HACS - Solicitation Q As 86615619R00018.doc

Solicitation No. 86615619R00018

Please see below, HUD’s answers to the questions in response to Solicitation Number 866156R00018 for Hospital Assessment Consulting Services.

1. “Contract type will be based on the circumstances of each order”. Should our response, be limited to hourly rates as denoted, or should we also include a hypothetical task configuration to simulate a typical assessment order?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

2. “The developed plans must be actionable based on industry best practices”. ____ acquires national labor and expense data/benchmarks, will these 3rd party metrics (e.g. MGMA for Provider performance) be accepted as “best practices” or does HUD already have other definitions/metrics for operational and financial targets?

Answer: HUD does not have definitions/metrics for operational and financial targets. HUD will rely on the consulting firm’s expertise.

3. Does “evaluate revenue cycle performance” contemplate a review of the hospitals information technology platform, including the software systems for registration, patient accounting, and other revenue cycle supporting technology solutions? Is the assessment limited to operational performance improvement based on the existing information technology platforms?

Answer: Each Task Order will be unique and specific to each individual hospital’s situation. Given that, there are an infinite number of scenarios and types of review/assessment.

4. The Service requirement states that “The consultant shall also optimize the commercial healthcare payor contracts.” Since this contract is for assessments of the hospital’s finances, operations, and strategies, does this term refer to assessments of and recommendations for optimization of commercial healthcare payor contracts or is the expectation that the consultant would optimize the contracts through renegotiation of such contracts?

Answer: The term refers to the assessment of and recommendations for optimization of commercial healthcare payor contracts.

5. Where the hospital is currently under a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) how does OHF/OHP envision the project interfacing with the established CIA protocols?

Answer: We do not anticipate that this will be an issue.

6. Has HUD ever solicited or utilized similar services in the past, PWS Section 1.2?

Answer: HUD has not solicited or utilized similar services in the past.

7. Have there been any issues or audit recommendations related to the services requested, PWS Section 1.2?

Answer: There have been no issues or audit recommendations related to the services requested.

8. Is there an internal directive or goal that needs to be fulfilled, PWS Section 1.2?

Answer: There is no internal directive or goal that needs to be fulfilled.

9. Is there a timeline to achieve an internal directive or goal, PWS Section 1.2?

Answer: There is no internal directive or goal that needs to be fulfilled.

10. Does OHF currently have loans that need performance improvement assessments immediately? PWS Section 1.4: Description of Services-Performance improvement assessments.

Answer: It is anticipated that OHF will issue Task Orders as soon as possible.

11. Have the OHF loans received an internal risk rating? PWS Section 1.4: Description of Services-Performance improvement assessments.

Answer: OHF actively monitors its portfolio of accounts.

12. Are any of the OHF loans non-performing, HUD-held, or delinquent on payments? PWS Section 1.4: Description of Services-Performance improvement assessments.

Answer: In the past OHF accounts have been HUD-held or delinquent on payments. Going forward, OHF may experience similar accounts.

13. Would the contractor work only with OHF team members? Or would the contractor work also with OHF HUD lenders, PWS Section 1.4: Description of Services-Performance improvement assessments.

Answer: The contractor will work only with OHF team members.

14. Does HUD have an expected total contract price? How is the contract price allocated over the Period of Performance? PWS Section 1.6: Period of Performance.

Answer: Please see amendment number one for the NOT-to-Exceed Amount for each performance year.

15. Does the contract require on-site visits or inspections? If yes, how does COVID-19 impact the contract? PWS Section 1.7: Place of Performance.

Answer: The contract will require on-site visits. Site visits will be conducted in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the direction of state and local health officials.

16. Factor A – Technical Approach; The Government will evaluate the offeror’s proposed Project Schedule for the IDIQ contract to determine the extent to which it demonstrates the offeror’s approach to successfully satisfy the solicitation requirements and the offeror’s capability to successfully complete the requirements. There is not currently enough information provided in the PWS to define a project schedule. Is the government looking for offerors to provide a ballpark range for how long a given assessment may take?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

17. Project Schedule for IDIQ Contract on page 47; The offeror shall submit a project schedule for the IDIQ that demonstrates a clear understanding of the required contract operations and HUD requirements with realistic timeframes for performing all tasks. As a task order has not been provided, can the government provide more detail on what an expected task may look like? The current level of information in the PWS does not provide enough detail to define a schedule. Or is the government seeking a ballpark schedule for how long a given assessment may take? Will the government please provide the estimated number of performance improvement assessments, comprehensive studies, independent opinions, and industry updates to be completed during the IDIQ period of performance and included in the evaluated project schedule?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

18. Project Schedule for IDIQ Contract on page 47; finally, the offeror shall submit its list of proposed labor categories for the IDIQ contract. Should offerors submit labor categories in addition to what was provided in attachment 4 price schedule? What Part/Factor should these labor categories be included? Do they count towards the page count?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

19. In the introduction area of the QASP. This plan sets forth the procedures and guidelines HUD will use in ensuring the required performance standards or service levels are achieved by the Contractor. A detailed QASP will be issued at the Task Order level for each project. Please confirm that the QASP is a post-award requirement/deliverable. If not, should a response to the QASP be included in the response? If so, in which part of the proposal should it be included?

