “Factor 2: Price”, Supporting Documentation, Does supporting documentation include a pricing narrative/justification, or does the government solely wish to receive a breakdown of price by deliverable and PWS task area?

Response: The “price breakdown” requirement will be satisfied by the offeror providing a breakdown of price by labor category rates times hours by task for the base period and option period.

102. P.7, #2, #3, #4: Best Value Determination: “Determining the best value of the solicitation includes the following factors: Factor A: Technical, Factor B: Past Performance, Factor C: Price” The RFQ provides details for Factor 1. Technical and Factor 2. Price. What proposal elements will the Government review to determine/evaluate Past Performance?

Response: See revised RFQ.

103. Is this a single award or multiple award contract?

Response: Single award

104. What is the anticipated date of award?

Response: March 15, 2021

105. What is the anticipated start date for this contract?

Response: March 15, 2021

106. Since the RFQ is on a fast track, when will the answers to the vendor questions be released?

Response: March 1, 2021

107. Are there any set asides for Small Business, HubZone, etc.?

108. Is there an incumbent currently providing the same services?

109. If there’s an incumbent(s), are they eligible to bid for this RFQ?

Response: There is no incumbent. This is a new program created as a necessary to address the COVID19 Pandemic.

110. If there are incumbents can HRSA reveal the # of PMs the incumbent has in place to manage the program?

Response: See response to #29.

111. Is there any anticipated budget value assigned for this RFQ?

Response: No. Please propose the level of effort the Offeror deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

112. If there is Federal Funding, what is the budgeted amount and what are any restrictions tied to the funding?

Response: The budgeted amount will not be provided and there are no restrictions tied to funding outside of appropriation law. Please propose the level of effort the Offeror deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

113. What are the expected work hours and holiday schedule to be followed? Since it’s a fixed price bid, we need to know what are the billable or work hours HRAS is expecting for performing the work mentioned in the RFQ?

Response: Please propose the level of effort/FTEs the Offeror it deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

114. If overtime work is required to meet a surge in demand, how will that be factored and paid to the vendor in case of a Fixed Price contract?

Response: The contractor will not be paid for overtime. Please propose the level of effort/FTEs the Offeror it deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

115. To allow bidders to adjust the technical and price quotes based on the government’s responses to questions, will HRSA grant an extension ending one-week after release of the Q&A?

Response: See Question #4.

116. Item reads “The technical quote shall not exceed 10 single-spaced pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents and resumes. Pages submitted over the 15-page limit will not be read or evaluated.” Please confirm that the page limit is ten (10) pages and not fifteen.

Response: The page limit is 15 pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents, and resumes.

117. Item reads “1. Quotes and revisions of quotes shall be submitted via email to”. Please confirm submission is to be made to Carolyn C. Taylor at ctaylor@hrsa.gov.

Response: Submission to be made to to Carolyn C. Taylor at ctaylor@hrsa.gov.

Item reads “The Offeror shall submit a price quote, fully supported by cost and pricing data, in sufficient detail to allow for cost analysis that will be utilized to establish the reasonableness of the proposed costs.” This is an FFP contract, would the government please confirm that approved labor rates in a GSA schedule and number of hours per rate, are sufficient to meet the cost data requirement.

Response: Please note this is not a GSA schedule procurement. Please propose the level of effort the Offeror deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

118. Would the government please consider extending the due date to March 12, 2021?

Response: See Question #4

119. There are no instructions regarding the requirements for Past Performance, and in addition, past performance is not listed in the Evaluation Criteria table on page 7. Can the government confirm that Past Performance is not required?

Response: See Revised RFQ.

120. Given that this is a FFP contract, offerors will need sufficient details to adequately estimate. Would the government consider changing this to a T&M contract or provide a government furnished estimate of the labor hours required to perform this if it will remain

FFP?

Response: The Government will issue firm-fixed price contract as a result of this solicitation. Please propose the level of effort/FTEs the Offeror deems necessary to propose the work.

121. Could the government please clarify the page limitations for the technical quote?

Response: The page limit is 15 pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents, and resumes.

122. In order for contractor to provide a comprehensive proposal, will the Government provide a 10 business day extension to the RFQ response deadline?

Response: See Question #4

123. Reference: RFQ p. 6-7, Award Criteria. While the Award Criteria states Past Performance is one of the three Evaluation Factors, the Instructions do not clarify what is required for this Factor. Can the Government please clarify how it will evaluate Factor B: Past Performance?

Response: See revised RFQ.

124. Will the Government confirm that an offeror can propose as a Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA) with another firm, where both parties are named as awardees to the resulting contract, similar to those used under a GSA Schedule?

Response: No. Please propose the level of effort/FTEs the Offeror it deems necessary to perform all tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

125. Item 1 under Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Quotes is missing the end of the sentence.

Response: See revised RFQ.

126. Will the government please provide the contact information for Item 1?

Response: See revised RFQ.

127. The RFQ States: The technical quote shall not exceed 10 single-spaced pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents and resumes. Pages submitted over the 15-page limit will not be read or evaluated. Will the government please clarify if the page limit for the quote is 10 pages or 15 pages?

Response: The page limit is 15 pages, excluding cover pages, table of contents, and resumes.

128. The RFQ states “Factor B: Past Performance as an evaluation factor, however the Instructions for Quote state Factor B as Price.”

Response: See revised RFQ.

129. Does the government intend for Corporate Capabilities (Factor 1.a) to serve as evaluation Factor B?

Response: See revised RFQ.

130. Page 7, Section C. Award Criteria of the RFQ and Page 2 Section 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Items mentions Factor B: Past Performance as part of the Best Value Determination but Pages 3-7, Section: Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors of the RFQ, specify instructions for Factor 1: Technical and Factor 2: Price only. Would the government provide additional clarifications regarding instructions for Factor B Past Performance?

Response: See revised RFQ.

131. Could you confirm that the services under acquisition for the above-captioned RFQ are for PMO services only and not the staffing surge? If so, does HRSA plan to procure staffing augmentation through the FEMA vehicle, or should industry be looking at beta.sam or another venue?

Response: The services under acquisition are for PMO services only for the new Health Centers COVID19 Vaccine Program. HRSA does not plan to procure staffing augmentation through the FEMA vehicle or any other contract vehicle.