Answer: The QASP must be included in the proposal response and must be included in the technical proposal.

20. Price and schedule. The roles listed in the CLIN tabs of the price schedule appear specific to a task order and are different than the key personnel roles listed in the solicitation. Please provide more detail on how to populate these CLIN tabs. Which roles are we to price? Only key personnel, or any/all roles expected to perform against the PWS?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

21. Price and schedule. How will HUD evaluate the pricing across respondents? Will HUD evaluate solely the labor category table or the subsequent worksheets in the pricing schedule as well?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations. Read the solicitation as it relates to how pricing is evaluated.

22. Price and schedule. Are there any limitations to the number of labor categories proposed?

Answer: There are no limitations to the number of labor categories.

23. Price and schedule. Given there are no sample task orders, how should we estimate time and expenses

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

24. Price and schedule. Are respondents expected to use the 1.75 FTEs as the hours benchmark in the pricing? Can we provide more or fewer hours?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

25. Price and schedule. Should respondents assume 8 projects per year, as provided in the worksheet?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

26. Price and schedule. Can respondents provide a list of assumptions within the price schedule, beneath the table on the Contract Labor Categories-Rates tab?

Answer: No. The offerors cannot provide assumptions.

27. In attachment 4 (Price and Schedule), tab "ClINS-Base year" there are 3 labor categories and subsequent hours plugged into the spreadsheet. Are those examples, or are we to use those hours to allow for comparable pricing?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

28. What will trigger these assessments? How much notice can we expect prior to scheduling the assessments?

Answer: OHF will determine when these assessments are necessary. A Task Order will be issued for each assessment. The ordering procedure under Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contracts are as follows: OCPO to provide detail (Section 2.2 of the Solicitation?).

29. Will ODC's be allowed at the Task order level for tools and additional data sources if needed.

Answer: Travel and other expenses will be allowed at the Task Order level.

30. Are there defined metrics expected as outputs to the assessments?

Answer: Any defined metrics, if necessary, will be defined on a case-by-case basis under each Task Order.

31. Can you provide sample sizes for each type of hospital that may be assessed (i.e. Rural, Academic, Profit, non-profit, etc...)?

Answer: The Office of Hospital Facilities portfolio contains hospitals that range from large academic medical centers to rural critical access hospitals. Any of these hospitals may be assessed.

32. Can you verify that travel will be allowable for each hospital to be assessed?

Answer: Travel is an allowable expense.

33. Will there be an expectation to implement the recommended changes proposed from the assessment by the hospital? If not, what is the expectations for hospitals to implement the changes?

Answer: When necessary, implementation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

34. Does HUD envision each OHF account executive will have a dedicated consultant to work alongside to provide consulting services?

Answer: No, each account executive will not have a dedicated consultant working alongside them. Rather, firms will work on specific hospital assignments as identified by OHF through a Task Order.

35. Which vendors have HUD's Office of Hospital Facilities engaged previously with supporting default prevention and mitigation efforts described in the RFP?

Answer: This is a new contract, there are no previous vendors.

36. Does the scope of work apply only to hospitals with a FHA-backed loan or will it extend to hospitals under consideration (applying) for a FHA-backed loan?

Answer: The scope of work will only apply to portfolio hospitals, not applicants.

37. What data sources does HUD's Office of Hospital Facilities rely on to determine if direct mitigation should occur with a particular hospital?

Answer: The asset management process includes a routine review of financial and operational information from each hospital.

38. Are there any incumbents, please share their names? Do we need resumes?

Answer: There are no incumbents.

39. The government noted services will be provided on an as needed basis via task order. In order to provide us an idea of potential scope, can the government please provide the total number of healthcare assessment task orders issued by the Office of Healthcare Programs in FY 2018 and FY 2019?

Answer: This is a new contract; no Task Orders have been issued in the past.

40. The government noted services will be provided on an as needed basis via task order. Can multiple task orders be concurrently open?

Answer: Yes, multiple Task Orders can be concurrently open.

41. Will the scope of each project require a performance improvement assessment, independent review of business plans or projections, revenue cycle assessments, reimbursement and provider compliance, non-practitioner workforce planning, and practitioner workforce planning? Or any combination of the services?

Answer: It is not anticipated that each project will require all sample services listed in the Performance Work Statement. Rather, the scope of each project will be determined by facility need. That said, it is possible that a combination of services may be required.

42. We understand Attachment 3 – Price Schedule identifies 878 total labor hours for 3 contract labor categories. Is this total labor hours per project or per contract year?

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

43. Availability of historical data: Historical data on financial performance, productivity, market share, payer mix, among others, will be required. Who is the source for this information? Is it consistent for all Task Orders?

Answer: OHF will acquire the data from the hospitals and provide it to the consultants.

44. Outside Legal Counsel: 5.3.4 of the PWS discusses “compliance in regulatory and government enforcement matters”. Legal counsel will be required. Do we identify the necessary council, or would we work with government counsel?

Answer: Legal reviews are outside the scope of this contract. Firms are not expected to opine on compliance and enforcement matters, rather firms will review and identify possible irregularities.

45. The consultant will be working on vary different types of hospitals including critical access, teaching and general acute care to name a few. The hours needed to complete the identified tasks will vary based upon the size and complexity of the hospital. Will the hours and therefore related fees be customized to each hospital or does this project require a standardized process with related hours by hospital?

Answer: Pricing will be conducted and evaluated at the Task Order level. It is expected that the hours and related fees will vary based on the details of each Task Order.

Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

46. The contract requires onsite work at each assigned hospital. If Covid-19 is still a crisis with limited non-essential personnel allowed in a hospital, will the work be delayed or would the expectation be to complete everything off site?

Answer: The contract will require on-site visits. Site visits will be conducted in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the direction of state and local health officials.

47. The RFP mentions the selected firm must be able to respond quickly when a hospital is assigned. What is the expectation of timing?

Answer: It depends on the requirement. Usually contractors are asked to respond within two weeks.

48. Does the proposal submission need to be submitted in a 508 compliant format?

Answer: Yes, the proposal submission needs to be submitted in a 508 compliant format.

49. Section 5.3.1 Performance Improvement Assessments - "Areas to include revenue enhancement opportunities..." Is this to include both clinical and non-clinical areas? And supply and non-supply areas?

Answer: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include clinical, non-clinical, supply, and non-supply areas.

50. Section 5.3.1” using benchmarking techniques and a….”Are benchmarking techniques based on performance before entering the program or utilizing national benchmarks? What is the timeframe for each assessment? A calendar year or a loan inception?

The use of benchmarks is case specific. They may be based on geography (national, regional, local, etc.), size (revenue, bed, etc.), specialty, and so forth. Rarely are facilities benchmarked against themselves, but in certain instances it can happen. Assessments will only be conducted for hospitals that are facing operational and/or financial challenges. Each assessment will be based on the needs and challenges of the individual hospital, as a result, the timeframes will vary.

51. 5.3.2 Independent Review of Business Plans or Projections. How should disruption of business due to COVID 19 Pandemic be addressed?

Answer: The contract will require on-site visits. Site visits will be conducted in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the direction of state and local health officials.

52. 5.3.3 Revenue Cycle Assessments. Is this to include clinical documentation and coding functions? Are the revenue cycle metrics based on annual budget targets or compared to the hospital’s performance before loan inception?

This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

53. 5.3.6 Practitioner Workforce Planning. Is this to include advanced practice providers, such as NP, PA, and CRNA?

Answer: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

54. Given the existing Covid-19 situation limiting travel for non-essential work, do you foresee any delay to the kick-off date of August 3, 2020?

Answer: The contract will require on-site visits. Site visits will be conducted in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the direction of state and local health officials. The contract award and kickoff date are to be determined (TBD).

55. Will FHA/HUD be amenable to fee arrangements other than labor hourly rate / time and materials, such as fixed fee?

Answer: No, HUD will not be amenable to fee arrangements such as fixed fee.

56. How often does HUD OHF conduct these assessments?

Answer: This is a new contract; no Task Orders have been issued in the past.

57. Will the government release findings from previous analyses to help offerors better determine the scope of the work?

Answer: This is a new contract. Individual Task Orders will be issued with detailed scope requirements for each project.

58. What is the anticipated volume of assessments or volume of hospitals to be assessed?

Answer: The healthcare market is unpredictable, forecasting hospital downturns over the next five years is challenging; as such, there is no estimated volume of assessments at this time.

59. Will HUD provide a list of hospitals in the portfolio to be assessed? How many hospitals are there in the current portfolio that HUD anticipated needing assessed?

Answer: Each hospital will be identified or referenced in each individual Task Order.

The healthcare market is unpredictable, forecasting hospital downturns over the next five years is challenging; as such, there is no estimated volume of assessments at this time.

60. If a hospital with a HUD-insured loan is a client of the contractor, would that preclude the contractor from assessing that hospital for HUD?

Answer: Matters regarding conflicts of interest will be handled on a case-by-case basis under each Task Order.

61. RFQ, Evaluation Factor E – Price, Section A. Base Contract Pricing (Page 50). The solicitation states that “Below is a sample of what the proposed labor categories should resemble. Offerors must propose labor categories that match the descriptions of work to be performed under each category.” Will the Government confirm offerors may propose labor categories in additional to, or other than, those listed on page 50?

Answer: Yes. Offerors can propose labor categories in addition to those listed. The labor categories listed are samples.

62. Attachment 4 – Price Schedule. Please confirm the estimated projects in the 6-month extension should be 4 rather than the listed 8.

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

63. RFQ, 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items, Section E, FACTOR B – Management Plan (Pages 46-47). Per the RFQ, the offeror shall explain its plan for efficiently resourcing, managing and controlling costs of task requirements for the entire life cycle of the awarded task orders. Is there a minimum and/or a maximum number of performance improvement assessments, comprehensive studies, independent opinions, and industry updates the government plans to award per Task Order?

Answer: In most instances, each Task Order will be designed to meet the needs of a specific hospital. The Task Order may or may not combine some of the sample activities listed in Section 5 of the Performance Work Statement, it depends on the hospital’s need. We anticipate multiple Task Orders will be issued each year, depending on the number of hospitals facing financial and operational challenges.

The healthcare market is unpredictable, forecasting hospital downturns over the next five years is challenging; as such, there is no estimated volume of assessments at this time.

64. PWS, 1.2 Background (Page 4). The PWS notes the selected firm will “work alongside OHF account executives to provide assessments, comprehensive studies, independent opinions, and industry updates.” Will the government provide bidders a list of potential organizations subject to the scope of the IDIQ assessments?

Answer: The healthcare market is unpredictable, forecasting hospital downturns over the next five years is challenging; as such, there is no estimated volume of assessments currently. Consequently, we cannot provide a list of potential hospitals.

65. PWS, 5.1 General Overview (Page 12). The PWS notes the contractor shall present findings in a written presentation or report. Does HUD established report and presentation templates developed for the IDIQ services??

Answer: HUD does not have established report and presentation templates.

66. PWS, 8 Related Documents (Page 16). PWS section 8 states: “The contractor shall abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, policies and procedures in the performance of this contract.” Are these in addition to the ones identified in section 1.3? If so, could HUD provide copies or links to them?

Answer: If necessary, HUD will provide links to any applicable regulations, publications, manuals, policies, and procedures in addition to the ones identified in Section 1.3.

67. Would the Government consider allowing expanding the page limit of the technical approach to 20 pages to allow for the offeror to fully detail capabilities and approach?

Answer: Currently the Technical Approach has a limit of 10 pages and the Management Plan has a limit of 10 pages. HUD will not expand those page limits.

68. What credentials (education, certifications, and years of experience) are required for Key Personnel. And on the price schedule. See solicitation page 19 and price schedule.

Answer: There are no required credentials for the Key Personnel.

69. Please differentiate between the tasks for the Contract/Project Manager and the Task Manager. Page 19 of solicitation.

Answer: The Task Manager has been deleted.

70. General question. Does the Government expect, as part of the assessment a mid-range (3 years) and long-range economic forecast (5-years) and “what if” analysis?

Answer: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

71. General question. Does the Government expect a debt management and a covenant-compliance assessment for each hospital?

Answer: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

72. What database does HUD use to track the performance of the hospitals? Will the contractor have access to it? And is the assessment review limited to a qualitative review of the turnaround plan and qualitative review of the Board? Found in PWS, Sec. 5.3.1 page 13.

Answer: The contractor will be granted access to HUD data on a case-by-case basis depending on the details of the Task Order.

The scope of the Performance Improvement Assessment reviews will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

73. Would the assessments of each hospital also include IT assessments? Section 5.3.1 of PWS.

Answer: The scope of the Performance Improvement Assessment reviews will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

74. Would the Government require that the Offeror also provide either Process or IT implementation? Section 5.3.1… Answer: The scope of the Performance Improvement Assessment reviews will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

75. Are the hours provided in the price schedule for comparison purposes only or are these hours the actual level of effort for each Labor Category listed. Will the Government permit the Offeror to add other labor categories than those defined in the price schedule as needed? See price schedule.

Answer: Task Order One will be provided to assess schedule and price considerations.

76. The labor categories in the price schedule do not match the labor categories for Key Personnel. Please clarify.

Answer: The labor categories in the price schedule are examples.

77. Is the Offeror expected to provide labor rates for the labor categories identified as Key Personnel (page19, Key Personnel).

Answer: Yes. The offerors are expected to provide labor rates for the Key Personnel.

78. Will Stark compliance regarding the level of compensation being paid to referring physicians need to be addressed?

Answer: The scope of the Reimbursement and Provider Compliance reviews will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

79. There seems to be no “Section I” and the Solicitation starts at Section II. I was wondering whether this was intentional or whether the Contracting Office will release this as an amendment in the near future?

Answer: The Standard Form 1449 is considered Section I of the solicitation.

80. Page 50 paragraph 1 mentions sections A and B. Only section A. Base Contract Pricing is present, section B is not listed.

Answer: The language for Sections A and B have been removed from the solicitation. Volume I will be the Technical Proposal and Volume II will be the Business Proposal.

81. On page 23 of the solicitation, it says, "The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer." Can the Government please explain what a "block" is? And are they saying that offerors need to review the provisions to find the blocks?

Answer: A block is a “fill-in”. Offerors are required to complete all “fill-in” in the solicitation.

82. Will the Government have flexibility to issue either time & materials (T&M) or firm fixed price (FFP) task orders under the IDIQ contract? Certain projects over the course of the 5-year IDIQ ordering period may be better suited for one or the other billing type, depending on the project requirements.

Answer: Yes, the Government will have the flexibility to issue time and material and/or fixed price Task Orders.

83. Are email submissions for the proposal acceptable or hard copies only?

Answer: Proposals in response to Solicitation No. 86615619R00018 shall be submitted via secured email.

84. 52.215-21 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data – Modifications (Oct 2010). While this clause is incorporated by reference, will the government ask us to submit certified cost or pricing data?

Answer: The Government does not anticipate requesting certified cost or pricing data. The contracting officer will obtain certified cost or pricing data only if the contracting officer concludes that none of the exceptions in 15.403-1(b) applies.

85. 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013); What does the government define as an “accelerated payment?”

Answer: Accelerated payment means, agencies should pay vendors early after getting a proper invoice if it is in the best interest of the government and if any one of these is true: the invoice is under $2,500; the payment is to a small business; and/or the payment is related to an emergency, disaster, or military deployment.

86. 2452.209-70 Potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest. (FEB 2000). In which volume should offerors provide details related to OCI?

Answer: Offerors shall provide details related to an OCI in the Technical Proposals.

87. 4.7.1 Quality Control Plan, The Contractor shall develop, maintain, enforce, and document a Quality Control Plan (QCP). Is this required upon contract award? Or as part of the proposal?

Answer: The Contractor’s QCP shall be delivered to the COR within thirty (30) days after contract award (or with the Contractor’s proposal if it is an evaluated factor).

88. 2452.237-70 Key Personnel. (FEB 2006), page 19; The personnel specified below are considered to be essential to the work being performed under this contract. Can the government provide a description of the requirements for each key personnel role? Can the resumes submitted for key personnel serve as representative examples of the caliber of staff available? ‘Contract / Project Manager 100% Dedicated’ Does this mean the contract/project manager must be dedicated to this HUD project and no others?

Answer: Project Manager is an official responsible for planning and controlling assigned projects to achieve program goals. Task Manager has been removed from the Key Personnel list. The contract/project manager must be 100% dedicated to the resulting contract. The Government cannot dictate whether contractor’s personnel can work on other projects.

89. 2452.237-79 Post Award Conference. (MAR 2016) All Contractors must have a valid ID for security clearance into the building. Can the government define what type of ID is needed?

Answer: A valid driver’s license or a state ID is required for a security clearance into the building.

90. Section 2452.237-70 Key Personnel (b). What is the percentage of effort for the alternate contract/project manager and task manager as listed in the table? Is it assumed the alternate would be 100% in replacing the full-time resource if needed? Can the government provide percentages of effort for all key personnel?

Answer: The Government only requires the Project Manager or its alternate to be 100% dedicated. The “Task Manager” have been deleted as key personnel.

91. Past Performance. In evaluating Past Performance, HUD will address four components – recency, relevancy, quality, and sufficiency. Is commercial (non-federal government) past performance permitted?

Answer: Yes, if it meets the four components – recency, relevancy, quality, and sufficiency.

92. Past Performance: HUD will then assess relevant past performance efforts for quality; HUD’s overall assessment will be based upon sufficiency of high-quality past performance and risk of nonperformance. How does the government define “quality” or measure if contractors delivered “high-quality” work via past performance?

Answer: Quality is defined based on the adjectival rating provided in the associated Past Performance Survey (see Attachment 4) or information obtained from the Government’s Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), if available.

93. Socioeconomic Participation: Offerors proposing to subcontract 50% or more of the total cost of labor will be considered unacceptable and will not be evaluated further. On page 28 it indicates offerors who subcontract 50% or more will be considered unacceptable and will not be evaluated further. However, on page 14, 2452.219-74 Small Business Subcontracting Goals., it outlines that the offeror must follow HUD’s small business contracting goals, which include 55% subcontracting to small business. How can a large business prime and meet both? Or is this an error and an update should be made to the solicitation?

Answer: HUD’s subcontracting goal for Small Business has been corrected to read 25%

94. Page Limitations and Format. The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms do not count against page count limitations. Will the government allow executive summaries to be omitted from the page count limitations?

Answer: In accordance with the solicitation, only the items identified under “Page Limitations and Format” can be omitted from the page count limitations.

95. Page Limitations and Format. Font size shall be no less than 12 pitch or a maximum 10 characters per inch spacing. Are we permitted to use fonts smaller than 12-point in headers/footers, graphics, and associated captions?

Answer: Fonts less than 12 pitch will not be permitted.

96. B. Proposal Preparation Instructions; page 45. The response shall consist of TWO (2) separate parts; Part I – Technical Proposal and Part II – Business Proposal. Please specify which volumes or factors should be separated into each part.

Answer: Part I or Volume I - Technical Proposal must contain: Technical approach, Management plan, Past performance, Socioeconomic participation. See Factor E-Price for Part II or Volume II.

97. B. Proposal Preparation Instructions on page 46; As part of the proposal submission, offerors shall submit a Proposal Matrix using the table below or similar format, which maps what page of the proposal addresses each PWS requirement identified under technical approach, and which page of the proposal fully addresses each evaluation factor. In which factor should this be included? Will it be included in page count limitations?

Answer: The Proposal Matrix shall be a separate submission outside of addressing the evaluation factors and hence, should not be included in the factor(s) and is not included in the page count limitations.

98. C. Submission Address. Given the current shelter in place recommendations from various state governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will the government consider removing the requirement for printing and hard copy delivery, and allow soft copy submissions only?

Answer: The Government has amended the solicitation to reflect email submissions only.

99. Factor C-Past performance on page 48. The narrative shall clearly establish the relevancy of the past performance to the current requirements by detailing the scope, value, and magnitude of each reference. Please define Value.

Answer: Value is defined as dollar value of the contract.

100. Factor C-Past performance on page 48. If the offeror is proposing to subcontract (or use joint ventures/ partners, or other entities other than the prime contractor to perform) more than 20% of the contract value, the offeror shall submit a separate chart and narrative described for past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s). Does the government require a separate past performance narrative for each subcontractor performing more than 20% of the work, or all subcontractors if more than 20% of the work is being completed by subcontractor(s)?

Answer: All subcontractors if more than 20% of the work is being completed by subcontractor(s)

101. Factor C – Past Performance, page 48; If the offeror is proposing to subcontract (or use joint ventures/ partners, or other entities other than the prime contractor to perform) more than 20% of the contract value, the offeror shall submit a separate chart and narrative described for past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s). Can offerors submit past performance from subcontractors performing 20% or less of the contract value?

Answer: If the contractor is subcontracting less 20% of the contract, it is not required.

102. Contract Management on page 47 of the solicitation. Key Personnel. The offeror shall identify its proposed key personnel and staffing plan for the IDIQ contract and the Task Order 1. Is this text incorrect, or will the government be providing a task order 1? There is not currently enough information on a task order to develop a key personnel and/or staffing plan.

Answer: Yes, the solicitation has been amended to include Request for Proposal for Task Order One.

103. In light of the COVID-19 situation we are dealing with, can you extend the Past Performance Questionnaire requirement (to be submitted prior to submission date) beyond May 7th? Many of our healthcare clients are not able to respond timely at this time.

Answer: The due date has been extended.

104. Will subcontractors with more than 20% of the contract value need 5 references in addition to the 5 references from Prime contractor?

Answer: Yes, if more than 20% of the work is being completed by subcontractor(s), we will need their 5 references.

105. Are the Table of Contents page and executive summary included in 10 pages management approach limit?

Answer: The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms do not count against page count limitations. All other items count towards the page limit.

106. Is the Government willing to consider additional terms and conditions proposed by the Contractor/Offeror?

Answer: No, the Government will not consider additional terms and conditions proposed by the Contractor/Offeror.

107. Can the government identify the previous contractor who provided hospital assessment services?

Answer: There is no previous contractor. This is a new requirement.

108. Can we include appendices, and do they count toward page limit?

Answer: The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms do not count against page count limitations. All other items count towards the page limit.

109. Are we prohibited from including commercial past performance if we do not have relevant government contracting past performance?

Answer: Yes, you may use commercial past performance if it meets the four components – recency, relevancy, quality, and sufficiency.

110. B. Proposal Preparation Instructions, 4th sentence states "The response shall consist of TWO (2) separate parts; Part I - Technical Proposal and Part II - Business proposal." Is there a format for the business proposal? The technical proposal is outlined.

Answer: See Factor E on page 50.

111. Proposal Matrix, where should this table be included? Is it a stand-alone document and does it count toward the page count?

Answer: The Proposal Matrix shall be included in the Technical Proposal. It does not count toward the page count.

112. Solicitation Provisions: If blocks must be completed and submitted with offer, are they to be added to the business proposal (Part II) or a separate document(s).

Answer: Solicitation provisions shall be added to the business proposal.

113. 52.216-19 Order limitations. This section states the Maximum order is (2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $8,546,591.00.” What is the total ceiling value of each individual IDIQ awarded?

Answer, the total ceiling value for the individual IDIQ is $8,546,591.00

114. 2452.219-70 Small Business Subcontracting Plan Compliance. (FEB 2006); We currently report our subcontracting metrics under multiple contracts; however, none of these projects are ‘complete,’ as required by the solicitation. Are offerors permitted to identify active contracts un response to this requirement. The majority of our prime contracts that require subcontracting reports are IDIQs, GWACS, BPA’s, or other schedules. May an offeror use one of these contract vehicles to fulfil the requirement? If so, may an offeror use a broad explanation of the role(s) of the subcontractors involved” since these vehicles may have multiple task orders with a wide variety of work areas and subcontractors?

Answer: This information shall be provided for the three most recently completed contracts with such subcontracting plans.

115. 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items, Factor B-Management Plan. We understand that “The Government will evaluate the offeror’s contract management plan to assess the extent to which the offeror’s plan to manage the quality, cost, and timely completion of each task order demonstrates its ability to successfully perform the contract. This includes the evaluation of the offeror’s proposed Key Personnel for the base IDIQ contract-the Contract Program Manager – on the extent to which the candidate meets or exceeds the minimum qualifications identified for this labor category.” Can the government provide the minimum qualifications for all key personnel?

Answer: The minimum qualifications are in the PWS. See Contractor Personnel under Section 4.5 of the PWS.

116. Can the government clarify the small business workshare criteria?

Answer: We could not locate any reference to “small business workshare criteria” in the solicitation.

117. If multiple companies are awarded, how HUD will determine who receives the work for each task?

Answer: The following procedures apply for this issuance of task orders should there be multiple IDIQ contracts awarded as a result of the solicitation: The contracting officer will provide each awardee a fair opportunity to be considered for each Task Order under the IDIQ contract. A request for proposals will be distributed to all IDIQ contract holders and will contain, to the maximum extent practicable, the items detailed in Section 5 of the PWS.

118. Please define the word "Non-Practitioner" as it is used in the Solicitation. Please define the word "Practitioner" as it is used in the Solicitation. Found on page 26 Factor A-Technical.

Answer: These items are related to staffing. “Non-Practitioner” refers to administrative staff (i.e. financial staff, human resources staff, etc.). And “Practitioner” refers to clinical staff (i.e. doctors, nurses, techs, etc.).

119. The 90-day time frame for “validity of proposal” – what does this mean and what will HUD be doing during this time and what are we doing?

Answer: The “validity of proposals” is the period for which and offeror’s proposal is to remain valid. After this period, the bidder is at liberty to change their bid price if the contract is not signed by the awarding authority by the last date of the bid validity period. Usually, if the Government is still in the process of evaluating and awarding the contract, the Government will ask the offerors to extend their proposal validity date.

120. Will Stark compliance regarding the level of compensation being paid to referring physicians need to be addressed?

Answer: This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and clearly described in the individual Task Order.

121. Would the provision of prior consulting services to any of the hospitals be considered a conflict of interest?

Answer: Conflicts of interest will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

122. Should the 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications be included in Part II Business Proposal.

Answer: Yes, the “Offeror Representations and Certifications should be included in the Business Proposals.

123.

4.5 Contractor Personnel page 11of the PWS.. his section conflicts with paragraph (a) on page 19 of the solicitation document: “(a) Definition. "Personnel" means employees of the contractor, or any subcontractor(s), affiliates, joint venture partners, or team members, and consultants engaged by any of those entities.” Please clarify whether key personnel must be from the prime only.

Answer: Yes, key personnel must be from the prime only.

124. Can you provide the model of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

Answer: No. HUD will not provide a model of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

125. Page Limitations and Format. Offeror’s documentation shall cover all aspects of this solicitation and include the offeror’s approach for integration and program management activities. Please define “integration and program management activities. What is the page limit for past performance narratives? Also, CD/DVDs. Is there a requirement for the offeror to submit an electronic copy of the Proposal Response with the binders (page 45)? Is integration and program management activities in the PWS?

Answer: No, it is not, it is under General Instruction. “Integration and program management activities” are defined as specified in the PWS. Past performance narratives shall not exceed 1 page per reference. Proposal content shall not exceed the stated page limitations no matter the media utilized for proposal submission. The solicitation has been amended to accept only electronic responses to this solicitation.

126. Page 47 of the solicitation notes: Key Personnel. The offeror shall identify its proposed key personnel and staffing plan for the IDIQ contract and the Task Order 1.

Answer: The offeror shall provide a brief description of its overall staffing plan for the Task Order and shall provide the resumes for the key personnel proposed for the task order.

127.Factor A – Technical Approach; The strength of the Offeror’s key methodologies, integration strategies, and organizational considerations; please describe ‘organizational considerations.’

Answer: Organizational considerations includes the offeror’s human resources, financial strength, and competitive advantage in the overall marketplace.

128. 1.

B. Proposal Preparation Instructions (page 46); As part of the proposal submission, offerors shall submit a Proposal Matrix using the table below or similar format, which maps what page of the proposal addresses each Performance Work Statement requirement identified under Technical Approach, and which page of the proposal fully addresses each Evaluation Factor. Please define each column and provide sample values on how the matrix should be populated.

Each column is defined by its associated headings. There are no sample values on how the matrix should be populated. The offeror shall submit a Proposal Matrix using the table or similar format.

129. 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items E. Proposal Submission:

We understand that if the offeror has more than 5 relevant past performance references, then the offeror shall provide the most recent 5 references. However, we also understand that “If the offeror is proposing to subcontract (or use joint ventures/partners, or other entities other than the prime contractor to perform) more than 20% of the contract value, the offeror shall submit a separate chart and narrative described for past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s).”

Please clarify:

a.

Is past performance information required from the subcontractors performing more than 20% TCV in addition to the five required from the prime offeror?

Answer: Yes, “Offeror shall submit a separate chart and narrative described for past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s).

b.

Are past performance references required from the subcontractors performing more than 20% TCV in addition to the five required from the prime offeror?

Answer: See the instructions on the Past Performance Chart at Attachment 5.

c.

If they are in addition to the five required from the prime offeror, how many are required of each subcontractor performing more than 20% TCV?

Answer: Offerors are to submit a total of five surveys.

130. 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Items (Oct 2014); Past performance. We understand that "In evaluating Past Performance, HUD will address four components – recency, relevancy, quality, and sufficiency."

a. Can the Government further describe its definition of "sufficiency" as one of the evaluation components?

Answer: Sufficiency is defined as HUD’s overall assessment based upon adequacy of high-quality past performance and risk of nonperformance

b. Will offerors past performance references ratings be evaluated differently than past performance ratings provided in PPIRS? If so, how?

Answer: The following adjectival ratings will be used to evaluate proposals for past performance factors: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Neutral, Poor, and Unsatisfactory.

c. The Government states: …. “Of those determined to be recent, HUD will assess the degree of similarity in scope, value and magnitude the past performance efforts submitted have to the solicitation requirements to determine relevancy. For this solicitation, magnitude is defined as the average combined number of audits, inspections and reviews conducted on a weekly basis." How will the Government measure magnitude? For example, will magnitude be relative to number of hospital beds, net patient revenue, number of providers, etc.?

Answer: Magnitude will be measured by the required number of combined audits, inspections, and reviews conducted on a weekly basis.

d. Per the Section 1.9 of the PWS Qualifications, "The Contractor shall possess national experience in consulting, analysis, and advising of acute care hospitals. In addition, the Contractor shall possess a broad range of acute care hospital experience from small critical access hospitals to large academic medical centers, and experience with for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental providers.”

Answer: Yes. Per the PWS, Offeror’s shall possess a broad range of acute care hospital experience from small critical access hospitals to large academic medical centers, and experience with for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental providers.

Given these requirements, could the government confirm that past performance responses should represent all ranges described. If so, could the government confirm that at least one past performance should align with each experience category: 1) small critical access hospitals, 2) large academic medical centers, 3) for profit, 4) not-for profit and 5) government providers?

Answer: See response above. Note bolded language.

131. Can the Government provide details on how it will evaluate the “strength of the Offeror’s expertise in the technical subject matters identified in the IDIQ and PWS”? Found in solicitation Factor A-Technical approach

Answer: HUD will evaluate the strength of the Offeror’s expertise based on their current and past experience.